bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil degradation status in China
Authors: Muhammad Wajid Muhammad , Xiao Yannong 
Published: December 2024

Soil degradation can be described as either erosion or salinization, depending on the type of soil and the degree of depletion of organic matter in the soil. A fundamental understanding of soil degradation is that its expressions are as diverse as its causes. China has an area of arable land that is more than 40% degraded, which represents a major problem. There are a number of direct and indirect consequences of soil degradation in China that are reviewed in this paper. As a consequence of soil degradation, nutrient content in soil is lost, salinity increases, acidification increases, and desertification occurs. The importance of soil resources will only increase in the future as the world's population increases to around eight billion. By 2020, the global population will be one-third higher than in 1995, yet food and fiber demand will increase by even greater proportions than in 1995, despite growing incomes, a more diverse diet, and rapid urbanization. As a result of the loss of soil layers that contain organic matter and nutrients, there will be a reduction in the amount of land that can be used for agriculture and a decrease in the amount of land that will produce crops, since the soil will be less fertile and less capable of retaining moisture. In China, the amount of arable land that has been degraded exceeds 40%. As a result of soil degradation, several negative impacts are observed and measured, such as soil nutrient loss, salinization, acidification, and desertification, among others
Physiological response of diverse maize genotypes to heat stress and simple sequence repeats markers-based genotyping in Rawalpindi, Punjab Pakistan
Authors: Gohar Suleman , Malik Saad Imran , Wattoo Fahad Masoud , Adil Kamal , Ahmed Zubair , Farooq Umar , Hussain Aamir , Sabahat Sanjeela , Javed Kamran 
Published: December 2024

The current study was designed to observe the response of maize genotypes under high-temperature stress conditions and to check their diversity using simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers in in-vitro conditions. Maize genotypes (n=10) were subjected to heat stress at ~45 °C for 72 h after growing into young seedlings. Their physiological responses were determined by measuring the changes in proline content (PC), chlorophyll content (CC), cell membrane stability (CMS), relative water content (RWC) and osmotic potential (Ψπ). The analysed data disclosed significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) among all the characters. Comparison between control and heat-treated genotypes depicted a notable increase in PC, Ψπ while a decrease in CC, RWC and CMS index in heat-treated plants. Maize genotypes viz. NCEV-1230, NARC-4, HN Gold and OPV-20 performed better under heat stress and also showed a strong genetic relationship for similarity index in dendrogram based on selected SSR markers related to abiotic stress tolerance. This study is beneficial for understanding the physiological behaviour of maize plants under heat stress and for further genetic studies on maize to select heat-tolerant lines for breeding programs
Collagen scaffold-seeded iTenocytes accelerate the healing and functional recovery of Achilles tendon defects in a rat model
Authors: Später Thomas , Del Rio Patricia , Shelest Oksana , Wechsler Jacob T. , Kaneda Giselle , Chavez Melissa , Sheyn Julia , Yu Victoria , Metzger Wolfgang , Huang Dave , Metzger Melodie , Tawackoli Wafa , Sheyn Dmitriy 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionTendon injuries represent an ongoing challenge in clinical practice due to poor regenerative capacity, structure, and biomechanical function recovery of ruptured tendons. This study is focused on the assessment of a novel strategy to repair ruptured Achilles tendons in a Nude rat model using stem cell-seeded biomaterial.MethodsSpecifically, we have used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) overexpressing the early tendon marker Scleraxis (SCX, iMSCSCX+, iTenocytes) in combination with an elastic collagen scaffold. Achilles tendon defects in Nude rat models were created by isolating the tendon and excising 3 mm of the midsection. The Achilles tendon defects were then repaired with iTenocyte-seeded scaffolds, unseeded scaffolds, or suture only and compared to native Nude rat tendon tissue using gait analyses, biomechanical testing, histology, and immunohistochemistry.ResultsThe results show faster functional recovery of gait in iTenocyte-seeded scaffold group comparing to scaffold only and suture only groups. Both iTenocyte-seeded scaffold and scaffold only treatment groups had improved biomechanical properties when compared to suture only treatment group, however no statistically significant difference was found in comparing the cell seeding scaffold an scaffold only group in terms of biomechanical properties. Immunohistochemistry staining further demonstrated that iTenocytes successfully populated the collagen scaffolds and survived 9 weeks after implantation in vivo. Additionally, the repaired tissue of iTenocyte-treated injuries exhibited a more organized structure when compared to tendon defects that were repaired only with suturing or unseeded scaffolds.ConclusionWe suggest that iTenocyte-seeded DuRepair™ collagen scaffold can be used as potential treatment to regenerate the tendon tissue biomechanically and functionally.
