bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo Assessment of APPJ Discharge on the Earthworm: Coelomic TAC and MDA Levels, Cell Death and Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Gholami Neda , Colagar Abasalt Hosseinzadeh , Sinkakarimi Mohammad Hossein , Sohbatzadeh Farshad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) is one of the effective tools with medical applications that its positive effects have been reported by various researchers, including sterilization of liquid and solid surfaces, treatment of chronic wounds, treatment of cancer tumors, and blood clots. This study investigated the effects of APPJ discharge on the two species of Earthworms (Aporrectodea trapezoides and Eisenia fetida). The APPJ discharge for different time durations, zero as a blank, 5, 10, 20, and 30 seconds, on these two species. Then some of these effects on the worms, including regeneration ability to miss segments, Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase activity (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), cell death, total proteins, and protein profile in the coelomic fluid were investigated. Results showed levels of TAC and CAT increased after plasma treatment. In addition, a significant change was not observed in MDA levels and cell death. In summary, it can be concluded that APPJ exposure up to 40 seconds didn’t inhibit effects on the TAC levels of the earthworms and the defense system was able to fight oxidative stress and by increasing the expression of some proteins APPJ lead to better regeneration.
Metal Speciation in Sludges: a Tool to Evaluate Risks of Land Application and to Track Heavy Metals Contamination in Sewage Network
Authors: Cherfouh Rabia , Lucas Yves , Derridj Arezki , Merdy Patricia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Agricultural spreading of dewatered sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants is economically profitable but care must be taken to ensure that there is neither degradation of the agronomic quality of the soils nor contamination of them in the long term, particularly by accumulation of heavy metals. To evaluate the variability of the sludge in a given geographical area, we studied the sludge coming from five treatment plants in northern Algeria. We determined parameters that account for the agronomic quality of sludges and total content of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn. We evaluated the bioavailability of theses metals by determining their speciation by sequential extraction, each metal being distributed among five fractions: easily exchangeable, acido-soluble, bound to carbonates and partly to Fe-sulphides, bound to Fe- and Mn-oxides, bound to organic matter or sulphides, contained in poorly soluble minerals. We found that all the analysed sludges had satisfactory properties from an agronomic quality point of view. High total Ni content indicated that three sludges were not spreadable under French or Chinese regulations. Metal speciation, however, showed that Ni was contained in very poorly bioavailable fractions, and therefore presented a low risk in the soils concerned. In contrast, the total Cu was below the regulatory limit values, but contained in very bioavailable fractions with a risk of toxic effects by accumulation over less than 10 years. These results showed that regulations must take into account the bioavailability with regard to the characteristics of the soils on which sludge will be spread. Metal speciation in the sludge also made it possible to identify the zone of the sewerage network on which the sources of contamination must be sought and gave indications on the nature of these sources.
Integration of Satellite Image Derived Temperature and Water Depth for Assessing Fish Habitability in Dam Controlled Flood Plain Wetland
Authors: Kundu Sonali , Pal Swades , Talukdar Swapan , Mahato Susanta , Singha Pankaj 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The present study attempted to investigate the changes in temperature conducive to fish habitability during the summer months in a hydrologically modified wetland following damming over a river. Satellite image-driven temperature and depth data calibrated with field data were used to analyse fish habitability and the presence of thermally optimum habitable zones in some fishes such as Labeo Rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Tilapia fish, Small shrimp, and Cat fishes. The study was conducted both at the water's surface and at the optimum depth of survival. It is very obvious from the analysis that a larger part of wetland has become an area that destroyed aquatic habitat during the post-dam period and existing wetlands have suffered significant shallowing of water depth. This has resulted in a shrinking of the thermally optimum area of fish survival in relation to surface water temperature (from 100.09 km2 to 74.24 km2 before the dam to 93.97 km2 to 0 km2 after the dam) and an improvement in the optimum habitable condition in the comfortable depth niche of survival. In the post-dam period, it increased from 75.49 % to 99.765%. Since the damming effect causes a 30.53 to 100% depletion of the optimum depth niche, improving the thermal environment has no effect on fish habitability. More water must be released from dams for restoration. Image-driven depth and temperature data calibrated with field information has been successfully applied in data sparse conditions, and it is further recommended in future work.
