bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mudas de tamarindos irrigadas com diferentes tipos e proporções de água
Authors: Queiroga Ranieri Antunes de , Pereira Junior Ednaldo Barbosa , Moreira Joserlan Nonato , Santos Ranniery Felix dos , Lima Filho Pedro , Oliveira Filho Francisco de Sales , Bezerra Diego Ernani Leite , Ferreira Neto João , Brito Filho José de Sousa 
Published: August 2021

As precipitações pluviométricas irregulares e a elevada evapotranspiração são características da região semiárida do Nordeste Brasileiro. O conjunto dessas variáveis fazem da água um fator limitante para agricultura irrigada, o que torna a reutilização necessária, principalmente em locais sob condições de crescente escassez. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o desenvolvimento de mudas de tamarindos e sua influência nos atributos químicos do solo, em função dos diferentes tipos e proporções de águas. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no setor de produção de mudas localizado no Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Campus Sousa. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos inteiramente casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos resultaram das seguintes combinações: T1 = 100 % Poço Artesiano (PA), T2 =100 % Ar-Condicionado (AC), T3 = Combinação 50% Ar Condicionado + 50% Poço Artesiano (AC+PA), T4 = Combinação 50 % Efluente Agroindustrial + 50 % Ar Condicionado (EA+AC) e T5 = 100 % Efluente Agroindustrial (EA). As mudas de tamarindo foram produzidas em sacos plásticos, utilizando Neossolo Flúvico e esterco na proporção (2:1) como substrato. Foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: altura de planta, diâmetro de caule, número de folhas, massa verde e seca da parte aérea e raiz, comprimento da raiz e influência nos atributos do solo (pH, P, K, Na e MO). A combinação de 50% das águas de ar condicionado e 50% efluente agroindustrial se mostrou adequada na produção de mudas de Tamarindo. O efluente agroindustrial é recomendável para irrigação de plântulas de tamarindo, apesar dos elevados teores de sódio e cloreto. O uso da água de ar condicionado mostrou-se viável na produção de mudas de tamarindos.
Injúria renal aguda na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva em um hospital do interior amazônico
Authors: Silva Jamyle Balla da , Melo Cilene Aparecida de Souza , Barros Thiago Gonçalves 
Published: August 2021

Objetivo: Identificar e analisar a injúria renal aguda na unidade de terapia intensiva em um hospital do interior amazônico. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo, prospectivo, transversal com abordagem quantitativa de uma amostra de 30 indivíduos, realizada no período de maio a junho de 2021 em um hospital de referência no interior amazônico. Resultados: Observou-se que o sexo prevalente foi masculino (63%), e que 57% tinham mais de 55 anos. Prevaleceu o tempo de internação de até 7 dias (70%). O principal diagnóstico de admissão foi TCE/politrauma. Ratificou-se a HAS e DM como principais fatores de risco e que mais de 50% da amostra apresentou alterações glicêmicas e pressóricas durante a internação. Notou-se que 70% dos pacientes precisaram de VM e 63,40% de DVA. Os estágios 2 e 3 do KDIGO estiveram presentes em 70% da amostra. A principal medida terapêutica foi hidratação venosa e houve 40% de morte ao final deste estudo. Conclusão: Constatou-se que indivíduos que tinham alguma doença crônica de base e que tinham hábitos de vida não saudáveis obtiveram pior score na classificação KDIGO e apresentaram desfecho desfavorável. Portanto, compreender o perfil dos indivíduos atendidos no serviço pode favorecer melhor atendimento médico, com maior rapidez diagnóstica e permitir otimização terapêutica, afim de reduzir os impactos na morbimortalidade induzidos pela injúria renal aguda na unidade de terapia intensiva.
