bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial consortium for improved maize production under oily sludge
Authors: Shahzad Asim , Fahad Shah , Bano Asghari , Siddiqui Samina , Qin Mingzhou , Shakoor Abdul 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOily sludge contains a wide range of carcinogenic and toxic organic and inorganic compounds that enter into the terrestrial environment and may be toxic to plants. Plants grown over oily sludge–contaminated soil may undergo changes in physiology and in the antioxidant enzymes system due to the presence of toxic hydrocarbons. Information is scarce regarding the inoculation of oily sludge on the changes in the physiology of plants. The present study evaluated the effect of a constructed bacterial consortium and fertilizers on maize (Zea mays L.) growth and survival and on its antioxidant system under the stress environment of 30% and 60% oily sludge. Maize grown over 30% and 60% oily sludge was inoculated with a consortium of plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria strains (Bacillus cereus [Acc KF859972], Bacillus altitudinis [Acc KF859970], comamonadaceae (Delftia) [Acc KF859971], and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia [Acc KF859973]). The bioavailability of some phytotoxic trace elements was also evaluated. Germination was inhibited when plants were grown without inoculation; however, no inhibition to the germination of maize was observed when bacterial consortium was added to oily sludge. A significant difference in the bioavailability of Cu and Zn was observed under maize rhizosphere oily sludge inoculated with consortium. Germination rate, protein, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase in bacterial consortium–inoculated maize was higher in plants grown in oily sludge compared with plants grown in untreated sludge. The bacterial consortium suppressed the oxidative stress of plants grown in oily sludge and enhanced maize tolerance to oily sludge. The bacterial consortium can be used for enhancing plant nutrient uptake and to increase biochemical and plant enzymes and can be used by oil refineries to remediate soils contaminated with oily sludge.
Localized immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis: Novel insights including prognostic factors for local progression
Authors: Basset Marco , Hummedah Kamal , Kimmich Christoph , Veelken Kaya , Dittrich Tobias , Brandelik Simone , Kreuter Michael , Hassel Jessica , Bosch Nikolaus , Stuhlmann‐Laeisz Christiane , Blank Norbert , Müller‐Tidow Carsten , Röcken Christoph , Hegenbart Ute , Schönland Stefan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn localized light chain amyloidosis (locAL), amyloidogenic light chains (aLC) are produced and deposited locally by a B‐cell clone. We present 293 patients with immunohistochemically confirmed locAL. Lung (nodular pulmonary) with 63 patients was the most involved organ. The aLC was λ in 217 cases (κ:λ ratio 1:3). A local B‐cell clone was identified in 30% of cases. Sixty‐one (21%) had a concomitant autoimmune disorder (cAD). A monoclonal component (MC) were present in 101 (34%) patients and were more frequent in subjects with cAD (51% vs 34%; P = .03). Cigarette smoking was more prevalent in lung locAL (54% vs 37%; P = .018). After a median follow‐up of 44 months, 16 patients died and 5‐ and 10‐years locAL progression‐free survival (PFS) were 62% and 44%. Interestingly, locAL‐PFS was shorter among patients with an identified clonal infiltrate at amyloid deposition site (40 vs 109 months; P = .02) and multinuclear giant cells and/or an inflammatory infiltrate resulted in longer locAL‐PFS in lung involvement (65 vs 42 months; P = .01). However, no differences in locAL PFS were observed in patients with cAD, a MC and involved organ site. Treatment was administered in 163 (54%) patients and was surgical in 135 (46%). Median locAL‐PFS after first treatment was 56 months. Responders had longer locAL‐PFS (78 vs 17 months; P < .001). Three patients with lung locAL and a MC were diagnosed as systemic AL amyloidosis at follow‐up. In summary, locAL pathogenesis seems to be heterogeneous and the clonal infiltrate leads local progression.
