bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methanogenic archaea in subsurface coal seams are biogeographically distinct: an analysis of metagenomically‐derived mcrA sequences
Authors: Campbell Bronwyn C. , Greenfield Paul , Gong Se , Barnhart Elliott P. , Midgley David J. , Paulsen Ian T. , George Simon C. 
Published: April 2022

SummaryThe production of methane as an end‐product of organic matter degradation in the absence of other terminal electron acceptors is common, and has often been studied in environments such as animal guts, soils and wetlands due to its potency as a greenhouse gas. To date, however, the study of the biogeographic distribution of methanogens across coal seam environments has been minimal. Here, we show that coal seams are host to a diverse range of methanogens, which are distinctive to each geological basin. Based on comparisons to close relatives from other methanogenic environments, the dominant methanogenic pathway in these basins is hydrogenotrophic, with acetoclastic being a second major pathway in the Surat Basin. Finally, mcrA and 16S rRNA gene primer biases were predominantly seen to affect the detection of Methanocellales, Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales taxa in this study. Subsurface coal methanogenic community distributions and pathways presented here provide insights into important metabolites and bacterial partners for in situ coal biodegradation.
Death and severe morbidity in isolated periviable small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses
Authors: Meler Eva , Mazarico Edurne , Peguero Anna , Gonzalez Alba , Martinez Judit , Boada David , Vellvé Killian , Arca Gemma , Gómez‐Roig Maria Dolores , Gratacós Eduard , Figueras Francesc 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to predict perinatal death or severe sequelae in isolated small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, diagnosed at a periviable gestational age, based on ultrasound and Doppler parameters at diagnosis.DesignObservational study.SettingA tertiary perinatal centre.PopulationA cohort of singleton non‐malformed fetuses suspected to be small for gestational age (estimated fetal weight, EFW, <10th centile) diagnosed at 22.0–25.6 weeks of gestation. The following parameters were recorded at diagnosis: severe smallness (<3rd centile); absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in umbilical artery; abnormal middle cerebral artery Doppler; abnormal cerebroplacental ratio; abnormal uterine artery Doppler; and absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in the ductus venosus.MethodsLogistic regression analysis.Main outcome measuresPredictive performance of EFW and Doppler parameters for short‐term adverse outcome of perinatal morbimortality and composite serious adverse outcomes (death, neurological impairment or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia).ResultsA total of 155 pregnancies were included. There were 13 (8.4%) intrauterine and 11 (7.7%) neonatal deaths. A short‐term adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 40 (25.8%) pregnancies. There were 31 (20%) cases of serious adverse outcomes. For the prediction of serious adverse outcomes, the combination of absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery and impaired middle cerebral artery detected by Doppler evaluation achieved a detection rate of 87%, with a false‐positive rate of 14% (accuracy 86%).ConclusionIn periviable isolated small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, a Doppler evaluation of the umbilical and fetal brain circulation can accurately predict short‐term adverse perinatal complications and serious adverse outcomes.
The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Bal Ozkaptan Bilge , Aydin Sayilan Aylin , Unver Vesile , Ozen Nurten 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to translate, linguistically validate, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) among Turkish patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).MethodsThe study was conducted with 81 chronic HD patients in the HD units of two state hospitals between June and August 2020. Explanatory factor analysis was implemented to test the construct validity. In addition, the test–retest method was performed to test the reliability and consistency of the scale over time.ResultsA total of 81 patients participated in the study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of SXI was 0.788. The mean values for the test were 12.84 ± 6.78 and re‐test scores was 11.03 ± 6.88. Intraclass correlation coefficient value calculated as 0.992 and accordingly a statistically significant relationship between the test and retest scores (p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur study showed that the SXI is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish HD patients.
