bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can salt-tolerant sludge mitigate the salt inhibition to acidogenic fermentation of food waste? Insight into volatile fatty acid production microbial community
Authors: Yin Jun , He Xiaozheng , Chen Ting 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
For treatment of saline wastewater, the feasible approach to mitigate the salt inhibition is using the acclimated salt-tolerant sludge. The aim of this work was to verify if the use of the acclimated sludge (AS) also could alleviate salinity stress on acidogenic fermentation of food waste (FW) under saline environment. The responses of volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and the microbial community to salt stress were investigated. Results showed that VFA production was reduced by high salinity (30 g/L and 70 g/L NaCl) compared with the control (0 g/L NaCl), especially for groups inoculated with the AS, whereas inoculating with the non-acclimated sludge (non-AS) caused less reduction. The impact of salinity was seen on VFA production with accumulation of more propionic acid and acetic acid along with traces of butyric acid. Significant shift on microbial community composition occurred upon biomass exposure to salt. The microbial communities of the non-AS and AS groups at the same NaCl concentrations converged over time. The non-AS groups contained a more proportion of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Atribacteria and Chloroflexi at high salt levels. These findings demonstrate that the non-AS was more conducive to VFA production due to the presence of higher proportions of hydrolytic and fermenting bacteria.Statement of NoveltyAlthough anaerobic digestion (AD) would be the most cost‐effective and sustainable technology, the salinity is considered to be inhibitory to anaerobic biological treatment processes. The recent applications of salt‐tolerant cultures for the treatment of saline wastewaters suggest that biological treatment is promising. Previous studies also reported that acidogenic fermentation as the first step of AD process is inhibited under saline conditions. However, no study to date has focused on acidogenic fermentation for volatile fatty acid production from food waste using salt-tolerant sludge. Therefore, there is a need for improved understanding of high salt stress to resource recovery from organic wastes. This understanding can help in the design of an operating strategy to alleviate the inhibition of waste treatment by salinity.
Role of Raphe Magnus 5-HT1A Receptor in Increased Ventilatory Responses Induced by Intermittent Hypoxia in Rats
Authors: Su Jiao , Meng Yang , Fang Yifei , Sun Linge , Wang Mengge , Liu Yanjun , Zhao Chunling , Dai Liping , Ouyang Songyun 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Intermittent hypoxia induces increased ventilatory responses in a 5-HT-dependent manner. This study aimed to explore that effect of raphe magnus serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1A) receptor on the increased ventilatory responses induced by intermittent hypoxia.Methods: Stereotaxic surgery was performed in adult male rats, and acute and chronic intermittent hypoxia models were established after recovery from surgery. The experimental group received microinjections of 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) into the raphe magnus nucleus (RMg). Meanwhile, the control group received microinjections of artificial cerebrospinal fluid instead of 8-OH-DPAT. Whole-body plethysmography was performed, and ventilatory responses were compared among the different groups of oxygen status.Results: Compared with the normoxia group, the acute intermittent hypoxia group exhibited higher ventilatory responses (e.g., shorter inspiratory time and higher tidal volume, frequency of breathing, minute ventilation, and mean inspiratory flow) (P<0.05). 8-OH-DPAT microinjection partly weakened these changes in the acute intermittent hypoxia group. Further, compared with the acute intermittent hypoxia group, rats in chronic intermittent hypoxia group exhibited higher measures of ventilatory responses after 1 day of intermittent hypoxia (P<0.05). These effects peaked after 3 days of intermittent hypoxia treatment and then decreased gradually. Moreover, these changes were diminished and even disappeared in the experimental group.Conclusions: The results indicate that RMg 5-HT1A receptor is involved in the modulation of the increased ventilatory responses induced by intermittent hypoxia.
A Panel of Emerging EMT Genes Identified in Malignant Mesothelioma
Authors: Wu Licun , Amjad Shaheer , Yun Hana , Mani Sendurai , de Perrot Marc 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MESO) is a highly aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in malignancies involved in tumor angiogenesis, progression, invasion and metastasis, immunosuppressive microenvironment and therapy resistance. However, there is a lack of specific biomarkers to identify EMT in MESO. Biphasic MESO with dual phenotypes could be an optimal model to study EMT process. Using a powerful EMTome to investigate EMT gene signature, we identified a panel of EMT genes COL5A2, ITGAV, SPARC and ACTA2 in MESO. In combination with TCGA database, Timer2.0 and other resources, we observed that overexpression of these emerging genes is positively correlated with immunosuppressive infiltration, and an unfavorable factor to patient survival in MESO. The expression of these genes was confirmed in our patients and human cell lines. Our findings suggest that these genes may be novel targets for therapeutics and prognosis in MESO and other types of cancers.
