bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential of Organic and Inorganic Amendments for Stabilizing Nickel in Acidic Soil, and Improving the Nutritional Quality of Spinach
Authors: Ali Umeed , Shaaban Muhammad , Bashir Saqib , Chhajro Muhammad Afzal , Qian Li , Rizwan Muhammad Shahid , Fu Qingling , Zhu Jun , Hu Hongqing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Contamination of soils by nickel (Ni) has become a serious environmental problem throughout the world, and this substance wields dangerous effects on the ecosystem and food chain. A pot experiment was conducted to examine the effect of rice straw (RS), rice straw biochar (BI) and calcite (CC) at 1% and 2% application rates in a Ni contaminated soil. The objective was to potentially stabilize Ni and reduce its bioavailability to spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.). Spinach plants were grown in a Ni contaminated Ultisol (commonly known as a red clay soil). Physiological results indicated that a BI 2% application rate significantly increased the photosynthetic rate by 4-18.6 µmol m2 S− 1 and transpiration rate by 1.7–8.9 mmol m2 S− 1. Similarly, growth parameters for root and shoots dry biomass increased 1.7- and 6.3-fold, respectively, while essential nutrients were enhanced in the spinach plant compared to those in the untreated soil (CK). Moreover, adding amendments significantly decreased CaCl2 extractable Ni by 62.5% 94.1%, and 87.2%, while the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) fell by 26.7%, 47.8%, and 41.7% when using RS, BI and CC, respectively, at 2% compared to CK. The Ni concentrations in the spinach roots declined by 51.6%, 73.3% and 68.9%, and in the shoots reduced by 54.1%, 76.7% and 70.8% for RS, BI and CC, at a 2% application rate, respectively. Bio-concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) dropped significantly by as much as 72.7% and 20%, for BI 2% application rate. Results of the present study clearly indicated that biochar potential soil amendments for Ni stabilization, thereby reducing its bioavailability in the Ni contaminated soil. This process enhanced the safety of food to be consumed and mitigated security risks.
Analyses of GWAS and sub-threshold loci lead to the discovery of dendrite development and morphology dysfunction underlying schizophrenia genetic risk
Authors: Chen Rui , Wang Quan , Xu Chongchong , Wei Qiang , Yang Hai , Sutcliffe James , Jiang Yi , Ji Ying , Cheng Feixiong , Cook Edwin , Zhong Xue , Cox Nancy , Wen Zhexing , Li Bingshan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is highly polygenic, and thousands of genes contribute to its risk. The 145 GWAS loci identified to date do not fully reveal SCZ genetic risk pathways. In this study, we explore a cost-effective strategy to increase power of inference of novel pathways, by expanding the analysis to include sub-threshold GWAS (subGWAS) loci. We identify 180 subGWAS loci (e.g., 5 x10-8 < P ≤ 10-6) based on SCZ summary statistics of 40,675 cases and 64,643 controls from CLOZUK and PGC datasets, and show that subGWAS loci contain substantial true genetic association signals. We merge GWAS (sigGWAS) and subGWAS loci and identify in total 304 high-confidence risk genes (HRGs) by jointly modeling the expanded set of loci. We identify dendrite development and morphogenesis (DDM, GO:0016358 and GO:0048813) as a novel category of biological processes implicated in SCZ genetic risk. SigGWAS loci fail to detect DDM, which is predominantly enriched in subGWAS loci. Further, DDM genes are significantly enriched for heritability of SCZ, as well as bipolar disorder and major depression. Genes in this functional process show cell type specificity in neurons in both fetal and adult brains, and their involvement in SCZ risk is further supported by eQTL analysis of SCZ risk alleles. We derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from sporadic SCZ patients and normal controls and observe increased neurite lengths and soma sizes in patient-derived iPSC lines along multiple time points during neuronal development, further validating the genetic findings. We also find that the implicated genes are enriched in FDA-approved drug targets, suggesting a therapeutic potential for targeting the implicated biological processes for prevention and treatment. Our results showcase that expanding the analysis to include subGWAS loci is a valuable strategy for enhancing power of uncovering disease mechanisms, especially those of weak effect size, for SCZ and other complex diseases.
