bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suaeda salsa/Zea mays L. intercropping in saline soil on plant growth and rhizospheric physiological processes
Authors: Wang Shoule , Zhao Zhenyong , Ge Shaoqing , Zhang Ke , Tian Changyan , Mai Wenxuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background and aims

Halophytes possess the capacity to uptake high levels of salt through physiological processes and their root architecture. Here, we investigated whether halophyte/non-halophyte intercropping in saline soil decreases the soil salt content and contains root-dialogue.
Methods

Field and pot experiments were conducted to determine the plant biomasses and salt and nutrient distributions in three suaeda (Suaeda salsa) / maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping systems. The three treatments were set up by non-barrier, nylon barrier and plastic barrier between plant roots.
Results

The biomass of the non-barrier-treated maize was significantly lower than that of the nylon barrier-treated maize, whereas the suaeda root biomass showed a limited increase. The soil salt content negatively affected the non-barrier group’s roots compared with those in the nylon and plastic barrier-treated groups, and it was also higher on the maize side of the nylon-barrier treatment. There were higher available nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the soil of the non-barrier- and nylon barrier-treated groups compared with the plastic barrier-treated group. In addition, the pH was lower, and the available potassium content was higher, which suggested that rhizospheric processes occurred between the two species.
Conclusions

The suaeda/maize intercropping would decrease the soil salt content, and they also revealed potential rhizospheric effects though the role of root, which provides an effective way for the improvement of saline-alkali land.
BACE Inhibitor Treatment in Mice Induces Hyperactivity in a Seizure-Related Gene 6 Family Protein Dependent Manner but Does Not alter Spatial Learning and Reference Memory
Authors: Nash A. , Gijsen H. J. M. , Hrupka B. J. , Teng K. S-L. , Lichtenthaler S. F. , Takeshima H. , Gunnersen J. M. , Munro K. M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBACE inhibitors, which decrease BACE1 (β-secretase 1) cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein, are a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trials using BACE inhibitors have reported a lack of positive effect on patient symptoms and, in some cases, have led to increased adverse events, cognitive worsening and hippocampal atrophy. A potential drawback of this strategy is the effect of BACE inhibition on other BACE1 substrates such as Seizure-related gene 6 (Sez6) family proteins which are known to have a role in neuronal function.MethodsMice were treated with an in-diet BACE inhibitor for 4-8 weeks to achieve a clinically-relevant level of amyloid-β40 reduction in the brain. Mice underwent behavioural testing and postmortem analysis of dendritic spine number and morphology with Golgi-Cox staining. Sez6 family triple knockout mice were tested alongside wild-type mice to identify whether any effects of the treatment were due to altered cleavage of Sez6 family proteins.ResultsWild-type mice treated with BACE inhibitor displayed hyperactivity on the elevated open field, as indicated by greater distance travelled, but this effect was not observed in treated Sez6 triple knockout mice. BACE inhibitor treatment did not lead to significant changes in spatial or fear learning, reference memory, cognitive flexibility or anxiety in mice as assessed by the Morris water maze, context fear conditioning, or light-dark box tests. Chronic BACE inhibitor treatment reduced the density of mushroom-type spines in the somatosensory cortex, regardless of genotype, but did not affect steady-state dendritic spine density or morphology in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. ConclusionsChronic BACE inhibition for 1-2 months in mice led to increased locomotor output but did not alter memory or cognitive flexibility. While the mechanism underlying the treatment-induced hyperactivity is unknown, the absence of this response in Sez6 triple knockout mice indicates that blocking ectodomain shedding of Sez6 family proteins is a contributing factor. In contrast, the decrease in mature spine density in cortical neurons was not attributable to lack of shed Sez6 family protein ectodomains. Therefore, other BACE1 substrates are implicated in this effect and, potentially, in the cognitive decline in longer-term chronically treated patients.
Degradation and Stabilization of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co- Terephthalate)/Polyhydroxyalkanoate Biodegradable Mulch Films Under Different Aging Tests
Authors: Tian Yuchuan , Wang James , Zhou Bing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The degradation and stability of biodegradable films determine the service length of mulch films in actual use. Most biodegradable polymers degrade too fast to meet the required durability of mulch films. The objective of this work is to investigate the degradation behaviors of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) /polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) blend mulch films. Several different types of stabilizers were incorporated in the biodegradable blends to provide protection for the PHA/PBAT films during thermal processing and aging on agricultural fields. The degradation process of the films was systematically studied under an Accelerated Aging Test (AAT) and a Soil Aging Test (SAT). Adding a light stabilizer, UV stabilizer, or antioxidant to the mulch films led to significant improvement in the retention of mechanical properties of the films under both AAT and SAT. Morphological evolution of the films with or without a UV stabilizer as a function of aging times was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results of thermal properties and crystallinity revealed damage of crystal structure of the films during AAT. Spectrocopic results indicated that the films underwent both hydrolysis and photodegradative chain scissions (Norrish Type I/II reactions and photo-oxidation). The degradation mechanisms of the PHA/PBAT biodegradable mulch films were proposed.
What is The Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic on Residency Training: A Systematic Review and Analysis
Authors: Hung Shang-Kai , Chen Shou-Yen , Lo Hsiang-Yun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly affected medical education in addition to clinical systems. Residency training has probably been the most affected aspect of medical education during the pandemic, and research on this topic is crucial for educators and clinical teachers. The aim of this study was to understand the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic comprehensively through a systematic review and analysis of related published articles.
Methods

