bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy Metal Content and Physico-Chemical Analyses of Soils under the Litter of some Medicinal Taxa in the Luki Biosphere Reserve, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Mukeba Florent Biduaya , Ngondo Myriam Mukadi , Kadima Nazaire Kabemba , Ilonga Prince Bofati , Bibasuya Patrick Kayembe , Ngelinkoto Patience Mpia , Mutwale Paulin Kapepula , Ngbolua Koto-te-Nyiwa , Mwange Kalima Nkoma , Mukoko Johnny Bopopi , Ngombe Nadège Kabamba , Mpiana Pius T. , Fundu Théophile Mbemba 
Published: April 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the texture, mineral element and heavy metal content of the soil under the litter of different selected species in relation to the plan of their pedogenesis.
Methods: The granulometric analysis of the various samples based on laser diffraction, measurements of Total Nitrogen and Total Organic Carbon were performed using the Elemental Analyzer, the Organic Matter content is estimated by the loss of ignition method using a Salvis furnace, In order to estimate the CaCO3 content. The same samples were heated in the oven at 1000°C for 60 minutes and reweighed. The carbonate content is estimated by the loss in mass during this second firing, multiplied by 2.274 which is the molecular weight ratio between CaCO3 and CO2. The heavy metal and mineral composition was evaluated by ICP-AES and AAS.
Results: The granulometric analyses show a sandy texture, according to the FAO classification. The organic matter content thus observed in the soils under the litter of these four species did not show any significant difference. The concentration of major mineral elements recorded in soils under the litter of Blighia welwitchii, Oncoba welwitschii, Zanthoxylum gilletii and Harungana madagascariensis did not show any significant difference. However, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium have a high concentration compared to calcium and sodium. This study showed that the levels of cadmium, lead, arsenic and aluminum in the various samples of litter soils of all plant species including nickel for B. welwitschii are above the standards set by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment for soil quality. Pollution factors for aluminum are the highest. This indicates that aluminum is the most polluting metal. The low pollution factors for lead and nickel are due to the low fixation of these metals by soils.
Conclusions: Our study took place in the Luki Biosphere reserve and showed that the different soils under litter are polluted by very toxic and persistent heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, aluminum, arsenic and nickel. This study has revealed new aspects of heavy metal pollution. This pollution represents a serious threat to the environment in general and to humans in particular through the food chain.
Study of EBV and Associated Gastric Malignancies
Authors: Supraja B. , Vardarajalu . , Karkuzhali P. , Thanka J. 
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Epstein Barr virus (EBV), is a member of the genus Lymphocryptoviridae and Herpesviridae subfamily. It is pervasive and infects more than 90% of the adult population worldwide. In childhood and early adulthood primary infection occurs through salivary contact. The majority of children are asymptomatic, but some adolescents and young adults can develop infectious mononucleosis with harmless clinical manifestations.
Objective: To analyze the expression of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) Latent membrane protein – 1 (LMP-1) in various histological subtypes of gastric carcinoma.
Materials and Methods: Out of the 43cases, 32 cases were proven to be malignant, out of which 30 cases who had adequate clinical data were included in the study. The materials were processed and sections were cut at 5 microns. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of sections was done. Histopathological examination of these sections was done.
Result: The most common presenting symptom associated with Gastric carcinoma was upper abdominal pain (epigastric pain). Both the LMP-1 IHC positive cases showed a low score when assessed using the LMP-1 immunohistochemistry scoring system (used in nasopharyngeal carcinomas). This may be due to the older age group of patients. For the effective control of viral cancer, there should be rapid, sensitive, specific, cost-effective diagnostics assays and management.
Conclusion: Hence our study justifies the role of EBV in the oncogenesis of gastric carcinoma. More elaborate and extensive studies are warranted to further emphasize this theory.
The predictive value of normal EEGs in dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Briels Casper T. , Stam Cornelis J. , Scheltens Philip , Gouw Alida A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo determine differences in clinical presentation and disease progression between patients with dementia due to AD with visually normal and abnormal EEG recordings. We hypothesized that patients with normal electroencephalographs (EEGs) are a representation of the heterogeneity of AD. We expected this group to have a phenotype with relatively predominant hippocampal atrophy, memory deficits, and a slower disease progression.MethodsPatients were included based on diagnosis of dementia due to AD, positive amyloid and tau cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, and the availability of EEG recordings. Patients were categorized in groups of normal (N = 208) and abnormal (N = 336) EEG recordings based on visual assessment by experienced neurophysiologists. At baseline demographics, cognitive, MRI, and CSF measures were compared between groups. Cognitive data from follow‐up visits were assessed by linear mixed‐effects models (LMMs), and corrected for baseline value, sex, age, and educational level, to compare cognitive deterioration over time between groups.ResultsAbout 1 in 4.5 patients with AD dementia had a visually normal EEG and this group showed better overall cognitive performance compared to the abnormal group, where memory was the most prominent affected domain. The normal group showed less global and parietal but similar medial temporal atrophy. Follow‐up data showed a slower deterioration on all tested cognitive domains in the normal EEG group.InterpretationPatients with dementia due to AD and visually normal EEG recordings showed a milder clinical presentation and had a milder disease progression compared to patients with an abnormal EEG. These results provide evidence of clinical and biological heterogeneity within AD dementia.