Synergistic efficacy of phage Henu10 with antibiotics against Shigella dysenteriae with insight into phage resistance and fitness trade-offs
Authors: Zhao Jing , Chen Baohong , Wang Weizhen , Kang Yu , Hu Erli , Zhang Yuan , Chen Huiling , Xu Xiao , Ji Xinying , Wang Yuhan , Teng Tieshan , Gomaa Salwa E. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe irrational use of antibiotics has facilitated the emergence of multidrug- resistant Shigella spp., undermining the effectiveness of the currently available antibiotics. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore new approaches, with phage therapy emerging as a promising alternative.MethodsIn this study, we isolated a phage targeting Shigella dysenteriae from sewage samples using DLA methold, designated Henu10. The morphology, biological characteristics, genomic composition, and phylogenetic relationships of Henu10 were thoroughly characterized. To investigate the trade-off relationship between phage resistance and bacterial fitness, phage Henu10-resistant strains R6 and R11 were identified using continuous passage and bidirectional validation methods.ResultsPhage-resistant strains R6 and R11 exhibited impaired adsorption, increased sensitivity to temperature and pH stress, heightened susceptibility to certain antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin and kanamycin), reduced biofilm-forming capacity, and diminished colonization ability in vivo compared to the wild-type strain.DiscussionThese results indicate that phage Henu10 may effectively control the pathogenic bacteria associated with S. dysenteriae, representing a promising new therapeutic option for treating S. dysenteriae infections.
Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics of symptomatic pituitary adenomas in elderly patients: a consecutive series of 114 patients
Authors: Wang Run , Han Xiaodi , Xie Cheng , Zhang Qinghua , Kan Liang , Han Sheng 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPituitary adenomas (PAs) present with clinical features such as neuroendocrine abnormalities and mass effects, common in the general morbidity population. However, in elderly patients, the disease progression renders some clinical features difficult to detect and identify in time. Consequently, elderly patients with PAs are often not identified and receive sufficient intervention on time to achieve a satisfactory outcome.MethodsClinical data were collected from 114 consecutive patients older than 70 years with PAs who had undergone surgery. Based on the average age, the patients were categorized into a younger group and an elder group, and were statistically analyzed and compared.ResultsSixty-five males (57.0%) and 49 females (43.0%) were included in the study, with an average age of 73.2 years. Their common preoperative symptoms included vision impairment, followed by headache and vomiting, and visual field defect. The milder the preoperative visual impairment, the greater the possibility of post-operative visual improvement (P=0.001). The tumors were primarily non-functional pituitary adenomas (NFPAs, 73.7%), with a high degree of suprasellar invasion but a low degree of parasellar invasion (P&lt;0.0001). For further analysis, based on the average age, we categorized the patients into younger (age&lt; 73 years, 59 cases) and elder (age≥ 73 years, 55 cases) groups. The elder group was more likely to have preoperative vision impairment problems (P=0.044), whilst post-operative visual improvement was worse (P=0.001). The elder group also had a more severe suprasellar invasion (P=0.009), with a higher proportion of NFPA than the younger group (P=0.006). Compared to the younger group, the tumors in the elder group were larger (P=0.039), and had a higher rate of apoplexy (P=0.039), and were more likely to have comorbid postoperative complications (P=0.031), such as fever and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, compared to the younger group.ConclusionsElderly patients with PA had specific clinical characteristics. Their relatively worse pre- and post-operative conditions and intraoperative findings illustrated the need for early surgery.
