bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological constraints and trait conservatism drive functional and phylogenetic structure of amphibians larvae assemblages in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Leão-Pires Thiago Augusto , Luis Amom Mendes , Sawaya Ricardo Jannini 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Investigate how ecological and/or evolutionary factors could affect the structure of ecological communities is a central demand in ecology. In order to better understand that we assessed phylogenetic and functional structure of 33 tadpole communities in the Atlantic Forest coastal plains of Southeastern Brazil. We tested the assumption that phylogenetic conservatism drive tadpole traits. We identified 32 communities with positive values of phylogenetic structure, with 18 of those being significantly clustered. Twelve of 33 communities showed aggregated functional structure. Trait diversity was skewed towards the root, indicating phylogenetic trait conservatism and evolutionary factors as important drivers of tadpoles community structure. Six out of 11 environmental variables were selected in the best explanatory model of phylogenetic structure. Water conductivity, external and internal diversity of vegetation structure, canopy cover, and dissolved oxygen were negatively related with phylogenetic clustering, whereas presence of potential fish predators was positively related. Four of those environmental variables and area were also included in the best explanatory model of functional structure. All variables represent factors related to performance, survivorship, and distribution of anuran communities. From the 12 functionally structured communities, 10 were also phylogenetically structured. Thus, environmental factors may be acting as filters, interacting with phylogenetically conserved species traits, and driving linage occurrence in tadpole communities. Our study provides evidence that phylogenetic and functional structure in vertebrates are a result of interacting ecological and evolutionary agents, resulting in structured anuran assemblages.
Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among dental care workers in Vietnam: an online cross-sectional survey
Authors: Tran Tai Tan , Vo Thang Van , Hoang Tuyen Dinh , Hoang Minh Vu , Tran Nhu Thi Quynh , Colebunders Robert 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
An online cross-sectional survey using a "snowball" sampling method was carried out to assess the adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among dental care workers (DCWs) during the pandemic. Six questions concerning the COVID-19 preventive guidelines issued by the Vietnam Ministry of Health were used to evaluate DCWs adherence to preventive measures at dental care clinics. The quality of life of DCWs was assessed using the WHO-5 questionnaire and was defined as low if the total score was less than 13 points. Factors relating to adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures of DCWs were determined by multivariate linear regression analysis. In total, 514 DCWs completed the questionnaire. 37% DCWs rated their quality of life as low. Regression analysis suggested that older age, better quality of life, living in an urban area, and training on COVID-19 prevention were associated with better adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, while being a dentist and lack of personal protective equipment was associated with less adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. The pandemic had a significant negative impact on the physical and mental health of DCWs. Therefore, specific national guidelines for the prevention and control of the spread of COVID-19 in dental facilities should be issued.
Health-related quality of life and estimation of the minimally important difference in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptom (FACT-ES) score in postmenopausal ER-positive, HER2- negative metastatic breast cancer with low sensitivity to endocrine therapy