Design, Preparation, and Bioactivity Study of New Fusion Protein HB-NC4 in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Yaya , Li Lian , Wei Qiang , Chai Rongrong , Yao Qingqiang , Liang Chen , Wang Fuwen , Li Yan 
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is now becoming the main disease that affects public health. There is no specific medicine used for OA in clinical application until now. Recently, several studies demonstrated that OA is closely related to the complement system, and some complement regulators such as N-terminal non-collagenous domain 4 (NC4) aimed at alleviating OA have shown a promising therapeutic effect. However, targeting ability is the main limitation for NC4. In this study, a fusion protein named heparin-binding domain-N-terminal non-collagenous domain 4 (HB-NC4) was proposed to solve this problem, which could provide a better way for OA treatment. First, HB-NC4 plasmid was constructed using ClonExpress II one-step ligation kit method. And Escherichia coli BL21 was utilized to express the fusion protein, Ni2+-sepharose, and a desalting gravity column were introduced to purify HB-NC4. The results showed that 0.84 mg HB-NC4 could be obtained from a 1 L culture medium with a purity higher than 92.6%. Then, the hemolytic assay was introduced to validate the anti-complement activity of HB-NC4; these results demonstrated that both HB-NC4 and NC4 had a similar anti-complement activity, which indicated that heparin-binding (HB) did not affect the NC4 structure. Targeting ability was investigated in vivo. HB-NC4 showed a higher affinity to cartilage tissue than NC4, which could prolong the retention time in cartilage. Finally, the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model was applied to investigate HB-NC4 pharmacodynamics in vivo. The results indicated that HB-NC4 significantly slowed cartilage degradation during the OA process. In summary, compared with NC4, HB-NC4 had better-targeting ability which could improve its therapeutic effect and prolonged its action time. It could be used as a new complement regulator for the treatment of OA in the future.
Novel Role of Gestational Hydralazine in Limiting Maternal and Dietary Obesity-Related Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Larkin Benjamin P. , Nguyen Long T. , Hou Miao , Glastras Sarah J. , Chen Hui , Wang Rosy , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundMaternal obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in offspring, underpinning the theory of the developmental origins of health and disease. DNA methylation has been implicated in the programming of adult chronic disease by maternal obesity, therefore, DNA demethylating agents may mitigate offspring risk of disease. In rodent models, low-dose hydralazine has previously been shown to reduce renal fibrosis via DNA demethylation. We used mouse models of maternal obesity and offspring obesity to determine whether administration of low-dose hydralazine during gestation can prevent fetal programming of CKD in offspring.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice received high fat diet (HFD) or chow prior to mating, during gestation and lactation. During gestation, dams received subcutaneous hydralazine (5 mg/kg) or saline thrice-weekly. Male offspring weaned to HFD or chow, which continued until endpoint at 32 weeks. Biometric and metabolic parameters, renal global DNA methylation, renal functional and structural changes, and renal markers of fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed at endpoint.ResultsOffspring exposed to maternal obesity or diet-induced obesity had significantly increased renal global DNA methylation, together with other adverse renal effects including albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, renal fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Offspring exposed to gestational hydralazine had significantly reduced renal global DNA methylation. In obese offspring of obese mothers, gestational hydralazine significantly decreased albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, and serum creatinine. Obese offspring of hydralazine-treated lean mothers displayed reduced markers of renal fibrosis and oxidative stress.ConclusionGestational hydralazine decreased renal global DNA methylation and exerted renoprotective effects in offspring. This supports a potential therapeutic effect of hydralazine in preventing maternal obesity or dietary obesity-related CKD, through an epigenetic mechanism.
Inflammatory Amplification: A Central Tenet of Uterine Transition for Labor
Authors: Leimert Kelycia B. , Xu Wendy , Princ Magdalena M. , Chemtob Sylvain , Olson David M. 
Published: August 2021

In preparation for delivery, the uterus transitions from actively maintaining quiescence during pregnancy to an active parturient state. This transition occurs as a result of the accumulation of pro-inflammatory signals which are amplified by positive feedback interactions involving paracrine and autocrine signaling at the level of each intrauterine cell and tissue. The amplification events occur in parallel until they reach a certain threshold, ‘tipping the scale’ and contributing to processes of uterine activation and functional progesterone withdrawal. The described signaling interactions all occur upstream from the presentation of clinical labor symptoms. In this review, we will: 1) describe the different physiological processes involved in uterine transition for each intrauterine tissue; 2) compare and contrast the current models of labor initiation; 3) introduce innovative models for measuring paracrine inflammatory interactions; and 4) discuss the therapeutic value in identifying and targeting key players in this crucial event for preterm birth.
