bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional numerical simulations of soil-water and heat flow in a rainfed soybean field under plastic mulching
Authors: Kader Mohammad Abdul , Nakamura Kimihito , Senge Masateru , Mojid Mohammad Abdul 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Numerical simulation can help understanding water- and heat-flow systems through plastic-mulched soils. An effective simulation approach is crucial to know the role of plastic mulch in a soil ecosystem, which can save water in agriculture. A field experiment was conducted at Gifu University in a rainfed soybean cultivation under plastic mulch and bare soil treatments to clarify the soil water and heat flow mechanism. Furthermore, the two-dimensional numerical software HYDRSUS-2D model with different boundaries at the soil surface was used to simulate water and heat flows. Firstly, soil hydraulic parameters were estimated by inverse solution using laboratory-measured data and then coupled soil-water and heat flows were simulated by optimizing soil thermal parameters by inverse solution. The HYDRUS-2D model simulated water and heat flow through the root zone depths satisfactorily. The root-mean square error (RMSE) was 0.015–0.030, and 0.046–0.055 cm3 cm−3 for the plastic mulch, and bare soil, respectively, in estimating soil moisture and 0.66–1.28, and 0.70–1.54 °C, respectively in estimating soil temperature. Water infiltration was 61% lower in the plastic-mulched soil, which reduced soil evaporation as well as soil-moisture storage changes compared to bare soil. This study can be applied to design and manage different plastic mulching patterns in rain-fed crop cultivation.
Análise do discurso
Authors: Mello Mariana Rodrigues Gomes de , Valentim Marta Lígia Pomim 
Published: March 2021

A linguagem é mais que a palavra escrita ou falada, é a direção do pensamento no contato com o contexto histórico-social no qual se está inserido. O discurso se apresenta enquanto mediação entre pessoas e realidades. A AD se apresenta como um constructo teórico-metodológico que possibilita averiguar construções ideológicas e efeitos de sentido do discurso em diferentes contextos, propiciando um olhar ampliado sobre a realidade. Objetiva-se inter-relacionar aspectos epistemológicos de Foucault e Heidegger, que possam servir como aportes ao método Análise do Discurso, e refletir sobre uma estrutura que possa ser aplicada nas pesquisas da área de CI. Para tanto, propõe-se o uso da Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL) enquanto técnica, a fim de subsidiar uma apresentação mais concreta referente a aplicação da AD no campo da CI. Metodologicamente trata-se de um estudo exploratório traçado na inter-relação entre questões da Filosofia da Linguagem e aspectos metodológicos e epistemológicos da Ciência da Informação e para tanto, buscou-se a revisão da literatura de ambos os domínios. Ainda há uma certa relutância do uso da AD na CI por sua forma mais teórica, ou seja, sem um procedimento preestabelecido, como se verifica em outros métodos, tais como a Análise do Conteúdo que possibilita a análise categorial, a análise de avaliação, a análise de enunciação, a análise proposicional, entre outras. O objetivo da AD não é estabelecer se um discurso é verdadeiro ou falso, mas sim os efeitos de sentidos e as questões subliminares. Portanto, no discurso construído com bases em preconceitos, por exemplo, serão reveladas as fragilidades inerentes àquela construção. Por outro lado, em um texto reflexivo, a tendência é que por meio da aplicação da AD, sejam reveladas toda solidez das ideias e estruturas. Assim, verifica-se a grande contribuição que AD pode aferir à CI e como Foucault e Heidegger podem ser imprescindíveis para compor o arcabouço teórico da AD, dependendo dos objetivos da pesquisa.
Micro Composite Palmitoylethanolamide/Rutin Reduces Vascular Injury through Modulation of the Nrf2/HO−1 and NF-kB Pathways
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Siracusa Rosalba , Gugliandolo Enrico , Peritore Alessio Filippo , D’Amico Ramona , Cordaro Marika , Crupi Rosalia , Impellizzeri Daniela , Gomiero Chiara , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Di Paola Rosanna 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Vascular remodeling processes induced by acute and chronic injuries
are characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress. In arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis,
and restenosis, the progression of neointimal hyperplasia is a key event of vascular
damage.

