bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sacred Groves: A Pattern of Zagros Forests for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change Reduction
Authors: Moradi Aioub , Shabanian Naghi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide has led to the global consequences of climate change. Biological carbon sequestration through vegetation and soils is one of the cost-effective ways to reduce this gas. Forest's ecosystems are the most important carbon pools among terrestrial ecosystems and play a sustainable and long-term role in reducing climate change. Among forest ecosystems, sacred groves are less-disturbed and they can be a pattern of successful forest management for carbon sequestration and climate change reduction. In the present study, for the first time, the amount of carbon content in sacred grove and silvopastoral lands were investigated to determine the capacity of Zagros oak forests in carbon sequestration and climate change reduction. The aim of this study was to estimate the amount of carbon reserves in mentioned land-uses in order to obtain a systematic attitude towards management of these different land-use types and attain a suitable solution to counter the climate change crisis and ultimately sustainable environmental development.
Results

The results showed that each of the studied variables in the two studied land use is significantly different from each other. The mean of each of these biomass or carbon pools in silvopastoral is significantly lower than sacred groves. The results indicate that the common utilizations in the forests of the study area cause a significant reduction (P ≤ 0.01) in the forest biomass value and respective carbon content. Sacred grove currently absorbs 826.96 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare more than silvopastoral lands and this is a sign of high degradation in the forests of the study area.
Conclusions

According to the results obtained in this study, forest ecosystems that are protected against human intervention play a significant role in long-term carbon storage. Any interference with the natural conditions of the ecosystem has a significant negative impact on carbon reserves. Therefore, by selecting appropriate measures, local communities should be empowered to reduce their dependence on low incomes obtained from deforestation and conversion.
Predicting screening factors for an obesity team’s decision: a large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lodewijks Yentl , de Zoete Jean-Paul , Ven Roos Gerarda Francina Maria van der , Schiffer Angélique Agnes , Nienhuijs Simon Willem 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background The magnitude of the effect of bariatric surgery depends on the willingness and the ability of patients to adapt a healthier lifestyle. Therefore, it is worthwhile to know how to select patients for surgery and/or preoperative interventions.Aim To investigate the predictors for a disapproval at the time, direct approval or a prehabilitation programme for bariatric surgery candidates after multidisciplinary evaluation.Methods Data on the SQ-48 total score, the RAND-36 total score, the general screening questionnaire, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and the result of the multidisciplinary consultation were collected from all patients who participated in the screening process between February 2017 and February 2020. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed.Results Of the 2,063 included patients, 627 (30.4%) were approved for surgery, 1,275 (61.8%) received an preoperative trajectory advise and 161 (7.8%) were denied. Eleven variables appeared to be significant predictors for the result of the multidisciplinary consultation; gender, age, BMI, RAND-36 total score, SQ-48 total score, binging score, craving score, consciously eating, psychological help score, excessive drug use in the past and the impulsiveness score.Conclusion Although the predicting model might not be applicable to other centres, it could attribute to enhance patient selection and thereby improve healthcare logistics.
Efficacy of low or high-dose rituximab treatment in membranous nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kharbuja Naresh , Wu Min , Han Yu-Chen , Liu Dan , Wang Bin , Liu Bi-Cheng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Rituximab (RTX) has emerged as a promising therapeutic option in patients with primary membranous nephropathy (MN). But the optimal dosing of RTX protocol has not been established. Recently, favorable outcomes even with low-dose of RTX has been described in MN patients. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy and safety between high-dose and low-dose RTX in patients with MN.Methods: After literature search, eligible studies were further classified into high-dose and low-dose groups according to the dosage of one cycle RTX therapy. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate remission rates and changes in biological indicators in two groups. Results: Eight studies involving 588 patients were included in this meta-analysis. In comparison to the control groups (including cyclosporin, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, prednisone, non-immunosuppressive anti-proteinuria treatment), RTX significantly improved the complete remission (CR) rate. Furthermore, there is no significant difference between high-dose and low-dose RTX in inducing total remission (TR) and CR. Also, high-dose RTX did not significantly improve serum albumin, creatine and urinary protein levels when compared with the low-dose RTX group. However, high-dose RTX did reduce the serum PLA2R antibody titers in patients. Even the difference was not significant, there was a tendency for low-dose RTX to have less serious adverse events (SAEs) than high-dose RTX groups. Conclusion: RTX administration indicated a better efficacy than the control strategies for the treatment of primary MN. And a low-dose regimen of RTX was non-inferior to high-dose usage in inducing long-term TR up to 24 months and holds the superior tendency in preventing SAEs in MN patients.
