bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rhizosphere Community Selection Reveals Bacteria Associated With Reduced Root Disease
Authors: Yin Chuntao , Vargas Juan M. Casa , Schlatter Daniel C. , Hagerty Christina H. , Hulbert Scot H. , Paulitz Timothy 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Microbes benefit plants by increasing nutrient availability, producing plant growth hormones, and protecting against pathogens. However, it is largely unknown how plants change root microbial communities. Results: In this study, we used a multi-cycle selection system and infection by the soilborne fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG8 (hereafter AG8) to examine how plants impact the rhizosphere bacterial community and recruit beneficial microorganisms to suppress soilborne fungal pathogens and promote plant growth. Successive plantings dramatically enhanced disease suppression on susceptible wheat cultivars to AG8 in the greenhouse. Accordingly, analysis of the rhizosphere soil microbial community using deep sequencing of 16S rRNA genes revealed distinct bacterial community profiles assembled over successive wheat plantings. Moreover, the cluster of bacterial communities formed from the AG8-infected rhizosphere was distinct from those without AG8 infection. Interestingly, the bacterial communities from the rhizosphere with the lowest wheat root disease gradually separated from those with the worst wheat root disease over planting cycles. Successive monocultures and application of AG8 increased the abundance of some bacterial genera which have potential antagonistic activities, such as Chitinophaga, Pseudomonas, Chryseobacterium, and Flavobacterium, and a group of plant growth-promoting (PGP) and nitrogen-fixing microbes, including Pedobacter, Variovorax, and Rhizobium. Furthermore, 47 bacteria isolates belong to 35 species were isolated. Among them, eleven and five exhibited antagonistic activities to AG8 and Rhizoctonia oryzae in vitro, respectively. Notably, Janthinobacterium displayed broad antagonism against the soilborne pathogens Pythium ultimum, AG8, and R. oryzae in vitro, and disease suppressive activity to AG8 in soil. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that successive wheat plantings and pathogen infection can shape the rhizosphere microbial communities and specifically accumulate a group of beneficial microbes. Our findings suggest that soil community selection may offer the potential for addressing agronomic concerns associated with plant diseases and crop productivity.
Non-parametric optimization technique for water distribution in pipe networks
Authors: Palod Nikita , Prasad Vishnu , Khare Ruchi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Water distribution networks (WDN) contribute the massive cost of pipes in total water distribution system (WDS) design, thus the optimal design of any WDN is more of a necessity than a requirement. Various evolutionary algorithms (EAs) proposed in the past involve the use of algorithm-specific parameters and their synchronizing to get the optimal solution and thus require more computational effort and time. To overcome this drawback, the present work introduces an optimization technique, JayaNet, which is the integration of the Jaya algorithm and hydraulic network solver EPANET 2. The best part of this technique is that no algorithm-specific parameter is to be synchronized for optimal cost but there needs to be adjustment of penalty parameter and population size based on network size. Four well-known benchmark networks with different sizes and layout have been taken and optimized using JayaNet. The results are compared with those obtained from other EAs. It is found that optimized costs obtained for four networks by JayaNet are either the same or less than the results obtained from other EAs even with a lower number of function evaluations (NFE). The NFE are found to increase with population size in all networks. The statistical parameter obtained from JayaNet is also compared for different networks.
Frazil ice jam risk assessment method for water transfer projects based on design scheme
Authors: Liu Mengkai , Fan Qiuyi , Guo Hui 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Frazil ice jam risk assessment is an important method to improve the operational safety of water transfer projects. A frazil ice jam assessment method was developed based on project design conditions to ensure the risk level of frazil ice jam. A frazil ice jam risk assessment indicator system was incorporated into the method that included three first-level indicators, such as ice production, special hydraulic structure and basic design parameters, and 17 third-level indicators for calculation analysis. Then, a standard assessment system was proposed, and an analytic hierarchy process method was used to determine the magnitude of the frazil ice jam risk. Finally, the method was used to study the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MRSNWDP) from the Guyunhe to Beijumahe canals. The results showed that all of the canal pools had frazil ice jam risk levels between III and IV, of which approximately 15% of the pools have risk level IV, and the canal pools with risk level IV were reported to have ice jam incidents, and it suggested that the ice condition prediction, engineering operation process in winter, engineering measures for disaster reduction and emergency plan refinement need to be strengthened for the pools with risk level IV. Therefore, the method of frazil ice jam risk assessment based on project design conditions can perform well in both the built-operating stage and the design stage of water transfer projects. Frazil ice jam risk prevention is a task through the full life-cycle of water project construction, it is necessary to do risk assessment work at design stage, and the work should be written into the national standard.
Dimensiones tradicionales y emergentes de la seguridad fronteriza del extremo norte de Chile
Authors: Ovando Cristian , Álvarez Gonzalo , González Pizarro Sergio , Iturra Valenzuela Luis 
Published: August 2020

