bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning and geostatistical approaches for estimating aboveground biomass in Chinese subtropical forests
Authors: su huiyi , Shen Wenjuan , Wang Jingrui , Ali Arshad , Li Mingshi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Aboveground biomass (AGB) is a fundamental indicator of forest ecosystem productivity and health and hence plays an essential role in evaluating forest carbon reserves and supporting the development of targeted forest management plans.
Methods
Here, we proposed a random forest/co-kriging framework that integrates the strengths of machine learning and geostatistical approaches to improve the mapping accuracies of AGB in northern Guangdong of China. We used Landsat time-series observations, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) data, and National Forest Inventory (NFI) plot measurements, and produced three maps (1992, 2002, and 2010) showing the spatiotemporal dynamics of AGB in the subtropical forests.
Results
The proposed model provided excellent performance for mapping AGB using spectral, textural, and topographical variables, and the radar backscatter coefficients. The root mean square error of the plot-level AGB validation was between 15.62 and 53.78 (t/ha), the mean absolute error ranged from 6.54 to 32.32 t/ha, and the relative improvement over the random forest algorithm was between 3.8% and 17.7%. The highest coefficient of determination (0.81) and the lowest mean absolute error (6.54 t/ha) were observed in the 1992 AGB map. The spectral saturation effect was minimized by adding the PALSAR data to the modeling variable set in 2010. By adding elevation as a covariable, the co-kriging interpolation outperformed the ordinary kriging method for the prediction of the AGB residuals, because co-kriging resulted in better interpolation results in the valleys and plains of the study area.
Conclusions
Validation of the three AGB maps with an independent dataset indicated that the random forest/co-kriging performed best for AGB prediction, followed by random forest coupled with ordinary kriging (random forest/co-kriging), and the random forest model. The proposed random forest/co-kriging framework provides an accurate and reliable method for AGB mapping in subtropical forest regions with complex topography. The resulting AGB maps are suitable for the targeted development of forest management actions to promote carbon sequestration and sustainable forest management in the context of climate change.
Exploring Health-Seeking Behaviour Among Adolescent Mothers During the Ebola Epidemic in Rural District of Freetown, Sierra Leone
Authors: Massaquoi Hamida , Atuhaire Catherine , Chinkonono Gorgeous Sarah , Christensen Betty Nyawira , Bradby Hannah , Cumber Samuel Nambile 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: In May 2014, the largest Ebola outbreak in history threatened Sierra Leone and its neighbouring countries, Guinea and Liberia. The devastating outcome of the outbreak left a negative impact on maternal health while causing an increase in adolescent pregnancy. The aim of this study is to understand health seeking behaviour and the use of health services among adolescent mothers who were pregnant during the Ebola epidemic in Freetown, Sierra Leone.Methods: The present qualitative study uses the “Three Delay” model, as a theoretical framework to understand and explore adolescent mother’s health seeking behaviour through four focus group discussions with five participants in each discussion group. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: A multitude of challenges were identified following the Ebola epidemic. The fear of contracting Ebola was a common reason for not seeking care or utilising services. This notion was perpetuated by perceptions in the community and participants personal experiences. Quarantines, national lock downs, roadblocks, loss of income and extreme poverty was also identified as barriers to accessing health facilities during Ebola. The different encounters with health workers and the challenges that arose at the health facilities were subsequently additional discouraging factors influencing participant’s decision not to seek health care.Conclusion: Many of the pre-existing maternal health, societal and social-economic challenges were exacerbated during the Ebola. The epidemic also contributed new challenges such as public fear, mistrust towards health professionals and the health system. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on improving maternal care in general, but also improving preparedness for maternal care in case of future outbreaks, especially for the most vulnerable groups such as adolescent mothers.
ET-1 mediated vasoconstriction leads to memory impairment and synaptic dysfunction reminiscent of Alzheimer’s disease phenotype
Authors: Diwakar Latha , Gowaikar Ruturaj , Chithanathan Keerthana , Gnanabharathi  , Tomar Deepika Singh , Ravindranath Vijayalakshmi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

