bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Study and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal Key Genes Affecting Root Growth Dynamics In Rapeseed
Authors: Li Keqi , Wang Jie , Kuang Lieqiong , Tian Ze , Wang Xinfa , Dun Xiaoling , Tu Jinxing , Wang Hanzhong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Root growth is a dynamic process mediated by interactive genetic factors and environmental cues. Seven root-related traits and two shoot-related traits in 280 Brassica napus accessions at five continuous vegetative stages were measured to establish the genetic basis of root growth in rapeseed. The persistent and stage-specific genetic mechanisms were revealed by root dynamic analysis. Sixteen persistent and 32 stage-specific quantitative trait loci (QTL) clusters were identified through genome-wide association study (GWAS). Root samples with contrasting (slow and fast) growth rates throughout investigated stages and those with obvious stage-specific changes in growth rates were subjected to transcriptome analysis. The former identified 367 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with persistently differential expressions throughout root development that were significantly enriched in GO terms of energy metabolism and response to biotic or abiotic stress, whereas the later identified 485 stage-specific DEGs with different expressions at corresponding stage that were enriched in GO terms of nitrogen metabolism. By integrating GWAS, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and differential expression analysis, four and eight candidate genes less than 100 kb away from peak SNPs of QTL clusters were identified as key persistent and stage-specific genetic factors, respectively. The homologs of 3 genes ( BnaA03g52990D , BnaA06g37280D, and BnaA09g07580D ) out of 12 candidate genes have been reported to regulate root development in previous studies. Our results provide new insights into the temporal genetic mechanisms of root growth by identifying key candidate QTL/genes in rapeseed.
Efficacy and Safety of the use of Pertuzumab in Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients in a Real-World Setting: Results from the SUPER-GONO (Gruppo Oncologico del Nord Ovest) Study
Authors: Garrone Ornella , Giarratano Tommaso , Blondeaux Eva , D'Onofrio Loretta , Michelotti Andrea , Beano Alessandra , Aprile Giuseppe , Guarneri Valentina , Paccagnella Matteo , Vanella Paola , Saggia Chiara , Coltelli Luigi , Cazzaniga Marina E , Verde Nicla La , Ruatta Fiorella , Collovà Elena , Montemurro Filippo , Mastro Lucia Del , Landucci Elisabetta , Allegrini Giacomo , Santini Daniele , Blasi Livio , Ardito Raffaele , Denaro Nerina , DeConciliis Enrico , Airoldi Mario , Merlano Marco C 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Real world data have the potential to demonstrate the applicability of the results of randomized studies in the general population. SUPER trial was conducted in order to assess the activity, the efficacy and the safety of the combination of pertuzumab, trastuzumab and chemotherapy in clinical practice.Material and methods: Patients diagnosed with HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) and treated with pertuzumab, trastuzumab and chemotherapy were accrued at 18 italian hospitals. Data were retrospectively collected in the time frame between pertuzumab availability in clinical practice and study approval in 2016, and prospectively collected thereafter. Results: Overall 342 HER2 positive mBC were accrued. 172 patients had relapsed disease and 56.4% of them received neo/adjuvant trastuzumab. 205 patients received docetaxel. Objective response rate was 76.3% (95%CI: 71.4–80.7). Median progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 24.3 months (95% CI: 20.0–28.9) and 70.2 months (95% CI: 61.4–79.0) respectively. Triple positive patients treated with endocrine therapy in addition to pertuzumab and trastuzumab maintenance had a significant longer PFS and OS than patients who did not. mPFS was 31.2 months and 13 months respectively (HR=0.47; 95% CI: 0.33–0.66; p<0.001) and mOS was 72.3 months and 56.8 months respectively (HR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.36–0.92; p=0.02). Pretreatment with trastuzumab did not hamper the outcome. In addition, maintaining the dual blockade inhibition at disease progression with the same CT partner or alternative endocrine agent leading to further benefit.Conclusions: SUPER suggests that results of first-line treatment with pertuzumab, trastuzumab and chemotherapy in unselected patients are consistent with findings from CLEOPATRA trial.Moreover, as expected from real world evidence, new insights have emerged.
