bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Climate and Habitat on Morphological Characteristics and Fruit Production of Picralima Nitida (Stapf) in West Africa
Authors: AKABASSI Ghislain Comlan , Padonou Elie Antoine , Assogbadjo Achille Ephrem , Guede Noël Zirihi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Picralima nitida is an important African medicinal plant species used in pharmaceutical industries and traditional medicine to treat several diseases. Despite its importance, the species faces conservation problem. This study evaluated the effect of climate and habitat on morphological characteristics and fruit production of P. nitida. A total of 132 fruiting trees was randomly sampled from three habitat types (home gardens, botanical garden and natural forest) and three soils (Nitisols, Arenosols and Acrisols) in Dahomey Gap and Guineo-Congolese zone. A total of 5 morphological traits and fruit production were recorded per tree to describe the relationship between morphological determinism of the species and climate. Pearson correlation was performed to identify the suitable habitat type in each climatic zone. Harmonized World Soil Database was used to determine physicochemical characteristics of the soil types on which the species occurred. Results revealed that the climatic zones (p < 0.001) and habitat types (p < 0.0001) influenced significantly the morphological characteristics and fruit production of P. nitida. High trees with more number of fruits were observed in home gardens on acid soils (Nitisols (pH: 5) and Arenosols (pH: 5.3)) in Dahomey Gap. In Guineo-Congolese zone, the species was more present in natural forest on acid Acrisols (pH: 5).
Drug Utilization and Medical Cost Study Focusing on Moisturizers in Cancer Patients Treated With Molecular Targeted Therapy: a Retrospective Observational Study Using Data From a Japanese Claims Database
Authors: Kiyohara Yoshio , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Teng Lida , Kishida Momoyo , Kanakubo Akira , Motrunich Anastasiia , Onishi Yoshie , Igarashi Ataru 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose Molecular targeted therapies (MTTs) cause skin disorders in cancer patients, and moisturizers are useful treatments; however, their actual use and costs are unknown. Our purpose was to examine the use and costs of moisturizers prescribed for xerosis (asteatosis) in cancer patients treated with MTTs. Methods We used data from a Japanese hospital-based claims database. The index date was the first date of MTT prescription from October 2011 to April 2018 (selection period), and the follow-up period was 1 year from the index date. Patients treated with MTTs during the selection period and who were not prescribed moisturizers in the 6 months before the index date were included as the study cohort. Timing, duration, amount, and costs of the prescribed moisturizers and total medical costs were analyzed.Results Among the 78,190 patients in the study cohort, 27,906 patients (35.7%) were prescribed moisturizers during follow-up. Moisturizer prescription timing, duration, and volume were inconsistent. The average annual total medical costs for treating patients with MTT who were prescribed moisturizers was 6.165 million yen per patient, and the moisturizer costs were 6033 yen. The number of patients who used moisturizers showed an increasing trend.Conclusion No consistent patterns were observed for the timing or duration of moisturizer use, which suggests various developmental patterns of skin disorders. Furthermore, medical costs for moisturizers accounted for only a small proportion of the total medical costs required for cancer treatment.
Management of Solid Waste Deposited in Landfill of Used Motor Oil Recovery Units Via Production of Zeolite A With Proper Cation Exchange Capacity by Fusion Technique
Authors: Mamaghani Fatemeh Amir Aslanzadeh , Salem Amin , Salem Shiva 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The efficient management of solid waste deposited in the landfill of used motor oil recovery units is an important environmental challenge which is originated from the regeneration by bentonite as an effective adsorbent. The current study was attempted to convert the black waste into zeolite based compounds through fusion technique. The collected waste powder were mixed with sodium hydroxide, and boehmite followed by treatment at different temperatures, 600-800 °C. Then, the obtained precursors were hydrothermally converted to zeolite A or hydroxysodalite. The effect of parameters like alkalinity, boehmite, and sodium aluminate ratios, fusion temperature, and aging time on structural characteristics, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were studied in details. The potential of solid waste in the production of zeolite A is significantly affected by mentioned factors which govern on purity, crystallinity, morphology, and CEC. The cation exchange capacity about 190 mg g-1 can be achieved by alkali, and boehmite ratios of 2.00, and 0.53, respectively. The microstructural analyses showed the morphological evolution from rounded shape to sharp edges by fusion at 800 °C due to appropriate recrystallization. Besides, hydrosodalite powder with extended surface area, 77 m2 g-1, could be produced by limited content of boehmite in the presence of NaAlO2.