Demographic population structure of black howler monkeys in fragmented and continuous forest in Chiapas, Mexico: Implications for conservation
Authors: Klass Keren , Van Belle Sarie , Estrada Alejandro 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFor wild primates, demography studies are increasingly recognized as necessary for assessing the viability of vulnerable populations experiencing rapid environmental change. In particular, anthropogenic changes such as habitat loss and fragmentation can cause ecological and behavioral changes in small, isolated populations, which may, over time, alter population density and demographic structure (age/sex classes and group composition) in fragment populations relative to continuous forest populations. We compared our study population of Endangered black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in 34 forest fragments around Palenque National Park (PNP), Mexico (62 groups, 407 individuals), to the adjacent population in PNP, protected primary forest (21 groups, 134 individuals), and to previous research on black howlers in fragments in our study area (18 groups, 115 individuals). We usedχ2and Mann–WhitneyUtests to address the questions: (a) what is the current black howler demographic population structure in unprotected forest fragments around PNP? (b) How does it compare to PNP's stable, continuous population? (c) How has it changed over time? Compared to the PNP population, the fragment populations showed higher density, a significantly lower proportion of multimale groups, and significantly fewer adult males per group. The population's age/sex structure in the fragmented landscape has been stable over the last 17 years, but differed in a higher proportion of multifemale groups, higher density, and higher patch occupancy in the present. In the context of conservation, some of our results may be positive as they indicate possible population growth over time. However, long‐term scarcity of adult males in fragments and associated effects on population demographic structure might be cause for concern, in that it may affect gene flow and genetic diversity. The scarcity of adult males might stem from males experiencing increased mortality while dispersing in the fragmented landscape, whereas females might be becoming more philopatric in fragments.
Estimation of adult age‐at‐death from entheseal robusticity: A test using an identified Italian skeletal collection
Authors: Milella Marco , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Mariotti Valentina , Nikita Efthymia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe present study tests the effectiveness of entheseal robusticity (ER) as a potential predictor of adult age‐at‐death by applying multiple regression models to a large contemporary identified skeletal sample.Materials and MethodsER was recorded for 23 bilateral postcranial entheses on 481 adult individuals (271 females and 210 males) from the Frassetto identified skeletal collection of Sassari (Italy), following the method of Mariotti et al. 2007. ER scores were used as predictors in multiple regression analyses with age as the dependent variable; the performance of the resulting models was tested through standard error of estimate, the correlation coefficient between predicted and documented age, and the percentage of correctly classified individuals.ResultsER show a higher correlation with age in females, resulting in more accurate estimates when compared with those obtained for males. Age‐at‐death is overestimated for male individuals under 45 years old and underestimated for older individuals. Regression models including a reduced set of ER sites result in better estimates compared with those using the complete set of variables.DiscussionResults suggest the potential usefulness of ER for the estimation of age, especially for female skeletal remains. If used with caution, ER may be a valid complement to existing methods for the reconstruction of the biological profile of skeletal remains of archaeological and forensic interest.
Cellulose acetate (CA) hybrid membrane prepared by phase inversion method combined with chemical reaction with enhanced permeability and good anti‐fouling property
Authors: Khan Bushra , Zhan Wang , Lina Cheng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe CA hybrid membrane with enhanced anti‐fouling property and higher permeability was prepared by nonsolvent induced phase separation method combined with chemical reaction. The impacts of different solvents (N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, N, N‐ Dimethylacetamide, Dimethyl sulfoxide and N, N‐Dimethylformamide), organic acids (citric acid/fumaric acid) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) on the separation performance and thermal stability of CA hybrid membranes were investigated. Results showed that the introduction of organic acids to membrane matrix caused asymmetry in the membrane structure with more uniform pore size distribution and higher porosity (82.5%). This is attributed to the production of CO2 bubbles by a reaction between organic acid in the casting solution and salt in the coagulation bath. Meanwhile, a tremendous rise in anti‐fouling property (from 89.7% to 94%), pure water flux (from 329.7 to 821.5 L/m2 h) and permeation flux (from 265.8 to 546.3 L/m2 h) indicates a significant improvement in the hydrophilicity and the permeability of prepared membranes. In addition, a significant improvement in thermal stability (by 90°C) was achieved owing to the formation of dative bonds between TiO2 NPs and CA polymer. Therefore, this approach can significantly improve the anti‐fouling property and the separation performance of the CA membrane.
