bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Topographic Attributes to Predict the Understorey Structure of a Wet Eucalypt Forest
Authors: Yadav Bechu Kumar Vinwar , Lucieer Arko , Jordan Gregory J. , Baker Susan C. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Forest understorey structure is an important component of forest ecosystems that affects forest-dwelling species, nutrient cycling, fire behaviour, biodiversity, and regeneration capacity. Mapping the structure of forest understorey vegetation with field surveys or high-resolution LiDAR data is costly. We tested whether landscape topography and underlying geology could predict the understorey structure of a 19 km2 area of wet eucalypt primary forest located at the Warra Long Term Ecological Research Supersite, Tasmania, Australia. In this study, we used random forest regressions based on twelve topographic attributes derived from digital terrain models (DTMs) at various resolutions and a geology variable to predict the densities of three understorey layers compared to density estimates from a high resolution (28.66 points/m2) LiDAR survey. Results: We predicted the vegetation density of three canopy strata with a high degree of accuracy (validation root mean square error ranged from 8.97% to 13.69%). 30 m resolution DTMs provided greater predictive accuracy than DTMs with higher spatial resolution. Variable importance depended on spatial resolutions and canopy strata layers, but among the predictor variables, geology generally produced the highest predictive importance followed by solar radiation. Topographic position index, aspect, and SAGA wetness index had moderate importance. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that geological and topographic attributes can provide useful predictions of understorey vegetation structure in a primary forest. Given the good performance of 30 m resolution, the predictive power of the models could be tested on a larger geographical area using lower density LiDAR point clouds. This study should help in assessing fuel loads, carbon stores, biomass, and biological diversity, and could be useful for foresters and ecologists contributing to the planning of sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Canopy Gaps Improve Landscape Aesthetic Service by Promoting Autumn Colour-Leaved Tree Species Diversity and Colour-Leaved Patch Properties in Subalpine Forests of Southwestern China
Authors: Li Qiaoyu , Du Yu , Liu Yuan , Chen Juan , Zhang Xiaojing , Liu Jinchun , Tao Jianping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundLandscape aesthetic service is a crucial ecosystem service in subalpine forests of the mountain and ravine regions of the Tibetan Plateau; it can provide important ecological and economic value, improving the livelihood of the local people. Canopy gap is recognized as the key mechanism in the maintenance of species diversity and forest stability and is known to further affect ecosystem service functioning. However, the mechanisms and interactions of forest stability maintained by gap formations and forest aesthetic service functioning via gap dynamics are not fully understood. We used very high-resolution images to quantify gap characteristics and examined the effects of canopy gaps on autumn colour-leaved tree species diversity, colour-leaved patch structure characteristics, and landscape aesthetic service in 21 subalpine autumn colour-leaved forest plots in southwestern China. We then used path analysis to determine the relationships between these factors.ResultsThe number of gaps and total gap area were the key gap characteristics affecting landscape aesthetic service; particularly, medium canopy gaps (51–100 m2) played a more important role. The path model showed that increasing the total gap area along with the number of medium canopy gaps had direct positive effects on autumn colour-leaved tree species diversity, colour-leaved patch diversity, and total colour-leaved patch area, thus improving the landscape aesthetic service.ConclusionCanopy gaps indirectly improve landscape aesthetic service by significantly affecting colour-leaved species diversity, colour-leaved patch diversity, and colour-leaved patch area. Our results suggest that forest managers may be able to manipulate the numbers and proportion of medium canopy gaps to protect and preserve autumn colour-leaved tree species diversity and colour-leaved landscapes, promoting the landscape aesthetic service of subalpine autumn colour-leaved forests and, in turn, ensuring the coordinated development of economic, social, and ecological benefits for the underdeveloped rural montane areas of southwestern China.