A Comparison of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Damages Induced by 254 Nm and 365 Nm Radiation: Allium Cepa L. Model
Authors: ÇAVUŞOĞLU Kültiğin , Macar Tuğçe Kalefetoğlu , MACAR Oksal , ÇAVUŞOĞLU Dilek , YALÇIN Emine 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Living organisms are increasingly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays of solar radiation, both due to the thinning of the ozone layer and the widespread uses in sterilization processes. The present study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating the damages of UV-A and UV-C radiations in Allium cepa L. roots. Three groups were formed from Allium bulbs, one of which was the control group. One of the other groups was exposed to 254 nm (UV-C) and the other to 365 nm (UV-A) UV. Growth retardation effect of UV was investigated with respect to germination percentage, total weight gain and root elongation, while genotoxicity arisen from UV exposure analyzed using mitotic index (MI) and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) including micronucleus (MN) frequency. Oxidative stress due to UV application was investigated based on the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the total activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes. Also, meristematic integrity of the UV treated roots was controlled. UV treatments caused significant changes in all parameters compared to the control, but all effects were much more prominent in 254 nm UV-exposed group. This study clearly revealed that UV exposure triggered growth inhibition, genotoxicity, oxidative stress and meristematic cell damages in A. cepa roots depending on the wavelength.
In-depth comparative analysis of Tritrichomonas foetus transcriptomics reveals genes linked to host-adaptation
Authors: Alonso Andrés M. , Schcolnicov Nicolás , Diambra Luis , Coceres Veronica 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoa flagellated that reside as a parasite or commensal in organ cavities such as the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts of their hosts. While this parasite is an important venereal pathogen in cattle and the causative agent of chronic diarrhea in the domestic cat, the mechanisms that define the host specificity of this parasite are still unknown. METHODS: Here, we integrate the genomic and transcriptomic information of the parasites obtained from different hosts (bovine, feline and porcine), to determine the gene expression profiles of T. foetus associated with host adaptation. RESULTS: We demonstrated the existence of patterns of co-expressed genes specific to each strain and related to known transcription factors (Myb DNA-binding proteins), proteases and genes related to protein phosphorylation process. Also, the genes related to Myb DNA-binding proteins and protein kinases were differentially expressed between strains being those genes different for each strain.CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the expression profile variability of genes involved in transcription, intracellular signaling and proteases between the strains (pathogenic and non‐pathogenic), we propose that these genes have roles in T. foetus adaptation to different hosts. This integrated approach will serve as a useful resource for future studies about the host-parasite interaction and for the future identification of new targets for diagnosis, vaccines and therapeutic intervention to control the bovine and feline tritrichomonosis.