Dissolved nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural drainage water as influenced by manure application
Authors: Burton D. L. , Wilts H. D. M. , MacLeod J. A. 
Published: December 2024

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is highly water soluble and can be readily transported in waters draining from agricultural fields. Relatively few studies have quantified N2O losses through agricultural tile drainage systems and none have compared the effect of different sources of applied nitrogen or their timing of application. While IPCC guidelines provide estimates of emissions from agricultural drainage water, the uncertainty in these estimates is relatively high. This research quantifies N2O loss in tile drainage water, as influenced by nitrogen source and timing. The study site was located at Agriculture Canada research station, Harrington, PE, Canada and consisted of 12 plots with subsurface drainage systems installed at approximately 80 cm, separated by buffer drains. Three swine manure treatments were considered with inorganic fertilizer (ammonium nitrate) as a control, each replicated three times. Manure treatments included fall and spring application of solid swine manure and spring application of liquid swine manure, all applied to supply 120 kg N ha−1. The magnitude of N2O loss, as measured from samples collected at the tile outlets, demonstrated significant episodic emissions. Annual cumulative dissolved N2O emissions ranged from 0.1 to 5.69 kg N ha−1 (mean 0.83 kg N ha−1), while emissions from the soil surface were 0.09–1.16 kg N ha−1 (mean 0.33 kg N ha−1). N2O emissions in tile water were not significantly affected by the form of N applied, however tile drain length significantly impacted tile water N2O concentration. IPCC coefficients for N2O emissions from agricultural drainage water would underestimate actual N2O emissions at this site.
Time-dependent variation in immunoparalysis biomarkers among patients with sepsis and critical illness
Authors: Samuelsen Abigail , Lehman Erik , Burrows Parker , Bonavia Anthony S. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionImmunoparalysis is a state of immune dysfunction characterized by a marked reduction in the immune system’s responsiveness, often observed following severe infections, trauma, or critical illness. This study aimed to perform a longitudinal assessment of immune function over the initial two weeks following the onset of sepsis and critical illness.MethodsWe compared ex vivo-stimulated cytokine release from whole blood of critically ill patients to traditional markers of immunoparalysis, including monocyte Human Leukocyte Antigen (mHLA)-DR expression and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC). A total of 64 critically ill patients were recruited in a tertiary care academic medical setting, including 31 septic and 33 non-septic patients.ResultsWhile mHLA-DR expression significantly increased over time, this was primarily driven by the non-septic subset of critically ill patients. ALC recovery was more pronounced in septic patients. Ex vivo stimulation of blood from septic patients revealed significant increases in TNF and IL-6 production over time. However, interferon-gamma production varied depending on the ex vivo stimulant used, and after normalization of cytokine concentrations to lymphocyte counts, it did not show significant recovery over time from illness onset. No significant correlation was found between mHLA-DR expression and other immunoparalysis biomarkers.DiscussionThese findings suggest the need for more nuanced immune monitoring approaches beyond the traditional ‘sepsis’ versus ‘non-sepsis’ classifications in critically ill patients. Additionally, they provide further evidence of a potential window for targeted immunotherapy in the first weeks of critical illness.