Alterations in Heart rate Variability in Blind Patients
Authors: Moreno Renaldo D. , Moreno-Mantilla Natália P. , Lima Marcos V. M. , Morais Mauro J. D. , Valenti Vitor E. , Abreu Luiz C. , Raimundo Rodrigo D. , Sato Monica A. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Blindness affect the daily life activities and the causes and prevalence are different worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of the autonomic nervous system modulation on the heart in blind and normal vision subjects submitted acutely to low vision. Normal vision (NV) subjects (N = 32) and blind patients (N = 24) were submitted to HRV analysis during resting, intervention and recovery periods. Intervention consisted of handling objects, short walking, and cognitive activities performed with pedagogic games while using sleeping masks. No difference was observed in indexes in the time and frequency domain, and in the geometric indexes comparing blind and NV subjected to acute low vision during resting and recovery. Nevertheless, during intervention, RMSSD, pNN50, and SD1were found lower in blind than in NV subjects. Therefore, blind patients showed similar HRV at resting or upon possible stressful challenges compared to NV subjects acutely subjected to low vision, indicating absence of differences in the cardiovascular risk between groups. In addition, blind patients show a smaller reduction in parasympathetic modulation on the heart during possible stressful challenges than NV individuals submitted to low vision, which is likely an important physiological adaptation for an adequate function of the cardiovascular system in blindness.
Seal Tightly and Store in a Cool Dry Place: Exploring Soil Phosphorus Storage in a Subtropical Treatment Wetland.
Authors: II Paul Julian , Osborne Todd Z. , Nair Vimala D. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Oligotrophic wetlands of the Everglades are often the final recipients of nutrients from adjacent ecosystems and tend to accumulate phosphorus (P) in their soils. Understanding P source and sink dynamics in wetlands are critical for managing wetland ecosystems and protecting downstream resources. In this study, soil P storage capacity (SPSC) was evaluated within two treatment flow-ways of the Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs). This study hypothesized that SPSC will vary between flow-ways, soil depth, and spatially along the inflow-to-outflow gradient. The P storage capacity in the STAs depend on the proportion of iron, aluminum, calcium, and magnesium (Fe, Al, Ca, and Mg, respectively) to P with floc and recently accreted soils (RAS) being associated more with Ca and Mg and pre-STA soils being associated more with Fe and Al. Phosphorus loss, as indicated from SPSC values would vary between systems and soil depths suggesting a variable condition of P sink and source within and along flow-ways. This result, while limited, demonstrates the applicability of SPSC to wetlands systems and provides information that will aid operational or management decisions associated with improving P retention of the Everglades STAs.
Should Calibration Curve Retire From Real-Time	PCR Assays?
Authors: An David 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) is a biological technique that collects data of target nucleotides as PCR occurs by integrating fluorescent dyes as visual indicators into the amplification cycles. This enables the detection and quantification of the DNA segments in a sample through measurements of the fluorescent's intensity. The cycle threshold (Ct) is defined as the number of cycles required for the fluorescent signal to pass a specified threshold and is inverse to the copy number, the initial number of nucleotides in the sample. Calibration curves are commonly used to approximate the copy numbers of experimental samples using standards with known copy numbers. This study is a retrospective review of historical data to help evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of calibration curves in a real-time PCR assay which have been used for screening of a genetic disorder in laboratories. The hypothesis is that including calibration curves in real-time PCR assays may decrease the screening specificity and accuracy, resulting in more false positives and additional retests. Three different scenarios were designed to replay the historical data and evaluate the relative accuracy of assays without calibration curves. The outcomes of all the scenarios conclude that calibration curves are not helpful for detecting target DNA fragments with low copy numbers, suggesting a reconsideration of their implantation in real-time PCR assays.