Genomic Epidemiology of the Los Angeles COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Guo​ Longhua , Boocock​ James , Hilt​ Evann E. , Chandrasekaran​ Sukantha , Zhang​ Yi , Munugala​ Chetan , Sathe​ Laila , Alexander​ Noah , Arboleda​ Valerie A. , Flint​ Jonathan , Eskin​ Eleazar , Luo​ Chongyuan , Yang​ Shangxin , Garner​ Omai B. , Yin​ Yi , Bloom​ Joshua S. , Kruglyak​ Leonid 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global disruption to human health and activity. Being able to trace the early outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 within a locality will inform public health measures and provide insights to contain or prevent the viral transmission to save lives. Investigation of the transmission history requires efficient sequencing methods and analytic strategy, which can be generally useful in the study of viral outbreaks. Methods Los Angeles (LA) County has sustained a large outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To learn about the transmission history, we carried out surveillance viral genome sequencing to determine 142 viral genomes from unique patients seeking care at UCLA Health System. 86 of these genomes are from samples collected before April 19, 2020. Results We found that the early outbreak in LA, as in other international air travel hubs, was seeded by multiple introductions of strains from Asia and Europe. We identified a US-specific strain, B.1.43, which has been found predominantly in California and Washington State. While samples from LA County carry the ancestral B.1.43 genome, viral genomes from neighboring counties in California and from counties in Washington State carry additional mutations, suggesting a potential origin of B.1.43 in Southern California. We quantified the transmission rate of SARS-CoV-2 over time, and found evidence that the public health measures put in place in LA County to control the virus were effective at preventing transmission, but may have been undermined by the many introductions of SARS-CoV-2 into the region. Conclusion Our work demonstrates that genome sequencing can be a powerful tool for investigating outbreaks and informing the public health response. Our results reinforce the critical need for the U.S. to have coordinated inter-state responses to the pandemic.
The effects of hope and type C personality on social relational quality and acceptance of disability among breast cancer survivors: mediating role of medical coping style
Authors: Shen Xiaoying , Miao Runna , Lin Yuping , Sun Hui , Yang Wei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Objective: Previous studies have shown that the hope of breast cancer survivors is related to the social relational quality, and personality is related to acceptance of disability. However, research is still limited about the underlying potential psychological mechanisms of various psycho-social factors for this population. This study aims to investigate the impact of breast cancer survivors' hope and type C personality on social relational quality and acceptance of disability, and to evaluate the mediating effect of medical coping styles.Methods: A total of 150 breast cancer survivors during chemotherapy were recruited from Harbin, China completed a self-reported questionnaire containing the personal information questionnaire, Herth hope index (HHI), Type C behavior scale, Medical coping modes questionnaire (MCMQ), Social relationship quality scale (SRQS) and acceptance of disability scale (ADS). Results: Results showed that the proposed model fitted the data very well (c2=8.357, df=7, p=0.302, c2/df=1.194, GFI=0.981, CFI=0.991, TLI=0.982, RMSEA=0.037). Further analyses revealed that, Confrontation mediated the relationship between hope and social relationship quality (indirect effect=0.034, BC 95%CI=0.001~0.106), and acceptance-Resignation mediated the relationship between type C personality and acceptance of disability (indirect effect=-0.379, BC 95%CI=-0.637~-0.145).Conclusions: Confrontation and acceptance-Resignation played critical roles in the relationship between hope, type C personality and social relational quality, the acceptance of disability. Healthcare practitioners should be aware of the coping strategies of breast cancer survivors, and psycho-social interventions and supportive care should focus on these cognitive and emotional processes to improve social relational quality and acceptance of disability for this population.
