bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responses of Absorptive Root and Mycorrhizal Colonization of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia Lanceolata) to Varied Environmental Conditions
Authors: Liao Yingchun , Fan Houbao , Li Liang , Wei Xiaohua , Wang Huimin , Duan Honglang , Liu Wenfei , Liu Jiali 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Root branching and mycorrhizal symbioses are two major mechanisms for soil resources acquisition by trees. Understanding the relationship between these two mechanisms and their responses to varied environmental conditions are crucial for predicting the responses of foraging strategies of roots to environmental changes. This study was conducted in 11 Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) plantations distributed in different environmental conditions in Subtropical China to assess the relationship between root tip traits related to nutrient foraging (branching ratio of 1st order roots to 2nd order roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization) and their environmental variables including annual mean precipitation (MAP), annual mean temperature (MAT), soil C, soil N, soil P and soil pH. Results Root branching was more sensitive to environmental conditions than mycorrhizal symbioses. The branching ratio and AM colonization of Chinese fir were significantly related to several environmental variables. The branching ratios were positively correlated with MAT but negatively correlated with soil C, soil N and soil pH (P < 0.05), suggesting that harsh environmental conditions can promote absorptive root branching. To our surprise, the AM colonization of absorptive roots was not so sensitive to environmental factors as branching ratio. However, the AM colonization of absorptive roots was positively correlated with soil pH (P < 0.1), indicating that soil acidity significantly controls mycorrhizal symbioses. Moreover, the branching ratio was significantly negatively correlated with AM colonization (P < 0.05). Our results confirmed that environmental conditions significantly regulate fine root branching and its mycorrhizal symbioses, but with different controlling variables. The negatively correlated relationship of branching ratio and AM colonization shows that environmental factors regulate absorptive root traits in different ways.
Effects of Dihydroartemisinin, a Metabolite of Artemisinin, on Colon Cancer Chemoprevention and Adaptive Immune Regulation
Authors: Wang Chong-Zhi , Wan Chunping , Luo Yun , Zhang Chun-Feng , Zhang Qi-Hui , Chen Lina , Liu Zhi , Wang Daniel Henry , Lager Mallory , Li Cang-Hai , Jiang Ting-Liang , Hou Lifei , Yuan Chun-Su 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Artemisinin (ART) is an anti-malaria natural compound with a moderate anticancer action. As a metabolite of ART, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) may have stronger anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) bioactivities. However, the effects of DHA and ART on CRC chemoprevention have not been systematically evaluated and compared, including on adaptive immune regulation. Coupled with a newly-established HPLC analytical method, enteric microbiome biotransformation was conducted to identify if the DHA is a gut microbial metabolite of ART. The anti-CRC potential of these compounds was compared using two different human CRC cell lines for cell cycle arrest, apoptotic induction, and anti-inflammation activities. Naive CD4+ T cells were also obtained for testing the compounds on the differentiation of Treg, Th1 and Th17. Using compound extraction and analytical methods, we observed for the first time that ART completely converted into its metabolites within 24 h, but no DHA was detected. Although ART did not obviously influence cancer cell growth in the concentration tested, DHA very significantly inhibited the cancer cell growth at relatively low concentrations. DHA included G2/M cell cycle arrest via upregulation of cyclin A and apoptosis. Both ART and DHA downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. The DHA significantly promoted Treg cell proliferation, while both ART and DHA inhibited Th1 and Th17 cell differentiation. As a metabolite of ART, DHA possessed stronger anti-CRC activities. The DHA significantly inhibited cell growth via cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and anti-inflammation actions. The adaptive immune regulation is a related mechanism of actions for the observed effects.