Clinical Analysis of the Myosure Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System in 740 Cases of Benign Intrauterine Lesions
Authors: Yong Jiahui , Guo Xiaohui , Liu Chu , Yuan Jing , Wan Yajun , Zeng Fei , Sun Xin , Yang Yimin , Yi Shuijing , Zeng Xiangyang , Xiao Songshu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the MyoSure hysteroscopic tissue removal system in the treatment of benign intrauterine lesions. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 740 patients treated with the MyoSure hysteroscopic tissue removal system for benign intrauterine lesions from September 2014 to December 2018, including 131 cases of submucosal myomas, 85 cases of endometrial polyps and 524 cases of RPOC. The clinical efficacy of MyoSure surgery was analyzed according to patients’ intraoperative conditions (intraoperative blood loss, operative time, lesion complete resection rate, and intraoperative complications) and postoperative symptom relief rate. Results: All 740 patients successfully completed the operation. The intraoperative blood loss was 17.09±14.87ml, 11.78±10.89ml and 29.50±13.74ml for submucosal myomas, endometrial polyps and RPOC, respectively, and the operative time was 42.37±19.33min, 20.96±8.99min and 30.47±14.04min, respectively. The complete resection rates (CRRs) of type 0, type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ lesions and mixed type fibroids were 100.0% (45/45), 96.00% (48/50), 85.67% (13/15) and 75.00% (9/12), respectively. For endometrial polyps and RPOC, the CRRs were 100% (85/85) and 98.28% (515/524), respectively. No intraoperative complications, such as uterine perforation, were reported with the exception of one patient with RPOC who exhibited TURP syndrome during the operation. The postoperative satisfaction rates for submucosal myomas, endometrial polyps and RPOC were 94.66% (124/131), 100.0% (85/85) and 98.85% (518/524), respectively. The conception rate was 47.91% (172/359), and the live birth rate was 59.30% (102/172). Conclusions: The MyoSure hysteroscopic tissue removal system is a safe and effective new treatment for benign intrauterine lesions for women of childbearing age.
MicroRNA-210-5p&nbsp;Alleviates Cardiac Fibrosis via Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I Receptor in Rats on High Salt Diet
Authors: Zhao Kun , Mao Yukang , Ye Xiaoman , Ma Jiazheng , Sun Litao , Li Peng , Li Yong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim of the present study was to explore whether high salt diet (HSD) caused cardiac fibrosis regardless of blood pressure in rats, and to determine the effects of microRNA (miR)-210-5p on sodium chloride (NaCl)-induced fibrosis in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NRCFs) and its target. Methods: The rats received 8% HSD in vivo, and NRCFs were treated with NaCl in vitro. Results: The levels of collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were increased in the heart of hypertension (HTN), hypertension-prone (HP) and hypertension-resistant (HR) rats on HSD. Middle and high doses (50 mM and 100 mM) of NaCl increased the levels of collagen I, α-SMA and TGF-β in NRCFs. The expression level of miR-210-5p was reduced in NaCl-treated NRCFs by miR high-throughput sequencing. The NaCl-induced increases of collagen I, α-SMA and TGF-β were inhibited by miR-210-5p agomiR, and further enhanced by miR-210-5p antagomiR. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that TGF-β type I receptor (TGFβRI) was a direct target gene of miR-210-5p. These results indicated that HSD resulted in cardiac fibrosis regardless of blood pressure. Conclusion: The upregulation of miR-210-5p could attenuate NRCF fibrosis via targeting TGFβRI. Thus, upregulating miR-210-5p to inhibit TGF-β signaling pathway might be a strategy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
Effects of organic additives on the microstructural, rheological and electrical properties of silver paste for LTCC applications
Authors: Hu Yongcai , Du Zhaofu , Yao Yingbang , Ma Yue , Li Yi , Xu Yiwen , Zhao Xiaobo , Tao Tao , Liang Bo , Lu Shengguo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Zinc(II) phthalocyanine (Zn(II)Pc) molecule was the first time prepared onto three different substrates utilizing Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition technique to investigate its vapor sensing abilities and some optical properties. We utilized five different and well-known techniques to control monolayer quality of Zn(II)Pc LB film. The obtained the thickness and refractive index values for Zn(II)Pc LB film with coated at different layers vary from 3.2 to 10.9 nm and from 1.42 to 1.71, respectively. The sensing properties were investigated by exposing the Zn(II)Pc-based mass or optical sensor to some organic vapors. Kinetic results presented that this Zn(II)Pc material is a good candidate as a sensor element with a fast and reversible response for dichloromethane sensing devices.