Local Government Responses for COVID-19 Management in the Philippines
Authors: Talabis Dylan Antonio S. , Babierra Ariel L. , Buhat Christian Alvin H. , Lutero Destiny S. , Quindala Kemuel M. , Rabajante Jomar F. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Responses of subnational government units are crucial in the containment of the spread of pathogens in a country. To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine national government through its Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases outlined different quarantine measures wherein each level has a corresponding degree of rigidity from keeping only the essential businesses open to allowing all establishments tooperate at a certain capacity. Other measures also involve prohibiting individuals at a certain age bracket from going outside of their homes. The local government units (LGUs){municipalities and provinces{can adopt any of these measures depending on the extent of the pandemic in their locality. The purpose is to keep the number of infections and mortality at bay while minimizing the economic impact of the pandemic. Some LGUs have demonstrated a remarkable response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to identify notable non-pharmaceutical interventions of these outlying LGUs in the country using quantitative methods.Methods: Data come from public databases such as Philippine Department of Health, Philippine Statistics Authority Census, and Google Community Mobility Reports. These are normalized using Z-transform. For each locality, infection and mortality data (dataset Y ) are compared to the economic, health, and demographic data (dataset X) using Euclidean metric d = (x - y)2, where x ∈ X and y ∈ Y . If a data pair (x; y) exceeds, by two standard deviations, themean of the Euclidean metric values between the sets X and Y , the pair is assumed to be a 'good' outlier.Results: Our results showed that cluster of cities and provinces in Central Luzon (Region III), CALABARZON (Region IV-A), the National Capital Region (NCR), and Central Visayas (Region VII) are the 'good' outliers with respect to factors such as working population, population density, ICU beds, doctors on quarantine, number of frontliners and gross regional domestic product. Among metropolitan cities, Davao was a 'good' outlier with respect to demographic factors. Conclusions: Strict border control, early implementation of lockdowns, establishment of quarantine facilities, effective communication to the public, and monitoring efforts were the defining factors that helped these LGUs curtail the harm that was brought by the pandemic. If these policies are to be standardized, it would help any country's preparedness for future health emergencies.
Auricular Acupuncture Therapy for Stage I of Shoulder Hand Syndrome (SHS) After Ischemic Stroke: Study Protocol for a Randomized, Sham-controlled, Patient-blinded, Clinical Trial
Authors: Sun Jie , Meng Xiaonan , Oleson Terry , Wang Liping , Li Chunying , Zhang Lufen , Yu Haikuo , Zhao Zhen , Gao Sen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Shoulder hand syndrome (SHS) is one of the common complications after a stroke, with the incidence rate up to 75% in China. The stage Ⅰ level is manifested as chronic pain and limitation of movement, which could cause irreversible muscle atrophy, joint deformation and even loss of motor function if progress to stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Auricular acupuncture, as one important component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a micro acupuncture therapy which combines acupuncture and holographic theory. However, the clinical efficacy of auricular acupuncture is still controversial and the length of improvement by auricular acupuncture has not been validated by clinical studies. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy and duration of auricular acupuncture for pain relief and for motor function improvement in stage Ⅰ of SHS after ischemic stroke.Methods:This is a randomized, sham-controlled, patient-blinded trial. A total of 108 eligible patients with stage Ⅰ of SHS after ischemic stroke will be recruited from September 2018 to December 2020 and will be randomly allocated to three groups, A, B, or C, with a 1:1:1 ratio. Only body acupuncture will be applied in group A as a control group. Non-needle-insertion for sham auricular acupuncture will be combined with body acupuncture and applied to group B, whereas auricular acupuncture combined with body acupuncture will be applied in group C. Patients will be treated for 30 min per session, for 5 sessions per week for 3 weeks, and followed up for 6 weeks. The primary outcome will be the visual analog scale (VAS) for the shoulder and hand pain. The secondary outcomes will include the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Modified Brathel Index (MBI). Eligible patients would be evaluated before treatment, immediately after treatment, and followed up after 1 week, 2 weeks and 6 weeks to verify the duration of auricular acupuncture effect.Discussion:This trial will help to identify the effectiveness and duration of auricular acupuncture effect for stage Ⅰ of SHS after ischemic stroke. Trial registration:www.chictr.org.cn, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000037946. Retrospectively registered on 4 March 2020.
Case Fatality Rate of COVID-19 and Association With Sociodemographic Characteristics of Populations in Ecuador, 2020
Authors: Sacoto Karla Flores , Hierro Galo Sánchez Del , Estupiñan Xavier Jarrín , Hernandez Felipe Moreno-Piedrahita 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

COVID-19 has caused deaths worldwide affecting the most vulnerable population with different case fatality rates. Socioeconomic conditions have demonstrated a role regarding the spread of infections and mortality. Socioeconomic characteristics of Ecuador related to poverty, ethnicity and demographic characteristics increase the impact of COVID-19 in certain populations.