A systematic review was conducted based on a predesigned protocol. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until November 30, 2020, for eligible articles. Two independent reviewers extracted data by using a customized form to record crucial information, and any conflicts between the two reviewers were resolved through discussion with another independent reviewer. The aggregated data were summarized and analyzed.
Results

In total, 53 original articles that investigated the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on residency training were included. Studies from various regions were included in the research, with the largest percentage from the United States (n = 25, 47.2%). Most of these original articles were questionnaire-based studies (n = 44, 83%), and the research target groups included residents (79.55%), program directors (13.64%), or both (6.82%). The majority of the articles (n = 37, 84.0%) were published in countries severely affected by the pandemic. Surgery (n = 36, 67.92%) was the most commonly studied field.
Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected residency training globally, particularly surgical and interventional medical fields. Decreased clinical experience, reduced case volume, and disrupted education activities are major concerns. Further studies should be conducted with a focus on the learning outcomes of residency training during the pandemic and the effectiveness of assisted teaching methods.
iSeq100 for metagenomic pathogen screening in ticks
Authors: Kim Ju Yeong , Yi Myung-hee , Mahdi Alghurabi Areej Sabri , Yong Tai-Soon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Ticks are blood sucking ectoparasites that play a pivotal role in the transmission of various pathogens to humans and animals. In Korea, Haemaphysalis longicornis is the predominant tick species and is recognized as the vector of pathogens causing various diseases such as babesiosis, borreliosis, rickettsiosis, and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome. Methods: In this study, we developed a method to screen bacterial pathogens in H. longicornis using targeted high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 region using the state-of-the-art sequencing instrument, iSeq 100, and compared the findings with those of conventional PCR with specific primers. Results: Rickettsia spp. were detected in 18 out of 39 samples using iSeq 100 but in only 14 samples using conventional PCR. In the phylogenetic analysis using gltA and ompA sequences of the detected Rickettsia, the highest sequence similarity was found with Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis isolate Xian-Hl-79, Ca. R. jingxinensis isolate F18, and Ca. R. longicornii isolate ROK-HL727. In the microbiome study, Coxiella AB001519, a known tick symbiont, was detected in all 39 tick samples. The Actinomycetospora chiangmaiensis group was more abundant in Rickettsia spp.-positive samples than in Rickettsia spp.-negative samples. Conclusions: Thus, we demonstrated that iSeq100 can rapidly and economically screen potential pathogens in ticks and can be applied to large-scale pathogen screening in arthropods for vector-borne disease control programs.
English Goalkeepers are not Responsible for England’s Poor Performance in Penalty Shootouts in the Past
Authors: Brinkschulte Michel , Furley Philip , Memmert Daniel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Scrutinizing public opinion is one of the central goals of science as the divergence between public opinion and scientific evidence can have negative consequences. The present study aimed to further investigate the alleged English ‘penalty curse’ and determine if it can be linked to the prevalent stereotype of the ‘English goalkeeper problem’. We analyzed a large sample of 2,379 penalty kicks that 629 different goalkeepers faced in World Cups and European Championships, as well as in the Champions and Europa League by comparing the goalkeeper success rates of different nations. However, the results do not reveal meaningful significant differences between these success rates (on average 22.23 %). Consequently, we conclude that English goalkeepers are not responsible for England’s poor performance in penalties in the past as they perform as well as goalkeepers from other nations and, in turn, provide a counterargument to the widespread stereotype that ‘England has a goalkeeper problem’.
