bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ergosterol and polyphenols: Potential biochemical indicators of silage safety
Authors: Alba-Mejía Jhonny Edison , Dohnal Vlastimil , Klíma Miroslav , Středa Tomáš , Domínguez-Rodríguez Gloria , Skládanka Jiří 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Silage, one of the most important feed sources for cattle, is vulnerable to contamination by spoilage moulds and mycotoxin production because ensilage forage crops are excellent substrates for fungal growth. Whereas there are many factors involved in mycotoxins contamination such as biological factors, harvesting, storage, and processing conditions, the climate is the most important factor. Silage additives can improve the safety of silage and inhibit moulds and other detrimental silage microorganisms; however, their efficacy varies with the type and level of toxigenic fungi contamination. Several studies provided evidence showing that the presence of various mycotoxins was correlated with the presence of ergosterol in cereals and feedstuffs. Therefore, ergosterol ( ERG ) has been suggested as a potential indicator of fungal contamination with polyphenols concentration analysis allowing accurate prediction on silage safety. The main goal of this study was to use the ERG and polyphenols content as potential biochemical indicators to predict the silage safety in ensiled grasses. The study was carried out using ten orchardgrass varieties (untreated and treated with biological and chemical additives). The determination of the samples was performed on high-performance liquid chromatography using UV detection (ERG) and spectrophotometer UV/VIS (polyphenols). Results: Interestingly, in the silage ‘Bepro’ was the unique variety that no presented content of ERG (0.0 mg kg -1 dry matter) in comparison with other varieties in the first cut in 2012. The biological additives reduced the content of ERG in both cuts in 2012 compared with untreated silage. In contrast, the chemical additives in silage grass had a negative effect ( P < 0.05) by increasing the ERG and polyphenols content in comparison with untreated silage. Conclusions: These results of this study provide indisputable evidence that silage contaminated with fungi increase the concentration of polyphenols, which prove a progressive deterioration of silage quality. In consequence, ERG and polyphenols seem to be relevant as a rapid method for screening silage safety.
Investigation and Analysis of International Demands for Development of Acupuncture-moxibustion Technical Specifications and General Rules for Drafting
Authors: Huo Jin , Chen Zhong-Jie , Gao Qi , Wang Xiao-Yu , Zhang Yi , Hu Jing , Wu Xiao-Dong , WANG Jingjing 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate and analysis of international demands of Chinese and international experts for the development of A cupuncture-moxibustion t echnical s pecifications and G eneral r ules for d rafting.Methods The target of the study was selected from experts in the field of acupuncture-moxibustion standardization and from some acupuncture-moxibustion experts. Questionnaire was developed through Questionnaire Star (wjx.cn). 187 links of target-oriented online questionnaires were sent via E-mail. 102 valid questionnaires returned. Excel was adopted to establish database and analyze the statistics.Results 98.04% of the experts hold that it is necessary to develop the international standard, the Technical Specification of Acupuncture-moxibustion: General Rules for Drafting . A survey on the scope of the existing standards shows that demands of experts inside and outside Chinese mainland are slightly different. Standards of the Chinese mainland highlight commonality. While countries/regions outside the Chinese mainland emphasize on individuality. All experts (inside and outside the Chinese mainland) reach the consensus that importance shall be attached to the common issues concerning acupuncture-moxibustion application process. However, wide discrepancy is found in 3 aspects in terms of ‘relevant terminology’, ‘pre-operative preparation’ and ‘adverse reactions and contraindications’.Conclusions There is a great international demand for developing the international standard of the Technical Specification of Acupuncture-moxibustion: General Rules for Drafting . Ensuring the accuracy of the common problems during the development process, demands of different countries/regions shall be fully considered. Effort shall be given in balance between refining the common problems and meeting the special demands, so as to enhance the international compatibility and applicability.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Unilateral Laminotomy and Bilateral Decompression under 3D Real-Time Image-Guided Navigation for Spinal Stenosis in Degenerative Lumbar Kyphoscoliosis Patient: An Innovative Preliminary Study
