bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spare half, share the rest: A revised planetary boundary for biodiversity intactness and integrity
Authors: DeClerck Fabrice , Jones Sarah , Estrada-Carmona Natalia , Fremier Alexander 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Setting clear biodiversity targets is a pervasive challenge1 due to the context-dependent nature of biodiversity that has evaded concise science-based objectives such as the 1.5°C for climate2. Considering the major risk of continued inaction, and further biodiversity loss, it is imperative that the biodiversity community identify similarly operational science-based boundaries supporting the development of targets to safeguard biodiversity and its contributions to human well-being. Confounding goal setting are the two distinct but not mutually exclusive conservation objectives: (1) halting the rampant loss of intact ecosystems, species extinction and population declines, and (2) maintaining biosphere integrity and ecosystem function. We propose a revised planetary boundary for biodiversity: retaining at least half of the area of each terrestrial ecoregion biologically intact to halt the extinction crisis, and maintaining ecosystem integrity across all lands to preserve and regenerate biosphere, ecosystem functions and their contributions to human well-being. We combine four intactness datasets to provide a global assessment and find that 49.6% of the Earth’s land ice-free surface remains intact. While this is promising globally, 69% of 798 unique ecoregions are less than half intact. For ecosystem integrity, we find 18.1% of working lands have ecosystem integrity deficits precluding the provisioning of biosphere and ecosystem functions. Ninety percent of ecoregions have an ecosystem integrity deficit. Globally, intactness and integrity are at boundary limits with degradation of nature critically jeopardizing biosphere capacity to support a safe and just space for humanity. Combined efforts are needed to halt loss of and restore intactness, while regenerating integrity in working lands.
First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients: results of the Peridialysis study
Authors: Heaf James , Heiro Maija , Petersons Aivars , Vernere Baiba , Povlsen Johan V , Sørensen Anette Bagger , Clyne Naomi , Bumblyte Inga , Zilinskiene Alanta , Randers Else , Løkkegaard Niels , Rosenberg Mai , Kjellevold Stig , Kampmann Jan Dominik , Rogland Björn , Lagreid Inger , Heimburger Olof , Lindholm Bengt 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Controversy surrounds which factors are important for predicting early mortality after dialysis initiation (DI). We investigated associations of predialysis course and circumstances affecting planning and execution of DI with mortality following DI. Methods: Among 1580 patients participating in the Peridialysis study, a prospective study of causes and timing of DI, features of predialysis course, clinical and biochemical data at DI, incidence of unplanned suboptimal DI, contraindications to peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD), and modality preference, actual choice, and cause of modality choice were registered. Patients were followed for 12 months or until transplantation.Results: First-year mortality was 20.2%. In addition to age and comorbid factors, independent factors predicting death were: clinical contraindications to PD or HD, a rapidly falling eGFR before DI, suboptimal DI, acidosis, high C-reactive protein, signs of overhydration (pulmonary stasis) and cerebral symptoms at DI while eGFR at DI was not. Among 1061 (67.2%) patients who could select dialysis modality based on personal choice, 654 (61.6%) chose PD, 368 (34.7%) center HD and 39 (3.7%) home HD. The 12-months survival did not differ significantly between patients receiving PD and in-center HD.Conclusions: First-year mortality in incident dialysis patients was associated with high age, comorbidity, worsening of kidney failure and clinical symptoms, acidosis, inflammation, and suboptimal DI while eGFR at DI and dialysis modality did not appear as predictors. These findings support the view that choice of dialysis modality among patients who are able to make an informed decision can be based on patient preference.
Aerial View of the Association between m6A-Related LncRNAs and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Huang Bowen , Lu Jun , Liu Dong , Gao Wenyan , Zhou Li , Tian Feng , Wang Yizhi , Jiang Bolun , Luo Mingjie , Liu Chengxi , Liu Jianzhou , Xun Ziyu , Xie Congyong , Guo Junchao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
There have been few reports on how long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) under the regulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification influences pancreatic cancer progression. In our study, the association between m6A-related lncRNAs and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was comprehensively described for the first time based on the construction of a lncRNAs prognostic model.
Methods
The lncRNAs expression level and the prognostic value were investigated in 440 PDAC patients and 171 normal tissues from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. We implemented Pearson correlation analysis to explore the m6A-related lncRNAs, univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) methods were performed to screen the critical lncRNAs in PDAC patients. Then we used bioinformatic analysis and statistical analysis to illustrate the association between m6A-related lncRNAs and pancreatic cancer.