Este artículo indaga en los supuestos por los cuales es construida la agenda de seguridad fronteriza en el extremo norte de Chile y en algunas de sus consecuencias previsibles. Estos supuestos se centran en la vigencia de amenazas tradicionales y en su superposición con elementos de seguridad renovada, catalogados como amenazas transnacionales. Con base a una serie de entrevistas y discusiones con académicos y tomadores de decisiones, junto al análisis de incidentes fronterizos entre Chile y Bolivia, se determina que prevalecen interpretaciones que consideran las relaciones fronterizas como un campo propio de la seguridad, aunque de manera incipiente se comienzan a considerar discursos referidos a dinámicas cooperativas transfronterizas.
Central Regulatory Role of Cytokines in Periodontitis and Targeting Options
Authors: Plemmenos Grigorios , Evangeliou Evangelos , Polizogopoulos Nikolaos , Chalazias Andreas , Deligianni Marianthi , Piperi Christina 
Published: August 2020

Background:Periodontitis is an immune-inflammatory disease that leads to the progressive destruction of bone and connective tissue in the periodontal area. The cytokine network plays a primary role in tissue homeostasis, the recruitment of immune cells to control the pathogenic impact and the regulation of osteoclastic function, thus modulating the intensity and duration of the immune response. This review provides an update on the main cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of periodontitis and their targeting potential in order to enrich current treatment options.Methods:A structured search of bibliographic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus) was performed for peer-reviewed cytokine studies focused on periodontitis the last ten years. A qualitative content analysis was performed in screened papers and a critical discussion of main findings is provided.Results:An altered cytokine profile has been detected in periodontitis patients and the interplay of pro-inflammatory and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines has been associated with disease pathogenesis. Among the most prominent pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-6 and the chemokines CXCL-6, CXCL-8 are overexpressed in periodontitis patients and correlate with disease progression. On the other hand, the anti-inflammatory IL-4 and IL- 11 levels are reduced while IL-12 and IFN-γ expression play a dual role in periodontal disease. Current periodontitis treatment strategies include selective antibiotics, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and probiotics, which can modulate the cytokine network and when applied in combination with specific anti-cytokine agents can exert additional beneficial effects.Conclusion:It is evident that cytokines play a central regulatory role in the inflammatory process and immune cell response that underlies bone destruction in periodontitis. Specific cytokine targeting should be considered as a complementary therapeutic scheme to current periodontal management.
The Identification of a Novel Unsymmetrical Azine as an Apoptosis Inducer in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Almutairi Fahad M. , Ali Ayat G. , Abdelhamid Abdou O. , Alalawy Adel I. , Bishr Mai K. , Mohamed Mervat S. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Defects in the physiological mechanisms of apoptosis are one of the pivotal factors
implicated in carcinogenesis. Thus, the development of novel compounds that target various apoptotic pathways
has provided promising anticancer therapeutic opportunities.

Objective:
This study explores the cytotoxic effects of a novel unsymmetrical azine against specific cancer cell
lines and investigates the mechanism of cytotoxicity.

