bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dendrobium Mixture Improved Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice by Regulating TGF-β1/Smads Signal Transduction
Authors: Chen Yong , Lin Xiaohui , Zheng Yanfang , Yu Wenzhen , Lin Fan , Zhang Jieping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDendrobium mixture (DMix) is an effective treatment for diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether DMix regulates the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signal transduction pathway. MethodsTwenty-four db/db mice were randomly divided into three groups: the model, DMix, and gliquidone groups, while eight db/m mice were selected as the normal control group. The drug was administered by continuous gavage for 8 weeks. Body weight (BW), kidney weight (KW), kidney index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels were measured. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed using a light microscope. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) genes and proteins, respectively, in renal tissues. TGF-β1, Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad3, and α-SMA expression levels were measured using western blotting. ResultsDMix significantly reduced FBG level, BW, KW, and blood lipid level, and improved renal function in db/db mice. Histopathology showed that DMix alleviated glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and renal interstitial fibrosis in db/db mice. Additionally, DMix reduced protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and α-SMA, and inhibited Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that DMix may inhibit renal fibrosis and delay the progression of DN by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Key words: Diabetic nephropathy, Dendrobium mixture, TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway
Detection of Chikungunya Virus in Saliva and Urine Samples of Patients&nbsp;from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A Minimally Invasive Tool for Surveillance
Authors: Salles Tiago Souza , Sá-Guimarães Thayane Encarnação , Guimarães-Ribeiro Victor , Melo Ana Claudia Amaral , Ferreira Davis Fernandes , Moreira Monica Ferreira 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, we collected saliva and urine samples from individuals in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the years of 2017 through 2019 and we were able to detect the presence of Chikungunya virus genome in these samples. Our findings reinforce the possibility to monitor Chikungunya virus circulation by analyzing saliva and urine from individuals during inter-epidemic periods.
Challenges to Engaging Patients in Healthcare Implementation and Promising Solutions: An Environmental Scan
Authors: Woodward Eva , Castillo Andrea Isabel Melgar , True Gala , Willging Cathleen , Kirchner JoAnn 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Inequities exist in delivery of helpful, effective healthcare interventions. One emerging paradigm to address these inequities is to engage consumers of healthcare (e.g., patients, families, caregivers) in the implementation process. There are not enough examples or standards of successful consumer engagement in implementation, which limits clarity on processes other implementers could be using. Implementation scientists need a clear foundation from which to build processes or strategies with more specificity to engage consumers in healthcare settings. Methods: We conducted an environmental scan of three data sources: archived webinars, literature review articles, and interviews/observations with implementers who engaged consumers in efforts to introduce new programs and practices in healthcare settings. We described examples of consumer engagement in implementation efforts, categorized recurring challenges, and identified promising solutions to those challenges. We extracted and categorized data using a coding template informed by frameworks from implementation science and stakeholder engagement literature.Results: We found 26 examples of consumer engagement in implementation of healthcare service delivery (through research or clinical practice), mostly in the United States. Most implementers engaged consumers using a medium level of intensity. These projects described nine recurring challenges; the three most frequently identified were: 1) recruiting consumers representative of actual patients served in the healthcare system; 2) ensuring processes that allow for equitable communication among all stakeholders; and 3) retaining consumers in implementation efforts. We also matched promising solutions described by implementers to recurring challenges in consumer engagement in implementation.Conclusion: We clarified the foundation of who, how, and where a sample of implementers are engaging consumers in healthcare implementation initiatives. A notable finding is implementers rarely specified if they were targeting a patient population experiencing healthcare inequities.
Stability Analysis of Slope Considering the Energy Evolution of Locked Segment
Authors: Yin Xiangjie , Lin Hang , Chen Yifan , Tang Yi , Wang Yixian , Zhao Yanlin , Yong Weixun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Researches on the energy evolution of the key blocks is helpful to reveal the failure process of locked-segment type slope, whose stability is governed by the locking section along the potential slip surface. In order to study the failure mechanism of the locked segment in the process of slope progressive failure due to strength attenuation, a series of stability analysis on the numerical models of locked-segment type slope were implemented to record the relationship curve between energy and strength reduction coefficient. Then, according to the variation law and characteristic of energy evolution, the failure process of the locked segment was divided into four stages: elastic stage, initial damage stage, extensive damage stage and failure stage. And the reduction coefficient corresponding to the peak of the energy evolution curve was employed to achieve landslide warning. In addition, the method to determine the safety factor of locked-segment type slope was given, and its reliability was verified by comparing with other traditional methods. Finally, the formula for calculating the initial sliding velocity was presented based on the residual strain energy which is defined as the elastic strain energy of the locked segment when the slope is unstable.
