bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co‐inoculation with Bradyrhizobium and Azospirillum Increases Yield and Quality of Soybean Seeds
Authors: Queiroz Rego Carlos Henrique , Cardoso Fernanda Brito , da Silva Cândido Ana Carina , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , Alves Charline Zaratin 
Published: October 2018

The use of microorganisms is a very recurrent reality in agriculture.
Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense benefits the development of plants.
There was an increase in the yield components of soybean.

Microorganisms are widely used in agriculture. Among them, the bacterial genus Bradyrhizobium is commonly found in cultivated soils, forming symbiotic relationships with legume species. This work aimed to evaluate whether co‐inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum and Azospirillum brasilense influences the components of production, yield, and physiological quality of soybean seeds. The experiment was conducted in three consecutive crop seasons (from 2014–2015 to 2016–2017), in the municipality of Chapadão do Sul, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experiment consisted of a randomized complete block design, with seven treatments and four replications, using the following treatments: T1, control (without inoculation); T2, inoculation with B. japonicum (150 mL); T3, inoculation with A. brasilense (150 mL); T4, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (75 mL + 75 mL); T5, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (150 mL + 150 mL); T6, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (225 mL+ 225 mL); and T7, co‐inoculation with B. japonicum + A. brasilense (300 mL+ 300 mL). Each treatment (dose) was applied to 50 kg of soybean seeds. The study evaluated the agronomic variables number of nodules per plant, dry shoot biomass per plant, plant height, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, mass of 100 seeds, and grain yield; and the seed quality variables first germination count, germination, emergence, emergence speed index, electric conductivity, accelerated aging, and tetrazolium. The co‐inoculation of soybean seeds with B. japonicum and A. brasilense benefits the development of plants, increasing yield components, grain yield, and seed quality. The most efficient level was 225 mL of each inoculant for 50 kg of seed.
Nonlinear Modeling for Analyzing Data from Multiple Harvest Crops
Authors: Sari Bruno G. , Olivoto Tiago , Diel Maria I. , Krysczun Dionatan K. , Lúcio Alessandro D. C. , Savian Taciana V. 
Published: October 2018

We proposed a workflow for nonlinear modeling of data from multiple‐harvest crops.We demonstrated why the nonlinearity measures should be used to select nonlinear models.We demonstrated as the critical points describe the multiple‐harvest crops production.Logistic model parameters determine the precocity and the concentration of production.Growth models are alternative to ANOVA in analyzing data from multiple‐harvest crops.Nonlinear growth models have been widely used for analyzing production curves with a sigmoidal pattern; however, all benefits that these models provide are not being fully exploited. Our aim here is to provide a step‐by‐step guide on how to choose a nonlinear model with parameters close to being unbiased, and to show how to estimate and interpret the critical points of a model aimed at determining the precocity and concentration of the production. Data on two uniformity trials conducted with eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.) was used for this purpose. The Brody, Gompertz, logistic, and von Bertalanffy models were fitted to predict the number and fresh mass of fruits per plant. The model with lower nonlinearity measures and lower bias of the parameter estimates was selected. All the tested models presented satisfactory goodness‐of‐fit measures, but they differed regarding nonlinearity measures. The logistic model was selected because it had lower intrinsic and parametric nonlinearity and lower bias in parameter estimates. The inflection point and maximum acceleration/deceleration points of this model provide detailed pieces of information of the production through the productive cycle. Finally, using the logistic model as an example, we demonstrate that lower values of β2are related to an earlier maximum production rate, and higher values of β3are related to an earlier production that is concentrated in fewer days. The nonlinearity measures were important for the model selection. Thus, it is strongly recommended that nonlinearity is estimated and used to select nonlinear models in future studies.
Comparing vis–NIRS, LIBS, and Combined vis–NIRS‐LIBS for Intact Soil Core Soil Carbon Measurement
Authors: Bricklemyer Ross S. , Brown David J. , Turk Philip J. , Clegg Samuel 
Published: October 2018

