bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) and nitrogen (N) supply on N uptake and utilization of indica and japonica cultivars (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Jiang Qian , Zhang Jishuang , Xu Xi , Liu Gang , Zhu Jianguo 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Increasing atmospheric [CO2] can increase photosynthesis and promote plant growth, consequently influencing nitrogen (N) cycling. Yet, there is no systematic information on the N response among different organs of japonica and indica rice genotypes to elevated [CO2] as affected by N application. To investigate the impacts of elevated [CO2] and N fertilization on N uptake and utilization of different genotypic rice (Oryza sativa L.) during grain filling, a free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment with indica cv. Liangyou 084 (IIY084) and japonica cv. Wuyunjing 23 (WYJ23) was conducted in Eastern China. Crops were exposed to ambient [CO2] and elevated [CO2] (200 μmol mol−1 above ambient) at two levels of N: control (0N) and 22.5 g N m−2 (normal N, NN), and they were sampled at 82 days after transplanting (DAT), 99 DAT, and maturity, respectively.

Results
Under FACE, significant declines of N concentration in all tissues and the whole plants were observed with the greater decrease in leaves and stems at three stages. Positive responses of N use efficiency (NUE) to elevated [CO2] were recorded over the study period. The total N accumulation remained unchanged, while a large amount of N was partitioned to panicles at the expense of leaves and stems. As compared to WYJ23, greater N transportation from roots to aboveground, especially the panicles, was observed on IIY084 accompanied by higher panicle biomass (82 DAT and 99 DAT), N concentrations (maturity), and greater NUE for leaves through the study season. Across all [CO2] and cultivars, N fertilization increased N partitioning to leaves and stems while decreasing that to panicles. Additionally, N supply decreased NUE while stimulating N concentrations and N amounts of rice plants. Among all treatments, IIY084 had the highest N accumulation and allocation in panicles under elevated [CO2] in combination with N fertilizer at maturity.