Authors: Ho Tsung-Yu , Lin Chung-Wei , Chang Chien-Chun , Chen Hsien-Te , Chen Yen-Jen , Lo Yuan-Shun , Hsiao Pan-Hsuan , Chen Po-Chen , Lin Chih-Sheng , Tsou Hsi-Kai 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to report a new method of percutaneous endoscopic decompression under 3D real-time image-guided navigation for spinal stenosis in degenerative kyphoscoliosis patients without instability or those who could not endure major surgery due to multiple comorbidities. Decompression along using endoscope for kyphoscoliosis patient is technical demanding and may result in unnecessary bone destruction leading to further instability. With 3D real-time image-guided navigation, we could improve the accuracy of surgery and maintain the spinal stability as preoperative condition. This is the first study which reports on treating spinal stenosis in patients with degenerative kyphoscoliosis using percutaneous endoscope under 3D real-time image-guided navigation. MethodsIn this study, we presented four cases. All patients were over 70 years old with variable degrees of kyphoscoliosis and multiple comorbidity who could not endure major spine fusion surgery. Percutaneous endoscopic unilateral laminotomy and bilateral decompression under 3D real-time image-guided navigation were successfully performed. Intraoperative photos demonstrating this technique are also provided Results All patients were successfully treated with percutaneous endoscopic laminotomy with under 3D real-time image-guided navigation. Post-operative X ray and MRI were arranged and revealed sufficient decompression without any unnecessary bone destruction. All preoperative neurological symptoms improved postoperatively. There is no surgery-related complication such as inadequate decompression, dural tear, iatrogenic neurological injury, uncontrolled epidural hemorrhage, unnecessary bone destruction with further instability. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first preliminary study of percutaneous endoscopic laminotomy under O-arm navigation with successful outcomes. The innovative technique serves as a promising solution in treating spinal stenosis patients with lumbar kyphoscoliosis and multiple comorbidities.
Inverse association of transferrin saturation with mortality risk in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li Xin , Danielson Kristin , Forsal Innas , Iseri Ken , Dai Lu , Heimbürger Olof , Bárány Peter , Yu Chen , Qureshi Abdu Rashid , Stenvinkel Peter , Lindholm Bengt 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Transferrin saturation (TSAT) is an indicator of iron deficiency or overload, but its relationship with mortality in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear. We investigated the association of TSAT with mortality in CKD patients. Methods: In 479 CKD patients (97 CKD3-4 patients, 298 CKD5 non-dialysis patients and 84 peritoneal dialysis patients; median age 58 years, 67% males, 33% cardiovascular disease, CVD, and 29% diabetes), biomarkers of iron status (plasma iron, TSAT, transferrin and ferritin), systemic inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein, hsCRP, and interleukin-6, IL-6) and nutritional status were assessed. During median follow-up of 35.6 months, 139 (29%) patients died, and 176 (37%) patients underwent renal transplantation. Patients were stratified into Low (n=157) and Middle and high (n=322) TSAT tertile groups. All-cause and CVD mortality risk were analyzed by competing risk regression with renal transplantation as competing risk. Results: TSAT (median 23%; interquartile range, 17-30%) was negatively associated with presence of diabetes and CVD, body mass index, hsCRP, IL-6, erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) dose, erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) and iron supplementation, and positively associated with hemoglobin, ferritin and s-albumin. In competing risk analysis, low tertile of TSAT was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality risk (sHR=1.74, 95%CI 1.30-2.54) and CVD mortality risk (sHR=1.80, 95%CI 1.02-3.16) after fully adjusting for 1-standard deviation (SD) of age, sex, CKD stages, 1-SD of hemoglobin, 1-SD of ferritin, 1-SD of hsCRP, 1-SD of ESA dose and iron supplementation. Conclusions: Lower TSAT indicating iron deficiency was independently associated with increased mortality risk in CKD patients, underlining that iron status should be considered when evaluating clinical outcomes of CKD patients.