Demographic Processes Underpinning Post-Fire Resilience in California Closed-Cone Pine Forests: The Importance of Fire Interval, Stand Structure, and Climate
Authors: Agne Michelle C , Fontaine Joseph B , Enright Neal J , Bisbing Sarah M , Harvey Brian J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The resilience of serotinous obligate-seeding plants to fire may be compromised if increasing fire frequency curtails time available for canopy seed bank accumulation (i.e., immaturity risk), but how various drivers affect seed availability at the time of fire is poorly understood. Using field data from California closed-cone pine (Pinus attenuata and P. muricata) stands, we assess two critical demographic processes during the inter-fire period—reproductive capacity and mortality. At tree- and stand-levels, we test how these processes are affected by stand age and are mediated by biotic and abiotic factors. We found that stand age was the key driver of reproductive capacity; older stands had a greater proportion of reproductively mature individuals and greater closed cone density. Stand density mediated the effect of age; greater stand density resulted in greater closed cone density and a lower proportion of reproductively mature individuals, but reproductive capacity in low- and high-density stands converged over time. Increased moisture stress reduced the stand-level proportion reproductively mature but had no effect on closed cone density. Mortality was strongly associated with density-dependent thinning and increased in stands with high moisture stress. Reproductive capacity began to increase sharply 10 years after fire and by 20 years immaturity risk is low. However, prior to 20 years, low-density stands with high moisture stress may be more susceptible to immaturity risk. Understanding these relationships is critical to predicting serotinous population persistence under changing climate and disturbance conditions.
SpotRust: Deep learning corrosion detection with confidence
Authors: Nash Will , Zheng Liang , Birbilis Nick 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Corrosion costs an estimated 3 to 4% of GDP for most nations each year, leading to significant loss of assets. Research regarding automatic corrosion detection is ongoing, with recent progress leveraging advances in deep learning. Research is hindered by the lack of a publicly available dataset; thus, models use locally produced datasets suitable for the immediate conditions, but unable to produce generalized models for corrosion detection. These algorithms will output a considerable number of false positives and false negatives when challenged in the field. In this paper, we present SpotRust, a deep learning-based corrosion detector that performs pixel-level segmentation of corrosion. Moreover, three Bayesian variants of SpotRust are presented that provide uncertainty estimates depicting the confidence levels at each pixel, to better inform decision makers. Experiments are performed on a newly collected dataset consisting of 280 images, we validate our algorithms are accurate and reliable. Code is provided at https://github.com/StuvX/SpotRust.
Organization of Retinal Microvessels: Assessment Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Özyol Erhan , Özyol Pelin , Günel-Karadeniz Pınar 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: The vast majority of oxygen required for outer retinal layer, including photoreceptors is provided by choriocapillaris with a little support of deep retinal capillaris. This organization may differ between individuals depending on the variability in photoreceptor density. Based on these, we evaluated the changes and interaction between the retinal capillary networks—organization of retinal microvessels—using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) considering ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) and diurnal variations. Methods: Forty eyes of 40 healthy volunteers formed the sample for this cross-sectional study. Mean arterial pressure (mAP), OPP, and OCTA measures were noted at two different time points on a single day. Results: The mAP, OPP, superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC) perfusion values showed no diurnal change (p>0.05). When compared the mAP and OPP with the SCP, DCP, and CC perfusion measurements, there was no significant relation between them (p>0.05). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between DCP and CC values in both morning and afternoon (r=0.422; p=0.007, r=0.493; p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: The DCP and CC perfusion values show a significant moderate positive correlation. This correlation may suggest the role of DCP in the maintenance of oxygen homeostasis in outer retinal layers.
