bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of soil microbial and enzyme activity in the rhizosphere zone under different land use/cover of a semi-arid ecosystem, India
Authors: Meena Archana , Rao K.S. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Land use/cover changes and management practices are widely known to influence SOM quality and quantity. The present study investigated the effect of different land uses i.e. forests viz. mixed forest cover (MFC), Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC dominated forest cover (PFC), and cultivated viz. agriculture field (AF), vegetable filed (VF), respectively, on soil parameter, microbial activity, and enzymes involved in soil nutrient cycle in a semi-arid ecosystem.Results The results showed a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in soil carbon (SC), soil nitrogen (SN) content (~ 30–80%) and consequently the soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (~ 70–80%), soil basal respiration (SBR), soil substrate induced-respiration (SSIR), and soil enzyme activities (β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, and dehydrogenase) under cultivated sites in comparison to forest analogs due to land use management practices. Pearson’s correlation showed a positive correlation of SC with SMBC, SBR, and SSIR (P < 0.01) and enzymatic activities i.e. β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase (P < 0.05) suggesting the critical role of SC in regulating microbial and enzymatic activity. Also, a positive correlation of SM with urease (P < 0.01) was observed indicating the importance of soil abiotic factors in controlling enzymatic activities. Additionally, based on the PCA analysis, we observed the clustering of SMBC/SC ratio and qCO2 nearby AF.Conclusion Our study suggested that degraded sites are more sensitive to the land management practices and land use changes and needed immediate attention in future studies related to SC dynamics in semi-arid ecosystems.
Biomass equations for 24 understory species in a temperate forest in Northeastern China
Authors: Wang Libin , Zhang Zhonghui , He Huaijiang , Luo Ye 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Understory plants are important components of forest ecosystem productivity and diversity. Compared to biomass models of overstory canopy trees, few are available for understory saplings and shrubs and therefore their contributions to forest carbon pools are often ignored.Methods: We harvested 24 understory species including 4 saplings, 9 tree-like shrubs and 11 typical shrubs in coniferous and broadleaved mixed forest in north-eastern China. We developed the species-specific or multispecies best fit allometric equations of total, above- and below-ground biomass using morphological measurements of basal diameter, height and crown area as independent variables.Results: Single basal diameter, height or crown area had good explanatory power for both species-specific and multispecies equations (p<0.001). The best-fit models included only basal diameter in sapling and tree-like shrubs, and combinations of crown area, height, and basal diameter in typical shrubs. The logarithmic model was most desired among the 4 model forms of linear, quadratic, multiple linear and logarithmic, for species-specific and multispecies equations.Conclusion: The models we developed should help the estimation of forest ecosystem carbon stocks, especially for the belowground component, and provide tools for quantification of individual species biomass of understory plants.
Use of health care services by people with substance use disorders in Belgium: a register-based cohort study
Authors: Baelen Luk Van , Plettinckx Els , Antoine Jérôme , De Ridder Karin , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Gremeaux Lies 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background To describe the frequencies of health-care utilization by people with substance use disorder (SUD), more specifically contacts with the general practitioner (GP), the psychiatrist, the emergency departments (ED) and hospital admissions and to compare this frequency to the general population.Methods Data from the national register of people who were in treatment for SUD between 2011–2014 was linked to health care data from the Belgian health insurance (N = 30,905). Four comparators were matched on age, sex and place of residence to each subject in treatment for SUD (N = 123,620). Cases were further divided in five mutually exclusive categories based on the main SUD (opiates, crack/cocaine, stimulants, cannabis and alcohol). We calculated the average number of contacts with GP, psychiatrists and ED, and hospital admissions per person over a ten year period (2008–2017), computed descriptive statistics for each of the SUD and used negative binomial regression models to compare cases and comparators.Results Over the ten-year period, people in treatment for SUD overall had on average 60 GP contacts, 3.9 psychiatrist contacts, 7.8 visits to the ED, and 16 hospital admissions. Rate ratios, comparing cases and corresponding comparators, showed that people in treatment for SUD had on average 1.9 more contacts with a GP (95% CI 1.9-2.0), 7.4 more contacts with a psychiatrist (95% CI 7.0-7.7), 4.2 more ED visits (95% CI 4.2–4.3), and 6.4 more hospital admissions (95% CI 6.3–6.5).Conclusion The use of health services for people with SUD is between almost two (GP) and seven times (psychiatrist) higher than for comparators. People in treatment for alcohol use disorders have a higher burden of disease than people in treatment for other SUD. The use of health services remained stable in the five years before and after the moment people with SUD entered into treatment for SUD.