bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of biochar prepared from cow dung and sewage sludge and its application as an adsorbent for organic pollutants removal in water
Authors: Suárez‐Vázquez Santiago Iván , Cruz‐López Arquímedes , Márquez‐Reyes Julia Mariana , Flores Breceda Héctor , García‐Gómez Celestino 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this research, the synthesis of biochar from cow dung and sewage sludge and its application for the removal of organic contaminants using methylene blue (MB) as the model molecule was evaluated. Experiments were performed using different concentrations of adsorbent and MB and were optimized by a response surface methodology (RSM). Dynamic models were adjusted to the experimental data and the regeneration of the bed was studied. The results showed that the optimal conditions to favor the adsorption of MB, in a fixed bed and making a comparison between the two biochar sources, were those where an adsorbent biochar concentration of 5 g and initial MB concentration of 10 mg L−1 were used. The biochar prepared from cow dung presented the best adsorption conditions. Under these conditions, the breaking time was 172.73 min. The models of Thomas, Bohart–Adams, and Yoon–Nelson were applied for the study in fixed‐bed columns and it was observed that the models were adjusted satisfactorily. Regeneration was possible for three different cycles, slightly diminishing the performance of the bed with elution of HNO3. These results indicate that MB bed fixed adsorption on cow dung biochar is viable and suitable for water treatment.
A method for estimating sediment budgets of washover deposits using digital terrain models
Authors: Hansen Lars Ø. , Ernstsen Verner B. , Clemmensen Lars B. , Al‐Hamdani Zyad , Kroon Aart 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWashover fans are located on small barriers in fetch‐limited micro‐tidal coastal environments in Denmark. These washover fans are formed during high‐energy storm events and we present a method to quantify their volumes and to estimate sediment exchanges between washover fans and their adjacent morphologies. We use high resolution digital terrain models (DTMs) based on light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. We have delineated landforms using known methods of scale analysis and geomorphometric classification. We quantified volumes of the delineated landforms and estimated the related sediment budgets. These computed volumes were compared using different pre‐depositional surfaces. Finally, we assessed the sediment exchange and associated sources of sediments of the washover fans. We applied a scale analysis to determine suitable DTM resolution and focal statistics window size as input to a geomorphometric classification analysis. Landform areas and landforms were delineated using morphometric threshold values, and volumes and sediment budgets of the delineated landforms were computed using different assumptions to define the pre‐depositional surface. Resulting washover fan volumes were validated against digital elevation model (DEM) of difference (DoD) derived volumes. Sediment budgets were derived from representative volumes of the washover fans and adjacent berms. We show that quantification of washover features derived from DTMs, using geomorphometric analysis is feasible and that the presented approach provides estimates of washover deposit volumes with an accuracy between 1% and 28% compared to control volumes. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of severe and non‐severe patients with COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study in China
Authors: Shi Shaorui , Nie Bin , Chen Xinzu , Cai Qiang , Lin Chunxin , Zhao Guangda , Zhang Xingying 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) who develop severe symptoms need to be determined in advance so that appropriate treatment strategies are in place.MethodsTo determine the clinic features of patients diagnosed definitely with COVID‐19 and evaluate risk factors for severe outcome, the medical records of hospitalized patients were reviewed retrospectively by us and data were compiled. Laboratory data from 90 cases were analyzed, and COVID‐19 patients were classified into two groups (severe and non‐severe) based on the severity.ResultsSevere COVID‐19 cases on admission had higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D‐dimer, fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein levels, and lower lymphocyte counts compared with those of non‐severe cases (p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for leukocyte counts, neutrophil counts, and levels of C‐reactive protein was 0.778, 0.831, and 0.800, respectively. The thresholds were 7.70 × 109/L for leukocyte counts, 5.93 × 10⁹/L for neutrophil counts, and 75.07 mg/L for C‐reactive protein, respectively. Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher white blood cell (WBC) counts (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05–1.71), neutrophil counts (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06–1.73), and C‐reactive protein levels (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.0–1.04) were several predictive factors for severe outcome. Severe COVID‐19 patients had a reduction in WBC counts, D‐dimer, C‐reactive protein, and fibrinogen upon discharge from hospital, while lymphocyte counts increased (p < 0.05).ConclusionCounts of WBC, neutrophil, and lymphocyte, NLR, and levels of C‐reactive protein, D‐dimer, and fibrinogen are helpful for prediction of the deterioration trend in patients diagnosed with COVID‐19.