The Effects of Soil Amendments On Leaf Anatomical Characteristics of Marigolds Cultivated In Cadmium-spiked Soils
Authors: Thongchai Alapha , Meeinkuirt Weeradej , Taeprayoon Puntaree , Chelong Isma-ae 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The marigolds (Tagetes spp.) in this study, were classified as excluders for cadmium (Cd); however, their leaves also accumulated substantial Cd content. Among the experimental growth media (i.e., control, cattle, pig manure, and leonardite served as soil amendments), pig manure was found to result in significantly increased growth performance for all marigold cultivars, as seen by relative growth rates (119-132.3%) and showed positive effects on leaf anatomy modifications e.g., thickness of spongy and palisade mesophyll, size of vein area and diameter of xylem cells. This may be due to substantially higher essential nutrient content, e.g., total N and extractable P, in pig manure that aided all marigold cultivars particularly the French cultivar which exhibited the highest relative growth rate (132.3%). In the Cd only treatment, cell disorganization was observed in vascular bundles as well as in palisade and spongy mesophyll, which may have been causal in returning the lowest plant growth performances recorded in this study, particularly in the American and Honey cultivars (RGR = 73% and 77.3%, respectively).
Descriptive Study of Cases of Schizophrenia in the Malian Population
Authors: Coulibaly Souleymane dit Papa , Ba Baba , Mounkoro Pakuy Pierre , Diakite Brehima , Kassogue Yaya , Maiga Mamoudou , Dara Aperou Eloi , Traoré Joseph , Kamaté Zoua , Traoré Kadiatou , Koné Mahamadou , Maiga Boubacar , Diarra Zoumana , Coulibaly Souleymane , Togora Arouna , Maiga Youssoufa , Koumaré Baba 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background.
Schizophrenia is a relatively common disease worldwide with a point prevalence of around 5/1000 in the population. The aim of this present work was to assess the demographic, clinical, familial, and environmental factors associated with schizophrenia in Mali.
Methods.
This was a prospective descriptive study on a series of 164 patients aged at least 12 years who came for a follow-up consultation at the psychiatry department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) Point G in Mali between February 2019 and January 2020 for schizophrenia spectrum disorder as defined by DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
Results.
Our results revealed that the male sex was predominant (80.5%). The 25–34 age group was more represented with 44.5%. The place of birth of the majority of our patients was the urban area (52.4%). The urban area also represented mainly the place of the first year of life of our patients (56.1%). The unemployed were more numerous with 56.1%. The number of singles represented 61%. Patients with secondary education were more frequent (58.5%). With the exception of education level, there was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of demographic parameters. Familial schizophrenia cases were observed in 51.7% against 49.3% for non-familial cases. The most common clinical manifestation of schizophrenia was the paranoid form (34.1%), followed by the Undifferentiated form (28.7%), and the Hebephrenia form (17.1%). Most of the schizophrenic patients were born during the cold season with 48.8% of cases. Most schizophrenic patients did not use cannabis (68.7%). The majority of schizophrenic patients came from families in which the father (51.2%) and mother (64.2%) did not attend school.
Conclusions.
The onset of schizophrenia in the Malian population has been associated with socio-demographic, clinical, genetic and environmental characteristics.
A Meta-Analysis of The Effects of Grazing On Plant Diversity, Biomass and Soil Properties of Alpine Grassland On The Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Wenlong , Liu Chenli , Zhou Huakun , Wang Wenying , Xu Jing , Xue Pengfei , Yan Hepiao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aim As one of the main human disturbance factors in the alpine grassland on the Tibetan Plateau, grazing not only directly affects grassland plant diversity and biomass, but also indirectly changes soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) of grassland. Despite of extensive field grazing experiments, the impacts of grazing on grassland diversity, soil C and N remain uncertain due to different grazing management.Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of 70 peer-reviewed publications to evaluate the general response of 11 variables related to alpine grassland plant-soil ecosystems to grazing.Results The results showed that grazing significantly increased species richness, Shannon-Wiener index and Pielou evenness index by 9.8%, 7.3% and 3.7%, respectively. Aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen, soil C: N ratio and soil moisture decreased by 41.9%, 17.7%, 13.1%, 12.6%, 3.3% and 20.8%, respectively. Soil bulk density and soil pH increased by 17.5% and 2.2%, respectively. Specifically, moderate grazing, long-duration (>5 years) and winter grazing contributed to the increase in the species richness, Shannon-Wiener index, and Pielou evenness index. Aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen and soil C: N ratio showed a decreasing trend with enhanced grazing intensity. Furthermore, grazing duration, grazing season, livestock type and grassland type also affected alpine grassland plant diversity, biomass, soil C and N.Conclusions Grazing is beneficial to the maintenance of plant diversity, but negatively affects the storage of soil C and N in alpine grassland on the Tibetan Plateau. We suggest that grazing should follow intermediate grazing practice and synthesize other appropriate grazing patterns, such as seasonal and rotation grazing, thus, further research on grazing management is needed in this regard.