Robot‐assisted thoracic surgery for intercostal cavernous hemangioma
Authors: Shoji Fumihiro , Yamazaki Koji , Kozuma Yuka , Kawauchi Shigeto , Takeo Sadanori 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntercostal cavernous hemangioma is extremely rare among benign vascular tumors. Achieving a definitive diagnosis preoperatively by radiographic examination alone is difficult; surgical resection is usually needed. Occasional cases are found as giant tumors, and some grow substantially during observation without treatment. Such tumors require extended surgical resection; however, small tumors can be completely resected by tumor extirpation alone. Thus, immediate surgical resection while the tumor is small might help to avoid invasive surgery. We herein describe cases of intercostal cavernous hemangioma with no invasion to the surrounding tissues, successfully treated by complete tumor resection using robot‐assisted thoracic surgery.
The hitchhiker's guide to Australian conservation: A parasitological perspective on fauna translocations
Authors: Dunlop Judy A. , Watson Maggie J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTranslocation is a widely used conservation tool for reintroducing, introducing or restocking wildlife for conservation purposes. Disease and parasites are often unintended hitchhikers during translocations. Conservation managers have begun considering the health, disease risk and parasite loads of their species post‐translocation, but not often during the translocation itself. When parasites and diseases are considered during the translocation, they are often dealt with via medical interventions resulting in the complete eradication of parasites leaving the host vulnerable to new or novel disease or parasite loads, or disrupting specialised host–parasite interactions or disease dynamics. To determine the extent of consideration and intervention of parasites and diseases in the Australian context, we conducted an aggregate scoping review of wildlife conservation translocations resulting in 98 identified translocations of 61 species with most (75%) being translocations of 40 species of mammals. Of the 98 translocations identified, only 40 (41%) described any management actions to monitor the health or disease of the translocation, such as health checks, post‐mortems or sampling of disease or parasite fauna. Surprisingly, some literature mentioned specific diseases or parasites impacting a population (29% of 90 translocations), but only 16 (16%) undertook intervention to prevent these further spreading. When considering general trends over time, more translocations are considering parasites and disease in their planning, and some management action is usually taken; however, medical intervention remains low. In order to ensure that parasites and diseases are part of conservation thinking, we provide a flowchart for managers that can be implemented into future translocations that consider both the negative consequences of disease and parasites, and the ecological necessity and potential benefits of retaining co‐evolved parasites and diseases.
Association between loneliness and acceptance of using robots and pets as companions among older Chinese immigrants during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chiu Ching‐Ju , Lo Yi‐Hsuan , Ho Mu‐Hsing , Montayre Jed , Zhao Ivy Yan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo examine loneliness experienced by middle‐aged and older Chinese immigrants and its association with accepting technology as a companion (apps, Internet and robots) versus owning pets, when social distancing measures were implemented in New Zealand during the first COVID‐19 outbreak.MethodsThis study conducted a community‐based cross‐sectional survey. Chinese immigrants who were 45–87 years old (n = 173) were invited to answer an online survey in the Chinese language, collecting demographic data, responses to the 6‐item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and experiences in using technology and pet ownership. Descriptive analyses and inferential statistics tests were utilised in the data analysis.ResultsA moderate level of overall loneliness with a mean score of 3.68 (SD 1.84), ranging from 0 to 6, was reported by participants. Emotional and social loneliness ranged from 0 to 3 with mean scores of 1.69 (SD 0.98) and 1.99 (SD 1.24), respectively. Self‐reported health, financial status, English language abilities, transportation and experiences of using the Internet and apps were significantly related to experiencing loneliness. Loneliness had a weak association with acceptance of robots and pets, but 67.8% and 58.3% of participants who felt lonely, accepted companionship of robots and pets, respectively.ConclusionsThe level of loneliness among older and middle‐aged immigrants increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further evidence of the specific dimensions of loneliness and the utility of technology to alleviate loneliness among immigrant groups is needed. Interventions tailored for older people with specific cultural requirements to address loneliness are needed.