Cerebrovascular lesions seen as white matter hyperintensity in MRI of elderly population provides evidence for micro-infracts and micro-bleeds, which contribute to vascular dementia. Such vascular insult may be caused by impairment in blood flow in specific area in brain involving small vessels and these could gradually worsen the pathology leading to cognitive deficits. In the present study we developed a transient model of vaso-constriction to study the impact of such pathology on cognition specifically, memory impairment. The molecular underpinnings were also studied to comprehend the commonalities between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Methods

Vascular constriction was achieved by bilateral injection of ET-1 (Endothelin − 1; a 21 amino acid vasoconstricting peptide) into lateral ventricles of C57 mice. The impact on endothelial cells lining of blood vessels was examined by staining for CD31, a marker of endothelial cells. Contextual fear conditioning, Novel object recognition and Morris water maze task was performed to ascertain associative learning and spatial memory deficits. Activity dependent protein translation, which is dependent on Akt1-mTOR signaling was also examined since this is critical for synaptic plasticity.
Results

There was considerable decrease in CD31 expression in endothelial cells lining the blood vessels around the hippocampal region. The impediment in cerebral blood flow following ET-1 injection lead to deficits in associative learning and spatial memory after 7 days. Activity dependent protein translation, which is critical for synaptic plasticity was absent in synaptoneurosomes prepared from hippocampal tissue of endothelin injected mice. Further, Akt1- mTOR signaling cascade was downregulated due to decreased Akt1 phosphorylation indicating that this could be the cause for loss of activity dependent protein translation. However, these effects were reversed after 30 days indicating the ephemeral nature of deficits following a single vascular insult.
Conclusions

Vasoconstriction caused by bilateral injection of ET-1 leads to prominent associative and spatial memory deficit. Decline in activity dependent protein translation in hippocampus and loss of Akt1-mTOR signaling demonstrates potential molecular mechanism impacting synaptic plasticity during vasoconstriction akin to early deficits in AD mice.
Bipolar hip arthroplasty in geriatric patients using a conjoined tendon-preserving posterior approach
Authors: Tetsunaga Tomonori , Tetsunaga Tomoko , Yamada Kazuki , Sanki Tomoaki , Kawamura Yoshi , Ozaki Toshifumi 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

In bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA), it is important to preserve soft tissue to reduce the risk of postoperative dislocation. While a variety of surgical approaches have been reported recently, extra care is needed with muscle- and tendon-preserving approaches in geriatric patients due to the fragility of their soft tissue. We investigated the usefulness of BHA using a conjoined tendon-preserving posterior (CPP) approach, which only dissects the external obturator muscle, in geriatric patients.
Methods

This retrospective study included 40 femoral neck fracture patients (10 men, 30 women) aged ≥ 80 years who underwent BHA using the CPP approach. The average age of the subjects was 85.8 years (80–94 years). We examined operation time, bleeding, preservation of short external rotator muscles, complications, and stem alignment and subsidence from postoperative radiographs.
Results

Although, gemellus inferior muscle injury was detected in 4 patients (10%), hip joint stability was very excellent in all cases. There was no intraoperative fracture and postoperative dislocation. On postoperative radiographs, all femoral stems were in a neutral position. There was no stem subsidence in all the patients.
Conclusions