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Ischemic Heart Disease Mortality and Related Risk Factors in China Between 2010 and 2015: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Wang Baohua , Li Peiyao , Wang Lijun , He Fengdie , Sha Yuting , Wan Xia 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives: To explore the relationship between geographical differences of mortality and related risk factors in ischemic heart disease(IHD) in China.Methods: Data were collected from the national death cause surveillance system of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, surveillance of chronic diseases and risk factors in China in 2013, as well as the 2010 national census. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the mortality of IHD in Chinese population from 2010 to 2015. Multilevel negative binomial regression model was established. MLwiN2.30 software was used for multilevel analysis.Results: The crude mortality rate of IHD was 108.74/100,000 in 2015. The standardized mortality rate for IHD increased by 5.51% from 2010 to 2015. Multilevel analysis indicated significant differences in gender, urban/rural and different regions for IHD mortality for people aged over 40 years. The high urbanization rate was negatively associated with IHD mortality (risk ratio[RR]=0.728, 95% ; confidence interval[CI]=( 0.631, 0.840)). Mortality of IHD was significantly higher in population without medical insurance (RR= 1.218, 95%CI: 1.007, 1.473). The average levels of body mass index(BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were positively correlated with IHD mortality, while the average level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) was negatively correlated.The relationship between the current smoking rate, excessive intake of red meat and vegetables and fruits intake rate and IHD mortality did not reach statistical significance. The negative correlation between the average sedentary time and the mortality of IHD is not conclusive due to the possible deviation of the data. Conclusions: The mortality of IHD showed an upward trend for people aged over 40 years in China during 2010-2015. SBP and overweight / obesity are risk factors of IHD. HDL is a protective factor. Higher urbanization rate and medical insurance ratio are beneficial to reduce the mortality of IHD.
Effective microRNAs in Ischemia/Reperfusion Before and After Bypass Graft Surgery in Coronary Artery Patients
Authors: Kandilli Erman , Yılmaz Şenay Görücü , Yardımcı Murat , Benlier Necla , Nacak Muradiye 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Significant advances have been made in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of CVD. New biomarkers and therapeutic targets are needed to reduce the incidence of this disease. Recently, there is growing evidence that circulating microRNAs can be used as diagnostic biomarkers in this disease. Methods We compared five microRNA (hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-mi181a-5p, hsa-miR-199a-5p, hsa-miR-199b-5p and hsa-miR-320a) expression levels associated with ischemia/reperfusion before and after bypass graft surgery in serum samples of patients (N=46) with coronary artery disease and healthy control subjects (N=48). Expression measurements were made for each miRNA preoperatively and postoperatively at 1. and 24. hours, and then compared with the control subjects. Troponin I, creatine phosphate kinase and creatine kinase myocardial band cardiac markers were measured before and 1 and 24 hours postoperatively and compared to miRNA expressions and controls. Quantitative real-time PCR was used for expression analysis. The data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test, chi-squared test, Logistic Regression analysis, and Kruskal-Wallis test with the statistical package SPSS. Results The five miRNAs were down-regulated compared to controls. The expression level for miR-199a at 24 h postoperatively was significantly lower than at 1 h (p=0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve of miR-199a-5p was 0.810 (sensitivity 87% and specificity 68.5%) in preoperative patients. Conclusions: miR-199a and miR-199b in serum are a novel non-invasive biomarker candidate for coronary artery disease.
Temporal Dynamics in Clinical and Laboratory Manifestations During COVID-19 Progression
Authors: Ye Lin-Lin , Peng Wen-Bei , Wei Xiao-Shan , Wang Xu , Wang Zi-Hao , Xiang Xuan , Wang Xiao-Rong , Yang Wei-Bing , He Xin-Liang , Xiang Fei , Su Yuan , Zhou Qiong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
BAckground

Severe COVID-19 patients account for most of the mortality of this disease. Early detection of severe cases of the disease remains a major challenge. Here, we performed clinical and laboratory profiling of COVID-19 to explore the early warning indicators of severe cases.
Methods

An analysis of the evolution during the hospitalization of clinical and laboratory findings from 78 confirmed COVID-19 patients and the associated risk factors.
Results

Of the 78 patients who were classified as un-severe at admission, 60 patients(stable group) were stable as mild cases until discharge, and the remaining 18 patients progressed to severe cases(exacerbated group) during hospitalization. Compared with stable patients, exacerbated patients exhibited older, higher BMI values and higher proportion of smokers. In the exacerbated patients, the median time from onset to deterioration was 7.5 days. Before the time point(days 0–7 from onset), we observed higher-levels of White blood cells(WBC), neutrophil, Neutrophi-Lymphocyte-Ratio(NLR), Lactose-dehydrogenase(LDH), D-dimer, and lower-levels of albumin in the exacerbated group, compared with the stable group. In the second week after the time point, the exacerbated patients displayed lower numbers of lymphocytes, CD3+, and CD8+T-cells, and higher-levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate(ESR), Alanine-aminotransferase(ALT),Aspartate-aminotransferase(AST), and Interleukin-6. In the third week, the highest temperature and the proportion of febrile patients declined. All of the laboratory indicators gradually improved.
