bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasticity in response to plant–plant interactions and water availability
Authors: Wang Shu , Callaway Ragan M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe plastic responses of plants to abiotic and biotic environmental factors have generally been addressed separately; thus we have a poor understanding of how these factors interact. For example, little is known about the effects of plant–plant interactions on the plasticity of plants in response to water availability. Furthermore, few studies have compared the effects of intra‐ and interspecific interactions on plastic responses to abiotic factors. To explore the effects of intraspecific and interspecific plant–plant interactions on plant responses to water availability, we grew Leucanthemum vulgare and Potentilla recta with a conspecific or the other species, and grew pairs of each species as controls in pots with the roots, but not shoots, physically separated. We subjected these competitive arrangements to mesic and dry conditions, and then measured shoot mass, root mass, total mass and root : shoot ratio and calculated plasticity in these traits. The total biomass of both species was highly suppressed by both intra‐ and interspecific interactions in mesic soil conditions. However, in drier soil, intraspecific interactions for both species and the effect of P. recta on L. vulgare were facilitative. For plasticity in response to water supply, when adjusted for total biomass, drought increased shoot mass, and decreased root mass and root : shoot ratios for both species in intraspecific interactions. When grown alone, there were no plastic responses in any trait except total mass, for either species. Our results suggested that plants interacting with other plants often show improved tolerance for drought than those grown alone, perhaps because of neighbor‐induced shifts in plasticity in biomass allocation. Facilitative effects might also be promoted by plasticity to drought in root : shoot ratios.
Ir−Sn Tetrazole Complexes with Proton‐Responsive P−OH Groups and an Ir−Ir Tetrazole Complex for CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Ocansey Edward , Darkwa James , Makhubela Banothile C. E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBimetallic catalytic systems, especially heterogeneous bimetallic catalytic systems, have been shown to be effective catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation as a result of synergistic effects. Here‐in we report the synthesis of bimetallic Ir−Ir, Ir−Sn and a novel five‐membered heteroatomic Ir−Sn tetrazole complex. These complexes were obtained as a result of the heterolysis of P−S bond in the ligands during complexation. These complexes were evaluated for catalytic activity in homogeneous CO2 hydrogenation where they displayed excellent catalytic activity generating formate selectively. The mechanism of action for the Ir−Sn catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation indicates metal−metal bond breakage prior to formation of catalytically active species. However, this metal−metal bond breakage did not result in the decomposition of the catalysts. In addition, these bimetallic complexes were observed to effectively hydrogenate CO2 directly, or hydrogenate bicarbonate ions formed in solution during the catalytic cycle. For Ir−Ir catalyst, only one metal center was found to be directly involved in CO2 hydrogenation with the second iridium center primarily responsible as an electron source
Biomass derived hierarchically porous carbon inherent structure as an effective metal free cathode for Li‐O2/air battery
Authors: Arjunan Ariharan , Subbiah Maheswari , Sekar Mahendran , VS. Ajay Piriya , Balasubramanian Viswanathan , Sundara Ramaprabhu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA hierarchical porous carbon framework derived from betel‐nut is synthesized and employed as a bifunctional cathode in a Li‐O2/air battery. The prepared betel nut derived activated porous carbon (BNAPC) material exhibits an ordered and merged tube‐like porous morphology and a high specific surface area of 768 m2/g. The presence of both meso and micro porous leads to a well‐developed 3D interconnected carbon framework, which provides an efficient path for the diffusion of the reactant (oxygen as well as air) and also allows stocking the discharge product of Li2O2. Therefore, it exhibits a high specific capacity and excellent rate performance. A maximum discharge capacity of 9560 and 2000 mAh/g at a current density of 100 mA/g for oxygen and ambient air respectively as the reactant is achieved. The prepared material also exhibits reversible cyclic stability of 27 cycles with a specific capacity of 1000 mAh/g at a 100 mA/g current density in oxygen atmosphere.
