bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus addition on plant diversity and primary productivity in a semiarid grassland
Authors: He Yuying , Wang Hongjiao , Xiao Rui , Yang Zhongling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Nutrient enrichment has the potential to influence biodiversity and primary productivity, but the general patterns and potential mechanisms are still elusive. Using a five-year field nutrient addition experiment, we evaluated response patterns and potential mechanisms of plant diversity and productivity to nitrogen (N) enrichment, phosphorus (P) enrichment, and nitrogen (N) plus phosphorus (P) enrichment. The results showed that N or P addition alone significantly decrease species richness by 25.9% and 23.5%. N plus P addition was stronger than N or P addition alone by 51.9% decline of species richness. Plant community composition under P addition was similar to control but separated in the N and N plus P addition plots from the control plots. N addition remarkably increased aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) by 93.3% by increasing grass biomass, whereas P addition had no effect on ANPP. However, P addition stimulated the positive effect of N addition on ANPP, leading to 127.8% enhancement of ANPP under N plus P addition. N addition decreased species richness by increasing community height and decreasing soil pH, while P addition decreased species richness by increasing community height and soil available phosphorus. The increased community height, community weighted means (CWM) of leaf N content and leaf area explained the enhancement of ANPP under N addition. Our findings are crucial for understanding of the effects of N and P enrichment on ANPP and species richness in the semi-arid grassland, and will provide scientific support for optimizing the management and utilization of semiarid grassland.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Bacterial Isolates from Wastewater and Environmental Samples Collected from Pharmaceutical Industries in South India
Authors: Kamatham Sravani , Seeralan Manoharan , Sekar Uma , Kuppusamy Sujatha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The study was aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance in the isolated bacteria from the influent (25), effluent (15) and surface, ground water (15) surrounding the pharmaceutical industries located in south India. Forty-eight isolates out of 55 samples were obtainedviz.Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Corynebacterium sp., Acinetobacter sp., Aeromonas punctata, Ralstonia picketti, Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophillia, and Citrobacter freundii. The phenotypic profile of resistance through antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out against sixteen different antibiotics. Standard PCR technique was used for the detection of 12 genes encoding carbapenems, quinoline, aminoglycoside, β-lactam belonging blaOXA-58, blaOXA-22, qnrA, qnrB, aac(6)-Ib-cr, aac (3)-XI, mec A, qepA, aadB, blaVIM, blaOXA-48 and blaNDM. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1: TN/I/2020) showed presence of 3 resistance genes. qnrB (489 bp) gene was present in a maximum of 7 isolates while blaVIM (196 bp) gene was present in 6 isolates. The resistant gene blaNDM (621 bp) was present in three different isolates; aac (X):6)-lb-cr (482 bp), qepA (495 bp), aadB (500 bp), blaOXA-58 (843 bp) resistant genes were present in two different isolates each among the bacterial isolates obtained in this study. In phenotypic resistance profiling by AST method, a maximum of 14 antibiotics were resistant among 16 tested. Similarly, in genotypic resistance profiling, among 12 resistant genes tested, a maximum of three resistant genes were noticed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There were positive and negative correlations observed between phenotypic and genotypic resistance among different antibiotics and their resistance genes indicating the variations in the resistant gene expression.
Health survey on anxiety, depression, and stress in Afghanistan: A large-scale cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Neyazi Ahmad , Mohammadi Abdul Qadim , Razaqi Nosaibah , Rahimi Bilal Ahmad , Sifat Sifatullah , Rahimy Najeebullah , Tareen Zarghoon , Mehmood Qasim , Satapathy Prakasini , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:The present cross-sectional survey study examined the mental health of Afghans living under the Taliban government. It examined the underlying factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress.Methods:Between June 5, 2023 and February 12, 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted among the Afghan population in three key regions of Afghanistan. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were employed to explore the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and depression, anxiety, and stress among 2,698 participants.Results:The prevalence of (i) depression was 72.05%, (ii) anxiety was 71.94%, and (iii) stress was 66.49%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that gender (being female), economic status (being poor), residency (living in rural areas), education level (being illiterate), being a cigarette smoker, and having experienced a traumatic event during the past month were significantly associated with depression, anxiety and stress.Conclusion:The mental health crisis in Afghanistan is a complex and urgent issue that requires a comprehensive and compassionate response. The findings of the present study show very high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, most likely reflecting the profound impact of recent political, social, and economic changes. Notably, a significant majority of participants, particularly females and individuals above 35 years of age, reported severe to extremely severe mental health symptoms.
