bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
De novo transcriptome analysis provides insights into the salt tolerance of Podocarpus macrophyllus under salinity stress
Authors: Zou Lijuan , Li Taotao , Li Bingbing , He Jing , Liao Chunli , Wang Lianzhe , Xue Shouyu , Sun Tao , Ma Xuan , Wu Qinggui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Soil salinization is causing ecosystem degradation and crop yield reduction worldwide, and elucidation of the mechanism of salt-tolerant plants to improve crop yield is highly significant. Podocarpus macrophyllus is an ancient gymnosperm species with a unique environmental adaptation strategy that may be attributed to its lengthy evolutionary process. The present study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of P. macrophyllus plants to salt stress by analyzing its photosynthetic system and antioxidant enzyme activity. We also analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in P. macrophyllus under salt stress using RNA sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly.

Results
Salt treatment significantly affected the photosynthetic system in P. macrophyllus seedlings, which decreased chlorophyll content, altered chloroplast ultrastructure, and reduced photosynthesis. The activities of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly following salt stress treatment. Transcriptome analysis showed that salt stress induced a large number of genes involved in multiple metabolic and biological regulation processes. The transcription levels of genes that mediate phytohormone transport or signaling were altered. K+ and Ca2+ transporter-encoding genes and the MYB transcription factor were upregulated under salt stress. However, the genes involved in cell wall biosynthesis and secondary metabolism were downregulated.

Conclusion
Our research identified some important pathways and putative genes involved in salt tolerance in P. macrophyllus and provided clues for elucidating the mechanism of salt tolerance and the utilization of the salt tolerance genes of P. macrophyllus for crop improvement.
Active constituent of Polygala tenuifolia attenuates cognitive deficits by rescuing hippocampal neurogenesis in APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Xiao-feng , Xiao Hong-he , Wu Yu-tong , Kong Liang , Chen Ji-cong , Yang Jing-xian , Hu Xiao-le 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common dementia worldwide, and there is still no satisfactory drug or therapeutic strategy.Polygala tenuifoliais a traditional Chinese medicine with multiple neuroprotective effects. In present study, we investigated the effects of three active constituents [3,6′-disinapoyl sucrose (DISS), onjisaponin B (OB) and tenuifolin (TEN)] ofPolygala tenuifolia(PT) on the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) to identify the potential active constituent of PT promoting hippocampal neurogenesis.MethodsNSCs were isolated from hippocampi of newborn C57BL/6 mice, and transfected with mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene to establish an AD cell model (APP-NSCs). 3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were performed, and the proliferation and differentiation of NSCs were assessed by neurosphere formation assay, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay and immunofluorescence (IF) staining analysis. APP/PS1 transgenic mice were administrated with the potential active constituent DISS for 4 weeks. Morris water maze (MWM), Nissl staining assay and IF staining assays were carried out to evaluate the cognitive function, neural damages and hippocampal neurogenesis, respectively.ResultsDISS exerted the optimal ability to strengthen APP-NSCs proliferation and neuronal differentiation, followed by OB and TEN. Furthermore, DISS treatment for 4 weeks strikingly rescued the cognitive deficits, neuronal injures, and neurogenesis disorder in adult APP/PS1 transgenic mice.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated that DISS is the constituent of PT that triggers the most potent increase of hippocampal neurogenesis in our mouse model of AD.
Preferences of Iranians to select the emergency department physician at the time of service delivery
Authors: Nargesi Dorrin Aghajani , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Pakdel Mohammadhasan Javadi , Gheysvandi Elham , Rad Enayatollah Homaie 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Understanding patient preferences in emergency departments (EDs) can provide useful information to enhance patient-centred care and improve patient’s experience in hospitals. This study sought to find evidence about patients’ preference for physicians when receiving services in EDs in Iran.

Methods
In this discrete choice experiment survey, 811 respondents completed the scenarios with 5 attributes, including type of physicians, price of services, time to receive services, physician work experience, and physician responsibility. Analyses were conducted for different social and economic groups as well as for the total population.

Results
This study showed that the willingness to pay (WTP) for being visited by a physician with a high sense of responsibility was 67.104US$. WTP for being visited by an emergency medicine specialist (EMS) was 22.148US$. WTP for receiving ED services 1 min earlier was 0.417US$ and for being visited by 1 year higher experienced physician was 0.866US$. WTP varied across different age groups, sex, health status, education, and income groups.