Core IdeasFirst rigorous integration of VisNIR and LIBS spectroscopic techniques for soil profile C measurement.Field‐moist intact soil cores scanned with LIBS and VisNIR simulating in situ measurements.Combined VisNIR‐LIBS wavelengths selected by MRCE were split nearly equally between sensors, suggesting molecular and elemental information was successfully integrated for predicting TC, IC, and SOC.Stoichiometric relationships in LIBS elemental emissions are more strongly correlated to IC concentration than were carbonate absorptions in VisNIR.Lack of variation and consistent, definable chemical composition and stoichiometry likely contributed to poor LIBS and combined VisNIR – LIBS prediction accuracy for SOC.Soil organic carbon (SOC) measurement is critically important to quantify regional and global soil C stocks and better understand soil C biogeochemical processes. Recent studies employing laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and visible‐near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (vis–NIRS) indicate their potential for in situ soil C determination. Visible and near infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and LIBS spectroscopy fundamentally differ and we hypothesize that their integration would provide improved soil C predictions. We report the first rigorous integration of vis–NIRS and LIBS, evaluating the precision of vis–NIRS, LIBS, and combined vis–NIRS‐LIBS spectra for simulated in situ soil profile total C (TC), inorganic C (IC) and SOC measurement. Three multivariate variable selection and regression approaches were evaluated for soil C prediction. The highest soil C prediction accuracies were observed using multivariate regression with covariance estimation (MRCE). Inorganic C was best predicted by LIBS, vis–NIRS provided better SOC predictions, and TC was best predicted using combined vis–NIRS‐LIBS data. Combined vis–NIRS‐LIBS did not consistently increase soil C prediction accuracy. Soil organic C was not well predicted, presumably due to challenges associated with scanning surfaces of intact soil cores, variable SOC chemistries, and low SOC variation in the dataset. Considering the challenging conditions under which combined vis–NIRS– LIBS was tested for soil C measurement, data integration and model calibrations had acceptable performance. Further testing under more controlled soil conditions with samples containing greater SOC diversity is necessary to determine the technical potential of combined vis–NIRS/LIBS for soil C determination.
A Novel Shortwave Infrared Proximal Sensing Approach to Quantify the Water Stability of Soil Aggregates
Authors: Gholoubi Azadeh , Emami Hojat , Jones Scott B. , Tuller Markus 
Published: October 2018

A novel proximal sensing approach to determine soil aggregate stability is demonstrated.
Change in pre‐ vs. post‐wetted aggregate reflectance yields aggregate stability (AS) from surface structure alteration.
Results were well‐correlated with those of the high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC) method, which involves rapid and slow wetting of aggregates.
The new method only employs rapid wetting of aggregates, saving time for sample processing and evaluation.
Soil structure and aggregate stability (AS) are critical soil properties affecting water infiltration, root growth, and resistance to soil and wind erosion. Changes in AS may be early indicators of soil degradation, pointing to low organic matter (OM) content, reduced biological activity, or poor nutrient cycling. Hence, efficient and reliable AS measurement techniques are essential for detection, management, and remediation of degraded soil resources. Here we quantify soil AS by developing a novel proximal sensing technique based on shortwave infrared (SWIR) reflectance measurements. The novel approach is similar to the well‐documented high energy moisture characteristic (HEMC) method, which yields a stability ratio (SR) derived from comparison of hydraulic and structural characteristics of slowly‐ and rapidly‐wetted soil samples near‐saturation. We rapidly wetted aggregated soil samples (i.e., high energy input) and hypothesized that an AS index can be derived from SWIR surface reflectance spectra due to differences in post‐wetting surface roughness that is intimately linked to AS. To test this hypothesis, surface reflectance spectra from a wide range of structured soil textures under both slowly‐ and rapidly‐wetted samples, were measured with a SWIR spectroradiometer (350–2500 nm). The ratio between pre‐ and post‐wetting spectra was determined and compared with the HEMC method's volume of drainable pore ratio (VDPR). We found a strong correlation (R 2 = 0.87) between the VDPR and the SWIR‐derived reflectance index (RI) and also between the SR (R 2 = 0.90) and the RI for all soils. These results point to the feasibility and appeal of quantifying AS using the newly proposed and more time‐efficient proximal sensing method.
The ERM Complex: A New Player Involved in Diabetes-induced Vascular Leakage
Authors: Simó-Servat Olga , Hernández Cristina , Simó Rafael 
Published: October 2018

