bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Remediation And Physiological Responses of Plants To Metal-Contaminated Soils In Jinchang Mining Areas, Western Desert, China
Authors: Li Changming , Tai Xisheng , Chang Guohua , Wan Zidong , Fu Jingwen , Wang Xueying , Zuo Mingbo , Liu Yuan , Gao Tianpeng 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Jinchang mining area, as a metal mine with a long history of arid and semi-arid mining in western China, has brought a great risk of heavy metal pollution to the local environment. In this experiment, tailings, slag and native soil are mixed in equal proportions for the pot experiment settings. 9 species of sand plants unique to the arid region of the western inland were planted to screen the varieties with green remediation value. After six months of plant growth, the concentration of Zn in the plant was the highest, ranging from 103.27 to 467.63mg/kg, followed by Cu, ranging from 25.07 to 200.35mg/kg. In the early stage (2 months), POD was the main defense, and in the later stage (4\6 months), SOD and CAT were the main defense, accompanied by unknown proteins up-regulated. The results of net photosynthetic rate showed that it was inhibited by metal stress in the early stage, and it was high in the late stage to provide material basis for the accumulation and secretion of adaptable and resistant substances. Seven species of plants, such as Suaeda glauca, Bassia scoparia, Halogeton glomeratus, Kalidium foliatum, Medicago falcata, Atriplex canescens, Artemisia desertorum can be used as enrichment materials for Zn and Cu. While, Atriplex canescens has the highest metal enrichment potential, and can be used as a planting variety to enrich Cd, Ni and Pb in a broad spectrum of metals including Zn and Cu. This study lays a solid scientific foundation for green remediation of contaminated soil in arid desert area of western China.
Surfactant Protein D Gene Polymorphism was Associated with the Susceptibility of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Control Study
Authors: Xu Jingwei , Chen Yi , Tang Liangfang , Teng Xinyuan , Feng Lin , Jin Ligui , Wang Guirong , Wang Liquan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSurfactant protein D (SP-D) is a critical component of the innate immune system intrinsically linked to energetic metabolism. However, the relationship of SP-D gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unclear yet. In this study, we analyzed SP-D gene polymorphisms in GDM patients and non-diabatic controls, and then determined the association of SP-D gene polymorphisms with GDM.MethodsWe examined a common genetic polymorphism located in the SP-D coding region (rs721917, Met31Thr) with GDM patients (n = 147) and healthy pregnant controls (n = 97) by using a PCR-RFLP technique. The level of SP-D protein in serum of GDM patients and non-diabetic controls was determined by ELISA method. The gene and allele frequencies od SP-D and their association with GDM as well as SP-D protein level were analyzed using SPSS software.ResultsWe found that there exists a significant association of the SP-D polymorphism (rs721917) with GDM. SP-D (T/T) genotype had 11.6% and 21.6% in GDM and matched healthy controls, respectively (P<0.05); indicating women with (T/T) genotype have lower prevalence of GDM (OR = 0.473). Women with T/C genotypes showed an increased risk of GDM (OR = 2.440). We did not observe corrections between glucose homeostasis markers and SP-D genotypes in the women patients with GDM. Furthermore, serum SP-D level was higher in the GDM compared to matched healthy controls.ConclusionsThis study has found the first evidence that SP-D gene polymorphism (rs721917) was associated with GDM, which may provide the basis for further study how SP-D plays a regulatory role in GDM.
COVID-19 in the Intravitreal Injection (IVI) Procedure at a Spanish Urban Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Fernández Jonathan Jesús Cancelliere , García María Muxima Patricia Acebes , Sánchez Francisco Javier Moreno-Alemán , González-Guijarro J. Jacobo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To describe the rate of COVID-19 in intravitreal injection (IVI) procedure at the onset of the pandemic.Methods: This transversal, observational and retrospective study included patients treated with IVI, in 3 groups. A: from February 20 to March 15, 2020, a period prior to lockdown and the first preventive measures against viral transmission. B: from March 16 to May 3, after the start of both, and C: from May 4 to June 19, after lockdown. Age, sex, diagnosis, drug, IVI laterality, visual acuity, percentage of single eyes, date of COVID-19 diagnosis, incidence among the Hospital attended population and number of COVID-19 patients admitted daily, were collected.Results: 1049 patients were treated, 564 (53.7%) on two or more occasions. COVID-19 rate was 1.51% (8/529) in group A, 0.21% (1/469) in B and 0% in C (0/926) (p=0.0001). The highest incidence peak x105 inhabitants and the mean daily admission rate, for the periods corresponding to the three groups, were 93.70/7.70 (SD 7.32), 418.72/27.83 (SD 24.68) and 24.58/2.28 (SD 1.97), respectively.Conclusion: The favourable trend in the COVID-19 rate among our patients, after implementing preventive measures against viral transmission, may assist in adequately planning IVI procedure in the future.