Authors: Kikawa Yuichiro , Hagiwara Yasuhiro , Fujisawa Tomomi , Araki Kazuhiro , Iwamoto Takayuki , Sangai Takafumi , Shien Tadahiko , Takao Shintaro , Nishimura Reiki , Takahashi Masato , Toyama Tatsuya , Aihara Tomohiko , Mukai Hirofumi , Taira Naruto 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background The HORSE-BC study previously demonstrated that second-line endocrine therapy (ET) for patients with acquired endocrine-resistant metastatic breast cancer (MBC) still provided a clinically meaningful benefit. Herein, we investigated the health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in the HORSE-BC study. Methods Patients with acquired endocrine-resistant MBC who were scheduled for second-line ET were recruited. The HR-QOL was assessed at baseline, and 1 and 3 months after second-line ET initiation. To investigate the minimally important difference (MID) in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms (FACT-ES), we evaluated the means and standard deviations for the distribution-based method, and differences in the change in HR-QOL for the anchor-based method. We also investigated the association between FACT-ES total scores and clinical benefit. Results Overall, 56 patients were enrolled. Of these, 47 were analyzed. When defined as 1/3 standard deviation estimates based on the distribution method, the calculated MID was 5.9. The MIDs of the FACT-ES total scores based on the anchor method were 7.7 for decline and 4.1 for improvement. The MID decline proportions were 6.1% and 14.7% lower in patients who experienced clinical benefits than in those who did not at 1 and 3 months, respectively. The ratios of MID improvement in patients who experienced clinical benefits were 18.3% and 3.2% higher, respectively; the mean change in the FACT-ES total score from baseline improved in patients who experienced clinical benefits. Conclusions Maintaining the HR-QOL as determined by FACT-ES may be associated with clinical benefits in patients with acquired endocrine-resistant MBC treated with ET.
Utilization of Facility Based Health Care and Associated Factors During COVID 19 Pandemic in Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia
Authors: Abeya Sileshi Garoma , Barkesa Segni Bobo , Sadi Chala Gari , Mohammed Seada Ahmed , Wako Endale Bacha , Deybasso Haji Aman , Gemeda Dereje Duguma , Muleta Fekadu Yadeta , Hurisa Mengistu Bekele , Bayisa Dereje Abdena , Bajiga Gemechu Shume , Sori Birhanu Kenate 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The utilization of facility-based health care services was among the means to tackle the transmission of the COVID 19 and protection of better health. However, reluctance to the utilization of facility-based health care services has been reported to be a major problem everywhere in the globe. This study was to assess the utilization of facility-based health care and associated factors among adults in Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional studies were conducted using a quantitative approach. Data was collected from 2751 adults aged 18 years and above using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1 and analyzed using STATA 15. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the study variables. Odds Ratio with its 95%CI was calculated and P-Value < 0.05 was used as a cut-off point to declare the significance. Results: The overall utilization of facility based essential health care was 25.5% (95% CI: 24.6%, 26.4%). Agro-pastoralist (AOR 0.50, 95% CI; 0.50, 1.31), urban residence (AOR 0.66, 95% CI; 0.48, 0.92), Orthodox religion followers (AOR 0.58, 95% CI; 0.41, 0.81), and marital statuses in the widowed/divorced/ Separated category (AOR 0.45, 95% CI; 0.20, 0.99), were significantly associated with utilizations of facility based essential Health Care. Conclusions: Only 646 (25.5%) of respondents visited health facilities after the commencement of the COVID 19 pandemic. Activities to increase the utilization of essential health care services are crucial through appropriate information outlets.
Neutrons magnetic Mass
Authors: geilhaupt manfred 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In Quantum Physics, the Spin of an elementary particle is defined to be an intrinsic,inherent property. The same to the magnetic moment (μ) due to the spin of chargedparticles - like Electron (me) and Proton (mp). So the intrinsic spin (S=1/2h-bar) of theelectron entails a magnetic moment because of charge (e). However, a magnetic momentof a charged particle can also be generated by a circular motion (due to spin) of anelectric charge (e), forming a current. Hence the orbital motion (of charge around a massnucleus)generates a magnetic moment by Ampère’s law. This concept must lead to analternative way calculating the neutrino mass (mν) while looking at the beta decay of aneutron into fragments: proton, electron, neutrino and corresponding kinetic energies. Thechange of neutrons magnetic moment (μn) during the decay process is a fact based onenergy and spin and charge conservation, so should allow to calculate the restmass ofthe charge-less neutrino due to a significant change of: μe= -9.2847647043(28)E-24J/Tdown to μev= -9.2847592533(28)E-24J/T (while assuming mv=0.30eV to be absorbed and if(g-2)/2 from QED remains constant). As always the last word has the experiment.