Background:Microvascular complications remain an important cause of morbidity in diabetic patients, and they are associated with a significant economic burden for healthcare systems. Vascular leakage is one of the earlier hallmarks in diabetic microvascular complications. Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin (ERM) proteins have recently been involved in vascular dysfunction under the effect of molecular mediators of diabetes complications. In this review, we will present the available evidence regarding the role of these proteins in vascular leakage and their putative implication in diabetic microvascular complications.Methods and Results:A comprehensive literature search of the electronic MEDLINE database was performed between November 2017 and January 2018. As a result, 36 articles have been reviewed and discussed.Discussion:ERM proteins are cytoskeleton-membrane linkers, and when activated in endothelial cells are able to induce cytoskeleton reorganization in stress fibers leading to the disassembly of focal adhesions and the formation of paracellular gaps which result in an increase of vascular permeability. The activation of these proteins is induced by mediators involved in diabetic complications such as PKC activation, TNF-α, AGEs and oxidative stress. In conclusion, ERMs play an essential role in endothelium homeostasis and can be envisaged as a new therapeutic molecular target for preventing or arresting diabetes-induced vascular leakage.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Zinc Status: Implications for Supplementation in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Virgili Fabio , Ambra Roberto , McCormack Jacqueline , Simpson Ellen E.A. , Ciarapica Donatella , Barnaba Lorenzo , Azzini Elena , Polito Angela 
Published: October 2018

Background:
Zinc is an essential component for all living organisms, representing the second most
abundant trace element, after iron. This element is widely distributed in the tissues of a human body where it is
involved in normal growth, reproduction and several biological functions including immunity, energy metabolism
and antioxidant processes. Because of its essential role, zinc levels in the human body must remain constant,
independently of dietary intake fluctuations. The homeostasis of zinc is a well-regulated cellular process and has
been reported to be chiefly mediated by the expression and activity of zinc-binding proteins such as metallothioneins
and zinc transporters. Genes encoding for these proteins are subjected to genetic variants.

Methods:
We performed a multi-database electronic search to provide an overview on the relationship between
specific polymorphisms (SNP) of genes encoding for metallothioneins and zinc transporters and their relationship
with zinc status, immune function and some non-communicable diseases.

Results:
A number of SNP are implicated in a range of metabolic disease. Some SNP may affect the impact of
zinc supplementation on immune function, diabetes, and obesity.

Conclusion:
New studies are needed to clarify the interaction between individual genetic profile and zinc status.
Moreover, there is a need for a better interaction between the scientific bodies and health professionals to allow
better dietary and behavioural recommendations to promote human health, with particular concern to elderly
people.
A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials: The Impact of Vitamin C Supplementation on Serum CRP and Serum hs-CRP Concentrations
Authors: Jafarnejad Sadegh , Boccardi Virginia , Hosseini Banafshe , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Hamedifard Zahra 
Published: October 2018

Objective: The present meta-analysis was designed to assess the effects of vitamin C supplementation
on serum C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels.

Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive systematic search of the literature in Scopus, PubMed and Google
Scholar until May 2018. The pooled Weighted Mean Difference (WMD) and its 95% Confidence Interval (CI) in
baseline and at the end of the trial were calculated to assess the net change in serum CRP by using random-effects
model. The heterogeneity was assessed by I2 test. Combined and stratified analyses were used in the metaanalysis.

Results:
From 306 articles found and screened in our initial search, 12 studies were included with 446 participants
in supplementation groups and 447 in control groups. The pooled effect size analysis showed a significant
reducing effect of vitamin C supplementation on circulating CRP level (−0.23 mg/L, 95% CI, −0.44, -0.03,
p=0.02), with a significant heterogeneity effect across the studies involved. Subgroup analyses showed that vitamin
C supplementation significantly lowered CRP among trials. The most significant effect was found 1) on hs-
CRP as the representative inflammatory marker (-0.43 mg/L, 95% CI -0.76, -0.1) 2) in subjects with a baseline
CRP≥3 (-1.48 mg/L, 95% CI -2.84, -0.11) 3) in subjects under <60 years old of age (-0.23 mg/L, 95% CI -0.44,-
0.01) 4) or using intravenous administration of vitamin C (-0.89 mg/L, 95% CI -1.49,-0.3).