Conclusion
Data from this study were helpful for understanding the temporal N uptake and utilization of different rice genotypes as affected by N availability and suggest that IIY084 promises a considerable prospect for its grain yield and quality under future elevated atmospheric [CO2].
How do state Medicaid programs determine what substance use disorder treatment medications need prior authorization? An overview for clinicians
Authors: Bachhuber Marcus A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe process by which state Medicaid programs develop their preferred drug lists, and determine which medications require prior authorization, is opaque to many clinicians. This process is a synthesis of cost and clinical information. For cost, the federal Medicaid Drug Rebate Program establishes mandatory rebates that pharmaceutical manufacturers must pay state Medicaid programs. In addition, state Medicaid programs may also negotiate supplemental rebates whereby, in exchange for a preferred position on the preferred drug list, manufacturers pay an additional rebate. These supplemental rebates are most important in therapeutic classes with multiple brand competitors (e.g., medication treatments for opioid use disorder). For clinical information, state Medicaid programs convene pharmaceutical and therapeutics committees, drug utilization review boards, or both, composed of a variety of stakeholders such as practicing clinicians. Cost factors such as federal rebate calculations and supplemental rebate negotiations may lead to counterintuitive preferred drug lists, for example, a state Medicaid program requiring prior authorization for a generic medication but not for its brand equivalent (e.g., buprenorphine/naloxone products). Because of states’ reliance on rebates, mandates to remove prior authorization may have the unintended consequence of increasing costs significantly through the loss of rebate negotiating power. In the face of high and rising medication costs, state Medicaid programs are also implementing innovative policy approaches to maintain access and control costs, such as targeted rebate negotiation and value-based pricing. Through participation in state Medicaid program clinical advisory committees, individual clinicians can have a powerful voice. Interested clinicians should consider joining to inform policy and help ensure their patients’ needs are met.
The impact of antimicrobial stewardship program implementation at four tertiary private hospitals: results of a five-years pre-post analysis
Authors: Al-Omari Awad , Al Mutair Abbas , Alhumaid Saad , Salih Samer , Alanazi Ahmed , Albarsan Hesham , Abourayan Maha , Al Subaie Maha 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs have shown to reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health-care-associated infections (HAIs), and save health-care costs associated with an inappropriate antimicrobial use. The primary objective of this study was to compare the consumption and cost of antimicrobial agents using defined daily dose (DDD) and direct cost of antibiotics before and after the AMS program implementation. Secondary objective was to determine the rate of HAIs [Clostridium difficile(C. difficile), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) before and after the AMS program implementation.MethodsThis is a pre-post quasi-experimental study. Adult inpatients were enrolled in a prospective fashion under the active AMS arm and compared with historical inpatients who were admitted to the same units before the AMS implementation. Study was conducted at four tertiary private hospitals located in two cities in Saudi Arabia. Adult inpatients were enrolled under the pre- AMS arm and post- AMS arm if they were on any of the ten selected restricted broad-spectrum antibiotics (imipenem/cilastatin, piperacillin/tazobactam, colistin, tigecycline, cefepime, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, teicoplanin and linezolid).ResultsA total of 409,403 subjects were recruited, 79,369 in the pre- AMS control and 330,034 in the post- AMS arm. Average DDDs consumption of all targeted broad-spectrum antimicrobials from January 2016 to June 2019 post- AMS launch was lower than the DDDs use of these agents pre- AMS (233 vs 320 DDDs per 1000 patient-days,p = 0.689). Antimicrobial expenditures decreased by 28.45% in the first year of the program and remained relatively stable in subsequent years, with overall cumulative cost savings estimated at S.R. 6,286,929 and negligible expenses of S.R. 505,115 (p = 0.648). Rates of healthcare associated infections involvingC. difficile, VAP, and CLABSI all decreased significantly after AMS implementation (incidence of HAIs in 2015 compared to 2019: forC. difficile, 94 vs 13,p = 0.024; for VAP, 24 vs 6,p = 0.001; for CLABSI, 17 vs 1,p = 0.000; respectively).ConclusionImplementation of AMS program at HMG healthcare facilities resulted in reduced antimicrobials use and cost, and lowered incidence of healthcare associated infections.
The effects of aqueous extract of Maca on energy metabolism and immunoregulation
Authors: Fei Wenting , Hou Yan , Yue Na , Zhou Xue , Wang Yujie , Wang Linyuan , Li Aimin , Zhang Jianjun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
In the present work, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Maca (AEM) on energy metabolism and immunoregulation in spleen-deficient mice.

Method
We established a cyclophosphamide-induced spleen-deficiency model with ginseng, a herb that strengthens splenic function, as a control. Sixty male Kunming mice were randomly divided among 5 groups: normal, model, ginseng control (1.5 g/kg), AEM high dose (1.5 g/kg), and AEM low dose (0.75 g/kg). All animals, except those in the normal group, were injected with cyclophosphamide to induce spleen deficiency. Furthermore, we investigated differences in the thermotropic behaviors of mice using the Animal Thermotropism Behavior Surveillance System to detect energy metabolism-related assays and immune regulation assays.

Results
Mice given AEM exhibited tropism in response to hot plate exposure. AEM inhibited loss of body weight and immune organ atrophy caused by cyclophosphamide, increased the cAMP/cGMP ratio in blood, and enhanced the activities of Na+–K+-ATPase, Ca2+–Mg2+-ATPase, lactate dehydrogenase, and hepatic glycogen. AEM significantly reversed declining white blood cells and platelet counts, and increased the hemoglobin content within peripheral blood cells. AEM improved the protein levels of IFN-γ, TNF-β, IL-2, and IL-4 in the spleen.

