bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exotic Tree Species Outnumbering Native Tree Species: an Alarming Situation for the Sustainable Urban Plantation Development
Authors: Shafique Muhammad Umair Umair , Younis Adnan , Asif Muhammad , Hameed Mansoor 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This present study mainly focuses on the tree distribution and diversity of some selected roadsides in Faisalabad, a major city in Punjab, Pakistan. A total census of the tree population on selected roads was carried out and then studied for various parameters. Shannon–Wiener index, Reciprocal of Simpson’s diversity index, and Shannon Evenness were among the different species diversity indices which were studied. Observational results showed that the selected roads in the city hold low tree diversity, with nearly 2858 trees of 34 species, 30 genera, and 15 families. Mainly exotic tree species dominated the plantation of selected roadsides. The topmost three species contributing approximately 60% of the tree population are Conocarpus erectus, Eucalyptus crebra, and Terminalia mantaly. Despite the dominance of exotic tree species, many native tree species are also growing along selected roadsides. Since, Faisalabad has been reported as one of the most polluted cities in the world due to high suspended particulate matter, appropriate efforts are needed to improve the plantation pattern and also to enhance the canopy of the trees in the city to minimize the problem of air pollution.
Preliminary Evidence That Lectins in Infant Soy Formula Apparently Bind Bovine Milk Exosomes and Prevent Their Absorption in Healthy Adults
Authors: Mutai Ezra , Ngu Alice , Zempleni Janos 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Milk exosomes and their microRNA (miR) cargos are bioavailable. The content of exosomes and miRs is negligible in infant formulas compared to human milk, and dietary depletion of exosomes led to changes in bacterial communities and impaired gut health in juvenile mice. Adverse effects of formula feeding may be compounded by using soy formulas due to exosome binding by abundant lectins in that matrix. The purpose of this study was to assess the bioavailability of milk exosomes and their miR cargos added to soy formula in adults, as well as the potential role of soy lectins in exosome bioavailability.Methods: Eleven healthy adults (6 men, 5 women) enrolled in this randomized crossover study. Participants consumed 1.0 liter of soy formula without (SF) or with (SFE) bovine milk exosomes added. Concentration-time curves of six plasma miRs were analyzed using reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Lectin affinity chromatography was used to assess the binding of exosomes by soy lectins. Data were analyzed by using paired t test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Consumption of SF and SFE did not elicit postprandial increases in plasma miRs. Approximately 39% of bovine milk exosome particles were retained by lectin columns.Conclusions: We conclude that fortification of soy formulas with milk exosomes, in the absence of removing lectins, is not a viable strategy for delivering bioavailable exosomes and their miR cargos. Lectins in soy formulas bind glycoprotein on the surfaces of milk exosomes, thereby preventing exosome absorption.Trial RegistrationISRCTN registry ID: 16329971. Retrospectively registered on February 7th, 2019.
Risk Factors for the Occurrence and Protraction of Anterior Knee Pain in Children and Adolescents: a Prospective Cohort Study of 3 Years
Authors: Horii Manato , Akagi Ryuichiro , Takahashi Sho , Watanabe Shotaro , Ogawa Yuya , Kimura Seiji , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Ohtori Seiji , Sasho Takahisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background:

Anterior knee pain (AKP) is a common limitation to children’s participation in social and physical activities. Therefore, to prevent the occurrence and protraction of AKP, it is crucial to identify risk factors. The purpose of this study was to clarify the factors associated with the occurrence and protraction of AKP in children and adolescents.
Method:

A three-year prospective cohort study was conducted with children and adolescents aged 8–14 in Japan. We recorded the occurrence of AKP, heel buttock distance, straight leg raising angle (SLRA), dorsiflexion angle of the ankle joint, and the Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for each predicted risk factor for the occurrence and protraction of AKP among subjects without AKP at baseline.
Results:

We recruited 1,254 children and adolescents for the present study, and 1,133 children and adolescents who did not have AKP at baseline were included in the analysis. Six to nine percent of the subjects developed AKP annually. A high HSS Pedi-FABS score significantly predicted AKP occurrence (in 2017, OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02−1.12, p = 0.003; in 2018, OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01−1.10, p = 0.025). Of the participants, 32.9% developed chronic AKP during the follow-up period. When 8-year-old was used as a reference age, 13-year-old subjects (right side, OR 2.37, 95% CI, 1.00−5.61, p = 0.05) and 14-year-old subjects (right side, OR 2.57, 95% CI, 1.00−6.60, p = 0.049; left side, OR 6.32; 95% CI 1.33−30.00, p = 0.020) were at a significantly higher risk of AKP protraction.
