bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth Responses of Agropyron Mongolicum Keng to Nitrogen Addition Is Linked to Root Morphological Traits and Nitrogen-Use Efficiency.
Authors: XU Aiyun , Wang Xing , Wang Xiaojia , Xu Dongmei , Cao Bing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background and aimsNitrogen (N) is the primary limiting factors for plant growth and development, and increasingly N deposition alters plant composition, consequently affecting ecosystem function have been widely acknowledged. However, the effects of N fertilization on native species in desert grassland ecosystem and underlying mechanisms of these effects are still poorly understood. This study was conducted to examine the growth response of Agropyron mongolicum keng to N addition and potential mechanisms underlying this effect.MethodsA.mongolicum Keng was subjected to five N addition levels (0, 0.8,1.6, 2.4, and 4.0g N m−2 yr−1) for six months under greenhouse conditions. A combination of linear and structural equation modelling was used to examine growth response of A.mongolicum Keng to N addition and test whether its response related to root morphological traits and N-use efficiency.ResultsGrowth responses of A. mongolicum Keng to increasing N addition appeared a unimodal-shaped with a N saturation threshold at 3.2g N m-1 yr-1. Its response closely related to the root surface area, volume, length, and forks number, N uptake and utilization efficiency. Besides, N-induced changes in soil available nutrient have an indirect impaction biomass of A. mongolicum Keng via regulation of root morphological traits and N-use efficiency.ConclusionsThese findings highlight the sensibility of A. mongolicum Keng to N addition and the importance of root morphological traits and N-use efficiency in affecting biomass. Therefore, these can provide important insights into potential changes of native species survival and development in nutrient-limited desert grassland caused by N deposition.
Real-World Antibiotic Use in Treating Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) in China: Evidence From The ACURE Study
Authors: Ma Yiming , Huang Ke , Liang Chen , Mao Xihua , Zhang Yaowen , Zhan Zijie , Yang Ting , Chen Yan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The evidence for real-world antibiotic use in treating acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is insufficient. This study aimed to investigate real-world antibiotic use in the management of AECOPD in China.Methods: All hospitalized AECOPD patients from the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease inpatient registry (ACURE) study conducted at 163 sites between January 2018 and December 2019 were screened according to the eligible criteria. The eligible study population was divided into secondary and tertiary hospital groups. Patients’ baseline characteristics, antibiotic use, and bacterial pathogen characteristics were retrieved and analyzed using SPSS 23.0.Results: A total of 1663 patients were included in the study, including 194 patients from secondary hospitals and 1469 patients from tertiary hospitals. Among the 1663 AECOPD patients enrolled, 1434 (86.2%) received antibiotic treatment, comprising approximately 85.6% and 86.3% of patients in the secondary and tertiary hospital groups, respectively. The median antibiotic therapy duration was 9.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 7.0 - 11.0) days. Regarding the routes of antibiotic use, 1400 (97.6%) patients received intravenous antibiotics, 18 (1.3%) patients received oral antibiotics, 15 (1.0%) patients received both intravenous and oral antibiotics, and one (0.1%) patient received both oral and nebulized antibiotic treatment. In addition, cephalosporin, penicillin, and quinolone were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics (43.6%, 37.0%, and 34.2%, respectively). In total, 990 (56.5%) patients underwent pathogen examinations; the proportion of patients receiving pathogen examinations in the second hospital group was significantly lower than that in the tertiary hospital group (46.4% vs 61.3%, p < 0.001).Conclusion: This study indicates that antibiotics are extensively prescribed to AECOPD patients in China and demonstrates the limited compliance to the AECOPD guidelines in real-world antibiotic use. More well-designed clinical trials are warranted to further help guide the rational antibiotic use in the treatment of AECOPD.