Clinical and Sociodemographic Variables as Risk Factors For Suicidal Behavior In Borderline Personality Disorder: A Restrospective Study
Authors: Alberdi-Paramo Iñigo , Montero-Hernández Germán , Sáiz-González María Dolores , Díaz-Marsá Marina , Carrasco-Perera José Luis 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:Suicidal behavior (SB) is nuclear in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It is considered a symptom clinically relevant and with an important prognostic value. The literature describes different variables related to SB in BPD such as impulsivity, aggressiveness or hopelessness. There are not hardly any studies focused on the role of sociodemographic variables and their specific relationship with SB in BPD. The objective of this work is to identify which clinical and sociodemographic parameters could act as markers of suicide risk in BPD.Methods:A cross-sectional, observational, and retrospective study was conducted of a sample of 134 patients diagnosed with BPD. The analysis of the association between variables was carried out with a multivariate negative binomial logistic regression model.Results:SB is related to the number of siblings with statistical significance. Likewise, a greater number of suicide attempts is significantly associated with female gender, parenthood, permanent work, sick leaves and the number of previous hospital admissions. Both the presence of SB and a greater number of suicide attempts are significantly related to history of trauma in childhood and to the score in Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale.Conclusions: These parameters could act as risk factors for SB in BPD. The role of these variables could be the subject of further research projects in order to identify them in clinical practice.
The neuroprotection of hyperbaric oxygen therapy against traumatic brain injury via NF-κB/MAPKs-CXCL1 signaling pathway
Authors: Xia Anqi , Huang Huan , You Wenjun , Liu Ying , Wu Hongqin , Liu Su 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
It is well known that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy achieves neuroprotective effects by suppressing or relieving neuroinflammatory responses. However, its underlying therapeutic mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. Based on our previous studies, we further investigated whether HBO therapy exerts neuroprotective effects in vivo by regulating the NF-κB/ MAPKs-CXCL1 inflammatory pathway.
Methods
A rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) was established by controlled cortical impact (CCI). The cellular distribution of CXCL1 and CXCR2 was observed by double immunofluorescence labeling. The neurological function of TBI rats was assessed by modified neurological severity scores and Morris water maze methods. TUNEL staining was performed to observe apoptosis of neuronal cells in the injured cortical area. The changes in neural function, neuronal apoptosis, and expression of CXCL1, CXCR2, NF-κB, and MAPKs (ERK and JNK) were observed in TBI rats treated with CXCR2 antagonist, ERK, JNK, and NF-κB inhibitor or HBO therapy.
Results
The expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 increased after TBI, and cell localization analysis revealed that CXCL1 was mainly expressed in astrocytes, while CXCR2 was mainly expressed in neurons. Increased apoptosis of cortical neurons in the injury area was also found after TBI. Reduced neuronal apoptosis with improved neurological function was observed after application of a CXCR2 antagonist. The expression of p-ERK, p-JNK and p-NF-κB increased after TBI, and application of ERK, JNK and NF-κB inhibitors decreased expression of CXCL1 and CXCR2 in rats. We further found that HBO therapy down-regulated the expression of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-NF-κB, CXCL1, and CXCR2, and reduced neuronal apoptosis, improved the neurological function of TBI rats, and ultimately alleviated the secondary injury.
Conclusions
CXCL1- CXCR2 mediates the interaction of activated astrocytes and neurons, exacerbating secondary injury after TBI. HBO therapy exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/ MAPKs (JNK and ERK)- CXCL1 inflammatory pathway to control neuroinflammation after TBI, which provides the theoretical and experimental basis for the clinical application of HBO therapy in the treatment of TBI.
