bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-elevational occurrence of two tick species, Ixodes ricinus and I. trianguliceps, at their northern distribution range
Authors: De Pelsmaeker Nicolas , Korslund Lars , Steifetten Øyvind 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: During the last decades a northward and upward range shift has been observed among many organisms across different taxa. In the northern hemisphere, ticks have been observed to have increased their latitudinal and altitudinal range limit. However, the elevational expansion at its northern distribution range remains largely unstudied. In this study we investigated the altitudinal distribution of the exophilic Ixodes ricinus and endophilic I. trianguliceps on two mountain slopes in Norway by assessing larval infestation rates on bank voles (Myodes glareolus).Methods: During 2017 and 2018, 1325 bank voles were captured during spring, summer and autumn at 10 trapping stations ranging from 100 m to 1000 m.a.s.l. in two study areas in southern Norway. We used generalized logistic regression models to estimate the prevalence of infestation of both tick species along altitude, considering study area, collection year and season, temperature, humidity and altitude interactions as extrinsic variables; and host body mass and sex as intrinsic predictor variables.Results: We found that both I. ricinus and I. trianguliceps infested bank voles at altitudes up to 1000 m.a.s.l., which is a substantial increase in altitude compared to previous findings for I. ricinus in this region. The infestation rates declined more rapidly for I. ricinus compared to I. trianguliceps, indicating that the endophilic ecology of I. trianguliceps may provide shelter from limiting factors tied to altitude. Seasonal effects limited the occurrence of I. ricinus during autumn, but I. trianguliceps was found to infest rodents at all altitudes during all seasons of both years.Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the altitudinal distribution of two tick species at their northern distributional range, one with the potential to transmit zoonotic pathogens to both humans and livestock. With warming temperatures predicted to increase, and especially so in the northern regions, the risk of tick-borne infections is likely to become a concern at increasingly higher altitudes in the future.
Traditional food plants of the upper Aswa River catchment of Northern Uganda - a cultural crossroads
Authors: Masters Eliot Thomas 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background In the parkland agroforestry system of northern Uganda, smallholder farming households rely on a diversity of plant species to fulfil their nutritional requirements, many of which also serve a range of medicinal, cultural and livelihood functions. The purpose of the study was to assemble an inventory of indigenous plant species used as food in four districts within the Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda, and to document their the utilization and management by rural communities. Methods From July 1999 to August 2000, a series of 61 community-based focus group discussions on the utilization of plant biodiversity were conducted in the vernacular language at 34 sites in four districts of northern Uganda, with participation by key informants self-selected on basis of their technical knowledge and personal interest. Of these, 232 respondents subsequently provided a collection of herbarium specimens, which were submitted to the Makerere University Herbarium for identification. For each of the specimens collected, a structured interview was conducted to document the botanical, ecological, seasonal and alimentary attributes of each identified taxon, and details of its processing and utilization by the community from which it was obtained. The data analysis was undertaken during 2019 and 2020, including statistical tests to assess the relative importance of the cited taxa using the Relative Importance Index (RI), and to determine the similarity of edible plant use between the four cultures using the Jaccard Index of similarity (JI). Results Key informant interviews yielded 1,347 use reports (URs) for 360 identified specimens of 88 indigenous edible plant species. The study presents patterns of use of the indigenous edible plants of four cultures of the Aswa River catchment of northern Uganda. RI scores ranged from 0.93 to 0.11, with fruit trees occupying the top 25 taxa (RI 0.45 and above). Jaccard similarity scores ranged from 25.8% between Lango and Acholi, to 15.8% between Acholi and Ethur, indicating that cultural factors appear to be more significant than shared ancestry as determinants of cultural similarity of plant use. Conclusions The data constitute an inventory of on-farm plant species, including cultivated, semi-cultivated and wild plants, integrated into a parkland agroforestry system in which useful trees and other plant species are sustained and managed under cultivation. Agricultural and on-farm plant biodiversity may be seen as a food security resource, and a nutritional buffer against increasing risks and stressors on low-input smallholder agriculture. Further studies should assess the intra-species biodiversity of these resources, with respect to farmer-valued traits and vernacular (folk) classification systems.
Development and evaluation of a new&nbsp;P. falciparum&nbsp;3D7 blood stage malaria cell bank for use in malaria volunteer infection studies
Authors: Woolley Stephen Derek , Fernandez Melissa , Rebelo Maria , Llewellyn Stacey , Marquart Louise , Amante Fiona , Jennings Helen , Webster Rebecca , Trenholme Katharine , Chalon Stephan , Moehrle Joerg , McCarthy James , Barber Bridget 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background New antimalarial therapeutics are required to counter the threat of increasing drug resistance. Malaria volunteer infection studies (VIS), particularly the induced blood stage malaria (IBSM) model, play a key role in accelerating antimalarial drug development. Supply of the reference 3D7-V2 Plasmodium falciparum malaria cell bank (MCB) is limited. We aimed to develop a new MCB, and compare the safety and infectivity of this MCB with the existing 3D7-V2 MCB, in a VIS. A second bank (3D7-V1) developed in 1995 was also evaluated.Methods We expanded the 3D7-V2 MCB in vitro using a bioreactor to produce a new MCB designated 3D7-MBE-008. This bank and 3D7-V1 were then evaluated using the IBSM model, where healthy participants were intravenously inoculated with blood-stage parasites. Participants were treated with artemether-lumefantrine when parasitaemia or clinical thresholds were reached. Safety, infectivity and parasite growth and clearance were evaluated. Results The in vitro expansion of 3D7-V2 produced 200 vials of the 3D7-MBE-008 MCB, with a parasitaemia of 4.3%. This compares to 0.1% in the existing 3D7-V2 MCB, and <0.01% in the 3D7-V1 MCB. All four participants (two per MCB) developed detectable Plasmodium falciparum infection after inoculation with approximately 2800 parasites. For the 3D7-MBE-008 MCB, the parasite multiplication rate of 48 hours (PMR48) using non-linear mixed effects modelling was 34.6 (95% CI: 18.5 – 64.6), similar to the parental 3D7-V2 line; parasitaemia in both participants exceeded 10,000/mL by day 8. Growth of the 3D7-V1 was slower (PMR48 of 11.5 [95% CI: 8.5 – 15.6]), with parasitaemia exceeding 10,000 parasites/mL on days 10 and 8.5. Rapid parasite clearance followed artemether-lumefantrine treatment in all four participants, with clearance half-lives of 4.01 and 4.06 (weighted mean 4.04 [95% CI: 3.61 – 4.57]) hours for 3D7-MBE-008 and 4.11 and 4.52 (weighted mean 4.31 [95% CI: 4.16 – 4.47]) hours for 3D7-V1. A total of 59 adverse events occurred; most were of mild severity with three being severe in the 3D7-MBE-008 study. Conclusion The safety, growth and clearance profiles of the expanded 3D7-MBE-008 MCB closely resemble that of its parent, indicating its suitability for future studies.Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry numbers:P3487 (3D7-V1): ACTRN12619001085167P3491 (3D7-MBE-008): ACTRN12619001079134