Impact of a 12-week personalized dietary intervention on vascular function and cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Thijssen Dick , Wanders Lisa , Gijbels Anouk , Hul Gaby , Feskens Edith , Afman Lydia , Blaak Ellen , Hopman Maria , Goossens Gijs 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective. Given the interaction between insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular risk, we examined whether a personalized diet according muscle insulin-resistant (MIR) or liver insulin-resistant (LIR) phenotypes improves vascular function and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Methods. Individuals were randomized to a personalized phenotype diet (PhenoDiet) A or B and followed a 12-week low-fat, high-protein (LFHP) diet or high-monounsaturated fatty acid (HMUFA) diet (PhenoDiet A; MIR/HMUFA-LIR/LFHP; PhenoDiet B: MIR/LFHP-LIR/HMUFA). We included 101 participants.
Results. Dietary interventions decreased blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and the Framingham risk score (all P<0.05), improved IR ((Matsuda index, HOMA-IR) P<0.001), but not vascular function (P=0.485). Changes in outcome parameters were not significantly different between PhenoDiet groups. The LFHP diet resulted in more pronounced improvements in cholesterol, DBP, and IR compared to the HMUFA diet (all P<0.05).
Conclusion. A 12-week healthy diet improves metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes, but not vascular function in IR adults with overweight or obesity. Whilst the LFHP diet resulted in greater improvements in cardiometabolic risk markers than the HMUFA diet, we found no significant differences between the PhenoDiet groups.
Assessment of Diabetes Related-Knowledge and Practice Among Algerian University Students: A Cross- sectional Survey
Authors: LOUNIS Mohamed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Diabetes is increasing significantly in the world especially among low- and middle-income countries including Algeria where it is ranked second in term of morbidity. This study was conducted aiming to evaluate the level of knowledge and lifestyle practice among Algerian university students. A national online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 14 November 2022 and 11 February 2023. 417 students answered the questionnaire. Demographically, females (82%), singles (86.1%), students aged between 20 and 30 years old (62.2%) and those living in urban areas (86.8%) were the most represented. More than half were students of bachelor level (52.3%) and were mainly studying in Natural and Life Sciences (37.2%) and Humanities (29.5%) faculties, and 10.6% of them declared living with diabetes. Overall, an average percentage of 75.1% correct responses was obtained and 54.6% of the respondents have shown a high level of knowledge. If age, the field of study and paternal education were associated with a high level of knowledge, being a Health Sciences student (OR: 10.175, CI 95%: 2.985–34.677) and being diabetic (OR: 10.486, CI95%: 3.424–32.12) were highly significant factors (p < 0.01). Regarding lifestyle practice, a moderate level of good practice of 54.2% was obtained and the level of knowledge was the only associated factor. These results described that some gaps of knowledge were observed especially among certain categories including students without formal education in Health, and Natural and Life Sciences. Results of this study could be helpful to the health program deciders in their campaigns of prevention against this silent disease.
Genome-Wide Hepatoprotective Molecule Screening using Tissue-Specific Transcriptome Analyses of the White-Spotted Flower Chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis)
Authors: hwang jihye , Hwang Ui Wook 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The white-spotted flower chafer (Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis) is widely distributed across Asian countries and is used in traditional medicine to treat chronic fatigue, blood circulation disorders, and paralysis. Here, we present the novel P. b. seulensis transcriptome assembly from four different third instar larva stages (fat body, muscle, hematocyte, and midgut tissue), with expression analyses of overlapping and tissue-specific genes. The assembly, with 96.7% coverage, consisted of 23,551 high-quality transcripts. Tissue-specific genes were functionally mapped using gene set enrichment analysis. When we explored tissue-specific disease-related genes with human liver disease genes, these former genes were highly downregulated, apart from the Supervillin-like (Svil-like) gene. We constructed a phylogenetic profile with high sequence homology (>70) of liver disease-associated genes and found that Svil-like only existed in the crustacean-specific clade. We selected 92 genes based on co-expression correlations with Svil-like, and our functional analyses confirmed that processes were related to glycolysis, mitochondria, ATP synthesis, and structural cuticle constituents. Therefore, mitochondrial function, ATP generation, and improved mechanical cell membrane maintenance may be related to hepatoprotective P. b. seulensis activity in humans.