Results
Seven prognostic m6A-related lncRNAs were identified as prognostic lncRNAs, and they were inputted in the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression to establish an m6A-related lncRNAs prognostic model in the TCGA database. Each patient has calculated a risk score and divided into low-risk and high-risk subgroups by the median value in two cohorts. Moreover, the model showed a robust prognostic ability in the stratification analysis of different risk subgroups, pathological grades, and recurrence events. The Cox regression demonstrated that the risk classification was an independent prognostic predictor. We established a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network based on seven pivotal lncRNAs and twenty-six m6A regulators. Enrichment analysis indicated that malignancy-associated biological function and signaling pathways were enriched in the high-risk subgroup and m6A-related lncRNAs target mRNAs. We have even identified small molecule drugs that may affect the progression of pancreatic cancer.
Conclusions
In conclusion, we provide the first comprehensive aerial view between m6A-related lncRNAs and pancreatic cancer's clinicopathological characteristics.
Influence of Coal Ash on the Concrete Properties and Its Performance Under Sulphate and Chloride Conditions
Authors: Mangi Sajjad Ali , Ibrahim Mohd Haziman Wan , Jamaluddin Norwati , Arshad Mohd Fadzil , Khahro Shabir Hussain , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study investigated the influence of Coal Bottom Ash (CBA) on the concrete properties and evaluate the effects of combined exposure of sulphate and chloride conditions on the concrete containing CBA. During concrete mixing, cement was replaced with CBA by 10% of cement weight. Initially, concrete samples were kept in normal water for 28 days. Next, the specimens were moved to combined solution of 5% Sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) and 5% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution for further 28 to 180 days. The experimental findings demonstrated that the concrete containing 10% CBA (M2) gives 12% higher compressive strength than the water cured normal concrete (M1). However, when it was exposed to solution of 5% Na2SO4 and 5% NaCl, gives 0.2% greater compressive strength with reference to M1. The presence of 10% CBA decreases the chloride penetration and drying shrinkage around 33.6% and 29.2% respectively at 180 days. Hence, this study declared 10% CBA as optimum that can be used for future research.
Highly-transmissible Variants of SARS-CoV-2 May Be More Susceptible to Drug Therapy Than Wild Type Strains
Authors: Schöning Verena , Kern Charlotte , Chaccour Carlos , Hammann Felix 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
As of March 2021, no antiviral drug regimen has proved effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection. With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, and vaccine campaigns only starting to be rolled out, we appear to have few options other than non-pharmacological measures. Emerging Variants of Concern (VOCs), e.g. B1.1.7, B.1.351, and B.1.1.248, however, are characterized by higher transmissibility (R0). Here we model and simulate the effect of altered R0 on viral load profiles, and its impact on antiviral therapy. As a hypothetical case study, we simulated treatment with ivermectin 600µg/kg for 3 days initiated at different time points around the infection. Simulated mutations range from 1.25 to 2-fold greater infectivity, but also include putative co-adapted variants with lower transmissibility (0.75-fold).Antiviral efficacy was correlated with R0, making highly transmissible VOCs more sensitive to antiviral therapy. Viral exposure was reduced by 42% compared to 22% in wild type if treatment was started on inoculation. Less transmissible variants appear less susceptible.Our findings suggest there may be a role for pre- or post-exposure prophylactic antiviral treatment in areas with presence of highly transmissible variants. Furthermore, clinical trials with borderline efficacious results should consider identifying VOCs and examine their impact in post-hoc analysis.
Life on Mars (LoMars): A bibliometric study of current research and future perspectives
Authors: Ali Arshad , Shahid Muhammad , Jabeen Iffat , El-Ghali Mohamed 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A quest for life on Mars (LoMars) started in the early 1960s when several research articles were published by the most prestigious scientific journals. The rise in annual literature production started in the late 1990s, most likely associated with the launch of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) first Sojourner Rover in 1996. This trend predicts that the articles on Mars would further increase in the future given the fact that the recent launch and landing of the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover is of utmost importance to find and understand the present or past life on the planet. So far, USA dominated the citations and collaborations with the rest of the world on Mars research given its facilities equipped with relevant infrastructure and researchers’ capacity to explore the Solar System beyond Earth. Majority of these frequently cited papers report results of observational and theoretical research; however, the highly cited paper (MCKAY D. S. et al. 1996) is based on analytical studies of a unique Martian meteorite (i.e., Allan Hills 84001) found in the Antarctica. It is expected that the sample return mission associated with the Perseverance Rover could possibly increase the LoMars research exponentially in the coming decades if Martian samples are successfully brought back to Earth. Based on the total number of publications on LoMars, highly influential institute, author, and journal represent Caltech, McKay C. P., and Icarus, respectively. Both the institute and the author are directly affiliated with the NASA, suggestive of the leadership offered by the organization in LoMars research.