Conclusions:

This study showed that a greater physical activity level was a risk factor for the onset of anterior knee pain in childhood. In addition, one-third of the children and adolescents developed chronic knee pain, and elderly adolescents were at a higher risk of protraction.
Revealing Genetic Diversity, Population Structure and Cultivar-Specific SSR Alleles in Pistachio Using SSR Markers
Authors: Karcı Harun , Paizila Aibibula , Güney Murat , Zhaanbaev Mederbek , Kafkas Salih 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is the only cultivated species in Pistacia genus and one of the most important nut crop in terms of production. Pistachio cultivars have significant level of variation in their phenotypic appearance and productivity. Understanding the genetic diversity between pistachio cultivars could facilitate breeding programs. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are powerful tools in genetic diversity and germplasm collection studies. However, published information about the characterization of large scale pistachio cultivar germplasm with adequate number of SSR markers is limited. In this study, sixty-six pistachio cultivars and genotypes originated from six different countries were characterized and fingerprinted by 74 genomic and 18 genic SSR markers. SSR analysis identified 576 alleles for all 66 cultivars and genotypes. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 20 (CUPOhBa1592) alleles with a mean value of six alleles per locus. The polymorphism information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.07 (CUPVEST2939) to 0.87 (CUPSiOh2460) with a mean PIC value of 0.58. The pistachio cultivars and genotypes were divided into five clusters according to Structure and UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Average) analysis. Total of 61 cultivar specific alleles were detected in 34 cultivars, among them three primers (CUPOhBa1592, CUPBaPa1606 and CUPOhBa2127) produced more than four cultivar-specific loci therefore very promising for cultivar identification, fingerprinting and breeding studies in pistachio.
Purification, Identification And Characterization of Nag2 N-Acetylglucosaminidase From Trichoderma Virens Strain Mango
Authors: Huang Jheng-Hua , Zeng Feng-Jin , Guo Jhe-Fu , Huang Jian-Yuan , Lin Hua-Chian , Lo Chaur-Tsuen , Chou Wing-Ming 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: N -acetylglucosaminidase (NAGase) could liberate N -acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) from GlcNAc-containing oligosaccharides. Trichoderma spp. is an important source of chitinase, particularly NAGase for industrial use. nag1 and nag2 genes encoding NAGase , are found in the genome in Trichoderma spp. The deduced Nag1 and Nag2 shares ~55% homology in Trichoderma virens. Most studies were focus on Nag1 and nag1 previously. Results: The native NAGase (TvmNAG2) was purified to homogeneity with molecular mass of ~68 kDa on SDS-PAGE analysis, and identified as Nag2 by MALDI/MS analysis from an isolate T. virens strain mango. RT-PCR analyses revealed that only nag2 gene was expressed in liquid culture of T. virens , while both of nag1 and nag2 were expressed in T. virens cultured on the plates. TvmNAG2 was thermally stable up to 60 o C for 2 h, and the optimal pH and temperature were 5.0 and 60-65 o C, respectively, using p -nitrophenyl- N -acetyl- β -D-glucosaminide ( p NP-NAG) as substrate. Using colloidal chitin as substrate, the end product catalyzed by TvmNAG2 was GlcNAc, based on HPLC and TLC analyses. The optimal temperature for TvmNAG2 to produce GlcNAc was 40 o C. TvmNAG2 possesses antifungal activity, inhibiting the mycelium growth of Sclerotium rolfsii . And it was resistant to the proteolysis by papain and trypsin. Conclusions: The native Nag2, TvmNAG2 was purified and identified from T. virens strain mango, as well as enzymatic properties. To our knowledge, it is the first report with the properties of native Trichoderma Nag2.
