bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Root morphological responses to population density vary with soil conditions and growth stages: The complexity of density effects
Authors: Wang Shu , Li Lei , Zhou Dao‐Wei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimHow plants cope with increases in population density via root plasticity is not well documented, although abiotic environments and plant ontogeny may have important roles in determining root response to density. To investigate how plant root plasticity in response to density varies with soil conditions and growth stages, we conducted a field experiment with an annual herbaceous species (Abutilon theophrasti).MethodsPlants were grown at low, medium, and high densities (13.4, 36.0, and 121.0 plants m−2, respectively), under fertile and infertile soil conditions, and a series of root traits were measured after 30, 50, and 70 days.ResultsRoot allocation increased, decreased, or canalized in response to density, depending on soil conditions and stages of plant growth, indicating the complex effects of population density, including both competitive and facilitative effects.Main conclusionsRoot allocation was promoted by neighbor roots at early stages and in abundant resource availability, due to low‐to‐moderate belowground interactions among smaller plants, leading to facilitation. As plants grew, competition intensified and infertile soil aggravated belowground competition, leading to decreased root allocation in response to density. Root growth may be more likely restricted horizontally rather than vertically by the presence of neighbor, suggesting a spatial orientation effect in their responses to density. We emphasized the importance of considering effects of abiotic conditions and plant growth stages in elucidating the complexity of density effects on root traits.
Plastic responses to hot temperatures homogenize riparian leaf litter, speed decomposition, and reduce detritivores
Authors: Jeplawy Joann R. , Cooper Hillary F. , Marks Jane , Lindroth Richard L. , Andrews Morgan I. , Compson Zacchaeus G. , Gehring Catherine , Hultine Kevin R. , Grady Kevin , Whitham Thomas G. , Allan Gerard J. , Best Rebecca J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEfforts to maintain the function of critical ecosystems under climate change often begin with foundation species. In the southwestern United States, cottonwood trees support diverse communities in riparian ecosystems that are threatened by rising temperatures. Genetic variation within cottonwoods shapes communities and ecosystems, but these effects may be modified by phenotypic plasticity, where genotype traits change in response to environmental conditions. Here, we investigated plasticity in Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) leaf litter traits as well as the consequences of plasticity for riparian ecosystems. We used three common gardens each planted with genotypes from six genetically divergent populations spanning a 12°C temperature gradient, and a decomposition experiment in a common stream environment. We found that leaf litter area, specific leaf area, and carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) were determined by interactions between genetics and growing environment, as was the subsequent rate of litter decomposition. Most of the genetic variation in leaf litter traits appeared among rather than within source populations with distinct climate histories. Source populations from hotter climates generally produced litter that decomposed more quickly, but plasticity varied the magnitude of this effect. We also found that hotter growing conditions reduced the variation in litter traits produced across genotypes, homogenizing the litter inputs to riparian ecosystems. All genotypes in the hottest garden produced comparatively small leaves that decomposed quickly and supported lower abundances of aquatic invertebrates, whereas the same genotypes in the coldest garden produced litter with distinct morphologies and decomposition rates. Our results suggest that plastic responses to climate stress may constrict the expression of genetic variation in predictable ways that impact communities and ecosystems. Understanding these interactions between genetic and environmental variation is critical to our ability to plan for the role of foundation species when managing and restoring riparian ecosystems in a warming world.