β2-adrenoceptor Activation Stimulates IL-6 Production via PKA, ERK1/2, Src, and Beta-arrestin2 Signaling Pathways in Human Bronchial Epithelia
Authors: Zhang Rui Gang , Niu Ya , Pan Ke Wu , Pang Hao , Chen Chung Ling , Yip Chung Yin , KO WING HUNG 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: β 2 -adrenoceptor agonists are widely used to treat asthma because of their bronchial-dilation effects. However, a recent study describing a side effect of aggravating eosinophilic inflammation in the mouse airway epithelia by β 2 -adrenoceptor agonists could impact the future clinical use of these bronchodilators. We previously reported that isoprenaline, via the apical and basolateral β 2 -adrenoceptor, induced Cl - secretion by activating cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent pathways in human bronchial epithelia. Despite these results, whether and how the β 2 -adrenoceptor-mediated cAMP-dependent pathway contributes to pro-inflammatory cytokine release in human bronchial epithelia remains poorly understood.Methods: We investigated β 2 -adrenoceptor-mediated signaling pathways involved in the production of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, in 16HBE14o- human bronchial epithelia. The effects of isoprenaline or formoterol were assessed in the presence of protein kinase A (PKA), exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), Src, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)1/2 inhibitors. The involvement of b-arrestin2 was examined using siRNA knockdown. Results: Both isoprenaline and formoterol (both β 2 agonists) induced IL-6, but not IL-8, release, which could be inhibited by ICI 118551 (β 2 antagonist). The PKA-specific inhibitor, H89, partially inhibited IL-6 release. Another intracellular cAMP receptor, EPAC, was not involved in IL-6 release. Isoprenaline-mediated IL-6 secretion was attenuated by dasatinib, a Src inhibitor, and PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor. Isoprenaline treatment also led to ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In addition, knockdown of β-arrestin2 by siRNA specifically suppressed cytokine release when a high concentration of isoprenaline (1 mM) was used. Conclusion: Our results suggest that activation of the β 2 -adrenoceptor in 16HBE14o- cells stimulated the PKA/Src/ERK1/2 and/or β-arrestin2 signaling pathways, leading to IL-6 release. Therefore, our data reveal that β 2 -adrenoceptor signaling plays a role in the immune regulation of human airway epithelia.
Combined Opioid Free and Loco-Regional Anesthesia Enhances the Quality of Recovery in Sleeve Gastrectomy Done Under ERAS Protocol: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed , Elnabtity Ali M , Hegab Ahmed , Alnujaidi Omar A. , Sanea Osama El 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: There is still debate as to whether opioid-free anaesthsia (OFA) may offer additional benefit over multimodal analgesia to better achieve the goals of ERAS(Enhanced recovery after surgery) in bariatric surgery.Patients and method: Patients in the OFA group (n=51) were pre-medicated with IV dexmedetomidine 0.1 µg.kg-1 then induced with propofol (2 mg. kg-1) -ketamine (0.5 mg. kg-1) mixture and maintained on dexmedetomidine 0.5µg. kg-1.h-1, ketamine 0.5 mg.kg-1.h-1, and lidocaine 1 mg. kg-1.h-1. Patients in the MMA(Multimodal analgesia) group (n= 52) were induced using IV propofol 2 mg. kg-1, and fentanyl 1 µg. kg-1. Cisatracurium (0.15 mg.kg-1) was given to all patients for muscle relaxation. Ultrasound-guided bilateral oblique subcostal transverse abdominis plane (OSTAP) block was performed in all patients. The postoperative quality of recovery at 6 and 24 hours was measured as a primary outcome. Postoperative pain control; subsequent opioid consumption; time to ambulate; time to tolerate oral fluid; and time to readiness for discharge were measured as secondary outcomes Results: The total QoR-40 (quality of recovery-40) scores at 6 hours were significantly higher in the OFA group (184.84 versus 180.69 in the MMA group with an estimated difference in mean of -4.15, 95% CI, -5.78 to -2.5, and P ˂0.001. The OFA group tolerated oral fluid intake earlier (194.94, 95% CI, 162.59 to 227.30) versus (273, 95% CI, 223.65 to 322.27) for the MMA group (p value=0.009). Readiness for discharge was significantly quicker in the OFA group (447.49, 95% CI, 409.69 to 485.29 versus 544.56, 95% CI, 503.08 to 586.04 in the MMA group, P-value =0.001). The post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (0 Hour) and the floor 2 and 6-hour numerical rating scales (NRS) for pain were significantly higher in the MMA group. The OFA group needed less opioid rescue analgesia in the PACU and at 24-hours (P value= 0.003 and 0.014; respectively).Conclusion: Combined Opioid free and loco-regional anesthesia provides better early recovery with reduced postoperative pain intensity, and opioid consumption when compared to multimodal analgesia; and is better suited to achieve the goals of ERAS protocol.Clinical trial number: registration number NCT04285255.