Educational Disparity in Drinking and Smoking in Japan for 2013–2019: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Naito Haruaki , Kakiuchi Yasuhiro , Osawa Motoki , Taguri Masataka , Tabuchi Takahiro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn Japan, studies of the relationship between drinking and educational background have not been as advanced as smoking studies, while Japan has extremely easy access to alcohol on a global level. We divided Japanese adults by drinking status, educational background, age, and gender, and analyzed the relationship, comparing to smokers’ data for reference.MethodsData were drawn from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (2013: 191,973 men, 214,815 women; 2016: 176,969 men, 196,181 women; 2019: 167,276 men, 183,963 women). We classified them as current drinkers, binge drinkers, current smokers, and heavy smokers. Drinking and smoking prevalence were analyzed by disparity indices, including rate difference, rate ratio, between-group variance, and slope index of inequality.ResultsWe found that higher positive estimates of educational disparity indices were among younger drinkers and got lower by aging. Surprisingly, among current drinkers, we also revealed women aged 45-94 had a negative estimate of an educational disparity index, while men aged 45-94 had negative one moving in a positive direction.ConclusionsEducation has a certain effect in preventing drinking, but the effect is so small among middle-aged and elderly people that other factors easily contribute to the phenomenon that those with a high education drink more than those with a low education. We estimated one of the factors is that many elderly women, who were high-educated and often forced to drink in accordance with women’s empowerment, are still alive and keep drinking. Further observation is needed to confirm it or reveal other factors.
New Insights Into Invertase Gene Family and Functional Characterization of Critical Cell Wall Invertase TaCWINV40 For Male Fertility in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Ye Jiali , Bu Yaning , He Mengting , Wu Yongfeng , Yang Xuetong , Zhang Lingli , Song Xiyue 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Invertase (INV, ec3.2.1.26) irreversibly hydrolyzes sucrose into fructose and glucose, and it is regulated by the environment to affect pollen fertility in some plant species. However, there has been a lack of systematic identification of INV gene family in wheat. In order to reveal the potential influence on the male fertility, a total of 130 wheat INVs that unevenly distributed on 21 chromosomes were systematically identified and analyzed in this study. According to physical and chemical properties, subcellular location, and phylogenetic tree, they were divided into two acidic INV (AINV) subtypes: cell wall group (TaCWINV1-68), vacuole group (TaVINV1-42), and two neutral/alkaline INV (A/NINV) subtypes: cytoplasmic α group (TaA/NINV1-11) and cytoplasmic β group (TaA/NINV12-20). The amplification of A/NINVs is mainly attributed to the polyploidization of wheat, and the multiple duplication events experienced in AINVs revealed their non-dose sensitivity characteristic. The wheat RNA-seq data revealed the tissue specificity of A/NINVs and AINVs, and six spike-specific CWINVs showed significant differential expression between the fertile and sterile anthers of thermo-sensitive male-sterile wheat KTM3315A. TaCWINV40 localized in cell wall was effectively silenced in the fertile KTM3315A, and the malformed pollen grains and non-germinating pollen tubes shed light on its indispensability in the development of wheat anthers. This study will spur the interest on manipulating the novel genetic characteristics of TaCWINVs for the construction and improvement of wheat male sterile materials.
Validity and Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Cognitive Scale for Functional Bowel Disorders
Authors: Sugaya Nagisa , Tomita Yoshitoshi , Funaba Misako , Iida Hiroshi , Shirotsuki Kentaro , Gardner Fumiyuki Chin , Ando Tetsuya , Inamori Masahiko 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe Cognitive Scale for Functional Bowel Disorders (CS-FBD) is a useful measure to assess maladaptive cognition, and focuses on how functional bowel disorders relate to negative thoughts, perfectionism, and social desirability. This study aimed to confirm the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the CS-FBD (CS-FBD-J). MethodsParticipants comprised 192 students (20.2±3.0 years) and 22 outpatients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (38.0±13.0 years). There were 76 students who met the diagnostic criteria for IBS, and two students who received treatment for IBS. Participants completed questionnaires containing the CS-FBD-J, IBS Severity Index (IBS-SI), Visceral Sensitivity Index (VSI), 24-item Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS-24), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).ResultsOur factor analysis revealed that the CS-FBD-J had a unidimensional factor structure, and that the factor loadings for 2 out of the 25 items were less than 0.4. After excluding the two items from the analysis, a single factor of the 23-item version accounted for 45.85% of the total variance. The CS-FBD-J scores had significant moderate correlations with the IBS-SI (r = 0.492~0.574) and VSI (r = 0.531~ 0.557) scores in the IBS group and the control group. Correlation between the DAS-24 and the CS-FBD-J was not significant (r = 0.179 ~ 0.191). Although the CS-FBD-J in the IBS group was significantly correlated with HADS-anxiety (r = 0.450) and depression scores (r = 0.357), their intercorrelations in the control group were not significant (r = 0.150 ~ 0.167). In the score comparison of the CS-FBD-J between the IBS patient group, non-patient IBS group (students with IBS except two who received treatment), and control group, there were significant group effects in the CS-FBD-J (IBS patient > non-patient IBS > control). The internal consistencies of the CS-FBD-J were high (α = 0.95). The item-total correlation analysis for the CS-FBD-J showed that the correlations between each item and the total score were significant.ConclusionThis study confirmed the reliability and validity of the 23-item version of the CS-FBS with the deletion of two items with low factor loadings.
