bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of biochar and beneficial microorganisms on white root rot disease on Japanese apricot plants
Authors: Gomes Mateus , Izawa Tsubasa , Cruz André 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Biochar as a soil conditioner is known for affecting several soil and plant properties as well as nutritional status. It can also aid the suppression of soil-borne pathogens. Rosellinia necatrix is a soil-borne microorganism that causes white root rot disease in a large number of plant species, especially fruit trees. The fungus, which occurs worldwide, is very aggressive and difficult to control. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma are beneficial microorganisms (BM) known to aid in soil-borne disease suppression. Biochar has an active effect on the symbiotic relationship between plants and BM. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the effect of biochar and BM on Rosellinia necatrix suppression on Japanese apricot. The research was held in 2 phases. In phase 1, performed in vitro, we assessed R. necatrix and T. atroviridae growth in biochar-enriched medium. In phase 2, we inoculated Japanese apricot plants with R. necatrix and assessed disease severity. We discovered that R. necatrix was suppressed by T. atroviridae more efficiently than the control treatment when rice husk biochar was applied at a 0.5% concentration in vitro. We also learned that when rice husk biochar was amended, the effects of R. necatrix on Japanese apricot plants were less severe when compared to the control treatments, with disease progress being slower. We concluded that Rice husk biochar amendment successfully suppressed white root rot disease progression in vitro and in vivo, while bamboo biochar slowed disease progression in vivo. Mycorrhiza did not suppress R. necatrixgrowth.
Long-term effects of single application of biochar on physical and hydrological properties of crosby silt loam soil in Central Ohio, USA
Authors: Layek Jayanta , Lal Rattan , Meena Ram Swaroop , Mitran Tarik , Narzari Rumi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose Very few studies have been done on the effect of one time biochar application on soil physical and hydrological properties after long time lag. The current investigation aims to know the alterations in infiltration rate, soil water content at different potential, water stability of aggregates etc. caused after six years of application of oak wood biochar in Crosby silt loam soil of temperate ecosystem.Methods The trial was carried out using a complete randomized block design with three treatments: B0 (no biochar), B25 (biochar at 25 Mg ha− 1), and B5 (biochar at 5 Mg ha− 1) and six replications. After six years, soil's physical and hydrological characteristics were measured.Results The application of B25 resulted in the lowest bulk density but highest total porosity as compared to the other treatments. B25 also enhanced the water stability of aggregates by 4.1%, as compared to the B0. B25 significantly enhanced soil water retention at all measured soil water potentials (0, -6, -10, -33, -100 and − 1500 kPa) except for − 1500 kPa (0–10 cm), -6 kPa (10–20 cm), and 0 kPa (10–20 cm) relative to B0. The highest increase in soil water content was recorded for B25 at 0 kPa (9.2%) followed by that at -6 kPa (7.4%). While, the B25 increased the mean hydraulic conductivity by 55.9% over control, B5 resulted in a 15.5% increase. IR of soil also increased under B25 and B5 over B0 by 15.5 and 5.0%, respectively.Conclusions Biochar application in Crosby silt loam soil can enhance soil physical and hydrological properties even in the long run.
Transcriptome and WGCNA reveal hub genes in sugarcane tiller seedlings in response to drought stress
Authors: Tang Yuwei , Li Jiahui , Song Qiqi , Chen Qin , Tan Qinliang , Zhou Quanguang , Lv Ping 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Drought stress can severely affect sugarcane growth and yield. The objective of this research was to identify candidate genes in sugarcane tillering seedlings in response to drought stress. We performed a comparative phenotypic, physiological and transcriptomic analysis of tiller seedlings of drought-stressed and well-watered “Guire 2” sugarcane, in a time-course experiment (5 d, 9 d and 15 d). Physiological examination reviewed that SOD, proline, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins accumulated in large amounts in tiller seedlings under different intensities of drought stress, while MDA levels remained at a stable level, indicating that the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances and the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities helped to limit further damage caused by drought stress. RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to identify genes and modules associated with sugarcane tillering seedlings in response to drought stress. Drought stress induced huge down-regulated in gene expression profiles, most of down-regulated genes were mainly associated with photosynthesis, sugar metabolism and fatty acid synthesis. We obtained four gene co-expression modules significantly associated with the physiological changes under drought stress (three modules positively correlated, one module negatively correlated ), and found that LSG1-2, ERF1-2, SHKA, TIL, HSP18.1, HSP24.1, HSP16.1 and HSFA6A may play essential regulatory roles as hub genes in increasing SOD, Pro, soluble sugar or soluble protein contents. In addition, greenyellow module mostly involved in tiller stem diameter, among which members of the BHLH148 were important nodes. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which sugarcane tillering seedlings respond to drought stress.