Methods:
Molecular modeling was used to test the binding affinity of four new unsymmetrical azines to a model
of an apoptosis inhibitor protein (XIAP). The compound with the highest binding affinity, C4, was further tested
on different cell lines. Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Transmission Electron Microscope
(TEM) were used to study apoptosis induction biochemically and morphologically.

Results:
In comparison to cisplatin as a control, the compound C4 exhibited notable cytotoxicity against all
tested cancer cell lines, especially the human colorectal carcinoma cell line (HCT-116). Furthermore, C4-treated
cells demonstrated marked overexpression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3 as well as the tumor
suppressor p53. On the other hand, the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was inhibited. On TEM
examination, C4-treated HCT-116 cells showed classical structural signs of apoptosis.

Conclusion:
This study identifies a novel azine (C4), which induces remarkable cytotoxicity against the colorectal
carcinoma cell line, mediated through apoptosis induction. These novel insights suggest C4 as a promising
therapeutic agent in colorectal cancer.
Early-onset of Frontotemporal Dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in an Albanian Patient with a c.1319C>T Variant in the UBQLN2 Gene
Authors: Baglivo Mirko , Manara Elena , Capodicasa Natale , Maltese Paolo Enrico , Stuppia Liborio , Michelini Sandro , Compagna Rita , Amato Bruno , Bertelli Matteo 
Published: August 2020

Background: Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) is the second most common cause of dementia under 65 years of age; it has a prevalence of 4-15 per 100,000 persons. The overt disease usually manifests in the sixth decade, and it is extremely rare to find affected patients in their twenties.

Objective: Here, we present the clinical and molecular genetic findings of an Albanian family with a patient with early-onset FTD and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Methods: Given the great variability of clinical presentation of FTD and the number of genes involved, targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was used to screen the DNA of the 27-year-old male patient. Segregation analysis was performed in available family members.

Results and Discussion: A variant, consisting of a proline-leucine amino acid substitution in position 440, was identified in the UBQLN2 gene on the X-chromosome. This variant was previously reported as a variant of unknown significance in a 30-year-old female patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. With the description of our case, we add evidence on its involvement, also in ALS-FTD. The variant is in a functional domain important for interaction with HSP70 and this, in turn, may impair the shuttling of proteins to the proteasome leading to an accumulation of protein aggregates. The variant was inherited from the unaffected mother, in line with the fact that incomplete penetrance has been widely described for this gene.

Conclusion:The present report adds information regarding one of 34 variants in the UBQLN2 gene reported so far in association with neurodegeneration and proposes a molecular pathogenesis of ALS-FTD in this patient.
Lifetime Maximization of Heterogeneous WSN Using Fuzzy-based
Clustering
Authors: Saini Ritu , Dubey Kumkum , Rajpoot Prince , Gautam Sushma , Yaduvanshi Ritika 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is an arising field for research and development. It has various
applications ranging from environmental monitoring to battlefield surveillance and more. WSN is a collection of multiple
sensor nodes used for sensing the environment. But these sensing nodes are deployed in such areas where it is not that
easy to reach, so battery used in these nodes becomes quite impossible to change, so we need to utilize this energy to get
the maximum sensing for a long time.

Objective:
To use the Fuzzy approach in the clustering algorithm. Clustering is a key approach to prolong the network
lifetime with minimum energy utilization. In this paper, our main concern is on the Cluster Head (CH) selection. So, we
are proposing a clustering algorithm which is based on some of the attributes: Average Residual Energy of CHs, Average
Distance from nodes to CHs, Standard Deviation of member nodes, and Average Distance from CH to Base Station(BS).

Methods:
Initially, some of the nodes are found having greater residual energy than the average network energy, and
fifteen populations are made each having an optimum number of CHs. The final and best CHs set is chosen by
determining the maximum fitness value using a fuzzy approach.

Result:
The result positively supports the energy-efficient utilization with lifetime maximization, which is compared with
the Base algorithm [1] and LEACH [2] protocol based on residual energy and the number of nodes that die after
performing some rounds.