Confirmation Value of Western Blotting in Detecting Anti-treponema Pallidum Specific Antibodies With Suspicious Results
Authors: Xu Siqi , Li hongsheng , Wu xiaoyan , Guo jianwei , Zhang jiaoli , Hu xuqi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the necessity of Western blotting (WB) in samples with inconsistent results in detecting anti-treponema pallidum (TP) antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Treponema pallidum granule agglutination assay (TPPA). MethodsSpecific anti-TP test results in our clinical laboratory were retrospectively analyzed. The specimens with a positive or a negative result, but with colored ELISA plates, were retested by TPPA. WB was used to confirm the suspicious results between ELISA and TPPA. The chi-square test was used to analyze whether the difference was statistically significant. ResultsA total of 106,757 anti-TP specimens were screened by ELISA from August 2018 to December 2019; 3972 were retested by TPPA, and 3809 were positive by TPPA. ELISA and TPPA showed different results in 163 specimens. Among them, 29 specimens were negative and 134 were positive by ELISA; 76 were negative, 23 were positive, and 64 were “reserve” by TPPA; 93 were negative, 31 were positive, and 39 were suspicious by the WB confirmation test. Compared with WB, the difference in the results of ELISA and TPPA was statistically significant. Conclusions﻿TPPA is an effective retest method for anti-TP antibody detection. If the results of anti-TP antibodies by ELISA and TPPA are inconsistent, it is necessary to use WB for confirmation.
Effects and Comprehensive Evaluation of Different Organic Fertilizer Substitution Ratios on Maize Yield, Soil Organic Carbon Fractions, Nutrients and Heavy Metals
Authors: He Hao , Hou Zhenan , Ru Sibo , Li Junhua 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Organic fertilizer substitution technology is an effective measure to solve the excessive application of chemical fertilizers in agricultural production. A pot experiment was set up with 5 treatments: no fertilizer (CK) and organic fertilizer substituting 0% (CF), 8% (OF8), 16% (OF16), and 24% (OF24) of chemical N fertilizer to analyze their effects on maize yield, soil organic carbon (SOC) and its fractions, carbon pool management index (CPMI), nutrients and heavy metals to provide a scientific basis for safe fertilizer application to maize. This study found that OF8, OF16, and OF24 all increased the content and proportion of SOC and labile organic C (LOC) fractions, CPMI, most of the middle and trace elements, and heavy metals content and their pollution indices in soil and grain compared to CF. Grain was more vulnerable to pollution compared to soil. There was a strong positive correlation between the content of middle and trace elements, and heavy metal, SOC and its fractions (except LLOC), and organic fertilizer substitution ratio, all with no significant correlation with yield. OF8 and OF16 promoted maize growth with a significant increase yield of 35.65% and 30.28% (P <0.05), respectively. A comprehensive analysis determined the optimum substitution ratio of 8% (OF8), which can reduce chemical fertilizer and increase yield, improve soil fertility, low heavy metal pollution risk, is beneficial to promote sustainable agricultural development.
Expression Patterns of Immune Checkpoints in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Qiu Dan , Yan Xianxin , Zhang Guijuan , Xiao Xinqin , Cao Jingyu , Wang Yanqiu , Ma Ruirui , Hong Shouyi , Ma Min 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for solid tumors had significantly improved overall survival (OS). Positive response to PD-1/PD-L1 blockades was observed in the treatment of solidtumors. Breast cancer (BC) patients are no exception. However, the efficacy of immunocheckpoint therapy in BC patients remains poor. A particularly important factor is the lack of studies on the expression patterns of immune checkpoints in BC patients. Method: in this study, the microarray dataset GSE10810 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Database Synthesis (GEO) to analyze the differential expression of BC genes and perform GO and KEGG analysis. Then, we explored theprognostic value of ICs for BC patients by analyzing RNA-seq and mutation data from 657 BC patients from theCancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we analyzed the differences in the expression of relevant immune checkpoints between 1085 BC patients and 291 healthy controls (HC) in the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Finally, we analyzed the expression levels of IFNγ-R, PD-L1, STAT1, IDO and other genes in MCF-10A, MF-10AT, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 cell lines.Results: It was found that increased expression of PD-1, PD-L1, STAT1, CTLA-4 was associated with poor OS in BC patients. In addition, co-expression of PD-L1 with PD-1, STAT1or CTLA-4 and co-expression of PD-1 with CTLA-4was related to poor OS. We analyzed associations between the proportionate expression of PD-L1 and PD-1, PD-L1 and STAT1, PD-1 and CTLA-4, PD-1 and LAG3, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in BC patients, there was significance in correlation in both of the BC patients.The expression of STAT1 in BC patients was compared with that of HC, and it was found that STAT1 was highly expressed in BC patients. Conclusions: our results suggest that transcriptome-based co-expression of STAT1 and PD-L1 is a predictor for poor OS in BC patients, which might provide novel insight into designing combinational targeted therapy for BC.