Hospital Resource Usage and Costs for Patients With Sickle Cell Disease in England: a 10-year Cohort Analysis
Authors: Jobanputra M , Gallagher M , Weber JM , Laird SG , McGahan M , Piel FB 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most prevalent serious genetic conditions in England. Increased patient numbers and more intensive management is thought to have resulted in higher demand for hospital services. This study attempts to quantify this increase.Data from the Hospital Episodes Statistics (HES) Admitted Patient Care (APC) and Outpatient (OP) datasets for patients with a diagnosis of SCD during the 10-year period January 2009 to December 2018 were extracted. Two sub-groups were defined, ‘high crises’ and ‘high transfusions’, with all other patients assigned to the ‘other SCD’ group. Analysis of hospital resource use in the three sub-groups was undertaken. Overall patient numbers increased by 9.9% (9,615 to 10,570) and treatment costs by 82% (£41.9m to £76.4m) over the ten-year period. Disproportionately greater: patient numbers and costs were observed in the two sub-groups of interest. In the high crises sub-group, patient numbers increased by 43% (1,194 to 1,713) and treatments costs by 310% (£9.4m to £38.5m), with corresponding increases of 187% (205 to 589) and 236% (£2.8m to £9.4m) in the high transfusions patients sub-group.Prevalence of sickle cell disease in England continues to grow resulting in significant demand on NHS services. Patients categorised as high crises and high transfusions are consistently greater users of hospital resource and account for the majority of NHS hospital expenditure.
Berberine-Loaded Liquid Crystalline Nanoparticles Inhibit Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Proliferation and Migration in Vitro
Authors: Paudel Keshav R. , Mehta Meenu , Yin Geena Hew Suet , Yen Lee Li , Malyla Vamshikrishna , Patel Vyoma K. , Panneerselvam Jithendra , Madheswaran Thiagarajan , MacLoughlin Ronan , Jha Niraj Kumar , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Singh Sachin Kumar , Gupta Gaurav , Kumar Pradeep , Oliver Brian G. , Hansbro Philip M. , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is reported to have a high incidence rate and is one of the most prevalent types of lung cancer contributing towards 85 percent of all incidences of lung cancer. Berberine is a potent isoquinoline alkaloid which offers a broad range of therapeutical and pharmacological actions against cancer. However, extremely low water solubility and poor oral bioavailability have largely restricted its therapeutic applications. To overcome these limitations, we synthesized Berberine-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNs) and investigated them in vitro for their antiproliferative and antimigratory properties in human lung epithelial cancer cell line (A549). 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), Trypan blue staining, and colony forming assays were used to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity, while scratch wound healing assay and a modified Boyden chamber assay were employed to determine the anti-migratory activity. We also investigated critical proteins associated with lung cancer. The developed nanoparticles (NPs) were found to have an average particle size of 181.3 nm with spherical shape, high entrapment efficiency (75.35 %) and have shown sustained release behaviour. The most remarkable findings reported with Berberine-loaded LCNs were significant suppression of proliferation, inhibition of colony formation, inhibition of invasion or migration via Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) related proteins associated with cancer progression. Further in-depth investigations into anti-cancer mechanistic research will expand and strengthen the current findings of Berberine-LCNs as a potential NSCLC treatment option.
Amino Acid Sites Related to The PB2 Subunits of IDV Affect Polymerase Activity
Authors: Wang Yutian , Sun Weiyang , Wang Zhenfei , Zhao Menglin , Zhang Xinghai , Kong Yunyi , Wang Xuefeng , Feng Na , Wang Tiecheng , Yan Feihu , Zhao Yongkun , Xia Xianzhu , Yang Songtao , Gao Yuwei 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: In 2011, a new influenza virus, named Influenza D Virus (IDV), was isolated from pigs, and then cattle, presenting influenza-like symptoms. IDV is one of the causative agents of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), which causes high morbidity and mortality in feedlot cattle worldwide. To date, the molecular mechanisms of IDV pathogenicity are unknown. Recent IDV outbreaks in cattle, along with serological and genetic evidence of IDV infection in humans, have raised concerns regarding the zoonotic potential of this virus. Influenza virus polymerase is a determining factor of viral pathogenicity to mammals.Methods: Here we take a prospective approach to this question by creating a random mutation library about PB2 subunit of the IDV viral polymerase to test which amino acid point mutations will increase viral polymerase activity, leading to increased pathogenicity of the virus. Results: Our work shows some exact sites that could affect polymerase activities in influenza D viruses. For example, two single-site mutations, PB2-D533S and PB2-G603Y, can independently increase polymerase activity. The PB2-D533S mutation alone can increase the polymerase activity by 9.92 times, while the PB2-G603Y mutation increments the activity by 8.22 times. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings provide important insight into IDV replication fitness mediated by the PB2 protein, increasing our understanding of IDV replication and pathogenicity and facilitating future studies.