The prognostic value of serial troponin measurements in patients admitted for COVID‐19
Authors: Nuzzi Vincenzo , Merlo Marco , Specchia Claudia , Lombardi Carlo Mario , Carubelli Valentina , Iorio Annamaria , Inciardi Riccardo Maria , Bellasi Antonio , Canale Claudia , Camporotondo Rita , Catagnano Francesco , Dalla Vecchia Laura Adelaide , Giovinazzo Stefano , Maccagni Gloria , Mapelli Massimo , Margonato Davide , Monzo Luca , Oriecuia Chiara , Peveri Giulia , Pozzi Andrea , Provenzale Giovanni , Sarullo Filippo , Tomasoni Daniela , Ameri Pietro , Gnecchi Massimiliano , Leonardi Sergio , Agostoni Piergiuseppe , Carugo Stefano , Danzi Gian Battista , Guazzi Marco , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Mortara Andrea , Piepoli Massimo , Porto Italo , Volterrani Maurizio , Senni Michele , Metra Marco , Sinagra Gianfranco 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimsMyocardial injury (MI) in coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) is quite prevalent at admission and affects prognosis. Little is known about troponin trajectories and their prognostic role. We aimed to describe the early in‐hospital evolution of MI and its prognostic impact.Methods and resultsWe performed an analysis from an Italian multicentre study enrolling COVID‐19 patients, hospitalized from 1 March to 9 April 2020. MI was defined as increased troponin level. The first troponin was tested within 24 h from admission, the second one between 24 and 48 h. Elevated troponin was defined as values above the 99th percentile of normal values. Patients were divided in four groups: normal, normal then elevated, elevated then normal, and elevated. The outcome was in‐hospital death. The study population included 197 patients; 41% had normal troponin at both evaluations, 44% had elevated troponin at both assessments, 8% had normal then elevated troponin, and 7% had elevated then normal troponin. During hospitalization, 49 (25%) patients died. Patients with incident MI, with persistent MI, and with MI only at admission had a higher risk of death compared with those with normal troponin at both evaluations (P < 0.001). At multivariable analysis, patients with normal troponin at admission and MI injury on Day 2 had the highest mortality risk (hazard ratio 3.78, 95% confidence interval 1.10–13.09, P = 0.035).ConclusionsIn patients admitted for COVID‐19, re‐test MI on Day 2 provides a prognostic value. A non‐negligible proportion of patients with incident MI on Day 2 is identified at high risk of death only by the second measurement.
Half‐Sandwich Nickel(II) NHC‐Picolyl Complexes as Catalysts for the Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Compounds: Evidence for NHC‐Nickel Nanoparticles under Harsh Reaction Conditions
Authors: Ulm Franck , Shahane Saurabh , Truong‐Phuoc Lai , Romero Thierry , Papaefthimiou Vasiliki , Chessé Matthieu , Chetcuti Michael J. , Pham‐Huu Cuong , Michon Christophe , Ritleng Vincent 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe cationic [NiCp(Mes‐NHC‐CH2py]Br complex 2 a was prepared directly by the reaction of nickelocene with 1‐(2‐picolyl)‐3‐mesityl‐imidazolium bromide (1), and its PF6− derivative 2 b, by subsequent salt metathesis. X‐ray diffraction studies and Variable Temperature 1H NMR experiments run with 2 a and 2 b strongly suggest the bidentate coordination of the picolyl‐functionalized carbene to the nickel both in the solid state and in solution in both cases. These data suggest the absence of hemilabile behavior of the latter, even in the presence of a coordinating anion. Both complexes show similar activity in aldehyde hydrosilylation, further implying the absence of hemilability of the picolyl‐functionalized carbene, and effectively reduce a broad scope of aldehydes in the absence of additive under mild conditions. In the case of ketones, effective hydrosilylation is only observed in the presence of a catalytic amount of potassium t‐butoxide at 100 °C. Dynamic light scattering, scanning transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy show evidence for the involvement of NHC‐picolyl‐Ni nanoparticles under these conditions.
Epilepsy duration is an independent factor for electrocardiographic changes in pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Chan See Wai , Dervan Leslie A. , Watson Robert Scott , Anderson Anne E. , Lai Yi‐Chen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveCardiac alterations represent a potential epilepsy‐associated comorbidity. Whether cardiac changes occur as a function of epilepsy duration is not well understood. We sought to evaluate whether cardiac alterations represented a time‐dependent phenomenon in pediatric epilepsy.MethodsWe retrospectively followed pediatric epilepsy patients without preexisting cardiac conditions or ion channelopathies who had history of pediatric intensive care unit admission for convulsive seizures or status epilepticus between 4/2014 and 7/2017. All available 12‐lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) from these patients between 1/2006 and 5/2019 were included. We examined ECG studies for changes in rhythm; PR, QRS, or corrected QT intervals; QRS axis or morphology; ST segment; or T wave. Data were analyzed using multivariable models containing covariates associated with ECG changes or epilepsy duration from the univariate analyses.Results127 children with 323 ECGs were included in the analyses. The median epilepsy duration was 3.9 years (IQR 1.3‐8.4 years) at the time of an ECG study and a median of 2 ECGs (IQR 1‐3) per subject. The clinical encounters associated with ECGs ranged from well‐child visits to status epilepticus. We observed changes in 171 ECGs (53%), with 83 children (65%) had at least 1 ECG with alterations. In a multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for potentially confounding variables and accounting for clustering by patient, epilepsy duration was independently associated with altered ECGs for each year of epilepsy (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.0‐1.2, P = .002). Extrapolating from this model, children with epilepsy durations of 10 and 15 years had 2.9 and 4.9 times the odds of having ECG changes, respectively.SignificanceCardiac alterations may become more common with increasing epilepsy duration in select pediatric epilepsy patients. Future studies are needed to determine the potential clinical implications and the generalizability of these observations.