Combining Immunocytokine and Ex Vivo Activated NK Cells as a Platform for Enhancing Graft-Versus-Tumor Effects Against GD2+ Murine Neuroblastoma
Authors: Bates Paul D. , Rakhmilevich Alexander L. , Cho Monica M. , Bouchlaka Myriam N. , Rao Seema L. , Hales Joanna M. , Orentas Rimas J. , Fry Terry J. , Gilles Stephen D. , Sondel Paul M. , Capitini Christian M. 
Published: August 2021

Management for high-risk neuroblastoma (NBL) has included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and anti-GD2 immunotherapy, but survival remains around 50%. The aim of this study was to determine if allogeneic HSCT could serve as a platform for inducing a graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect against NBL with combination immunocytokine and NK cells in a murine model. Lethally irradiated C57BL/6 (B6) x A/J recipients were transplanted with B6 bone marrow on Day +0. On day +10, allogeneic HSCT recipients were challenged with NXS2, a GD2+NBL. On days +14-16, mice were treated with the anti-GD2 immunocytokine hu14.18-IL2. In select groups, hu14.18-IL2 was combined with infusions of B6 NK cells activated with IL-15/IL-15Rα and CD137Lex vivo. Allogeneic HSCT alone was insufficient to control NXS2 tumor growth, but the addition of hu14.18-IL2 controlled tumor growth and improved survival. Adoptive transfer ofex vivoCD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells with or without hu14.18-IL2 exacerbated lethality. CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity and produced high levels of TNF-αin vitro, but induced cytokine release syndrome (CRS)in vivo. Infusing Perforin-/-CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells had no impact on GVT, whereas TNF-α-/-CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells improved GVT by decreasing peripheral effector cell subsets while preserving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Depletion of Ly49H+NK cells also improved GVT. Using allogeneic HSCT for NBL is a viable platform for immunocytokines andex vivoactivated NK cell infusions, but must be balanced with induction of CRS. Regulation of TNFα or activating NK subsets may be needed to improve GVT effects.
Decreased USP2a Expression Inhibits Trophoblast Invasion and Associates With Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Ding Jinli , Zhang Sainan , Chen Xin , Yan Sisi , Zhang Yan , Yin Tailang 
Published: August 2021

An appropriate development of the placenta consisting of trophoblast cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and apoptosis, is essential to establishing and maintaining a successful pregnancy. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 2a (USP2a) regulates the processes of metastasis in multiple tumor cells. Yet, no known research has focused on exploring the effect of USP2a on trophoblasts and its possible mechanism in the pathogenies of recurrent miscarriage (RM). In this study, we first detected the decreased mRNA levels and the protein levels of USP2a in placental villous tissue samples from the RM patients. In vitro assays verified that overexpression of USP2a promoted human trophoblast proliferation, migration, invasion, whereas knockdown of USP2a inhibited these processes. Mechanistically, USP2a activated PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway to promote nuclear translocation of β‐catenin and further activated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the trophoblasts. Moreover, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) up-regulated USP2a expression in trophoblasts. Interestingly, M2 macrophage secreted TGF-β induced trophoblast migration and invasion, and an anti-TGF-β antibody alleviated this effect. Collectively, this study indicated that USP2a regulated trophoblast invasion and that abnormal USP2a expression might lead to aberrant trophoblast invasion, thus contributing to RM.