A Reconfigurable Perovskite/Polymer Composite Film for Real-Time Detection of Agricultural Spraying
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Wu Xubing , Du Jiaying , Wang Song , Fang Hui , Zhang Qi , Wang Wen-Jun , Zhu Shiping , Hofkens Johan , Liu Pingwei 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Responsive composites that can display sophisticated responses under environmental stimuli are of paramount importance for developing smart materials and systems. However, the hierarchical design of their multiscale constituents to achieve such response remains a challenge. Here, we report a responsive polymer composite obtained by integrating hierarchical interactions between the polymer network meshes, perovskite nanoinclusion, and a microstructured layout. More specific, a layered composite film has been made with perovskite nanoparticles embedded in a hydratable polymer network as the top layer. The perovskites inclusions can undergo a reversible transformation between a nanocrystalline state and a dissociated ion state, triggered by spraying aqueous solutions on the polymer top layer, resulting in an on/off switch of fluorescence at 510 nm. Meanwhile, the surface layer experiences a reconfigurable micro-wrinkling that can gradually change the film transmittance between 90% and 10%. The two orthogonal responses show a good reversibility for at least 15 cycles. They can be manipulated independently as they respond differently to the amount of water applied. We demonstrate the use of such film by real-time, quantitative, and repeatable detection of spraying and subsequent droplet distribution. Such a sensing capability is urgently needed in precision agriculture for fast assessing the deposition quality of pesticides and fertilizers, yet still not available. Our findings enable the design of perovskite-based responsive composites with multiple functions as well as novel device applications in sensors, actuators, and optoelectronics.
Caregiving Burden among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunyemi Adedoyin , Umoru Adizat K , Alabi Adewumi O , Adegboyega Bolanle C , Otokpa Ejiro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The coping mechanisms adopted by cancer caregivers especially in developing countries of the world is given little attention. The aim of this study was to assess the caregiving burden and coping mechanisms among caregivers of cancer patients attending a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) tool, Katz index instrument of activity, Lawton Brody tool and Brief-Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE) scale were used to collect data from 385 informal caregiver-patient dyads. The data was analyzed using the Epi Info version 7.Results: Of the 385 caregivers in the study, 162 (42.1%) were males and 223 (57.9%) were females. Almost half (47.3%) of the caregivers had severe burden and the mean ZBI score was 39.1 ± 12.5. Adult children caregivers (56.3%) of cancer patients reported the highest proportion of severe burden among the patients’ relatives. All the respondents who had been caregivers for over a period of 12 months and those who spend at least 12 hours on caregiving role daily experienced severe burden. Almost half (46.3%) of caregivers who received no support from other people in caring for the patient reported severe burden.Conclusion: Older caregivers experienced higher caregiving burden than their younger counterparts. Duration of caregiving was associated with level of caregiving burden experienced. Social support groups and health professional need to assist caregivers reduce the burden of caregiving to chronically ill patients in sub-Saharan Africa.
Regulation of MicroRNA 103 and 107 in Obese T2DM Patients Maintained on Metformin
Authors: El-Ashmawy Nahla E. , Gawaly Amr M. , Batanony Hala A. EL , Khedr Naglaa F. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Metformin increases insulin sensitivity in obese type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM) by different mechanisms. The current study was conducted to estimate the levels of miRNA-103 and 107 in obese non diabetic subjects as well as obese T2DM patients maintained on metformin, and to correlate between the levels of miR 103 and 107 and the development of insulin resistance. Ninety subjects were equally recruited into three groups; obese non diabetic control (OC), obese newly diagnosed diabetic (ONDD) and obese type 2 diabetic treated with metformin (MetD). Serum levels of blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), miR103&107 expression and DICER-1 were analyzed. Serum levels of HbA1c, FBG, HOMA-IR, T.ch, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C were increased in ONDD (p˂0.0001) compared to OC and MetD. Significant increase of HDL-C (p = 0.022) was observed in MetD compared to OC and ONDD. Serum insulin was increased (p = 0.004) and miR 103 & 107 gene expression (p < 0.0001) in ONDD and significant down-regulation in MetD compared to OC group. DlCER-1 levels were decreased (p < 0.0001) in ONDD group and increased in MetD group compared to OC group. Both miR 103 and 107 were positively correlated with insulin and HOMA-IR, but negatively correlated with DICER-1. Depending on the estimated cutoff-values of area under receiver curve (AUC), miR 103 and 107 were excellent diagnostic biomarkers for insulin resistance. Our findings indicated the clinical utility of miR103 and miR 107 in diagnosis and treatment of insulin resistance. Moreover, metformin can affect miR 103 and miR 107 through modulation of DICER-1 level.