Circulating exosome-derived miR-191-5p is a novel therapeutic biomarker for radiotherapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: WANG HUAN , Kano Masayuki , Matsumoto Yasunori , Toyozumi Takeshi , Endo Satoshi , Suito Hiroshi , Kamata Toshiki , Okada Koichiro , Shiraishi Tadashi , Liu HongXu , Ryuzaki Takahiro , Hirasawa Soichiro , Yokoyama Masaya , Kinoshita Kazuya , Iida Keiko , Murakami Kentaro , Sakata Haruhito , Matsubara Hisahiro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles and are detectable in most body fluids. Circulating exosomal microRNAs are an easily obtained, and they could be minimally invasive biomarker for cancer treatment. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most aggressive carcinomas. Radiotherapy is one of the most important treatment option for ESCC, and it would thus be extremely crucial to predict therapeutic sensitivity and the patient prognosis in advance. Methods: A search for miRNAs with a therapeutic biomarker in ESCC was performed using the miRNA expression signatures obtained from ESCC plasma before radiotherapy. miR-191-5p was selected because it was found to be associated with the prognosis in ESCC based on the findings of previous reports. As a result, we decided to perform more studies to elucidate the significance of miR-191-5p. Gain-of-function analyses were performed to evaluate the functional significance of miR-191-5p in ESCC progression. The effects of miR-191-5p on ESCC radiosensitivity were determined by cell proliferation, a clonogenic survival assay and an apoptosis assay. A gene set enrichment analysis was used to investigate the downstream signaling pathway related to the miR-191-5p functions. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was used to directly compare the usefulness of these biomarkers for determining the patient prognosis between the miR-191-5p high expression patients and low expression patients. Results: A subset of seven microRNAs (miR-628, miR-363, miR-191-5p, miR-185, miR-148a, miR-320d, miR-30e) was identified to be candidates of therapeutic biomarker for ESCC patients underwent radiotherapy in a global microRNA expression analysis. A high miR-191-5p expression promoted ESCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration and induced G0/G1 to S/G2M transition. miRNA-191-5p overexpression promoted cell survival and reduced cell apoptosis after irradiation. Mechanistically, miR-191-5p may directly target death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) to induce radiation resistance via the MAPK-JNK pathway. The 5-year progression-free survival rate for ESCC patients who underwent radiotherapy with high circulating exosomal miR-191-5p expression was significantly lower than in those with a low expression. Conclusion: Tumor-derived exosomal miR-191-5p is a potential non-invasive biomarker for predicting the prognosis in esophageal cancer patients after radiotherapy.
Effect of Milling Time, Doping Concentration and Temperature on the Structural, Microstructural and Optical Properties of Cu Doped ZnO Nanoceramics
Authors: Das Bikram Keshari , Das Tanushree , Parashar Kajal , Parashar SKS , Kumar Rajeev , V. Anupama A. , Sahoo Balaram 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
In this work, high energy ball milling (HEBM) technique has been employed to successfully synthesize a series of Cu-doped ZnO nanoceramics (Zn 1-x Cu x O) with Cu concentration x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04. The synthesized nanoceramic was analysed by XRD, FESEM, TEM, Uv-Vis-DRS. The structural, microstructural and optical properties of the synthesized sample with different duration of milling, doping concentration and temperature has been investigated. X-ray diffraction result indicates that the samples are wurtzite structure with single phase. A decrease in peak intensity was observed with increase in milling time. 10h milled Cu doped ZnO sample shows single phase. After calcination at 900 ºC in x = 0.04 few peaks related to CuO was observed indicating the solubility limit of Cu in ZnO is 3 atomic%. With increase in milling time crystallite decreases where as strain increases however after calcination crystallite increases where as strain decreases. After calcination peak intensity increases. The specific surface area of ZnO increases after Cu doping but decreases after calcination. Bond length decreases after calcination but lattice distortion increases. FESEM micrograph shows particle growth after calcination. The average particle size decreases with increase in Cu concentration(30 nm to 20 nm) whereas increases after calcination and sintering (488 nm-2706 nm).The band gap decreases with increasing in milling time also with increase in Cu concentration and after calcination. Cu doping in ZnO shows red shift indicating Cu doped ZnO samples are suitable for optoelectronic device applications.