Experimental Study of Compressive Properties and Environmental Impact of Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Xuetong Ma , Debin Gao 
Published: August 2021

As the main component of fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete, the properties of recycled aggregate determine whether recycled aggregate concrete can be used in engineering applications. To study the compressive properties and environmental impact of recycled aggregate, large-scale indoor compression tests were carried out on recycled aggregate under different moisture contents, concrete aggregate ratios, dry-wet cycles, and loads. The results showed that the crushing rate and settlement first increased and then decreased upon increasing the moisture content. Upon increasing the concrete aggregate ratio, the settlement continuously decreased, and the crushing rate decreased from 157.2 to 82.5%. Upon increasing the number of dry-wet cycles, the settlement continued to increase to an upper limit of about 17.5%, and the crushing rate increased to 35%. Upon increasing the load, the settlement and crushing rate of the aggregate increased. These results show that the effects of aggregate ratio, moisture content, and dry-wet cycles on settlement were caused by crushing the aggregate. Based on this, a formula was constructed to predict the final settlement of reclaimed aggregate. The leaching amount of Cr in recycled aggregate was 0.0175–0.0375 mg/L under normal conditions, but under extreme conditions, the leaching amount of some sampling points was greater than in the standard requirements. This means that recycled aggregate may pose environmental risks that should be mitigated during use. Recycled aggregate can be used to construct sponge city storage and reuse facilities, as well as fiber-reinforced recycled aggregate concrete, but its sources need to be determined to ensure that it does not pose environmental risks.
Algorithm for Detection and Quantification of Hyperreflective Dots on Optical Coherence Tomography in Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Huang Haifan , Zhu Liangjiu , Zhu Weifang , Lin Tian , Los Leonoor Inge , Yao Chenpu , Chen Xinjian , Chen Haoyu 
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To develop an algorithm to detect and quantify hyperreflective dots (HRDs) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).Materials and Methods: Twenty OCTs (each OCT contains 128 b scans) from 20 patients diagnosed with DME were included in this study. Two types of HRDs, hard exudates and small HRDs (hypothesized to be activated microglia), were identified and labeled independently by two raters. An algorithm using deep learning technology was developed based on input (in total 2,560 OCT b scans) of manual labeling and differentiation of HRDs from rater 1. 4-fold cross-validation was used to train and validate the algorithm. Dice coefficient, intraclass coefficient (ICC), correlation coefficient, and Bland–Altman plot were used to evaluate agreement of the output parameters between two methods (either between two raters or between one rater and proposed algorithm).Results: The Dice coefficients of total HRDs, hard exudates, and small HRDs area of the algorithm were 0.70 ± 0.10, 0.72 ± 0.11, and 0.46 ± 0.06, respectively. The correlations between rater 1 and proposed algorithm (range: 0.95–0.99, all p &lt; 0.001) were stronger than the correlations between the two raters (range: 0.84–0.96, all p &lt; 0.001) for all parameters. The ICCs were higher for all the parameters between rater 1 and proposed algorithm (range: 0.972–0.997) than those between the two raters (range: 0.860–0.953).Conclusions: Our proposed algorithm is a good tool to detect and quantify HRDs and can provide objective and repeatable information of OCT for DME patients in clinical practice and studies.