Optimizing nutrient management to improve tobacco quality while reducing nutrient losses in tobacco fields
Authors: Wang Chen , Miao Qi , Guo Yingxin , Liu Lu , Sun Junwei , Fan Zhiyong , Hu Yanxia , Wang Dexun , Li Junying , Cui Zhenling 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Efficient nutrient management is imperative to control nutrient losses from farmland in the Erhai Lake Basin (ELB). To address this, a two-year field experiment (2021–2022) was conducted in the northern part of the ELB. The study aimed to quantify the impact of various fertilization treatments on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses. The four fertilizer treatments included: no fertilizer (CK), farmer’s fertilizer-purely organic fertilization (FP), chemical fertilizer (CF), and a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers (OIC). The OIC treatment significantly decreased N losses throughout the entire flue-cured tobacco season compared to the FP treatment, reducing TN runoff losses by 2.68 kg ha− 1 and TP runoff losses by 0.10 kg ha− 1. For leaching losses, the OIC treatment demonstrated a reduction of 21.3% in total N (TN) losses and 17.3% in total P (TP) losses compared to the purely organic fertilization treatments. Regarding yield and economic, the two-year average yield of the OIC treatment was 2573.93 kg ha− 1, a 3.8% increase compared to the FP treatment, accompanied by a significant rise in economic value. Correlation analysis revealed that soil available N and soil water content were key factors significantly influencing TN and TP runoff losses. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the control of nutrient losses in farmland in the ELB.
Oral mucosa and subacute systemic toxicity of anacardic acid loaded-zein nanoparticles
Authors: de Souza Smyrna Luiza Ximenes , Brasileiro Érica Pinto de Azevedo , Lima Laís Aragão , Silva Paulo Goberlânio de Barros , de Araújo Jennifer Thayanne Cavalcante , de Sousa Francisco Fábio Oliveira , Lima Ramille Araújo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Anacardic acid, a bioactive phytochemical extracted from cashew shell liquid of Anacardium occidentale, is a promising oral antimicrobial agent, lacking complete toxicity evaluation. This study aimed to evaluate the oral mucosal and systemic toxicity of zein nanoparticles containing anacardic acid in vivo. Oral (gavage) and topical administration on oral mucosa were performed in mice (female c57bl/6j) over 30 days, distributed in four groups: Negative control - sterile saline solution 0.89%; Standard Group – chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%; Group AaZNp – anacardic acid loaded-zein nanoparticles (9.337 µg/mL) and Group BZNp – blank zein nanoparticles. Weight variation, relative organs weight, and thickness of target organs were analyzed. Subepithelial inflammation frequency (%) was determined. ANOVA/Tukey test and chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests were used (p < 0.05). Groups AaZNp (-4.2 ± 1.49 g) and BZNp (-4.00 ± 1.30 g) showed the highest weight loss; although without significant difference in kidneys, lungs, liver, and spleen weights. Groups AaZNp (0.16 ± 0.01 g) and BZNp (0.16 ± 0.02 g) presented lower cardiac mass than the negative (0.21 ± 0.01 g) and standard (0.22 ± 0.02 g) (p = 0.045) groups. Ventral tongue epithelium thickness of the negative control (3250 ± 439 µm) was significantly lower than BZNp treated (8650 ± 1079 µm) (p = 0.001); Jugal epithelial thickness was lower in AaZNp and BZNp than Standard Group (p < 0.001), while the thickness of gingival epithelium was lower in the negative control (134 ± 13 µm) than the other groups (p = 0.001). There were no significant signs of inflammatory infiltrate. The administration of AaZNp and BZNp caused a reduction in the cardiac mass without showing other signs of oral mucosal or systemic toxicity.