Intensity-Based Computation Tomography (CT) Evaluation of Temporal Changes in Lung Abnormalities During the Recovery Stage in COVID-19 In-Hospital Patients
Authors: Wang Yanjing , Lakin Robert , Jiang Nan , Yang Bo , Si Daoyuan , Ding Mei , Liu Guohui , Ma Peiyong , Wu Han , Ge Xiaoyu , Yu Bo , He Yuquan , Li Jiayu , Yang Ping , Sun Huan , Liu Lin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and its variants have increased rapidly worldwide since December 2019, with respiratory disease being a prominent complication. As such, optimizing evaluation methods and identifying factors predictive of disease progress remain critical. The purpose of the study was to assess late phase (≥3 weeks) pulmonary changes using intensity-based computed tomography (CT) scoring in COVID-19 patients and determine the clinical characteristics predicting lung abnormalities and recovery.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 42 patients (14 males, 28 females; age 65±10 years) with COVID-19. Only patients with at least 3 CT scans taken at least 3 weeks after initial symptom onset were included in the study. Two scoring methods were assessed: (1) area-based scoring (ABS) and (2) intensity-weighted scoring (IWS). Temporal changes in the average lung lesion were evaluated by the calculating the averaged area under the curve (AUC) of the CT score-time curve. Correlations between averaged AUCs and clinical characteristics were determined. Results: Using the ABS system, temporal changes in lung abnormalities during recovery were highly variable (P=0.934). By contrast, the IWS system detected more subtle changes in lung abnormalities during in COVID-19 patients, with consistent week-to-week relative reductions in IWS (P=0.025). Strong relationships were observed with D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on admission, with hazard ratios (HR)(95%CI) of 5.32 (1.25-22.6)(P=0.026) and 1.05 (1.10-1.09)(P=0.017), respectively. Conclusion: Our results suggest COVID-19-mediated pulmonary abnormalities persist well-beyond 3-weeks of symptom onset, with intensity-weighted rather than area-based scoring being more sensitive. Moreover, D-dimer and CRP levels were predictive of the recovery from the disease.
Use of Near-Infrared Imaging using Indocyanine Green Associates with the Lower Incidence of Postoperative Complications After Surgery for Intestinal and Mesenteric Injury
Authors: Yamaguchi Keishi , Abe Takeru , Nakajima Kento , Watanabe Chikara , Kawamura Yusuke , Suwa Hirokazu , Minami Yuta , Nojiri Kazunori , Ono Hidetaka , Yoshida Kenichi , Masui Hidenobu , Doi Tomoki , Takeuchi Ichiro 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAnastomotic leakage after intestinal resection is one of the most serious complications of surgical intervention for hollow viscus injury. Adequate vascular perfusion of the anastomotic site is essential to prevent anastomotic leakage. Near-infrared imaging using indocyanine green (NIR-ICG) is useful for the objective assessment of vascular perfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of NIR-ICG with intestinal and mesenteric injuries.MethodsThis was a retrospective, single-center study of patients undergoing surgery for intestinal and mesenteric injuries due to abdominal trauma from December 2006 to March 2021. NIR-ICG was used to evaluate vascular perfusion. Postoperative complications were assessed between NIR-ICG and non-NIR-ICG groups. ResultsThe use of NIR-ICG was associated with a lower incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complications with a statistical tendency (p = 0.076). No Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ II intestinal complications were observed in the NIR-ICG group. When limited to patients that underwent intestinal resection, the use of NIR-ICG was significantly associated with a lower risk of perioperative complications (p = 0.009).ConclusionsThe use of NIR-ICG tended to associate with the lower incidence of postoperative complications after intestinal and mesenteric trauma surgery. NIR-ICG was associated with a significantly lower risk of complications in patients undergoing intestinal resection. The NIR-ICG procedure is simple and quick and is expected to be useful for intestinal and mesenteric trauma.
Associations Between Asthma/Asthma Exacerbation and Previous Proton-Pump Inhibitor use: A Nested Case-Control Study using a National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Choi Hyo Geun , Min Chanyang , Yoo Dae Myoung , Tan Bruce K , Kim Joo-Hee , Kim Hwan Il , Park Ji-Young , Park Sunghoon , Hwang Yong Il , Jang Seung Hun , Jung Ki-Suck 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) block acid secretion from gastric parietal cells; however, recent studies have reported that PPIs have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in various cells. Newer PPIs are stronger inhibitors of acid secretion; however, the anti-inflammatory effects of these drugs have not been assessed. We evaluated anti-inflammatory effect of PPIs on the development of asthma/asthma exacerbation (AE) in a national health screening cohort.Methods: This case-control study comprised 64,809 participants with asthma who were 1:1 matched with controls from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of previous PPI use on an asthma diagnosis in all participants. Unconditional logistic regression was used to assess the effect of PPI use on AE in participants with asthma. These relationships were estimated in a subgroup analysis according to PPI generation.Results: Overall, PPI use increased the risk of asthma diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.23-1.35, P<0.001). Use of the first-generation PPIs was associated with asthma (aOR=1.34, 95% CI=1.18-1.52, P<0.001), while use of 2nd-generation PPIs was not (aOR= 0.97, 95% CI=0.82-1.15, P=0.748). In contrast, overall PPI use decreased the risk of AE in participants with asthma (aOR=0.79, 95% CI=0.75-0.84, P<0.001), although this effect was observed only for 2nd-generation PPIs (aOR=0.76, 95% CI=0.65-0.89, P=0.001).Conclusions: PPI use increased the risk for subsequent asthma diagnosis. However, this effect was confined to first-generation PPIs. Second-generation PPIs decreased the risk of AE.