Systematic Review and Recommendations to Combine Newer Therapies With Conventional Therapy in Psoriatic Disease
Authors: Arora Sandeep , Das Pankaj , Arora Gulhima 
Published: August 2021

Background: Psoriasis continues to have unmet needs in its management despite introduction of newer molecules. Monotherapy with these newer agents may not achieve therapeutic goals in all cases, hence necessitating their combinations with other molecules. Improved understanding of newer as well as conventional treatment modalities and experiences in their combinations hence necessitates therapeutic guidelines for their use in psoriasis.Objective: To review the combinations of treatments reported in literature and recommendations for their use based on best current evidence in literature.Methods: A literature review of MEDLINE database for studies evaluating combinations of newer therapies with conventional therapies in psoriasis was done. Newer therapies were identified as biologic disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs and other molecules such as apremilast while conventional therapies included methotrexate, cyclosporine, or retinoids, phototherapy and others. The therapeutic guidelines are proposed with the aim to provide evidenced based approach to combine newer and conventional agents in day-to-day psoriasis management.Findings: Combination of acitretin and narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB)/Psoralen with ultraviolet A (PUVA) achieves faster clearance and allows reduction of dose of the latter. A variable outcome is reported of methotrexate with TNF-α inhibitors vs. TNF-α inhibitors alone, although addition of methotrexate appears to reduce immunogenicity of TNF-α inhibitors thereby preventing formation of anti-drug antibodies especially in case of infliximab. While combination of acitretin and PUVA is beneficial, combining TNF-α inhibitors and phototherapy too produces better and faster results but long term risks of Non Melanoma Skin Cancers (NMSCs) may preclude their use together. Combination of cyclosporine and phototherapy is not recommended due to greater chances of NMSCs. Adding phototherapy to Fumaric Acid Esters (FAEs) improves efficacy. Apremilast can be safely combined with available biologic agents in patients with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis not responding adequately to biologics alone. Hydroxyurea and acitretin may be used together increasing their efficacy and reducing doses of both and hence their adverse effects.Conclusion: Selected clinical scenarios shall benefit from combinations therapies, improving efficacy of both conventional and newer agents and at the same time helping reduce toxicity of higher dosages when used individually.
Acute Polyradiculomyelitis With Spinal Cord Gray Matter Lesions: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Tsagkas Charidimos , Wendebourg Maria Janina , Mehling Matthias , Lorscheider Johannes , Lyrer Philippe , Décard Bernhard Friedrich 
Published: August 2021

Objective: Inflammatory polyradiculomyelitis belongs to a rare group of immune-mediated diseases affecting both the central and peripheral nervous system. We aimed to describe an unusual presentation of acute polyradiculomyelitis with marked spinal cord lesions restricted to the gray matter.Methods: Thorough examination of two case reports including clinical, MRI, serologic, electrophysiologic and CSF examinations as well as short-term follow-up.Results: We present two adult patients with acute polyradiculomyelitis and unusual spinal cord lesions restricted to the gray matter on MRI. The clinical presentation, serologic, electrophysiologic and CSF features of the two patients varied, whereas both patients demonstrated severe, asymmetrical, predominantly distal, motor deficits of the lower extremities as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction. Both patients only partially responded to anti-inflammatory treatment. Severe motor impairment and bladder dysfunction persisted even months after symptom onset.Conclusions: To our best of knowledge, these are the first reports of acute polyradiculomyelitis with distinct involvement of the lower thoracic spinal cord gray matter. Currently, it remains unclear whether gray matter lesions reflect a separate pathophysiologic mechanism or an exceedingly rare presentation of spinal cord involvement in acute polyradiculomyelitis.
Development and Validation of Prognostic Nomogram for Primary Peritoneal Serous Carcinoma Compared With FIGO Staging System: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Chen Ming , Wen Zhenzhen , Qi Zhengwei , Gao Min 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundPrimary peritoneal serous carcinoma (PPSC) is a rare tumor that lacks a prognostic prediction model. Our study aims to develop a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) of PPSC patients.MethodsPatients confirmed to have PPSC between 2004 and 2012 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen for meaningful independent prognostic factors to construct a nomogram model for 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS among patients with PPSC. The nomogram compared the discrimination, calibration, and net benefits with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system of PPSC patients.ResultsEight variables were selected to establish the nomogram for PPSC. The established nomogram performed significantly better than the FIGO staging system (p &lt; 0.05). The 3-, 5-, and 10-year OS of PPSC was 0.498, 0.306, and 0.152, respectively. Patients of old age, widowed marital status, grade high, FIGO IIIB, IIIC, or IV, lymph node metastasis, no lymphadenectomy, no surgery, and no chemotherapy got higher score which corresponds with higher risk and lower OS. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, age, histological grade, FIGO staging, lymph node metastasis, and lymphadenectomy (four or more) were identified as independent prognostic factors for PPSC.ConclusionsPPSC patients have distinct characteristics with respect to their presentation and survival outcomes. A prognostic nomogram constructed by various clinical indicators can provide better and more accurate predictions for patients with PPSC.