Conclusions

Advanced age and smoking history could be risk factors for COVID-19 progression. In the early stage, high-levels of WBC and neutrophils, with noticeably increased LDH and D-dimer, could be early indicators of the disease’s conversion from mild to severe, followed by elevated inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, and decreased T-lymphocytes in the next week.
Transcriptome Regulation of Carotenoids in Five Flesh-Colored Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
Authors: Yuan Pingli , Umer Muhammad Jawad , He Nan , Zhao Shengjie , Lu Xuqiang , Zhu Hongju , Gong Chengsheng , Diao Weinan , Gebremeskel Haileslassie , Kuang Hanhui , wenge liu 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Fruit flesh color in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a great index for evaluation of the appearance quality and a key contributor influencing consumers preferences, but the molecular mechanisms of this intricate trait remain largely unknown. Here, the carotenoids and transcriptome dynamics during fruit development in watermelon cultivars with 5 different flesh colors were analyzed.Results: A total of 13 carotenoids and 16,781 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) including 1,295 transcription factors (TFs) were detected during the development of five watermelon genotypes. A number of structural genes and transcription factors were found to be involved in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway using comparative transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis and predicted hub genes in 6 main modules determining carotenoids contents. Cla018406 (a Chaperone protein dnaJ-like protein) maybe a candidate gene for β-carotene and highly expressed in orange flesh colored fruit. Cla007686 (a zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein) was highly expressed in the red color watermelon, maybe a key regulator for lycopene accumulation. Cla003760 (merbrane protein) and Cla007686 (photosystenI reaction center subunit II) are predicted to be hub genes and play an important role in yellow flesh color formation.Conclusions: These results provide an important resource for dissecting the molecular basis and candidate genes governing flesh color formation in watermelon fruit.
Generation of New Salt-Tolerant Wheat Lines and Transcriptomic Exploration of the Responsive Genes to Ethylene and Salt Stress
Authors: Ma Qian , Zhou Huajian , Sui Xinying , Su Chunxue , Yu Yanchong , Yang Hongbing , Dong Chun-Hai 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple crop in the world, but is only moderately salt tolerant. However, salt stress affects one-fifth of irrigated agricultural land in the world, it is of great importance to cultivate salt-tolerant varieties to improve the global wheat production. Results: In this study, over 90,000 wheat seeds of cultivar ‘Luyuan502’ were mutated by EMS, and 2000 salt-tolerant lines were harvested from salinized field. By analysis of ethylene sensitivity, salt related physiological factors, and preliminary crop yield, 12 salt-tolerant wheat lines with high production were selected among the crop plants. Transcriptome analysis indicated that a large number of the transcripts levels were significantly altered, mainly based on antenna proteins involved in photosynthesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, cyanoamino acid metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis, thiamine metabolism, and cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis pathways including CABs, PERs/PODs, BGLUs, CYP707s, and ZEPs. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expressions of salt-related genes in the wheat lines were mostly higher than the wild type, and salt stress can significantly increase the expression levels of the ethylene-related genes in the wheat lines. Based on transcriptomic data, nine novel wheat ERFs were identified and analyzed, and it is suggested that they may play important roles in mediation of ethylene response and salt tolerance.Conclusion: Salt-tolerant wheat mutant lines with ethylene insensitivity were obtained from screen of a wheat EMS-mutagenized pool. Transcriptome data showed that the mutant plants exhibit significant alterations in the antenna proteins involved in various biological processes. Expression analysis suggests that ERFs may mediate ethylene response and salt tolerance of the wheat lines.