Adamantinoma-like variant of Ewing sarcoma in the metatarsal bone after chemotherapy: Report of a case successfully treated with an osteocutaneous fibular transfer.
Authors: Marais Yolandi Anne , Saini Aaron , Ferreira Nando , Reddy Kershinee , Zühlke Alexander , Rossouw Nelmarie , Zaharie Stefan Dan , Schubert Pawel Tomasz 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma is a rare variant of Ewing sarcoma known to have histologic and immunohistochemical evidence of squamous differentiation. This variant most commonly occurs in the head and neck region with a few cases reported in long bones of the limbs. It may be associated with poorer clinical outcome and could pose a diagnostic challenge(s) particularly if it occurs in older patients or as a metastatic lesion. We present a case of Ewing sarcoma in the metatarsal of an 11 year old boy that manifested adamantinoma-like morphology after neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has been reported to induce neuronal maturation and rhabdoid morphology in cases of Ewing sarcoma, but no reports of treatment induced squamous differentiation with P40/P63 expression have been demonstrated. This is also the first documented case to use a pedicled osteocutaneous fibular transfer in a metatarsal malignancy, which is usually treated by either ray or below knee amputation.
ESCO2 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression by regulating hnRNPA1 acetylation
Authors: Zhu Hui-er , Li Tao , Shi Shengnan , Chen De-xiong , Chen Weiping , Chen Hui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Emerging evidence indicates that metabolism reprogramming and abnormal acetylation modification play an important role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression, although the mechanism is largely unknown. Methods: Here, we used three public databases (Oncomine, Gene Expression Omnibus [GEO], The Cancer Genome Atlas [TCGA]) to analyze ESCO2 (establishment of cohesion 1 homolog 2) expression in LUAD. The biological function of ESCO2 was studiedusing cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and invasion assays in vitro, and mouse xenograft models in vivo. ESCO2 interacting proteins were searched using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and mass spectrometry. Pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM) mRNA splicing assay was performed using RT-PCR together with restriction digestion. LUAD cell metabolism was studied using glucose uptake assays and lactate production. ESCO2 expression was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues, and higher ESCO2 expression indicated worse prognosis for patients with LUAD. Results: We found that ESCO2 promoted LUAD cell proliferation and metastasis metabolic reprogramming in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ESCO2 increased hnRNPA1 (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1) binding to the intronic sequences flanking exon 9 (EI9) of PKM mRNA by inhibiting hnRNPA1 nuclear translocation, eventually inhibiting PKM1 isoform formation and inducing PKM2 isoform formation. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that ESCO2 is a key factor in promoting LUAD malignant progression and suggest that it is a new target for treating LUAD.
Adsorption and desorption of Hg(II) from aqueous solution using magnetic Fe3O4@PPy composite microspheres
Authors: Cao Xiao-qiang , Xiao Fei , Xie Xiao-yu , Li Xuan , Li Guang , Li Lin , Zhang Qing-jian , Zhang Wei , You Xiao-fang , Gai Yu-jie , Lyu Xian-jun 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Functional magnetic Fe3O4@PPy microspheres were prepared and characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and magnetometer, and the adsorption of Hg(II) onto Fe3O4@PPy was investigated. The results showed that the adsorption of Hg(II) onto Fe3O4@PPy dramatically increases within 5 min and reaches adsorption equilibrium at 200 min. The adsorption of Hg(II) increases with pH increased, and a removal efficiency (RE) of 90.5% was obtained at pH 7.2. The isotherm studies revealed that the adsorption of Hg(II) onto the Fe3O4@PPy fits well with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the calculated qm value of 232.56 mg/g. The adsorption process of Hg(II) onto the Fe3O4@PPy is well-fitted by the pseudo-second-order model with a high correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.999. The thermodynamic coefficients (ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG°) were calculated from the temperature-dependent adsorption isotherms and illustrated that the adsorption of Hg(II) on the Fe3O4@PPy was spontaneous and endothermic. Different desorption agents were used to recover Hg(II) adsorbed onto Fe3O4@PPy, and a satisfactory recovery percentage of 93.0% was obtained by using 0.1 M HCl and 0.05 M NaCl.
Influence of light quality on Chlorella growth, photosynthetic pigments and high-valued products accumulation in coastal saline-alkali leachate
Authors: Liu Xiao-ya , Hong Yu , Gu Wen-ping 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Using saline-alkali leachate to cultivate microalgae is an effective way to realize the utilization of wastewater and alleviate the shortage of water resources. Light source is usually used as an optimized parameter to further improve the cultivation efficiency of microalgae. In this work, the influence of light qualities on the growth and high-valued substances accumulation of Chlorella sp. HQ in coastal saline-alkali leachate were investigated. The specific growth rate of Chlorella in coastal saline-alkali leachate was 0.27–0.60 d−1. At the end of cultivation, the algal density under blue light reached 8.71 ± 0.15 × 107 cells·mL−1, which was significantly higher than the other light groups. The lipid content in the biomass was 29.31–62.95%, and the highest lipid content and TAGs content were obtained under red light and blue-white mixed light, respectively. Percentages of total chlorophylls (0.81–1.70%) and carotenoids (0.08–0.25%) were obtained in the final biomass of the coastal saline-alkali leachate. In addition, the contents of photosynthetic pigments and three high-valued products under mixed light were higher than those of monochromatic light, and the protein, total sugar and starch content under blue-red mixed light was 1.52–3.76 times, 1.54–3.68 times and 1.06–3.35 times of monochromatic blue light and red light, respectively.
Retracted: Evaluating the stormwater management model to improve urban water allocation system in drought conditions
Authors: Ren Jiaping , Khayatnezhad Majid 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Improving the urban water allocation system has depended on different technical and managerial components. One of the main solutions for increasing the available capacity is the predetermined plan for constructing a water circulation system to restore the existing water resources. For this objective, a combination model was conducted based on a stormwater management technique and environment landscape system (ELS) under drought conditions. A hydrological framework was established using the long-term meteorological information in central China to estimate the extreme values of surface water in each stress period. A data analysis system was generated at three meteorological points of the study area and the developed model was incorporated to simulate the behavior of the subsurface flow. Consequently, a growth simulation model was designed according to the soil structure and vegetation canopy cover to formulate a real-time plan for the restoration of ELS. Results showed that the proposed model could improve the water productivity in urban and environment consumptions. Furthermore, technical analysis confirmed the suitability and applicability of the developed plan in cities with water shortages.
Prawa człowieka i środowisko
Authors: Karski Leszek 
Published: January 2021

