bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population Diversity of Three Variants of the SLC47A2 Gene (MATE2-K transporter) in Mexican Mestizos and Native Americans
Authors: Faviola Favela-Mendoza Alma , Fricke-Galindo Ingrid , Cuevas-Sánchez Wendy Fernanda , Aguilar-Velázquez José Alonso , Martínez-Cortes Gabriela , Rangel-Villalobos Héctor 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background. MATE2-K is an efflux transporter protein of organic cation expressed mainly in the kidney and encoded by the SLC47A2 gene. Different variants of this gene have shown an impact on the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, including metformin, which represents one of the most widely used drugs in treating type 2 diabetes. The SLC47A2 gene variants have been scarcely studied in Mexican populations, especially in Native American groups. For this reason, we analyzed the distribution of the variants rs12943590, rs35263947, and rs9900497 within the SLC47A2 gene in 173 Native Americans (Tarahumara, Huichol, Maya, Puerépecha) and 182 Mestizos (admixed) individuals from Mexico. Methods and Results . Genotypes were determined through TaqMan probes (qPCR). The Hardy-Weinberg agreement was confirmed for all three SLC47A2 gene variants in all the Mexican populations analyzed. When worldwide populations were included for comparison purposes, for alleles and genotypes, a relative interpopulation homogeneity was observed for rs35263947 (C allele; range: 48.9–76.7%) and rs9900497 (G allele; range: 59.1–81.4%). Conversely, heterogeneity was evident for rs12943590 (G allele, range 40.9–77.9%), where the most differentiated population was the Huichol, with high frequencies of the risk genotype associated with decreased response to metformin treatment (A/A= 40.9%).Conclusions. Although the SLC47A2 gene variants allow predicting favorable response to the metformin treatment in Mexican populations, the probable high frequency of ineffectiveness should be discarded in Huichols.
Silicon Nanoparticles Decrease Arsenic Translocation and Mitigate Phytotoxicity in Tomato Plants
Authors: González-Moscoso Magin , Juárez-Maldonado Antonio , Cadenas-Pliego Gregorio , Meza-Figueroa Diana , SenGupta Bhaskar , Martinez-Villegas Nadia 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this study we simulate the irrigation of tomato plants with As contaminated water (from 0 to 3.2 mg L-1) and investigate the effect of the application of silicon nanoparticle (Si NPs) in form of silicon dioxide (0, 250 and 1000 mg L-1) on As uptake and stress. Arsenics concentrations were determined in substrate and plant tissue at three different stratums. Phytotoxicity, As accumulation and translocation, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds were also determined. Irrigation of tomato plants with As contaminated water caused As substrate enrichment and As bioaccumulation (roots > leaves > steam) showing that the higher the concentration in irrigation water, the farther the contaminant flowed and translocated through the different tomato stratums. Phytotoxicity was observed at low concentrations of As, while tomato yield increases increased at high concentrations. Application of Si NPs decreases As translocation, tomato yield, and root biomass. Increased production of photosynthetic pigments and improved enzymatic activity (CAT and APX) suggested tomato plant adaptation at high As concentrations in the presence of Si NPs. Our results reveal likely impacts of As and nanoparticles on tomato production in places where As in groundwater is common and might represent a risk.
Crosstalk Noise Analysis in Coupled On-Chip Interconnects Using MRTD Technique
Authors: Gugulothu Bhaskar , Bhukya Rajendra Naik 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the Crosstalk noise analysis of coupled on-chip interconnects have been analyzed. The multiresolution time-domain method (MRTD) is used to analyze the crosstalk noise model. The crosstalk induced propagation time delay and crosstalk peak voltage on the victim line of interconnects have been determined and compared to those of the conventional finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and validated with HSPICE simulations at the 22nm technology node. The results of the proposed method shows that crosstalk induced propagation delay in dynamic in-phase, out-phase and peak voltage timing, as well as the peak voltage value for functional crosstalk in the copper interconnects are an average error of less than 0.53% for the proposed model and HSPICE simulations. The results of the proposed model are closely similar to those of HSPICE simulations. Electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility of on-chip interconnects can also be addressed using the proposed method.
Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism and the susceptibility of sepsis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Zhihua , Cheng Shaowen , Liu Xini , Xian Lina , Liang Xinyuan , Guo Fanyu , Wang Yudie , Hu Mingdong , Lv Chuanzhu , Liang Huaping , Song Jun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective To assess the association between the Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphism and the susceptibility to sepsis using a meta-analysis.Methods The publications were searched on PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases up to December 1, 2019 for relevant literature. Results A total of 32 studies (21 adult and 11 pediatric studies) were selected for analysis. Overall, in the three models of MBL +54 A/B gene polymorphisms, namely the dominant model BB + AB vs. AA (p = 0.03), the recessive model BB vs. AB + AA (p < 0.00001), and the allele model B vs. A (p = 0.04), MBL +54A/B was significantly related to the risk of sepsis. In the adult group, the MBL A/O gene polymorphism was associated with the risk of sepsis in the dominant model AO + OO vs. AA (p = 0.006) as well as in the allele model O vs. A (p = 0.04). The MBL +54A/B gene polymorphism was significantly related to the risk of sepsis in the recessive model and, therefore, may increase the risk of sepsis. In the pediatric group, no polymorphic loci were significantly associated with sepsis in any of the three models. The results of the publication bias test demonstrated no publication bias in an unadjusted estimate of the relationship between MBL A/O and -211Y/X gene polymorphism and sepsis.
Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Versus DWI in the Clinical Assessment of Rectal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Mi , Yin Longlin , Lai Li , Zeng Ju , Wang Shaoyu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: To perform an analysis of mean diffusivity(MD)、mean kurtosis(MK) demonstrating the diagnostic value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with respect to rectal carcinoma. Methods: A total of thirty-nine rectal carcinoma cases and thirty-nine healthy subjects (Normal control group) were enrolled in our study. All the subjects underwent multi-parameter (DWI, DKI )magnetic resonance examination. The acquired images were individually analysed by two readers. The obtained images were input into the corresponding software, then an analysis of the subjects’ apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC), MD and MK values was performed. A receiver-operating charasterictic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the diagnostic efficiency of the MK, MD and ADC parameters. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to contrast the parameters in both groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyse the correlation between ADC and MD, MK. The Kappa consistency test was used to evaluate the consistency between each reader’s evaluation. Results: Reflecting their diagnostic values with respect to rectal carcinoma, the AUC for MK, MD, and ADC were 0.911, 0.888, and 0.827 (all P <0.05), respectively. Using 0.59, 2.15×10 －3 mm 2 /s, 1.35×10 －3 mm 2 /s as thresholds, the sensitivities of MK, MD, ADC were 89.50%, 78.90%, and 76.30%, respectively; meanwhile their respective specificities were 84.20%, 73.70%, and 73.70%.The ADC was directly proportional to MD ( r =0.994, P <0.05) and inversely proportional to MK ( r =－0.460, P <0.05). Analysis of the imaging data revealed consistent results from both readers,Kappa=0.737. Conclusion: The ADC、MK and MD parameters were effective in diagnosing rectal carcinoma. Moreover, the MK and MD parameters were found to provide even more valid information regarding the microenvironment with a higher diagnostic performance.
Phosphorus Fluxes in a Restored Carolina Bay Wetland Following Eight Years of Restoration
Authors: Moorberg Colby James , Vepraskas Michael John , Niewoehner Christopher Paul , White Jeffrey Greville , Richter Daniel de Boucherville 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Restoring wetlands on agricultural land can release soil P to surface waters. Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient in many freshwater systems, thus restricting its release will improve surface water quality. A P balance was used to examine how P was cycling in a Carolina Bay wetland eight years after restoration from prior-drained agricultural land. The change in soil P was evaluated between archived samples taken at restoration (2005), and eight years after restoration (2013). Measured P fluxes included atmospheric deposition, plant uptake, and loss to surface water outflow. The soil total P pool at the time of restoration was 810 kg P ha -1 . No significant (α=0.05) decrease in the soil P pool was observed. Atmospheric deposition contributed 7 kg P ha-1, plants accumulated 28 kg Pha-1 and incorporated 27 P ha-1 into woody biomass and 1 kg P ha-1 on the forest floor litter, and 1.7 kg P ha-1 was lost to surface waters draining the wetland. Because the loss of P to surface waters was small, and because runoff water concentrations of P declined through this period of study to concentrations below those likely to cause eutrophication (< 0.1 mg L-1), we concluded that the wetland was not contributing to the degradation of surface water quality of nearby streams following restoration. Further, relatively “isolated” wetlands such as that studied may be promising sites for future wetland mitigation projects due to limited impacts on surface water quality.