Conclusion:
The proposed algorithm determines a fuzzy-based fitness value, provides load-balancing among all the
networking nodes, and performs a selection of best Cluster Heads, resulting in prolonged network lifetime and maximized
efficiency.
In Memoriam
Authors: Sherman Herbert , Van Fleet David D. 
Published: August 2020

IBAM is deeply saddened by the passing of one of those who originally conceived the formation of the organization that became IBAM — Dr. Barry Armandi, a Distinguished Teaching Professor at SUNY-Old Westbury. Amongst many of Barry’s numerous accomplishments (publishing, teaching, involvement in numerous professional associations), Barry was always quite proud of the fact that he was one of the guiding forces for the formation of a national academic management institute that was predominately interested in faculty and student development. Barry’s strong suit was that he was not only a gifted teacher and scholar but that he was a mentor for many junior faculty; faculty who could not find a home at the Academy of Management or even at regional Academy meetings. We honor Barry’s memory by continuing the IBAM traditions of collegiality, cutting edge research and instruction, and providing a culture that fosters personal and professional development.
Injectable Amoxicillin Versus Injectable Ampicillin Plus Gentamicin in the Treatment of Severe Pneumonia in Children Aged 2 to 59 Months: Protocol for an Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shahrin Lubaba , Chisti Mohammod Jobayer , Shahid Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayeem Bin , Rahman Abu Sayem Mirza Mohammad Hasibur , Islam Md. Zahidul , Afroze Farzana , Huq Sayeeda , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: August 2020

Background
Pneumonia causes about 0.9 million deaths worldwide each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for the standard management of severe pneumonia requires parenteral ampicillin every 6 hours and once-daily parenteral gentamicin for 5 to 7 days. Although this treatment has contributed to the reduction of mortality, it requires nursing interventions every 6 hours for 7 days. Further intervention trials should be conducted to search for alternate antibiotics with better adherence, reduced cost, and reduced hospital stay. Parenteral amoxicillin is an effective alternative to ampicillin, as it has a longer half-life and broader coverage.

Objective
The aim of this clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of a dose of injectable amoxicillin every 12 hours plus a once-daily dose of injectable gentamicin with a dose of injectable ampicillin every 6 hours plus a once-daily dose of injectable gentamicin in children hospitalized for severe pneumonia.

Methods
This randomized, controlled, open-label, noninferiority trial is being conducted in Dhaka Hospital of the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh. A sample size of 308 children with severe pneumonia will give adequate power to this study. Children aged 2 to 59 months are randomized to either intravenous ampicillin or intravenous amoxicillin, plus intravenous gentamicin in both study arms. The monitoring of the patients is carried out according to the WHO protocol for the treatment of severe pneumonia. The primary objective is the rate of treatment failure, defined by the persistence of danger signs of severe pneumonia beyond 48 hours or deterioration within 24 hours of initiation of the therapy. The secondary objectives are (1) improvement in or the resolution of danger signs since enrollment, (2) length of hospital stay, (3) death during hospitalization, and (4) rate of nosocomial infections.

Results
Enrollment in the study started on January 1, 2018, and ended on October 31, 2019. Data entry and analysis are in progress. Findings from the study are expected to be disseminated in October 2020.

Conclusions
Our study's findings will improve compliance with the use of antibiotics that require less frequent doses for the treatment of severe pneumonia.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03369093; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03369093

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/17735
Improving the Management of Atrial Fibrillation in General Practice: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: de Lusignan Simon , Hobbs F D Richard , Liyanage Harshana , Ferreira Filipa , Tripathy Manasa , Munro Neil , Feher Michael , Joy Mark 
Published: August 2020

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the commonest arrhythmias observed in general practice. The thromboembolic complications of AF include transient ischemic attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Early recognition of AF can lead to early intervention with managing the risks of these complications.

