bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Nutrient Parameters Influencing Oil Palm Seedling Growth in Soil Amended with Fly Ash and Sludge
Authors: Okuo James , Osa-Iguehide Iyayi , Anegbe Bala , Bolanle Babalola 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The efficient use of organic fertilisers as a source of nutrient has been a concern in the world oilpalm production. The large amount of Palm Oil Mill Sludge (POMS) and Fly Ash (FA) produced in palm oil industries can effectively be utilized as organic fertilizers and so minimize the amount of waste dispose to the environment. This study is aimed at optimizing the nutrient parameters influencing oil palm seedling growth in soil amended with FA and POMS. The nutrient parameters were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimization results showed that an increase in the mass of FA and a decrease in the mass of POMS result in a decrease in the growth response of the oil palm seedlings. The responses were best with increase in the mass of POMS and a decrease in the mass of FA. Therefore an indirect relationship exists between the masses of FA and POMS. An empirical quadratic polynomial model was developed to relate the interaction of the POMS and FA. The strong linear correlation between the observed and predicted responses showed that the model reasonably predicted the process using a quadratic polynomial. The maximum plant height of 70.4 cm at 15 % soil amendment was obtained at a mass of 1.46 kg FA and 8.54 kg POMS for the 180 days planting period. Results from this study showed that co application of FA and POMS can be very effective at a maximum of 14.6 % FA and minimum of 85.4 % POMS by mass.
Comparison of the Genetic Structure of Rheumatoid Arthritis Between European and Asian Population
Authors: Li Chun'e , Chu Xiaomeng , Cheng Shiqiang , Wen Yan , Pan Chuyu , Zhang Huijie , Chen Yujing , Zhang Jingxi , Zhang Zhen , Yang Xuena , Meng Peilin , Jia Yumeng , Zhang Feng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases that primarily influences the joints, and its prevalence is 0.5-1.0%. Previous studies have shown that there are differences in the genetic structure of RA between European and Asian populations, and most of the studies have been conducted using meta-analysis. This study analyzed the genetic structure of rheumatoid arthritis in European and Asian populations using a new method. Methods: The Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics of RA from Europe (N=8383) and Asia (N=19190) were derived from an article published in Nature. First, the GWAS data was divided into 1368 blocks, in which SNPs were approximately independent of linkage disequilibrium (LD). Second, we calculated the LD matrix of SNP in each block by using PLINK 1.9. Then, PESCA analysis was performed to detect population-specific/shared risk genes of RA. Finally, Metascape platform was used to perform gene set enrichment analysis. Results: In European population, we found multiple genes which were associated with RA, including HLA-DPA1, HLA-DPB1 (rs2856822, PTP=1.000), MICA (rs2844518, PTP=1.000). In Asian population, C6orf10 (rs3129915, PTP=1.000), PTPN2 (rs2847288, PTP=0.995), were significant related to RA. The population-shared genes included PADI2 (rs2235920, PTP=1.000), STAT4 (rs12612769, PTP=1.000). Furthermore, gene sets enrichment analysis reported population-specific/shared pathway terms, such as interferon-gamma-mediated signaling pathway (P=2.884×10-9), negative regulation of innate immune response (P=1.841×10-7), protein-arginine deiminase activity (P=7.047×10-8). Conclusions: The results of our study indicate differences in risk loci between Asian and European populations, which provided clues for exploring the population-specific/shared genetics and pathogenesis of RA.