Conclusion:
The present meta-analysis shows that vitamin C supplementation reduces serum CRP level, particularly
in younger subjects, with higher CRP baseline level, at a lower dosage and intravenous administration.
Gene Therapy and Photothermal Therapy of Layer-by-Layer Assembled AuNCs /PEI/miRNA/ HA Nanocomplexes
Authors: Yan Li-Juan , Guo Xin-Hong , Wang Wei-Ping , Hu Yu-Rong , Duan Shao-Feng , Liu Ying , Sun Zhi , Huang Sheng-Nan , Li Hui-li 
Published: October 2018

Background:MicroRNA (miRNA) therapy, which was widely considered to treat a series of cancer, has been confronted with numerous obstacles to being delivered into target cells because of its easy biodegradation and instability.Methods:In this research, we successfully constructed 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid modified gold nanocages (AuNCs)/polyethyleneimine (PEI)/miRNA/hyaluronic acid (HA) complexes (abbreviated as AuNCs/PEI/miRNA/HA) using a layer-by-layer method for target-specific intracellular delivery of miRNA by HA receptor mediated endocytosis.Results:The results of UV spectra, hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential analyses confirmed the formation of AuNCs/PEI/ miRNA/HA complex with its average particle size of ca. 153 nm and surface charge of ca. -9.43 mV. Next, we evaluated the antitumor effect of the nanocomplex mediated by the combination of gene therapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro.Conclusion:Our experimental results indicated that the AuNCs/PEI/miRNA/HA complex effectively delivered miRNA to the target cells and its antitumor effect was significantly enhanced by the combination of gene therapy and photothermal therapy. In addition, anti-miR-181b could promote Bel-7402 cell arrest in S phase and improve TIMP-3 mRNA expression. All these results suggested that AuNCs/PEI/miRNA/HA gene delivery system with combination of gene therapy and photothermal therapy might be exploited for HCC treatment.
A Tale of Two Eras: Mining Big Data from Electronic Health Records to Determine Limb Salvage Rates with Podiatry
Authors: Schmidt Brian M. , Holmes Crystal M. , Ye Wen , Pop-Busui Rodica 
Published: October 2018

Aims/Hypothesis:
Diabetic foot complications remain very prevalent in the US and worldwide,
and a major risk for devastating amputations. We evaluated the impact of establishing a fully integrated
and specialized Podiatry service into a large tertiary academic health system to implement
structured and targeted preventative foot care on limb salvage rates.

Methods:
Cross-sectional cohorts’ data mining analysis was conducted of all encounters for diabetes
and any foot complications between 2000-2005 and 2010-2015, preceding and after full implementation
of podiatry service, respectively. The primary outcome was the change in major non-traumatic
lower extremity amputations. Secondary outcomes included minor non-traumatic lower extremity amputations,
other diabetic foot complications, limb salvage procedures as documented by procedural coding,
and location (outpatient, inpatient, ED) of service rendered.

Results:
We analyzed 100 million patient encounters that met the above criteria. Compared with the
initial cohort, integration of specialized podiatry services resulted in a significant decrease in the number
of major amputations from 127 to 85/year (p<0.05), and halved the amputations rate from 0.004%
to 0.002% (p<0.05). Rates of minor lower extremity amputations remained unchanged (p>0.10), while
the rates of preventative procedures including foot ulcer debridement doubled (0.0002% to 0.0004% ;
p<0.03). Diagnoses of diabetic foot complications increased significantly (p<0.05) and shifted toward
the outpatient setting.