Nakazawaea Odontotermitis f.a., sp. nov., a Novel Yeast Isolated from the Gut of Odontotermes Horni in India.
Authors: Tiwari Snigdha , Behera Bhaskar C. , Baghela Abhishek 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Three strains SMT1.3, SMT1.10, and SMT2.2, representing a novel asexual ascomycetous yeast species, were isolated from the gut of a termite Odontotermes horni in Maharashtra, India. Phylogenetic analyses of the LSU, ITS and SSU sequences revealed that they belonged to the genus Nakazawaea, with N. siamensis as the closest relative. The new species differed from the type strain of N. siamensis (DMKU-RK467T) by 1.93% nucleotide substitutions in the D1/D2 region of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, 0.53% nucleotide substitutions in the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene and 12.6% nucleotide substitutions in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Notable physiological differences were also observed between N. siamensis and the new species. Hence, the species Nakazawaea odontotermitis f.a., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SMT1.3T (MTCC 13105 = NFCCI 5011). The GenBank accession numbers of the LSU and ITS and SSU sequences of Nakazawaea odontotermitis f.a., sp. nov. are MZ234240, MZ234239 and OK384663. The MycoBank number is MB 841926.
Aβ/Tau Oligomer Interplay at Human Synapses Supports Shifting Therapeutic Targets for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Marcatti Michela , Fracassi Anna , Montalbano Mauro , Natarajan Chandramouli , Krishnan Balaji , Kayed Rakez , Taglialatela Giulio 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline due to accumulating synaptic insults by toxic oligomers of amyloid beta (AβO) and tau (TauO). There is growing consensus that preventing these oligomers from interacting with synapses might be an effective approach to treat AD. However, recent clinical trial failures suggest low effectiveness of targeting Aβ in late-stage AD. Researchers have redirected their attention toward TauO as the levels of this species increase later in disease pathogenesis. Here we show that AβO and TauO differentially target synapses and affect each other's binding dynamics. Methods. Binding of labeled, pre-formed Aβ and tau oligomers onto synaptosomes isolated from the hippocampus and frontal cortex of mouse and postmortem cognitively intact elderly human brains was evaluated using flow-cytometry and western blot analyses. Binding of labeled, pre-formed Aβ and tau oligomers onto mouse primary neurons was assessed using immunofluorescence assay. The synaptic dysfunction was measured by fluorescence analysis of single-synapse long-term potentiation (FASS-LTP) assay. Results. We demonstrated that higher TauO concentrations effectively outcompete AβO and become the prevailing synaptic-associated species. Conversely, high concentrations of AβO facilitate synaptic TauO recruitment. Immunofluorescence analyses of mouse primary cortical neurons confirmed differential synaptic binding dynamics of AβO and TauO. Moreover, in vivo experiments using old 3xTgAD mice ICV injected with either AβO or TauO fully supported these findings. Consistent with these observations, FASS-LTP analyses demonstrated that TauO-induced suppression of chemical LTP was exacerbated by AβO. Finally, predigestion with proteinase K abolished the ability of TauO to compete off AβO without affecting the ability of high AβO levels to increase synaptic TauO recruitment. Thus, unlike AβO, TauO effects on synaptosomes are hampered by the absence of protein substrate in the membrane.Conclusions. These results introduce the concept that TauO become the main synaptototoxic species at late AD, thus supporting the hypothesis that TauO may be the most effective therapeutic target for clinically manifest AD.