Urban-rural Differences in the Risk Factors of Severe Under-5 Child Malnutrition in Bangladesh
Authors: Anik Asibul Islam , Chowdhury Mohammad Rocky Khan , Khan Hafiz TA , Mondal Md. Nazrul Islam , Perera Nirmala K. Panagodage , Kader Manzur 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
IntroductionSevere under-5 child malnutrition (i.e., severe stunting, severe wasting and severe underweight) is high in Bangladesh. The interplay between risk factors needs to be understood to address this complex public health issues. We aim to explore the prevalence and risk factors for severe under-5 child malnutrition in Bangladesh's rural and urban areas using the Composite Index of Severe Anthropometric Failure (CISAF).MethodsWe analysed data from Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHSs), 2017-18. Severe malnutrition was defined using the CISAF, and conventional nutritional indicators were aggregated to estimate malnutrition's overall burden. The proportional differences of variables between non-severe malnutrition and severe malnutrition group were assessed using Chi-square test. Risk factors for malnutrition were analysed using regression models to assess the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe overall prevalence of severe under-5 child malnutrition was 11% with 12% in rural areas and 10% in urban areas. The key risk factors in rural areas were children born with small birth weight (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.5–3.8), socio-economically poorest households (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4–3.7) and children aged 36-47 months (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.8). The key risk factors in urban areas were children born with small birth weight (OR: 5.0, 95% CI: 2.9–8.6), children of mothers with no formal education (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.6) and children's birth order ≥4 (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8). 52% lower risk difference of parents with formal education vs no formal education, and 71% higher risk difference of most affluent vs poorest household for being severely malnourished were estimated in rural areas than in urban areas.ConclusionOne in ten children living in both rural and urban areas experience severe malnutrition. Children of parents with no formal education, children of underweight mothers, those living in socio-economically poorest households and children of small birth weight experienced severe malnutrition regardless of setting. Educational attainments and access to health and nutritional care may not be enough to reduce the burden of severe malnutrition in rural settings. Our study provides helpful guidelines for context-specific interventions to reduce under-5 severe malnutrition.
Structural Insight Into Aeromonas Hydrophila AHL Synthase AhyI Driving Acyl-ACP Selective Recognition
Authors: Jin Lei , chen Yu , Yang Wenge 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The gram-negative bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila as the major causative agent of the fish disease motile aeromonad septicemia, uses N-acyl-homoserine lactone quorum sensing signals to coordinate biofilm formation, motility and virulence gene expression in pathogens. Thus, AHL signaling pathway is considered as a therapeutic target against pathogenic A. hydrophila infection. AHL autoinducers biosynthesis in A. hydrophila are specifically catalyzed by an ACP-dependent AHL synthase AhyI using SAM and acyl-ACP as the precursors. Our previously reported AhyI protein heterologously expressed in E. coli strain showed the production characteristics of medium-long chain AHLs, although AhyI was only considered as a short-chain C4/C6-HSL synthase during the past two decades.Results: In this study, we carried out the in vitro biosynthetic assays of six AHL molecules and kinetic studies of recombinant AhyI with a panel of four linear acyl-ACPs. These resulting data all indicate that C4/C6-ACP are the native acyl substrates for AhyI against acyl-ACPs with longer linear chains as the non-native acyl donor. In