Conclusions
Maca possesses the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) property of warm and appears to strengthen spleen function.
A critical assessment of marine predator isoscapes within the southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Carpenter-Kling Tegan , Pistorius Pierre , Reisinger Ryan , Cherel Yves , Connan Maëlle 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Precise and accurate retrospective geolocation of marine predators via their tissues’ isotopic composition relies on quality reference maps of relevant isotopic gradients (“isoscapes”). Additionally, a good working knowledge of any discrimination factors that may offset a marine predator’s isotopic composition from baseline isotopic values, as well as tissue specific retention rates, are imperative. We provide a critical assessment of inter-specific differences among marine predator-level isoscapes within the Indian Sector of the Southern Ocean.

Methods
We combined fine-scale GPS tracking data and concurrent blood plasma δ13C and δ15N values of eight seabird species (three albatross, two giant petrel and three penguin species) breeding at Marion Island to produce species- and guild-specific isoscapes.

Results
Overall, our study revealed latitudinal spatial gradients in both δ13C and δ15N for far-ranging seabirds (albatrosses and giant petrels) as well as inshore-offshore gradients for near-ranging seabirds (penguins). However, at the species level, latitudinal spatial gradients were not reflected in the δ13C and δ15N isoscapes of two and three, respectively, of the five far-ranging species studied. It is therefore important when possible to estimate and apply species-specific isoscapes or have a good understanding of any factors and pathways affecting marine predators’ isotopic composition when estimating the foraging distribution of marine predators via their tissues’ stable isotope compositions.

Conclusions
Using a multi-species approach, we provide evidence of large and regional scale systematic spatial variability of δ13C and δ15N at the base of the marine food web that propagates through trophic levels and is reflected in the isotopic composition of top predators’ tissues.
A guide for studying among-individual behavioral variation from movement data in the wild
Authors: Hertel Anne G. , Niemelä Petri T. , Dingemanse Niels J. , Mueller Thomas 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAnimal tracking and biologging devices record large amounts of data on individual movement behaviors in natural environments. In these data, movement ecologists often view unexplained variation around the mean as “noise” when studying patterns at the population level. In the field of behavioral ecology, however, focus has shifted from population means to the biological underpinnings of variation around means. Specifically, behavioral ecologists use repeated measures of individual behavior to partition behavioral variability into intrinsic among-individual variation and reversible behavioral plasticity and to quantify: a) individual variation in behavioral types (i.e. different average behavioral expression), b) individual variation in behavioral plasticity (i.e. different responsiveness of individuals to environmental gradients), c) individual variation in behavioral predictability (i.e. different residual within-individual variability of behavior around the mean), and d) correlations among these components and correlations in suites of behaviors, called ‘behavioral syndromes’. We here suggest that partitioning behavioral variability in animal movements will further the integration of movement ecology with other fields of behavioral ecology. We provide a literature review illustrating that individual differences in movement behaviors are insightful for wildlife and conservation studies and give recommendations regarding the data required for addressing such questions. In the accompanying R tutorial we provide a guide to the statistical approaches quantifying the different aspects of among-individual variation. We use movement data from 35 African elephants and show that elephants differ in a) their average behavior for three common movement behaviors, b) the rate at which they adjusted movement over a temporal gradient, and c) their behavioral predictability (ranging from more to less predictable individuals). Finally, two of the three movement behaviors were correlated into a behavioral syndrome (d), with farther moving individuals having shorter mean residence times. Though not explicitly tested here, individual differences in movement and predictability can affect an individual’s risk to be hunted or poached and could therefore open new avenues for conservation biologists to assess population viability. We hope that this review, tutorial, and worked example will encourage movement ecologists to examine the biology of individual variation in animal movements hidden behind the population mean.
A novel AFG3L2 mutation close to AAA domain leads to aberrant OMA1 and OPA1 processing in a family with optic atrophy
Authors: Baderna Valentina , Schultz Joshua , Kearns Lisa S. , Fahey Michael , Thompson Bryony A. , Ruddle Jonathan B. , Huq Aamira , Maltecca Francesca 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAutosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA) is a neuro-ophthalmic condition characterized by bilateral degeneration of the optic nerves. Although heterozygous mutations in OPA1 represent the most common genetic cause of ADOA, a significant number of cases remain undiagnosed.Here, we describe a family with a strong ADOA history with most family members spanning three generation having childhood onset of visual symptoms. The proband, in addition to optic atrophy, had neurological symptoms consistent with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Clinical exome analysis detected a novel mutation in the AFG3L2 gene (NM_006796.2:c.1010G > A; p.G337E), which segregated with optic atrophy in family members. AFG3L2 is a metalloprotease of the AAA subfamily which exerts quality control in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Interestingly, the identified mutation localizes close to the AAA domain of AFG3L2, while those localized in the proteolytic domain cause dominant spinocerebellar ataxia type 28 (SCA28) or recessive spastic ataxia with epilepsy (SPAX5). Functional studies in patient fibroblasts demonstrate that the p.G337E AFG3L2 mutation strongly destabilizes the long isoforms of OPA1 via OMA hyper-activation and leads to mitochondrial fragmentation, thus explaining the family phenotype. This study widens the clinical spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases caused by AFG3L2 mutations, which shall be considered as genetic cause of ADOA.
Living donor liver transplantation for congenital absence of portal vein in portal venous reconstruction with a great saphenous vein graft
Authors: Li Peilin , Hidaka Masaaki , Hamada Takashi , Ikeda Satoshi , Ono Shinichiro , Maruya Yasuhiro , Kugiyama Tota , Hara Takanobu , Yoshimoto Tomoko , Adachi Tomohiko , Tanaka Takayuki , Miyoshi Takayuki , Murakami Shunsuke , Huang Yu , Kanetaka Kengo , Eguchi Susumu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Congenital absence of portal vein (CAPV) is a rare structural anomaly in which the portal vein (PV) blood that normally flow into the liver directly drains into the systemic venous system through other collateral circulation. Congenital portal vein shunts (CPSs) is classified into types I and II according to the absence or presence of the intrahepatic portal vein, respectively. The CPS type I is also known as CAPV. The liver transplantation may be the only treatment option for CAPV. The key point of liver transplantation for CAPV is the reconstruction of the PV.