Epitaxial Growth of Nanostructured Li2Se on Lithium Metal for All Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Park Hyunjung , Kim Jeongheon , Lee Dongsoo , Park Joonhyeok , Jo Seonghan , Kim Jaeik , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLithium is considered to be the ultimate anode material for high energy‐density rechargeable batteries. Recent emerging technologies of all solid‐state batteries based on sulfide‐based electrolytes raise hope for the practical use of lithium, as it is likely to suppress lithium dendrite growth. However, such devices suffer from undesirable side reactions and a degradation of electrochemical performance. In this work, nanostructured Li2Se epitaxially grown on Li metal by chemical vapor deposition are investigated as a protective layer. By adjusting reaction time and cooling rate, a morphology of as‐prepared Li2Se is controlled, resulting in nanoparticles, nanorods, or nanowalls with a dominant (220) plane parallel to the (110) plane of the Li metal substrate. Uniaxial pressing the layers under a pressure of 50 MPa for a cell preparation transforms more compact and denser. Dual compatibility of the Li2Se layers with strong chemical bonds to Li metal and uniform physical contact to a Li6PS5Csulfide electrolyte prevents undesirable side reactions and enables a homogeneous charge transfer at the interface upon cycling. As a result, a full cell coupled with a LiCoO2‐based cathode shows significantly enhanced electrochemical performance and demonstrates the practical use of Li anodes with Li2Se layers for all solid‐state battery applications.
In vitro investigation of biophysical interactions between Ag(I) complexes of bis(methyl)(thia/selena)salen and ct‐DNA via multi‐spectroscopic, physicochemical and molecular docking methods along with cytotoxicity study
Authors: Tripathi Mamta , Syed Rabbani , Stalin Antony , Malik Abdul , Pande Rama , Asatkar Ashish K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFour silver(I) (Ag(I)) complexes: 1.PF6, 2.PF6, 1.ClO4 and 2.ClO4 of bis(methyl)thia salen (1) and bis (methyl)selena salen (2) with two different counter anions (PF6− and ClO4−) have been investigated for DNA binding properties. In vitro interactional association between the Ag(I) complexes and ct‐DNA has been examined by performing spectroscopic titrations on absorption spectrophotometer and fluorescence spectrophotometer. A competitive binding study has also been done using a fluorescence spectrophotometer with ethidium bromide as a classical intercalator. The spectroscopic methods revealed a major groove. Viscometry and agarose gel electrophoresis experiments have also been performed as physicochemical methods to confirm the binding of complex molecules with DNA. Molecular docking analysis has been executed to obtain the theoretical insight into the mode of binding. The docking study demonstrated the major groove binding of all four complexes to the DNA with electrostatic metal–phosphate interactions (between the metal and the backbone of DNA) and hydrophobic interactions. Cytotoxicity of the complexes has been studied on the Human Fibroblast foreskin (HFF) cell line. The cytotoxicity results showed positive gesture for moving ahead to the next level of screening; the values were above 10 μM which are appreciated for the normal cell lines.
Late‐occurring infections in a contemporary cohort of hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors
Authors: Sy Andrew , Chanson Dayana , Berano Teh Jennifer , Wong Florence L. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Dadwal Sanjeet , Armenian Saro H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a paucity of studies describing the incidence and risk factors for late‐occurring (≥1 year) infectious complications in contemporary survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 641 1‐year survivors of HCT, transplanted between 2010 and 2013 as adults, and in remission from their primary disease. Standardized definitions were used to characterize viral, fungal, and bacterial infections. Cumulative incidence of infections was calculated, with relapse/progression considered as a competing risk event. Fine‐Gray subdistribution hazard ratio estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained, adjusted for relevant covariates.ResultsMedian age at HCT was 55.2 years (range 18.1–78.1 years); 54.0% were survivors of allogeneic HCT. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of a late‐occurring infection for the entire cohort was 31.6%; the incidence of polymicrobial (≥2) infections was 10.1%. In survivors who developed at least one infection, the 5‐year incidence of a subsequent infection was 45.3%. Among allogeneic HCT survivors, patients with acute lymphoblastic (HR = 1.82 95% CI [1.12–2.96]) or myeloid (HR = 1.50 95% CI [1.02–2.20]) leukemia, and those with an elevated HCT‐Comorbidity index score (HR = 1.09 95% CI [1.01–1.17]) were more likely to develop late‐occurring infections; there was an incremental risk associated with severity of graft versus host disease (GVHD) at 1‐year post‐HCT (mild: HR = 2.17, 95% CI [1.09–4.33]; moderate/severe: HR = 3.78, 95% CI [1.90–7.53]; reference: no GVHD).ConclusionsThe burden of late‐occurring infections in HCT survivors is substantial, and there are important patient‐ and HCT‐related modifiers of risk over time. These findings may help guide personalized screening and prevention strategies to improve outcomes after HCT.
