bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aspects of the reproductive biology of two pelagic sharks in the eastern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Wu Feng , Kindong Richard , Dai Xiaojie , Sarr Ousmane , Zhu Jiangfeng , Tian Siquan , Li Yunkai , Nsangue Bruno T. N. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study used data provided by the Chinese Longline Fishery Scientific Observer Programme from the tropical eastern Atlantic Ocean to estimate the reproductive parameters of the blue shark (Prionace glauca) and crocodile shark (Pseudocarcharias kamoharai). Sizes ranged from 80 to 298 cm fork length (FL) for blue sharks and from 48 to 99 cm FL for crocodile sharks. Sexual segregation was observed during different months for both sharks. The sex ratio for blue sharks was 1.38 F:1 M, and 1 F:2.79 M for crocodile sharks. The size of adult blue sharks ranged from 144 to 280 cm for males and from 174 to 298 cm for females; and that of crocodile sharks from 63 to 97 cm for males and 78–99 cm for females. The size at 50% of maturity for blue sharks was estimated at 191.7 cm FL for females and 197.5 cm FL for males, and that of crocodile sharks was assessed at 84.9 cm FL for females and 78.5 cm FL for males. Most sexually matured females were pregnant; their means were 207.2 ± 16.4 cm FL for blue sharks and 89.4 ± 4.3 cm FL for crocodile sharks. Mature sizes for both species were significantly different among months. Embryonic sizes also varied widely among months for crocodile sharks, but a slight change was recorded for those of blue sharks. The observed mean size at birth and litter size were 34.5 cm FL and 37 ± 12 for the blue sharks, and that of the crocodile sharks, 39.5 cm FL and a dominant four embryos in the uterus. Due to the observed increasing catch trend of blue sharks and the slow reproductive cycle of crocodile sharks, this study presents the need of implementing conservation measures to ensure the sustainability of both species in their habitat.
Valorization of fruit and vegetable waste for biofertilizer and biogas
Authors: Chakravarty Ipsita , Mandavgane Sachin A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe ubiquity of irrational disposal practices for fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) poses prohibitive environmental and economic liability. Anaerobic digestion of fruit and vegetable residues into biofertilizer is a potential solution to reduce environmental pollution and improve soil nutrition. High carbon and low nitrogen content is the main challenge in the bioprocessing of FVWs. In such cases, FVWs is co‐digested with another eco‐waste, the slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW). The issues of abattoir waste disposal are a serious threat to the societal health and hygiene. Interestingly, SWW is a house of mixed microorganisms which release enzymes for anaerobic digestion. In our present study, a two‐stage digestion process, that is, anaerobic digestion followed aerobic digestion using Trichoderma reesei is carried out under optimized conditions for enhanced biofertilizer formation. Each stage was completed in 15 days, total digestion time being 1 month. Biogas generated during the anaerobic process is 16 L/kg for fruit wastes (FWs) and 13.2 L/kg for vegetable wastes (VWs). Significant decrease in lignin up to 64% in case of FWs and 70% in case of VWs helped in cellulose degradation. The FVWs are finally reduced to a potential value‐added biofertilizer with 10–11 C: N ratio.Practical ApplicationsStringent wastes like fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) as well as the slaughterhouse waste were considered for bioremediation and value‐added application. A simple, rapid, unique, and easy to scale‐up technique was envisaged for conversion of FVWs into potential biofertilizer through two‐stage co‐digestion. The studies conducted will be useful for FVW management at household as well as industrial level.
Blending with shellac to improve water resistance of soybean protein isolate film
Authors: Zhang Yinglong , Li Tong , Zhang Hong , Zhang Huajiang , Chi Yujie , Zhao Xiaotong , Li Hanyu , Wen Yue 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe study aims to explore a new packaging film which is prepared with soybean protein isolate (SPI) and shellac (SHL) and research the effects of the amount of SHL on the water resistance and analyze the cause. Compared with the SPI film, the water resistance including water vapor permeability, moisture content, water absorption, contact angle, the resistance of mechanical strength and appearance to immersion water of SPI/SHL films were significantly improved. The films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope. The microstructure of films has been changed by the addition of SHL because the hydrogen bond was formed between SPI and SHL by the results of FTIR and XRD. All results showed that a dense reticular structure was formed with SPI after adding SHL, which improved the water resistance of the composite films.Practical applicationsShellac (SHL), which is recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is a natural animal secretory substance with nontoxic, moisture proof, and other properties. Soybean protein isolate (SPI) film is a kind of biodegradable packaging material, which has been studied because of excellent degradability compared with petroleum synthetic polymer. However, the film made from SPI itself is easily soluble in water, which also has the disadvantage of poor water resistance. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study the effect of SHL on the properties of SPI/SHL composite films and improve the water resistance of SPI film.