Objective:
Our study was aimed to investigate the inflammation and oxidative stress development
during vascular impairment and the potential efficacy of treatment of new micro
composite N-palmitoylethanolamine/Rutin at a ratio of 1:1 (PEA/RUT). The anti-inflammatory
effects of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) are well known. Rutin has important
pharmacological actions, including antioxidant and vasoprotective.

Methods:
As a model of vascular injury, we used the complete ligature of the left carotid
artery for fourteen days and administered PEA/RUT at the dose of 10 mg/Kg.

Results:
This study demonstrated that after fourteen days of carotid ligation, there is a
substantial structural change in the vessel morphology, with inflammatory cell infiltration
and reactive oxygen species production. PEA/RUT administration reduced change in
vascular morphology, cytokines like monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and
adhesion molecules expression like intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (ICAM-1), proinflammatory
cytokines production (IL-1 β, IL-6 and TNF- α), oxidative and nitrosative
stress (nitrotyrosine and PARP expression and NRF2 pathway).

Conclusions:
Our data clearly demonstrate the beneficial effect of PEA/RUT administration
in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular damage.
Nanomedical Applications of Amphiphilic Dendrimeric Micelles
Authors: Rodríguez-Acosta Guillermo Leobardo , Hernández-Montalbán Carlos , Vega-Razo María Fernanda Sabrina , Castillo-Rodríguez Irving Osiel , Martínez-García Marcos 
Published: March 2021

:
In recent years, polymeric materials with the ability to self-assemble into micelles
have been increasingly investigated for application in various fields, mainly in
biomedicine. Micellar morphology is interesting in the field of drug transport and delivery
since micelles can encapsulate hydrophobic molecules in their nucleus, have active
molecules in their outer layer, and due to their nanometric size, can take advantage of the
enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, prolong the time in circulation and
avoid renal clearance. In addition, nanobioactive molecules (joined in covalent form or
by host-host interaction), such as drugs, bioimaging molecules, targeting ligands, “crosslinkable”
molecules or bonds, sensitive to internal or external stimuli, can be incorporated
into them and showed better activity as anticancer agents, siRNA delivery agents as
well as antiviral and antiparasitic compounds.

:
The present work is a review of the information published, which is the most important
about the synthesis and biological importance of the confined multivalent cooperation
and the ability to modify the dendritic structure, provide the versatility to create and improve
the amphiphiles used in the micellar supramolecular field. The most studied structures
are the hybrid copolymers formed by the combination of linear polymers and dendrons.
However, small dendritic molecules that do not involve linear polymers have also
been developed, such as Janus dendrimers, facial dendrons, and dendritic amphiphiles
with only one dendron. Amphiphilic dendrimer micelles have achieved efficient and
promising results, both in in vitro and in vivo tests, which encourage their research for future
application in nanotherapies.
Intrathyroidal Ectopic Thymus and Sonoelastographic Findings
Authors: Guneyli Serkan , Aygun Murat Serhat , Taskin Orhun Cig , Sagtas Ergin , Colakoglu Bulent 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Intrathyroidal ectopic thymus (IET) can be misdiagnosed as thyroid nodules.

Purpose:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the sonoelastographic findings of IET in pediatric
population.

Methods:
Twelve children who had been examined with ultrasound (US) and strain elastography
between December 2012 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The patients’
demographics and ultrasonographic findings, including the location, margin, shape, diameters,
volume, structure, vascularity, and elastography values of the lesions were evaluated.

Results:
Twelve lesions were detected in 12 asymptomatic patients (3 females and 9 males) with a
mean age of 4.67 ± 2.27 years. The most common location of the IET was in posterior part and middle
third of thyroid, and the most common appearance on US was a well-defined, ovoid-shaped,
and predominantly hypoechoic solid lesion with punctate/linear branching hyperechogenities. The
lesions were mostly hypovascular on Doppler US. The mean strain ratio on elastography was
found to be 1.10 ± 0.04. In the follow-up of 7 patients with available information, there was no significant
change in size or appearance of IET on US.