Uterine Rupture Risk In A Trial of Labor After Cesarean Section With &amp; Without Previous Vaginal Births
Authors: Nahum-Yerushalmy Avraham , Walfisch Asnat , Lipschuetz Michal , Rosenbloom Joshua Issac , Kabiri Doron , Hochler Hila 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Previous cesarean delivery (CD) is the main risk factor for uterine rupture when attempting a trial of labor. Previous vaginal delivery (PVD) is a predictor for trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) success and a protective factor against uterine rupture. We aimed to assess the magnitude of PVD as a protective factor from uterine rupture. Methods : A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including women who underwent TOLACs from 2003-2015. Women with and without PVD were compared. Inclusion criteria were one previous CD, trial of labor at ≥24 weeks’ gestation, and cephalic presentation. We excluded pre-labor intrauterine fetal death and fetal anomalies. The primary outcome was uterine rupture. Secondary outcomes were maternal and fetal complications. Logistic regression modeling was applied to analyze the association between PVD and uterine rupture while controlling for confounders.Results: A total of 11,235 women undergoing TOLAC were included, 6,795 of whom had a PVD. Women with PVD had significantly lower rates of uterine rupture (0.18% vs. 1.1%; OR 0.19, p<0.001), were less likely to be delivered by an emergency CD (13.2% vs. 39.4%, OR 0.17, p<0.0001), were more likely to undergo labor induction (OR 1.56, p<0.0001), and were less likely to undergo an instrumental delivery (OR 0.14, p<0.001). Logistic regression modeling revealed that PVD was the only independent protective factor, with an aOR of 0.22.Conclusion: PVD is the most important protective factor from uterine rupture in patients undergoing TOLAC. A trial of labor following one CD should therefore be encouraged in these patients.
Toxicity And Accumulation of Lead And Cadmium In The Land Snail, Archachatina Papyracea In A Tropical Alfisol From Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Owojori Olugbenga John , Awodiran Michael , Ajana Oluwadunsin , Jegede Olukayode 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Snails are an important link in the transfer of contaminants, especially metals in the food chain. Yet, few studies have examined the toxicity and accumulation of metals in snails in the tropics. This study assessed the toxicity and accumulation of two non-essential metals (cadmium and lead) to the tropical snail Archachatina papyracea. Specimens of the snail A. papyracea were exposed in a loamy soil collected from Ile-Ife, Nigeria and spiked with varying concentrations of Cd and Pb over 28 days. Survival and weight change of snails were monitored weekly while tissue accumulation was assessed at the end of the 28-day period. Survival was a more sensitive endpoint than the weight change of snails. The Cd median lethal concentration (LC50) value was 93 ± 4.4 mg/kg, while the median effect concentration (EC50) for snail weight change was 131 ± 41mg/kg. For Pb, LC50 value was 1121 ± 457 mg/kg while the EC50 value for weight change was higher at 4541 ± 1180 mg/kg. Therefore, Cd was a factor of about 10 to 30 more toxic than Pb, consistent with findings on the relative toxicity of Cd and Pb to other soil organisms, including earthworms, springtails, and mites. Although not included initially as an endpoint, egg production in the snails decreased with increasing Cd and Pb concentrations in the substrate. Metal analysis of the foot and visceral mass of surviving snails showed progressive accumulation of Cd and Pb as concentration increased, showing the tendency to use body residue of A. papyracea as an indicator of metal pollution. It further suggests the role of this snail species in above-ground metal transfer in the food chain and highlights the potential danger for human consumption.