Efficacy of Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation on Brain Clearance Recovery in Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Xu Guang-qing , Huang Yi-qing , Jing Ying-hua , Ding Qian , Wu Cheng , Lin Tuo , Li Wan-qi , Pei Zhong , Wang Chu-huai , Lan Yue 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Cognitive impairment is a frequent and often debilitating consequence of stroke. This single-blinded randomized controlled trial examined the therapeutic benefits of continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) for patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). Methods: Twenty patients with PSCI were randomly and equally allocated to cTBS and sham cTBS groups. Groups received the indicated treatments five consecutive days per week for 2 weeks (10 sessions) plus 10 sessions of computer-assisted cognitive training. The primary outcomes were changes in Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) score and analysis along the perivascular space (ALPS) index. Results: The post-intervention change in ADAS-cog score from baseline was significantly greater in the cTBS group than the sham cTBS group (-7.7 ± 3.8 vs. -3.7 ± 1.5, t = -3.096, P = 0.006). Change in ALPS index from baseline was also greater in the cTBS group (0.182 ± 0.097 vs. 0.093 ± 0.080, t = 2.236, P = 0.038). Conclusion: Continuous theta burst stimulation can improve cognitive outcome and enhance ALPS. Enhanced waste clearance via the glymphatic system induced by cTBS may contribute to improved cognitive function following stroke.Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn. ChiCTR1800017997. Registered August 25, 2018, retrospectively registered.
Evaluating the Landslides Characterization and Deformation Using Multi-Temporal Uav Imageries in Northern Pakistan
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Ahmad Naseem , Hussain Mian Luqman 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The Un Manned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as an effective tool for mapping and evaluating the landslides dynamics. This study aims to evaluate the dynamics of the landslide using the UAV derived aerial photos and Digital Surface Model (DSM). The selected landslides are the Nara and Nokot landslides in the rough terrain of Balakot, north Pakistan. The UAV survey was carried in April and August 2019 for Nara and Nokot landslides in Balakot. The images were processed in the Pix4D mapper to compute the orthomosaic and DSMs. The Ground Control Points (GCPs) collected in the geodetic survey with the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) using Post Processing Kinematic (PPK) were used to accurately co-register and orthorectify the UAV imageries. The derived DSMs were analyzed to evaluate the dynamics in the landslide’s topography and volumetric changes. The shaded relief single band was used to correlate the temporal images for the Nara and Nokot landslide using the COSI-Corr algorithm. The statistical and frequent correlator was used for landslide displacement. The result shows that the Nara landside has a surface movement ranging from 1 to 29 m in the NE scarp and lateral areas. The Nokot landslide has active NS, NE and NW scarps with a surface movement ranging from 1 to 25.5 m. The accuracy assessment reveals the RMSE calculated for the Nara landslide as 4.58 m and 4.24 m for the Nokot landslide. This study reflected the potential application of UAVs for monitoring the landslides dynamics to mitigate the hazard.
Early Biochemical Analysis of COVID-19 Patients Helps Severity Prediction
Authors: Roncancio-Clavijo Andres , Gorostidi-Aicua Miriam , Alberro Ainhoa , Iribarren-Lopez Andrea , Butler Ray , Lopez Raul , Iribarren Jose Antonio , Clemente Diego , Marimon Jose María , Basterrechea Javier , Martinez Bruno , Prada Alvaro , Otaegui David 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has put the protocols and the capacity of our Hospitals to the test. The management of severe patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units has been a challenge for all health systems. To assist in this challenge, various models have been proposed to predict mortality and severity, however, there is no clear consensus for their use. In this work, we took advantage of data obtained from routine blood tests performed on all individuals on the first day of hospitalization. The test has been done by standardized cost-effective technique available in all the hospitals. We have analyzed the results of 1082 patients with COVID19 and using artificial intelligence we have generated a predictive model based on data from the first days of admission that predicts the risk of developing severe disease with an AUC = 0.78. Our results show the importance of immature granulocytes and their ratio with Lymphocytes in the disease and present an algorithm based on 5 parameters to identify a severe course.This work highlights the importance of studying routine analytical variables in the early stages of hospital admission and the benefits of applying AI to identify patients who may develop severe disease.