Reliability and Validity of the Persian Version of the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA) - Parent Version in Iranian Mothers
Authors: Hosseini Seyed-Sirvan , Beheshti Seyedeh Zeinab , Eapen Valsamma , Almasi-Hashiani Amir , Maroufizadeh Saman 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to poorer quality of life. The Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA) is a commonly used instrument for measuring the quality of life in parents of children with ASD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the QoLA in Iranian mothers of children with ASD.Methods: The sample of this methodological study consisted of 88 mothers of children with ASD in Arak, Iran. The data were collected using convenience sampling method between September 2019 and January 2020. A battery of questionnaires was administered to mothers which included the QoLA, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4). Factor structure and internal consistency of the QoLA were examined via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. Convergent validity was examined by relationship with WHOQOL-BREF, PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PSS-4.Results: The mean total scores of QoLA Part A and Part B were 86.50 (SD=13.89) and 61.41 (SD=18.21), respectively. Both subscales exhibited good internal validity (with Cronbach’s alpha of 0.899 and 0.950 for Part A and Part B, respectively). The convergent validity of both subscales of QoLA was proved via moderate to strong correlations with measure of the WHOQOL-BREF. In addition, both QoLA Part A and Part B scores were negatively correlated with measures of PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PSS-4. The confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence for unidimensionality of both subscales of QoLA.Conclusion: The Persian version of QoLA displays satisfactory reliability and validity in Iranian mothers of children with ASD.
Neurophysiological and Spinal Cord Perfusion Changes at Dynamic Neck Positions in a Compressive Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model
Authors: Yu Zhengran , Cheng Xing , Chen Jiacheng , Lin Sixiong , Hu Hao , Huang Fangli , Zou Zhiyuan , Chen Bolin , Wan Yong , He Shaofu , Peng Xinsheng , Zou Xuenong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a degenerative condition of the spine that caused by static and dynamic compression of the spinal cord. However, the pathophysiological changes at dynamic neck positions remain poor. This study investigated the interplay between neurophysiological and haemodynamic responses at dynamic neck positions in a chronic compressive spinal cord injury (CCSCI) rat model. Methods: Behavioural tests including Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores and an inclined plane test were used to evaluate the motor function recovery. Combined examination of dynamic motor and somatosensory evoked potentials (DMEPs and DSSEPs, respectively) was performed regularly to evaluate the dynamic motor and sensory conduction of the cervical cord. At 4 weeks post-injury (wpi), dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamic laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) were used to demonstrate the interstructure and spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) at the compression site at dynamic neck positions. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to assess the cords' pathological changes.Results: Behavioural tests and combined DMEPs and DSSEPs examination showed that spinal cord neurological function and dynamic neural conduction deteriorated gradually within a 4-week compression period. The DMEPs were mainly deteriorated upon flexion, while DSSEPs were upon all neck positions after the compression. At 4 wpi, dynamic MRI showed increased T2-weighted image (T2WI) signal intensities. Also, dynamic LDF demonstrated decreased SCBF at the spinal cord compression site. Both of them altered especially upon cervical flexion. The dynamic change in SCBF was significantly correlated with the change in DMEP amplitude upon flexion. Conclusions: This exploratory study revealed that changes in axonal conduction in the motor and somatosensory tracts of the spinal cord were significantly related to chronic compression time and neck position. Furthermore, spinal cord ischaemia may be intimately related to motor conduction dysfunction upon flexion in CCSCI models. These results indicated the potential for therapies targeting dynamic spinal cord perfusion to prevent progression and functional loss in CSM.