Contribution of Statistical Iterative Reconstruction Algorithm For Orthopaedic Applications: A Study With A Cone-Beam CT Prototype
Authors: Uk Stéphanie , Morin Fanny , Bousson Valerie , Nizard Rémy , Bernard Guillaume , Chappard Christine 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Three-dimensional reconstruction for image-guidance in orthopaedic surgery necessitates a high degree of geometrical precision but not necessary structure details. With the aim to reduce as much as possible the dose, a cone beam CT prototype was tested with decreasing intensities, the number of projections or different angular range. We tested two methods of reconstruction: classical Feldkamp-Davis-Kress (FDK) reconstruction and the Simultaneous Algebraic Reconstruction Technic with Total Variation (SART-TV). Based on this protocol, on a knee cadaveric specimen, we combined qualitative assessment performed by radiologists and orthopedic surgeons, objective metrics of image quality such as signal-to-noise ratio, or related to bone geometric contour, grey level restitution and texture of trabecular bone, and finally the quality of joint space segmentation. Objective indicators related to signal-to-noise ratio, the quality of geometry and segmentation have shown better results for SART-TV than FDK in case of decrease projections number and angular range. On the contrary, qualitative assessment, and indexes about grey level restitution and textural quality of trabecular bone produced the best results for FDK reconstruction. These results showed that SART-TV reconstruction has a good capability to restore the geometry in case of low dose protocol and consequently could be a good candidate for orthopaedic surgery.
Factors associated with screening for preeclampsia in the Democratic Republic of Congo: evidence from a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Nkamba Dalau Mukadi , Wembodinga Gilbert , Bernard Pierre , Robert Annie 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDelays in identification of women with preeclampsia is a contributing factor to maternal deaths in developing countries. We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of screening for preeclampsia in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and to identify factors associated with the screening. Methods We used data from the 2017-2018 DRC Service Provision Assessment survey, a nationwide survey that samples services, including antenatal care (ANC), in representative health facilities. A pregnant woman was deemed screened for preeclampsia if she had received the two following services: blood pressure measurement and assessment for warning signs of preeclampsia. We used multiple logistic regression, with generalized estimating equations, to identify factors associated with screening for preeclampsia.ResultsOf the 3763 pregnant women, 719 (19.1%; 95% CI, 15.8% – 22.9%) were screened for preeclampsia, 815 (21.7%; 95% CI, 18.2% - 25.6%) were assessed for preeclampsia-related warning signs and symptoms, and 2941 (78.2%; 95% CI 73.6 – 82.1%) had their blood pressure checked.In multivariable analyses, the percentage of women receiving screening for preeclampsia was significantly higher among women with a secondary level of schooling or above (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.04-1.42; P=0.016) and among women having a subsequent ANC visit (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.20-1.62; P<0.001). It was also higher among women receiving care in facilities with a low number of women attended per day (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.09-1.51; P=0.003) and in urban settings (AOR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.82; P=0.036). There was a regional variation in the screening for preeclampsia, with the lowest prevalence observed in the Central (10.7%) and the highest in the Eastern provinces (22.5%). ConclusionOur study shows that screening for preeclampsia during ANC visits in DRC is not systematic, with disparities between provinces. We found that a low schooling level, a low number of ANC visits, rural areas, province of residence, and a high volume of ANC visits at the facility were associated with a low screening for preeclampsia. These factors should be considered for setting up strategies in order to increase the screening for preeclampsia during ANC visits in provinces of DRC with too low screening.