an effort to further understand AhyI acyl-donor substrates preferences, we performed a structural comparison of three ACP-dependent LuxI homologs (TofI, BmaI1 and AhyI), and identified three key hydrophobic residues (I67, F125 and L157) as part of the acyl-chain binding pocket that confer AhyI to selectively recognize native C4/C6-ACP substrates. The predictions were further supported by computational Ala mutation assay.Conclusions: Our current studies redefined AhyI protein that is a multiple short- to long-chain AHL molecules synthase with longer acyl-ACPs (C8~C14) as the non-native substrates, and we also theorized that with knowledge of the key residues in AHL signal synthase AhyI to drive acyl-ACP selective recognition.
How do the Pore Traits of Hardwoods Affect Sound Absorption Performance of their Cross Sections? - Focusing on 6 Species of Korean Hardwoods
Authors: JANG Eun-Suk , KANG Chun-Won 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
An investigation of sound absorption in 6 species of hardwoods according to the pore structure of cross-sections revealed that higher gas permeability was associated with greater sound absorption at high frequencies. In addition, diffuse-porous wood exhibited superior sound absorption performance compared with ring-porous wood. Through-pore porosity was associated with improved sound absorption in the cross-sections of all 6 species, while closed-pore porosity was associated with poor sound absorption. The results of these studies could lead to development of hardwood products with superior sound absorption and help elucidate the roles of porosity in drying, impregnation, and thermal insulation properties of wood.
High-Resolution Particle Separation by Inertial Focusing in High Aspect Ratio Curved Microfluidics
Authors: Cruz Javier , Hjort Klas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The ability to focus, separate and concentrate specific targets in a fluid is essential for the analysis of complex samples such as biological fluids, where a myriad of different particles may be present. Inertial focusing is a very promising technology for such tasks, and specially a recently presented variant, inertial focusing in High Aspect Ratio Curved systems (HARC sytsems), where the systems are easily engineered and focus the targets together in a stable position over a wide range of particle sizes and flow rates. However, although convenient for laser interrogation and concentration, by focusing all particles together, HARC systems lose an essential feature of inertial focusing: the possibility of particle separation by size. Within this work, we report that HARC systems not only do have the capacity to separate particles but can do so with extremely high resolution, which we demonstrate for particles with a size difference down to 80 nm.
In addition to the concept for particle separation, a model considering the main flow, the secondary flow and a simplified expression for the lift force in HARC microchannels was developed and proven accurate for the prediction of the performance of the systems. The concept was also demonstrated experimentally with three different sub-micron particles (0.79, 0.92 and 1.0 µm in diameter) in silicon-glass microchannels, where the resolution in the separation could be modulated by the radius of the channel.
With the capacity to focus sub-micron particles and to separate them with high resolution, we believe that inertial focusing in HARC systems is a technology with the potential to facilitate the analysis of complex fluid samples containing bioparticles like bacteria, viruses or eukaryotic organelles.
Health Problems Questionnaire in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Development and Validation
Authors: Dehghani Ali 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Multiple sclerosis patients are faced with numerous problems during their illness. Development of a self-report measure of health problems in multiple sclerosis patients is required based on cultural factors, `which can advance our understanding of the level of health problems for care planning and improvement of coping and quality of life. The current study aimed to develop and validate the scale of health problems of Multiple Sclerosis.
Methods