Diffusion tensor imaging findings diagnosis for patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liu He , Gao Dan , Sun Yuanbo , Tang Fengqiong , Hu Mingcheng , Li Hongyi 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to systemic inflammatory responses and other cardiovascular disease. Diffusion tensor imaging findings generated by gadolinium-based MRI (DTI-GBMRI) is regarded as a standard method for assessing the pathology of CKD. To evaluate the diagnostic value of DTI-MRI for renal histopathology and renal efficiency, renal fibrosis and damage, noninvasive quantification of renal blood flow (RBF) were investigated in patients with CKD.Methods CKD patients (n = 186) were recruited and underwent diagnosis of renal DTI-GBMRI or DTI-MRI to identify the pathological characteristics and depict renal efficiency. The cortical RBFs and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared in CKD patients undergone DTI-GBMRI (n=92) or DTI-MRI (n=94). Results Results showed that gadolinium enhanced the diagnosis generated by DTI-MRI in renal fibrosis, renal damage and eGFR. The superiority in sensitivity and accuracy of DTI-GBMRI method in assessing renal function and evaluating renal impairment was observed in CKD patients compared with DTI-MRI. Outcomes demonstrated that DTI-GBMRI had higher accuracy, sensitivity and specificity than DTI-MRI in diagnosing patients with CKD. Conclusions In conclusion, these outcomes indicate that DTI-GBMRI is a potential noninvasive method for measuring renal function, which can provide valuable information for clinical CKD diagnosis (Trial registration number: ChiCTR-IPR-16010073, 02/12/2016, registered status).
Examining Changes to Food and Beverage Availability and Marketing in a Low-Income Community after the Opening of a New Supermarket: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Singleton Chelsea Renee , Li Yu , Zenk Shannon N. , Powell Lisa M. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: In 2016, a large chain supermarket opened in the Englewood community of Chicago, IL – a low-income African American community. The development of this supermarket was supported, in part, by the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) – a federal initiative to expand access to healthy foods in food deserts. The aim of this study was to examine changes to food and beverage availability and marketing in Englewood’s existing food stores after the supermarket’s opening. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from 2016 – 2018. Trained fieldworkers audited all small grocery and limited-service stores (e.g., convenience stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, dollar/discount stores) located within one-square mile of the new supermarket and a one-square mile area of a demographically comparable community in Chicago that also lacked a supermarket. All stores in the one-square mile area were audited at three time points: before (2016) and after (2017 and 2018) the supermarket opened. Extensive data on availability and marketing were collected for staple food items, snacks, and beverages. Difference-in-differences (DID) regression models were used to identify significant differences between the intervention and comparison communities in the changes in food and beverage availability and marketing. Results: Of the 78 stores audited at baseline, 71.8% were limited-service stores, and 85.9% accepted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The availability of healthy food and beverage options in existing food stores was limited at baseline and both follow-up periods. Stores in the intervention community offered, on average, < 3 fresh vegetable options and < 2 fresh fruit options at all three time periods. DID regression models revealed a significant increase in 1) the percentage of stores in the intervention community offering regular cheese and promoting salty snacks at check-out from 2016 – 2017 and 2) the percentage of stores in the comparison community with interior store promotions for other sweetened beverages from 2016 – 2018. Conclusions: Minimal changes in food and beverage availability and marketing occurred one and two years after the opening of the new supermarket. However, the wide range of staple food items offered by the supermarket expanded healthy food retail in Chicago’s Englewood community.
The Role of Local Business Employees and Community Members in The HIV Risk Environment of Female Sex Workers in An Urban Setting: Associations Between Negative Interactions and Inconsistent Condom Use
Authors: Sherman Susan G , Tomko Catherine , Silberzahn Bradley E , White Rebecca Hamilton , Nestadt Danielle Friedman , Clouse Emily , Haney Katherine , Galai Noya 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background: The role of business employees and community members in the HIV risk environment of female sex workers (FSW) is underexplored, despite sex work often located in commercial and residential urban areas. We explored the effect of negative interactions between business employees and community members inconsistent condom use with clients.Methods: This study uses baseline data from the EMERALD study, a structural intervention with FSW. We recruited a sample of 361 FSW in Baltimore, Maryland using targeted sampling techniques in ten zones throughout the city. Participants were recruited between September 2017 and January 2019 and completed a survey, HIV rapid testing, and self-administered gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. The outcome, inconsistent condom use, was defined as not reporting “always” using condoms with paying clients. Poisson regressions with robust variance were used to model the effect of business employee and/or community member interactions on inconsistent condom use.Results: Over half (54%) the sample was between 18–40 years old, 44% Black or another race, and experienced a range of structural vulnerabilities such as housing instability and food insecurity. Forty-four percent of the sample reported inconsistent condom use with clients. FSW reported being reported to the police weekly or daily for selling drugs (14% by employees, 17% by community), for selling sex (19% by employees, 21% by community), and experiencing weekly or daily verbal or physical threats (18% by employees, 24% by community). In multivariable models, being reported to the police for selling sex weekly or daily by community members (vs. never, aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.86) and business owners (vs. never, aOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.76) increased odds of inconsistent condom use, as did monthly verbal or physical threats by community members (vs. never, aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.91).Conclusions: Results show that both actors play important roles in FSWs’ HIV risk environment. Businesses and community members are important targets for holistic HIV prevention interventions among FSW in communities where they coexist in close proximity.