USP21 promotes cell proliferation by maintaining the EZH2 level in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Ma Huixian , Luo Xiangrui , Zhou Peng , He Na , Zhou Jun , Liu Min , Xie Wei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common category of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, the underlying molecular mechanism of DLBCL remains unclear.MethodsReal‐time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the expression of ubiquitin‐specific peptidase 21 (USP21) or enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2). CCK8 assay and cell death staining were carried out to examine the role of USP21 in cell proliferation and cell death, respectively.ResultsWe found that the deubiquitinase USP21 was highly expressed in the DLBCL lymphoid tissue. The expression of USP21 promoted DLBCL cell proliferation, while it had no obvious effect on cell death. In addition, we found that USP21 regulated cell proliferation via cysteine 221, the catalytic site of USP21. Furthermore, we identified that USP21 could stabilize EZH2, a protein required for germinal center formation and lymphoma formation.ConclusionThe deubiquitinase USP21 promotes cell proliferation by maintaining the EZH2 protein level in DLBCL.
Converting croplands to orchards changes soil microbial community composition and co‐occurrence patterns
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Ying , Zheng Wei , Hou Fangbin , Hu Yaxian , Guo Shengli 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSoil microorganisms are key to uncovering the mechanisms driving variation in soil biogeochemical processes associated with land‐use change. A large number of croplands have been converted to orchards on the Chinese Loess Plateau due to the increased economic benefits which result. However, the microbial community and their functional composition remain poorly understood. In this study, soil samples were collected from croplands and orchards. Soil physicochemical properties and the community (represented by 16S rRNA for bacteria and ITS for fungi) were measured, and interactions among species and the soil organic matter (SOM) degradation via microbial metabolism and its associated genes were analyzed. Croplands converted to orchards affected bacterial and fungal community structure by increasing the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Ascomycota, whereas it decreased the α‐diversity of bacteria and fungi. The co‐occurrence network was larger and more complex within croplands than within orchards, indicating more extensive interactions and higher community stability potential. The abundance of potential genes related to cellulose and hemicellulose metabolism in orchards was higher than that in croplands, whereas the abundance of genes related to lignin decomposition was lower than that in croplands. In addition, the abundance of saprotrophic and symbiotrophic fungi in orchards was significantly lower than that in croplands (27 and 88%, respectively), whereas the abundance of pathotrophic fungi in orchards was almost six‐times that in croplands. The soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil C:N in orchards were significantly lower than that in croplands. Converting croplands to orchards significantly altered the microbial community composition and their functionality, as well as decreased the complexity of interaction between microorganisms. The decreased SOC and increased soil C:N ratio could be attributed to these variations. Improved management practices should be implemented for the maintenance of soil biodiversity and SOC in orchards to avoid soil degradation and ensure sustainable development.