UCHL1 inhibited by A1 astrocytes facilitates aggregates clearance to promote neural stem cells activation after spinal cord injury
Authors: Ding Lu , Chu Weiwei , Xia Yu , Li Tian , Shi Ming , Zhou Feng-Quan , Deng Yubin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating central nervous system (CNS) disease with no satisfying therapies available. Mobilizing endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) to trigger intrinsic regeneration exhibits promising potentials for SCI repair. However, neurogenesis from endogenous NSCs is extremely restricted in the non-neurogenic spinal cord after SCI. Accumulation of protein aggregates has been shown to impede quiescent NSCs activation and the subsequent neurogenesis. Here, we found that ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase l-1 (UCHL1), a deubiquitinating enzyme, functioned to regulate NSCs activation and neurogenesis by reducing protein aggregations through ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) in vitro. Upregulation of UCHL1 in spinal cord NSCs of rats with complete transection SCI efficiently enhanced NSCs proliferation and neurogenesis, leading to significantly improved functional outcomes. Based on protein microarray analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), our results revealed that A1 reactive astrocytes acted to restrict NSCs neurogenesis by negatively regulating UCHL1-depentdent protein aggregates removal via the C3/Nrf2 signaling. Indeed, blockade of A1 astrocytes using neutralizing antibodies after SCI also led to NSCs activation, increased neurogenesis and remarkably enhanced motor function recovery. This study not only revealed a novel mechanism regulating NSCs-medicated neurogenesis in the spinal cord, but also provided new molecular targets for neural repair strategies after SCI.
Digitalization And CO2 Emissions In BRICS: What Role Does Education Play In The Green Economy?
Authors: Yang Lili , Wang Xiaofeng , Kim Su-Hyeon , Baek Seung-Woo , Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Andlib Zubaria 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This paper aims to examine the effects of digitalization and education on environment quality by using a dataset of BRICS economies from 1990 to 2018. Theories predict a positive effect of digitalization and education on environment quality but previous empirical studies on these nexus produced mixed outcomes. While our study has three core findings; mobile has a negative effect on CO2 in only Russia, while the internet has a negative effect on CO2 emissions in BRICS economies except India in long run. Thus digitalization plays a crucial role in fostering environmental quality in BRICS. Similarly, education has also improved the environmental quality in BRICS by reducing CO2. The effects of digitalization and education are significantly observed in mostly BRICS economies in short run. Regarding implications, this study recommends that the BRICS governments should improve digitalization in the economy and also repair the education system to realize significant green economic growth.
Improved Renal Cancer Prognosis Among Users of Drugs Targeting Renin-angiotensin System
Authors: Eskelinen Tommi , Veitonmäki Thea , Kotsar Andres , Tammela Teuvo , Pöyhönen Antti , Murtola Teemu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Purpose: We explored renal cell cancer (RCC) survival among users of antihypertensive medication as hypertension is proposed to be a risk factor for RCC and ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been associated with improved prognosis of RCC. Methods: Finnish cohort of 13,873 participants with RCC diagnosed between 1995-2012 was formed from three national databases. RCC cases were identified from Finnish Cancer Registry, medication usage from national prescription database and co-morbidities from Care Registry of Healthcare. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for metastatic tumor extent at the time of diagnosis. Risk of RCC specific death after diagnosis was analyzed using Cox regression adjusted for tumor clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 5,179 participants died of RCC during the follow-up. No risk association was found for metastatic tumor extent for any drug group. ACE-inhibitors, but no other drug group were associated with decreased risk of RCC specific death overall (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.95) compared to non-users. In time-dependent analysis high-dose use of ACE-inhibitors (392 Defined Daily Dose (DDD)/year), HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45–0.66 ) and ARBs (786.1 DDD/year, HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.87) associated with improved RCC survival. No information of TNM-classification or tobacco smoking was available. Conclusion: ACE-inhibitors and ARBs in high dose associated with improved RCC specific survival. This may reflect overall benefit of treating hypertension with medication targeting renin-angiotensin system (RAS) system among RCC patients. Further studies are needed to explore the role of RAS in RCC.