BHA using the CPP approach was not associated with postoperative dislocation and appeared to be useful even in geriatric patients with soft tissue fragility.
Biomechanical Analysis of Canine Medial Patellar Luxation with Femoral Varus Deformity Using a Computer Model
Authors: Lee Jiyun , Sim Heedong , Jeong Jaemin , DVM Sun-Young Kim , Yang Seokjo , Jeong SeongMok , Lee Haebeom 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background: Femoral varus deformities complicating the realignment of the quadriceps muscles are frequently associated with medial patellar luxation (MPL) in dogs. Therefore, distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) is recommended in dogs affected with severe MPL and a distal femoral varus deformity. The presence of an anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) of ≥ 102° has been anecdotally recommended as an indication for performing corrective DFO in large-breed dogs. However, the effect of a femoral varus deformity on MPL has not been scientifically evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the influence of a femoral varus deformity on MPL using a computer model. Three-dimensionally reconstructed computed tomographic images of a normal femur from a Beagle dog were deformed using meshing software to create distal varus deformities. A total of thirteen aLDFAs, including 95°, 98° and 100°–110°, were simulated. The patellar positions and reaction force between the patella and trochlear grooves were calculated for all finite element models under constant rectus femoris muscle activation.Results: The patella was displaced medially from the trochlear groove at an aLDFA of ≥103°. With an aLDFA of 103° to 110°, the reaction force was equal to zero and then decreased to negative values during the simulation, while other models with aLDFAs of 95°, 98°, and 100°-102° had positive reaction force values. The patella began to luxate at 24.90 seconds (sec) with an aLDFA of 103°, 19.80 sec with an aLDFA of 104°, 21.40 sec with an aLDFA of 105°, 20.10 sec with an aLDFA of 106°, 18.60 sec with an aLDFA of 107°, 15.30 sec with an aLDFA of 108°, 16.60 sec with an aLDFA of 109°, and 11.90 sec with an aLDFA of 110°.Conclusion: Severe distal femoral varus with an aLDFA of ≥103° caused MPL when other anatomical factors were controlled. This simplified model provides evidence that a large aLDFA is a risk factor for patellar luxation, so the authors recommend the use of this factor as a clinical indication for DFO.
MicroRNA-195 Prevents Hippocampal Microglial Polarization Towards The M1 Phenotype Induced By Chronic Brain Hypoperfusion Through Regulating CX3CL1/CX3CR1 Signalling
Authors: Mao Meng , Xu Yi , Zhang Xin-Yu , Yang Lin , An Xiao-bin , Qu Yang , Chai Ya-ni , Wang Yan-Ru , Li Ting-ting , Ai Jing 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Microglial polarization was found respond dynamically to acute brain hypoxia induced by stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, studies on the process of microglial polarization during chronic cerebral ischaemia (CCI) are limited. Our goal is to investigate the influence of CCI on microglial polarization following chronic brain hypoperfusion (CBH) and exploit potential molecular mechanisms.Methods CBH model was performed by bilateral carotid artery ligation (2VO) in rats. Using stereotaxic injection technique, lenti-pre-miR-195 and anti-miR-195 oligonucleotide fragments (lenti-pre-AMO-195) were injeted into CA1 region of the hippocampus to construct animal models with high or low expression of miR-195. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were conducted to examine the status of microglial polarization. In vitro, Transwell co-culture system was taken to investigate the role of miR-195 on neuronal-microglial communication through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 signalling. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the level of miR-195 and inflammatory factors. The protein levels of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 were evaluated by both western blot and immunofluorescence staining.Results CBH induced by 2VO initiated microglial activation in the rat hippocampus from 1 week to 8 weeks, as evaluated by increased Iba-1 immunofluorescence, that the balance between microglial polarization towards the M1 and M2 phenotypes was shifted towards the M1 phenotype and that the expression of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 was increased at 8 w following CBH. An in vitro study in a Transwell co-culture system demonstrated that transfection of either primary cultured neonatal rat neurons (NRNs) or microglial BV2 cells with AMO-195 induced M1 polarization of BV2 cells and increased CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 expression and that these effects were reversed by miR-195 mimics. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-195 induced by lenti-pre-miR-195 prevented the changes triggered by knockdown of endogenous miR-195 induced by lentiviral vector-mediated expression of lenti-pre-AMO-195 and 2VO surgery.Conclusions Our findings conclude that downregulation of miR-195 in the hippocampus is involved in CBH-induced microglial polarization towards M1 phenotype by governing communication between neurons and microglia through the regulation of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 signalling. This indicates that miR-195 may provide a new strategy for clinical prevention and treatment of CBH.
Evaluation and Identification of Morphological Characters Suitable for Delimitation of Taraxacum Species Distributed in Northeastern China