Dermatologic Scar Assessment With Stereoscopic Imaging and Digital Three‐Dimensional Models: A Validation Study
Authors: Hendel Kristoffer , Ortner Vinzent K. , Fuchs Christine S. K. , Eckhouse Vardit , Haedersdal Merete 
Published: January 2021

Background and ObjectiveWe evaluated a new handheld stereoscopic imaging system capable of visualizing scars with digital three‐dimensional (3D) models and providing automated morphometric estimates. The objective was to validate the repeatability and accuracy of intra‐ and inter‐investigator scan results.Study Design/Materials and MethodsEngineered metal plates with depressed and elevated model scars (n = 72) were scanned six times by one investigator. In vivo hypertrophic and atrophic scars (n = 15) were scanned once by three investigators. The repeatability of morphometric estimates was assessed using coefficients of variation (CVs) to compare the variation among multiple scan results for both models and in vivo scars, with 0% reflecting a perfect match. Scar estimates from digital 3D reconstructions were compared with the known dimensions of physical model scars and with ruler measurements of in vivo scars.ResultsA total of 48 model scars and 12 in vivo scars were eligible for automated analyses with the imaging system's proprietary software. Intra‐investigator scan results for the model scars were repeatable, with low variance for all parameters: volume, area, length, and depth/height (CV: 1.8–3.1%). By comparison, inter‐investigator scans of real in vivo scars resulted in slightly higher median CVs (4.4–7.3%; P < 0.05). 3D model scar estimates correlated well with the known physical dimensions of model scars for all parameters (P < 0.001) and accurately reflected the measurements of in vivo scars (P < 0.001). The six in vivo scars situated on the chest and abdomen showed the highest inter‐investigator variation, due to respiratory movement artifacts.ConclusionStereoscopic imaging of scars generates accurate and repeatable measurement estimates that show little intra‐ and inter‐investigator‐based assessment variation. The best results are achieved by minimizing subject movement. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
MIND and Mediterranean Diets Associated with Later Onset of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Metcalfe‐Roach Avril , Yu Adam C. , Golz Ella , Cirstea Mihai , Sundvick Kristen , Kliger Daniel , Foulger Liam H. , Mackenzie Melissa , Finlay B. Brett , Appel‐Cresswell Silke 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe MIND diet has been linked with prevention of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline but has not been fully assessed in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD). The objective of the present study was to determine whether MIND diet adherence is associated with the age of Parkinson's disease onset in a manner superior to that of the Mediterranean diet.MethodsFood Frequency Questionnaires from 167 participants with PD and 119 controls were scored for MIND and 2 versions of Mediterranean diet adherence. Scores were compared between sex and disease subgroups, and PD diet adherence was correlated with age at onset using univariate and multivariate linear models.ResultsThe female subgroup adhered more closely to the MIND diet than the male subgroup, and diet scores were not modified by disease status. Later age of onset correlated most strongly with MIND diet adherence in the female subgroup, corresponding to differences of up to 17.4 years (P < 0.001) between low and high dietary tertiles. Greek Mediterranean adherence was also significantly associated with later PD onset across all models (P = 0.05–0.03). Conversely, only Greek Mediterranean diet adherence remained correlated with later onset across all models in men, with differences of up to 8.4 years (P = 0.002).ConclusionsThis cross‐sectional study found a strong correlation between age of onset of PD and dietary habits, suggesting that nutritional strategies may be an effective tool to delay PD onset. Further studies may help to elucidate potential nutrition‐related sex‐specific pathophysiological mechanisms and differential prevalence rates in PD. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Differentiating Moebius syndrome and other congenital facial weakness disorders with electrodiagnostic studies
Authors: Lehky Tanya , Joseph Reversa , Toro Camilo , Wu Tianxia , Van Ryzin Carol , Gropman Andrea , Facio Flavia M. , Webb Bryn D. , Jabs Ethylin W. , Barry Brenda S. , Engle Elizabeth C. , Collins Francis S. , Manoli Irini ,   and the Moebius Syndrome Research Consortium