Emergence of a Novel Recombinant of CV-A5 in HFMD Epidemics in Xiangyang, China
Authors: Yu Yuting , Luo Zhiyu , Jin Weiping , Mai Jianyi , Lu Jia , Meng Shengli , Wang Zejun , Guan Xuhua , Shen Shuo , Tong Yeqing 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by a variety of enterovirus serotypes and the etiological spectrum worldwide has been changing since a large scale of outbreaks occurred in 1997. A large number of clinical specimens of HFMD patients were collected in Xiangyang and genotyping was performed by qRT-PCR, conventional PCR amplification and sequencing. Among the146 CV-A5 cases detected, the complete genome sequences of representative strains were determined for genotyping and for recombination analysis. It was found that CV-A5 was one of the six major serotypes that caused the epidemic from October 2016 to December 2017. Phylogenetic analyses based on the VP1 sequences showed that these CV-A5 belong to the genotype D which dominantly circulates in China. Recombination occurred between the CV-A5 and CV-A2 strains with a breakpoint at the nt position 3,791 in the 2A region. The result may explain the emergence of CV-A5 as one of the major pathogens of HFMD.
Identification of a Frameshift Mutation in SON Gene via Whole Exome Sequencing in a Patient With ZTTK Syndrome
Authors: Peng Fujun , Zhu Lina , Hou Yu , Gu Ruijie , Wang Yongxia , Wen Xiufang , Jiang Taijiao , Ma Xiuwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: Since the association between SON gene and Zhu-Tokita-Takenouchi-Kim (ZTTK, OMIM 617140) is formally recognized, the purpose of this study is to detailed report a Chinese girl with clinical features and SON variant. The other aim is to review the previously published papers of ZTTK syndromes to summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics to provide guidance for the ZTTK diagnosis.Case presentations: We report a Chinese girl with typically clinical features of ZTTK syndrome: intellectual disability, developmental delay, cerebral cortex’s aberrations, epilepsy, vision problems, musculoskeletal abnormalities and congenital malformations. Then, the whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis showed that the child had a heterozygous mutation c.5753_5756delTTAG (p. Val1918Glufs*87) in exon 3 of SON gene, which was verified by Sanger sequence, lead to the loss of function of SON protein. Conclusions: We predicted that the heterozygous mutation c.5753_5756delTTAG (p. Val1918Glufs*87) in exon 3 of SON gene caused the ZTTK syndrome, and also was a very hot-spot mutation of SON gene. Further, the summary of all the patients with ZTTK syndromes in clinical, neuroimaging and genetics characteristics could provide guidance for the ZTTK syndrome’s diagnosis.
Who has nature during the pandemic? COVID-19 cases track widespread inequity in nature access across the United States
Authors: Spotswood Erica , Benjamin Matthew , Stoneburner Lauren , Wheeler Megan , Beller Erin , Balk Deborah , McPhearson Timon , Kuo Ming , McDonald Robert 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Urban nature can alleviate distress and provide space for safe recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, nature is often less available in low-income and communities of color—the same communities hardest hit by COVID-19. We quantified nature inequality across all urbanized areas in the US and linked nature access to COVID-19 case rates for ZIP Codes in 17 states. Areas with majority persons of color had both higher case rates and less greenness. Furthermore, when controlling for socio-demographic variables, an increase of 0.1 in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was associated with a 4.1% decrease in COVID-19 incidence rates (95% confidence interval: 0.9-6.8%). Across the US, block groups with lower-income and majority persons of color are less green and have fewer parks. Thus, communities most impacted by COVID-19 also have the least nature nearby. Given urban nature is associated with both human health and biodiversity, these results have far-reaching implications both during and beyond the pandemic.
A Transition Towards Localizing the Value Chain of Photovoltaic Energy in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almarshoud A F , Adam Elfadil 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The present paper draws attention to the importance of localizing the value chain of photovoltaic solar energy in Saudi Arabia based on the country’s vision for 2030 to meet the expected increase in energy demand. This paper describes various obstacles and enablers and shows the critical factors that restrain the development of the value chain of photovoltaic solar energy. In this paper, different phases of upstream and downstream activities of the photovoltaic industry value chain related to the current situation in Saudi Arabia were examined and analyzed. This paper further examines the capabilities of the local content of photovoltaic solar energy to determine the scenarios that can be adopted to enhance the photovoltaic solar energy industry. This paper analyzes the expected significant positive impact of localizing the value chain of the photovoltaic solar energy industry on the socioeconomic development, job creation, and technology transfer in Saudi Arabia. The paper concludes with recommendations to facilitate the expansion of the photovoltaic solar industry in Saudi Arabia.
