bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-production of contaminated landscapes: anthropogenic loading and food web structure drive mercury bioaccumulation in abandoned gold mines
Authors: Leiva Jimena Diaz , Ruhi Albert , Potts Matthew 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining is a significant and growing livelihood across the global South, which all too often leaves a legacy of contaminated landscapes. Given the increasing reliance of economies on metals and minerals, it is critical to understand what controls contamination outcomes in this rapidly developing extractive practice. Here, we demonstrate that the emerging concept of co-production offers a novel way to elucidate the joint contributions of natural and societal factors in shaping contaminant exposure from artisanal and small-scale mining. Specifically, understanding the co-production of contaminated landscapes requires attention to both the political economy of mining, including how labor and extraction methods differ across mines, as well as the sources and pathways of mercury exposure. In Madre de Dios, Peru, we measured mercury levels in wildlife inhabiting abandoned gold mining sites worked with different extraction technologies. We found that the type of technology used, whether heavy machinery or suction-pump based, influenced mercury loading into mines, and together with differences in food-web structure, mediated mercury biomagnification rates. Mercury concentration increased 2.1 to 3.7-fold per trophic level, and bioaccumulation levels were high in both mined and unmined sites—indicating elevated background levels in the region. We also found evidence of lateral transfer of mercury from abandoned mining pits to terrestrial food webs. This observation indicates that the footprint of mercury contamination extends well beyond individual mines, affecting the larger landscape. Our findings underscore the necessity of understanding the entangled ways in which social and ecological factors contribute to the production of toxic landscapes.
Efficacy of intravenous infusions of UC-derived MSCs for the treatment of COVID-19: A structured summary of a phase II double blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Mehmood Azra , Tarar Moazzam Nazeer , Nawaz Zafar , Riazuddin S. Amer , Khan Aisha , Riazuddin Sheikh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this clinical research project, we will conduct a highly rigorous clinical trial where we randomize the patients between umbilical cord (UC)-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and standard of care (SOC). This study will ask the question whether the allogenic MSCs are effective in reducing death and/or progression of COVID-19 disease when administered to patients with moderate to severe symptoms. MSCs are unique group of cells with minimal immune reactivity and produce multiple beneficial effects, which include reduction of severe inflammatory reaction. There is convincing evidence from human studies that intravenous (IV) delivery of MSCs can directly impact the hyper-inflammatory responses of COVID-19 induced injury of the heart and lungs. Our study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of allogenic UC-derived MSCs administered intravenously to COVID-19 patients with moderate to severe symptom in a randomized, controlled clinical trial. In addition, we will determine whether : (i) UC-derived MSCs are effective in reducing 30-day all-cause mortality (primary endpoint) and (ii) UC-derived MSCs are effective in preventing progression to mechanical ventilation, and/or reducing an inflammatory response, and/or improving overall patient condition (secondary endpoints).
Disturbance of Circadian Rhythms Extensively Affects Blood Biochemical Parameters and Serum miRNA&nbsp;Profiles
Authors: Huang Guo-Bin , Ma Huan , Gan Xi-Hui , Li Si-Lin , Ma Xiao-Hong , Chen Si-Yu , Yang Hui-Ying , Zhang Liang , Tian Zhi-Qiang , Wang Xin , Liao Zhen , Zhou Tuo-Yang , Shao Yong-Cong , Yang Ye-Bing , Jiang Hong-Mei , Guo Jin-Hu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Circadian clock plays a critical role in synchronizing the inner molecular, metabolic and physiological processes to the environmental cues with a period of 24 h. Misalignment in the circadian rhythms leads to decreased adaptation and performance and increased risk of associated disorders. The non-24-h schedules and shift schedules are commonly used in maritime operations, both of which could result in disturbance of circadian rhythms.Methods: In this study, we recruited volunteers and conducted two experiments: in one experiment 15 subjects followed an 8-h on and 4-h off schedule (non-24-h schedule), and in the second experiment 12 subjects followed a 3-d rotary schedule with consecutive shift in sleep time (phase-changing schedule). The serum/blood biochemical variables were measured and the serum miRNAs of the volunteers in the second experiment were subjected to transcriptomic miRNA sequencing.Results: The results show both of the schedules caused comprehensive changes in the blood/serum biochemical variables. Notably, significant elevation in serum phosphate was observed in both experiments: 1.210 ± 0.141 in control and 1.330 ± 0.117 in recovery (P = 0.014) in the first experiment and 1.193 ± 0.152 in control and 1.343 ± 0.099 in recovery (P = 0.007) in the second experiment. In addition, a subset of serum miRNAs targeting genes involved in circadian rhythms, sleep homeostasis, phosphate metabolism and multiple critical physiological processes or pathways were identified in the second experiments.Conclusions: This study reveals that non-24-h and shift schedules lead to changes in a large spectrum of blood/serum biochemical variables due to circadian misalignment. Schedules with frequent shift may cause remarkable changes in serum miRNAs which are involved in multiple physiological pathways. These findings would help understand the deleterious effects of shift schedules and develop optimized strategy to enhance welfare and performance of the shift workers.