Predicting Mechanical Ventilation for More Than 7 Days in the Emergency Department
Authors: Paik Jin Hui , Kim Jung-Soo , Lee Man-Jong , Park Mi Hwa , Durey Areum , Kim Ah Jin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background The duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) required by patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) is difficult to predict. We investigated the duration of MV in ED-admitted patients, as well as their clinical progress.Methods We investigated the duration of MV in adult patients (aged ≥18 years) who were attached to ventilators in our ED between January and December 2017. The patients were divided into two groups; MV <7 days and MV ≥7 days. The patients’ demographic characteristics, diagnoses, clinical features, and underlying diseases were compared between two groups.Results The study comprised 282 patients including 142 in the MV <7 days group and 140 in the MV ≥7 days group. The MV ≥7 days group had more patients diagnosed with metabolic disorder, pneumonia, neurological disease, sepsis, and multiple trauma, and also had a greater proportion of patients with dementia or stroke as the underlying disease. The mean C-reactive protein level in the MV ≥7 days group was 6.4 mg/dL, which was higher than that in the MV <7 days group. The risk factors for requiring ≥7 days of MV were identified as a diagnosis of stroke as well as having the underlying diseases of cancer and stroke or dementia. Among the laboratory test results, pH, HCO3- , and albumin <3.5 g/dL were identified as factors influencing the duration of MV.Conclusion MV for ≥7 days is predicted to be required for patients admitted for a stroke; those with underlying cancer or stroke; and those with adverse pH, HCO3-, and albumin blood test results.
The status of dietary fatty acids intake in the autistic children: a case-control study
Authors: Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Rastgoo Samira , Torki Saheb Abbas , Bourbour Fatemeh , Shahdoosti Hosain , Ashoori Narges , Jarrahi Alireza Mosavi , Ebrahimi Kamal , Kalantari Naser , Teymoori Zohreh , Doaei Saeid 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Deficiencies or imbalances in dietary fat intake may influence on mental and neurological functions of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study aimed to compare the amount of fatty acids intake in the autistic cases with the healthy controls.Methods: This case-control was carried out on 200 randomly selected children (100 autistic cases and 100 healthy controls) in Tehran, Iran. The food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the intake of calorie, macronutrients, and dietary fatty acids including saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acid (LA), α-Linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and trans fatty acids.Results: No significant difference was found in the amount of dietary calorie, protein, carbohydrate, and total fat intake between two groups. In terms of the type of dietary fatty acids, the amount of MUFAs (OR: 3.18(1.13-4.56); p=0.04), PUFAs (OR: 4.12(2.01-6.25); p=0.01), and LA (4.76(1.34-14.32); p=0.01) were significantly higher in ASD children compared to the control group. The amounts of ALA, EPA, DHA, SFA, and trans fatty acid were not significantly different between two groups. Conclusions: The autistic children had higher unsaturated fatty acids intake except for omega-3 fatty acids. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the underlying mechanisms of possible associations between unsaturated fatty acids intake and ASD.
A Proper Increasing in the Testosterone Level May Be Associated With Better Pregnancy Outcomes for in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Patients With Tubal or Male Infertility
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Zhang Duoduo , Sun Zhengyi , Yu Qi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

To investigate the relationship between androgen levels and pregnancy outcomes in patients with tubal or male infertility at different times of the in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles.
Methods

Patients with tubal or male infertility but normal androgen levels receiving IVF/ICSI were continuously recruited. We made longitudinal analysis of the testosterone (T) levels at three time points (T0: basal T levels, T1: T levels on the trigger day, T2: T levels on the next day of the trigger day) in three groups with different pregnancy outcomes (Group 1: no pregnancy, Group 2: clinical pregnancy but no live birth, Group 3: live birth) as repeated measurement data using linear mixed effect models. We also plotted fitting curves depicting the relationship of the T levels and the numbers of oocytes retrieved at different time points, and the inflection points of the curves were identified.
Results

A total of 3012 patients were recruited in the study. Improvements in androgen levels were identified at the three-time points in Group 1 and 3. The slope in Group 3 after refitting was significantly higher than Group 1 (P = 0.000). The curves that reflected the association of androgen levels and numbers of retrieved oocytes presented an upward trend before a certain inflection point, after which the curves had no obvious changes or fell with the increase of androgen levels. The inflection points for T0, T1, T2 were calculated as 0.45, 0.94, 1.09, respectively.
Conclusion

The faster upward trend of the T levels might be associated with better pregnancy outcomes. Within the range of lower than a certain value of the T levels, more oocytes and embryos could be obtained with the increasing of the T levels.