Role of ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling module in the NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Jiang Jianjun , Shi Yining , Cao Jiyu , Lu Youjin , Sun Gengyun , Yang Jin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to explore the effects of ceramide (Cer) on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and their underlying mechanisms.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in J774A.1 cells and THP-1 macrophages was used as an in vitro model of inflammation. Western blotting and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA levels, respectively. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were measured by ELISA. ASM assay kit and immunofluorescence were used to detect ASM activity and Cer content.Results: Imipramine, a well-known inhibitor of ASM, significantly inhibited LPS/ATP-induced activity of ASM and the consequent accumulation of Cer. Additionally, imipramine suppressed the LPS/ATP-induced expression of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 at the protein and mRNA level. Interestingly verapamil, a TXNIP inhibitor, suppressed LPS/ATP-induced activation of TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect LPS/ATP-induced ASM activation and Cer formation. TXNIP siRNA and verapamil inhibited C2-Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, the pretreatment of cells with sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO), an irreversible inhibitor of the scavenger receptor CD36, blocked Cer-induced upregulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, TXNIP expression, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Inhibition of NF-κB activation by SN50 prevented Cer-induced upregulation of TXNIP and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome but did not affect CD36 expression.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the ASM/Cer/TXNIP signaling pathway is involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The results documented that the CD36-dependent NF-κB-TXNIP signaling pathway plays an essential role in the Cer-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in macrophages.
Implementation and effectiveness of continuous kangaroo mother care: a participatory action research protocol
Authors: Mohammadi Marzieh , Bergh Anne Marie , Heidarzadeh Mohammad , Hosseini Mohammad Baghr , Sattarzadeh Niloufar , Valizadeh Leila , Sarvaran Behzad , Hakimi Sevil 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background The efficacy of continuous kangaroo mother care (C-KMC) in reducing neonatal mortality and morbidity among low birth weight and premature infants has been confirmed. Despite the recommendations of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Health of Iran to use C-KMC for eligible hospitalized neonates, this type of care is not performed due to implementation problems. This protocol aims to describe the design, implementation, and assessment of C-KMC in one tertiary hospital by means of participatory action research.Methods The objective of this study is to design and implement a C-KMC program for neonates that will be performed in two phases using a stages-of-change model. The first phase will be conducted in three consecutive activities of designing, implementing, and assessing the introduction of C-KMC. The second phase of the study has a before-and-after design to assess the effectiveness of C-KMC by comparing the length of preterm neonates’ stay in hospital and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge before and after implementing C-KMC.Discussion KMC is an important component of neonatal developmental care as part of family-centered care. Applying this type of care requires creating appropriate strategies, budget allocation, and clear and coordinated planning at different levels of the health system. The stages-of-change model is one of the appropriate approaches to the implementation of C-KMC.
Thousands of previously unknown phages discovered in whole-community human gut metagenomes
Authors: Benler Sean , Yutin Natalya , Antipov Dmitry , Raykov Mikhail , Shmakov Sergey , Gussow Ayal B , Pevzner Pavel A , Koonin Eugene 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Double-stranded DNA bacteriophages (dsDNA phages) play pivotal roles in structuring human gut microbiomes; yet, the gut virome is far from being fully characterized, and additional groups of phages, including highly abundant ones, continue to be discovered by metagenome mining. A multilevel framework for taxonomic classification of viruses was recently adopted, facilitating the classification of phages into evolutionary informative taxonomic units based on hallmark genes. Together with advanced approaches for sequence assembly and powerful methods of sequence analysis, this revised framework offers the opportunity to discover and classify unknown phage taxa in the human gut.Results: A search of human gut metagenomes for circular contigs encoding phage hallmark genes resulted in the identification of 3,738 apparently complete phage genomes that represent 451 putative genera. Several of these phage genera are only distantly related to previously identified phages and are likely to found new families. Two of the candidate families, “Flandersviridae” and “Quimbyviridae”, include some of the most common and abundant members of the human gut virome that infect Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Prevotella. The third proposed family, “Gratiaviridae”, consists of less abundant phages that are distantly related to the families Autographiviridae, Drexlerviridae and Chaseviridae. Analysis of CRISPR spacers indicates that phages of all three putative families infect bacteria of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Comparative genomic analysis of the three candidate phage families revealed features without precedent in phage genomes. Some “Quimbyviridae” phages possess Diversity-Generating Retroelements (DGRs) that generate hypervariable target genes nested within defense-related genes, whereas the previously known targets of phage-encoded DGRs are structural genes. Several “Flandersviridae” phages encode enzymes of the isoprenoid pathway, a lipid biosynthesis pathway that so far has not been known to be manipulated by phages. The “Gratiaviridae” phages encode a HipA-family protein kinase and glycosyltransferase, suggesting these phages modify the host cell wall, preventing superinfection by other phages. Hundreds of phages in these three and other families are shown to encode catalases and iron-sequestering enzymes that can be predicted to enhance cellular tolerance to reactive oxygen species.Conclusions: Analysis of phage genomes identified in whole-community human gut metagenomes resulted in the delineation of at least three new candidate families of Caudovirales and revealed diverse putative mechanisms underlying phage-host interactions in the human gut. Addition of these phylogenetically classified, diverse and distinct phages to public databases will facilitate taxonomic decomposition and functional characterization of human gut viromes.