Serum triglyceride levels and related factors as prognostic indicators in COVID‐19 patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhong Peng , Wang Zhenzhou , Du Zhe 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe role of triglycerides (TG) in coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is controversial. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between TG levels and prognosis in COVID‐19 patients and investigate the factors that affect TG. COVID‐19 patients were divided into normal or high TG level groups. Their demographic data, medical history, signs and symptoms, laboratory results, and final clinical results were analyzed retrospectively. A total of 174 patients were included. TG level was 1.6 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.1‒2.1) mmol/L for all patients; 2.2 (IQR: 1.8‒2.7) mmol/L and 1.1 (IQR: 1.0–1.3) mmol/L in the high TG and control groups, respectively. Overall, 29 patients (16.7%) died during hospitalization, including 19 (23.1%) in the high TG group and 10 (11.5%) in the control group (absolute survival difference, 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2%‐5.1%), log‐rank χ
2 = 5.7, and p = .017). Serum ferritin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) levels were significantly higher in the high TG group compared to the control group. Pearson correlation analysis showed that TG was positively correlated with fasting blood glucose, leukocyte, serum ferritin, LDH, CRP, and IL‐10 levels. Multiple regression showed that serum ferritin and IL‐10 levels affected the TG level (R
2 = .095). The TG level in COVID‐19 patients is correlated to serum ferritin and IL‐10 levels, which reflects the activation of macrophages. It is suggested that COVID‐19 patients be monitored for elevated TG as both a prognostic indicator and potential therapeutic target for COVID‐19.
Discovery of novel tubulin inhibitors targeting taxanes site by virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulation, and biological evaluation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Mao Jun , Yang Yan‐Li , Liu Chun‐Tao , Shen Chen , Zhang Hong‐Rui , Xie Huan‐Zhang , Ding Lan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMicrotubules play crucial role in process of mitosis and cell proliferation, which have been considered as attractive drug targets for anticancer therapy. The aim of this study was to discover novel and chemically diverse tubulin inhibitors for treatment of cancer. In this investigation, the multilayer virtual screening methods, including common feature pharmacophore model, structure‐based pharmacophore model and molecular docking, were developed to screen BioDiversity database with 30,000 compounds. A total of 102 compounds were obtained by the virtual screening, and further filtered by diverse chemical clusters with desired properties and PAINS analysis. Finally, 50 compounds were selected and submitted to the biological evaluation. Among these hits, hits 8 and 30 with novel scaffolds displayed stronger antiproliferative activity on four human tumor cells including Hela, A549, MCF‐7, and HepG2. Moreover, the two hits were subsequently submitted to molecular dynamic simulations of 90 ns with the aim of exploring the stability of ligand‐protein interactions into the binding pocket, and further probing the mechanism of the interaction between tubulin and hits. The molecular dynamic simulation results revealed there had stronger interactions between tubulin and hits in equilibrium state. Therefore, the hits 8 and 30 have been well characterized as lead compounds for developing new tubulin inhibitors with potential anticancer activity.