Effect of BTN162b2 and CoronaVac boosters on humoral and cellular immunity of individuals previously fully vaccinated with CoronaVac against SARS‐CoV‐2: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kuloğlu Zeynep Ece , El Rojbin , Guney‐Esken Gulen , Tok Yeşim , Talay Zeynep Gülçe , Barlas Tayfun , Kuskucu Mert Ahmet , Albayrak Özgür , Doğan Özlem , Yavuz Serap Şimşek , Midilli Kenan , Ergönül Önder , Can Füsun 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundIt is essential to know about immune response levels after booster doses of the two different types of vaccines, mRNA, and the inactivated, currently used against COVID‐19. For this purpose, we aimed to determine the effects of BNT162b2 (BNT) and CoronaVac (CV) boosters on the humoral and cellular immunity of individuals who had two doses of CV vaccination.MethodsThe study was conducted in three centers (Koc University Hospital, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Hospital, and Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical School Hospital) in Istanbul, Turkey. Individuals who had been previously immunized with two doses of CV and no history of COVID‐19 were included. The baseline blood samples were collected 3–5 months after the second dose of CV. Follow‐up blood samples were taken 1 and 3 months after administration of third doses of CV, or one dose of BNT boosters. Neutralizing antibody titers were measured by plaque reduction assay. The CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, effector CD4+CD38+CD69+ T cell, and effector CD8+CD38+CD69+ T cell ratios were determined by flow cytometry. The intracellular IFN‐γ and IL‐2 responses were measured by ELISpot assay.ResultsWe found a 3.38‐fold increase in neutralizing antibody geometric mean titers (NA GMT, 78.69) 1 month after BNT booster and maintained at the third month (NA GMT, 80). Nevertheless, in the CV booster group, significantly lower NA GMT than BNT after 1 month and 3 months were observed (21.44 and 28.44, respectively) (p < .001). In the ELISpot assay, IL‐2 levels after BNT were higher than baseline and CV booster (p < .001) while IFN‐γ levels were significantly higher than baseline (p < .001). The CD8+CD38+CD69+ and CD4+CD38+CD69+ T cells were stimulated predominantly in the third month of the BNT boosters.ConclusionThe neutralizing antibody levels after 3 months of the BNT booster were higher than the antibody levels after CV in fully vaccinated individuals. On the contrary, ratio of the effector T cells increased along with greater IFN‐γ activation after BNT booster. By considering the waning immunity, we suggest a new booster dose with BNT for the countries that already had two doses of primary CV regimens.
Nonexecutive director influence on informational asymmetries in Caribbean offshore financial centers
Authors: Hearn Bruce , Mohr Alexander , Kaur Jaskaran , Khawar Muhammad 
Published: April 2022

AbstractQuestion/issueThis is a study of the relationship between nonexecutive director personal ownership and firm's bid ask spreads in listed firms from across the Caribbean offshore securities exchanges.Research findings/insightsWe report that bid ask spreads increase with nonexecutive ownership. However, this result is reduced (negatively moderated) in the context of higher formal institutional quality and also if the territory has a fixed exchange rate regime but exacerbated (positively moderated) if the firm is located within an offshore jurisdiction.Theoretical/academic implicationsThe results regarding the influence of nonexecutive director ownership on firm liquidity‐based transaction costs, namely, market estimates of bid ask spreads, are interpreted in terms of the contingency of this relationship on the wider institutional context. The effectiveness of nonexecutive directors is highly contingent upon the specific institutional context. Higher formal institutional quality and the presence of a strong macroeconomic tie between territory and Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) country lead to a reduction in these costs, while offshore financial centers lead to their increase. We argue that this highlights a shortcoming of agency theory's more limited view of institutions.Practitioner/policy implicationsThe results support regulator's focus on board of director composition and in particular nonexecutive remuneration in the form of ownership. Given the increasing dominance of Anglo‐American governance, firms worldwide are increasing the proportions of nonexecutive directors on their boards. However, their role is acutely context specific which is reflected in the relationship between their personal ownership and the liquidity‐borne transaction costs of the firm as a whole.