pH‐driven entrapment of enrofloxacin in casein‐based nanoparticles for the enhancement of oral bioavailability
Authors: Yuan Zhi‐xiang , Deng Shichen , Chen Li , Hu You , Gu Jian , He Lili 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEnrofloxacin (ENR), a broad‐spectrum antibacterial drug, has extremely poor water solubility contributing to low bioavailability, which prevents drug formulation design and limits its wide application in livestock farming and aquaculture. Compared to conventional formulations of ENR, casein (Cas)‐based drug delivery system has been reported to have significant advantages in the improvement of solubility and bioavailability of drugs. In this paper, we report the preparation process of ENR‐loaded Cas nanoparticles (ENR‐Cas) using magnetic agitation without any organic agent and the optimization of the formulation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were all adopted to characterize the ENR‐Cas. Results showed that the obtained ENR‐Cas were approximately spherical with a particle size of 171.6 ± 13.8 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.322 ± 0.053. In vitro release behavior of ENR‐Cas showed a sustained release profile. Additionally, in vivo study in rats displayed that the mean plasma concentration of ENR after oral administration of ENR‐Cas was significantly higher than that treated with ENR suspension. The mean residence time (MRT0–24) of ENR was enhanced by Cas nanoparticles from 9.287 ± 0.524 to 11.372 ± 1.139 hr in comparison with ENR suspension. Accordingly, the area under the curve (AUC0–24) of ENR‐Cas was 80.521 ± 6.624 μg·hr/ml, 3.8‐fold higher than that of ENR suspension (20.850 ± 1.715 μg·hr/ml). Therefore, it can be concluded that ENR‐Cas enhanced the absorption, prolonged the retention time, and improved oral bioavailability of ENR. Taken the good oral safety of Cas into consideration, ENR‐Cas should be a more promising oral preparation of ENR for clinical application.
Group‐2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Promote HCC Progression Through CXCL2‐Neutrophil‐Induced Immunosuppression
Authors: Xu Xingyuan , Ye Longyun , Zhang Qi , Shen Hang , Li Shanshan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ye Mao , Liang Tingbo 
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims
Due to their inherent characteristics, the function of group‐2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) varies in a context‐dependent manner. ILC2s are involved in certain liver diseases; however, their involvement in HCC is unknown. In the present study, we assessed the role of an HCC‐derived ILC2 population in tumor progression.

Approach and Results
Through FACS and single‐cell RNA sequencing, we discovered that ILC2s were highly enriched in human HCC and correlated significantly with tumor recurrence and worse progression‐free survival as well as overall survival in patients. Mass cytometry identified a subset of HCC‐derived ILC2s that had lost the expression of killer cell lectin‐like receptor subfamily G, member 1 (KLRG1). Distinct from their circulating counterparts, these hepatic ILC2s highly expressed CD69 and an array of tissue resident–related genes. Furthermore, reduction of E‐cadherin in tumor cells caused the loss of KLRG1 expression in ILC2s, leading to their increased proliferation and subsequent accumulation in HCC sites. The KLRG1− ILC2 subset showed elevated production of chemotaxis factors, including C‐X‐C motif chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand (CXCL)‐2 and CXCL8, which in turn recruited neutrophils to form an immunosuppressive microenvironment, leading to tumor progression. Accordingly, restoring KLRG1 in ILC2s, inhibiting CXCL2 in ILC2s, or depleting neutrophils inhibited tumor progression in a murine HCC model.

Conclusions
We identified HCC‐associated ILC2s as an immune regulatory cell type that promotes tumor development, suggesting that targeting these ILC2s might lead to new treatments for HCC.
Evidence and politics of patient experience in Ontario: The perspective of healthcare providers and administrators
Authors: Zakkar Moutasem A. , Meyer Samantha B. , Janes Craig R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatient experience has a direct impact on patients' engagement in healthcare, their commitment to treatment plans, and their relationship with their healthcare providers, all of which can impact their health outcomes. The complexity of the healthcare system, the increasing health needs of the population, and the priority and knowledge differences among healthcare stakeholders impact how they conceptualize and seek to achieve the ideal patient experience and the weights that they give to different elements of this experience.AimsThis study sought to understand the perspectives of healthcare providers and administrators in Ontario regarding the factors affecting the patient experience.Materials & MethodsQualitative data were collected between April 2018 and May 2019. Twenty‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted. Interviewees included physicians, nurses, optometrists, dietitians, quality managers, and policymakers. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, utilizing and extending a previously developed patient experience framework.ResultsSeveral themes emerged in the data, and they represent two perspectives on patient experience: the biomedical perspective, which prioritizes health outcomes and gives high weights to healthcare experience factors that can be controlled by healthcare providers, while ignoring other factors, and the sociopolitical perspective, which recognizes the impacts of healthcare politics and the social context of health on patient experience in Ontario.ConclusionThe study is timely in light of the current changes in the Ontario healthcare system and the healthcare reform started by the new government, as it sheds light on the possible negative impact of healthcare policy and politics on patient experience.