Authors: WU Jie , Liu Qun , Ning Wei , Cao Wei , Xing Yanping , Li Ran , Li Yuefei 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background The genus Taraxacum F.H. Wigg. (fam. Compositae, subfam. Liguliflorae) includes about 300 species globally. Seventy-nine are widely distributed throughout China, mostly in southwestern and northwestern regions. The genus has adopted different reproductive strategies, and there is weak reproductive isolation and differentiation between species. Unresolved species boundaries make classification and identification of Taraxacum species is difficult. Taraxacum germplasm resources in northeastern China are not current and therefore, do not accurately reflect actual distribution. The objective of this study was to investigate the morphological traits of Taraxacum species distributed in northeastern China and identify those that will facilitate classification of Taraxacum species in this region.Methods Leaf, flower, and achene characteristics of 18 species were used for morphological classification. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine pollen morphology. Leaf extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography to measure the caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and luteolin content. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were used to determine the sequence pairwise differences among the species and their utility in delimitation.Results The taxa were classified into groups based on morphology. Beak length to achene length ratio was a new taxonomically informative morphological trait for delimitation. The ITS sequence analysis supported the classification of the taxa, but genetic distances among the taxa did not reflect morphological differences. Phylogenetic analysis resolved the eighteen species into three groups. Group I: T. coreanum, (which has white flowers). Group Ⅱ: T. heterolepis, T. sinomongolicum, T. variegatum, T. asiaticum, T. lonchophyllum, T. falcilobum, T. brassicaefolium, and T. erythropodium. Group Ⅲ: T. formosanum, T. liaotungense, T. mongolicum, T. borealisinense, T. ohwianum, T. platypecidum, T. urbanum, T. antungense, T. asiaticum, and T. junpeianum. The chemical composition of the species is not suitable for their delimitation; T. antungense is a potential medicinal plant with therapeutic properties since it had the highest concentration of phytochemicals.Conclusions This study completes the classification and delimitation of the Taraxacum germplasm resources present in northeastern China and supplements the "Flora of China". The study thus provides information that will help to further develop Taraxacum medicinal resources and regulate Taraxacum medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Characterization of Bordetella Bronchiseptica Isolated from Rabbits in Fujian, China
Authors: Wang Jinxiang , Sun Shikun , Chen Yanfeng , Chen Dongjin , Sang Lei , Xie Xiping 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background Bordetella bronchiseptica can infect many animal species, and is a potential zoonotic pathogen that can also infect humans. In rabbits, infection of B. bronchiseptica is associated with respiratory disease, which causes economic losses to the rabbit farming. Fujian Province is a traditional importance rabbit farming area in China. However, no literature about the epidemiology and characteristics of B. bronchiseptica in rabbits in Fujian Province has been reported.Results A total of 219 B. bronchiseptica isolates were recovered from the 833 lung samples of dead rabbits with respiratory disease. The 219 isolates were typed into 11 sequence types (STs) including 5 known STs (ST6, ST10, ST12, ST14 and ST33) and 6 new STs (ST88, ST89, ST90, ST91, ST92 and ST93) by using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Surprisingly, all the 219 isolates carried the 5 virulence genes of fhaB, prn, cyaA, dnt and bteA in the PCR screening. Moreover, the isolates resistance to cefixime, ceftizoxime, cefatriaxone and ampicillin were detected, and the resistance rates to the 4 kinds of drug were 33.33, 31.05, 11.87 and 3.20%, respectively.Conclusions In the present study, we showed for the first time that B. bronchiseptica is widespread in rabbits in Fujian Province, and that B. bronchiseptica is an important pathogen associating with respiratory disease in rabbits in Fujian Province. Moreover, it should be alert to the potential occurrence of transmission events between rabbits and humans because the B. bronchiseptica strain of ST12 that can infect humans were also isolated from rabbits in Fujian Province.
Genomic landscape of the immune microenvironments of brain metastases in breast cancer
Authors: Lu Wei-cheng , Xie Hui , Yuan Ce , Li Jin-jiang , Li Zhao-yang , Wu Anhua 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
This study was intended to investigate the genomic landscape of the immune microenvironments of brain metastases in breast cancer.
Methods
Three gene expression profile datasets (GSE76714, GSE125989 and GSE43837) of breast cancer with brain metastases were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. After differential expression analysis, the tumor immune microenvironment and immune cell infiltration were analyzed. Then immune-related genes were identified, followed by function analysis, transcription factor (TF)-miRNA-mRNA co-regulatory network analysis, and survival analysis of metastatic recurrence.
Results
The present results showed that the tumor immune microenvironment in brain metastases was immunosuppressed compared with primary caner. Compared with primary cancer samples, the infiltration ratio of plasma cells in brain metastases samples was significantly higher, while the infiltration ratio of macrophages M2 cells in brain metastases samples was significantly lower. Total 42 immune-related genes were identified, such as THY1 and NEU2. CD1B and THY1 were found to be implicated in the metastatic recurrence of breast cancer.
Conclusions
Targeting macrophages or plasma cells may be new strategies for immunotherapy of breast cancer with brain metastases. THY1 and NEU2 may be potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer with brain metastases, and THY1 and CD1B may serve as potential prognostic markers for improvement of brain metastases survival.
Does euthyroid mean healthy? Effect of restoration of thyroid function on body composition, insulin resistance and visfatin concentrations in women with hypo- and hyperthyroidism.
Authors: Sawicka-Gutaj Nadia , Zybek-Kocik Ariadna , Kloska Michał , Czarnywojtek Agata , Ziolkowska Paulina , Sowiński Jerzy , Mańkowska-Wierzbicka Dorota , Ruchala Marek 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background