Reclaimed wastewater as an ally to global freshwater sources: a PESTEL evaluation of the barriers
Authors: Gul S. , Gani K. M. , Govender I. , Bux F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Together with climate change, rising living standards throughout the world have put pressure on existing freshwater sources and increased global water scarcity. The reclaimed wastewater projects face obstacles in sustainable implementation. This paper reviews Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal (PESTEL) factors that act as barriers to the successful implementation of the reclaimed wastewater. Owing to COVID-19, pandemic and presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in wastewater, future consequences on operations and public acceptance of reclaimed wastewater systems are discussed. This review will be useful for water experts, researchers and project planners for appropriate measures in future wastewater reuse projects.
Determination of variation uncertainty in runoff time series at multi-temporal scales
Authors: Ye Yan , Zhang Jinping , Long Xunjian , Ma Lihua , Ye Yong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to survey the possible periodic, uncertainty and common features in runoff with multi-temporal scales, the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method combined with the set pair analysis (SPA) method was applied, with data observed at Zhangjiashan hydrological station. The results showed that the flood season and annual runoff time series consisted of four intrinsic mode function (IMF) components, and the non-flood season time series exhibited three IMF components. Moreover, based on the different coupled set pairs from the time series, the identity, discrepancy, and contrary of different periods at multi-temporal scales were determined by the SPA method. The degree of connection μ between the flood season and annual runoff periods were the highest, with 0.94, 0.77, 0.7 and 0.73, respectively, and the μ between the flood periods and the non-flood periods were the lowest, with 0.66, 0.46, 0.24 and 0.24, respectively. Third, the maximum μ of each SPA appeared in the first mode function. In general, the different extractive periods decomposed by the EMD method reflected the average state of Jinghe River. Results also verified that runoff suffered from seasonal and periodic fluctuations, and fluctuations in the short-term corresponded to the most important variable. Therefore, the conclusions drawn in this study can improve water resources regulation and planning.
A method for classifying interrelation between sectoral regulatory laws and the ‘water-energy-agriculture nexus concept’ in Brazil
Authors: Torres Cássia Juliana Fernandes , de Lima Camilla Hellen Peixoto , Fontes Andrea Sousa , Ribeiro Daniel Veras , Moreira Ícaro Thiago Andrade , Medeiros Yvonilde Dantas Pinto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We propose a method to classify the level of interrelation between the water, energy and agriculture sectoral regulatory laws and selected main characteristics of the nexus concept. This method was created to be applied with sectoral regulatory laws so a study case was conducted in Brazil. The results show that all analysed legislations have low to medium interrelation with the criteria intrinsic to the nexus concept; the policies that stood out the most, regarding the number of criteria present in their scopes, were the national irrigation policy and the desertification policy; and in order to operationalize the nexus concept in management models in the Brazilian context, adjustments and a restructuring of regulatory laws are necessary. The proposed method was able to investigate the interrelation between regulatory legislations with the characteristics of the nexus concept as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
Simultaneous removal of NOx and SO2 from simulated marine ship flue gas in a novel wet scrubbing system based on divided diaphragm seawater electrolysis technology: efficiency optimization and economic assessment
Authors: Gong Pijian , Li Xinxue 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This work constructed a divided diaphragm seawater electrolysis system with two tandem packed towers for the synergistic removal of NOx and SO2. The first tower was mainly used to oxidize NO and SO2 by AC (active chlorine), and the second tower was used to further absorb NOx. The factors affecting on NO removal, including ACC (active chlorine concentration), pH value, initial NO concentration and temperature in the oxidation tower were investigated. Moreover, the effect of different inlet gas concentrations and current values were explored. The results showed that with the increase of ACC, the NO and NOx removal efficiency increased rapidly, but when the ACC was higher than 500 mg/L [Cl2], the removal efficiency did not increase further in the oxidation tower. Low pH values in the oxidation tower were favorable for NO removal. NO removal efficiency reached a maximum at 40 °C. Higher NO and SO2 concentrations were favorable for NO removal. The decline of pH in the anode cell was not conducive to the storage of AC in the continuous electrolysis removal process. NOx and SO2 were almost completely removed after being scrubbed in the oxidation and absorption towers. The relationship between current and removal efficiency of NO and SO2 in the oxidation tower was also analyzed. Finally, the removal mechanism and the application prospects were discussed.