Effect of Evolutionary Adaptation on Metabolic Enzyme Activities of Thermotolerant Strain Kluyveromyces Marxianus NIRE-K1 and NIRE-K3 for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Sharma Nilesh Kumar , Behera Shuvashish , Arora Richa , Kumar Sachin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Evolutionary adaptation provides stability to the strains in the challenging environment. As extension of earlier study, the evolved strains Kluyveromyces marxianus NIRE-K1.1 and K. marxianus NIRE-K3.1 were subjected for secondary adaptation on minimal salt (MS) medium with the aim to enhance xylose utilization for ethanol production together with salt tolerance. Both the strains were adapted till saturated improvement in xylose uptake i.e., 54 generations on MS medium containing xylose. Xylose utilization increased from 14.21 to 45.80% and 10.55 to 45.31%, in evolved strains KmNIRE-K1.2 and KmNIRE-K3.2, respectively. Specific xylose reductase activity has also increased 2.04 and 3.36-folds in KmNIRE-K1.2 and KmNIRE-K3.2, respectively. Xylitol dehydrogenase activity was also increased by 2.82 and 1.35-folds in KmNIRE-K1.2 and KmNIRE-K3.2, respectively. Decrease in redox imbalance was observed in evolved strains, and hence there was a reduction in xylitol production during growth and fermentation. Xylose uptake rate increased by 2.53 and 1.5-folds in KmNIRE-K1.2 and KmNIRE-K3.2, respectively with 2.20 and 6.46-folds higher ethanol concentration, and 2.25 and 5.86-folds higher volumetric productivity, respectively. This study has demonstrated the role of evolutionary adaptation for developing robust yeast strains. KmNIRE-K1.2 and KmNIRE-K3.2 have shown enhanced ethanol production, enzyme activities and less by-product formation like xylitol during xylose metabolism.
How Equitable Is Health Spending On Curative Services And Institutional Delivery In Malawi? Evidence From A Quasi-Longitudinal Benefit Incidence Analysis
Authors: Rudasingwa Martin , Yeboah Edmund , Ridde Valéry , Bonnet Emmanuel , De Allegri Manuela , Muula Adamson Sinjani 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Malawi is one of a handful of countries that had resisted the implementation of user fees, showing a commitment to providing free healthcare to its population even before the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) acquired global popularity. Several evaluations have investigated the effects of key policies, such as the essential health package or performance-based financing, in sustaining and expanding access to quality health services in the country. Understanding the distributional impact of health spending over time due to these policies has received limited attention. Our study fills this knowledge gap by assessing the distributional incidence of public and overall health spending between 2004 and 2016.Methods: We relied on a Benefit Incidence Analysis (BIA) to measure the socioeconomic inequality of public and overall health spending on curative services and institutional delivery across different health facility typologies. We used data from household surveys and National Health Accounts. We used a concentration index (CI) to determine the health benefits accrued by each socioeconomic group. Results: Socioeconomic inequality in both public and overall health spending substantially decreased over time, with higher inequality observed in overall spending, non-public health facilities, curative health services, and at higher levels of care. Between 2004 and 2016, the inequality in public spending on curative services decreased from a CI of 0.037 (SE 0.013) to a CI of 0.004 (SE 0.011). Whiles, it decreased from a CI of 0.084 (SE 0.014) to a CI of 0.068 (SE 0.015) for overall spending in the same period. For institutional delivery, inequality in public and overall spending decreased between 2004 and 2016 from a CI of 0.032 (SE 0.028) to a CI of -0.057 (SE 0.014) and from a CI of 0.036 (SE 0.022) to a CI of 0.028 (SE 0.018), respectively. Conclusion: Through its free healthcare policy, Malawi has reduced socioeconomic inequality in health spending over time, but some challenges still need to be addressed to achieve a truly egalitarian health system. Our findings indicate a need to increase public funding for the health sector to ensure access to care and financial protection.