Enhanced Stripe Rust Resistance Obtained by Combining A Widely Dispersed, Stable QTL with Yr30 on Chromosome Arms 4BL And 3BS
Authors: Liu Shengjie , Wang Xiaoting , Zhang Yayun , Jin Yangang , Xia Zhonghua , Xiang Mingjie , Huang Shuo , Qiao Linyi , Zheng Weijun , Zeng Qingdong , Wang Qilin , Yu Rui , Singh Ravi P. , Bhavani Sridhar , Kang Zhensheng , Han Dejun , Wang Changfa , Wu Jianhui 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cultivars with durable resistance are the most popular means to control wheat stripe rust. Durable resistance can be achieved by stacking multiple adult-plant resistance (APR) genes that individually have relatively smaller effect. Chinese wheat cultivars Ruihua 520 (RH520) and Fengdecun 12 (FDC12) confer partial APR to stripe rust across environments. One hundred and seventy recombinant inbred lines from the cross RH520 × FDC12 were used to determine the genetic basis of resistance and identify genomic regions associated with stripe rust resistance. Genotyping was carried out using 55K SNP array and eight quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected on chromosomes 2AL, 2DS, 3BS, 4BL, 5BL (2) and 7BL (2) by inclusive composite interval mapping. Only QYr.nwafu-3BS from RH520 and QYr.nwafu-4BL.2 (named YrFDC12 for convenience) from FDC12 were stable across the four testing environments. QYr.nwafu-3BS is likely the pleiotropic resistance gene Sr2/Yr30. YrFDC12 was mapped in a 2.1 cM interval corresponding to 12 Mb and flanked by SNP markers AX-111121224 and AX-89518393. Lines harboring both Yr30 and YrFDC12 displayed higher resistance than the parents and expressed pseudo-black chaff (PBC) controlled by two loci Pbc1 and PbcFDC12, which were co-located with Yr30 and YrFDC12, respectively. Both marker-based and pedigree-based kinship analyses revealed that YrFDC12 was inherited from founder parent Zhou 8425B. Fifty-four other wheat cultivars shared the same haplotype of YrFDC12 region. These results suggest an effective pyramiding strategy to acquire highly effective, durable stripe rust resistance in breeding.
Temporal And Spatial Changes In Cerebral Blood Flow In Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Subtraction Brain Spect Study.
Authors: Trevisan Ana Carolina , Alexandre-Santos Leonardo , Luppino-Assad Rodrigo , Itikawa Emerson Nobuyuki , Pitella Felipe Arriva , Kato Mery , Silvah José Henrique , Santos Antonio Carlos , Louzada-Junior Paulo , Wichert-Ana Lauro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This study was addressed to evaluate the temporal and spatial changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) of patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Our objective was to correlate the subtracted SPECT coregistered to MRI features (SISCOM) with demographic, clinical and laboratory findings to shed light upon the pathophysiological evolution of the NPSLE. Twenty-six NPSLE patients with MRI and pre and post-treatment brain SPECT with [99mTc]Tc-ECD. SISCOM features were categorized as improvement,worsening, activation and/or deactivation of rCBF findings. Patients mean age of 43.19 years and 65.38% white were evaluated. The patients mean age at onset of SLE was 26.05 and 42.29 for NPSLE. The mean time between the onset of SLE and first NPSLE symptoms was 5.57 years. The disease has already been initiated as NPSLE in 4 patients. The SLEDAI average score was 31.69 and the SLICC/ACR-DI score was 6.96. The patients underwent an average of 9.23 cyclophosphamide. The SISCOM findings showed functional and pathological states on different brain regions. The rCBF changes were not associated with index scores. There was, however, a trend towards an association between lower SLEDAI scores with improvement and higher SLEDAI with worsening in SISCOM. Also, a trend of association between lower SLICC score with improvement, and higher SLICC with worsening. The female gender was predictive of activation and worsening, separately, and deactivation and worsening in a set. Non-white patients were predictive of worsening. The seizure was predictive of deactivation separately, and deactivation and worsening in a set. Finally, normal C3 was a predictor of improvement. The present study showed dynamic brain changes in NPSLE patients. SISCOM technique showed improved rCBF in some brain areas, and worsening, activation and deactivation in anothers. There were associations between rCBF changes and gender, skin colour and complement C3, and association trends with SLEDAI and SLICC scores.