Mathematical Abilities in Children: An sMRI Analysis With Radiomics
Authors: Pina Violeta , Campello Víctor M , Lekadir Karim , Seguí Santi , Santos José María García , Fuentes Luis J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Brain areas related to mathematical abili- ties in children have been mainly assessed through their activation in fMRI, while volume-based analysis have been employed in sMRI to discover structural differ- ences. However, a recent technique in precision medicine allows to enhance the sMRI analysis by extracting a large number of features, also called radiomics, related to shape, intensity and texture from specific areas. In the present study, a structural neuroimaging analysis based on radiomics and machine learning models is pre- sented with the aim of identifying brain areas related to different mathematical tests. A total of 77 school- aged children from third to sixth grade were adminis- tered four mathematical tests: Math Fluency, Calcu- lation, Applied Problems and Concepts as well as a structural brain imaging scan. The results confirmed and extended the involvement of brain areas found in sMRI and fMRI literature such as the frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital cortex, as well as basal ganglia and limbic system areas. For these areas, texture fea- tures were the most informative while volume represented less than 15% of the shape information. These findings emphasize the potential of radiomics for a more in-depth analysis of medical images for the identifi- cation of brain areas related to mathematical perfor- mance. The code used to obtain these results can be found at github.com/vicmancr/MathBrainRadiomics.
Fixed-bed Column Dynamics of Ultrasound and Na-functionalized Diatomite to Remove Phosphate from Water
Authors: Ye Junxiu , Yang Min , Ding Xuemei , Tan Wei , Li Guizhen , Fang Shuju , Wang Hongbin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A continuous fixed-bed column study has been used to evaluate phosphate adsorption performance of U-D-Na which was functionalized by the cheap NaCl reagent after simple ultrasonic purification of diatomite. Experimentally, various effect factors, the flow rate, the initial phosphate concentration, and the bed height on breakthrough time of fixed column were studied. Experimental results showed that the breakthrough time declined with the increase of inlet phosphorous concentration and feed rate, whereas the increase of bed height turned out to significantly prolong the breakthrough time. The dynamic adsorption data could better be fitted by the Thomas model, with the correlation coefficients obtained, R2 > 0.9000 at the majority of operating conditions (5/7). At least thrice loop of adsorption and desorption was achieved with 0.1 M hydrochloric acid eluent and deionized water. The results proved that U-D-Na could be used as a better alternative phosphate adsorbent from wastewater in a continuous column process.
Paraquat Modulates Immunological Function in Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages
Authors: Srinont Piyarat , Wandee Jaroon , Angwanich Worapol 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Paraquat (PQ) is an herbicide commonly used worldwide. This herbicide is known to alter the human and animal immune systems. Many reports indicated that PQ impacts immune cell viability and functions. However, the underlying mechanism critical is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate effects of PQ on free radical production, oxidative stress, cell death, and pro-inflammatory gene expression of murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) from female C57BL/6NJcl mice in vitro. BMDMs were incubated with PQ at 0, 200, 400 µM for 24 h. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, cell viability, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and IL-6 expression of murine BMDMs were measured. The results revealed that PQ treatments led to decrease the cell viability and induced apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, PQ induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The mRNA expression level of pro-inflammatory mediator gene IL-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were elevated, while the level of lipid peroxides (MDA) production was unaltered by PQ treatment. Interestingly, PQ led to a decrease in nitric oxide production depends on its concentration. These phenomena indicated that PQ increased cellular ROS production which induced apoptosis, and the herbicide triggers production of iNOS and IL-6 in murine BMDMs.
Safety and feasibility study of using Polyphosphate (PolyP) in alveolar cleft repair, A Pilot study.