A Multicomponent Family Intervention, Combined with Salt Reduction for Children with Obesity: A Factorial Randomized Study Protocol
Authors: Assemany Cinthia Guimarães , Cunha Diana Barbosa , Brandão Joana Maia , Paravidino Vitor Barreto , Garcia Magno Conceição , Sichieri Rosely 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundClinical trials to treat childhood obesity show modest results, weight regain and high dropout rates. Children with obesity often live in families with habits that contribute to unhealthy weight gain. This study will test whether a family intervention with a Brazilian-adapted Planetary Healthy Diet (PHD) and reduced portion sizes, along with increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior, can reduce excessive weight gain. The protocol promotes intake of in natura products and water, reduces ultra-processed foods, sugar, and sodium. It encourages family lifestyle changes and physical activities, with randomized allocation to experimental and control groups. The responsible family member will be evaluated during follow-up. The control group receives a print of the Brazilian dietary guideline.MethodsA factorial crossover design will also allocate families to receive reduced sodium salt plus anti-inflammatory herbs and a placebo salt. Both control and intervention groups will be randomly assigned to the sequence of both salts. The approach aims to reduce body weight expectations and evaluate salt's impact on blood pressure. It includes a 1-month intervention, 1-month washout, and 1-month intervention with monthly clinic visits and teleservice by health professionals. The primary outcomes will be the variation in the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the children. It will also be measured the BMI and the variation in the blood pressure of the pair (child/mother or father) as well as waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).DiscussionThe project will test the effectiveness of the use of the recommendations of the PHD, physical activity and a salt reduced sodium. Results of the present study will allow the refinement of intervention aimed at the treatment of childhood obesity and may help development of guidelines to the treatment of obesity for Brazilian children.Trial Registration:The study is registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-10mm62vs). Registered 10 February 2023
Analysis of ten-year teaching evaluation of oral microbiology lab curriculum
Authors: Xu Yu , Ding Xingji , Wang Wenhui , Li Yazhuo , Nie Min 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
According to the updated concept of oral microbiology teaching, the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, has carried out the teaching reform of oral microbiology since 2009, and added a lab curriculum of oral microbiology in order to foster foundational, professional, comprehensive, and innovative abilities of the students by a designed trial. Based on the previous data, the ten annual teaching experimental results from 2013 to 2022 were generally analyzed in this paper.
Methods
The curriculum is aimed at students in the fourth year of a 5-year bachelor program and adopts a cooperative learning mode. The experimental teaching mainly includes four parts: collection and treatment of dental plaque, isolation and cultivation of cariogenic bacteria, staining and biochemical identification of cariogenic bacteria. This paper makes an overall analysis of students' experimental results from 2013 to 2022, and evaluates the role of the teaching method and teaching system in improving students' experimental practice ability and comprehensive innovation ability.
Results
The 664 study students’ grades on oral microbiology improved during the lab curriculum: The rate of "C" in the second, third and fourth experiments decreased significantly compared to experiment one. The results show that the experimental course improves students' achievement, helps students to understand and master the course content, and has been positively reviewed by students.
Conclusion
Through systematic experimental teaching and practice, this lab curriculum is helpful to improve students' professional skills and scientific research ability, cultivate students' interest in scientific research and improve the quality of stomatology education.
Anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect: the topological inequivalence of skin modes versus point gap
Authors: Guo Gang-Feng , Bao Xi-Xi , Zhu Han-Jie , Zhao Xiao-Ming , Zhuang Lin , Tan Lei , Liu Wuming 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Non-Hermitian skin effect, the localization of an extensive number of open boundary eigenstates at the boundaries of the system, has greatly expanded the frontier of physical laws. It has long been believed that the present of skin modes is equivalent to the topologically nontrivial point gap. However, we find that this concomitance can be broken, i.e., the skin modes can be present or absent whereas the point gap is topologically trivial or nontrivial, respectively, named anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect. This anomalous phenomenon arises whenever the unidirectional hopping amplitudes among subsystems are emergence, in which sub-chains have the decoupling-like behaviors and only contribute to the energy levels while without particle occupation. The occurrence of the anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect is accompanied by the mutations of the open boundary eigenvalues, whose structure exhibits the multifold exceptional point and can not be recovered by continuum bands. Moreover, an experimental setup using circuits is proposed to simulate this novel effect. Our results reveal the topologically inequivalent between skin modes and point gap. This new effect not only can give a deeper understanding of non-Bloch theory and the critical phenomenon in non-Hermitian systems, but may also inspire new applications such as in the sensors field.
Past and future landscape dynamics reveal green space decline and fragmentation in a rapidly expanding city of northern Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Namwinbown Tony , Imoro Ziblim Abukari , Weobong Conrad Atogi-Akwoa , Tom-Dery Damian , Baatuuwie Bernard N. , Aikins Timothy Khan , Poreku Godwin , Lawer Eric Adjei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Green spaces such as forests, grasslands, and croplands are often characteristic of urban environments. Although they benefit human and animal well-being, they have become threatened due to rapid urban growth and unplanned development. In this study, we examined the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) change and fragmentation (especially, green spaces) within the second fastest urbanising city in Ghana, Tamale. In particular, we focused our analyses on its urban core (~ 5 km radius around the city centre) due to its relevance to urban economy and society. Landsat data from 1990, 2002, 2012, and 2022 were used to estimate fragmentation metrics of past and future LULC changes. We found clear patterns of green space decline and fragmentation within the urban core: i.e., green spaces became smaller over time and the pattern was expected to continue in the future (e.g., 1990 = 92.66 km2; 2022 = 59.78 km2; 2052 = 31.42 km2). Additionally, we found the built-up class benefited from the decline of green spaces. Our investigation suggests that protected forests and tree plantations contributed to a significant proportion of available green spaces in the urban core. However, these areas were increasingly becoming threatened by indiscriminate activities such as logging and encroachment by private developers. Hence, we emphasise the need for enforcement of existing legislations such as the 2002 Forest Protection (Amendment) and 2016 Land Use and Spatial Planning Acts which collectively seek to ensure the sustainability of forest and urban systems for the well-being of humans and the environment.
Exploring the synergistic behaviour of paclitaxel and vorinostat upon co-loading in albumin nanoparticles for breast cancer management
Authors: Abhang Ashwin , Katari Oly , Ghadi Rohan , Chaudhari Dasharath , Jain Sanyog 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Breast cancer is challenging to treat accompanied with poor clinical outcomes. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a first-line chemotherapeutic agent, but possesses limitations due to side effects, high dose, non-specific tissue distribution, and drug resistance. An epigenetic modulator, Vorinostat (VOR) is known to enhance PTX efficacy and therefore to resolve the issues of conventional PTX formulations we designed PTX-and VOR-bound albumin nanoparticles (PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs) using antisolvent precipitation technique where albumin is used as a carrier and a targeting agent. The PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs were of 140 nm size, PDI around 0.18, and about 78% and 68% of entrapment efficiency for PTX and VOR, respectively. A bi-pattern release of both PTX and VOR was observed from PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs with a burst release for 2 h succeeded by sustained release till 24 h. A significantly lower %cell viability was observed in MCF-7 cell lines, while efficient cellular drug uptake was found in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, a greater apoptotic index was found compared to free PTX and VOR because of the synergistic activity of these drugs. PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs had better PTX pharmacokinetic profile than Intaxel® with ~1.4-fold improved AUC. The self-targeting property of BSA along with the synergistic action of PTX and VOR from PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs aided in noteworthy reduction in the tumor volume compared to Intaxel®. Further, the PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs showed similar levels of toxicity biomarkers as that of control. Overall, the developed PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs were found to have less toxicity and more effectiveness compared to the marketed formulation, thus affirming the generation of a potent as well as and safe product.