This present study is an exploratory sequential mixed method study that was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, the concept of health problems in MS patients was defined using the content analysis approach. In the second phase, the item pool was generated from findings of the first phase. In the third phase, psychometric properties of the scale were evaluated including face, content and construct validity as well as reliability.
Results

After examining the psychometric properties of validity and reliability, 33 items were designed in the final questionnaire. Factor analyses revealed five factors: physical problems, psychological problems, emotional problems, family problems, and socio-economic problems. Internal consistency and stability of the developed questionnaire confirmed with 0.93 and 0.95 respectively that indicated excellent reliability.
Conclusion

The 33-item developed questionnaire is valid and reliable for measurement of levels of health problems in Iranian people with MS.
Seasonality of Coastal Picophytoplankton Growth, Nutrient Limitation and Biomass Contribution
Authors: Zufia Javier Alegria , Farnelid Hanna , Legrand Catherine 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Picophytoplankton in the Baltic Sea includes picocyanobacteria (Synechococcus/Cyanobium) and photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPE). Picophytoplankton are thought to be a key component of the phytoplankton community but their seasonal dynamics and relationships with nutrients and temperature are largely unknown. We monitored pico- and larger phytoplankton at a coastal site in Kalmar Sound (K-Station) weekly during 2018. Among the picocyanobacteria, phycoerythrin-rich Synechococcus (PE-rich) dominated in spring and summer while phycocyanin-rich Synechococcus (PC-rich) dominated during autumn. PE-rich and PC-rich abundances peaked during summer (1.1x105 and 2.0x105 cells mL− 1) while PPE reached highest abundances in spring (1.1x105 cells mL− 1). PPE was the main contributor to the total phytoplankton biomass (3–73%). To assess nutrient limitation, bioassays with combinations of nitrogen (NO3 or NH4) and phosphorus additions were performed. PE-rich and PC-rich growth was mainly limited by nitrogen, with a preference for NH4 at 15–19°C. The three groups had distinct seasonal dynamics and optimal temperatures for growth were 10°C and 17–19°C for PE-rich, 13–16°C for PC-rich and 11–15°C for PPE. We conclude that picophytoplankton contribute significantly to the carbon cycle in the coastal Baltic Sea and underscore the importance of investigating functional groups to assess the consequences of the combination of high temperature and NH4 in a future climate.
Vascular Access for Lipid Apheresis: A Challenge in Young Children With Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Lischka Julia , Arbeiter Klaus , de Gier Charlotte , Willfort-Ehringer Andrea , Walleczek Nina-Katharina , Gellai Renata , Boehm Michael , Wiegman Albert , Greber-Platzer Susanne 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic disorder leading to extremely increased LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), resulting in high cardiovascular risk in early childhood. Lipid apheresis (LA) is an effective treatment and should be started as early as possible to prevent premature cardiovascular events. As peripheral punctures in children can be challenging due to small vessels and anxiety, this study aimed to evaluate central venous catheters (CVCs) as vascular access for LA in young children with hoFH.MethodsRetrospective analysis (2016-2019) on four children with hoFH aged 3-5, performing weekly or biweekly LA with a CVC.ResultsLDL-C decreased by> 60%. In three children, the use of a permanent CVC for 698, 595, and 411 days, respectively, avoided difficult peripheral access, without the occurrence of occlusion or thrombosis. Unfortunately, one child had recurrent CVC-related infections and needed an arteriovenous fistula from the age of 5. Although the mean dwell time per catheter was 212 days, there were, as expected, severe side effects of early catheter infections with sepsis and accidental self-removal. Starting LA at an early age improved or stabilized carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in all children. Finally, IMT did increase in one child caused by intolerance to peripheral punctures and LA interruption.ConclusionsPermanent CVCs are a viable temporary access choice for LA in young children with hoFH until peripheral venipuncture is practicable. The risk of CVC-related infections needs to be taken into account.