Chemoautotrophy at the Expense of Thiosulphate: A Supplementary Nutritional Source to the Mangrove Clam-Polymesoda Erosa
Authors: Thomas TresaRemya A , Singh Tanya , Kalaimani Tamil S , Khadge Nandakumar H , Shivaramu Mamatha S , Gonsalves Maria-Judith B-D , Adhikesavan LokaBharathi P 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Chemolithoautotrophy is a primordial process, where chemical energy converts inorganic carbon to organic. The prevalence of chemosynthesis was examined in the mangrove clam, Polymesoda erosa, and the ambient sediment at Chorao Island, Mandovi estuary, Goa. The sediment system is reducing, organically rich, high in electron donors, acceptors, and inorganic carbon. This clam thrives by immersing 75-90% of its body in sulfidic sediments. Hence, it is hypothesized that it could have an adaptive mechanism like microbially mediated utilization of reduced sulfur compound, S2O32- (model compound) coupled to inorganic carbon uptake. During spawning, maximum carbonate uptake rates of 449 and 594 nmole C g dry wt-1 h-1 were recorded in the gill and foot, respectively. Next generation sequencing revealed that Thiothrix and other sulfur oxidizers gathered from ambient sediment were present in gill, mantle and foot in the ratio 1:3:14 and 1:5:6, respectively. It is inferred that the clam and these associated bacteria could make an important contribution to chemosynthetic carbon fixation. The process could serve as an essential supplementary nutritional source especially during the physiologically feeble spawning phase. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of chemolithoautotrophic process in P. erosa of the family Cyrenidae.
Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings of Acute Anterior Uveitis
Authors: Yalçınkaya Gülay , Altan Çiğdem , Başarır Berna , Çakır İhsan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the changes in retinal microvasculature in eyes with anterior uveitis (AU) using optical coherence tomography angiography.Methods: Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), vessel density (VD) of SCP, DCP, and choriocapillaris, and central macular thickness (CMT) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were calculated from 34 healthy and 41 uveitic eyes. The parameters were compared between the two groups.Results: The deep FAZ was significantly lower in the eyes with AU during the attack than after recovery and the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). The VD in deep capillary plexus (DCP) in eyes with AU during the attack was significantly higher than the control group (p=0.048). The VD in the foveal sector of DCP in eyes with AU during the attack and after recovery was significantly higher than the control group (p=0.001 and p=0.031, respectively). There was no significant difference regarding CMT, CFT, VDs of each segment and each sector, and superficial and deep FAZ between eyes with first uveitis attack and those with recurrent uveitis during the attack and after recovery (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that there is a reduction in the FAZ and an increase in the VD of the DCP of the retina during active AU, and these findings are reversible. Acute AU may affect the macular microvasculature, which is usually temporary, especially in the DCP.
EZH2 Inhibition Sensitizes BRCA1-Deficient Breast Cancer to Synthetic Lethal Therapy with ATM Inhibitors
Authors: Ratz Leonie , Brambillasca Chiara , Bartke Leandra , de Ven Marieke van , Proost Natalie , Siteur Bjørn , de Korte-Grimmerink Renske , Bouwman Peter , Pulver Emilia M. , de Bruijn Roebi , Isensee Jörg , Hucho Tim , Pandey Gaurav , Lohuizen Maarten van , Mallmann Peter , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Jonkers Jos , Puppe Julian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The majority of BRCA1-mutant breast cancers are characterized by a triple-negative phenotype (TNBC) and a basal-like molecular subtype, associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Current treatment options are limited, highlighting the need for the development of novel targeted therapies for this tumor subtype. Methods: Our group previously showed that EZH2 is functionally relevant in BRCA1-deficient breast tumors and blocking EZH2 enzymatic activity could be a potent treatment strategy. To validate the role of EZH2 as a therapeutic target and to identify new synergistic drug combinations, we performed a high-throughput drug combination screen in various cell lines derived from BRCA1-proficient and deficient - mouse mammary tumors. Results: We identified the combined inhibition of EZH2 and the proximal DNA damage response kinase ATM as a novel synthetic lethality-based therapy for the treatment of BRCA1-deficient breast tumors. We show that the combined treatment with the EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 and the ATM inhibitor AZD1390 led to reduced colony formation, increased genotoxic stress, and apoptosis-mediated cell death in BRCA1-deficient mammary tumor cells in vitro. These findings were corroborated by in vivo experiments showing that simultaneous inhibition of EZH2 and ATM significantly increased anti-tumor activity in mice bearing BRCA1-deficient mammary tumors. Conclusion: Taken together, we identified a synthetic lethal interaction between EZH2 and ATM and propose this synergistic interaction as a novel molecular combination for the treatment of BRCA1-mutant breast cancer.