Study on the derived based catalysts from Theobroma cacao pod husks for the conversion of beef tallow blend with waste used vegetable oil for fatty acid ethyl ester synthesis: burnt, submerged fermented, calcination, hybrid design, catalyst refining and reusability
Authors: F Adepoju T , Mayen Ibeh A , O Babatunde E , C Eloboka 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Billions of dollars paid by industries on catalysts used as feedstocks to obtain their end products are increasing at a geometrical rate, the report revealed that the global marketplace price of catalysts stood at USD 26.1 billion in 2019, and is anticipated to increase by 4% in 2020, and 4.5% progress rate in 2025. To salvage the world from extravagance spending, there is an urgent need for biomass wastes consideration and utilization. In this paper, three novel CaO-based catalysts derived from Theobroma cacao pod husks were tested based on efficacy for the production of biodiesel (fatty acid ethyl ester: FAEE) from the blend of beef tallow-waste use oil in the ratio of 5:95 (BTO5),10:90 (BTO10),15:85 (BTO15), 20:80 (BTO20),….., 95:5 (BTO95), respectively. Process optimization of the transesterification reaction was carried out using a hybrid design to determine the effects of catalyst on the FAEE yield. The efficiencies of the catalyst were tested via the refining and reusability test. Results revealed the oil blend ratio of BTO60: WUO40 sufficiently produced low viscous oil that was easily converted to biodiesel. Catalysts' characterization revealed the three catalysts produced high CaO-based of 68.20, 81.46, and 87.65 (wt.%), which accounted for the high yield of FAEEs.Mathematical optimization showed that the catalyst amount (F-value between 14159.69-3063.24 with P-value between 0.0053-0.0115), played the most significant role in oil conversion to biodiesel among the constraint factors considered (reaction time, catalyst amount, reaction temperature, and EtOH/OMR).Based on Box-Cox transformation, the values of the lambda obtained indicated a normal data results with an inverse function of Y2 and Y3 and normal function of Y3 for polynomial model accuracy. Optimum validated FAEEs yields of 92.81, 93.02, and 99.64 (%wt.), respectively, with high R2. The qualities of the FAEEs were within the standard specification and the produced catalysts can serve as feedstocks for industrial application.
Weight Encode Reconstruction Network for Computed Tomography in a Semi-Case-Wise and Learning-Based Way
Authors: Pan Hujie , Li Xuesong , Xu Min 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Classic algebraic reconstruction technology (ART) for computed tomography requires pre-determined weights of the voxels for the projected pixel values to build the equations. However, such weights cannot be accurately obtained due to the high physical complexity and computation resources required. In this study, we propose a semi-case-wise learning-based method named Weight Encode Reconstruction Network (WERNet) to co-learn the target voxel values and intrinsic physics of the case in a self-supervised manner without labeling the target voxel set. With the help of gradient normalization, the WERNet reconstructed voxel set with a high accuracy and showed a higher capability of denoising compared to the classic ART methods. Moreover, the encoder of the network is transferable from a voxel set with complex structures to unseen cases without the deduction of the accuracy. Our method can be applied in tomography-related applications and similar inversion problems even with unclear intrinsic physics.
