bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in soil carbon sequestration and emission in different succession stages of biological soil crusts in a sand-binding area
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Jing , Zhang Xin , Wang Chenglong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

We investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and soil methane (CH4)-flux during biological soil crust (BSC) deposition in a sand-binding area in the eastern Chinese Hobq Desert. The trends in soil organic carbon (C) content and density were analyzed during this process. The sampling sites comprised a mobile dune (control) and those with algal, lichen, and moss crust-fixed sands. The desert soil CO2 and CH4-flux, temperature, and water content were measured from May to October in 2017 and 2018. Simultaneously, organic C content and density were measured and analyzed by stratification.
Results

The spatio-temporal variation in desert soil CO2-flux was apparent. The average CO2- fluxes in the control, algal, lichen, and moss sites were 1.67, 2.61, 5.83, and 6.84 mmol·m− 2·h− 1, respectively, during the growing season, and the average CH4-fluxes in the four sites were − 1.13, -1.67, -3.66, and − 3.77 µmol·m− 2·h− 1, respectively. Soil temperature was significantly positively correlated with CO2-flux but could not influence CH4 absorption, and C flux had minimal correlation with soil water content. The soil total organic C density at all sites was significantly different and decreased as follows: moss > lichen > algal > control; moreover, it decreased with soil depth at all sites. The accumulation of desert soil organic C could enhance soil C emissions.
Conclusion