Perception of Medical Students Towards COVID-19 Outbreak and Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia and Impact on Education
Authors: Sababathy Mogesh , Kalok Aida Hani Mohd , Hafizz Abdul Muzhill Hannaan Abdul , Sharip Shalisah , Zainud Zulkifli Md , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: A Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed as a control measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 virus in Malaysia, eventually led to the closing of all public premises including educational institutions nationwide. The purpose of this study is to offer an understanding of undergraduate medical students’ perception towards the occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of MCO and their impacts on education. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 772 medical students over 2 weeks in September 2020 through an online self-reported survey. Results: In total, 80% of the participants were aware about the COVID-19 outbreak ranging from the modes of transmission, global and local scenario of the pandemic, its seriousness and measures to break the chain of transmission. Conclusions: Majority of them agreed on the implementation of MCO in the country, however it’s reported to have caused psychological and physical distress in various degrees. The present finding also provides evidence of a high prevalence of anxiety and worriness in regard to the teaching and learning process during the MCO and agreed that online teaching is not as effective as face-to-face teaching.
Decreased Expression of T-Cell-Associated Immune Markers Predicts Poor Prognosis in Patients with Advanced Follicular Lymphoma Received Rituximab Plus Bendamustine
Authors: Rai Shinya , Inoue Hiroaki , Sakai Kazuko , Hanamoto Hitoshi , Matsuda Mitsuhiro , Maeda Yasuhiro , Haeno Takahiro , Watatani Yosaku , Kumode Takahiro , Serizawa Kentarou , Taniguchi Yasuhiro , Hirase Chikara , Espinoza J. Luis , Morita Yasuyoshi , Tanaka Hirokazu , Ashida Takashi , Tatsumi Yoichi , Nishio Kazuto , Matsumura Itaru 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Several clinical risk stratification models have been proposed to predict the clinical outcomes of follicular lymphoma (FL) cases, however, few reports are available to predict prognosis of FL cases receiving bendamustine-based regimens. We previously examined the utility of rituximab-bendamustine (RB) treatment for newly diagnosed advanced FL, who showed non-optimal responses to two cycles of R-CHOP therapy. Methods: In this study, we explored the biomarkers that could influence outcomes for the RB-treated FL cases in the context of the prospective cohort by target capture and sanger sequencing, and gene-expression profiling analyses using 50 diagnostic biopsies.Results: We first examined the mutational status of 410 genes in tumor specimens derived from RB-treated cases. As reported before, CREBBP, KMT2D, MEF2B, BCL2, EZH2, CARD11, TNFRSF14, EP300, and APC were recurrently mutated, however, none of which was predictive for progression-free survival (PFS) in RB-treated cases. Similarly, the m7-FLIPI did not correlate with PFS or progression of disease within 24 months (POD24). A gene expression analysis using a panel of 770 genes associated with carcinogenesis and/or immune response showed that the expression of CD8+ T-cell markers (GZMM, FLT3LG, CD8A, CD8B, GZMK) and half of the genes regulating Th1 and Th2 responses were significantly lower in the POD24 group than in the noPOD24 group. Finally, we selected 10 genes (TBX21, CXCR3, CCR4, CD8A, CD8B, GZMM, FLT3LG, CD3E, EOMES, GZMK), and dichotomized RB-treated cases into immune infiltrationhigh (infilhigh) and infiltrationlow (infillow) clusters. The 3-years PFS rate was lower in the infillow cluster than in the infilhigh cluster (50.0% [95% CI: 27.1–69.2%] vs. 84.2% [95% CI: 58.7–94.6%], p=0.0237). Of note, the proportion of cases with peripheral lymphopenia (<869/mL) at diagnosis was higher in the infillow cluster than in the infilhigh cluster (38.5% vs. 9.09%, OR: 6.25 [95%CI, 1.20-32.7], p=0.0235). Conclusion: These results suggest that the T-cell-associated immune markers could be useful to predict prognosis in RB-treated FL cases.Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered in UMIN on April. 24, 2014 (UMIN000013795; http://www.umin.ac.jp/icdr/index-j.html).