Traumatic rupture of the posterior deltoid tendon during weight lifting: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Sanderson Brent , Bogard Michael , Jazayeri Reza 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDeltoid tendon humeral sided avulsion leads to discomfort and functional limitation in the young active population. This report illustrates a case for surgical treatment with a simple suspensory device that allows for early return to activity.
APOE moderates the effect of hippocampal blood flow on memory pattern separation in clinically normal older adults
Authors: Memel Molly , Staffaroni Adam M. , Cobigo Yann , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Fonseca Corrina , Bettcher Brianne M. , Yassa Michael A. , Elahi Fanny M. , Wolf Amy , Rosen Howard J. , Kramer Joel H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPattern separation, the ability to differentiate new information from previously experienced similar information, is highly sensitive to hippocampal structure and function and declines with age. Functional MRI studies have demonstrated hippocampal hyperactivation in older adults compared to young, with greater task‐related activation associated with worse pattern separation performance. The current study was designed to determine whether pattern separation was sensitive to differences in task‐free hippocampal cerebral blood flow (CBF) in 130 functionally intact older adults. Given prior evidence that apolipoprotein E e4 (APOE e4) status moderates the relationship between CBF and episodic memory, we predicted a stronger negative relationship between hippocampal CBF and pattern separation in APOE e4 carriers. An interaction between APOE group and right hippocampal CBF was present, such that greater right hippocampal CBF was related to better lure discrimination in noncarriers, whereas the effect reversed directionality in e4 carriers. These findings suggest that neurovascular changes in the medial temporal lobe may underlie memory deficits in cognitively normal older adults who are APOE e4 carriers.
Reinforced electrospun nanofiber composites for drug delivery applications
Authors: Anup Neelima , Chavan Tejas , Chavan Shruti , Polaka Suryanarayana , Kalyane Dnyaneshwar , Abed Sara Nidal , Venugopala Katharigatta N. , Kalia Kiran , Tekade Rakesh K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractElectrospun technology becomes a valuable means of fabricating functional polymeric nanofibers with distinctive morphological properties for drug delivery applications. Nanofibers are prepared from the polymer solution, which allows the direct incorporation of therapeutics such as small drug molecules, genes, and proteins by merely mixing them into the polymeric solution. Due to their biocompatibility, adhesiveness, sterility, and efficiency in delivering diverse cargoes, electrospun nanofibers have gained much attention. This review discusses the capabilities of the electrospun nanofibers in delivering different therapeutics like small molecules, genes, and proteins to their desired target site for treating various ailments. The potential of nanofibers in administering through multiple administration routes and the associated challenges has also been expounded along with a cross‐talk about the commercial products of nanofibers for biomedical applications.
Complete remission following icotinib administration in an advanced ectopic thymic carcinoma patient harbouring the EGFR exon 19 deletion
Authors: Zu Yunfen , Luo Yan , Li Chongyang , Zhao Juan , He Tingting , Shi Xiaoliang , Li Xin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundEctopic thymic carcinoma (TC) is an extremely rare disease with a poor prognosis. The main treatment for early TC is surgery, although an effective treatment for advanced TC is lacking.MethodsWe present the case of a 61‐year‐old man with advanced posterior mediastinum thymic squamous cell carcinoma. Amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was used to investigate the molecular and mutational characteristics of this tumour.ResultsAfter chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the tumour showed disease progression. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumour was positive for CD117 (specific for primary TC), CK19, CD56 and Ki67. ARMS‐PCR analysis revealed an EGFR exon 19 deletion in the patient. The patient subsequently received icotinib treatment and achieved complete remission for 3 years.ConclusionsThis case report suggests that tyrosine kinase inhibitors are a potential treatment strategy for patients with TC harbouring EGFR alterations.
Understanding the implication of autophagy in the activation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis: are we there yet?