In a semi-arid deserts, artificial planting could promote sand fixation and BSC succession; therefore, increasing the C storage capacity of desert soils and decreasing soil C emissions could alter the C cycle pattern in desert ecosystems. Soil temperature is the major factor controlling desert soil CO2 flux and vegetation restoration, and BSC development could alter the response patterns of C emissions to moisture conditions in desert soils. The results provide a scientific basis for studying the C cycle in desert ecosystems.
Optimized DNA-based Identification of Toxocara spp. Egg in Difficult Matrices: A Case for Specific and Sensitive Identification of Geohelminth Eggs
Authors: Jarosz Wojciech , Durant Jean-François , Irenge Leonid Mwana wa bene , Fogt-Wyrwas Renata , Mizgajska-Wiktor Hanna , Gala Jean-Luc 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundToxocara canis (T. canis) and Toxocara cati (T. cati) are worldwide-distributed roundworms of canids and felids and causative agents of human toxocarosis, via ingestion of Toxocara eggs disseminated in the environment. Control of Toxocara infections is constrained by the lack of sensitive methods for screening of animal feces and environmental samples potentially contaminated by Toxocara eggs. We previously developed a quantitative duplex real-time PCR (qPCR) for sensitive and specific detection of T. canis and T. cati. In this work, a pre-analytical method for efficient extraction of DNA from Toxocara eggs present in environmental samples was set up. For this purpose, the influence of different methods for eggs lysis, DNA extraction and purification for removal of PCR inhibitors were assessed on environmental samples.MethodsSoil and sand (10g) samples were spiked with egg suspensions of T. canis. DNA was extracted from Toxocara eggs, using different DNA extraction kits (FastDNA™ SPIN Kit for Soil and DNeasy® PowerMax® Soil Kit), and an additional clean-up step (Agencourt® AMPure®). The efficiency of the above-developed process was compared with the conventional flotation-centrifugation and observation of Toxocara eggs under light microscopy.ResultsThe most effective DNA extraction method for Toxocara eggs in soil samples consisted in the combination of mechanical lysis of eggs using beads, DNA extraction with the DNeasy® PowerMax® Soil Kit and an additional DNA clean-up step with AMPure® beads. with a limit of detection of 6 eggs of T. canis spiked in 10 g of soil with a probability of 97%.ConclusionThe pre-analytical flow process developed here combined with qPCR represents an improved method for the surveillance of Toxocara contamination in the environment.
Towards Developing Innovation Management Framework (IMF) for ICT Organizations at Pakistan
Authors: Abbasi Eram , Amin Imran , Siddiqui Shama 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Various aspects of innovation management have been discussed in literature over the past few decades. Most of the innovation management frameworks have been formulated by undertaking studies in the developed world and lack the industry / culture specific focus. In this paper we revisit the generic innovation management studies to develop an innovation management framework for highlighting the factors affecting innovation specifically at the ICT sector of Pakistan. A detailed literature review has been conducted to identify the factors included in the past innovation management models. To identify the factors specific for Pakistan, senior level professionals, working at the Pakistani ICT organizations were interviewed. A comparative analysis of the innovation management frameworks for Pakistan against those previously found in literature revealed interesting similarities and differences. Based on the study findings, an innovation management framework is developed that highlights the present factors which are important for innovation in the ICT sector for Pakistan. This framework can be used by Pakistan and other underdeveloped countries for improving their innovation in ICT sectors in particular and other sectors in general.
A Comparison of BTA stat and NMP 22 as Non-Invasive Screening Methods for Bladder Cancer. A Systematic Review.
Authors: Lezon Sara , Rink Michael , Eulenburg Christine Gräfin zu , Buhling Kai Joachim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to systematically review the effects of bladder tumor antigen (BTA) stat and nuclear matrix protein (NMP) 22 as a screening method in an asymptomatic population. Methods We evaluated 381 international studies by selecting randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We descriptively evaluated and summarized all of the 381 studies to identify their strengths and weaknesses in terms of the use of BTA stat and NMP 22. ResultsWe did not identify any RCTs that used BTA stat or NMP 22 as a pure screening tools. We also did not identify any studies that used an asymptomatic population. Different cut-off values and individualized methods were discussed for NMP 22 based on age, sex, risk factors, and history of bladder cancer, introducing significant heterogeneity and bias. Interestingly, the use of NMP 22 demonstrated only in men younger than 65 years positive results. ConclusionsRCTs are needed to show a reliable sensitivity and specificity of using BTA stat or NMP 22 as a screening test. It may be worth investigating in future studies whether it would be useful to offer NMP 22 to only a certain profile of patients. Based on our findings and in consent with national and international guidelines, a screening recommendation using NMP 22 and/or BTA stat can not be given for bladder cancer in an asymptomatic population.
MicroRNA-21 Expression, Serum Tumor Markers, and Immunohistochemistry in Canine Mammary Tumors
Authors: Salem Noha Y. , Ramadan Eman S. , Emam Ibrahim A. , AbdElKader Naglaa A , Farghali Haithem A. , Khattab Marwa S. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are one of the most common malignancies in dogs and are associated with significant mortality. Serum tumor markers and non-coding microRNAs have recently gained widespread popularity in human oncology studies. We aimed to investigate the expression of microRNA-21 (miR21), changes in serum tumor markers (CEA and CA 15-3), and immunohistochemistry in CMTs diagnosed by clinical examination, radiology, and histopathology. This study enrolled 17 female dogs: 10 with mammary tumors and seven controls without tumors. Blood samples were collected to measure miR-21, CEA, and CA 15-3, and histological samples were prepared for histological grading and immunohistochemistry. Results: CA 15-3 was elevated in all animals, whereas CEA levels showed no change compared with controls. miR-21 was upregulated 12.84-fold in animals with CMT. The most frequently recorded CMT was mixed type. Myoepithelial cells were identified by P63 immunoreactivity, but not SMA. High expression of miR-21 was observed with positive vimentin immunoreactivity, indicating a mesenchymal origin of the tumor cells. Conclusion: The present study showed that miR-21 was elevated to a greater extent than CA 15-3 (12.84-fold vs. threefold). Mixed-type tumors with positive vimentin immunoreactivity showed the highest miR-21 levels. These findings support the hypothesis that miR-21 may be a more sensitive, noninvasive indicator for CMT.
Structural, electrical and optical properties of PVC/ZnTe nanocomposite thin films