Conclusion:
IET should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the lesions within the thyroid.
The first step to accurately diagnose an IET is to consider it in the differential diagnosis. In addition
to US, strain elastography findings can be used to distinguish IETs from papillary thyroid
cancers which can have similar US appearance, and help avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Antiplasmodial and Cytotoxic Activities of two Euphorbiaceae Family
Plants, Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia thymifolia
Authors: Vadalia Jigna , Sanandia Jalpa , Bhatt Vaibhav , Sheth Navin 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Malaria is a major disease in developing countries, and the main issue is
its control of resistance against all available anti-malarial drugs. Our aim was to find affordable
therapy for this global problem. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antiplasmodial
and cytotoxic activities of Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia thymifolia.

Methods:
The antiplasmodial activity was evaluated against chloroquine-sensitive (MRC-2), and
chloroquine-resistant (RKL-9) strains of Plasmodium falciparum through schizont maturation inhibition
and Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) activity assays. The cytotoxicity was performed
by MTT assay on the Huh7 liver carcinoma cell line.

Results:
IC50 for PfLDH activity of E. hirta and E. thymifolia methanol extract against P. faciparum
MRC-2 strain was 9.6 and 12.6 μg/mL, respectively, and against P. faciparum RKL-9 strain
was 10.2 and 11.56 μg/mL, respectively. Methanol extract of E. thymifolia showed lower IC50
(19.3 μg/mL) than methanol extract of E. hirta (24.7 μg/mL) in the MTT assay against Huh7 cell
line.

Conclusion:
Both the plant methanol extracts showed a two-fold lower cytotoxic activity against
hepatocyte-derived carcinoma cell line (Huh7) compared to in vitro inhibitory activity against P.
falciparum strains (MRC-2 and RKL-9).
Permeation of Hydroxypropyl-Beta-Cyclodextrin and Its Inclusion Complex Through Mouse Small Intestine Determined by Spectrophotometry
Authors: Yang Ping , Luo Jinhua , Yan Shuo , Li Xiaohong , Yao Qian 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are commonly used host molecules of inclusion complex.
However, due to the lack of a sensitive determination method, the absorption process of CDs
remains unclear.

Objective:
In this study, an oleuropein (OL) inclusion complex employing hydroxylpropyl-betacyclodextrin
(HP-beta-CD) as host molecules was prepared and the formation of inclusion complex
was ascertained by FT-IR and DSC. Spectrophotometry was established for the determination of
HP-beta-CD, based on the fact that the absorbance of phenolphthalein (PP) decreased in the presence
of HP-beta-CD.

Methods:
The assay conditions were optimized to augment the method sensitivity. Molecular docking
was employed to verify the strong interaction between PP and HP-beta-CD. The permeation
process of free HP-beta-CD, HP-beta-CD of OL inclusion complex, free OL, and OL in the inclusion
complex, was examined using an in vitro mouse small intestine model.

Results:
Though HP-beta-CD possessed a hydrophilic outside shell, it could permeate through the
mouse small intestine quickly with a cumulative permeating amount of over 90% in 2 h. Free HPbeta-
CD, the host molecule HP-beta-CD, and guest molecule OL of the inclusion complex exhibited
consistent permeating profiles across the mouse small intestine.

Conclusion:
The approach for the determination of HP-beta-CD was accurate and precise
(%RSD=2.98).
Construction and Validation of Prognostic Markers of Liver Cancer Based on Autophagy Genes
Authors: Zhou Dawei , Wan Juncheng , Luo Jiang 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Liver cancer is one of the most common diseases in the world. At present, the
mechanism of autophagy genes in liver cancer is not very clear. Therefore, it is meaningful to study the role and
the prognostic value of autophagy genes in liver cancer.

Objective:
The purpose of this study is to conduct a bioinformatics analysis of autophagy genes related to
primary liver cancer for establishing a prognostic model of primary liver cancer based on autophagy genes.

Methods:
We identified autophagy genes related to the prognosis of liver cancer through bioinformatics methods.