Extracellular vesicles from deciduous pulp stem cells recover bone loss by regulating telomerase activity in an osteoporosis mouse model
Authors: Sonoda Soichiro , Murata Sara , Nishida Kento , Kato Hiroki , Uehara Norihisa , Kyumoto Yukari N. , Yamaza Haruyoshi , Takahashi Ichiro , Kukita Toshio , Yamaza Takayoshi 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Systemic transplantation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) induces bone regeneration in animal models of osteoporosis; however, the mechanisms underlying this remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that trophic factors within SHED-releasing extracellular vesicles (SHED-EVs) rescue osteoporotic phenotype.Methods: EVs were isolated from culture supernatant of SHED. SHED-EVs were treated with or without ribonuclease and systemically administrated into ovariectomized mice, followed by the measurement of bone regenerative function of recipient bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) including Tert expression. Subsequently, human BMMSCs were stimulated by SHED-EVs with or without ribonuclease treatment, and then human BMMSCs were examined osteogenic function in vitro and telomerase activity. Furthermore, SHED-EVs treated human BMMSCs were subcutaneously transplanted into dorsal skin of immunocompromised mice with hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) careers and analyzed the de novo bone forming ability.Results: We revealed that systemic SHED-EV-infusion recovered bone volume in ovariectomized mice and improved osteogenic function of recipient BMMSCs by rescuing the mRNA levels of Tert and telomerase activity. Ribonuclease treatment depleted RNAs, including microRNAs, within SHED-EVs and these RNA-depleted SHED-EVs attenuated SHED-EV-triggered bone regeneration and telomerase-mediated osteogenesis in the ovariectomized mice. These findings were supported by in vitro osteogenic assays using human BMMSCs incubated with SHED-EVs.Conclusion: Collectively, our findings suggest that SHED-secreted trophic factors, specifically microRNAs, play a crucial role in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis by targeting the telomerase activity of recipient BMMSCs.
Substrate competition contributes to the niche differentiation between ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea in ammonium-rich alkaline soils
Authors: Yin Chang , Fan Xiaoping , Chen Hao , Ye Mujun , Yan Guochao , Li Tingqiang , Peng Hongyun , E Shengzhe , Che Zongxian , Wakelin Steven A. , Liang Yongchao 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background The niche differentiation between ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) has been believed to primarily stem from their disparities in substrate affinity and tolerance threshold for ammonia, such that the latter group dominates in ammonium-rich neutral-alkaline soils. However, recent surveys indicate that direct competition between them might be of importance in driving this phenomenon. As such, diverse AOA lineages might grow in ammonium-rich alkaline arable soils if AOB growth was suppressed. To test this hypothesis, a microcosm study using three alkaline arable soils differing substantially in biogeochemical properties was established in which high ammonium concentration (200 μg N g -1 dry soil) was maintained by routinely replenishing urea, and activities of AOB were selectively inhibited by 1-octyne or 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP). The dynamics of AOA and AOB population were monitored throughout the incubation. Results Our results suggested that amendment with either 1-octyne or DMPP retarded the growth of AOB to varying extents, but AOA proliferation accelerated in both treatments; this fitted well with the magnitude to which AOB growth was inhibited. Unexpectedly, nearly identical AOA OTUs were enriched by high-ammonium amendment across the soils tested, and they were taxonomically related to Nitrososphaera sp. JG1, N. viennensis EN76, and N. garnensis . These phylotypes have been previously demonstrated to be sensitive to high ammonia concentrations adopted here. Besides, the changed OTUs in the same lineage of AOA showed a similar response pattern to a given treatment across soils. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that some AOA phylotypes occupy a wider niche than previously believed, and it is the competitiveness for ammonia rather than disparities in substrate affinity and tolerance threshold for ammonia that drives niche differentiation between these AOA and AOB in ammonium-rich alkaline soils. These results further expand our understanding of microbial nitrogen cycling in the terrestrial environment.