Conclusion
As the expertise and experience of providers are important factors in selecting physicians in EDs by the patients, providing this information to patients when they want to select their providers can promote patient-centred care. This information can decrease patients’ uncertainty in the selection of their services and improve their experience in hospitals.
A comparison of two assessment tools used in overviews of systematic reviews: ROBIS versus AMSTAR-2
Authors: Perry R. , Whitmarsh A. , Leach V. , Davies P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
AMSTAR-2 is a 16-item assessment tool to check the quality of a systematic review and establish whether the most important elements are reported. ROBIS is another assessment tool which was designed to evaluate the level of bias present within a systematic review. Our objective was to compare, contrast and establish both inter-rater reliability and usability of both tools as part of two overviews of systematic reviews. Strictly speaking, one tool assesses methodological quality (AMSTAR-2) and the other assesses risk of bias (ROBIS), but there is considerable overlap between the tools in terms of the signalling questions.

Methods
Three reviewers independently assessed 31 systematic reviews using both tools. The inter-rater reliability of all sub-sections using each instrument (AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS) was calculated using Gwet’s agreement coefficient (AC1 for unweighted analysis and AC2 for weighted analysis).

Results
Thirty-one systematic reviews were included. For AMSTAR-2, the median agreement for all questions was 0.61. Eight of the 16 AMSTAR-2 questions had substantial agreement or higher (> 0.61). For ROBIS, the median agreement for all questions was also 0.61. Eleven of the 24 ROBIS questions had substantial agreement or higher.

Conclusion
ROBIS is an effective tool for assessing risk of bias in systematic reviews and AMSTAR-2 is an effective tool at assessing quality. The median agreement between raters for both tools was identical (0.61). Reviews that included a meta-analysis were easier to rate with ROBIS; however, further developmental work could improve its use in reviews without a formal synthesis. AMSTAR-2 was more straightforward to use; however, more response options would be beneficial.
Diatomaceous earth/zinc oxide micro-composite assisted antibiotics in fungal therapy
Authors: Liu Huifang , Qiao Zhen , Jang Yoon Ok , Kim Myoung Gyu , Zou Qingshuang , Lee Hyo Joo , Koo Bonhan , Kim Sung-Han , Yun Kyusik , Kim Hyun-Soo , Shin Yong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs the second wave of COVID-19 hits South Asia, an increasing deadly complication ‘fungal infections (such as Mycosis, Candida and Aspergillus) outbreak’ has been raised concern about the insufficient technologies and medicals for its diagnosis and therapy. Biosilica based nano-therapy can be used for therapeutic efficacy, yet their direct role as antibiotic agent with biocompatibility and stability remains unclear. Here, we report that a diatomaceous earth (DE) framework semiconductor composite conjugated DE and in-house synthesized zinc oxide (DE-ZnO), as an antibiotic agent for the enhancement of antibiotic efficacy and persistence. We found that the DE-ZnO composite had enhanced antibiotic activity against fungi (A. fumigatus) and Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli, S. enterica). The DE-ZnO composite provides enhancing large surface areas for enhancement of target pathogen binding affinity, as well as produces active ions including reactive oxygen species and metal ion for breaking the cellular network of fungi and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the toxicity of DE-ZnO with 3 time less amount of dosage is 6 times lower than the commercial SiO2-ZnO. Finally, a synergistic effect of DE-ZnO and existing antifungal agents (Itraconazole and Amphotericin B) showed a better antifungal activity, which could be reduced the side effects due to the antifungal agents overdose, than a single antibiotic agent use. We envision that this DE-ZnO composite can be used to enhance antibiotic activity and its persistence, with less-toxicity, biocompatibility and high stability against fungi and Gram-negative bacteria which could be a valuable candidate in medical science and industrial engineering.
Increased risk of non-hematological cancer in young patients with aortic stenosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saliba Walid , Bental Tamir , Shapira Yaron , Schwartzenberg Shmuel , Sagie Alex , Vaturi Moti , Adawi Salim , Fuks Alexander , Aronheim Ami , Shiran Avinoam 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
We have previously reported an increased risk for non-hematological malignancies in young patients with moderate or severe aortic stenosis (AS). These findings were the result of a post-hoc analysis from a large echocardiography database and needed verification. Our aim was to determine, using a different study population, whether young patients with AS are at increased risk for cancer.

Methods
A large echocardiographic database was used to identify patients (age ≥ 20 years) with moderate or severe AS (study group) and patients without aortic stenosis (comparative group). The new occurrence of non-hematological malignancies was determined after the index date (first echo with moderate or severe AS or first recorded echo in the control group).