Melatonin May Be Associated With Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Wu Yao , Yi Jian Qi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMelatonin has a protective role in adults with cardiovascular diseases. Diastolic dysfunction has been less well investigated in pediatric heart disease, and the effects of melatonin on cardiac diastolic dysfunction in children are not well understood. This study was designed to explore whether diastolic dysfunction is associated with the serum levels of melatonin or NO in children suffering from heart failure (HF) due to different etiology.Methodsforty-seven pediatric patients with HF were enrolled in this study. Echocardiographic parameters were employed to evaluate the cardiac diastolic dysfunction. Diurnal serum levels of melatonin and NO were measured and analyzed in all pediatric patients.ResultsDiurnal serum melatonin levels were positively correlated with mitral valve E:A ratio (E/A) in children with HF (P=0.044), especially in children with HF due to cardiomyopathy (P=0.023). Moreover, serum melatonin levels showed significant positive correlation with E/A ratio in children with deteriorate diastolic dysfunction when employing E/A < 1 or > 2 as an indicator (P=0.012), and especially in children with HF due to cardiomyopathy (P=0.0014). Serum melatonin levels demonstrated significant positive correlation with mitral regurgitation (MR) jet area (P =0.005) and showed significant negative correlation with pulmonary valve regurgitation (PVR) velocity (P =0.009). In addition, serum NO levels were positively correlated with isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) in children with HF(P=0.0047). Furthermore, the optimal cutoff value of serum melatonin levels for diagnosis for predicting E/A＞2 in pediatric patients with HF was 84 pg/mL.ConclusionsDiurnal serum melatonin and NO levels may be associated with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in pediatric HF especially due to cardiomyopathy.
Impact of Chitosan Pretreatment to Reduce Microfibers Released From Synthetic Garments During Laundering
Authors: kang heejun , Park Saerom , Lee Bokjin , ahn jaehwan , Kim Seog-Ku 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Sewage treatment is known to be able to remove more than 90% of microplastics; nevertheless, a considerable amount of microplastics is eventually discharged into the ocean. Given that microfibers (MFs) primarily generated from the washing of synthetic clothes are the most abundant type of microplastics among various microplastics detected in the sewage treatment, it is necessary to reduce the amount of MFs entering these plants. This study aimed to reduce the amount of MFs released from the washing process by applying a chitosan pretreatment to the garments before the washing. In this study, before the chitosan pretreatment, the polyester clothes released 148 MFs/L, whereas a 95% MFs generation reduction was observed after the chitosan pretreatment using a 0.7% of chitosan solution. Other types of garments, such as polyamide and acrylic garments, were treated with a 0.7% of chitosan solution, and this resulted in the reduction of MFs generation by 48% and 49%, respectively. Therefore of the morphology analysis after the washing, chitosan coating on polyamide and acrylic were more damaged than on polyester. It suggests that the binding strength of polyamide and acrylic with chitosan were weaker than of polyester coated with chitosan. Thus, the results of this study suggest that chitosan pretreatment is a promising solution for reducing the amount of MFs generated in the laundering process.
Sampling Frequency Is a Key Factor to the Efficient Actuation of the Phytohormones in the Increase of Biomass and Macromolecules Production by Spirulina (Arthorspira)
Authors: Silveira Jéssica Teixeira , Rosa Ana Priscila Centeno , Costa Jorge Alberto Vieira 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Application of microalgae in industries is limited by their low biomass production and low macromolecule content. Phytohormones are being studied to solve these problems, however is necessary to define conditions that enhance the results for this kind of cultivation strategy. The increasing of the contact time between substances and cells can be a factor of the improvement in the phytohormone uptake by microalgae. We hypothesize that by decreasing the sampling frequency for monitoring culture parameters, we would also be interfering less in the uptake of phytohormones by microalgae. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of sampling frequency on the production of biomass and biomolecules of Spirulina sp. LEB 18 in cultivations supplemented with trans-zeatin and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Treatments with lower sampling frequency and supplementation of 1 mg L− 1 IAA enhanced biomass accumulation by 75 %, carbohydrate content by 50 %, and protein content by 30 % as compared to control experiment daily sampling. In addition, sampling every 10 days with 0,01 mg L− 1 IAA supplementation increased the lipid content by 51 % as compared with the experiment without phytohormone and daily sample removal. Therefore, we developed a new strategy to supplement phytohormones and improve microalgal production. This investigation presented a cultivation system efficient, which can be easy to implement in industries because of no need to change the operational aspects of the cultivation. Furthermore, the strategy will can be very useful to enhance the production capacity of microalgae on a large-scale.