The influence of nitric oxide synthases inhibitor Т1023 on the development of radiation pneumofibrosis in rats
Authors: Saburova A. S. , Filimonova M. V. , Yuzhakov V. V. , Shevchenko L. I. , Yakovleva N. D. , Bandurko L. N. , Koretskaya A. E. , Fomina N. K. , Saburov V. O. , Filimonov A. S. 
Published: April 2020

The purpose of the work was to study the ability of the NOS inhibitor T1023 to prevent late radiation injuries. Methods: the effects of T1023 (75 mg / kg, once i.p. 30 minutes before the irradiation) on the development of post-radiation pulmonitis and pneumofibrosis in rats with thoracic exposure to g-radiation at a dose of 12.5 Gy were studied histopathologically and morphometrically. The results of the studies showed that there wasn’t a significant objective effect of T1023 on the development of early radiation-induced lung injuries (9 weeks after irradiation). But it prevented late radiation induced lung injuaries (26 weeks after irradiation) – there were a significant lesser pathomorphological manifestations of post-radiation pulmonitis, proliferation of connective tissue and the development of fibrotic changes in the lung parenchyma. At this stage, the action of T1023 clearly contributed to the preservation of the normal histostructure of the lungs, reducing by 40% the content of compaction zones in the parenchyma. The ability of the NOS inhibitor T1023 to significantly limit the development of lungs late radiation reaction confirms the promise of further development of this compound as a means for prevention radiation therapy complications.
Reproducing different types of changes in hydrological indicators with rainfall-runoff models
Authors: Massmann Carolina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHydrological indicators support analyses about the impact of climate and anthropogenic changes on riverine ecosystems. As these studies often rely on hydrological models for estimating the future value of the indicators, it is important to investigate how well, and under which conditions, we can replicate changes in the indicators. This study looks at these questions by investigating the performance that can be achieved depending on the objective function for calibrating the model, the direction of the change in the indicator, the magnitude of this change and the properties of the catchments. The results indicate that, in general, indicators describing the magnitude of discharge (monthly and annual) can be adequately estimated with hydrological models, but that there are difficulties when estimating the characteristics of flow pulses, flow reversals and timing variables. For some of these indicators, it is not even possible to correctly estimate the direction of large changes. The analysis showed further that these problems cannot be resolved by adjusting the calibrated parameters, but that the model structure is unsuitable for modelling these indicators.
Assessment of actions to tackle the shortages of water in La Paz, Bolivia
Authors: Rivero Norah Patricia Panozo , Morais Danielle Costa , Pereira Leydiana de Sousa 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Water scarcity is a persistent problem in diverse regions of the world. This study focuses on the extreme scarcity of water affecting La Paz, a municipality in the west of Bolivia. The intense drought of the last few decades and the inadequate management of water utilities have impacted several factors. Within this context, this study identified that establishing efficient water resource management is essential to guarantee social welfare. The researchers analyzed the scarcity of water in La Paz by using the Strategic Choice Approach, which is a problem structuring method based on a strategic process that takes different types of uncertainty into account. The results of this study revealed decision actions and uncertainties in two categories: the present and the future. The outputs enabled a strategic plan to be drawn up that tackles the scarcity of water responsibly and equitably. Innovation and investment in ways to reuse water are fundamental to developing a responsible solution.