Results:
Through difference analysis, 31 differential autophagy genes were screened out and then analyzed by
GO and KEGG analysis. At the same time, we built a PPI network. For optimizing the evaluation of the
prognosis of liver cancer patients, we integrated multiple autophagy genes, after which a prognostic model was
established. By using univariate cox regression analysis, 15 autophagy genes related to prognosis were screened
out. Then we included these 15 genes into the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and
performed a multi-factor cox regression analysis on the 9 selected genes for constructing a prognostic model. The
risk score of each patient, who participated in the establishing of the model, was calculated based on 4 genes
(BIRC5, HSP8, SQSTM1, and TMEM74). Then the patients were divided into high-risk groups and low-risk
groups. In the multivariate cox regression analysis, the risk score was assessed by the independent prognostic
factors (HR = 1.872, 95% CI = 1.544 - 2.196, p < 0.001). Survival analysis showed that the survival time of the
low-risk group was significantly longer than that of the high-risk group. By combining clinical characteristics
and autophagy genes, we constructed a nomogram for predicting the prognosis. The external dataset GSE14520
proved that the nomogram has a good prediction for individual patients with primary liver cancer.

Conclusion:
This study provided potential autophagy-related markers for liver cancer patients to predict their
prognosis and reveal part of the molecular mechanism of liver cancer autophagy. At the same time, certain gene
pathways and protein pathways related to autophagy may provide some inspiration for the development of anticancer
drugs.
Microwave-assisted Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones Using Acid-Functionalized Mesoporous Polymer
Authors: Changmai Bishwajit , Rajkumari Kalyani , Das Diparjun , Rokhum Lalthazuala 
Published: March 2021

Background:
In recent years, 3,4-dihydro-pyrimidin-2-(1H)-ones (DHPMs) have attracted
significant attention due to their diverse range of biological properties such as antibacterial,
antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, calcium channel blocking activities, etc. Taking into account,
in this present work, a polymer-based solid acid catalyst is employed for the microwaveassisted
synthesis of DHPMs.

Introduction:
Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are attracting utmost attention as they promote
the formation of several bonds in a single process with diverse advantages. Biginelli reaction is the
top-ranked example of MCR for the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs). Solid catalysts
are considered a significant tool for MCRs as they are non-toxic, easy to handle, reusable, and
have high selectivity and easy separation process.

Methods:
DHPMs synthesis was carried out using acid-functionalized mesoporous polymer
(AFMP) catalyst under microwave irradiation and solvent-free condition.

Results:
AFMP showed good to excellent DHPMs yield (89-98%) under the optimized reaction
conditions: 1:1:1.2 molar ratio of aldehyde/ethyl acetoacetate/urea, catalyst loading of 6 wt.%
(with respect to aldehyde), the temperature of 80 °C and microwave power of 500 W.

Conclusion:
We have successfully utilized microwave-assisted AFMP catalyst for the synthesis of
DHPMs under solvent-free conditions via the Biginelli approach. The catalyst is recyclable and
reusable in up to 5 consecutive reaction cycles with no significant loss in catalytic activity.
Graphene Versus Coronavirus: A Study of the Graphene Properties that Can Help Combat Coronavirus
Authors: Guerra T. , Assis I. O. , Guerra A. B. 
Published: March 2021

:
New and fascinating physical, chemical and biological phenomena arise in ultra-small
materials, such as graphene. Graphene is a single layer formed only for carbon atoms, super-strong,
200 times stronger than steel and as much as 6 times lighter. It also has a high elasticity and density.
Furthermore, it seems to be impermeable to almost everything, but allows the passage of water
and air. Due to its versatility, modern and urgent applications arise every day, one of the most necessary,
currently, is the control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-
2), the virus responsible for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has dimensions
around 100 nm and has caused a worldwide public health emergency. Different ways to prevent
coronavirus contagion has proposed and one of them is the use of masks. Here, we investigated
some properties of graphene that can help combat COVID-19. A scale appropriate for comparison
shows that the spatial dimension of a virus is much larger than the graphene sheet, making it a
great candidate for manufacturing face masks, filters and respirators. We also make use of firstprinciples
calculations, based on the density functional theory (DFT), to investigate the interaction
between graphene and a water molecule. We observed that the water molecule undergoes a repulsion
force when it is very close to the graphene sheet. The hydrophobicity of graphene can be important
to prevent the face mask that doesn’t get wet when you breathe with it.
Comparing the Efficacies of Telemedicine and Standard Prenatal Care on Blood Glucose Control in Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tian Ying , Zhang Suhan , Huang Feiling , Ma Liangkun 
Published: March 2021