Gene Edited Fluorescent Cerebral Organoids to Study Human Brain Function and Disease
Authors: Mueller Thorsten , Bachmann Lisa , Villarejo Lucia Gallego , Heinen Natalie , Marks David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cerebral organoids are a promising model to study human brain function and disease, though the high inter-organoid variability of the mini-brains is still challenging. To overcome this limitation, we introduce the method of labeled mixed organoids generated from two different human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines, which enables the identification of cells from different origin within a single organoid. The method combines a gene editing workflow and subsequent organoid differentiation and offers a unique tool to study gene function in a complex human 3D tissue-like model. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach, different fluorescent proteins were fused to β-actin or lamin B1 in hiPSCs and subsequently used as a marker to identify each cell line. Mixtures of differently edited cells were seeded to induce embryoid body formation and cerebral organoid differentiation. As a consequence, the development of the 3D tissue was detectable by live confocal fluorescence microscopy and immunofluorescence staining in fixed samples. Analysis of mixed organoids allowed the identification and examination of specifically labeled cells in the organoid that belong to each of the two hiPSC donor lines. We demonstrate that a direct comparison of the individual cells is possible by having the edited and the control (or the two differentially labeled) cells within the same organoid, and thus the mixed organoids overcome the inter-organoid inhomogeneity limitations. The approach aims to pave the way for the reliable analysis of human genetic disorders by the use of organoids and to fundamentally understand the molecular mechanisms underlying pathological conditions.
Modifying the Mini Cog to Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Non-literate Individuals
Authors: Adhikari Shambhu Prasad , Dev Rubee , Borson Soo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: The Mini-Cog, a rapid, valid, and reliable screening tool for cognitive impairment, consists of 3-word recall and an executive Clock-Drawing Test (CDT). However, CDT requires at least basic literacy and cultural exposure to analog clocks, conditions not met in many population groups around the world. We developed a modification of the Mini-Cog (MMC) for use with non-literate and literate individuals. Methods: Participants were adults (≥ 60 years) with no neurological diagnosis, with known cognitive impairment due to stroke, Parkinsonism, traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s disease, and whose family members were able to read and write. We replaced the CDT with two tasks of everyday life: a serial subtraction task or a multistep performance task. Family members rated the acceptability and feasibility of the Mini-Cog versions using a 6-point scale, and completed a proxy-rated cognitive staging tool, the Dementia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS). Spearman’s rho, Mann- Whitney U and Chi-square tests were used to evaluate group differences and associations between measures. Results: Data were collected from 63 participants (75% ≥ 60 years, 67% non-literate). Literacy was associated with CDT (Chi-square strength 0.9, p < 0.001). Both MMC versions correlated with DSRS in healthy adults and patients (rho 0.6-0.7, p < 0.05). In literate individuals, the acceptability and feasibility of CDT and both alternate distractors were similarly high (5/6). Conclusions: Two alternate distractor tasks may successfully replace CDT in the Mini-Cog. The MMC versions are promising and deserve further study as screening tools for cognitive impairment in larger and more fully characterized samples.
Exploring the Mechanism of Laminaria for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Yu Le , Pei Shuchen , Yuan Kangyao , Zhang Jian , Zhao Jingya , Chai Shuiqin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background：Laminaria japonica has also been reported to have a therapeutic effect on AD, but the mechanism is not entirely clear. To explore the mechanism of Laminaria for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the “active components-targets” network and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed for analyzing targets’ functions and pathways. Methods：The main active components of Laminaria were extracted using the TCMSP database and were predicted and screened by GeneCards. Cytoscape was used to construct the “drug-components-targets-disease” network. STRING and Cytoscape were applied to map the PPI network. The Gene Ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways of targets were analyzed by Metascape. Results: Seven active components involving 23 active targets were obtained. The network analysis elucidated that Laminaria was mainly involved in cell process, metabolic process, response to stress and other biological processes. CASP3, PPARG, RELA, CCND1 and CASP9 played a key role in treating AD by regulating two small cell lung cancer and Toxoplasmosis. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Laminaria could prevent and treat AD with advantages of multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways, which explored a new way for further research on the mechanism of Laminaria in the treatment of AD.