Objective
The primary aim of this study is to investigate if patients are managed in general practice according to current national guidelines. In addition, the study will evaluate the impact of direct oral anticoagulant use with respect to AF complications in a real-world dataset. The secondary aims of the study are to develop a dashboard that will allow monitoring the management of AF in general practice and evaluate the usability of the dashboard.

Methods
The study was conducted in 2 phases. The initial phase was a quantitative analysis of routinely collected primary care data from the Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance Center (RCGP RSC) sentinel network database. AF cases from 2009 to 2019 were identified. The study investigated the impact of the use of anticoagulants on complications of AF over this time period. We used this dataset to examine how AF was managed in primary care during the last decade. The second phase involved development of an online dashboard for monitoring management of AF in general practice. We conducted a usability evaluation for the dashboard to identify usability issues and performed enhancements to improve usability.

Results
We received funding for both phases in January 2019 and received approval from the RCGP RSC research committee in March 2019. We completed data extraction for phase 1 in May 2019 and completed analysis in December 2019. We completed building the AF dashboard in May 2019. We started recruiting participants for phase 1 in May 2019 and concluded data collection in July 2019. We completed data analysis for phase 2 in October 2019. The results are expected to be published in the second half of 2020. As of October 2020, the publications reporting the results are under review.

Conclusions
Results of this study will provide an insight into the current trends in management of AF using real-world data from the Oxford RCGP RSC database. We anticipate that the outcomes of this study will be used to guide the development and implementation of an audit-based intervention tool to assist practitioners in identifying and managing AF in primary care.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
RR1-10.2196/21259
"Hepatitis B vaccination status and factors influencing Hepatitis B vaccination status in Health care workers of two Aga Khan secondary care hospitals at Sindh- a cross sectional study" (Preprint)
Authors: Muhammad Salman 
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Health care workers (HCWs) are at greatest risk for acquiring Hepatitis B Virus infection because of needle stick injuries (NSIs) and occupational exposure to potentially infectious blood and body fluids as they deal with patients with different infections. Hepatitis B vaccination protects against the infection. Screening and vaccination against Hepatitis B is recommended for all HCWs.

OBJECTIVE

I.	To estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs of Private Aga Khan Secondary care hospitals at Sindh.
II.	To determine factors influencing Hepatitis B vaccination among HCWs of Private Aga Khan Secondary care hospitals at Sindh.

METHODS

A cross sectional study will be conducted in two Aga Khan Secondary care hospitals at Sindh (Aga Khan Maternal and Child Care Center Hyderabad and Aga Khan Hospital for Women, Karaimabad, Karachi). Sample size calculated is 264 with 10% non-respondent rate. A pre-tested structured questionnaire will be devised to collect information from study participants, data will be collected from HCWs of the designated hospitals. Analysis will be done using STATA 15.

RESULTS

NA as it is a protocol

CONCLUSIONS

he present work will help in identifying overall vaccination coverage and factors influencing HBV vaccination coverage, increasing access to vaccination will improve Hepatitis B vaccine coverage among HCWs that will enable them to remain safe from occupational exposure on daily basis not only this but they will have less chance to acquire HBV or transmit infection to others.

CLINICALTRIAL

NA. This is not a trial
The optimization of ultrasonic method for the extraction of Pumpkin seed (Cucurbita maxima)
Authors: Irnawati Irnawati , Riyanto Sugeng , Martono Sudibyo , Rohman Abdul 
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the present study was to determine the optimal ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions (sample-to-solvent ratio, ultrasonic power, and time) for the extraction of pumpkin seed oil. Pumpkin seed oil was analyzed for yield, 2.2’-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, and total phenolic content. Soxhlet extraction methods were assessed for comparison. The Box Behnken design (BBD) was applied to optimize UAE conditions. The optimum UAE conditions were obtained using sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:10 mL g-1, ultrasonic power of 150 Watt in 15 min extraction time. Compared with Soxhlet extraction methods, UAE exhibited lower oil yield and total phenolic content but had higher DPPH scavenging activity. The advantage of ultrasonic-assisted extraction was clearly reduction of extraction duration.