There should be no doubt that human activities can cause serious environmental harm, or that those harms, in turn, often result in very grave consequences to human beings. Put positively, a clean and healthy environment is essential to the realization of fundamental human rights. Some advocates argue that the right to a clean environment belongs to the third generation of rights. Others noted that it is separated the fourth generation of rights. It is necessary to reflect on a source of environmental rights. It is important to search for the satisfactory meaning of the right to a clean environment.This article shows repeated and increasing recognition of a human rights-based approach to environmental protection. Such recognition demonstrates that environmental rights are emerging as an important component of international law and Polish law. At the national and international levels, the right to a healthy environment (or a related formulation) has played an important role in fostering connections between human rights and environmental approaches. The increasing practice of substantively upholding and encouraging respect for the right to a clean environment is important and should be recognized and strengthened.
Nanozyme-Based Biosensors for Exogenous Contaminant Detection in Foods
Authors: Hou Yujiao , Jia Boyu , Liao Xiaofang , Fu Lizhu , Zhang Xin , Zhou Lidong , Kong Weijun 
Published: January 2021

:
Abstract
Food safety arising from exogenous contaminants has become a global concern. The development of simple, rapid and sensitive methods for effective detection and management of trace levels of exogenous contaminants has emerged as a hotspot, as well as the important priorities in food industry. Nanozymes that are defined as the emerging enzyme-like nanomaterials with robust catalytic activity, simple preparation, high stability, and low cost have been widely used in construction of biosensors for detection of hazardous contaminants in foods, greatly accelerating the advancement of food safety assay. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the recent advances of nanozyme-based biosensors, such as colorimetric, electrochemical, photoelectrochemical and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy-based sensors, over the past five years for the detection of various exogenous contaminants including mycotoxins, heavy metals, pesticides, antibiotics, pathogens and microcystins in foods. Beyond a highlight of the advantages and limitations in real-world application, we critically propose the current challenges and future trends of these biosensors for exogenous contaminant detection in foods to guarantee their quality and safety.
The Effectiveness of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Determining Radiological Response after Radiosurgery in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Cesme Dilek Hacer , Alkan Alpay , Sari Lutfullah , Kaya Ahmet , Yurtsever Ismail , Alkan Gokberk , Seyithanoglu Mehmet Hakan , Hatiboglu Mustafa Aziz 
Published: January 2021