A novel treatment for skin repair using a combination of spironolactone and vitamin D3
Authors: Biyashev Dauren , Onay Ummiye V. , Dalal Prarthana , Demczuk Michael , Evans Spencer , Techner José‐Marc , Lu Kurt Q. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractInjury of the skin from exposure to toxic chemicals leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and the recruitment of immune cells. Nitrogen mustard (NM) and other alkylating agents cause severe cutaneous damage for which there are limited treatment options. Here, we show that combined treatment of vitamin D3 (VD3) and spironolactone (SP), a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, significantly improves the resolution of inflammation and accelerates wound healing after NM exposure. SP enhanced the inhibitory effect of VD3 on nuclear factor‐kB activity. Combined treatment of NM‐exposed mice with VD3 and SP synergistically inhibited the expression of iNOS in the skin and decreased the expression of matrix metallopeptidase‐9, C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2, interleukin (IL)‐1α, and IL‐1β. The combined treatment decreased the number of local proinflammatory M1 macrophages resulting in an increase in the M2/M1 ratio in the wound microenvironment. Apoptosis was also decreased in the skin after combined treatment. Together, this creates a proresolution state, resulting in more rapid wound closure. Combined VD3 and SP treatment is effective in modulating the immune response and activating anti‐inflammatory pathways in macrophages to facilitate tissue repair. Altogether, these data demonstrate that VD3 and SP may constitute an effective treatment regimen to improve wound healing after NM or other skin chemical injury.
Aberrantly expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs after botulinum toxin type A inhibiting salivary secretion
Authors: Mao Qian‐Ying , Xie Shang , Wu Li‐Ling , Xiang Ruo‐Lan , Cai Zhi‐Gang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveIn this study, we sought to determine the expression profiles of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and construct functional networks to analyze their potential roles following botulinum toxin type A (BTXA)‐mediated inhibition of salivary secretion.MethodsThe submandibular gland of rats in the BTXA and control groups was injected with BTXA and saline, respectively. Microarray analysis was used to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. Gene ontology and pathway analysis were performed to examine the biological functions. Functional networks, including lncRNA‐mRNA co‐expression and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, were constructed to reveal the interaction between the coding and non‐coding genes.ResultsMicroarray analysis revealed that 254 lncRNAs and 631 mRNAs were differentially expressed between the BTXA and control groups. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that most of the mRNAs were closely related to transmembrane transporter activity. lncRNA‐mRNA co‐expression and ceRNA networks were constructed, and several critical mRNA‐lncRNA axes and key microRNAs related to salivary secretion were identified.ConclusionsOur study identified differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs through microarray analysis and explored the interactions between the coding and non‐coding genes through bioinformatic analysis. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of BTXA‐mediated inhibition of salivary secretion.
Transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Bin‐Alee Fardeela , Arayataweegool Areeya , Buranapraditkun Supranee , Mahattanasakul Patnarin , Tangjaturonrasme Napadon , Hirankarn Nattiya , Mutirangura Apiwat , Kitkumthorn Nakarin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the gene expression profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including oral cancer (OC) and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients, and compare them with healthy controls (HC).Materials and MethodsTranscriptomic analysis of PBMCs was performed by RNA‐sequencing. The upregulated candidate genes were selected for validation by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, related plasma protein levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThree significantly upregulated genes, including high mobility group nucleosomal binding domain 2 (HMGN2), folate receptor gamma (FOLR3), and amphiregulin (AREG), were selected. In the first cohort, the results showed that only HMGN2 expression was significantly increased in OC patients. In the larger sample size, the overall results demonstrated that HMGN2 expression had a tendency to increase in both OC and OPC patients compared with HC. Interestingly, the plasma HMGN2 (HMG‐17) protein level exhibited the same trend as that observed at the transcriptional level.ConclusionHMGN2 expression and plasma HMG‐17 (HMGN2 protein) were increased in both cancer patients compared with HC. This gene may be important for further functional studies in the PBMCs of HNSCC patients.