Initiation of Complementary Feeding Practice And Associated Factors Among Mothers Having Children 6-23 Month of Age, In Meket Woreda, North Wollo Ethiopia, 2020: A Multicenter Community -Based Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Feleke Dejen , Tadesse Abebu Yasin , Chanie Ermias Sisay , Wolie Amare Kassaw , Tassew Sheganew Fetene , Wubet Gashaw Mehiret , Demelash Agimasie Tigabu , Dires Tadela , Alemu Eshtie Molla , Azanaw Mekalem Mamuye , Techane Masresha Asmare , Yehualashet Sisay Shewasinad , Lake Eyasu Alem , Demissie Birhanu Wondmieneh , Hailemeskel Habtamu Shimeles , Alemayehu Sintayehu Asenakew 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction: improving the infant and young child feeding practices in children aged 0-23months is critical. It is necessary to improved infant and young child health, nutrition, and development. Infant and under five mortality rate in Ethiopia are 43/1,000 and 55/1,000 live births respectively. Objective: To assess Initiation of CF practice and associated factors among mothers with children aged 6−23months.Methods: a multicenter Community based cross sectional study was conducted among 416 mother-infant pairs of 6-23 months in Meket Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia from March 20-June 30, 2020. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regeration model was fitted to identify factors associated CF Practice. P-value less than 0.05 considered as significance.Result: Among 416 mothers with children aged 6–23 months, 76.4% mothers started giving CF timely at recommended age of 6 month of child age. Advised About CF during ANC follow up [AOR=0.03; 95%CI: 0.003-0.356], Child delivered place at a health facility [AOR=0.07; 95%CI: 0.0-0.619], mothers take family planning [AOR= 0.049; 95%CI: 0.011-0.23], give additional diet the 1st 6month [AOR = 0.035; 95% CI: 0.009-0.137] and BF makes appearance [AOR = 0.064; 95% CI: 0.003-0.687] were found to be independent predictors of CF practice.Conclusion and Recommendation: About 23.6% of mothers were not initiated CF practice their children at recommended age of 6month. This would have negative implication on the health of infants and young children. Health professionals should focus on advising and counseling mothers on appropriate CF during prenatal, delivery, post natal, and immunization services.
Parthenolide Inhibits Migration and Reverses the EMT Process in Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing TGFβ and TWIST1
Authors: Sufian Hazera Binte , Santos Julianna Maria , Khan Zeina Shreen , Munir Maliha Tabassum , Zahid MD Khurshidul , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Gollahon Lauren S. , Hussain Fazle , Rahman Shaikh Mizanoor 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Breast cancer metastasis is the leading cause of mortality among breast cancer patients. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that plays a fundamental role in facilitating breast cancer metastasis. The present study assessed the efficacy of parthenolide (PTL,Tanacetum parthenium) on EMT and its underlying mechanisms in in both lowly metastatic, estrogen-receptor positive, MCF-7 cells and highly metastatic triple-negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Cell viability was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethy lthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate) annexin V apoptosis detection kit. The monolayer wound scratch assay was employed to evaluate cancer cell migration. Proteins were separated and identified by Western blotting. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. PTL treatment significantly reduced cell viability and migration while inducing apoptosis in both cell lines. Also, PTL treatment reverses the EMT process by decreasing the mesenchymal marker vimentin and increasing the epithelial marker E-cadherin compared to the control treatment. Importantly, PTL downregulates TWIST1 (a transcription factor and regulator of EMT) gene expression concomitant with the reduction of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) protein and gene expression in both cell lines. Our findings provide insights into the therapeutic potential of PTL to mitigate EMT and breast cancer metastasis. These promising results demand in vivo studies.