Case presentation
A 29-year-old man was diagnosed with CAPV with splenomegaly and gastroesophageal varix when being treated for pancytopenia and liver dysfunction. A living donor liver transplantation was performed for him using the right lobe which had been donated by his mother. The PV was reconstructed using his own great saphenous vein (GSV) as a graft vein. The end of the GSV graft was anastomosed to the inferior mesenteric vein while the other end was anastomosed to the vein graft of the right hepatic vein from the explanted liver.

Conclusion
Using the patient’s own GSV for PV reconstruction during living donor transplantation in the patient with CAPV seems to be an effective method.
4-Hexylresorcinol induced angiogenesis potential in human endothelial cells
Authors: Kim Min-Keun , Kim Seong-Gon , Lee Suk Keun 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
4-Hexylresorcinol (4HR) is able to increase angiogenesis. However, its molecular mechanism in the human endothelial cells has not been clarified.

Methods
As endothelial cells are important in angiogenesis, we treated the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with 4HR and investigated protein expressional changes by immunoprecipitation high-performance liquid chromatography (IP-HPLC) using 96 antisera.

Results
Here, we found that 4HR upregulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/SMAD/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, RAF-B/ERK and p38 signaling, and M2 macrophage polarization pathways. 4HR also increased expression of caspases and subsequent cellular apoptosis. Mechanistically, 4HR increased TGF-β1 production and subsequent activation of SMADs/VEGFs, RAF-B/ERK and p38 signaling, and M2 macrophage polarization.

Conclusion
Collectively, 4HR activates TGF-β/SMAD/VEGF signaling in endothelial cells and induced vascular regeneration and remodeling for wound healing.
Correlation between operating parameters and removal efficiency for chemically enhanced primary treatment system of wastewater
Authors: Al Bazedi Ghada A. , Abdel-Fatah Mona A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
“Chemically enhanced primary treatment” (CEPT) is an approach to wastewater treatment. It can be utilized as a specially designed step in “biological” secondary treatment processes. The aim of this study is to create an empirical model of separation efficiency for wastewater chemically enhanced primary treatment.