Authors: Lucantoni Federico , Martínez‐Cerezuela Andreu , Gruevska Aleksandra , Moragrega Ángela B , Víctor Víctor M , Esplugues Juan V , Blas‐García Ana , Apostolova Nadezda 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLiver fibrosis (LF) occurs as a result of persistent liver injury and can be defined as a pathologic, chronic, wound‐healing process in which functional parenchyma is progressively replaced by fibrotic tissue. As a phenomenon involved in the majority of chronic liver diseases, and therefore prevalent, it exerts a significant impact on public health. This impact becomes even more patent given the lack of a specific pharmacological therapy, with LF only being ameliorated or prevented through the use of agents that alleviate the underlying causes. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are fundamental mediators of LF, which, activated in response to pro‐fibrotic stimuli, transdifferentiate from a quiescent phenotype into myofibroblasts that deposit large amounts of fibrotic tissue and mediate pro‐inflammatory effects. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to understanding the mechanisms through which HSCs are activated or inactivated. Using cell culture and/or different animal models, numerous studies have shown that autophagy is enhanced during the fibrogenic process and have provided specific evidence to pinpoint the fundamental role of autophagy in HSC activation. This effect involves – though may not be limited to – the autophagic degradation of lipid droplets. Several hepatoprotective agents have been shown to reverse the autophagic alteration present in LF, but clinical confirmation of these effects is pending. On the other hand, there is evidence that implicates autophagy in several anti‐fibrotic mechanisms in HSCs that stimulate HSC cell cycle arrest and cell death or prevent the generation of pro‐fibrotic mediators, including excess collagen accumulation. The objective of this review is to offer a comprehensive analysis of published evidence of the role of autophagy in HSC activation and to provide hints for possible therapeutic targets for the treatment and/or prevention of LF related to autophagy. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Discovering the wild side of urban plants through public engagement
Authors: Vega Kevin A. , Schläpfer‐Miller Juanita , Kueffer Christoph 
Published: April 2021

Societal Impact StatementThe Anthropocene has seen declining biodiversity inextricably linked to our societies, values, and choices. This requires ecologists to engage with the public in ecosystems such as cities to learn from and help inform their values and experiences regarding their role in urban nature. This article presents a transdisciplinary citizen science project on spontaneous urban vegetation in the context of urban botany, art‐science, and participatory research that engages with the ecology of cities. We address the interdependence of ecological and social networks, suggesting how plant ecology can become more relevant for society in the Anthropocene, while presenting a specific methodology for engaging the public with urban botany.Summary

Cities are socio‐ecological systems that require new ways of thinking and engagement to successfully conserve biodiversity. In this article, we present the citizen science project Where Seeds Fall which was undertaken in the city of Zurich, Switzerland. It was developed in an “ecology with” cities approach seeking to conduct research with the humans living in the ecosystem while learning from and helping inform their values.

Our project brings together the perspectives of ecologists, artists, and planners on the three themes of urban wastelands, spontaneous vegetation, and ecological connectivity. It is placed in the context of urban botany, environmental arts and participatory research.

Volunteers placed trays of bare soil (without seeds) in their gardens and balconies and monitored what plants arrived and germinated. They then were able to share information about their trays (images, species lists) with one another through a spatially explicit web platform. The project was accompanied by public outreach events and artistic interventions in public space.

This article presents the methodology of the project so that it can be replicated elsewhere. Based on the experiences with the project we discuss evolving transdisciplinary perspectives on wild plant biodiversity in cities.
Quantifying and Adjusting Plasmon‐Driven Nano‐Localized Temperature Field around Gold Nanorods for Nucleic Acids Amplification
Authors: You Minli , Jia Pengpeng , He Xiaocong , Wang Zheyu , Feng Shangsheng , Ren Yulin , Li Zedong , Cao Lei , Gao Bin , Yao Chunyan , Singamaneni Srikanth , Xu Feng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFast nucleic acid (NA) amplification has found widespread biomedical applications, where high thermocycling rate is the key. The plasmon‐driven nano‐localized thermocycling around the gold nanorods (AuNRs) is a promising alternative, as the significantly reduced reaction volume enables a rapid temperature response. However, quantifying and adjusting the nano‐localized temperature field remains challenging for now. Herein, a simple method is developed to quantify and adjust the nano‐localized temperature field around AuNRs by combining experimental measurement and numerical simulation. An indirect method to measure the surface temperature of AuNRs is first developed by utilizing the temperature‐dependent stability of Authiol bond. Meanwhile, the relationship of AuNRs′ surface temperature with the AuNRs concentration and laser intensity, is also studied. In combination with thermal diffusion simulation, the nano‐localized temperature field under the laser irradiation is obtained. The results show that the restricted reaction volume (≈aL level) enables ultrafast thermocycling rate (>104 °C s−1). At last, a duplex‐specific nuclease (DSN)‐mediated isothermal amplification is successfully demonstrated within the nano‐localized temperature field. It is envisioned that the developed method for quantifying and adjusting the nano‐localized temperature field around AuNRs is adaptive for various noble metal nanostructures and will facilitate the development of the biochemical reaction in the nano‐localized environment.