Long Term Dental Effects in Adolescents Who were Treated for Cancer in Childhood
Authors: HALPERSON ELINOR , Matalon Vered , Goldstein Gal , Spilberg Shirly Saieg , Herzog Karin , Fux-Noy Avia , Shmueli Aviv , Ram Diana , Moskovitz Moti 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Survival following childhood cancer has increased considerably. We examined associations of cancer therapy with the presence of Dental Developmental Anomalies (DDA)among childhood cancer survivors.Procedure: 131 children who were diagnosed with malignancies during childhood were included. Permanent teeth were examined clinically and radiographically to identify DDA: hypocalcification or hypoplasia, microdontia, root changes and hypodontia.Results: observed in 56 (46%) of 121 children, in 309 teeth (9%). Hypocalcification or hypoplasia of enamel appeared in 21 (17%) patients. Altered root development appeared in 26 patients and hypodontia affected 13(10%). Dental anomalies were observed in 36(43%) individuals who received chemotherapy and not radiation, in 20 (52.63%) who received radiotherapy, and in 15 (60%)of those who received head & neck radiotherapy. Young age (under 6 years) was associated with a higher number of malformed teeth among patients who received only chemotherapy. Various chemotherapy agents associated similarly with dental anomalies.Conclusions: Antineoplastic treatment that combines chemotherapy and radiotherapy appears to increase the risk of developing DDA. Radiation to the head and neck area particularly increases the risk of DDA. No specific chemotherapy agent was found to be associated more than the others with dental side effects.
Light-Chain Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Gong Jing , Li Yang , Dai Qiming , Liu Naifeng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis is a rare cardiomyopathy associated with poor prognosis. Due to the advances of imaging technology, cardiac amyloidosis can be now sufficiently diagnosed without myocardial biopsy. Case presentation: This study reports a 69-year-old female who was admitted with chest distress, abdominal distension, anorexia, resistant hypotension, oliguria, and hyponatremia. The patient was confirmed as AL cardiac amyloidosis with the aid of cardiac MR 2 years after symptom onset. The patient received palliative care due to the end stage of the disease. Conclusions: Early diagnosis by cardiac imaging and etiology-oriented treatment are of importance to improve prognosis of AL cardiac amyloidosis.
Real-world Evaluation of Second Line Chemotherapy for Patients With Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Harboring Preexisting Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Igawa Satoshi , Yokoba Masanori , Takakura Akira , Hosotani Shinji , Nakahara Yoshiro , Sato Takashi , Mitsufuji Hisashi , Sasaki Jiichiro , Naoki Katsuhiko 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The optimal second and subsequent lines of chemotherapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have preexisting interstitial lung disease (ILD) are unclear. Hence, we examined the clinical efficacy and safety of second-line chemotherapy in such patients, including any exacerbation of preexisting ILD.Methods: The medical records of patients with NSCLC and preexisting ILD who received both first- and second-line chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Twenty-four patients with a median age of 71 years who were treated between April 2013 and March 2021 were included. The response rate after second-line chemotherapy with S-1 (n=13), docetaxel (n=8), pemetrexed (n=2), or docetaxel plus ramucirumab (n=1) was 12.5%, with a median progression-free survival (2nd line PFS) of 3.8 months. The overall survival from a start of first-line chemotherapy (1st line OS) and post-progression survival (PPS) post-first-line chemotherapy were 18.7 and 9.7 months, respectively. Spearman rank correlation and linear regression analyses showed that PPS was strongly correlated with 1st line OS (R = 0.85, P < 0.00001). Importantly, the 2nd line PFS was also significantly correlated with 1st line OS (R = 0.71, P = 0.0001). While second-line chemotherapy-related acute exacerbation of ILD was observed in 7 patients (29.2%), there were no treatment-related fatalities.Conclusions: Second-line chemotherapy has a strong positive impact on the OS of patients with NSCLC who have preexisting ILD. Given the findings of this study, second-line chemotherapy may be valuable in terms of prolonging long-term OS.