Three dimensional statistical damage constitutive model of rock based on Griffith strength criterion
Authors: Chen Song , Cao Xiuling , Yang Zhao 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
According to the damage mechanics theory and Lemaitre strain equivalence theory, because most rock materials are brittle materials, Griffith strength criterion has good applicability to describe the fracture failure of brittle materials from the perspective of energy. Using a new method to describe the rock micro-element strength based on Griffith strength criterion, and assuming the micro-element strength obeys the Weibull distribution, a true triaxial constitutive model of damage softening reflecting the whole process of rock failure is established. On this basis, the influence of the two parameters in the model on the curve of the constitutive model is analyzed, and the relationship between the two parameters and the intermediate principal stress in the model is established, and the model is revised reasonably. Finally, a true triaxial damage constitutive model of rock is established. The results are in good agreement with the experimental curve, which verifies its validity and rationality. At the same time, the relationship between the damage evolution and the strain and stress is discussed, and the influence of the size of the intermediate principal stress on the relationship is analyzed in detail.
TBX5-AS1, an enhancer RNA, is a potential novel prognostic biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cheng Lin , Han Tong , Chen Bolin , Nie Kechao , Peng Weijun 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are demonstrated to be closely associated with tumourigenesis and cancer progression. However, the role of eRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains largely unclear. Thus, a comprehensive analysis was constructed to identify the key eRNAs, and to explore the clinical utility of the identified eRNAs in LUAD.Methods: First, LUAD expression profile data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and eRNA-relevant information were integrated for Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Spearman’s correlation analysis to filtered the key candidate eRNAs that was associated with survival rate and their target genes in LUAD. Then, the key eRNA was selected for subsequent clinical correlation analysis. KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were undertaken to explore the potential signaling pathways of the key eRNA. Data from the human protein atlas (HPA) database were used to validate the outcomes and the quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was conducted to measure eRNA expression levels in tumour tissues and paired normal adjacent tissues from LUAD patients. Finally, the eRNAs were validated in pan-cancer.Results: As a result, TBX5-AS1 was identified as the key eRNA, which has T-box transcription factor 5 (TBX5) as its regulatory target. KEGG analysis indicated that TBX5-AS1 may exert a vital role via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Additionally, the qRT-PCR results and the HPA database indicated that TBX5-AS1 and TBX5 were significantly downregulated in tumour samples compared to matched-adjacent pairs. The pan-cancer validation results showed that TBX5-AS1 was associated with survival in four tumours, namely, adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), LUAD, lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC). Correlations were found between TBX5-AS1 and its target gene, TBX5, in 26 tumour types.Conclusion: Collectively, we supposed that TBX5-AS1 is a tumor suppressor, and could be a new prognostic biomarker for LUAD patients and promote the targeted therapy of LUAD.
Congental Heart Disease: Growth Evaluation and Sport Activity in a Paediatric Population
Authors: Zoller Thomas , Prioli Maria Antonia , Clemente Maria , Pilati Mara , Sandrini Camilla , Luciani Giovanni Battista , Saccomani Marco Deganello , Ficial Benjamim , Gaffuri Marcella , Piacentini Giorgio , Calciano Lucia , Pietrobelli Angelo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective: To understand the anthropometric changes in paediatric patients with CHD, to evaluate their status and to assess their sport activity frequency.Methods: Of 535 children on follow up, we selected 368 Caucasian children (aged 2-18 years) with CHD, had at least one visit with measured weight and height, with no comorbidities that could influence growth. A total of 1690 complete anthropometric measurements were analyzed. Anthropometric z-scores were computed using formulae based on the LMS method according to Cacciari growth standards.Underweight, overweight and obesity were defined using BMI percentile cut-offs. Sport activity was collected through a phone interview.The CHD severity was classified as mild, moderate, severe, univentricular or unclassified.Results: Significant increase with age was observed for weight z-score [beta (95%CI): 0.03 (0.02,0.05) for one-unit of age] and BMI z-score [0.06 (0.03,0.08)] but not for height z-score. The percentage of underweight increased with disease severity, and the percentages of overweight and obese patients consequently decreased. The percentage of obesity in patients with mild CHD (5.9% [95%CI: 3.4,8.4]) was not significantly different from that in patients with moderate CHD (3.3% [1.5,5.0]), whereas it was lower in patients with severe CHD (0.4% [0.0,0.9]). No obese patients with univentricular heart defect was observed. Days spent in sport activities was equal to 1.9 [95%CI: 1.6,2.2] days/week, 1.9 [1.5,2.2], 1.4 [1.1,1.7] and 0.7 [0.1,1.3] in patients with mild, moderate, severe and univentricular CHD, respectively.Conclusions: Children with mild and moderate CHD present a risk of becoming overweight or obese that could not be underestimated and on the other hand could be prevented or reduced promoting an healthy lifestyle.