Pharmacokinetics of apixaban and tacrolimus or cyclosporine in kidney and lung transplant recipients
Authors: Mansell Holly , Shoker Ahmed , Alcorn Jane , Fenton Mark E. , Tam Julian S. , Semchuk William , Bashir Babar , Kraft Walter K. , Yao Shenzhen , Douketis James D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractApixaban is frequently used off‐label in transplant recipients. However, a potential drug interaction exists with the calcineurin inhibitors. We conducted an open‐label drug–drug interaction study to determine the pharmacokinetics of apixaban in lung and kidney transplant recipients who were taking a calcineurin inhibitor. A single dose of apixaban 10 mg was administered orally to kidney and lung transplant recipients maintained on either tacrolimus or cyclosporine, and pharmacokinetic parameters were compared to a reference cohort of 12 healthy subjects who used the same apixaban dose and pharmacokinetic blood sampling. Fourteen participants were enrolled (n = 6 kidney, n = 8 lung), with 10 maintained on tacrolimus and four on cyclosporine. Data from 13 participants was usable. Participants were taking triple therapy immunosuppression and had a mean (SD) of 12 (3) medications. Participants receiving tacrolimus and cyclosporine had area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0‐inf) geometric least square means (90% confidence interval [CI]) of 4312 (95% CI 3682, 5049) and 5388 (95% CI 3277, 8858), respectively. Compared to healthy subjects, the associated geometric mean ratios (GMRs) for apixaban maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0‐tlast) and AUC0‐inf were 197% (95% CI 153, 295), 244% (95% CI 184, 323), and 224% (95% CI 170, 295) for transplant recipients on tacrolimus. The GMR (90% CI) Cmax, AUC0‐tlast, and AUC0‐inf of apixaban for patients on cyclosporine were 256% (95% CI 184, 358), 287% (95% CI 198, 415), and 280% (95% CI 195, 401). Kidney and lung transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus had higher apixaban exposure. A similar trend was noted for patients receiving cyclosporine, but additional patients are needed to confirm this interaction. Future studies are needed before apixaban can be safely recommended in this population, and the impact of dose staggering should be investigated. This study highlights the importance of pharmacokinetic studies in actual patient populations.
Differences by origin in methylome suggest eco‐phenotypes in the kelp Saccharina latissima
Authors: Scheschonk Lydia , Bischof Kai , Kopp Martina Elisabeth Luise , Jueterbock Alexander 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMost kelp species are of high ecological and economic importance worldwide, but are highly susceptible to rising ocean temperatures due to their sessile lifestyle. Due to interference with reproduction, development and growth, natural kelp forests have vanished in multiple regions after extreme summer heat waves. Furthermore, increasing temperatures are likely to decrease biomass production and, thus, reduce production security of farmed kelp. Epigenetic variation, and cytosine methylation as a heritable epigenetic trait, is a rapid means of acclimation and adaptation to environmental conditions, including temperature. While the first methylome of brown macroalgae has been recently described in the kelp Saccharina japonica, its functional relevance and contribution to environmental acclimation is currently unknown. The main objective of our study was to identify the importance of the methylome in the congener kelp species Saccharina latissima for temperature acclimation. Our study is the first to compare DNA methylation in kelp between wild populations of different latitudinal origin, and the first to investigate the effect of cultivation and rearing temperature on genome‐wide cytosine methylation. Origin appears to determine many traits in kelp, but it is unknown to what extent the effects of thermal acclimation may be overruled by lab‐related acclimation. Our results suggest that seaweed hatchery conditions have strong effects on the methylome and, thus, putatively on the epigenetically controlled characteristics of young kelp sporophytes. However, culture origin could best explain epigenetic differences in our samples suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to local adaptation of eco‐phenotypes. Our study is a first step to understand whether DNA methylation marks (via their effect on gene regulation) may be used as biological regulators to enhance production security and kelp restoration success under rising temperatures, and highlights the importance to match hatchery conditions to origin.