Delivery of High-Priority Recommended Clinical Preventive Services: Result from a Population-Based Nationwide Study
Authors: Agrawal Siddarth , Gołębiowska Justyna , Mazur Grzegorz 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Systematic reviews of scientific evidence have identified clinical services that prevent or ameliorate illness and reduce mortality. Most prior studies have considered the provision of a single domain of preventive services such as vaccination or cardiac care and failed to evaluate a systemic approach to preventative care. The study aimed to assess the level of delivery of all high-priority evidence-based preventive services in a publicly funded healthcare setting. MethodsWe conducted a population-based nationwide cross-sectional computer-assisted telephone survey of 1000 Polish adults. Self-reported use of all high-priority clinical preventive services was assessed, including mammography, colonoscopy, blood glucose screening, vaccination, blood pressure screening, and preventive counselling. ResultsOnly 6.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.88, 7.92) of adults had received all recommended preventive screening, whereas only 4.3% (95% CI: 3.04, 5.56) had received appropriate counselling. GP visits, blood pressure screening, blood glucose screening, and cervical smear were among the most commonly provisioned interventions, at more than 60%, while flu vaccination, PSA assessment, and preventive counselling were among the least frequently delivered services. Despite the low uptake of preventive interventions, nearly three-quarters of the respondents expect the public health system to provide access to these services, and over 75% is interested in remote access to preventive services using telemedicine platforms and e-consultations.ConclusionOur findings suggest that there are significant gaps in the receipt of high-priority preventive interventions. Services that are most commonly not being delivered, such as preventive counselling, need to be emphasized to achieve greater coverage of the population. Further improvements require not only changes in the incentive system for healthcare providers, but also system-level innovation such as telemedicine solutions to deliver preventive services remotely and engage individuals in the monitoring process. The effective preventive strategy will attain the multiple objectives of improving the quality of life, extending the human lifespan, and making the best use of scarce resources.
Dynamic variation and prognostic value of weight loss during radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A large-scale cohort study
Authors: Jin Ya-Nan , Xia Tian-Liang , Mai Dong-Mei , Yao Ji-Jin , Jiang Chang , Peng Kun-Wei , You Ya-Fei , Wang Lei , He Wen-Zhuo , Xia Liang-Ping 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: We investigated the dynamic variation and prognostic value of weight loss among nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. Methods: 1149 newly diagnosed NPC patients receiving radical radiotherapy (RT) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ weights were measured at initiation of RT and every week during RT. Recursive partitioning analyses (RPAs) were utilized to determine cut-off value for rate of weight loss (RWL). To assess predictive value of RWL survival analysis was performed. Disease-free survival (DFS) was our primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS).Results: RWLs were 0%, 0%, -1.54%, -2.86%, -4.11%, -5.98%, -6.56% at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th week of RT, respectively. RWL optimal threshold with respect to DFS was 5.3% based on RPAs. Thus, a consistent threshold of -5% (>-5% versus ≤-5%) was selected to classify NPC patients into low RWL and high RWL groups for survival analysis. Compared to high RWL (≤-5%), patients with low RWL (>-5%) had significantly better ten-year DFS (78.6% versus 61.2%; P< 0.001), OS (86.6% versus 70.1%; P< 0.001), and DMFS (88.5% versus 80.2%; P = 0.007). However, no difference was observed between LRRFS groups (91.7% versus 94.3%; P= 0.173). In multivariate analysis, RWL ≤-5% was an independent risk factor for DFS (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.19-2.03; P= 0.001), OS (HR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11-2.15; P= 0.011) and DMFS (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.03-2.10; P= 0.033) in patients with NPC. Additionally, chemotherapy and old age were attributed to the development of high RWL.Conclusions: Weight loss during RT was significantly associated with decreased survival among NPC patients. Clinicians should continuously inform patients on the health impact of minimizing weight loss under 5%.
Comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and associated ceRNA networks in Patau syndrome
Authors: Chen Jieping , Zhou Jun , Hu Zhiyang , He Huiyan , Sui Weiguo , Lin Hua , Chen Jiejing , Tang Donge , Dai Yong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objective: LncRNAs are a class of competing for endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) with no coding ability and have miRNA binding sites that competitively bind to miRNAs and inhibit miRNA-mediated regulation of target genes. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have recognized the biological functions of lncRNAs.Methods: Illumina RNA-Seq technology was used to analyze the cord blood with Patau syndrome (PS) fetal and the peripheral blood of pregnant women to obtain differential expression profiles of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. Further, Combined with bioinformatics analysis of the biological functions of differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs). Results: The results showed that 467 DElncRNAs, 8512 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), and 18 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were found to be co-expressed in cord blood and peripheral blood. The hsa-miR-15a-5p is located on chromosome 13. We constructed the ceRNA network with hsa-miR-15a-5p, lncRNAs as the bait, and mRNAs as the targe. Conclusion: We consider that the DElncRNAs may indirectly regulate the target gene CLASRP or KARS by binding hsa-miR-15a-5p to participate in the occurrence of PS.
Production and Evaluation of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 Immunogenicity as a Recombinant Fc Fusion Multi-Stage Vaccine Candidate Against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
Authors: Karbalaei Mohsen , Mosavat Arman , Soleimanpour Saman , Farsiani Hadi , Ghazvini Kiarash , Amini Abbas Ali , Sankian Mojtaba , Rezaee Seyed Abdolrahim 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
AimsTuberculosis (TB) is one of the life-threatening infectious diseases, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). In the present study, a multi-stage M.tb immunodominant Fcγ1 fusion protein (Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1) was produced and its immunogenicity as an hFcγRI targeted delivery systems for selective antigen presentation was evaluated in a mouse model. Methods and ResultsThe novel Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 recombinant fusion protein was designed and expressed in the Pichia pastoris (P. pastoris). After affinity chromatography purification, the purity of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 was confirmed by ELISA, SDS-PAGE, and Western blotting methods. The immunogenicity of the construct was evaluated by assessing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in a mouse model. Co-localization results of Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 with hFcγRI (CD64) confirmed its function for binding with its receptor and inducing Th1 selective responses. There was a significant difference in the expression of both IFN-γ, (P≤0.02) and TGF-β, (P=0.05).ConclusionsThe co-localization assay confirmed functionally the binding of the Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 to CD64 (FcγRI). Furthermore, in vitro assay showed that Ag85B:HspX:hFcγ1 can stimulate a modulated immune response in favor of anti-intracellular microbes, as IFN-γ increased, and also TGF-β as an immune-modulatory cytokine prevented the induction of hypersensitivity reactions.Significance and Impact of StudyThe combination of Ag85B as the most immunodominant M.tb Ag with HspX, as an Ag and adjuvant, could open a new venue for more studies for the design of multi-stage subunit vaccines for TB. Of note, an Fcγ1 fusion protein can be considered as a functional approved selective delivery vehicle for targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and inducing cross-presentation.