Dehydration Alters Behavioral Thermoregulation and the Geography of Climatic Vulnerability in Amazonian Lizards
Authors: Camacho Agustín , Brunes Tuliana O. , Rodrigues Miguel Trefaut 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Since high temperatures and low water availability often strike organisms in parallel, observing how they behaviorally thermohydroregulate may help us to better understand their climatic vulnerability. This understanding is especially important for tropical lizards, purportedly under greater climatic risk. We observed the influence of hydration level on the Voluntary Thermal Maximum (VTM) of two small amazonian lizard species: Loxopholis ferreirai (semiaquatic and scansorial) and Loxopholis percarinatum (leaf litter parthenogenetic dweller), accounting for several sources of variation (turn, body weight, start temperature and heating rate). Then, we used two modelling approaches (simple mapping of thermal margins and NicheMapR), to examine the effects of dehydration, decrease in rainfall, ability to burrow, and tree cover availability, on the geography of climatic vulnerability. Dehydration decreased the VTM in both species, which also reacted to start temperature and heating rates. Our two modelling approaches show that dehydration, changes the intensity, extent and duration of thermal risk across the Amazon basin. Based on our results and previous studies, we identify new evidence needed to better understand thermohydroregulation and model the geography of climatic risk, more realistically.
Ficus deltoidea ameliorates biochemical, hormonal, and histomorphometric changes in letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rats
Authors: Haslan Muhammad Aliff , Samsulrizal Nurdiana , Hashim Nooraain , Zin Noor Syaffinaz Noor Mohamad , Shirazi Farshad Hosseini , Goh Yong Meng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances are key features in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). We have shown that Ficus deltoidea var. deltoidea Jack (Moraceae) can improve insulin sensitivity and hormonal profile in PCOS female rats. However, biological characteristics underpinning the therapeutic effects of F. deltoidea for treating PCOS remain to be clarified. This study aims to investigate the biochemical, hormonal, and histomorphometric changes in letrozole (LTZ)-induced PCOS female rats following treatment with F. deltoidea.Methods: PCOS was induced in rats except for normal control by administering LTZ at 1 mg/kg/day for 21 days. Methanolic extract of F. deltoidea leaf was then orally administered to the PCOS rats at the dose of 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively for 15 consecutive days. Lipid profile was measured enzymatically in serum. The circulating concentrations of reproductive hormone and antioxidant enzymes were determined by ELISA assays. Ovarian and uterus histomorphometric changes were further observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.Results: The results showed that treatment with F. deltoidea at the dose of 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day reduced insulin resistance, obesity indices, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to near-normal levels in PCOS rats. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), estrogen, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) also similar to those observed in normal control rats. Histomorphometric measurements confirmed that F. deltoidea increased the corpus luteum number and the endometrial thickness.Conclusions: F. deltoidea can reverse PCOS symptoms in female rats by improving insulin sensitivity, antioxidant activities, hormonal imbalance, and histological changes. These findings suggest the potential use of F. deltoidea as an adjuvant agent in the treatment program of PCOS.
Environmental food and cognitive enrichment: a study of well-being for large captive felids at the Zoo of Goiânia
Authors: Rangel Marina , Júnior Nelson Da Silva 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In order to promote research and conservation of species, zoos tend to promote the modernization of this system, such as the insertion of larger and adequate enclosures, environmental enrichments, and above all the conservation of species. The main objectives of this work were: to promote environmental food and cognitive enrichment for big cats, in addition to discussing the validity of this enrichment model. The study animals were 12 animals: four tigers (Panthera tigris), three puma (Puma concolor), three jaguars (Panthera onca) and two lions (Panthera leo). We used a basic ethogram for the analysis of behaviors, in which there was an analysis of specific behavior: rhythm and inactivity. With the focal animal observation method, and using the “surprise box” enrichment method, which consisted of pieces of meat inside cardboard boxes, the statistical results obtained indicated that enrichment increased social, rest and physiological behavior, and slowed down and downtime. Each species reacted in a specific way to enrichments, with better results being noticed with the Panthera onca group, followed by the Panthera leo, Panthera tigris and Puma concolor group, respectively. The theory of the use of environmental enrichment was proven and compared with other works similar to this one.
A novel approach for selecting potent peptide inhibitors of the SARS-CoV2-Mpro protease
Authors: Pisarchik Alexander 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Here, we describe a new high throughput selection technology for identifying exceedingly specific and effective peptide inhibitors. This technology incorporates the co-expression of a cytotoxic protein and a library of peptide variants inserted directly into a loop of a carrier protein. Selection is based on the cytotoxicity neutralization by a member of a peptide library binding to and inhibiting the cytotoxic protein. Our technology provides the flexibility of screening both cyclic and linear peptides. Herein, we demonstrate the power of this technology by developing selective inhibitors of the main coronavirus protease (Mpro) in a matter of weeks by screening libraries of cyclic and linear peptides. This technology opens up an opportunity to develop inhibitors for a wide range of previously undruggable targets.