Enhanced capacity of thiol-functionalized sugarcane bagasse and rice husk biochars for arsenite sorption in aqueous solutions
Authors: hasan Israr Masood ul , Niazi Nabeel Khan , bibi Irshad , Younas Fazila , Al–Misned Fahad , Shakoor Muhammad Bilal , Ali Fawad , Ilyas Shazia , Hussain Muhammad Mahroz , Qiao Jinli , Lüttge Andreas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Utilization of biowastes to produce biochars as sorbents to remove toxic elements from water represents an important pathway for aquatic ecosystem decontamination. Here we explored the significance of thiol-functionalization on sugarcane bagasse biochar (Th/SCB-BC) and rice husk biochar (Th/RH-BC) to enhance arsenite (As(III)) removal capacity from water and compared their efficiency with pristine biochars (SCB–BC and RH–BC). The maximum As(III) sorption was found on Th/SCB-BC and Th/RH-BC (2.88 and 2.51 mg g−1, respectively) compared to the SCB–BC and RH–BC (1.51 and 1.40 mg g−1). Relatively, greater percentage As(III) removal was observed with the Th/SCB–BC and Th/RH–BC (92% and 83%, respectively) at pH 7 compared to pristine SCB–BC and RH–BC (65% and 55%). Langmuir (R2 = 0.99) isotherm and pseudo–second order (R2 = 0.99) kinetic models provided the best fits to As(III) sorption data. Desorption experiments indicated that the regeneration ability of biochars was in the order of: Th/SCB–BC (88%) > Th/RH–BC (82%) > SCB–BC (77%) > RH–BC (69%) up to three sorption-desorption cycles. The FTIR spectroscopy and XPS results demonstrated that the thiol (S–H) surface functional groups were successfully grafted on the surface of biochars and enhanced As removal from water. Spectroscopic data indicated that functional groups, such as S–H, –OH, –COOH, C=O were involved in slightly enhanced As(III) sorption on thiol-engineered biochars. This study highlights that thiol-grafting on biochars, notably on SCB-BC, enhanced their ability to remove As from water, which can be used as an effective technique for the treatment of As from drinking water.
TIGIT and PD-L1 co-blockade promotes clonal expansion of multipotent, non-exhausted anti-tumor T cells by facilitating costimulation
Authors: Chiang Eugene , Nutsch Katherine , Banta Karl , Wu Thomas , Mittman Stephanie , Duong Ellen , Tran Charles , Nabet Barzin , Qu Yan , Williams Katherine , Müller Sören , Patil Namrata S. , Mellman Ira 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Blockade of the immune checkpoints PD-1 and TIGIT has demonstrated activity in mouse tumor models and human cancer patients. Although these coinhibitory receptors can restrict signaling in CD8+ T cells by regulating their associated costimulatory receptors CD28 and CD226, the functional consequences of combining PD-1 and TIGIT blockade remain poorly characterized. In mouse tumor models, combination blockade elicited CD226-driven clonal expansion of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. The expanded clones emerged from a population of stem-like cells in draining lymph nodes (dLN), entering the blood as a previously unidentified single-phenotype, multi-clonal population. Upon reaching the tumor, these tumor antigen-specific transiting cells expanded further and differentiated into effector or exhausted T cells, with combination blockade restricting entry into the exhaustion pathway by favoring costimulation. Thus, PD-1 and TIGIT inhibition helps shape the repertoire of tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells in dLN and determines their immunological fate in the tumor to enhance therapeutic benefit. Analysis of clinical trial samples suggests a similar mechanism may also occur in cancer patients.