Preservation of female fertility: The current therapeutic strategy
Authors: Henry Laurie , Labied Soraya , Jouan Caroline , Nisolle Michelle 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreservation of female fertility is a relatively new field in medicine that has grown very rapidly in recent decades. At the beginning, embryo freezing remained the most effective technique. Thereafter, cryopreservation of oocytes and ovarian tissue was considered a secure tool in human fertility preservation. Storage of cortical ovarian tissue is moreover relevant for children, prepubertal girls, and adult patients who cannot benefit from cryopreservation of oocytes.ObjectiveTo analyze and review recent and relevant scientific literature on medical and social reasons for preservation of fertility.MethodsThe review was conducted based on articles identified from PubMed databases using keywords.Main resultsOocyte vitrification allows women to preserve their fertility without the need for fertilization. Nowadays, thousands of healthy children have been born from this procedure. Occurrence of pregnancy depends on two main factors: the number of mature oocytes in storage and the age of the patient at the time of vitrification. Numerous adaptations have been developed to suit the ovarian stimulation regiments to patients with cancer. In young prepubertal girls, freezing of ovarian tissue remains the best and only option.ConclusionOocyte vitrification therefore appears to be the gold standard technique of preserving fertility in young women.
Tumor suppressor role of hsa_circ_0035445 in gastric cancer
Authors: Sun Weiliang , Zhang Haiyan , Duan Wenbiao , Zhu Hui , Gu Chijiang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely related to the occurrence and development of cancers. However, the roles of circRNAs in gastric cancer are largely unknown. Total 104 pairs of gastric cancer tissues and non‐cancer tissues, fasting plasma of 42 healthy people and 42 gastric cancer patients’ one day before operation and 10 days after operation were collected. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression level of hsa_circ_0035445. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used to analyze its diagnostic value. Small interfering RNA and overexpression vector were used to downregulate and upregulate the expression of hsa_circ_0035445, respectively. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and colony formation assays were used to detect the proliferation ability. Trans‐well assay and scratch assay were used to detect the migration ability. Finally, flow cytometry was used to detect the changes of cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Hsa_circ_0035445 was lowly expressed in gastric cancer tissues, plasma of gastric cancer patients, and gastric cancer cells. The expression level of hsa_circ_0035445 in gastric cancer tissues was relationship with tumor size and distant metastasis. The AUC of hsa_circ_0035445 in tissues and plasma was 0.68 and 0.86, respectively. Upregulation of hsa_circ_0035445 suppressed the proliferation and migration, promoted apoptosis, and blocked cells at G0/G1 phase. Downregulation of hsa_circ_0035445 promoted the proliferation and migration, suppressed apoptosis, and blocked cells at S phase. In conclusion, hsa_circ_0035445 may become a new target for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Gait mechanics of a blind echolocating rodent: Implications for the locomotion of small arboreal mammals and proto‐bats
Authors: Granatosky Michael C. , Amanat Sonia , Panyutina Aleksandra A. , Youlatos Dionisios 
Published: April 2021

AbstractArboreal mammals have evolved a range of biomechanical adaptations that allow them to navigate trees effectively. One such feature that has received considerable attention is the importance of vision that helps arboreal animals assess gap distances, assure proper foot placement, and inspect potential risks. While there is considerable debate about the relative importance of the visual system specifics, there is little doubt that the ability to at least see the environment must confer some level of safety when navigating arboreal substrates. In this study, we explore spatiotemporal and kinematic patterns of arboreal locomotion in the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse (Typhlomys chapensis), a blind rodent that uses ultrasonic echolocation to navigate in tree canopies. We compare these data with five other species of arboreal rodents and primates. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics are largely similar between the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse and other small‐bodied arboreal species analyzed. Most notable is the tendency for relatively high‐speed asymmetrical gaits on large‐diameter substrates and slower symmetrical lateral‐sequence gaits on small‐diameter substrates. Furthermore, for all species speed is primarily regulated by increasing stride frequency rather than length. Kinematics of the Vietnamese pygmy dormouse changed little in response substrate size and were primarily driven by speed. These findings suggest that the information gathered during ultrasonic scanning is sufficient to allow effective quadrupedal locomotion while moving on arboreal supports. The Vietnamese pygmy dormouse may serve as a model for the quadrupedal nocturnal ancestor of bats, which had started developing ultrasonic echolocation and reducing vision while likely occupying an arboreal niche.
The effect of variable temperature, humidity, and substrate wettability on Gecko (Gekko gecko) locomotor performance and behavior
Authors: Ringenwald Bridget E. , Bogacki Erin C. , Narvaez Carla A. , Stark Alyssa Y. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAdhesive and locomotor performances of geckos are inherently linked by specialized morphological and biomechanical features. As such, we predict that conditions that lead to poor adhesive performance (i.e., low resistance to applied force while clinging) also lead to poor locomotor performance and behavior (i.e., slowed running speed, increased frequency and duration of stops, more failed or incomplete runs). In this study, we test the prediction that running speed changes as a function of adhesive performance in variable temperature (12 and 32°C), humidity (30, 55, 70, 80% relative humidity), and substrate wettability (hydrophilic glass, intermediately wetting plexiglass). We also expect other locomotor performance traits and behaviors, such as stopping and avoiding treatment conditions, to change as a function of adhesive performance. The results of this study do not fully support our prediction: gecko locomotor performance does not change as a function of humidity or substrate wettability, unlike adhesive performance. As an anticipated result of ectothermy, geckos run significantly slower and stop more frequently and longer at 12°C than 32°C. At high temperature, geckos required significantly more running attempts on hydrophilic glass than plexiglass to complete the experimental procedure, suggesting that this treatment condition is unfavorable. The results of this study highlight the robust locomotive response of geckos to variation in adhesive performance and environmental conditions, and have significant implications for predictions about habitat use and behavior in their natural environment.