From understanding to action: a juncture-factor framework for advancing social responsiveness in health professions education
Authors: Botha G. C. , Crafford L. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundLow- to middle-income countries face critical healthcare challenges. Equipping graduates with social responsiveness, the ability to address community health needs effectively, is essential. Despite its importance, research on integrating social responsiveness principles into medical and pharmacy curricula remains limited. This study explores how understanding of social responsiveness translates to practice in a resource-constrained context and identifies critical factors for future direction.MethodsSemi-structured focus groups were conducted with curriculum developers, academic staff, and alumni (n = 27) using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis yielded an emergent “juncture-factor” framework for integrating SR into curricula.ResultsOur analysis revealed a four-stage framework for integrating social responsiveness. It categorizes existing and evolving efforts into four key junctures (points in time) and 12 factors for consideration at each juncture. The Illuminate juncture emphasizes raising awareness, fostering agreement, and aligning institutional values with community needs. The Construct stage focuses on inclusivity, contextualizing learning, developing relevant content, and employing appropriate pedagogy. The Influence juncture ensures validated social responsiveness action, effective implementation, and faculty and student capacity building. Finally, the Coalesce juncture promotes collaboration and internalization of social responsiveness principles among stakeholders.ConclusionThis framework aligns with international social responsiveness literature while offering a unique low-to middle income country perspective. It acknowledges the complexities of integrating social responsiveness and provides practical ways to address them. This framework serves as a valuable tool for curriculum review in resource-constrained contexts. Future research could explore its applicability across diverse settings, and investigate its long-term impact on student learning and professional development, ultimately shaping future healthcare professionals equipped to address their communities’ needs.
Comparison of sexual function between laparoscopic lateral suspension and laparoscopic sacrocervicopexy with the use of the PISQ-IR questionnaire
Authors: Malanowska-Jarema Ewelina , Starczewski Andrzej , Melnyk Mariia , Fidalgo Daniel , Oliveira Dulce , Dubuisson Jean 
Published: December 2024

Introduction and hypothesisWe aimed to analyze the quality of sexual life of patients with apical vaginal wall prolapse who had undergone laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC).MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of sexual outcomes of a previous randomized control trial comparing LLS and LSC in 89 women with symptomatic POP stage ≥ II. We evaluated sexually active (SA) and non-sexually active women (NSA) using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-IUGA-Revised (PISQ-IR). Women were reviewed over a period of 1 year post-surgery.ResultsAnalysis of the entire PISQ-IR questionnaire indicates that surgical treatment of POP resulted in an improvement of the quality of sexual life in 21 (80.76%) in the group of sexually active women after LSC and in 20 (83.33%) in the group of SA patients after LLS. In both groups of patients, dyspareunia was not observed.ConclusionIn conclusion, the quality of sexual life in SA group of patients improved significantly after both surgical procedures. The quality of sexual life of surveyed women significantly improved after curing POP symptoms.
Nomogram for predicting post-progression-free survival in patients with recurrent pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after radical surgery: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Qin Dailei , Xi Pu , Huang Kewei , Jiang Lingmin , Yao Zehui , Wei Ran , Li Shengping 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundRadical resection is the only curative method for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, nearly 85% of PDAC patients suffer from local or distant recurrence within 5 years after curative resection. The progression of recurrent lesions accelerates the mortality rate in PDAC patients. However, the influence of clinicopathological factors on post-progression-free survival (PPFS), defined as the period from tumor recurrence to the timing of the progression of recurrent lesions, has rarely been discussed. The present study aimed to explore the independent prognostic factors for PPFS and construct a nomogram for PPFS prediction.Materials and methodsThe 200 recurrent PDAC patients were divided into training and validation groups by leave-one-out cross-validation. The patients’ clinicopathological characteristics were compared through a chi-square test. Meanwhile, these factors were enrolled in the univariate and multivariate COX regression to find the independent prognostic factors of PPFS. Moreover, the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis based on the independent prognostic factors was performed. Finally, we constructed a nomogram model for PPFS prediction, followed by an effectiveness examination.ResultsPDAC patients who received multi-agent chemotherapy after surgery showed a longer PPFS than the single-agent chemotherapy group. PDAC patients who received multi-agent chemotherapy after recurrence showed a similar PPFS compared to the single-agent chemotherapy group. Local recurrence with distant metastases, early recurrence, lympho-vascular invasion, higher T stage, and higher N stage predicted shorter PPFS in recurrent PDAC patients. Finally, a nomogram to indicate the progression of recurrent lesions was constructed.ConclusionMulti-agent chemotherapy is recommended for PDAC patients after surgery. Meanwhile, single-agent chemotherapy also deserves consideration after tumor recurrence. Moreover, the nomogram could be used in PPFS prediction.