Acoustic notch filtering earmuff utilizing Helmholtz resonator arrays
Authors: Mizukoshi Fumiya , Takahashi Hidetoshi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In recent years, noisy bustling environments have created situations in which earmuffs must soundproof only specific noise while transmitting significant sounds, such as voices, for work safety and efficiency. Two sound insulation technologies have been utilized: passive noise control (PNC) and active noise control (ANC). However, PNC is incapable of insulating selective frequencies of noise, and ANC is limited to low-frequency sounds. Thus, it has been difficult for traditional earmuffs to cancel out only high-frequency noise that people feel uncomfortable hearing. Here, we propose an acoustic notch filtering earmuff utilizing Helmholtz resonator (HR) arrays that provides a sound attenuation effect around the tuneable resonant frequency. A sheet-like sound insulating plate comprising HR arrays is realized in a honeycomb structure. Since the resonant frequency is determined by the geometry of the HR arrays, a highly audible sound region can be designed as the target frequency. In this research, the acoustic notch filtering performance of the proposed HR array plate was investigated in both simulations and experiments. Furthermore, the fabricated earmuffs using the novel HR array plates achieved a sound insulation performance exceeding 40 dB at the target frequency, which is sufficiently high compared to conventional earmuffs. The experimental results confirm that the proposed device is a useful approach for insulating frequency-selective sound.
Usefulness of the extraction-free RT-PCR methods for the SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics: An Italian experience
Authors: Domnich Alexander , De Pace Vanessa , Pennati Beatrice M. , Caligiuri Patrizia , Varesano Serena , Bruzzone Bianca , Orsi Andrea 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The extraction-based real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is currently the “gold standard” for the SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. However, some extraction-free RT-PCR techniques have been recently developed. In this study we compared the performance of heated and unheated extraction-free methods with the traditional extraction-based SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. The unheated extraction-free showed a perfect agreement with the standard extraction-based RT-PCR. By contrast, the heat-treated technique was associated with an 8.2% false negativity rate. The unheated extraction-free RT-PCR for the SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics is a valuable alternative to the traditional extraction-based methods and may accelerate turnaround times by about two hours.
Exogenous Phytohormones Modulates Cypermethrin Stress in Anabaena sp. and Nostoc Muscorum: Toxicity Alleviation by Up-regulation of Ascorbate-glutathione Cycle
Authors: Tiwari Santwana , Prasad Sheo Mohan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Present study demonstrated the effect of phytohormones KN and IAA under cypermethrin (Cyp1; 2 µg ml− 1 and Cyp2; 4 µg ml− 1) toxicity in two nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria Nostoc muscorum ATCC 27893 and Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 by investigating growth, exopolysaccharides (EPS) contents, protein content, oxidative stress visualization inside the cell and ascorbate- glutathione cycle. Decline in growth were noticed under both the doses of cypermethrin but the decline was more (30%) at higher dose in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 as compare to N. muscorum. This decrease was due to increased production of oxidative biomarkers (i.e. SOR and H2O2) subsequently membrane got damaged which was noticed by measuring MDA equivalents content (in vivo visualization). Kinetin and IAA alleviated the SOR and H2O2 content resulting in recovery of cellular membrane and the growth was optimized up to control level. Detoxification of H2O2 is guided by enzymes/metabolites of AsA-GSH cycle like ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorabte reductase (DHAR) activity were found to be stimulated at lower dose of cypermethrin as compare to higher dose. while the amount of metabolites: total ascorbate (AsA), total glutathione (GSH) and ratios of reduced/oxidized AsA (AsA/DHA) and GSH (GSH/GSSG) showed significant reduction at both the doses but the reduction was more at higher dose of cypermethrin. Kinetin and IAA positively regulate the AsA-GSH cycle by enhancing the activity of APX, GR, MDHAR and DHAR activity and raising the metabolites content and their reduced/oxidized ratio. This study suggests the increased enzymatic activity and AsA/DHA ratio leads to reduced production of H2O2 in the presence of both the phytohormones which further leads to enhanced growth in both the organism but the effect of KN and IAA was more pronounced in N. muscorum suggesting its resistivity against stress.
Comparative analysis and synthesis of silver nano-particles from selected parts of Mimosa pudica to treat urinary tract infection
Authors: L Gowrishankar.L , L Shadeesh , Yogapiya R , Balakrishnaraja R , Gowthamraj G 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae) is the one of the herbs that shows the activity of sensation while touch and it grow as a weed in all the country. In major it has an antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, analgesic and anti-depressant activities. In the present study, antimicrobial activity of ethanol extract of Mimosa pudica compared with the extract infused with the synthesis of silver nano particles against various pathogenic bacteria causes UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Enterobacter, Proteus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus aureus at different concentrations analyzed with the crude ethanol extract. At the end Silver nano particles showed a maximum zone of inhibition than normal ethanol extract against UTI pathogens. The surface topography and composition of the sample is detected by using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), Infrared spectrum of absorption, emission and the stability of colloidal dispersion is analyzed by Zeta potential and to for the presence of interfering substance Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic method is also used.