Authors: El-Hachemi Benyahia , Miloud Sebais , Sabah Mammeri , Souad Touahri , Zineddine Ouili , Boubekeur boudine , Toufik Soltani Mohamed , Ouahiba Halimi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ZnTe nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using hydrothermal method and then were dispersed in poly(vinyl-chloride) (PVC) to prepare hybrid PVC/ZnTe nanocomposite thin films which were deposited on glass substrates by the dip coating technique. Structural, optical and electrical properties of films were investigated by different techniques. XRD analysis revealed that synthesized ZnTe NPs have a cubic structure and a nanoscale size,while pure PVC films have a weak degree of crystallinity and exhibit a broad diffraction peak at low angles. The PVC/ZnTe nanocomposite thin films display an intense diffraction peak corresponding to the plane (220) which indicates a preferred orientation of ZnTe nanocystallites along crystallographic axis [220]. This texture was also showed by the atomic force microscopy micrographs.The analysis by FT-IR and Raman vibrational spectroscopies confirmed the incorporation of ZnTe NPs in the PVC matrix.The ZnTe/PVC nanocomposites thin films have an optical transparency over 80 % in the visible range and an optical gap close to 4.07 eV. Discrepancies with respect to the gap of pure PVC (red shift) and bulk ZnTe (blue shift) are due to the effect of the interaction between the ZnTe NPsand the PVC matrixand alsoto the nanometric size of the ZnTe crystallites. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed an enhanced blue emission at 466 nm,a green emissionat 522 nm and a strong red emission at 686 nm. Thus the incorporation of oriented ZnTe NPs induced a new optical behavior of the PVC polymer matrix.Electrical measurements indicate a decrease of electrical resistivity of PVC/ZnTe nanocompositesas ZnTe NPs concentration increases.
Factors associated with use of long-acting reversible contraception among female sex workers operating in Gulu district, Northern Uganda – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ouma Simple , Tumwesigye Nazarius Mbona , Abbo Catherine , Ndejjo Rawlance 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) are the most effective and reliable contraceptives for female sex workers (FSWs) and require periodic users’ involvement only at the time of application or re-application. However, information on LARC use among FSWs in Uganda is scarce. To fill this gap, we determined the prevalence of LARC use among FSWs and examined factors associated with LARC use among FSWs operating in Gulu district, Northern Uganda.Methods: Across-sectional study was conducted among 300 FSWs aged 18 years and above and operating in Gulu district. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to measure factors associated with the use of LARC: intrauterine device (IUD), Implants, and injectables. Data analyses were conducted using STATA 14.0 and restricted to 280 non-gravid adult FSWs aged 18-49 years who were not on permanent contraception method. To examine factors associated with LARC use, prevalence ratios (PR) with robust standard errors were computed using Poisson regression.Results: Among the participants, the mean age (SD, range) was 26.5 (5.9, 18 - 45) years, 53.2% never married, 66.1% reported consistent condom use independent of LARC, 58.9% had unintended pregnancy during a lifetime, 48.6% had at least one unintended pregnancy during sex work, and 37.4% had at least one induced abortion. The prevalence of LARC use was 58.6%; the majority were using Implants (48.2%), followed by injectables (42.7%), and IUDs (9.1%). Independent factors associated with LARC use included: longer duration of sex work [≥ two years] (adjusted PR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.03-2.02), higher parity [≥ two] (adjusted PR=1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.26), history of unintended pregnancy during sex work (adjusted PR=1.24 CI: 1.01-1.51), and being a brothel/lodge-based FSWs (adjusted PR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.01-1.63).Conclusions: There is a big gap in LARC use with only 58.6% of FSWs using LARC. LARC use was associated with longer duration of sex work, higher parity, history of sex work-related unintended pregnancy, and being a brothel/lodge-based FSW. Therefore, interventions to improve LARC use should intensively target the newly recruited FSWs, FSWs with low parity, and FSWs not based in brothels or lodges.
Laboratory Testing Implications of Risk-Stratification and Management of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Liu Caidong , Wang Ziyu , Wu Wei , Xiang Changgang , Wu Lingxiang , Li Jie , Hou Weiye , Sun Huiling , Wang Youli , Nie Zhenling , Gao Yingdong , Zhang Ruisheng , Wang Qianghu , Kening Li , Xia Xinyi , Li Pengping , Wang Shukui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objectives: To classify COVID-19 patients into low-risk and high-risk at admission by laboratory indicators.Design, Setting, and Patients: This is a case series of patients from a China healthcare system in Wuhan. In this retrospective cohort, 3563 patients confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia, including 548 patients in the training dataset, and 3015 patients in the testing dataset.Interventions: NoneMeasurements and Main Results:We first identified the significant laboratory indicators related to the severity of COVID-19 in the training dataset. Neutrophils percentage, lymphocytes percentage, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen with AUC greater than 0.7 were included in the model. These indicators were further used to build a support vector machine model to classify patients into low-risk and high-risk at admission. Results showed that this model could stratify the patients in the testing dataset effectively (AUC=0.89). Moreover, laboratory indicators detected in the first week after admission were able to estimate the probability of death (AUC=0.95). Besides, we could diagnose COVID-19 and differentiated it from other kinds of viral pneumonia based on laboratory indicators (accuracy=0.97).Conclusions:Our risk-stratification model based on laboratory indicators could help to diagnose, monitor, and predict severity at an early stage of COVID-19.
The detection efficiency of digital PCR for the virulence genes of waterborne pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Shi Xiaojie , Liu Gang , Shi Liangliang , Chen Menghao , Wu Xiaojin , Zhao Jinbo , Lu Yun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Waterborne pathogens are the primary concern for the safe reuse of wastewater. Although digital PCR (dPCR) is considered promising for absolutely quantitating genes, the detection efficiency of dPCR is affected by many factors. This study tested eight virulence genes of pathogenic bacteria on a control plasmid and reclaimed water samples with reported primer–probe sets and designed ones on quantitative PCR (qPCR) and dPCR. Probe efficiency, data analysis, and PCR inhibition were found to affect the detection efficiency of dPCR. Firstly, poor probe quality, which is determined by probe quenching and activation efficiencies, was the main cause of PCR failure. Secondly, even if the PCR was successful, the probe quality and signal intensity could still affect the quantitative process. Manual analysis of dPCR data on the weak signal intensity would significantly reduce errors. And lastly, the sensitivity of PCR inhibition was lower in dPCR than qPCR, but inhibition still existed. The dPCR produced various detection efficiencies for different targets in one sample indicating inconstant inhibitory effects. Dilution was still the proper approach to overcome inhibition, but decreased the detection limit. More studies are required to ensure accurate waterborne pathogen quantitation by dPCR.
Social Skills of The Personality: Diagnostics and Approaches to Analysis
Authors: Vasina Elena Alekseevna 
Published: February 2021