Trends and variability of water balance components over a tropical savanna and Eucalyptus forest in Australia
Authors: Kang Yinhong , Zhang Lu , Dawes Warrick 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the long-term dynamics of water balance components in two different contrasting ecosystems in Australia were simulated with an ecohydrological model (WAter Vegetation Energy and Solute modelling (WAVES)) over the period 1950–2015. The selected two ecosystems are woodland savanna in Daly River and eucalyptus forest in Tumbarumba. The WAVES model was first manually calibrated and validated against soil water content measured by cosmic-ray probe and evapotranspiration measured with eddy flux techniques. The calibrated model was then used to simulate long-term water balance components with observed climate data at two sites. Analyzing the trends and variabilities of potential evapotranspiration and precipitation is used to interpret the climate change impacts on ecosystem water balance. The results showed that the WAVES model can accurately simulate soil water content and evapotranspiration at two study sites. Over the period of 1950–2015, annual evapotranspiration at both sites showed decreasing trends (−1.988 mm year−1 in Daly and −0.381 mm year−1 in Tumbarumba), whereas annual runoff in Daly increased significantly (5.870 mm year−1) and decreased in Tumbarumba (–0.886 mm year−1). It can be concluded that the annual runoff trends are consistent with the rainfall trends, whereas trends in annual evapotranspiration are influenced by both rainfall and potential evapotranspiration. The results can provide evidence for controlling the impacting factors for different ecosystems under climate change.
Coagulation performance evaluation of alginate as a natural coagulant for the treatment of turbid water
Authors: Saranya Packiam , Ramesh S. T. , Gandhimathi R. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Alginates are quite abundant in nature as they occur both as a structural component in marine brown algae (Phaeophyceae) comprising up to 40% of dry matter and as capsular polysaccharides in soil bacteria. Alginic acid is the only polysaccharide, which naturally contains carboxyl groups in each constituent residue, and possesses various abilities for functional materials. Experiments were carried out for water of turbidity 300 NTU. Alginate as such doesn't act as a coagulant, instead it should be converted to calcium alginate by adding calcium ions. Calcium chloride was used for imparting calcium ions necessary for the reaction. The dosage of calcium was fixed as 50 mg/L, 75 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 150 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and alginate doses between 2 to 10 mg/L. Calcium dosage below 50 mg/L was not sufficient for the formation of the egg-box structure which is responsible for the coagulation and flocculation process. For the mechanism of charge neutralization to take place effectively, calcium should be added first followed by alginate. pH and conductivity of the sample remain constant before and after the treatment. The dosage of alginate required for the treatment is less, so the cost of treatment also will be much less, thus alginate can replace the usage of chemical coagulants like alum.
Identification of Glutamine Synthetase as a Contryphan-Bt Binding
Protein by His-Tag Pull-Down
Authors: Han Penggang , Liu Shangyi , Dai Xiandong , Fan Chongxu , Cao Ying , Chen Jisheng 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Contryphan-Bt is a D-tryptophan-containing disulfide-constrained decapeptide
recently isolated from the venom of Conus betulinus. The molecular targets of contryphans
are controversial, and the identification of its interacting proteins may be of great importance.