A Multi-Center Retrospective Study of Clinical features, Laboratory Characteristics, and Outcomes of 325&nbsp;&nbsp;Hospitalized Children with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19); A Preliminary Report from Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD)
Authors: Sedighi Iraj , Fahimzad Alireza , Pak Neda , Khalili Mitra , Shokrollahi Mohammad Reza , Heydari Hosein , Movahedi Zahra , Dashti Anahita Sanaei , Cheraghali Fatemeh , Shamsizadeh Ahmad , Mirkarimi Mohammadreza , Alisamir Mohsen , Hashemian Houman , Soltani Jafar , Hosseininasab Ali , Hamedi Abdolkarim , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh , Sayyahfar Shirin , Kahbazi Manijeh , Abedini Aliakbar , Akhondzadeh Afsaneh , Sherkatolabbasieh Hamid Reza , Razlansari Ali Akbar , Alibeik Mina , Malayeri Soheil Omid , Shalchi Zohreh , Shahabinezhad Ali , Asl Parinaz Khalkhali , Monfared Fatemeh Nafe , Maleki Shiva , Kakavand Rezvan , Farahmand Mohammad , Shahbaz Babak , Tavakoli Ahmad , Rezayat Sara Akhavan , Karimi Mohammad Reza , Jafarpour Ali , Soltani Saber , Ghaziasadi Azam , Dowran Razieh , Azimi Shohreh , Marvi Shima Sadeghipour , Abazari Foad , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: The objectives of this study were to analyze the clinical features and laboratory profiles and risk factors associated with critical illness of children with SARS-CoV-2.Methods: 325 COVID-19 pediatric patients were recruited through a collaborative research network between March and May 2020. Demographics, clinical, laboratory, and radiological results were obtained from patient files. Results: Of 325 patients, 189 (58%) and 136 (42%) were males and females, respectively. The mean age was 6.18 ± 4.99. 195 (60%) and 130 (40%), had moderate and severe conditions, respectively. 45 (13.9%) of patients died. The common symptoms were fever (72.6%), cough (59%) and shortness of breath (36%). 254 (78%) and 145 (44.6%( had gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, respectively. Shortness of breath, rhinorrhea, nausea/vomiting, decrease in platelet counts; increase values in C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and blood urea nitrogen, decrease in the blood PH and HCo3 were significantly associated with the disease severity. 58.2% and 65.4% of patients showed abnormal radiographic appearance in Chest X-ray and in chest CT scan, respectively, which were correlated with disease severity. 104 (32%) of patients referred to ICU. The coexistence of comorbidity was the main factor associated with ICU admission, shock, arrhythmia, acute kidney injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute cardiac injury, and death. Conclusions: We describe a higher than previously recognized rate of COVID-19 mortality in Iranian pediatric patients. Epidemiological factors, such as relatively high case fatality rate in the country and the presence of underlying diseases are the main factors for the high death rate.
Application of COOK&nbsp;ok Cervical Ripening Balloon Combined With Artificial Rupture of Membranes and Oxytocin in Labor Induction for Full-term Pregnancy
Authors: Dong Ying , Li Chuyu , Zhao Xin , Zhang Lin , Jia Xiaojun , Fu Zhongxing , Du Yan , Wang Ling 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background The use of COOK balloon in the process of induction of labor is gradually promoted. This study was conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of COOK double balloon dilation for pre-induction cervical maturation and induction of labor. Methods A total of 343 pregnant women with full-term pregnancy in Shanghai Putuo Maternity & Infant Health Hospital from January 1st to September 30th of 2016 were enrolled. Of all the pregnant women, 166 had labor induction, which included the use of a COOK balloon, the implementation of artificial rupture of membranes (AROM) and oxytocin intravenous (IV) drip (COOK group). The other 177 pregnant women with spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) and mature cervix only administrated with oxytocin IV drip to promote regular uterus contraction (oxytocin group). Maternal adverse reactions, mode of delivery and delivery outcomes of two groups were subsequently compared between the two groups. Results There were significant differences of maternal age (28.29 ± 3.34 vs. 29.25 ± 3.62 years, P = 0.02), gestational age (283.49 ± 4.53 vs. 274.71 ± 7.04 years, P < 0.001) and birth weight (3435.27 ± 340.29 vs. 3354.63 ± 387.96 g, P = 0.02) between the COOK group and the oxytocin group. There were no significant differences in terms of gravidity, parity, mode of delivery, analgesia, 1 min and 5 min Apgar score, labor time, postpartum hemorrhage, and adverse events. Conclusion Use of a COOK balloon may help full-term pregnancy women with immature cervix obtain the same pregnancy results as those with mature cervix, without extra occurrence of adverse events.Trial registration This is an observational study and no registration is required.