Conclusion:
Full integration of specialized Podiatry service led to a significant decrease in major amputation
rates, supporting teamwork between podiatry and diabetes health-care providers is essential to
performing timely diabetic foot complications management, preventative procedures leading to limb
salvage, and a shift in the care location.
Assessment of Soil Quality in Andosols Using Silvopastoral Systems
Authors: Rosales Hernán R. B. , Hernández Silvino V. , Aguiar Digna I. G. , Rosero Diego C. , Perez Luis C. , Rosero Marcelo I. 
Published: October 2018

Background:An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of redesign and management upon soil quality variation using three agro-ecosystems: agro-ecosystem A1 (grasses,Alnus acuminataKunth); agro-ecosystem A2 (grasses, AcaciamelanoxylonR. Br.) and agro-ecosystem A3 (Rangeland).Methods:The trees were planted along the contour lines in December 2015. The total area was divided into three agro-ecosystems (AES). These consisted of 7.50, 4.64 and 6.25 ha managed with ten to eleven cows in A1, A2 and A3 respectively. The AES were divided into paddocks by means of electric fences. Composite soil samples were evaluated at the baseline and ten months later. Principles of rational grass management were applied with low input sustainable agriculture. The tree population density was 1000 ha-1, planted in double rows, separated two meters apart. The genetic composition of dairy cows was 80 and 20% of Holstein and crossbreed Holstein x Jersey, respectively.Results:The effect of interaction between AES x year was not found. The effect of the agro-ecosystems upon the soil quality only showed significant differences (p <0.05) in pH (5.64, 5.68, 5.55); SOM (14.65, 16.11, 16.23); P2O5(34.67, 19.50, 33.48) and K2O (.16, .19, .12) meq 100 mL-1to A1, A2 y A3, respectively. On the contrary, the year´s effect showed differences (p <0.05) on chemical variables: NH4(-83.00 ppm); SOM (-1.91%); P2O5(-10.79 ppm); K2O (-.04) meq 100 mL-1and Mg (-.42) meq 100 mL-1, excepted pH (.025) and Ca (1.04) meq 100 mL-1when it was compared 2015vs. 2016. It is suggested to continue evaluating the dynamics of soil chemical variables in the subsequent two years to find out the real potential capacity of soil-plant-animal-management interactions to enhance soil quality ofAndosolsin dairy sector, Carchi province, Ecuador.
Mental Health Mobile Phone App Usage, Concerns, and Benefits Among Psychiatric Outpatients: Comparative Survey Study
Authors: Torous John , Wisniewski Hannah , Liu Gang , Keshavan Matcheri 
Published: October 2018

Background
Despite the popularity of mental health apps, it is unknown if they are actually used by those with mental illness. This study assessed whether differences in clinic setting may influence the use of mental health apps and which factors influence patient perception of apps.

Objective
The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of how individuals with mental illness use their mobile phones by exploring their access to mobile phones and their use of mental health apps.

Methods
A single time point survey study was conducted over a 2-week period in February 2018 at two nearby outpatient psychiatry clinics: one serving largely mood and anxiety disorder patients with private insurance staffed by both faculty and residents and the other serving largely psychotic disorder patients in a state Department of Mental Health (DMH) setting. A total of 25 patients at the state DMH clinic also consented for a single time point observation of apps currently installed on their personal mobile phone.

Results
A total of 113 patients at the private insurance clinic and 73 at the state DMH clinic completed the survey. Those in the private insurance clinic were more likely to download a mental health app compared to the state DMH clinic, but actual rates of reported current app usage were comparable at each clinic, approximately 10%. Verifying current apps on patients’ mobile phones at the state DMH clinic confirmed that approximately 10% had mental health apps installed. Patients at both clinics were most concerned about privacy of mental health apps, although those at the state DMH clinic viewed cost savings as the greatest benefit while those at the private clinic reported time as the greatest benefit.

Conclusions
High interest in mental health apps does not automatically translate into high use. Our results of low but similar rates of mental health app use at diverse clinics suggests DMH patients with largely psychotic disorders are as interested and engaged with apps as those in a private insurance clinic treating largely mood and anxiety disorders. Results from our study also highlight the importance of understanding how actual patients are using apps instead of relying on internet-based samples, which often yield higher results due to their likelihood of being selected.