Supporting Family Care: A Systematic App Review
Authors: Bidenko Katharina , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Mobile applications (apps) provide family caregivers of people with chronic diseases and conditions with better access to support and information. However, thorough understanding of how these apps meet the main needs and requirements of the users is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to review the currently available apps and evaluate their relevance to (1) caregivers’ needs in main caregiving domains, (2) caregivers’ personal needs, and (3) different caregivers’ groups.Methods: We conducted a systematic review on apps for family caregivers on two major app stores: Google Play Store and iOS App Store. Apps were included if the main target group were family caregivers. Data were extracted from the app descriptions found in the app stores.Results: The majority of the apps assisted caregivers in their caregiving activities. Apps were rarely tailored to specific groups of family caregivers and their needs. Further, apps addressing caregivers’ personal health, financial security, and work issues were scarce. Commercial apps dominated the market, often intermediating paid services or available for users of specific hardware. Public and non-profit organizations provided best-rated and free-of-charge apps but had a very limited range of offers with focus on caregivers’ health and training. Conclusions: Our results indicate that current apps for family caregivers do not distinguish specific groups of family caregivers, also they rarely address caregivers’ personal needs.
Short-Term of Malathion Intoxication on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Activity, and down-regulation of pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Organophosphorus Pesticide Toxicity in Rat Model
Authors: Sayadi Mehran , Kiani Mohammad , Alipanah Hiva , Mazloomi Seyed Mohammad , Nejati Roghayeh , Nematollahi Amene 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Malathion (MAL), a kind of organophosphate pesticides (OPs), is one of the oldest phosphoric pesticides, which used for both domestic and commercial agricultural purposes. However, it possesses adverse effects and organ-specific toxicity in relation to the heart, kidney and other vertebrate organs. The exact effects of the short-term toxicity of MAL on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokines is not yet clear enough. We evaluated lipid peroxidation (MDA level), antioxidant activity [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)], TNF-alpha, and IL-1 bet in different tissues of MAL-treated Wistar rats, at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 150 mg/kg. After 14 days exposure, CAT and SOD activity, MDA level increased in most tissues. The histopathological results showed that the most sensitive tissues to MAL toxicity were liver, kidney, and heart. Also, in general, increased TNF-alpha measured as inflammatory cytokine compared to untreated rats. IL-1 beta levels showed a dual response to the toxic effects of MAL; increased in testis, kidney and lung tissues and decreased in liver, heart and blood tissues.The present findings reinforce the concept that short-term MAL toxicity can cause tissue damage while enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing cytokine levels.
Treatment of Degenerated Intervertebral Discs using a Viable Disc Tissue Allograft for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Single-Site Outcomes with Aggregate and Longer-term Follow-Up Data
Authors: Davis Timothy , Sara Afrida , Nguyen Terry , Burkus John Kenneth 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDisruption of the internal structure of the nucleus pulposus commonly occurs with the development of painful degenerative lumbar disc disease. Supplementing disc tissue through autologous or allogeneic human cellular and tissue therapies has been tested in small sample clinical trials. A few investigators have reported substantial improvements in pain and function. A viable disc tissue allograft was developed to supplement tissue loss associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. MethodsWe assessed results in a subgroup of patients from a large trial comparing this allograft with other treatments. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of 218 subjects with chronic low back pain secondary to degenerative disc disease was conducted. Patients were treated with the allograft, saline, or nonsurgical management and studied for 12 months. We assessed longer-term results in a single-site subgroup from this prospective trial.ResultsAt 12 months, subjects from the single-site subgroup who had been randomly assigned to the active allograft group (n=17) showed improvements in both mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. There was an overall reduction of 28.69 points in the ODI and 33.06 points in the VAS. This was similar to the aggregate ODI and VAS scores of the active allograft group. At 24 months postprocedure, 9 of the 10 patients remaining in the active allograft group at the single study site had mean ODI and VAS score improvements of 28.23 and 36.13, respectively. A similar improvement in pain scores occurred in the 4 patients at 36 months with mean ODI and VAS score improvements from preoperative scores of 25.21 and 51.35, respectively.ConclusionsClinically meaningful improvements demonstrated in this single-site analysis were comparable to the aggregate study population at 12 months. Longer-term results from this single site at 24 and 36 months suggested durability of viable disc tissue allograft supplementation for patients with discogenic back pain.Trial registration﻿The trial was retrospectively registered 17 October 2018 on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03709901) and was approved by the Sterling Institutional Review Board, Atlanta, Georgia (IRB no. 5792).