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionCongenital facial weakness (CFW) can result from facial nerve paresis with or without other cranial nerve and systemic involvement, or generalized neuropathic and myopathic disorders. Moebius syndrome is one type of CFW. In this study we explored the utility of electrodiagnostic studies (EDx) in the evaluation of individuals with CFW.MethodsForty‐three subjects enrolled prospectively into a dedicated clinical protocol and had EDx evaluations, including blink reflex and facial and peripheral nerve conduction studies, with optional needle electromyography.ResultsMBS and hereditary congenital facial paresis (HCFP) subjects had low‐amplitude cranial nerve 7 responses without other neuropathic or myopathic findings. Carriers of specific pathogenic variants in TUBB3 had, in addition, a generalized sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy with demyelinating features. Myopathic findings were detected in individuals with Carey‐Fineman‐Ziter syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, other undefined myopathies, or CFW with arthrogryposis, ophthalmoplegia, and other system involvement.DiscussionEDx in CFW subjects can assist in characterizing the underlying pathogenesis, as well as guide diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Insights into specificity and catalytic mechanism of amphotericin B/nystatin thioesterase
Authors: Wang Rufan , Tao Wentao , Liu Lei , Li Chen , Bai Linquan , Zhao Yi‐Lei , Shi Ting 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPolyene polyketides amphotericin B (AMB) and nystatin (NYS) are important antifungal drugs. Thioesterases (TEs), located at the last module of PKS, control the release of polyketides by cyclization or hydrolysis. Intrigued by the tiny structural difference between AMB and NYS, as well as the high sequence identity between AMB TE and NYS TE, we constructed four systems to study the structural characteristics, catalytic mechanism, and product release of AMB TE and NYS TE with combined MD simulations and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics calculations. The results indicated that compared with AMB TE, NYS TE shows higher specificity on its natural substrate and R26 as well as D186 were proposed to a key role in substrate recognition. The energy barrier of macrocyclization in AMB‐TE‐Amb and AMB‐TE‐Nys systems were calculated to be 14.0 and 22.7 kcal/mol, while in NYS‐TE‐Nys and NYS‐TE‐Amb systems, their energy barriers were 17.5 and 25.7 kcal/mol, suggesting the cyclization with their natural substrates were more favorable than that with exchanged substrates. At last, the binding free energy obtained with the MM‐PBSA.py program suggested that it was easier for natural products to leave TE enzymes after cyclization. And key residues to the departure of polyketide product from the active site were highlighted. We provided a catalytic overview of AMB TE and NYS TE including substrate recognition, catalytic mechanism and product release. These will improve the comprehension of polyene polyketide TEs and benefit for broadening the substrate flexibility of polyketide TEs.
Clinical efficacy of intravaginal recombinant lysostaphin administration on endometritis in sows
Authors: Ye Guizi , Huang Jinjiang , Li Guodong , Zhang Jien , Sun Yongxue , Zeng Dongping , Bao Wenbin , Zhong Jiang , Huang Qingshan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRecombinant lysostaphin has been used for the treatment of cow endometritis and mastitis in China. To our knowledge, no scientific effort has been made to evaluate the efficacy of lysostaphin in sows with clinical endometritis. Lysostaphin, loaded in effervescent tablets that were completely foamed and dissolved within 30 min in the presence of water or body fluids and released active lysostaphin, were administered vaginally on endometritis sows in this study. The clinical recovery, bacterial clearance and reproductive performance of sows with endometritis were investigated. We found that the 400U dosage (400U lysostaphin/pill/time, repeat once on the third day, a total of two times, with 10% oxytetracycline uterine injection as a control) is the most effective treatment. Staphylococcus aureus was the most prevalent finding (34%, n = 188), followed by Streptococcus (32%, n = 181), Escherichia coli (19%, n = 104) and other bacilli (15%, n = 83) before treatment by drugs. Administration of lysostaphin resulted in an extremely significant (p < .01) reduction in S. aureus (0.18 ± 0.25 from 4.57 ± 0.33) and Streptococcus (0.11 ± 0.14 from 3.88 ± 0.29), as well as a significant (p < .05) reduction in E. coli (0.55 ± 0.42 from 3.11 ± 0.14). Mixed infections (83%) were predominant before treatment, in contrast to single infections (61%) after treatment. Large‐scale trials were conducted to verify the clinical efficacy of lysostaphin on sow endometritis. The average cure rate of 400u lysostaphin on sow endometritis(82.5%) was higher than the antibiotic group(72.17%). In addition, our results revealed that intravaginal administration of lysostaphin had no adverse effect on the reproductive performance of sows. Thus, this lysostaphin has potential application value as a new method alternative to antibiotics to treat endometritis in sows.