Authors: Alkaabi Salem , Kalla Natsir , GA Alsabri , Fauzi A , NA Jansen , Tajrin A , WEG Müller , Schröder HC , Wang XH , Forouzanfar T , MN Helder , Ruslin M 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Bone grafting is an important surgical procedure to reconstruct alveolar bone defects in patients with cleft lip and palate. Polyphosphate (PolyP) is a physiological polymer present in blood, primarily in platelets. PolyP is playing a role as phosphate source in bone calcium phosphate deposition. Moreover, the cleavage of high-energy bonds to release phosphates provides local energy necessary for regenerative processes. In this study, polyP is complexed with calcium to form Calcium polyP microparticles (Ca-polyP MPs), which were shown to have osteoinductive properties in preclinical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety and osteoinductivity of Ca-polyP MPs in-first human clinical trial.Methods: This single blinded, randomized, prospective clinical pilot study enrolled eight adolescent patients (mean age 18.1: range 13 - 34 years) with residual alveolar bone cleft. Randomization in two groups (four receiving Ca-polyP MPs only, four a combination of Ca-polyP MPs and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP)) was performed. Patient follow-up was six months. Outcome parameters included safety parameters and close monitoring of possible adverse effects using radiographic imaging, regular blood tests, and physical examinations.Results: Due to surgical and technical reasons, eventually only 2 patients received Ca-polyP MPs, and the others the combination graft. All patients were assessed up to day 90. Four out of eight were able to continue with the final assessment day (day180). Three out eight were unable to reach the hospital due to Covid-19 restrictions. One patient decided not to continue with the study.No allergies or remarkable local or systematic reaction were noticed in all patients. Radiographically, patients receiving Ca-polyP MPs only were scored grade IV Bergland scale, while patients received combination Ca-polyP MPs and BCP were ranged from score I to III.Conclusions: Ca-polyP MPs and combination of Ca-polyP MPs/BCP are safe graft materials, however, Ca-polyP MPs alone are not sufficiently stable defect-filling scaffolds to be used in alveolar cleft repair.Trial registration: Indonesian Trial Registry under number INA-EW74C1N by the ethical committee of Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia with code number 1063/UN4.6.4.5.31/PP36/2019
Respiratory Commensal Bacteria Reduce the Immune Damage Caused by Influenza Virus Infection by Regulating the Polarization State of Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhu Limei , Qi Ying 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Role of respiratory tract commensal bacteria in maintaining the immune homeostasis of the respiratory tract is not well eluciated. We aimed to analyze the effect of respiratory symbiotic bacteria on respiratory immune system and its immune response to exogenous pathogens.MethodsIn this study, SPF C57BL/6 male mice were sensitized by nasal drip of respiratory tract symbiotic bacteria s. aurcus for 6-8 weeks and then used to establish a s. aureus upper respiratory tract symbiosis mouse model. Subsequently, the mice were infected with influenza virus through nasal drip to establish a virus infection model. During the experiment, the immunopathological damage, cytokines and mechanisms related to immune response were analyzed and studied.ResultsThe study found that in the s.aureus upper respiratory tract symbiosis mouse model, s.aurcus sensitization significantly reduced the immune damage in the lungs caused by influenza virus A (IVA) infection, but this protective effect was significantly weakened when alveolar macrophages were cleared. Further studies found that during influenza virus infection, M2 alveolar macrophages (AM) secreted regulatory cytokines to suppress the excessive immune response induced by influenza virus infection. α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 could reduce inflammation in lung tissues, the amount of AM and the expression of inflammatory factors, and the secretion and expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in lung tissues, plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). GTS-21 also reduced the lung injury caused by IVA in mice and the levels of M1 type AM bioactive molecules inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and pro-inflammatory factors in AM, and increased the levels of M2 type AM bioactive molecules Arg1 and Ym1. Anti-HMGB 1 antibody reduced the inflammation of lung tissues of mice caused by IVA and inhibited the polarization of AM to M1. Recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) increased the inflammation of lung tissues of mice caused by IVA and promoted the polarization of AM to M1.ConclusionsRespiratory commensal bacteria induced M2 alveolar macrophages with immunomodulatory function to protect the host against illness and death caused by IVA infection.