An in situ hybridization study of the Syndecan family in the developing condylar cartilage of fetal mouse mandible
Authors: Fujikawa Kaoru , Shibata Shunichi , Nakamura Masanori 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMandibular condylar cartilage is a representative secondary cartilage, differing from primary cartilage in various ways. Syndecan is a cell‐surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan and speculated to be involved in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of the syndecan family in the developing mouse mandibular condylar cartilage. At embryonic day (E)13.0 and E14.0, syndecan‐1 and ‐2 mRNAs were expressed in the mesenchymal cell condensation of the condylar anlage. When condylar cartilage was formed at E15.0, syndecan‐1 mRNA was expressed in the embryonic zone, wherein the mesenchymal cell condensation is located. Syndecan‐2 mRNA was mainly expressed in the perichondrium. At E16.0, syndecan‐1 was expressed from fibrous to flattened cell zones and syndecans‐2 was expressed in the lower hypertrophic cell zone. Syndecan‐3 mRNA was expressed in the condylar anlage at E13.0 and E13.5 but was not expressed in the condylar cartilage at E15.0. It was later expressed in the lower hypertrophic cell zone at E16.0. Syndecan‐4 mRNA was expressed in the condylar anlage at E14.0 and the condylar cartilage at E15.0 and E16.0. These findings indicated that syndecans‐1 and ‐2 could be involved in the formation from mesenchymal cell condensation to condylar cartilage. The different expression patterns of the syndecan family in the condylar and limb bud cartilage suggest the functional heterogeneity of chondrocytes in the primary and secondary cartilage.
Fissures, folds, and scrolls: The ontogenetic basis for complexity of the nasal cavity in a fruit bat (Rousettus leschenaultii)
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Curtis Abigail , Bhatnagar Kunwar P. , Santana Sharlene E. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMammalian nasal capsule development has been described in only a few cross‐sectional age series, rendering it difficult to infer developmental mechanisms that influence adult morphology. Here we examined a sample of Leschenault's rousette fruit bats (Rousettus leschenaultii) ranging in age from embryonic to adult (n = 13). We examined serially sectioned coronal histological specimens and used micro‐computed tomography scans to visualize morphology in two older specimens. We found that the development of the nasal capsule in Rousettus proceeds similarly to many previously described mammals, following a general theme in which the central (i.e., septal) region matures into capsular cartilage before peripheral regions, and rostral parts of the septum and paries nasi mature before caudal parts. The ossification of turbinals also generally follows a rostral to the caudal pattern. Our results suggest discrete mechanisms for increasing complexity of the nasal capsule, some of which are restricted to the late embryonic and early fetal timeframe, including fissuration and mesenchymal proliferation. During fetal and early postnatal ontogeny, appositional and interstitial chondral growth of cartilage modifies the capsular template. Postnatally, appositional bone growth and pneumatization render greater complexity to individual structures and spaces. Future studies that focus on the relative contribution of each mechanism during development may draw critical inferences how nasal morphology is reflective of, or deviates from the original fetal template. A comparison of other chiropterans to nasal development in Rousettus could reveal phylogenetic patterns (whether ancestral or derived) or the developmental basis for specializations relating to respiration, olfaction, or laryngeal echolocation.
Does Pain at an Earlier Stage of Chondropathy Protect Female Mice Against Structural Progression After Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis?