Methods
The empirical model is undertaken using the simulation of the data obtained from pilot plant experimental studies using different types of coagulant (FeCl3, alum, lime, and Magna-floc155).
The empirical modeling techniques used multivariate regression model. Different values of BOD5, COD, TSS, as well as separation efficiencies for COD and TSS were investigated in accordance to achieve final effluent results that would meet the Egyptian standards limit.

Results
Multiple regression analysis showed that removal efficiencies of COD and TSS can be predicted to be (R2 = 0.973 and 0.978, respectively).

Conclusion
The present work provides an approach for using chemically enhanced primary treatment of wastewater. The obtained results showed that the empirical model can predict removal efficiencies with R2 = 0.973, and 0.978 for COD and TSS. The advantage of this model is that it would allow better process control and treatment efficiency. The results show that chemically enhanced primary treatment method can be used as an efficient method in conventional municipal wastewater treatment plants to reduce the organic load of biological treatment and enhance nutrients removal.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of the prefrontal cortex for fibromyalgia syndrome: a randomised controlled trial with 6-months follow up
Authors: Tanwar Suman , Mattoo Bhawna , Kumar Uma , Bhatia Renu 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), is a chronic pain disorder with poorly understood pathophysiology. In recent years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been recommended for pain relief in various chronic pain disorders. The objective of the present research was to study the effect of low frequency rTMS over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on pain status in FMS.

Methods
Ninety diagnosed cases of FMS were randomized into Sham-rTMS and Real-rTMS groups. Real rTMS (1 Hz/1200 pulses/8 trains/90% resting motor threshold) was delivered over the right DLPFC for 5 consecutive days/week for 4 weeks. Pain was assessed by subjective and objective methods along with oxidative stress markers. Patients were followed up for 6 months (post-rTMS;15 days, 3 months and 6 months).

Results
In Real-rTMS group, average pain ratings and associated symptoms showed significant improvement post rTMS. The beneficial effects of rTMS lasted up to 6 months in the follow-up phase. In Sham-rTMS group, no significant change in pain ratings was observed.

Conclusion
Right DLPFC rTMS can significantly reduce pain and associated symptoms of FMS probably through targeting spinal pain circuits and top-down pain modulation .
Trial registration: Ref No: CTRI/2013/12/004228.
Statistical Assessment of Depth Normalization for Small RNA Sequencing
Authors: Qin Li-Xuan , Zou Jian , Shi Jiejun , Lee Ann , Mihailovic Aleksandra , Farazi Thalia A. , Tuschl Thomas , Singer Samuel 
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE Methods for depth normalization have been assessed primarily with simulated data or cell-line–mixture data. There is a pressing need for benchmark data enabling a more realistic and objective assessment, especially in the context of small RNA sequencing. METHODS We collected a unique pair of microRNA sequencing data sets for the same set of tumor samples; one data set was collected with and the other without uniform handling and balanced design. The former provided a benchmark for evaluating evidence of differential expression and the latter served as a test bed for normalization. Next, we developed a data perturbation algorithm to simulate additional data set pairs. Last, we assembled a set of computational tools to visualize and quantify the assessment. RESULTS We validated the quality of the benchmark data and showed the need for normalization of the test data. For illustration, we applied the data and tools to assess the performance of 9 existing normalization methods. Among them, trimmed mean of M-values was a better scaling method, whereas the median and the upper quartiles were consistently the worst performers; one variation of remove unwanted variation had the best chance of capturing true positives but at the cost of increased false positives. In general, these methods were, at best, moderately helpful when the level of differential expression was extensive and asymmetric. CONCLUSION Our study (1) provides the much-needed benchmark data and computational tools for assessing depth normalization, (2) shows the dependence of normalization performance on the underlying pattern of differential expression, and (3) calls for continued research efforts to develop more effective normalization methods.