Association of childhood asthma with postoperative pneumonia
Authors: Krishna Amogha , Mpody Christian , Tobias Joseph D. , Nafiu Olubukola O. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundBronchial asthma is the most pervasive chronic disease among children in the United States. Pneumonia, an acute pulmonary disorder, is also quite common, affecting individuals with chronic respiratory conditions. Despite the widespread recognition of bronchial asthma as a common, potentially life‐threatening disease, its impact on the risk of serious pulmonary infections such as postoperative pneumonia is under‐appreciated. We examined the association of bronchial asthma with postoperative pneumonia in a matched cohort of children who underwent inpatient surgical procedures.MethodWe assembled a propensity score‐matched retrospective cohort of children (<18 years of age) who underwent inpatient surgery between 2012 and 2015, in hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Our primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative pneumonia. We used Fine‐Gray sub‐distributional hazard regression to estimate the hazard ratio of postoperative pneumonia, while accounting for the competing risk by mortality.ResultsThe unmatched cohort comprised of 93 061 children who met the eligibility criteria, of whom 7.8% (n = 7237) had a preoperative diagnosis of bronchial asthma. The cumulative incidence of pneumonia was 4.5% (95% confidence interval: 2.8%, 8.3%) among children without bronchial asthma and 8.5% (95% confidence interval: 5.8%, 11.8%) among those with bronchial asthma. Throughout the 30‐day postoperative period, the risk of pneumonia almost doubled among children with bronchial asthma compared to their nonasthmatic peers (hazard ratio: 1.71; 95% confidence interval: 1.24, 2.35; P = .001).ConclusionChildren with bronchial asthma had a significantly greater risk of postoperative pneumonia. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and determine if perioperative interventions can mitigate this association.
Negative pressure wound treatment in a neonate with epidermolysis bullosa simplex severe generalized: A case report
Authors: Schlueer Anna‐Barbara , Schwieger‐Briel Agnes , Theiler Martin , Neuhaus Kathrin , Schiestl Clemens , Weibel Lisa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNegative pressure wound treatment (NPWT) is very useful for the treatment of chronic or deep wounds and in the setting of skin grafting. Due to the need for adhesive dressings, this treatment is rarely attempted in patients with skin fragility secondary to hereditary epidermolysis bullosa (EB). We present a neonate with EB simplex, severe generalized in a critical clinical state where NPWT was successfully applied and describe the measures taken to avoid any further skin damage. This case is of clinical importance to physicians and health care staff treating patients with this rare disease where additional therapeutic measures for the treatment of chronic wounds are scarce.
Publication productivity (H‐Index) among pediatric dermatologists in the United States
Authors: Monir Reesa L. , Satcher Kerrie G. , Motaparthi Kiran , Schoch Jennifer J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectiveThe h‐index is a measure of research achievement. Individuals with similar h‐indices should be equivalent in terms of scientific impact. However, this value is inherently biased toward fields with higher visibility and readership. To utilize the power of h‐indices in predicting future research success and as a benchmark for academic advancement, niche fields like pediatric dermatology must be examined independently.MethodsPublicly available data were examined. A list of current pediatric dermatologists were obtained from the Society for Pediatric Dermatology's member directory. The following demographic information was obtained: fellowship certification year, PhD status, prior pediatric residency training, state/region, practice setting, academic appointment, number of publications, and h‐index. Descriptive and analytic statistics were calculated.ResultsA total of 317 pediatric dermatologists were included. Practice setting distribution was as follows: 54.3% academic, 32.5% non‐academic, and 13.3% combined. H‐index differed significantly based on pediatric dermatology certification year (P < .001), increasing as time from certification increased. Those in academics had higher h‐indices than those in both non‐academic and combined practice settings (P < .001 and .007, respectively). Professors (25.0) had higher h‐indices than associate professors (11.0), who had higher h‐indices than assistant professors (4.4) (P < .001).ConclusionsH‐index increased with increasing academic rank and was highest among those working in academics. For pediatric dermatologists considering application for promotion, the h‐index for each level can serve as a useful benchmark to guide decision‐making.
Subcutaneous granuloma annulare induced by acetazolamide
Authors: Guimaraes Maria Jose , Gomes Joana , Caldas Regina , Almeida Filipa , Brito Celeste 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA 9‐year‐old boy presented with recurring subcutaneous nodules on both legs and knees temporally related each time to acetazolamide treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. A biopsy of one of the lesions revealed palisaded granulomas in the hypodermis around necrobiotic collagen and interstitial accumulation of mucin, compatible with subcutaneous granuloma annulare (SGA). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that establishes an association between SGA and acetazolamide.
Fusarium commune associated with wilt and root rot disease in rice
Authors: Husna Asmaul , Zakaria Latiffah , Mohamed Nor Nik M. I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWilt and root rot disease in plants has been caused mainly by Fusarium species. Previous studies reported that members of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) were usually associated with this disease, but there has been no report of it being caused in rice by specific Fusarium species. However, in this study, Fusarium commune was identified and characterized as a causal agent of wilt and root rot disease of rice. Four Fusarium isolates (BD005R, BD014R, BD019R, and BD020R) were obtained from different parts (root, stem, and seeds) of diseased rice plants. In morphological studies, these isolates produced key characteristics of F. commune, such as long and slender monophialides, polyphialides, and abundant chlamydospores. In molecular studies, the isolates were identified as F. commune based on sequences of the translation elongation factor 1‐α (TEF1) gene that had 99.7%–100% sequence identity with the reference strain F. commune NRRL 28058. The phylogenetic tree showed that all four isolates belonged to the F. commune clade. A mating type test determined that three isolates carried MAT1‐2. Their teleomorph stage was still unknown. Pathogenicity assays showed that all the isolates produced wilt and root rot symptoms and the isolate BD019R was observed as the most virulent among the isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. commune causing wilt and root rot disease on rice.