Authors: von Loga Isabell S. , Batchelor Vicky , Driscoll Clare , Burleigh Annika , Chia Shi‐Lu L. , Stott Bryony , Miotla‐Zarebska Jadwiga , Riley David , Dell’Accio Francesco , Vincent Tonia L. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveFemale C57BL/6 mice exhibit less severe chondropathy than male mice. This study was undertaken to test the robustness of this observation and explore underlying mechanisms.MethodsOsteoarthritis was induced in male and female C57BL/6 or DBA/1 mice (n = 6–15 per group) by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) or partial meniscectomy (PMX). Some mice were ovariectomized (OVX) (n = 30). In vivo repair after focal cartilage defect or joint immobilization (sciatic neurectomy) following DMM was assessed. Histologic analysis, evaluation of gene expression in whole knees, and behavioral analysis using Laboratory Animal Behavior Observation Registration and Analysis System (LABORAS) and Linton incapacitance testing (n = 7–10 mice per group) were performed.ResultsFemale mice displayed less severe chondropathy (20–75% reduction) across both strains and after both surgeries. Activity levels after PMX were similar for male and female mice. Some repair‐associated genes were increased in female mouse joints after surgery, but no repair differences were evident in vivo. Despite reduced chondropathy, female mice developed pain‐like behavior at the same time as male mice. At the time of established pain‐like behavior (10 weeks after PMX), pain‐associated genes were significantly up‐regulated in female mice, including Gdnf (mean ± SEM fold change 2.54 ± 0.30), Nrtn (6.71 ± 1.24), Ntf3 (1.92 ± 0.27), and Ntf5 (2.89 ± 0.48) (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, and P < 0.001, respectively, versus male mice). Inflammatory genes were not regulated in painful joints in mice of either sex.ConclusionWe confirm strong structural joint protection in female mice that is not due to activity or intrinsic repair differences. Female mice develop pain at the same time as males, but induce a distinct set of neurotrophins. We speculate that heightened pain sensitivity in female mice protects the joint by preventing overuse.
Use of Anakinra to Prevent Mechanical Ventilation in Severe COVID‐19: A Case Series
Authors: Navarro‐Millán Iris , Sattui Sebastian E. , Lakhanpal Amit , Zisa Diane , Siegel Caroline H. , Crow Mary K. 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveTo report the clinical experience with anakinra in preventing mechanical ventilation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), symptoms of cytokine storm syndrome, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.MethodsTo be included in this retrospective case series, patients must have had severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS–CoV‐2), fever, ferritin levels >1,000 ng/ml with 1 additional laboratory marker of hyperinflammation, and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure was defined as requiring 15 liters of supplemental oxygen via a nonrebreather mask combined with 6‐liter nasal cannula or use of ≥95% oxygen by high‐flow nasal cannula. We excluded patients in whom there was suspicion of bacterial infection or who were receiving immunosuppressants. Subcutaneous anakinra was initiated at 100 mg every 6 hours and gradually tapered off completely. The primary outcome was the prevention of mechanical ventilation.ResultsOf the 14 patients who met the criteria, 11 patients received anakinra for a maximum of 19 days. Seven of the patients who started anakinra treatment ≤36 hours after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure did not require mechanical ventilation, and all were discharged home. Four patients who started anakinra ≥4 days after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure required mechanical ventilation. Of those, 3 patients were extubated (2 discharged home and 1 remained hospitalized), and 1 died. All 3 patients who met the criteria but did not receive anakinra required mechanical ventilation. Two patients were extubated (1 discharged home and 1 remained hospitalized), and 1 remained on mechanical ventilation.ConclusionOur data suggest that anakinra could be beneficial in treating COVID‐19 patients with evidence of cytokine storm syndrome when initiated early after onset of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Our patient selection and treatment approach should be considered for investigation in a clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of anakinra in treating patients with COVID‐19 and symptoms of cytokine storm syndrome.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Critically Ill Patients With COVID‐19
Authors: Xiao Meng , Zhang Yan , Zhang Shulan , Qin Xuzhen , Xia Peng , Cao Wei , Jiang Wei , Chen Huan , Ding Xin , Zhao Hua , Zhang Hongmin , Wang Chunyao , Zhao Jing , Sun Xuefeng , Tian Ran , Wu Wei , Wu Dong , Ma Jie , Chen Yu , Zhang Dong , Xie Jing , Yan Xiaowei , Zhou Xiang , Liu Zhengyin , Wang Jinglan , Du Bin , Qin Yan , Gao Peng , Lu Minya , Hou Xin , Wu Xian , Zhu Huadong , Xu Yingchun , Zhang Wen , Li Taisheng , Zhang Fengchun , Zhao Yongqiang , Li Yongzhe , Zhang Shuyang 