NLRP3 ablation enhances heat tolerance in endotoxemic mice by inhibiting IL-1β-mediated neuroinflammation
Authors: Zhang Zi-Teng , Gu Xiao-Lei , Zhao Xin , Zhang Yiming , Song Yanzhou , Su Yinan , Chen Ji-Kuai , Zhu Jiang-Bo , Li Zhiwei , Li Guobao 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Patients with pre-existing illness are more vulnerable to heat stroke-induced injury, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Recent studies suggested that NLRP3 inflammasome played an important role in the pathophysiology of heat stroke. Methods: In this study, we exposed primary murine peritoneal macrophages to different temperature and time length combinations with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS: 20ng/mL). Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and pro-inflammatory cytokine were measured. We also established heat stroke mice model with preexisting endotoxemia (LPS: 1 mg/kg). Mice survival analysis curve and core temperature (TC) elevation curve were produced. In vitro, NLRP3 inflammasome activation was measured in vitro by using Real-time PCR and Western blot. In vivo, mice hypothalamus was dissected and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also explored. To further demonstrate the participation of NLRP3 inflammasome, Nlrp3 knock out mice were used. In addition, IL-1β neutralizing antibody was injected to test whether its effect on heat stroke induce injury. Results: LPS administration was found to exacerbate macrophage damage and heat stroke-induced injury in mice. LPS administration also intensively activated NLRP3 inflammasome and increased the production of IL-1β and Caspase-1 p10 in heat stroke group both in vitro and in vivo. Nlrp3 knockout protected peritoneal macrophage from LPS/heat treatment and reduced IL-1β release in primary mice macrophages in vitro. The use of Nlrp3 knock out mice further enhanced heat tolerance and alleviated heat stroke-induced death by reducing mice hypothalamus IL-1β production in given heat stroke condition. Furthermore, IL-1β neutralizing antibody injection significantly extended endotoxemic mice survival under heat stroke. Conclusions: Based on the above results, we concluded that the NLRP3 inflammasome mediates the exacerbation of heat stroke-induced injury in preexisting endotoxemia, and antagonizing NLRP3 inflammasome activity might be a potential strategy for the treatment of heat stroke in vulnerable population.
Biorefinery of Rubber Seed Kernels for Comprehensive Utilisation
Authors: Yang Miao , Zhu Wenlei , Cao Hui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Rubber seeds are a by-product of rubber production that is rich in oil and protein. Upgrading of rubber seeds to produce proteins, oils and feedstock can generate additional revenue for rubber production and reduce waste. The present study investigates the effects of different pre-treatments and extraction methods to determine the optimal methods to produce oil and protein from rubber seed kernels. Mechanical expulsion using a screw press and solvent extraction using n-hexane were employed for oil separation. The highest oil recovery efficiency of 95% was obtained using rubber seed meal that was pre-dried at 105 ℃. The sequential water-alkaline treatment was ideal for achieving high protein recovery while reducing the protein denaturation that can result from high operating temperatures and organic solvent contact. Over 90% of the total protein from rubber seed kernels could be recovered. Separating oil from kernels using hexane followed by protein extraction from the meals by enzymatic treatment provides a suitable method for comprehensive utilization of rubber seeds.
The TBAg/PHA Ratio in T-SPOT.TB Assay Has High Prospective Value in the Diagnosis of Active Tuberculosis: A Multicenter Study in China.
Authors: yidian liu , Lan Yao , Feng Wang , Ziyong Sun , Yaoju Tan , sha wei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe positive rate of pathogenic examination about tuberculosis is low. It is still difficult to achieve early diagnosis for some TB patients. The value of Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis remains controversial. The purpose of this multicenter prospective study was to verify and validate the role of TBAg/PHA ratio (TB-specific antigen to phytohaemagglutinin) of T-SPOT.TB assay in diagnosing ATB.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 2390 suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients with positive T-SPOT assay results from three tertiary hospitals. ResultsA total of 1549 ATB(active tuberculosis) patients (including 1091 confirmed and 458 probable ATB) and 724 non-tuberculosis (non-TB) patients with positive T-SPOT results were included. The results of this study showed that ESAT-6 and CFP-10 in the T-SPOT.TB assay were significantly higher in the ATB group compared with the non-TB group, while PHA was lower in the ATB group. Results of ESAT-6 , CFP-10 and PHA show a certain diagnostic performance, but moderate sensitivity and specificity. The TBAg/PHA ratio, a further calculation of ESAT-6 , CFP-10 and PHA in T-SPOT.TB assay showed improved performance in the diagnosis of active Tuberculosis. If using the threshold value of 0.2004, the specificity and sensitivity of TBAg/PHA ratio in distinguishing ATB from non-TB were 92.3% and74.4%, PPV was 95.4, PLR was 9.6.ConclusionBy recalculating the results of T-SPOT.TB Assay , the TBAg/PHA ratio shows high prospect value in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis in high prediction areas.