Risk of postpartum hemorrhage in multiparous women with Gaucher disease: A call for reconsidering enzyme replacement therapy in all pregnant patients
Authors: Cohen Yael , Frydman Dafna , Rotem Reut , Kofman Roei , Zimran Ari , Revel‐Vilk Shoshana , Grisaru‐Granovsky Sorina 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFor the last three decades, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Gaucher disease (GD) has been available. We aimed to evaluate the effect of ERT on the pregnancy and obstetric outcome in a unique group of multiparous women with type 1 GD (GD1) who had pregnancies with and without ERT. The Gaucher Unit database (1987‐2019) was searched for multiparous women who had pregnancies before and after the institution of ERT. Data were collected from the clinic files and study‐specific questionnaires. Descriptive, correlation analysis and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to study the effect of ERT and confounding variables on study outcomes. We identified 19 women with 105 pregnancies, among which 26 (24.7%) terminated in first‐trimester miscarriage. The risk for miscarriage was associated with the severity of GD1 genotype and phenotype, but not with ERT usage. Early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) was reported in 16 (84%) women after 25 deliveries (31.6%, 95% CI 21.6%‐43.1%). The risks of early PPH and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were significantly lower when ERT was used during pregnancy, OR (95% CI) 0.13 (0.03‐0.54) and 0.27 (0.08‐0.94), respectively, compared to pregnancies without the use of ERT. Enzyme replacement therapy during pregnancy is risk reducing for early PPH and RBC transfusions in women with GD1. We suggest considering ERT for the benefit of all pregnant women with GD1, including mild GD1.
Immunolocalization of epidermal differentiation complex proteins reveals distinct molecular compositions of cells that control structure and mechanical properties of avian skin appendages
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo , Eckhart Leopold 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode structural proteins of skin derivatives with variable mechanical performances, from the scales of reptiles and birds to the hard claws and beaks, and to the flexible but resistant corneous material of feathers. Corneous proteins with or without extended beta‐regions are produced from avian genomes, and include the largely prevalent corneous beta proteins (CβPs, formerly indicated as beta‐keratins), and minor contribution from histidine‐rich proteins, trichohyalin‐like proteins (scaffoldin), loricrin, and other proteins rich in cysteine or other types of amino acids. The light‐microscopic and ultrastructural immunolocalization of major and minor EDC‐proteins in avian skin (feather CβPs, EDKM, EDWM, EDMTFH, EDDM, and scaffoldin) suggests that each specific appendage consists of a particular mix of these proteins in addition to the main proteins containing a peculiar beta‐region of 34 amino acids, indicated as feather/scale/claw/beak CβPs (fCβPs, sCβPs, cCβPs, bCβPs). This indicates that numerous proteins of the EDC are added to the variable meshwork of intermediate filament keratins to produce avian epidermis with different mechanical and functional properties. Although the specific roles for these proteins are not known they likely make an important contribution to the final material properties of the different skin appendages of birds. The highest number of sauropsid CβPs is found in birds, suggesting a relation to the evolution of feathers, and additional epidermal differentiation proteins have contributed to the evolutionary adaptations of avian skin.
Hypoalbuminemia in patients following their recovery from severe coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Ali Kameran M. , Ali Ayad M. , Tawfeeq Hassan M. , Figueredo Grazziela P. , Rostam Hassan M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by a contagious virus that has spread to more than 200 countries, territories, and regions. Thousands of studies to date have examined all aspects of this disease, yet little is known about the postrecovery status of patients, especially in the long term. Here, we examined erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and serum albumin biomarkers in patients with a history of severe and mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 following their recovery. In patients with severe COVID‐19 serum albumin had a strong negative correlation with both ESR and CRP levels (R2 = − 0.861 and R2 = − 0.711), respectively. Also, there was a positive correlation between ESR and CRP level (R2 = 0.85) in the same group. However, there was no correlation between these biomarkers among mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 patients. In addition, no correlation was recorded between the severe and mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 groups. This finding highlights the sustained elevation of ESR and CRP level and reduced serum albumin level that may persist postrecovery in patients with a history of severe COVID‐19.