Genetic dissection of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. resistance via genome-wide association and genomic prediction in tropical maize germplasm
Authors: Gowda Manje , Makumbi Dan , Das Biswanath , Nyaga Christine , Kosgei Titus , Crossa Jose , Beyene Yoseph , Montesinos-López Osval A. , Olsen Michael S. , Prasanna Boddupalli M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractKey messageGenome-wide association revealed that resistance toStriga hermonthicais influenced by multiple genomic regions with moderate effects. It is possible to increase genetic gains from selection for Striga resistance using genomic prediction.AbstractStriga hermonthica(Del.) Benth., commonly known as the purple witchweed or giant witchweed, is a serious problem for maize-dependent smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. Breeding forStrigaresistance in maize is complicated due to limited genetic variation, complexity of resistance and challenges with phenotyping. This study was conducted to (i) evaluate a set of diverse tropical maize lines for their responses toStrigaunder artificial infestation in three environments in Kenya; (ii) detect quantitative trait loci associated withStrigaresistance through genome-wide association study (GWAS); and (iii) evaluate the effectiveness of genomic prediction (GP) ofStriga-related traits. An association mapping panel of 380 inbred lines was evaluated in three environments under artificialStrigainfestation in replicated trials and genotyped with 278,810 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Genotypic and genotype x environment variations were significant for measured traits associated withStrigaresistance. Heritability estimates were moderate (0.42) to high (0.92) for measured traits. GWAS revealed 57 SNPs significantly associated withStrigaresistance indicator traits and grain yield (GY) under artificialStrigainfestation with low to moderate effect. A set of 32 candidate genes physically near the significant SNPs with roles in plant defense against biotic stresses were identified. GP with different cross-validations revealed that prediction of performance of lines in new environments is better than prediction of performance of new lines for all traits. Predictions across environments revealed high accuracy for all the traits, while inclusion of GWAS-detected SNPs led to slight increase in the accuracy. The item-based collaborative filtering approach that incorporates related traits evaluated in different environments to predict GY andStriga-related traits outperformed GP forStrigaresistance indicator traits. The results demonstrated the polygenic nature of resistance toS. hermonthica, and that implementation of GP inStrigaresistance breeding could potentially aid in increasing genetic gain for this important trait.
Does exposure to startle impact voluntary reaching movements in individuals with severe-to-moderate stroke?
Authors: Rahimi Marziye , Swann Zoe , Honeycutt Claire F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhen movements of individuals with stroke (iwS) are elicited by startling acoustic stimulus (SAS), reaching movements are faster, further, and directed away from the body. However, these startle-evoked movements also elicit task-inappropriate flexor activity, raising concerns that chronic exposure to startle might also induce heightened flexor activity during voluntarily elicited movement. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of startle exposure on voluntary movements during point-to-point reaching in individuals with moderate and severe stroke. We hypothesize that startle exposure will increase task-inappropriate activity in flexor muscles, which will be associated with worse voluntarily initiated reaching performance (e.g. decreased distance, displacement, and final accuracy). Eleven individuals with moderate-to-severe stroke (UEFM = 8–41/66 and MAS = 0–4/4) performed voluntary point-to-point reaching with 1/3 of trials elicited by an SAS. We used electromyography to measure activity in brachioradialis (BR), biceps (BIC), triceps lateral head (TRI), pectoralis (PEC), anterior deltoid (AD), and posterior deltoid (PD). Conversely to our hypothesis, exposure to startle did not increase abnormal flexion but rather antagonist activity in the elbow flexors and shoulder horizontal adductors decreased, suggesting that abnormal flexor/extensor co-contraction was reduced. This reduction of flexion led to increased reaching distance (18.2% farther), movement onset (8.6% faster), and final accuracy (16.1% more accurate) by the end of the session. This study offers the first evidence that exposure to startle in iwS does not negatively impact voluntary movement; moreover, exposure may improve volitionally activated reaching movements by decreasing abnormal flexion activity.