Gathering around the table: Negotiating family mealtime patterns among Latino families
Authors: Villegas Elizabeth , Coba‐Rodriguez Sarai , Wiley Angela 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveWith increasing obesity prevalence among Latino families, it is imperative to understand mealtime dynamics and how to support families in healthier mealtime routines.BackgroundFamily mealtimes are an important context for negotiating and making decisions about what and how much to eat and learning dietary behaviors. Yet little research exists on how Latino parents make those decisions.MethodsAddressing current gaps in the literature, we conducted three focus groups with 19 low‐income Latina mothers of children who ranged from elementary to high school age. We explored mothers' family mealtime experiences in their home country and in the United States, barriers to shared mealtimes, and knowledge of appropriate portion sizes.ResultsSeveral key findings emerged: (a) Latina mothers recollect sharing family mealtimes more in their home countries than in the United States, (b) work schedules make it difficult to engage in family mealtimes, (c) uncertainty about correct portion sizes and child influence lead mothers to give in to their children's preferences.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese findings add to the substantive discussion concerning changes in family mealtimes across borders, continued barriers that families encounter to shared mealtimes, and how knowledge of portion sizes influences mother's beliefs and food choices, ultimately impacting the type of foods children consume.
Frailty and sarcopenia among Turkish people aged 40 and above living with HIV
Authors: Houssein Mehdi , Inkaya Ahmet Çagkan , Balci Cafer , Esme Mert , Sönmezer Meliha Çağla , Unal Serhat , Halil Meltem Gülhan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeople living with HIV face a variety of challenges, including accelerated ageing and geriatric syndromes. In this study, we aimed to examine the prevalence of frailty and sarcopenia among Turkish people living with HIV.MethodsIn total, 100 people living with HIV were recruited in this study. Frailty was determined using Fried’s frailty phenotype, and we calculated the Charlson Comorbidity Index, Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) index, fracture risk assessment tool scores, and Mini‐Mental State Exam scores. We determined muscle mass using bioelectric impedance analysis, gastrocnemius muscle thickness using ultrasonography, and muscle strength using handgrip strength.ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation age was 50.0 ± 8.3 years. In total, 11% of the patients were frail. The risk of comorbidity and mortality, VACS index, and 5‐year mortality risk was significantly higher in the frail group, as was sarcopenia. Fat‐free muscle mass and handgrip strength were correlated with gastrocnemius muscle thickness. Gastrocnemius muscle thickness suggestive of sarcopenia was defined as 13.05 mm. The cognitive impairment rate was 5% and was associated with physical frailty.ConclusionFrailty is common and associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates among Turkish people living with HIV.
Evolution of C–S–H in lime mortars with nanoparticles: Nanostructural analysis of afwillite growth mechanisms by HRTEM
Authors: Gomez‐Villalba Luz S. , Sierra‐Fernandez Aranzazu , Barbero Barrera M. del Mar , Ergenç Duygu , Fort Rafael 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis work studies the formation of calcium–silicate–hydrates (C–S–H) in lime mortars prepared with additions of nano‐Ca(OH)2 and nano‐SiO2 at 23.3°C. Mineral identification was carried out by X‐ray diffraction after 10, 30, 90, and 120 days of curing. The nanoscale study starts from the generation of amorphous phases until the development of crystalline phases. Observations of binder mortar made by transmission electron microscopy (low magnification and high resolution TEM) after 30 and 110 days of curing showed the formation of two types of C–S–H with different degrees of crystallinity depending on the curing time. The development of short‐range order C–S–H globular phases was visible after 30 days. C–S–H evolved into lamellar crystalline phases visible after 110 days of curing. The crystalline phase corresponds to the C–S–H known as afwillite (Ca3(SiO3OH)2·2H2O), first reported to affect cement and concrete's mechanical and hydration properties. It appears as isolated fibers, growing epitaxially along the edges of the calcite (product of the carbonation of Ca(OH)2), and advancing inward aided by atomic defects (grain boundaries, stacking faults). In addition, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy tools and electron diffraction simulation confirmed a monoclinic symmetry for afwillite crystals. These results contribute to analyzing the presence of crystalline/amorphous C–S–H in lime mortars, providing information on the structure of afwillite and its possible effects on the binder materials.