We aimed to investigate the effect of restoration of euthyroidism on serum visfatin in severe thyroid dysfunction, and its associations with insulin resistance and body composition.
Methods

This was an observational study with consecutive enrollment. We included females newly diagnosed with overt hypo- or hyperthyroidism caused by autoimmune thyroid diseases. Laboratory parameters and body composition analysis were assessed before and after the therapy.
Results

Initially, 105 females were enrolled: 49 hyperthyroid (median age of 34 years) and 44 hypothyroid (median age of 46) completed the study. In the hyperthyroid group, visfatin levels increased (< 0.0001), while glucose levels decreased (< 0.0001). Total body mass and fat mass in the trunk and limbs significantly increased during the treatment. In the hypothyroid group, significant weight loss resulted from decrease of fat and muscle masses in trunk and limbs. Visfatin serum concentrations positively correlated with total fat mass(r = 0.19,p = 0.01) and insulin levels(r = 0.17,p = 0.0.18).
Conclusions

We may conclude that restoration of thyroid function is not associated with beneficial changes in body composition, especially among hyperthyroid females, reflected by the significant increase of fat mass followed by the increase of circulating visfatin concentrations.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic surgical practice: international study
Authors: Meraghni Nadhir , Bouyoucef Hichem , Benkaidali Riad , Hamza Amine 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical practice in orthopedic units.Methods An online survey was sent by e-mail to orthopedic surgeons practicing in different parts of the world.Results This study showed that orthopedic surgery plan management was adapted to respond more effectively to the COVOD-19 pandemic while maintaining the continuity of health care and ensuring protection of medical staff and patients. Among the introduced measures, elective surgery was postponed to free-up beds for suspected or COVID-19 positive patients requiring hospitalization.Additionally, the number of outpatient visits was considerably decreased and non-urgent visits were postponed to reduce the flow of patients in and out of hospitals and therefore minimize the risk of contamination.Interestingly, data revealed the willingness of orthopedic surgeons to take care of COVID-19 positive patients and support their colleagues in intensive care units, if needed.Conclusions Though, orthopedic surgeons are not in the frontline, they have an important role to play to face the increasing pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on these findings, publication of international orthopedic practice guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic would be of great benefit to health practitioners in general and orthopedic surgeons in particular.