Exploratory Analysis Using Machine Learning of Predictive Factors for Falls in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Suzuki Yasuhiro , suzuki hiroaki , ishikawa tatsuya , yamada yasunori , yatoh shigeru , sugano yoko , iwasaki hitoshi , sekiya motohiro , yahagi naoya , hada yasushi , shimano hitoshi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We aimed to investigate the status of falls and to identify important risk factors for falls in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) including the non-elderly. Participants were 316 persons with T2D. They were assessed for medical history, laboratory data and physical capabilities during the hospitalization and given a questionnaire on falls one year after discharge. Two different statistical models, logistic regression and random forest classifier were used to investigate important predictors of falls. The response rate to the survey was 72%; of the 226 respondents, there were 129 males and 97 females (median age 62 years). The fall rate during the first year after discharge was 19%. Logistic regression revealed that knee extension strength (β= -0.698, P = 0.002), fasting C-peptide (F-CPR) level (β= 0.492, P = 0.009) and dorsiflexion strength (β= -0.432, P = 0.047) were independent predictors of falls. The random forest classifier placed knee extension strength, grip strength (0.234), F-CPR level and dorsiflexion strength in the top 4 important variables for falls. Lower extremity muscle weakness as well as elevated F-CPR levels and reduced grip strength was shown to be important risk factors for falls in T2D.
Quality Assurance (QA) Assessment for Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test in Ngoma District, Eastern Province of Rwanda: A cross-sectional prospective study
Authors: Habimana Metuschelah , NDAHINDWA Vedaste , UMUHOZA Matutina Stella , OMOLO Jared , UWAMUNGU Schifra , Lucchi Naomi W. , Humuza James 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Currently, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) are increasingly used for diagnosis of malaria, particularly in community where microscopy-based diagnosis is not practical. However, the diagnostic accuracy of mRDTs performed by the community health workers (CHWs) remains unknown. This study was conducted to determine the accuracy of mRDT results performed by CHWs in Ngoma district, eastern province of Rwanda.
Method

This was a cross sectional prospective study. 420 blood samples of patients self-reported to CHWs for malaria diagnosis were collected and analyzed by CHWs using mRDT and quality control tests were performed by using microscopy as a reference test. The study was conducted from 22nd April to 08th July, 2021.
Results

Among the 420 patients, 234 (55.71%) were females and 186 (44.29%) were males. Malaria test positivity was 2.62% by using mRDT and 1.67% by using microscopic test. The sensitivity and specificity of mRDT were 85.71% and 98.78% respectively. Negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy of mRDTs were 99.75%, 54.54% and 98.57% respectively. Sensitivity of mRDT was below the WHO recommended sensitivity (>95%) although the specificity (98.78%) was within the WHO recommended specificity (>=90). There was a substantial agreement between mRDT and malaria microscopic test results, k=0.642.
Conclusion

mRDTs continue to be an appropriate choice for malaria diagnosis in the absence of microscopy.
Social Decisions from Description Compared to Experience Rely on Different Cognitive and Neural Processes
Authors: Deréky Anna , Hare Todd Anthony , Laureiro-Martínez Daniella , Brusoni Stefano 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social decisions reveal the degree to which people consider societal needs relative to their own desires. Although many studies showed how social decisions are taken when the consequences of actions are given as explicit information, little is known about how social choices are made when the relevant information was learned through repeated experience. Here, we compared how these two different ways of learning about the value of alternatives (description versus experience) impact social decisions in 147 healthy young adult humans. Using diffusion decision models, we show that, although participants chose similar outcomes across the learning conditions, they sampled and processed information differently. During description decisions, information sampling depended on both chosen and foregone rewards for self and society, while during experience decisions sampling was proportional to chosen outcomes only. Our behavioral data indicate that description choices involved the active processing of more information. Additionally, neuroimaging data from 40 participants showed that the brain activity was more closely associated with the information sampling process during description relative to experience decisions. Overall, our work indicates that the cognitive and neural mechanisms of social decision making depend strongly on how the values of alternatives were learned in addition to individual social preferences.