Assessment of vegetation and peat soil characteristics of a fire-impacted tropical peatland in Costa Rica
Authors: Pérez-Castillo Ana Gabriela , Monge-Muñoz Mayela , Durán-Quesada Ana María , Giraldo-Sanclemente Weynner , Méndez-Esqu Ana Cristina , Briceño Néstor , Cadillo-Quiroz Hinsby 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Tropical peatlands are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic alterations. In Costa Rica, riverine peatlands are understudied, and most are excluded from the protected areas. Aiming to assess the anthropogenic pressure in the Los Robles sector (LRS) of Medio Queso Wetland (MQW), this study evaluates its changes in vegetation cover, productivity, the topsoil, and soil profile. Fires have prevented the LRS from accumulating carbon (C) in the upper layers. Higher density and ash content; and lower C:N ratio in the dark black layers than the lower peat profile without carbonization, point to recurrent fires with a low water table (WT) for many years. To reduce the damage by fires to C accumulation, urgent measures to prevent prescribed fires, avoiding them specially until the beginning of the rainy season when the WT rise to near soil surface level. The species Eleocharis interstincta promotes higher C stability during the dry season, has a foliage with lower C:N ratio which make it more palatable for livestock and a more recalcitrant composition of the root system that favors peat formation than the temporally dominant Scleria melaleuca. Therefore, conserving E. interstincta could promote the recovery of the peatland functionality in the LRS.
Membranous Nephropathy- over the counter? NELL yes!
Authors: Ali Umair , Gokden Neriman , Arthur John , Singh Manisha 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In adults, membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Primary MN is caused by antibodies directed against podocyte antigens, while secondary MN with the deposition of circulating immune complexes in the same area of glomeruli. Most of the primary membranous are positive for PLA2R- and THSD7A- antibodies associated with the progression of the disease. Some of the novel antibodies like NELL 1 are primarily secondary causes, including malignancy but sometimes may present as a primary disease with no underlying reason or ingestion of lipoic acid. Our patient presented to the hospital with a rash and swelling of lower limbs, which was sudden in onset. With a history of diabetes mellitus with comorbidities, he used multiple medications, including over-the-counter supplements (lipoic acid). Renal biopsy revealed NELL 1 positivity likely secondary to over-the-counter supplement usage.
The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Amyloidosis
Authors: Khurana Akash T. , Adil Syed A. , Sheriff Mohammed Z. , Cooper Gregory 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is most prevalent in the upper gastrointestinal tract and colorectum with gastrointestinal hemorrhage as the presenting symptom in 25–45% of patients. There is limited epidemiologic data on the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with amyloidosis.
Methods/Aims
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between amyloidosis and risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage at the population level. Data was collected from a commercial database (Explorys Inc, Cleveland, OH), between 12/2016-12/2021. We identified patients with amyloidosis and compared prevalence of gastrointestinal bleeding sources at least 30 days post-amyloidosis diagnosis to a control cohort without amyloidosis.
Results
We identified 17,350 cases of amyloidosis. In those with amyloidosis, there were 1,270 cases of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The prevalence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with amyloidosis was 7320/100000 persons and the prevalence in patients without amyloidosis was 3565/100000 persons. Odds ratio for development of any gastrointestinal hemorrhage after at least 30 days was 2.05 (95% CI 1.95–2.17, p < 0.001), for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage was 2.59 (95% CI 2.35–2.85, p < 0.001), and for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage was 1.66 (95% CI 1.54–1.79, p < 0.001). Colon angiodysplasias were the most frequent sources of gastrointestinal hemorrhage followed by intestinal angiodysplasias, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers.