The Facebook Algorithm's Active Role in Climate Advertisement Delivery
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Aruna , Hemberg Erik , Sapiezynski Piotr , O'Reilly Una-May 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Communication strongly influences attitudes toward climate change. In the advertising ecosystem, we can distinguish actors with adversarial stances: organizations with contrarian or advocacy communication goals towards climate action, who direct the advertisement delivery algorithm to launch ads in different destinations by specifying targets and campaign objectives. We present a 2 part study; part 1 is an observational study (N=275,632) and part 2 is a controlled (M=650) study. Collectively, they indicate that the advertising delivery algorithm could be actively influencing climate discourse, asserting statistically significant control over advertisement destinations, characterized by U.S. state, gender type, or age range. Further, algorithmic decision-making might be affording a cost advantage to climate contrarians. These findings have implications for climate communications and misinformation research, revealing consequential ways in which the advertising
algorithm could be skewing delivery decisions away from targeting intentions, thereby influencing audience attitudes towards climate change.
A Deep Multi-Omics Integration Approach Reveals New Molecular Features of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Petta Tirzah , Falcao Raul Maia , de Souza Jorge , Gonzalez-Molina Jordi , Mathieson William , Carlson Joseph 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is a rare and aggressive cancer representing approximately 2-5% of all uterine malignancies. The molecular heterogeneity and pathogenesis of uLMS are not well understood and translational studies with the aim of discovering the vulnerabilities of this tumor type are of high priority. We conducted an innovative comprehensive multi-omics integration study from DNA to protein using fresh frozen tumors to unravel unprecedented molecular features of uLMS. Here we present that two tumors harbor actionable therapeutic targets, IDH1_p.Arg132Cys and KRAS_p.Gly12Cys and homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) was the most predominant genomic signature, suggesting that uLMS patients could benefit from individualised precision medicine. Additionally, 80% of the samples presented a chromothripsis signature reinforcing the aneuploidy phenotype of these tumors. Moreover, uLMS with high proliferation score and high Ki67 expression presented a worse overall survival. By applying an innovative pipeline to explore structural variants, we observed a high frequency of balanced translocation involving the gene EEF1A1 with enrichment of EGFR pathway. For the first time, uLMS proteomics analysis shows the enrichment of pathways associated with the suppression of innate immune system and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. Finally, our comprehensive multi-omics integration analysis identified amplification of the gene CTHRC1 a gene from the matrisome with negative impact on the overall survival. Taken together, the deep functional multi-omics approach contributes to the detection of new molecular features of uLMS and suggests that patients would benefit from precision oncology in clinical practice.
Locoregional Recurrence-Free Survival in Postmastectomy Breast Cancer: A Comparative Longitudinal Study of Hypofractionated Versus Conventional Fractionated Radiation Therapy
Authors: Meloot Suma Susan , Raveendran Ciniraj , Yadev IP 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The primary objective of our study was to estimate the difference in locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and investigate the influence of various clinical factors on the risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR) in post-mastectomy breast cancer patients treated with two different radiation fractionation.
Methods: Data from 317 post-mastectomy patients were retrospectively analyzed. The conventional fractionation schedule was 50 Gy in 25 fractions; the hypofractionated schedule was 42.6 Gy in 16 fractions. LRFS between the two fractionations was estimated and compared.
Results: The median LRFS for hypofractionated radiation (n=194) is 52.5 months (95% CI, 23.0–60.0); for conventional fractionated radiation (n=123) is 60.0 months (95% CI, 35.5–60.0; P=0.008), significant difference at first, but not after further analysis. With univariate cause-specific risk analysis, the Hazard Ratio (HR) for recurrence with hypofractionated radiation was 1.55 (95% CI: 0.76–3.15; p = 0.2). The cause-specific HR for competing events with hypofractionated radiation was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.67–1.60; p = 0.9). With multivariable cause-specific hazard analysis, HR for recurrence with hypofractionated radiation vs. conventional is 1.27 (95% CI 0.61–2.65; p = 0.5). Nodal stage is a significant predictor of LRR. Positive margins are associated with higher LRR risk (HR 2.02;p = 0.052). Age, tumor stage, chemotherapy, histology, tumor grade, and hormone receptor status did not significantly influence LRR risk.
Conclusion: For post-mastectomy breast cancer patients, hypofractionated radiation treatment is not different from conventional fractionation in achieving locoregional control. Lymph node positivity is a crucial determinant of local recurrence.