Metabolomics study of APETx2 post-conditioning on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Li Jing , Wei Yiyong , Wang Yi , Zhang Yue , Xu Ying , Ma Huanhuan , Ma Lulin , Zeng Qingfan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAcid-sensing ion channels are activated during myocardial ischemia and are implicated in the mechanism of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3), the most pH-sensitive member of the ASIC family, is highly expressed in myocardial tissues. However, the role of ASIC3 in MIRI and its precise effects on the myocardial metabolome remain unclear. These unknowns might be related to the cardioprotective effects observed with APETx2 post-conditioning.MethodRat hearts subjected to Langendorff perfusion were randomly assigned to the normal (Nor) group, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) group, ASIC3 blockade (AP) group. Rat hearts in group AP were treated with the ASIC3-specific inhibitor APETx2 (630 nM). Molecular and morphological changes were observed to elucidate the role of ASIC3 in MIRI. Bioinformatics analyses identified differential metabolites and pathways associated with APETx2 post-conditioning.ResultsAPETx2 post-conditioning stabilized hemodynamics in the isolated rat heart model of MIRI. It also reduced myocardial infarct size, mitigated mitochondrial damage at the ultrastructural level, and improved markers of myocardial injury and oxidative stress. Further more, we observed that phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, citric acid, cyanidin 5-O-beta-D-glucoside, and L-aspartic acid decreased after MIRI. The levels of these metabolites were partially restored by APETx2 post-conditioning. These metabolites are primarily involved in autophagy and endogenous cannabinoid signaling pathways.ConclusionASIC3 is potentially a key player in MIRI. APETx2 post-conditioning may improve MIRI through specific metabolic changes. This study provides valuable data for future research on the metabolic mechanisms underlying the effects of APETx2 post-conditioning in MIRI.
Discovery of quality markers of Meconopsis quintuplinervia based on an absorption-based metabolite approach and rapid quantification using polarity-switching UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS
Authors: Tian Yifan , Liu Yuan , Kong Yuanlin , Li Limin , Yang Zhengming , Li Wenbin , Li Qiang , Ren Chaoqin , Sun Wenxia , Huang Yanfei 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundMeconopsis quintuplinervia Regel (MQ) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for clearing liver and lung heat in Tibetan medicine for over a thousand years. However, the lack of quality markers that correlate with pharmacological actions and absorption in vivo limits the safety and efficacy in its clinical application and on the drug market. Furthermore, a universal and rapid method for simultaneously determining quality markers in the MQ crude drug is still lacking.PurposeAn absorption-based metabolite approach was used to discover and identify the quality markers of MQ. An efficient method based on polarity-switching ultra-performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS) was then established to determine the quality markers.MethodsThe absorbed compounds and metabolites were first characterized using UPLC plus Q-Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) after giving oral MQ extract to rats. Subsequently, the absorbed compounds and precursors of metabolites correlating with the hepatocyte protection activity were screened as quality markers. Finally, a polarity-switching UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitative analysis of the MQ crude drug, enabling the detection of quality markers in both negative and positive ion modes in a single run. The MS2 characteristics of target compounds were investigated to select appropriate product ions.ResultsA total of 13 absorbed compounds and 30 metabolites were characterized. Among these, nine compounds, including five absorbed compounds and four precursors of metabolites intimately correlated with hepatocyte protection activity and absorption in vivo, were considered the quality markers of MQ in the current study. The quantification of quality markers was conducted using an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) column, the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid solution (containing 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate). The validated UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS method was successfully applied to quantify the quality markers in the MQ crude drug.ConclusionWe defined the quality markers and established a universal and rapid method for simultaneously determining the quality markers of MQ, which will be helpful for further investigation of the quality evaluation of MQ in clinical application and the drug market.