Methods:
His-tag pull-down assays were performed to investigate intracellular binding proteins of
contryphan-Bt from rat brain lysate. Bt-Acp-[His]6, a contryphan-Bt derivative containing hexahistidine
tag, was synthesized and used as the bait. As a control, Acp-[His]6 was used to exclude nonspecific
bindings.

Results:
Glutamine synthetase was identified as a potential contryphan-Bt binding protein by pull--
down assays and subsequent LC-MS/MS. The binding of contryphan-Bt to glutamine synthetase
was confirmed and determined using microscale thermophoresis, with a Kd of 74.02 ± 2.8 μM.
The binding did not affect glutamine synthetase activity, suggesting that the interaction site was
distinct from the catalytic center.

Conclusions:
Glutamine synthetase was identified as a novel contryphan-Bt binding protein. This is
the first report in which the conopeptide binds to an intracellular protein.
Regulation of Homeostasis by Neuropeptide Y: Involvement in Food
Intake
Authors: Marcos Pilar , Coveñas Rafael 
Published: December 2021

:
Obesity leads to several metabolic disorders and, unfortunately, current pharmacological
treatments for obesity are not very effective. In feeding mechanisms, the hypothalamus
and some neuropeptides play an important role. Many data show that neuropeptide
Y (NPY) is involved in these mechanisms. The aim of this review is to update
the physiological actions mediated by the orexigenic peptide NPY, via its receptors, in
the control of food intake and to review its involvement in food intake disorders. The relationships
between NPY and other substances involved in food intake mechanisms, hypothalamic
and extra-hypothalamic pathways involved in feeding and the potential pharmacological
strategies to treat obesity will be discussed. Some research lines, focused on
NPY, to be developed in the future are suggested. Neuropeptide systems are associated
with redundancy and then therapies directed against a single target are generally ineffective.
For this reason, other targets for the treatment of obesity are mentioned. It seems
that combination therapies are the best option for successful anti-obesity treatments: new
and more specific NPY receptor antagonists must be tested as anti-obesity drugs alone
and in combination therapies.
2D Materials-Based Aptamer Biosensors: Present Status and Way Forward
Authors: Sen Raj Kumar , Prabhakar Priyanka , Bisht Neha , Patel Monika , Mishra Shruti , Yadav Amit K. , Venu Divya V. , Gupta Gaurav Kumar , Solanki Pratima R. , Ramakrishnan Seeram , Mondal D.P. , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Dwivedi Neeraj , Dhand Chetna 
Published: December 2021

:
Current advances in constructing functional nanomaterials and elegantly designed
nanostructures have opened up new possibilities for the fabrication of viable field
biosensors. Two-dimensional materials (2DMs) have fascinated much attention due to
their chemical, optical, physicochemical, and electronic properties. They are ultrathin
nanomaterials with unique properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, surface
charge, shape, high anisotropy, and adjustable chemical functionality. 2DMs such as
graphene-based 2D materials, Silicate clays, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), MXenes,
transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and transition metal oxides (TMOs) offer
intensified physicochemical and biological functionality and have proven to be very
promising candidates for biological applications and technologies. 2DMs have a multivalent
structure that can easily bind to single-stranded DNA/RNA (aptamers) through covalent,
non-covalent, hydrogen bond, and π-stacking interactions, whereas aptamers have a
small size, excellent chemical stability, and low immunogenicity with high affinity and
specificity. This review discussed the potential of various 2D material-based aptasensor
for diagnostic applications, e.g., protein detection, environmental monitoring, pathogens
detection, etc.
Norepinephrine in Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy During General Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Spinal Operation: Determining Effective Infusion Rate to Enhance Postoperative Functions
Authors: Wu Fan , Liang Tao , Xiao Wei , Wang Tianlong 
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective:
Intraoperative hypotension is a common complication in general anesthesia that could result in different serious complications particularly in elderly patients. This Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) aims to determine effective continuous infusion rate of norepinephrine to prevent intraoperative hypotension during spinal surgery under general anesthesia in elderly patients.

Methods:
This RCT was conducted on elderly patients (n= 108) undergoing general anesthesia for posterior lumbar spinal fusion. The patients were randomly divided into 0.030, 0.060, and 0.090 μg.kg-1.min-1 groups of norepinephrine infusion rates. The outcomes were assessed at entrance to operation room (T0), 15 mins after anesthesia induction (T1), 60 mins following surgery (T2), and immediately after surgery (T3). The intraoperative and postoperative complications and rehabilitation outcomes were comparatively assessed.

Results:
All three groups significantly reduced the incidence of delayed wound healing (0.030 vs. 0.060 vs. 0.090 μg.kg-1.min-1; 33.3% vs. 10% vs. 10%, P=0.024) and wound infection (26.7% vs. 6.7% vs. 6.7%, P=0.031). Intraoperative total fluid volume and colloids volume in the 0.030 group were significantly higher than 0.060 and 0.090 groups (P=0.005, P=0.003, and P=0.01, respectively). The 0.060 and 0.090 groups significantly increased mean-arterial-pressure than the 0.030 group at T2 and T3. Both 0.060 and 0.090 infusion rates significantly reduced intraoperative hypotension than 0.030 dosage (P=0.01 and P=0.003, respectively). The bradycardia incidence in the 0.090 group was significantly higher than the 0.030 (P=0.026) and 0.060 groups (P=0.038). The 0.060 group decreased the first intake by 1.4 hours (P=0.008) and first flatus by 1.1 hours (P=0.004) and postoperative hospital stay by 1 day (P=0.066).