Psychometric Validation and Refinement of the Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ) in Adolescents and Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Suzman Evan , Williams Zachary J , Feldman Jacob I , Failla Michelle , Cascio Carissa J. , Wallace Mark , Niarchou Maria , Sutcliffe James , Wodka Erika , Woynaroski Tiffany 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Individuals on the autism spectrum are reported to display alterations in interoception, the sense of the internal state of the body. The Interoception Sensory Questionnaire (ISQ) is a 20-item self-report measure of interoception specifically intended to measure this construct in autistic people. Thus far, the ISQ has not undergone psychometric evaluation in a large sample.Methods: Using confirmatory factor analysis, we evaluated the latent structure of the ISQ in a large online sample of adults on the autism spectrum and found that the unidimensional model fit the data poorly. Using misspecification analysis to identify areas of local misfit and item response theory to investigate the appropriateness of the 7-point response scale, we removed redundant items and collapsed the response options to put forth a novel 8-item, 5-response choice ISQ.Results: The revised, 5-response choice ISQ (ISQ-8) showed much improved fit while maintaining high internal reliability. Differential item functioning (DIF) analyses indicated that the items ISQ-8 were answered in comparable ways by autistic adolescents and adults and across multiple other sociodemographic groups.Limitations: Our results were limited by the fact that we did not collect data for typically developing controls, preventing the analysis of DIF by diagnostic status. Additionally, while this study proposes a new 5-response scale for the ISQ-8, our data were not collected using this method, and thus the psychometric properties for the revised version of this instrument require further investigation.Conclusion: The ISQ-8 shows promise as a reliable and valid measure of interoception in adolescents and adults on the autism spectrum, but additional work is needed to examine its psychometrics in this population. A free online score calculator has been created to facilitate the use of ISQ-8 latent trait scores for further studies of autistic adolescents and adults (available at https://asdmeasures.shinyapps.io/ISQ_score/).
Malaria in Migrant Agricultural Workers in Dangur District, Benishangul-gumuz, Ethiopia. Entomological Assessment of Malaria Transmission Risk
Authors: Lemma Sisay Dugassa , Murphy Mathew , Chibsa Sheleme , Tadesse Yehualashet , Yohannes Gedeon , Lorenz Lena M , Solomon Hiwot , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Irish Seth R. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Ethiopia has made great strides in malaria control. However, this progress has not been uniform and one concern has been reported high rates of malaria transmission in large agricultural development areas in western Ethiopia. Improved vector control is one way this transmission might be addressed, but little is known about malaria vectors in this part of the country. Methods: To better understand the vector species involved in malaria transmission and their behavior, human landing collections were conducted in Dangur woreda, Benishangul-Gumuz, between July and December 2017. Mosquitoes were identified to species and tested for presence of Plasmodium sporozoites. Results: The predominant species collected was Anopheles arabiensis (61.3% of all Anopheles), which was also the only species identified with sporozoites (P. falciparum and P. vivax). Anopheles arabiensis was collected as early in the evening as 18:00h-19:00h, and host-seeking continued until 5:00h-6:00h. Nearly equal numbers were collected indoors and outdoors. The calculated entomological inoculation rate for An. arabiensis for the study period was 1.41 infectious bites per month. More An. arabiensis were collected inside and outside worker’s shelters than in fields where workers were working at night. Conclusions: An. arabiensis is likely to be the primary vector of malaria in the agricultural development areas studied. High rates of human biting took place inside and outdoor near workers’ residential housing. Improved and targeted vector control in this area might considerably reduce malaria transmission.