Impact of Different Modules of 21-Gene Assay in Early Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Chen Mengdi , Liu Deyue , Chen Weilin , Chen Weiguo , Shen Kunwei , Wu Jiayi , Zhu Li 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Young patients were under-evaluated in the construction and validation of the 21-gene Assay Recurrence Score (RS). Previous evidence suggested that RS performed differently according the ages of patients. Our study aimed to explore the molecular driving patterns in patients of different ages.Methods: A total of 1,078 estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer patients between Jan 2009 and Mar 2017 from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Breast Cancer Data Base were divided into three subgroups: Group A, ≤40y and premenopausal (n=97); Group B, >40y and premenopausal (n=284); Group C, postmenopausal (n=697). The correlation of RS and its modules and the variance of RS modules was explored.Results: Estrogen module had a stronger correlation with RS in patients >40y (ρ = -0.76 in Group B and -0.79 in Group C) compared with patients ≤40y (ρ = -0.64). Contrarily, the correlation between RS and invasion group was weaker in patients >40y (ρ = 0.29 in Group B and 0.25 in Group C) than in patients ≤40y (ρ = 0.44). The proliferation module contributed most to the variance in young patients (37.3%) while ER module contributed most in old patients (54.1% in Group B and 53.4% in Group C). For RS >25, proliferation module was the leading driver in all three subgroups (ρ = 0.38, 0.53 and 0.52 in Group A, B and C) while estrogen module had a weaker association with RS. The negative impact of ER related features on RS was stronger in clinical low-risk patients while the positive effect of proliferation module was stronger in clinical high-risk patients.Conclusions: RS was primarily driven by estrogen module in patients regardless of age, but the proliferation module had a stronger impact on RS in patients ≤40y than in those >40y. The impact of modules varied in patients with different genetic and clinical risk.
Uncertainty Analysis of Quasi-Zero Stiffness Air Suspension based on Polynomial Chaos Method
Authors: Xu Xing , Liu Huan , Jiang Xinwei , Atindana Akolbire Vincent 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In order to improve the vibration isolation performance of suspensions, various new structural forms of suspensions have been proposed. In this paper, a quasi-zero stiffness isolator is used in automotive suspensions to form a new suspension-quasi-zero stiffness air suspension(QZSAS).Due to the strong nonlinearity and structural complexity of quasi-zero stiffness suspensions, changes in structural parameters may cause dramatic changes in suspension performance, so it is of practical importance to study the effect of structural parameter uncertainty on the performance of such suspensions. In order to solve this problem, three suspension structural parameters d0,L0,Pc0 are selected as random variables in this paper, and the polynomial chaos expansion(PCE) theory is used to solve the suspension performance parameters such as body acceleration, suspension dynamic deflection, and wheel relative dynamic load response under different excitation. The sensitivity of the performance parameters to different structural parameters was discussed and analysed in the frequency domain. This paper verifies the feasibility of the PCE method for solving the uncertainty problem of complex nonlinear systems, and the research in this paper can provide a reference for the future structural design and optimization of such suspension systems.
Contribution of Trem2 Signaling to the Development of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy by Mediating Microglial Polarization in Mice
Authors: Chen Xin , Le Yue , He Wan-you , He Jian , Wang Yun-hua , Zhang Lei , Xiong Qing-ming , Zheng Xue-qin , Wang Han-bing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is a common and intractable complication of diabetes mellitus, with little effective treatment. PDN has been associated with spinal neuroinflammation characterized by microglial activation. Recently, the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), specifically localized on microglia, has been identified as a vital factor in modulating neuroinflammation and microglial phenotypes in neural diseases. Therefore, we hypothesized that spinal TREM2 might contribute to PDN and neuroinflammation by regulating microglial activity and phenotypes.
Methods

Type I diabetes mellitus was elicited by a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ) in mice. The pain behaviors were reflected by paw mechanical withdrawal thresholds (PMWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (PTWL).
Results

We demonstrated that up-regulation of microglial TREM2 and amplification of both microglial M1 and M2 response was along with the presence of diabetes-related mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity. Moreover, we found that overexpression of TREM2 in microglia aggravated the symptom of PDN, amplified microglia M1 response, and suppressed microglia M2 polarization in the lumbar spinal cord of diabetic mice. However, inhibition of TREM2 with anti-TREM2 neutralizing antibodies attenuated mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in diabetic mice. Besides, we identified Galectin-3 (GLT-3) as the potential ligand of the TREM2 receptor in facilitating the progression of PDN.