Background:
The effectiveness of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in demonstrating functional changes in the
tumor in determining the response to treatment after radiosurgery in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) is not clear
yet.

Objective:
The study aimed to determine the change total in tumor volume (TTV) in terms of radiological response in
patients who had VS and were treated with radiosurgery and investigate the relationship between the TTV, follow-up
times and DTI parameters.

Methods:
Thirty-one patients were assessed using DTI and MRI. TTV, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and
fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated. Patients were divided into tree groups: those who responded to the treatment
(group 1) (n=11), who did not (group 0) (n=9) and who remained stable (group 2) (n=11).

Background:
The effectiveness of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in demonstrating functional changes in the
tumor in determining the response to treatment after radiosurgery in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) is not clear
yet.

Objective:
The study aimed to determine the change total in tumor volume (TTV) in terms of radiological response in
patients who had VS and were treated with radiosurgery and investigate the relationship between the TTV, follow-up
times and DTI parameters.

Methods:
Thirty-one patients were assessed using DTI and MRI. TTV, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and
fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated. Patients were divided into tree groups: those who responded to the treatment
(group 1) (n=11), who did not (group 0) (n=9) and who remained stable (group 2) (n=11).

Results:
The mean duration of follow-up was 28.81±14 months. ADC values increased in patients with VS after
radiosurgery (p=0.004). There was no statistical difference in the FA values. A significant reduction in TTV after
radiosurgery was detected in group 1 (p=0.003). ADC values increased significantly after radiosurgery in group 2
(p=0.04). Although there were no significant differences, ADC values after radiosurgery increased in group 1 and group 0.

Conclusions:
ADC values continuously increase due to radiation damage in the period before the tumor volume shrinks
after radiosurgery. We think that it is not appropriate to diagnose inadequate treatment or progression only when TTV is
evaluated in terms of response to treatment in the early period after radiosurgery.
Effectiveness of Peer Evaluation in Learning Process: A Case from Dental Technology Students
Authors: Al Mortadi Noor , Al-Houry Saed S. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Khabour Omar F. 
Published: January 2021

Background:
Peer assessment or evaluation has been shown to play an important role in several learning processes. However, the effectiveness of this educational evaluation method has yet to be studied among students in different specialties.

Objective:
The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of peer evaluation as a method of student assessments in dental technology courses.

Methods:
The study sample (n=130 students) was randomly divided into 5 groups, then the effectiveness of peer evaluation was measured and correlated with student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) and gender.

Results:
The results showed the ability of students to evaluate their peers in a certain course. As per students’ perspective, scores ranged from 3.79-4.24 (out of 5), with a high degree of practice in all fields, ranked as follows: psychological stress, teamwork, self-efficacy, and, finally, the use of social media for learning. The mean score of all the categories in the peer assessment of students was 4.005 with a high degree of practice according to Scheffe's Test. Female gender was associated with significantly higher scores in the fields of psychosocial pressure, use of social media and overall scores. In addition, students achieving a GPA of 68 and more had significantly higher overall scores compared to students with lower GPAs.

Conclusion:
Peer evaluation seems to be a valid tool for students’ assessment; thus, it can be recommended as part of the course grading system in dental technology courses and can be applied to other dental or medical courses that involve practical sessions.