Invasive Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infections in&nbsp;Pediatric Patients
Authors: Qiu Yue , Wang Fang , Xu Yi , Cheng Yibing , Zhu Qingxiong , Zhu Chunhui , Wan Chaomin , Zhu Yu , Tong Jianning , Li Rui , Lin Daojiong , Zhou Qionghua , Chen Minxia , Shan Qingwen , Zhuo Zhiqiang , Wang Caihong , Zhao Shiyong , Song Wen , Zeng Mei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: To assess clinical characteristics, outcomes and antimicrobial resistance of invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) infections in Chinese pediatric patients in hospital and community settings.Methods:This retrospective study was conducted in the nine tertiary hospitals during 2016-2018. The eligible pediatric inpatients who had KP isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid and had complete medical records reviewed were included. We compared the clinical characteristics, outcomes and antimicrobial resistance between community-acquired infections (CAI) and healthcare-associated infections (HAI), neonates and children old than 28 days, and carbapenem-resistant KP (CRKP) and carbapenem-sensitive KP (CSKP) infections.Result:In a total of enrolled 324 patients, 275 (84.9%) were clinically defined as HAI; 188 (58.0%) were neonates and 175 (93.5%) were attributable to HAI. The prevalence of CRKP was 35.8% (40.4% in HAI verse 10.2% in CAI, P <0.05). Hematologic malignancies (odds ratio (OR):15.52, 95% CI:1.89-127.14), prematurity (OR:37.07, 95% CI:8.29-165.84), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR:13.09, 95% CI: 1.66-103.56) were independent risk factors for HAI. Patients from rural area (OR: 2.05, 95% CI:1.22-3.43), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR:2.06, 95% CI: 1.13-3.76), previous antibiotic therapy (OR: 2.07, 95% CI:1.17-3.68) and previous hospital stay (OR: 2.18, 95% CI:1.18-4.03) were found to be associated with CRKP infections. Organ dysfunction was independently correlated with poor outcomes (OR: 2.88, 95% CI:1.25-6.60).Conclusions:Most of KP infections were healthcare-associated and the prevalence of invasive CRKP infections was high in pediatric patients in China. The continuous efforts of strengthening infection prevention control interventions are needed to reduce the health burden of severe KP infections in Chinese children.
Effect of Maternal Separation and Transportation Stress on the Bovine Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome and the Immune Response to Resident Opportunistic Pathogens
Authors: Malmuthuge Nilusha , Howell Angela , Arsic Natasa , Griebel Philip 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe bovine upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome includes opportunistic pathogens that cause respiratory disease and stress associated with maternal separation and transportation contributes to the severity of this respiratory disease. Stress is known to alter the gut microbiome but little is known regarding the effect of stress on the URT microbiota. This study used six-month old suckling beef calves to investigate whether maternal separation (weaned), by itself or combined with transportation (weaned + transport), altered the URT microbiome and host immune responses to resident opportunistic pathogens.ResultsTaxonomic and functional composition of the URT microbiome in suckling and weaned beef calves did not change significantly when serially sampled over a one-month period. Subtle temporal changes in the URT microbiome composition were observed in weaned + transport calves. Total bacterial density was lower (p<0.05) on day 4 post-weaning in both the weaned and weaned + transport groups when compared to suckling calves. In addition, significant (p<0.05) temporal changes in the density of the opportunistic pathogens, M. haemolytica and P. multocida, were observed independent of treatment but these changes did not correlate with significantly increased (p<0.05) serum antibody responses to both of these bacteria in the weaned and weaned + transport groups. Weaning, by itself and in combination with transportation, had significant (p<0.05) short- (2 to 8 days post-weaning) and long-term (28 days post-weaning) effects on the expression of adrenergic receptor genes in blood leukocytes when compared to age-matched suckling beef calves.Conclusions Maternal separation (weaning) and transportation has minor effects on the taxonomic and functional composition of the URT microbiome and temporal changes in the density of opportunistic pathogen residing in the URT did not correlate with the significant changes in immune responses to these bacteria. Significant changes in adrenergic receptor expression in blood leukocytes following weaning, with or without transportation, suggests altered neuroimmune regulation should be further investigated as a mechanism by which stress can alter host-microbiome interactions in the URT.