Root- Nodulating Ensifer Adhaerens Ks23 of Pisum Sativum L. In Optimisation of Cadmium Biosorption Using Rsm Based Approach
Authors: katiyar prashant , Kumar Sandeep , Dubey Ramesh Chandra , Maheshwari Dinesh Kumar 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The Cadmium tolerance by root nodulating bacteria Ensifer adhaerens KS23 inhabiting in Pisum sativum L. var. Arkel revealed linear relationship with inorganic salt cadmium sulphate (CdSO4) upto 200 μg/ml, corresponding to growth and survival in solid as well as liquid Yeast Extract Mannitol (YEM) medium with LC50 value of 107.2 μg/ml and LC95 of 184.5 μg/ml. The results of phylogenetic and morpho-physiological analysis exhibited the genus E. adhaerens. KS23 was found to be the most promising among all the 20 isolates. The increase in Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity by KS23 was 9.7 fold under Cd stress. Wherein, P and F values were <0.05 and 26.54 respectively and predicted r2 value of 0.8192 and adjusted r2 value 0.8908 were reasonable (i.e. <0.2) of the Box Behnken design. The data showed that 81.24% cadmium bio-removal achieved at pH 6.0, 30°C and 168 h of incubation while supplementing the YEM medium with 25 μg/ml cadmium. Further, its effect on plant growth and development exhibited due to production of IAA, secretion of siderophores, phosphate solubilisation and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase activity by E. adhaerens KS23. In addition to inherent PGP attributes, Cd tolerant E. adhaerens KS23 played dual role of biosorption of cadmium and upsurge in growth promotion of P. sativum which may provide a new root-nodulating bacterium inhabiting in P. sativum cultivated at high altitudes of Himalayan region.
Central Corneal Thickness in an Adult Non-Glaucomatous Ethnic Population in Nigeria
Authors: Uche Nkechinyere Judith , karaiwe Nkiru Kizor , Okeke Suhanya , Shiweobi Jude 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To determine the mean central corneal thickness (CCT) of healthy adult Nigerians from the Igbo ethnic population in southeastern Nigeria which has the highest prevalence of glaucoma and to evaluate the relationship if any between mean CCT and patients’ demographics.Methods: A cross sectional study conducted at an eye screening center in Enugu Southeastern Nigeria. Subjects with healthy eyes from the Igbo ethnic population were recruited. Central corneal thickness was measured with ultrasound pachymetry (Sonomed PacScan plus, model 300AP+) on eligible subjects. Topical anesthetic was instilled and 3 measurements of corneal thickness were taken. The average thickness for each eye was calculated and the relationship between mean CCT, age and gender were studied.Results: 706 eyes of 353 participants were examined. 52.7% of the subjects were females while 47.3% were males. The mean age of participants was 50.29 ± 16.58 years. The mean central corneal thickness (CCT) for RE was 527.68 ± 36.88μm (95% CI: 523.83 –531.55μm) and 527.45 ± 38.01μm for LE (95% CI: 523.47 – 531.43μm). There was a decrease in CCT values with increasing age (p= 0.016, p= 0.05 for RE and left eyes respectively). Males had a significantly higher CCT compared to females for both right and left eyes (p=0.004, p=0.007).Conclusion: Central corneal thickness values in the Igbo ethnic population of Southeast Nigeria, an ethnic group with the reported highest prevalence of glaucoma in Nigeria from our study is thinner than those reported from other regions both within Nigeria as well as some Sub-Saharan populations, Caucasians, Asians, and Hispanics but it is however comparable with values reported among Cameroonians and African Americans. CCT among Nigerian Igbos, seems to decrease with age and appears thicker in males compared with females.