Early Growth Stage Root-Associated Endophytes Isolated From Ulex Europaeus L. (Fabaceae) Colonizing Rural Areas in South-Central Chile
Authors: Herrera Hector , Fuentes Alejandra , Ortiz Javier , Soto Javiera , Valadares Rafael Vorges Da-Silva , Salas Christian , Arriagada Cesar 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and aimsUlex europaeus L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as gorse, is an invasive woody shrub that easily grows in several locations across the world. However, little is known about the interactions of this invasive species with soil microorganisms and how these microbes can promote reaching rapid grow-rates at early stages of development. We aim at characterizing the endophytic fungal and bacterial microbiota associated with roots of early growth stage U. europaeus colonizing native ecosystems in south-central Chile.MethodsRoot-associated microorganisms were isolated and identified using standard molecular techniques. Furthermore, plant growth-promoting traits were studied and biocontrol activity was assessed to characterize the early growth stage root-associated taxa. ResultsFour endophytic fungi belonging to Sordariomycetes and twelve bacteria assigned to Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were identified as the principal early growth stage root-endophytic taxa. Plant growth-promoting traits were detected in several isolates such as Fusarium acuminatum and Rhodococcus sp. Besides, some of the isolates such as Rhodococcus sp. and Purpureocillium lilacinum showed biocontrol potential against phytopathogenic fungi. ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that early growth stage root endophytic taxa associated with U. europaeus have beneficial plant growth-promoting traits that can contribute with the rapid growth-rates of the shrub. The interaction with a set of beneficial microorganisms is an additional mechanism to explain the ability of U. europaeus for colonizing in various ecosystems.
Anticancer Effects of Mifepristone on Human Uveal Melanoma Cells
Authors: Laskaris Alexander , Bustamante Prisca , Goyeneche Alicia A. , Telleria Carlos M. , Burnier Julia V 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Uveal melanoma (UM), the most prevalent intraocular tumor in adults, is a highly metastatic and drug resistant cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated cytotoxic and anti-metastatic effects of the antiprogestin and antiglucocorticoid mifepristone (MF) in vitro and in clinical trials involving meningioma, colon, breast, and ovarian cancers. Drug repurposing is a cost-effective approach to bring approved drugs with good safety profiles to the clinic. This current study assessed the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of MF in human UM cell lines of different genetic backgrounds.Methods: The effects of incremental concentrations of MF (0, 5, 10, 20, 30 or 40 mM) on a panel of human UM primary (MP46, 92.1, MP41, MEL270) and metastatic (OMM2.5) cells were evaluated. Cells were incubated with MF for up to 72 hours before subsequent assays were conducted. Cellular functionality and viability were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8, trypan blue exclusion assay, and quantitative label-free IncuCyte live-cell analysis. Cell death was analyzed by binding of Annexin V-FITC and/or propidium iodide (PI), caspases 3/7 activities, and DNA fragmentation. Additionally, the release of cell-free DNA was assessed by ddPCR, while the expression of progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors was determined by qPCR. Results: MF treatment reduced cellular proliferation and viability of all UM cell lines studied in a concentration-dependent manner. A reduction in cell growth was observed at lower concentrations of MF, with evidence of cell death at higher concentrations. A significant increase in Annexin V-FITC and PI-double positive cells, caspase 3/7 activities, DNA fragmentation, and cell-free DNA release suggests potent cytotoxicity of MF. None of the tested human UM cells expressed the classical progesterone receptor in the absence or presence of MF treatment, suggesting a mechanism independent of the modulation of the cognate nuclear progesterone receptor. In turn, all cells expressed non-classical progesterone receptors and the glucocorticoid receptor. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MF impedes the proliferation of UM cells in a concentration-dependent manner. We report that MF treatment at lower concentrations results in cell growth arrest, while increasing the concentration leads to lethality. MF, which has a good safety profile, could be a reliable adjuvant of a repurposing therapy against UM.