Studies on the Surface and Optical Properties of Ta-Doped ZnO Thin Films Deposited By Thermionic Vacuum Arc
Authors: Pat Suat , Mohammadigharehbagh Reza , Akkurt Nihan , Korkmaz Şadan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this research, Ta doped ZnO thin films have been deposited onto glass and Si substrate by Thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) thin film deposition system. TVA is anodic plasma thin film deposition system and it is used to relatively high-quality thin films deposition. ZnO thin films have direct optical band gap of 3.37 eV. Tantalum is an efficient higher-valance element. Ta atom gives the more electrons compared to Zinc atom and their ionic radius are very close to each other, so substituted element does not bring into additional stress in crystal network. The deposited thin films were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and interferometer. To change the band gap properties of the ZnO thin film, Ta doping was used and band gap of Ta doped ZnO thin film was obtained 3.1 eV by Tauc’s method. The wt % ratios for Zn/Ta were calculated as 0.45 and 0.42 for the films deposited onto glass and Si substrate, respectively. Crystallite sizes of Ta doped ZnO thin film was decreased by changing substrate material. To the best of our knowledge, substituted Ta elements connected to the oxygen atom in crystal network and orthorhombic β′-Ta2O5 were detected in the all films structure. Their band gaps of the β′-Ta2O5 were measured as 2.70 eV and 2.60 eV for Ta-doped ZnO thin films deposited onto glass and Si substrate, respectively. Up to day, the band gap of the β′-Ta2O5 was calculated by density function theory. According to results, β′-Ta2O5 structure was found as embedded from in the ZnO crystal network.
Bacterial communities in habitats of Dongchuan, China: Their role in slate weathering in triggering and flowing areas of debris flow
Authors: Wang Qi , Cheng Cheng , Agathokleous Evgenios , Zang Shenggang , Sheng Xiafang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Debris flow is one of the most severe disasters in China’s mountainous areas. Landslide soil materials are deposited on steep hill terrains or in channels and, once triggered by heavy rainfall, they can evolve into lethal debris flows. Some studies have suggested a prominent role of rock weathering in the formation of large landslides. In the present study, the a-diversity, composition, and weathering potential of bacterial communities inhabiting surfaces of slate rocks from the triggering area (altered less or more) and slate rocks from the flowing area of debris flows were studied. We found that a-diversity indices were positively correlated with the organic matter content, and Firmicutes accounted for about 66% of the total bacterial community. The variation in bacterial community composition was majorly driven by available Ca. The highest relative abundances of genetic families associated with organic acid production, flagellar assembly and carbonic anhydrase were found in surfaces of less-altered slate rocks from the triggering area by using PICRUSt. All the bacterial strains isolated from rock surface have the ability to accelerate the weathering of slate, among which Pantoea and Pseudomonas genera showing the highest ability to enhance the dissolutions of Fe, Si, Al, and Ca from slate. These results indicated an important role of the rock surface-inhabiting bacterial communities in the weathering of slate in both triggering and flowing areas of debris flow. This study also provides new insights into the biological characterizations of rocks in debris flow areas of Dongchuan, China.
Basic Treatment Combined With Atomized Inhalation of Amikacin for Ventilator-associated Pneumonia: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Huang Qihui , Feng Xiaojia , Guo Huihui , Zhang Lin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Compared with single intravenous therapy, nebulized amikacin combined with intravenous therapy can significantly benefit ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). However, the existing literature provides controversial conclusions. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases (without language restriction) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving atomization inhalation of amikacin in the treatment of VAP published before October 2020. Literature screening, data extraction, and quality evaluation were performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Results : A total of 9 RCTs were found eligible and included in our analysis (1162 patients with VAP). The results of this meta-analysis showed a significant benefit of combination treatment for improving the clinical cure (odds ratio, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.50–3.84; p = 0.006), Pathogen clearance rate (odds ratio, 3.46; 95% CI, 2.41–4.97; p <0.001), bronchospasm rate (odds ratio, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.38–5.78; p = 0.005) and Clinical pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) (MD,-0.90; 95% CI, -1.23 to -0.57; p<0.001), No significant difference was found in 28-day mortality (odds ratio, 1.15; 95%CI, 0.81–1.63; p = 0.45) and renal impairment (odds ratio, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.60–1.30; p = 0.53). Conclusion : The addition of atomization inhalation of amikacin to intravenous antibiotics treatment in VAP patients significantly improves the clinical cure rate and pathogen clearance rate, t can also help reduce the 28-day mortality, bronchospasm rate and CPIS outcome. In addition, the combination has no significant difference in the rate of renal impairment over the conventional intravenous treatment.