Quantifying Ecosystem Service Supply, Social Demand and Their Link With Smallholder Farmers' Well-Being in Contrasting Agro-Ecological Zones of East African Rift Valley.
Authors: Ketema Haile , wei wu , Legesse Abiyot , Wolde Zinabu , Endalamaw Tenaw , Memon Aftab Ahmed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Ecosystem service supplies (ES) have experienced progressive decline mostly due to increased ES social demand. Identifying ecosystem supply (ES), social demand, and their impacts on smallholder farmers' well-being is essential to ensure sustainable utilization of ES. Quantitative studies assessing ES mostly focused on ES supply with little attention given to social need and its effects on human well-being.
Methods

We assessed and mapped selected ES supply, social demand and their mismatches, and evaluated their impacts on subjective well-beings of smallholder farmers in contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZ). We used a questionnaire survey to analyze and map six provisioning ecosystem services (ES) focusing on ES supply, social demand and their mismatches. Using the universal soil loss equation (USLE), we mapped the rate of soil loss in the contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZ). A participatory approach was employed to evaluate smallholder farmers' well-being in the study region. Radar diagram was used to identify the links between ES supply, social demand and smallholder farmers' well-being.
Results

The results showed that a high supply of provisioning ecosystem goods such as cereal crops, fruits and coffee occurred in humid AEZ, while less supplies were seen in semi-arid AEZ of the study region. The ES supply was not in accordant with ES social demand and different factors such as population size and level of production are among the main factors causing ES supply-demand mismatches. Due to the undulating topography, high rate of soil loss was seen in humid AEZ. Smallholder farmers have given higher values for soil erosion control compared with individuals from semi-arid AEZ. Of all indicators of smallholder farmers well-being, income had the highest weight while receiving the least well-being satisfaction level both in humid and semi-arid AEZs.
Conclusion

The mismatches between supply and demand in provisioning ecosystem supply had strong and immediate impacts on smallholder farmers well-being. Therefore, we suggest policies that effectively control population growth, applying intensive crop production and strengthening integrated watershed management. These policies would help ES to recuperate and enhance its continuous flow and improve smallholder farmers' well-being both in the humid and semi-arid AEZ of the study region.
Crystal Structure of AgSCN Coordination Polymers for Sensing of Iron (III) Ions, Nitrobenzene and Photocatalytic Activity Under Ultrasonic Irradiation
Authors: Etaiw Safaa , Dawood Mohamed M. , Marie Hassan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Single crystals of AgSCN supramolecular coordination polymer, SCP1 and the nanosized particles of AgSCN, 2, are synthesized by self-assembly and ultrasonic radiation methods, respectively. The structure comprises of the simple AgSCN molecule fabricated by a tetrahedral Ag atom and one thiocyanate group. The SCN ligand connects four Ag atoms via µ3-S and one nitrogen atom. Two silver atoms and two sulfur atoms form rhombic mini-cycle (Ag2S2) motif exhibiting argentophilic interaction. The structure of SCP1 extends three-dimensionally via coordinate bonds creating different fused polygons. The chemical structure and morphology of nanosized 2 are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic methods. The heterogeneous catalytic and photo-catalytic activity of nanosized 2 exhibit very efficient catalytic activity towards degradation of Acid Blue-92 and Eosin-Y dyes within very short times under UV-light or ultrasonic radiation. The good limit of detection and the high quenching efficiency of SCP1 towards selective quantitative determination of nitrobenzene (NB) and Fe3+ ions support its behavior as an efficient luminescent sensor.