Conclusions

TREM2 could be a critical microglial membrane molecule that modulates microglial phenotypes pain hypersensitivity in PDN. GLT-3 might act as a specific ligand to trigger TREM2 signaling in PDN or other neuropathic pain.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease with Associated IgG4-Related Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Enayat Javad , Fallahi Mazdak , Mesdaghi Mehrnaz , Sadr Saeid , Aghdam Maryam Kazemi , Parvizi Maryam , Ahmadizadeh Seyyedeh Narjes , Khalili Mitra , Tabatabaeimehr Seyed Yasin , Faranoush Mohammad , Jamee Mahnaz , Chavoshzadeh Zahra 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIgG4-related disease (IgG4RD) may initially present with pulmonary pseudotumor, making the diagnosis challenging particularly in patients prone to granulomatous inflammation. Here, we describe the first case of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) with associated IgG4RD.Case presentationAn 8.5-year-old male was hospitalized two years ago with exertional dyspnea, mild cough, chest pain, and nocturnal sweating and was found to have a tumor-like mass in the right lung. The histopathologic findings were consistent with non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation, central neutrophilic micro-abscess, and extensive peripheral fibrosis without any evidence for acid-fast bacilli or fungal elements. Treatment with prednisolone resulted in considerable symptom resolution. After 15 months, following the discontinuation of prednisolone by the patient, symptoms recurred, gradually exacerbated, and he developed anorexia and weight loss. The next chest spiral computed tomography (CT) scan showed a larger mass in the right lung, right lung collapse, and mediastinal metastasis. The abdominal ultrasound and CT scan were normal. In laboratory evaluation, low counts of B and T cells, normal natural killer (NK) cells, high levels of IgG4, and high inflammatory markers were detected. The nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) test was zero in two consecutive evaluations. In virtue of high IgG4 level, the immunostaining of lung specimen was performed which was inconclusive for IgG4+cells, and staining for CD138 was not available. He was diagnosed with concurrent CGD and IgG4RD, but progressed to respiratory failure and died despite the reinstitution of steroid therapy.ConclusionsThe overlap between inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) and IgG4RD is not common. Further studies to investigate IgG subsets among IEI patients can help elucidate clinicopathological correlations between these two immune-mediated disorders.
Characterisation of Physiological Performance Measures in Arid and Humid Military Operational Environments
Authors: Ashworth Edward Tom , Keaney Lauren Catherine , Cotter James David , Kilding Andrew Edward 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMilitary personnel often deploy into hot environments that impose substantial strain on physical and cognitive performance. Hot environments can present as arid or humid and occur in different terrains, requiring different operational approaches. The aim of this study was to characterise the physiological, cognitive and perceptual strain experienced by military personnel during typical operations in arid and humid environments. MethodsNine pack-fit military personnel participated in two heat-stress tests to exhaustion, one in an arid environment (44°C, 21% humidity) and the other in a humid environment (33°C, 78% humidity). Participants walked at 5 km.h-1 while physiological, cognitive and perceptual measures were recorded. Tests were terminated volitionally, or by excessive core temperature or heart rate. Results The operational environments induced similar physiological stress, resulting in no difference in time to exhaustion (p = .155). The humid environment saw a greater elevation in core temperature (+0.3°C, p < .001) and heart rate (+5 b.min-1, p < .001). Skin temperature was greater in the arid environment (+0.4, p < .001) as was sweat evaporation (+0.3 L.h1, p = .045). Baseline performance predictors only provided moderate predictions of performance, whereas changes in perceptual measures provided the best performance predictors during the exercise, specifically perceptions relating to thermal sensation (β = -.65 - -.80) and sleepiness (β = -.79 - -.87). While no differences in cognitive performance were observed, greater cognitive stress was reported by participants over time, regardless of environment (all p < .011). ConclusionsThe humid operational environment elicited a greater thermal strain that may threaten safety, and impair performance, to a greater degree than the arid environment. Perceptual measures of thermal sensation and sleepiness were the best predictors of test termination and could likely be used to monitor thermal tolerance in field settings.