Simplified Predictive Nomogram for Postprostatectomy Patients Treated with High-dose Salvage Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy
Authors: Wang Yu-Jen , Huang Chao-Yuan , Hou Wei-Hsien , Yu Hong-Jen , Lai Ming-Kuen , Liu Shihh-Ping , Pu Yeong-Shau , Cheng Jason Chia Hsien 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background:

The role of salvage radiotherapy (RT) is established in prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) with biochemical failure (BCF). Intensity modulated RT (IMRT) is adapted for post-RP treatment. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic factors and develop a nomogram to predict biochemical control in patients treated with exclusively salvage high-dose IMRT for post-RP BCF.
Methods:

One hundred and eleven patients underwent post-RP IMRT, and 92 patients were enrolled after excluding patients with adjuvant RT or lymph node metastasis on RP. Fifty-two percent of patients had androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT). Moreover, 20% and 34% had pathological T3a and T3b disease, respectively, and 70% had positive surgical margins. The median dose of IMRT was 70 Gy to the prostatic and seminal vesicle bed. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, a nomogram model was generated to predict the probability of BCF after salvage IMRT.
Results:

The 5-year BCF-free survival (BFFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS) after salvage IMRT were 56%, 89%, and 88%, respectively. Post-RP prostate-specific antigen (PSA) nadir > 0.1 ng/ml (p = 0.004), PSA > 0.5 ng/ml at salvage IMRT (p = 0.016), and Gleason score ≥ 8 (p = 0.013) were independent unfavorable prognostic factors for BFFS on multivariate analyses. The use of ADT, T3a/T3b disease, and positive surgical margins were not associated with BFFS. The predictions from the 3-factor nomogram (post-RP PSA nadir, pre-IMRT PSA, and Gleason score) appeared to be discriminative. The concordance index was 0.713, similar to 0.739 from the 7-factor nomogram with the addition of ADT, T3a/3b, positive margins, and IMRT dose ≥ 70 Gy.
Conclusion:

Salvage IMRT for post-RP BCF achieved a satisfactory outcome. The simplified 3-factor (post-RP PSA nadir, pre-IMRT PSA, and Gleason score) nomogram predicted biochemical control and demanded further validation.
Identification of Issue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) as a Potential Biomarker for the Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer via Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Li Guona , Kang Mengmeng , Sheng Siyuan , Chen Ziyi , Li Kunshan , Wu Luyi , Huang Yan , Gu Muen , Wu Huangan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system. It is crucial to screen potential biomarkers for the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and prognosis of CRC because there are limited clinical symptoms associated with this cancer. Therefore, we attempted to identify biomarkers associated with the occurrence and progression of CRC by utilizing bioinformatic analysis and to elucidate a molecular mechanism for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. Methods: Two independent gene expression profile datasets of colonic neoplasms (GSE44076 and GSE37182) were collected from public GEO datasets, which included 182 tumor tissues and 236 normal tissues. Next, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC colonic samples and non-CRC colonic samples were obtained via GEO2R online tools. Subsequently, hub genes were selected by several analyses of DEGs, including GO pathway enrichment analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, and PPI network analysis. Finally, the correlation between the hub genes and the occurrence of CRC was tested by harnessing survival analysis and ROC curve analysis. Results: Sixty-one shared DEGs were screened, including 44 high-expression genes and 17 low-expression genes, in CRC samples. Four genes (MYC, TIMP1, MMP7, and COL1A1) were considered to be hub genes because they exhibited higher connectivity degree scores through PPI network analysis. More importantly, there was a significant correlation between increased expression of TIMP1 and reduced survival time in patients with colorectal cancer. Conclusion: By using bioinformatic analysis, this study suggested that Timp-1 may represent a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of targeted molecular therapy for CRC.