Conclusion:
The 0.060 µg·kg-1·min-1 norepinephrine infusion combined with goal-directed fluid therapy exhibited adequate intraoperative management and postoperative outcomes.
Advanced Protein Drugs and Formulations
Authors: Benedini Luciano 
Published: December 2021

:
Previously, the application of proteins was uncommon as therapeutically active molecules.
Some of the first applications of proteins as drugs have been insulin and vaccines for overcoming a
physiological deficiency and the prevention of diseases, respectively. Nowadays, proteins have many
applications, not only as drugs but also as drug delivery systems to be administered by different
routes. Due to their nature, the behavior of proteins varies while the conditions of the environment are
modified. For this reason, it is necessary to study their behavior for predicting the correct
manufacturing, storing, or combination with other possible molecules in a formulation or into the
body. The application of techniques for predicting the behavior of proteins in different environments
has led to associating this type of behavior into the body with the occurrence of diseases, such as
celiac disease or Alzheimer's disease. Thus, this work shows an overview of the main types of
proteins applied as active therapeutically molecules, proteins-based drug delivery systems, and
techniques for predicting their stability into the primary storing container and the body.
A Novel Nomogram for Predicting Prognosis after Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sun Huiling , Zhou Feng , Zhang Guoxing , Hou Jiankang , Liu Yukai , Chen Xiangliang , Zhang Yuqiao , Wang Wei , Deng Qiwen , Shi Hongchao , Zhou Junshan 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Mounting evidence has shown that mechanical thrombectomy (MT) improves
clinical outcomes for large vessel occlusions (LVOs) in patients with acute ischemic stroke
(AIS) of the anterior circulation. The present study aimed to provide a comprehensive analysis of
risk factors associated with clinical outcomes in AIS patients receiving MT.

Methods:
A total of 212 consecutive patients who underwent MT for AIS were enrolled in the present
study. Clinical characteristics were recorded at admission. Two endpoints were defined according
to the 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) score after AIS (good outcome, mRS 0-2; and
death, mRS 6). Additionally, we compared the clinical outcomes and safety of MT alone and bridging
therapy in AIS patients.

Results:
Of the 212 patients treated with MT, 114 (53.77%) patients had a good outcome and 31
(14.62%) died. The incidence of a worse outcome after MT was significantly elevated in males and
patients with high WBC counts, high admission blood glucose levels, high baseline NIHSS scores
and a long interval time from groin puncture to reperfusion in AIS patients treated with MT after
adjustment for covariates (P<0.05); these risk factors were further confirmed by our constructed nomograms.
In addition, we observed no significant benefit of bridging therapy compared to MT
alone in AIS patients.

Conclusion:
Our constructed nomogram based on male sex, admission WBC, admission blood glucose,
NIHSS, and the interval time from groin puncture to reperfusion predicts prognosis after mechanical
thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
The Emerging Role of Epigenetic Methylation in Kidney Disease
Authors: Wen Li , Yang Hong-liu , Lin Lin , Ma Liang , Fu Ping 
Published: December 2021

:
Kidney disease has complex and multifactorial pathophysiology and pathogenesis.
Recent studies have revealed that epigenetic methylation changes, namely DNA
methylation, histone methylation and non-histone methylation, are strongly implicated in
various forms of kidney diseases. This review provides a perspective on the emerging role
of epigenetic methylation in kidney disease, including the effects of DNA methylation in
diverse promoter regions, regulation and implication of histone methylation, and recent
advances and potential directions related to non-histone methylation. Monitoring or targeting
epigenetic methylation has the potential to contribute to development of therapeutic
approaches for multiple kidney diseases.