Application of high‐throughput sequencing for hereditary thrombocytopenia in southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Luying , Yu Jie , Xian Ying , Wen Xianhao , Guan Xianmin , Guo Yuxia , Luo Mingzhu , Dou Ying 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to design and analyze the applicability of a 21‐gene high‐throughput sequencing (HTS) panel in the molecular diagnosis of patients with hereditary thrombocytopenia (HT).MethodsA custom target enrichment library was designed to capture 21 genes known to be associated with HTs. Twenty‐four patients with an HT phenotype were studied using this technology.ResultsOne pathogenic variant on the MYH9 gene and one likely pathogenic variant on the ABCG8 gene previously known to cause HTs were identified. Additionally, 3 previously reported variants affecting WAS, ADAMTS13, and GP1BA were detected, and 9 novel variants affecting FLNA, ITGB3, NBEAL2, MYH9, VWF, and ANKRD26 genes were identified. The 12 variants were classified to be of uncertain significance.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that HTS is an accurate and reliable method of pre‐screening patients for variants in known HT‐causing genes. With the advantage of distinguishing HT from immune thrombocytopenia, HTS could play a key role in improving the clinical management of patients.
Iranian psychosocial status during and after COVID‐19 outbreak mandatory quarantine: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zakeri Mohammad A. , Maazallahi Mahboobeh , Ehsani Vahid , Dehghan Mahlagha 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuarantine, one of the most effective protection measures, plays an essential role in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, along with quarantine, can have devastating consequences for individuals' mental and social health. This study examined the psychosocial status of individuals during and after quarantine in the COVID‐19 pandemic. This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 714 individuals in the general population during (365) and 3 months after quarantine (349) in southeastern Iran. Data were collected using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐28) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item (GAD‐7) based on an online questionnaire. Data were collected from April 13 to April 20, 2020 (in quarantine) and 3 months later from August 20 to September 20, 2020. Psychological disorders in the quarantined population were significantly higher than that after quarantine. The risk of a mental disorder in the quarantined population was 1.54 times higher than that after quarantine. The results showed that quarantine is associated with a significant level of psychosocial disorders; therefore, interventions should be considered to reduce the effects of quarantine on the mental health of general population as a public health priority at the community level.
What makes Dutch youth comply with preventive COVID‐19 measures? An explorative study
Authors: Koning Naomi , Hagedoorn Nikki , Stams Geert‐Jan J. M. , Assink Mark , van Dam Levi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe measures to contain the spread of COVID‐19 are challenging for youth, especially the social isolation measures. These measures are antagonistic to healthy youth development, which requires sufficient social contact with peers and adults. This explorative study examined what factors are associated with adherence to COVID‐19 measures in a sample of Dutch youth (N = 263; 79.8% female) with ages ranging between 16 and 24 years (M = 21.1 years; SD = 2.44 years), who completed an online questionnaire about their compliance to measures, resilience, coping strategies, mental health, and availability of a natural mentor. Results showed that youth with fewer depressive symptoms adhered better to measures of social distance. Youth who were less suspicious, more resilient, and those with an active coping strategy or a natural mentor more often complied with COVID‐19 measures. These results can be used to help youth comply with the COVID‐19 measures.
Teachers' perspectives on the implementation of teenage mothers' school re‐entry policy in Eswatini Kingdom: Implication for educational evaluators
Authors: Thwala S'lungile K. , Okeke Chinedu I. O. , Matse Zanele , Ugwuanyi Christian S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionIn the global context, there have been high records of teenage girls drop out in schools than teenage boys. This ugly occurrence is attributed to teenage pregnancy and little or no concerns have been given to the school re‐entry policy for such category of students especially in the Eswatini Kingdom, Swaziland. Thus, this study explored the perceptions of teachers regarding the implementation of the teenage mothers' school re‐entry policy in the Manzini region of Eswatini.MethodA qualitative research approach was adopted for the study using a sample of 15 participants. Data collection instrument a semistructured interview guide. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed.ResultsThe findings indicated a lack of awareness and understanding of both the policy and its guidelines among participants. The results further showed that the implementation of the re‐entry policy is crucial if a teenage pregnant girl child's education is to be realized in Eswatini.ConclusionWithout proper implementation of such a policy, the affected girls could end up, uneducated and poor. Thus, educational evaluators should come up with appropriate policy documents for girl child.
Prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of Seckel syndrome with bi‐allelic variant in TRAIP via exome sequencing
Authors: Conrad Daragh , Stanley Christy , Denney Jeffrey , Quinn Kristen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe present two consecutive pregnancies with shared ultrasound findings—sloping forehead, micrognathia, ambiguous genitalia, brachycephaly, short extremities, single umbilical artery, choroid plexus cysts, and clenched hands. Subsequent whole exome sequencing identified TRAIP gene variants implicating diagnosis of Seckel syndrome 9 (SCKL9). Prenatal testing in subsequent pregnancy identified one variant. Our case highlights the utility of whole exome sequencing when prenatal ultrasound findings lend suspicion. Molecular confirmation allows for testing strategies in, or prior to, subsequent pregnancies. The finding of a rare, novel missense variant in TRAIP gene further implicates this mutation as having deleterious clinical manifestations.
Transient hypercalcemia in a patient with SAPHO syndrome
Authors: Yoshida Tadashi , Oya Mototsugu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe here report a case of SAPHO (synovitis‐acne‐pustulosis‐hyperostosis‐osteitis) syndrome with hypercalcemia. The patient was diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome at the age of 54, because he exhibited osteitis and hyperostosis around the sternoclavicular joints and the temporomandibular joints bilaterally and had past medical history of palmoplantar pustulosis. At the age of 67, he exhibited appetite loss and nausea. Corrected serum calcium was 13.0 mg/dl. Adequate hydration was recommended, and his calcium levels returned to the normal range without any medical treatment. Although speculative, his hypercalcemia was considered to be caused by an increased bone activity in SAPHO syndrome. This is the first report describing transient hypercalcemia in a patient with SAPHO syndrome.
Efficient domino strategy for synthesis of 3‐substituted 1,5‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐c]pyridin‐4‐one derivatives
Authors: Chen Huaqian , Lu Tao , Qiao Minglong , Hu Jiawen , Li Chunmei , Qi Chenze , Zhang Furen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA series of 1,5‐dihydro‐4H‐pyrrolo[3,2‐c]pyridin‐4‐one derivatives with 3‐(4‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐2H‐pyran‐3‐yl) groups were synthesized via a one‐pot three‐component reaction of 4‐aminopyridin‐2(1H)‐ones, 2,2‐dihydroxy‐1‐arylethan‐1‐ones, and 4‐hydroxy‐2H‐pyran‐2‐ones in water. This strategy not only provides a valuable tool in the design and synthesis of new hydrogenated pyrrolo[3,2‐c]pyridines but also has the advantages of inexpensive starting materials, atom and step economy, environmental friendliness, good to excellent yields, and operational simplicity. A total of 14 examples were examined to show a broad substrate scope and high yields.
Are interest rate caps a relevant tool to cool down overheating microfinance markets?
Authors: Caballero‐Montes Tristan , Godfroid Cécile , Labie Marc 
Published: July 2021

AbstractInterest rate caps may generate adverse effects for microfinance institutions and their clients. Interest rate caps imposed in competitive and highly saturated markets may favor the commercial mindset of microfinance institutions to the detriment of social outreach. In Cambodia, the recent interest rate cap has likely not contributed to protecting the poor, slowing down the market, or reducing the risk of over‐indebtedness. Policymakers and regulators should consider market conditions, especially the degree of competition when making regulatory decisions that may substantially affect the microfinance industry.
Business cycle prediction: Application of Markov chain to online crowdlending
Authors: Krishnan Sudeep , Ashta Arvind , Babu David 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUsing Markov chains can improve the forecasting of the state of the total loan amount for the next month (growth, stagnation, or decline), compared to traditional forecasting techniques, if each of the previous month's basic information is available. Traditional statistical techniques have high forecasting errors and low accuracy for predicting the loan amounts and are no better than the naïve method of “no change” if data cannot be rapidly actualized. With recent data available, some traditional statistical techniques work better than the naïve method, but Holt double exponential smoothing has a higher mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). For predicting “states,” some traditional statistical methods improve with the degree of actualization (naïve, simple exponential smoothing), Holt and ARIMA decrease in performance, and TBATS remains the same. Since Markovian chains are better than all traditional time series forecasting techniques, it raises the benchmark for evaluating value added by artificial intelligence techniques for forecasting.