Methods
Objective

To analyze the influence of demographic factors on the COVID-19 case fatality rate (CFR) in Ecuador. Design: cross sectional study. Setting 24 provinces in Ecuador-221 cantons. Population: data including 233.277 confirmed COVID-19 cases of Ecuador. Primary and secondary outcome measures COVID-19 CFR and crude cause-specific death rate weight calculated using province-country level data from health ministry of Ecuador in data website.
Results

Ecuadors CFR is 4,03%, analyzed by cantons the CFR increases to a median of 5,75%, with cantons like Playas with a CFR of 32,39%. The morbidity rate has a median of 795,31 per 100 000 hab. with the highest rate in Isabela-Galápagos (10185,49), Aguarico-Orellana (9506,75) and Baños-Tungurahua (4156,85). And the crude COVID-19 death rate has a median of 39,73 per 100 000 hab. with the highest rate in Penipe-Chimborazo (201,29), 24 de Mayo-Manabí (143,79) and San Pedro de Huaca-Carchi (134,36). The correlations show relations with sociodemographic factors like poverty, ethnicity and scholarity.
Conclusion

The CFR is the proxy indicator of COVID-19 impact in Ecuador and the analysis made by location give us new information about the specific impact of this disease.
Melatonin alleviates hyperglycemic-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via regulation of long non-coding RNA H19/miR-29c/MAPK axis in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tang Haitao , Zhong Hongli , Liu Wanqing , Hua Tianfeng , Wang Yi , Li Zhenzhen , Chen Yongxin , Dan Zhangyong , Wu Dongqing , Zhou Qing , Wang Yuan , Wang Liuqing , Li Hongxia , Tang Songtao , Zhu Huaqing 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundRecent studies revealed that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a crucial role in pathophysiological processes involving diabetic cardiomyopathy that contributes to heart failure. The present study was designed to further investigate the anti-apoptotic effect of melatonin on cardiomyocyte in diabetic condition and to elucidate the potential mechanisms associated with ncRNAs. MethodsIn vivo, langendorff-perfusion system and histology staining were used to assess the effect of melatonin on cardiac function. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure the expression of ncRNAs. Protein expression levels were assessed by western bolt analysis. In vitro, hoechst 33258 staining and western bolt analysis were used to evaluate the effect of melatonin on apoptosis. We preformed luciferase assay and RNA immunoprecipitation to determine the targets of ncRNAs. RT-qPCR was used to observe the expression of ncRNAs in cardiomyocyte with high glucose treatment.ResultsIn animal models, our results indicated that melatonin notably alleviated cardiac dysfunction and mitigated cardiomyocyte apoptosis in diabetic rats. Interestingly, lncRNA H19 level was increased along with concomitant decrease of miR-29c level in diabetic rats. However, we demonstrated that melatonin significantly downregulated H19 level and upregulated miR-29c level in vivo. In vitro experiments, it has been verified that positive modulation of miR-29c and inhibition of lncRNA H19 as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways distinctly attenuated apoptosis in high glucose-treated H9c2 cells. Luciferase activity assay was conducted to evaluate the potential target sites of miR-29c on lncRNA H19 and MAPK13. LncRNA H19 silencing signiﬁcantly downregulated the expression of the miR-29c target gene MAPK13 via inducing miR-29c expression. Furthermore, MAPK signal pathways were also affected through regulation of H19 and miR-29c. Most importantly, our results showed that melatonin alleviated hyperglycemic-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via inhibiting lncRNA H19/MAPK and increasing miR-29c level in vitro.ConclusionsThese results elucidate a novel protective mechanism of melatonin on diabetic cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which associated with the effect of melatonin on lncRNA H19/miR-29c expression and its downstream MAPK signal pathways, providing a promising strategy for preventing DCM in diabetic patients.