Oromucosal immunomodulation as clinical spectrum mitigating factor in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Rodríguez‐Argente Francisco , Alba‐Domínguez María , Ortiz‐Muñoz Elena , Ortega‐González Ángel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMounting evidence supports the importance of mucosal immunity in the immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2. Active virus replication in the upper respiratory tract for the first days of infection opens a new perspective in immunological strategies to counteract viral pathogenicity. An effective mucosal innate immune response to SARS‐CoV‐2 paves the way to an also effective adaptive immune response. A strong local immune response seems to be crucial in the initial contention of the virus by the organism and for triggering the production of the necessary neutralizing antibodies in sera and mucosal secretions. However, if the innate immune response fails to overcome the immune evasion mechanisms displayed by the virus, the infection will progress and the lack of an adaptive immune response will take the patient to an overreactive but ineffective innate immune response. To revert this scenario, an immune strategy based on enhancement of immunity in the first days of infection would be theoretically well come. But serious concerns about cytokine response syndrome prevent us to do so. Fortunately, it is possible to enhance immune system response without causing inflammation through immunomodulation. Immunomodulation of local immune response at the oropharyngeal mucosa could hypothetically activate our mucosal immunity, which could send an early an effective warning to the adaptive immune system. There are studies on immunotherapeutic management of upper respiratory tract infections in children that can place us in the right path to design an immune strategy able to mitigate COVID‐19 symptoms and reduce clinical progression.
Rethinking international subsidy rules
Authors: Hoekman Bernard , Nelson Douglas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGeo‐economic tensions, notably associated with the rise of China, and global collective action problems—climate change and the COVID‐19pandemic—call for international cooperation to revise and develop rules to guide both the use of domestic subsidies and responses by governments to cross‐border competition spillover effects. Current WTO rules dividing all subsidies into prohibited or actionable categories are no longer fit for purpose. Piecemeal efforts in preferential trade agreements and bi‐ or trilateral configurations offer a basis on which to build but are too narrow in scope. Addressing spillover effects of subsidies could start with G20 countries launching a work programme to mobilise an epistemic community concerned with subsidy policies, tasked with building a more solid evidence base on the magnitude, purpose and effects of subsidy policies. The need for such cooperation has become even more pressing by the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated increase in the use of subsidy programmes in major economies.
Fast & furious: Do psychological and legal factors affect commodity price volatility?
Authors: Algieri Bernardina 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe present study explores to what extent policy insecurity and the changes in the US legal financial infrastructure have affected commodity price volatility. In addition to macroeconomic fundamentals, the study introduces two ‘psychological’ factors proxied by the economic policy uncertainty index and the perception of price risk within specific commodity markets, plus an institutional (de)regulatory factor constructed as a dichotomous variable. The latter mirrors the period of financial deregulation experienced under the Commodity Futures Modernization Act and the period of regulation registered under the Dodd‐Frank Act. The results reveal that price volatility is a complex phenomenon generated by the joint effect of a plethora of drivers. Both economic policy uncertainty and highly deregulated financial markets exert an influence on price dynamics and produce higher price volatility. Similarly, higher market risk perception leads to higher price fluctuations. Exchange rate, financial wealth and crude oil further explain price rises and falls. The study indicates that government decisions influence commodity markets and a financial system grounded on a sound legal basis is essential for its orderly functioning. A transparent financial structure should be able to generate checks and balances for the market, spawn vibrant policies and prevent the negative consequences of intense price volatility.
Are exporters more environmentally friendly? A re‐appraisal that uses China’s micro‐data
Authors: Pei Jiansuo , Sturm Bodo , Yu Anqi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIs a firm's ability to export an important determinant of environmental performance? To answer this question, we construct a unique microdata set that merged two rich manufacturing firm‐level data sets for China for 2007. When combining this new data set with well‐received empirical specifications, we found that both export status and export intensity are associated with lower sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions intensity. In addition to the traditional OLS estimation, we verified this association by using the propensity score matching method. Our findings show that the baseline result still holds. In short, exporters are more environmentally friendly than nonexporters, which is in line with previous evidence reported for developed economies. We further discuss potential mechanisms that explain the observed pattern and show that exporters realise higher abatement efforts compared to nonexporters. This study complements the literature in terms of providing China's microevidence on SO2 abatement efforts. It also serves as a first step towards a better understanding of the impact of trade on the environment, especially in developing countries.