Results
The final study group included 7013 patients with AS and 98,884 without AS. During a median follow-up of 6.9 years (3.0–11.1) there were 10,705 new cases of non-hematological cancer. The crude incidence rate of cancer was higher in AS compared to non-AS patients (22.3 vs. 13.7 per 1000 patient-year, crude HR 1.58 (95%CI 1.46–1.71). After adjustment for relevant covariates, there was no difference between groups (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86–1.01). Only patients in the lowest age quartile (20–49.7 years), had an increased adjusted risk of cancer (HR 1.91, 95%CI 1.08–3.39). The HR for the risk of cancer associated with AS was inversely proportional to age (P < 0.001 for the interaction between AS and age).

Conclusions
Young patients with moderate or severe AS may have an increased risk for cancer. Cancer surveillance should be considered for young patients with AS.
Validity of serum leukotriene B4 as a marker of decompensated liver cirrhosis in chronic HCV patients: leukotriene B4 in decompensated liver cirrhosis
Authors: El-Shayeb Ayman , El-Mallah Sawsan , Deghady Akram , El-Hewely Samar , Elwazzan Doaa 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Liver cirrhosis is divided into two stages: compensated stage and another advanced stage which includes both decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure. The immune system is of major importance in cirrhosis pathophysiology. Sustained bacterial translocation from the intestine to systemic circulation causes a chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome. Inflammatory markers are emerging in the scope of cirrhosis and its complications due to their deleterious effects on disease progression and prognosis. The aim of the study was to assess the value of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) as a marker of decompensated cirrhosis and to evaluate its relation to disease progression and complications.

Results
The current study was conducted on 80 candidates in the Alexandria Main University Hospital, Tropical Medicine Department; they were categorized into three groups: group I (n = 30) compensated cirrhotic patients, group II (n = 30) decompensated cirrhotic patients, and group III (n = 20) apparently healthy individuals. Serum LTB4 was measured by ELISA. LTB4 showed statistically significant higher values in the decompensated group than the compensated group (p = 0.007) and the control group (p = 0.002). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the compensated group and the controls (p = 0.510). LTB4 correlated positively with the Child-Pugh score (p = 0.003). Moreover, it correlated positively with the MELD-Na score (p = 0.012). There was a significant correlation between the degree of ascites and serum LTB4 (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between hepatic encephalopathy and LTB4 (P > 0.204).

Conclusion
Serum LTB4 could be used as a sensitive biomarker of decompensation in cirrhotic patients.
Demoulding process assessment of elastomers in micro-textured moulds
Authors: Liarte Elias , Zambrano Valentina , A. Gracia Leticia , Amor José Ignacio , Borro Marcos , Hernández-Gascón Belén 
Published: October 2021

Background: Micro-texturing is an increasingly used technique that aims at improving the functional behaviour of components during their useful life, and it is applied in different industrial manufacturing processes for different purposes, such as reducing friction on dynamic rubber seals for pneumatic equipment, among others. Micro-texturing is produced on polymer components by transfer from the mould and might critically increase the adhesion and friction between the moulded rubber part with the mould, provoking issues during demoulding, both on the mould itself and on the rubber part. The mould design, the coating release agent applied to the mould surface, and the operational parameters of the moulding/demoulding process, are fundamental aspects to avoid problems and guarantee a correct texture transfer during the demoulding process. Methods: In this work, the lack of knowledge about demoulding processes was addressed with an in-house test rig and a robust experimental procedure to measure demoulding forces (DFs) as well as the final quality of the moulded part, between thermoset polymers and moulds. After the characterization of several Sol-Gel coating formulations (inorganic; hybrid) the influence of several parameters was analysed experimentally, i.e.: Sol-Gel efficiency, texture effects, pattern geometry, roughness and material compound. Results: The results obtained from the experimental studies revealed that texture depth is the most critical geometrical parameter, showing high scatter among the selected compounds. Finally, the experimental results were used to compute a model through reduced order modelling (ROM) technique for the prediction of DFs. Conclusions: The characterization of DFs in a laboratory, with a specific device operated by a universal testing machine (UTM), provided valuable information that allows a fast and optimized introduction of texturing in rubber components. Selection of a novel Sol-Gel coating and the use of the ROM technique contributed to speed up implementation for mass production.
Accounting narratives and disclosures in reporting the case of Letters from the Management Board Presidents of selected companies in the light of narrative economics
Authors: Bąk Melania 
Published: October 2021