Conclusions
In this large population-based study, GIB was significantly more prevalent in patients with amyloidosis compared to those without amyloidosis over a 5-year period.
Dynamic Oxidation Behavior and Exceptional High-Temperature Resistance of Nano Particle-Strengthened Superalloy (MA 754) under Cyclic Temperature Conditions
Authors: Moosaei Afsaneh , Hadianfard M.J. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The degradation of industrial components due to high-temperature oxidation poses a significant challenge. This work highlights the promising oxidation resistance of MA 754 superalloy under cyclic high-temperature conditions. This study investigated the oxidation behavior of the Ni-based superalloy MA 754 at 1100°C under cyclic conditions. Weight change measurements were taken every two thermal cycles to determine the kinetics of oxidation. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the oxide scales' microstructure, morphology, phases, and composition. The results revealed that the MA 754 superalloy demonstrated excellent resistance to oxidation, with a mean net mass change of 0.032 mg/cm2 over the oxidation time. The oxidation products identified were NiO, NiCr2O4, and Al2O3. The oxide scales' morphology changed from pyramidal to granular type during the oxidation test. The oxidation steps of the MA 754 superalloy were determined by comparing the microstructures of the alloy surface next to the oxide layer
ApoE gene polymorphisms and metals and their interactions with cognitive function
Authors: Ye Zeyan , Tan Dechan , Luo Tingyu , Gou Ruoyu , Cai Jianshen , Wei Yanfei , He Kailian , Xiao Song , Mai Tingyu , Tang Xu , Liu Qiumei , Mo Xiaoting , Lin Yinxia , Huang Shenxiang , Li You , Qin Jian , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective
To analyze the relationship between plasma metal elements, ApoE gene polymorphisms and the interaction between the two and impaired cognitive function in elderly population.
Method
A stratified sample was drawn according to the age of the study population, and 911 subjects were included. Baseline information and health indicators were obtained, and cognitive function status was assessed by health examination, a general questionnaire and Mini-Mental Status Examination. Plasma metal elements were measured, and SNP typing was performed. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing cognitive function status and the association between the SNP genetic pattern of the ApoE gene and cognitive function.
Results
The differences in gene frequencies and genotype frequencies of the ApoE rs7412 and rs7259620 genotype frequencies were significantly different between the cognitive impairment group and the control group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found for the codominant model in rs7412-TT compared with the CC genotype (OR = 3.112 (1.159–8.359), P = 0.024) and rs7259620-AA compared with the GG genotype (OR = 1.588 (1.007–2.504), P = 0.047). Significant differences were found in the recessive models rs7412-TT compared with (CC + CT) (OR = 2.979 (1.112–7.978), P = 0.030), rs7259620-AA compared with (GG + GA), and rs405509-GG compared with (TT + TG) (OR = 1.548(1.022–2.344), P = 0.039) all of which increased the risk of developing cognitive impairment. The differences in plasma Fe, Cu, and Rb concentrations between the case and control groups were significant (P < 0.05). The regression results showed that the plasma Cd concentrations in the Q1 range was a protective factor for cognitive function compared with Q4 (0.510 (0.291–0.892), P = 0.018). Furthermore, there was a multiplicative interaction between the codominant and recessive models for the Q2 concentrations of Cd and the rs7259620 loci, and the difference was significant, indicating increased risk of developing cognitive impairment (codominant model OR = 3.577 (1.496–8.555), P = 0.004, recessive model OR = 3.505 (1.479–8.307), P = 0.004). There was also a multiplicative interaction between Cd and the recessive model at the rs405509 loci, and the difference was significant, indicating increased risk of developing cognitive impairment (OR = 3.169 (1.400-7.175), P = 0.006).
Conclusion
The ApoE rs7412, rs7259620 and rs405509 loci were associated with cognitive impairment in the elderly population, and there was an interaction between plasma metalloid Cd and the rs7259620 and rs405509 loci that increased the risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly population.