The article considers social skills based on the polymodal approach as a means and result of the interaction of a person with social reality. The diagnostic method SUM-60 (Social skills of a personality – 60) and the results of its testing among young people are presented. The method includes a complex of social and socio-psychological skills focused on adaptive and positive behavior in the social world. The social skills analysis algorithm is proposed; their relationships with communicative and personal characteristics, value orientations, self-esteem and self-efficacy are shown.
REFLEXÕES POLÍTICO-ECONÔMICAS E O ATELIER DE PROJETO DE ARQUITETURA EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA DO COVID-19
Authors: Silva Heitor de Andrade 
Published: February 2021

Abordaremos a questão do ensino remoto de projeto de Arquitetura e Urbanismo em contexto de distanciamento social, inicialmente, numa perspectiva contextual, com ênfase na política e na economia. Em seguida resgataremos a noção de atelier de projeto, enquanto instrumento pedagógico presente no ensino de AU, fazendo um contraponto com esse momento atípico de ensino remoto no Brasil.
Surface Engineering of Fenofibrate Nanocrystals Using Nano-by-Design Multivariate Integration: A Biopharmaceutical and Pharmacokinetic Perspective
Authors: Gite Sandip , Kakade Pratik , Patravale Vandana 
Published: February 2021

Introduction:
Surface engineering of nanocrystals for improving the biopharmaceutical features is a multivariate process involving numerous formulation and process variables, thus making it a complicated process to get the desired biopharmaceutical quality profile. Nano-by-design is hereby proposed as an approach to nanonize an orally active, lipid lowering fenofibrate, to improve feasibility in product development.

Methodology:
Top-down wet ball milling (media milling) in zirconia planetary chamber was methodically explored for improving the solubility and bioavailability of fenofibrate by formulating a nanosuspension using polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. Several influencing variables were screened using a systematic one-factor-at-a-time approach. DSC, SEM, XRD, and FTIR were utilized for physical characterization of the product during the development stage and study the effect of milling time, milling speed, fenofibrate: stabilizer ratio, premilling time and stabilizer concentration. Potential risk factors affecting critical quality biopharmaceutical attributes of fenofibrate nanocrystals like size, zeta potential, in vitro release, crystallinity and intrinsic solubility were optimized to improve pharmacokinetic performance.

Result:
Formulated nanosized fenofibrate exhibited a crystalize nature as evident from XRD and DSC, 411 nm size, and a rapid but complete dissolution (~99% in 30 min). This resulted into quick onset of action and improved bioavailability as observed from 51.46% shorter Tmax, 82.63% higher Cmax, and 69.34% higher AUC0–24h, respectively.
Withdrawal Notice: Novel Treatment strategies for Management of Psori-asis: Current update and Future Perspective
Authors: Thakur Sunita , Rajinikanth P.S. , Deepak Payal , Jaiswal Shweta , Anand Sneha 
Published: February 2021

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The Development of New Low-Molecular-Weight Factor Xa Inhibitors
that are Potential Anticoagulants
Authors: Tovbin Dmitry G. , Tarasov Dmitry N. , Malakhov Dmitry V. , Tserkovnikova Natalia A. , Aybush Arseniy V. , Drozd Natalia N. 
Published: February 2021

Background:
Despite the introduction of direct oral anticoagulants, the search for new oral
anticoagulants remains an urgent task.

Objective:
By using docking and scoring, based on physical methods, simple chemical rules, methods
of synthesis, and activity measurement, develop new low-molecular-weight inhibitors of factor Xa,
which are potential anticoagulants.

Method:
The development of leads was based on chemical synthesis and structure-based drug design
methods. The basic idea was to combine the two approaches: one based on predictive modeling and
the other based on the experimental data.

Results:
In this study, we developed some nanomolar leads. Further chemical modification improved
the inhibition constant by more than one order.

Discussion:
The method proposed in this paper, as well as other methods, includes virtual screening,
chemical synthesis, and activity measurement. However, the most time–consuming process in this
method (chemical synthesis) was simplified, and the cost was reduced to the extent that was allowed;
a very simple chemical reaction was chosen, i.e., the formation of an amide bond.

Conclusion:
In this work, we demonstrated how using simple chemical rules based on the structurebased
drug design, substances with a nanomolar concentration of activity can be developed.