Motivation: At the initial stage of accounting evolution it was considered an economic science, closely related to the activities performed by economic entities in economic conditions. Therefore, narratives in economics should be considered a determinant for the development of narratives in accounting. The indication of narrative economics as a reference point for narration in accounting supplements the research gap, since nowadays narratives in accounting are most often interpreted as the narratives prepared by companies and addressed to the potential stakeholders in the context of achieving specific goals by the management board and company executives.
Aim: The purpose of the article is to address the phenomenon of narrative accounting in the light of narrative economics and the evolution of reporting targeting non-financial information.
Results: Economic narratives facilitate the understanding of numbers, extend and supplement financial information and allow for the interpretation of economic processes. The narratives coming from economics are processed and disclosed in accounting. They are an indispensable attribute of modern accounting as well as its narration. Reporting is an important instrument allowing narration in accounting (primarily non-financial reporting). The research confirms: positive messages included in the analysed Letters from Management Board Presidents; references in the text to economic factors and the characteristic financial and social activities in specific companies; indication of the key words in the text, among which the dominant ones are those with a positive overtone and also the ones relating to non-material resources; creating narrative reporting in order to develop and strengthen relationships with potential stakeholders.
Systemic transformation in Poland and Eastern Germany: two versions of the Social Market Economy?
Authors: Kamińska Katarzyna 
Published: October 2021

Motivation: The process of systemic transformation in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland and Eastern Germany, which began in the early 1990s, can be described as a unique event in the entire economic history of the world. Therefore, in a situation where it was necessary to decide on the model and pace of stabilization, it was difficult to refer to the experience of other countries. The 30 years that have passed since the beginning of the systemic transformation in Poland and East Germany have been a convenient time to assess the course of the transformation process, the changes that have taken place in these economies, and describe the economic models that have shaped them. The reason for this lies in the importance of this subject and the consequences which the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland and East Germany, continue to face. Parts of this paper were written as part of Statutory Research at the College of World Economy of the Warsaw School of Economics in 2020, 30 years after the system transformation: lessons and current challenges for the economy in Germany and Poland.
Aim: The article aims to compare the course and consequences of the systemic transformation in Poland and East Germany, highlight subconsciousness and differences, and determine to what extent the shape of the economic system meets the assumptions of the Social Market Economy.
Results: The primary added value of the article is a comparative analysis of the Polish and East German systemic transformation from the perspective of 30 years from its beginning, its successes and failures and a reference to the assumptions of the social market economy, as well as an attempt to answer the question about the contemporary characteristics of both economies.
The structure of gig workers in the global online gig economy by country of origin and its institutional foundations
Authors: Ostoj Izabela 
Published: October 2021

Motivation: The online gig economy, where labour is provided via specialized digital platforms, is an important element of the platform economy. This market is developing on a global scale. The structure of supply in the online gig economy and the reasons for the domination of gig workers from specific countries are still the areas remaining relatively under-researched.
Aim: The article aims to examine the supply side of the online gig economy based on the country of origin of gig workers, as well as to explain the reasons why gig workers from specific countries have dominated the sector.
Results: The analysis of the data from the Oxford Internet Institute proved that the supply of online labour services in the global market is dominated by three Asian countries — India, Pakistan, Bangladesh — as well as the USA and the United Kingdom. The preliminary investigation into the determinants of the supply of labour services indicates that the countries under research have developed favorable institutional conditions, such as the universal knowledge of the English language, the right proportion of Internet users to the population size, the large informal sector, and considerable labour freedom.
The role of patents in cartel stability
Authors: Prokop Jacek 
Published: October 2021

Motivation: Oligopolistic firms entering a collusive agreement often face the prisoner dilemma problem which makes such agreements inherently unstable. There has been a wide discussion in the literature on a variety of solutions to stabilize cartel arrangements. Only recently, it has been pointed out that patents could play an important role in cartel creation and functioning. However, there is a need for a formal modelling to better understand the role of patents in market competition.
Aim: In this paper, we consider the impact of patent rights on the competition of duopolists in the final product market. We assess the incentives of firms holding essential patents to create a cartel. Our main objective is to investigate the role of patents in cartel stability.
Results: Using game-theoretical approach, we show that it is beneficial for the patent-holding duoplists to form a cartel. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the existence of patents may help eliminate the prisoner dilemma problem faced by the participants of collusive agreement and significantly contribute to cartel stability. These conclusions suggest that patents may play an important role in restricting market competition.