Background
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can usually be well controlled by health education and lifestyle management, resulting in better pregnancy outcomes. However, standard clinical prenatal care, which consists of clinic visits every 2 weeks, may not provide sufficient management for women with GDM. Telemedicine demonstrates a potential to fill this gap.

Objective
The objective of this study was to investigate whether health education and lifestyle management delivered through a WeChat group chat was more effective in controlling blood glucose (BG) than standard clinical prenatal care among women with GDM.

Methods
In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, women with GDM diagnosed by an oral glucose tolerance test between 23 and 30 (+6) gestational weeks were randomized to a WeChat group chat–based BG management group or a routine clinical prenatal care group. The primary outcome was the change in the glycemic qualification rate during the follow-up period in both groups. The secondary outcomes were pregnancy outcomes.

Results
A total of 309 women with GDM participated in the trial, with 162 women randomized to the control group and 147 to the intervention group. No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the control and intervention groups. Participants were further divided into 4 groups according to gestational weeks at enrollment for further analysis. The glycemic qualification rate of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group at nearly all time points in Groups 1 to 3, among which 3 time points reached statistical significance: Group 1 at T3 (54.8% vs 83.3%) and Group 2 at T3 (62.5% vs 80.0%) and T7 (75.0% vs 100%). The glycemic qualification rate gradually increased as gestational weeks progressed in both groups, regardless of the intervention method. None of the pregnancy outcomes measured, including delivery mode, premature rupture of the membranes, preterm birth, infant's birth weight, and postpartum hemorrhage, were significantly different between the control and intervention groups.

Conclusions
This multicenter randomized controlled trial that assessed women with noninsulin-dependent GDM demonstrated that additional instant messaging platforms, such as WeChat, used for health education and lifestyle intervention in China tend to be more effective for BG control than standard clinical prenatal care alone.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03748576; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03748576
Development and Content Validity of a Patient-Reported Experience Measure for Home Dialysis
Authors: Rivara Matthew B. , Edwards Todd , Patrick Donald , Anderson Lisa , Himmelfarb Jonathan , Mehrotra Rajnish 
Published: March 2021

Background and objectives
The population of patients with kidney failure in the United States using home dialysis modalities is growing rapidly. Unlike for in-center hemodialysis, there is no patient-reported experience measure for assessment of patient experience of care for peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis. We sought to develop and establish content validity of a patient-reported experience measure for patients undergoing home dialysis using a mixed methods multiple stakeholder approach.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
We conducted a structured literature review, followed by concept elicitation focus groups and interviews among 65 participants, including 21 patients on home dialysis, 33 home dialysis nurses, three patient care partners, and eight nephrologists. We generated a list of candidate items for possible measure inclusion and conducted a national prioritization exercise among 91 patients on home dialysis and 39 providers using a web-based platform. We drafted the Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument and conducted cognitive debriefing interviews to evaluate item interpretability, order, and structure. We iteratively refined the measure on the basis of interview findings.

Results
The literature review and concept elicitation phases supported 15 domains of home dialysis care experience in six areas: communication and education of patients, concern and helpfulness of the care team, proficiency of the care team, patient-centered care, care coordination, and amenities and environment. Focus groups results showed that domains of highest importance for measure inclusion were patient education and communication, care coordination, and personalization of care. Prioritization exercise results confirmed focus group findings. Cognitive debriefing indicated that the final measure was easily understood and supported content validity.

Conclusions
The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument is a 26-item patient-reported experience measure for use in peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis. The Home Dialysis Care Experience instrument represents the first rigorously developed and content-valid English-language instrument for assessment of patient-reported experience of care in home dialysis.