Sec-O-glucosylhamaudol Inhibits RANKL-induced Osteoclastogenesis Via Repressing 5-LO and AKT/GSK3β Signaling
Authors: Cao Jinjin , Zhou Mingxue , Chen Xinyan , Sun Menglu , Wei Congmin , Peng Qisheng , Cheng Zhou , sun Wanchun , Wang Hongbing 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundOsteoclast excessive activation was closely related to bone diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (SOG), an active flavonoid compound derived from the root of divaricate Saposhnikovia, was reported to exhibit analgesic, anti-inflammatory and high 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitory effects. However, its effect on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption remained unclear.MethodsOsteoclast formation, bone resorption pit area formation and F-actin ring formation were examined by TRAP staining, modified Vonkonsa staining and immunofluorescence, respectively. RT-Realtime PCR assay and western blot analysis were performed. siRNA transfection was conducted to silence the expression of 5-LO in cells. LPS-induced bone-loss mice model was prepared and the left and right femurs were collected for Micro-CT and histomorphometric analysis, respectively.ResultsSOG markedly attenuated RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis through decreasing TRAP activity, F-actin ring formation and bone resorption with reduction of mRNA levels of osteoclastogenesis marker genes such as TRAP, CTSK and DC-STAMP. Our results further indicated that SOG markedly reduced the induction of key transcription factors NFATc1 and c-Fos at both mRNA and protein levels during osteoclastogenesis. In addition, SOG treatment did not alter the transient phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 subunit and MAPKs (p38, ERK1/2 and JNK), AKT and GSK3β by RANKL. Interestingly, our results showed that SOG significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and GSK3β at middle-late stage of osteoclastogenesis, but did not alter calcineurin catalytic subunit PP2B-Aα expression. GSK3β inhibitor SB415286 could partly reverse inhibition of osteoclastogenesis by SOG. 5-LO knockdown at BMMs also markedly reduced RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. In consistent with in vitro results，SOG could significantly improve bone destruction in LPS-induced mice model.ConclusionsSOG attenuated formation and function of osteoclast through suppressing AKT-mediated GSK3β inactivation, and 5-LO catalytic activity. Moreover, SOG prevented LPS-induced bone loss in mice through inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, this study provided the evidence that SOG may have a potential therapeutic effect on osteoclast-related bone lysis disease.
Characterization of Soil and Rock Hosting an Aquifer in Southeast Panama City using Geotechnical, Geophysical and Geochemical Parameters
Authors: Valoys Ana Cristina González , Vargas-Lombardo Miguel , Jimenez-Ballesta Raimundo , Arrocha Jonatha , Gutiérrez Eric , García-Ordiales Efrén , Cienfuegos Pablo , García-Navarro Francisco , Higueras Pablo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The aim of the present study is to assess the combined use of geotechnical and electrical geophysical methods to determine water quality and rocks mechanics in an aquifer. The aquifer studied is located in the Tocumen sector of Panamá City, located to the southeast of city, where there is a need to study the possible use of this aquifer to provide drinking and/or irrigation water based on its quality. To this end, a 10 m well was perforated and sampled to characterize the host soil and rock trough granulometry, determine the Atterberg limits, measure the physicochemical parameters and perform a chemical analysis, including reactivity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, calcium carbonate, sulfates, chlorides, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O and K2O. In addition, a 2D electrical resistivity tomography profile was conducted in order to correlate the electric parameters with the physicochemical and chemical ones and extend them laterally to check the continuity of the characteristics measured. The results show a good correlation between geotechnical, geophysical and chemical parameters, thus highlighting the presence of discontinuities that must be overcome by infiltrated rainwater to reach the deepest levels, which are characterized by the presence of water. The water chemistry varies with depth, with sodium bicarbonated water being the predominant facies.