Canadian French Translation of The Couples Satisfaction Index: A Pre-Validation Pilot Study Exploring Men’s Perspective
Authors: Jbilou Jalila , Charbonneau Andréanne , Sonier René-Pierre , Greenman Paul S. , Levesque Natasha , Barriault Sophie , Sonier Véronique , Grenier Jean , Chomienne Marie-Hélène 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

It is imperative for health care professionals to have access to valid and reliable tools to evaluate the quality of romantic relationships, as it has been repeatedly shown to be related to psychological and physical health outcomes. The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI) was developed to address the shortcomings of the most widely cited measures of satisfaction by increasing precision and power of measurement. However, the use of this questionnaire is limited due to a lack of translated versions. The purpose of the current study was therefore to translate the CSI to Canadian French (CanFrench-CSI) and to evaluate its reliability in a sample of male Canadians.
Methods

The CSI questionnaire was adapted and translated into Canadian French using a forward-backward approach. Its reliability was then evaluated by means of Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency coefficients, corrected item-total correlation coefficients, and a test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient at a two-week interval.
Results

Data from 53 men in committed relationships were analyzed. The French adaptation of the CSI demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and test-retest reliability.
Conclusions

Overall, the results provided evidence supporting the translation consistency and reliability of the CanFrench-CSI, and thus, paved the way for further research on romantic relationships and health outcomes among French-speaking individuals.
Large Electromagnetic Field Enhancement In Plasmonic Nanoellipse For Tunable Spaser Based Applications
Authors: Jamil Saqib , Iqbal Javed , Khan Adnan Daud , Farooq Waqas , Ullah Najeeb 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
We theoretically demonstrated a class of plasmonic coupled elliptical nanostructure for achieving a spaser or a nanolaser with high intensity. The plasmonic ellipse is made up from gold film substrate. The proposed structure is then trialed for various light polarizations, moreover a simple elliptical nanostructure has been chosen primarily from which different cases have been formed by geometry alteration. The structure supports strong coupled resonance mode (i.e.localized surface plasmon (LSP)). The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the investigated system is numerically examined using finite-element method (FEM). The calculations showed that the LSPR peaks and the local field intensity or near field enhancement (NFE) of the active nanosystem can be amplified to higher values by introducing symmetry breaking techniques in the proposed ellipse and its variants. The coupled nanostructure having different stages of wavelengths can be excited with different plasmonic resonance modes by the selection of suitable gain media. In addition, a small sized nanolaser with high tunability range can be developed using this nanostructure. The spaser phenomena is achieved at number of wavelengths by changing light polarization and structure alteration methods. Giant localized field enhancement and high LSPR values enable the proposed model to be highly appealing for sensing applications, surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and much more.
Implementation and Evaluation of the Integrated Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment (Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Auricular Acupuncture) for Major Depressive Disorder: A Trial Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Liu Yamin , Ning Baile , Yan Luda , Wu Lihua , Zhang Delong , Li Changhong , Ouyang Wenwei , Su Shengyong , Jiang Shuo , Zhang Guangcai , Xu Junfeng , Wang Zhen , Zheng Zhong , Zheng Dong , Chen Shan , Sun Lu , Fu Wenbin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Because of inadequate psychotherapy resources, antidepressants are the front-line option for Major depressive disorder, but with dissatisfied curative effect. Many patients have an interest in acupuncture and moxibustion treatment as complementary therapies. However, there is no sufficient evidence on effectiveness of the integrated treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the integrated acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in treating major depressive disorder and to find out the most suitable implementation protocol.Methods: This study is a multicenter, single-blind, 2 × 2 factorial randomized trial. A total of 592 adult participants with moderate depression will be enrolled and randomized into four groups with a ratio of 2: 2: 2: 1, that is, combined group, integrated acupuncture and moxibustion treatment only group, sertraline only group, or placebo group. Participants will undergo a 12-week intervention with either 50 mg of sertraline or placebo once a day, as well as the active/sham integrated acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for three times per week. The primary outcome is assessed using the 17-item version of Hamilton Depression Scale. The secondary outcomes are anxiety and sleep-related scales that assessed using Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Safety will be evaluated using liver and kidney function tests examined before and after treatment, as well as daily adverse events. The primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 and 8-week posttreatment, and an intent-to-treat principle will be followed for outcomes analyses.Discussion: Sertraline is one of antidepressants as the front-line treatment for major depressive disorder, but with a delayed onset, high rate of inadequate response and low rate of adherence. As a traditional Chinese therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion are popular and widely accepted. This trial will provide more sufficient evidence for the efficacy and safety of the integrated treatment for major depressive disorder and the most suitable combination strategy. Thus, these finds will extend our knowledge in treating for major depressive disorder.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100042841; Registered on 30 January 2021.