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveCoagulopathy is one of the characteristics observed in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) contribute to coagulopathy, though their role in COVID‐19 remains unclear. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and characteristics of aPLs in patients with COVID‐19.MethodsSera collected from 66 COVID‐19 patients who were critically ill and 13 COVID‐19 patients who were not critically ill were tested by chemiluminescence immunoassay for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCLs), anti–β2‐glycoprotein I (anti‐β2GPI) (IgG, IgM, and IgA), and IgG anti‐β2GPI–domain 1 (anti‐β2GPI–D1) and IgM and IgG anti–phosphatidylserine/prothrombin (anti‐PS/PT) antibodies were detected in the serum by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsOf the 66 COVID‐19 patients in critical condition, aPLs were detected in 31 (47% ). Antiphospholipid antibodies were not present among COVID‐19 patients who were not in critical condition. The IgA anti‐β2GPI antibody was the most commonly observed aPL in patients with COVID‐19 and was present in 28.8% (19 of 66) of the critically ill patients, followed by IgA aCLs (17 of 66, or 25.8%) and IgG anti‐β2GPI (12 of 66, or 18.2%). For multiple aPLs, IgA anti‐β2GPI + IgA aCLs was the most common antibody profile observed (15 of 66, or 22.7%), followed by IgA anti‐β2GPI + IgA aCL + IgG anti‐β2GPI (10 of 66, or 15.2%). Antiphospholipid antibodies emerge ~35–39 days after disease onset. A dynamic analysis of aPLs revealed 4 patterns based on the persistence or transient appearance of the aPLs. Patients with multiple aPLs had a significantly higher incidence of cerebral infarction compared to patients who were negative for aPLs (P = 0.023).ConclusionAntiphospholipid antibodies were common in critically ill patients with COVID‐19. Repeated testing demonstrating medium to high titers of aPLs and the number of aPL types a patient is positive for may help in identifying patients who are at risk of developing cerebral infarction. Antiphospholipid antibodies may be transient and disappear within a few weeks, but in genetically predisposed patients, COVID‐19 may trigger the development of an autoimmune condition similar to the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), referred to as “COVID‐19–induced APS‐like syndrome.” Long‐term follow‐up of COVID‐19 patients who are positive for aPLs would be of great importance in understanding the pathogenesis of this novel coronavirus.
Early operative management in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction: population-based cost analysis
Authors: Behman R , Nathens A B , Pechlivanoglou P , Karanicolas P , Jung J , Look Hong N 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Background
Adhesive small bowel obstruction (aSBO) is a potentially recurrent disease. Although non-operative management is often successful, it is associated with greater risk of recurrence than operative intervention, and may have greater downstream morbidity and costs. This study aimed to compare the current standard of care, trial of non-operative management (TNOM), and early operative management (EOM) for aSBO.

Methods
Patients admitted to hospital between 2005 and 2014 in Ontario, Canada, with their first episode of aSBO were identified and propensity-matched on their likelihood to receive EOM for a cost–utility analysis using population-based administrative data. Patients were followed for 5 years to determine survival, recurrences, adverse events and inpatient costs to the healthcare system. Utility scores were attributed to aSBO-related events. Cost–utility was presented as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as Canadian dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY).

Results
Some 25 150 patients were admitted for aSBO and 3174 (12·6 per cent) were managed by EOM. Patients managed by TNOM were more likely to experience recurrence of aSBO (20·9 per cent versus 13·2 per cent for EOM; P &lt; 0·001). The lower recurrence rate associated with EOM contributed to an overall net effectiveness in terms of QALYs. The mean accumulated costs for patients managed with EOM exceeded those of TNOM ($17 951 versus $11 594 (€12 288 versus €7936) respectively; P &lt; 0·001), but the ICER for EOM versus TNOM was $29 881 (€20 454) per QALY, suggesting cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion
This retrospective study, based on administrative data, documented that EOM may be a cost-effective approach for patients with aSBO in terms of QALYs. Future guidelines on the management of aSBO may also consider the long-term outcomes and costs.
CoViD‐19 epidemic follows the “kinetics” of enzymes with cooperative substrate binding
Authors: Silverstein Todd P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Hill equation, which models the cooperative ligand‐receptor binding equilibrium, turns out to be useful in modeling the progression of infectious disease outbreaks such as CoViD‐19. The equation fits well the data for total and daily case numbers, allows tentative predictions for the half‐point and end point of the epidemic, and presents a mathematical characterization of how social interventions “flatten the curve” of the disease progression.