Design of Highly Perceptible Dual-resonance All-dielectric Metasurface Colorimetric Sensor via Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Son Hyunwoo , Kim Sun-Je , Hong Jongwoo , Sung Jangwoon , Lee Byoungho 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Colorimetric sensing, which provides effective detection of bio-molecular signals with one’s naked eye, is an exceptionally promising sensing technique in that it enables convenient detection and simplification of entire sensing system. Though colorimetric sensors based on all-dielectric nanostructures have potential to exhibit distinct color variations enabling manageable detection due to their trivial intrinsic loss, there is crucial limitation that the sensitivity to environmental changes lags behind their plasmonic counterparts because of relatively small region of near field-analyte interaction of the dielectric Mie-type resonator. To overcome this challenge, we proposed all-dielectric metasurface colorimetric sensor which exhibits dual-resonance in the visible region. Thereafter, we confirmed with simulation that, in the elaborately designed dual-Lorentzian-type spectra, highly perceptible variations of structural color were manifested even in minute change of peripheral refractive index. In addition to verifying physical effectiveness of the superior colorimetric sensing performance appearing in the dual-resonance type sensor, by combining advanced optimization technique utilizing deep neural networks, we attempted to maximize sensing performance while obtaining dramatic improvement of design efficiency. Through well-trained deep neural network that accurately simulates the input target spectrum, we numerically verified that designed colorimetric sensor shows a remarkable sensing resolution distinguishable up to change of refractive index of 0.0086.
Clinicopathological Demographics of Malignant Melanoma of the Vulva and Vagina in Japan
Authors: Ogata Dai , Nishio Shin , Hatta Naohito , Kaji Tatsuya , Fujii Kazuyasu , Mikami Mikio , Kiyohara Yoshio , Enomoto Takayuki 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective: Malignant melanomas of the vulva (VuM) and vagina (VaM) represent a unique subgroup of rare malignant melanomas with critical biological properties and treatment differing from that of other cancers. In Japan, adequate surveys on these have not been performed. The objective of this study was to elucidate the clinicopathological demographics and the outcomes of VuM and VaM in Japan.Methods: This retrospective observational study included women with invasive VuM or VaM, identified from older medical records in Japan. Clinical data were collected and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to identify factors significantly related to survival.Results: A total of 217 patients were identified: 109 (50.2%) with VuM and 108 (49.8%) with VaM. The median PFS was 16.8 months in patients with VuM (95% confidence interval [CI] 23.1-87.7) and 15.6 months in patients with VaM (95% CI 8.4-12.6). The median OS was 43.9 months (95% CI 60-138) and 31.1 months (95% CI 24.8-45.3) in patients with VuM and VaM, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that a >III American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) disease stage (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.063; 95% CI = 0.995-4.278) was associated with poorer PFS, and unknown surgical margin was the only independent factor influencing OS (HR = 2.188; 95% CI = 1.203-3.977).Conclusions: The overall outcomes of VuM and VaM remain poor in Japan. The AJCC stage and the surgical margin are significant predictors of survival.