bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Effect of Microtopography of Site Preparation on Vegetation Restoration in Young Mixed Hemiboreal Stands
Authors: Zuševica Austra , Dūmiņš Kārlis , Štāls Toms Artūrs , Lazdiņa Dagnija 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Tree logging significantly impacts environmental conditions, increases soil and air temperature, and changes the microclimate and soil hydrology. This contributes to the changes in bryophyte and vascular plant cover and species composition. Site preparation positively affects the growth of planted trees in young stands but also creates forest understorey disturbance. During site preparation in young stands by spot mounding and disc trenching methods, new microtopographies e.g. soil uplifts and hollows—are made in young stands. Site preparation generally increases vascular plant diversity, but there is a lack of information about the vegetation differences between microtopography depending on different site preparation methods and soil types. The aim of this study was to investigate how the microtopography created during site preparation by spot mounding or disc trenching affects bryophyte and vascular plant communities in hemiboreal young stands two to three years after tree logging. Spot mounding altered vegetation composition more than disc trenching. Bryophyte species cover decreased in prepared soil, but Ellenberg’s Moisture value increased; therefore, site preparation before planting contributes to the conservation of typical forest bryophyte species in young stands. Hollows lead to better typical forest habitat species preservation, but soil uplifts diversify environmental conditions by providing new patches for the development of grassland habitat species that are not typical in this ecosystem, but temporally provide new ecosystem services.
Assessment of male reproductive traits in endangered leuciscids from the Iberian Peninsula: first attempts to store gametes both at short- and long- term
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Ana , Sousa-Santos Carla , Gil Fátima , Cabrita Elsa , Guerreiro Pedro M. , Gallego Victor 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
During the spring of 2022 several endangered leuciscid species (Anaecypris hispanica, Squalius aradensis, Anachondrostoma. occidentale and Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum) were sampled both at the Vasco da Gama aquarium facilities and in some rivers of the Algarve region, Portugal. Sperm samples were extracted by gentle abdominal pressure and sperm motion parameters were assessed for the first time in four species, using a computerised analysis system. The results obtained showed that spermatozoa kinetic patterns were similar for all 4 species, with high motility and velocity values after the sperm activation time and with a marked decrease after 20 seconds. On the other hand, sperm longevity was highly variable between species, with short longevities (around 40 s) for A. hispanica and S. aradensis, and longer longevities (100–120 s) for A. occidentale and I. lusitanicum, which could indicate a latitudinal pattern in terms of sperm longevity. At the same time, morphometric analysis was carried out for the four target species, revealing that spermatozoa showed similar sizes and shapes to other external fertilizers belonging to Leuscididae, with small spherical heads, uniflagellate and without acrosomes. In addition, different short-term gamete storage trails were performed by diluting sperm in 1:9 (sperm:extender) and storing them at 4ºC. Although the results obtained were uneven among the species studied, the dilution and extender used generated motilities above 40% up to day 4 of storage in S. aradensis and I. lusitanicum, and up to day 1–2 in A. hispanica and A. occidentale, respectively. Finally, gamete cryopreservation trials were also carried on these threatened species. Although cryopreserved samples showed significantly lower motility than fresh samples, some protocols generate acceptable percentages of viability, DNA integrity, and sperm motility in some species such as I. lusitanicum and A. occidentale. The data revealed that the protocol based on 10% DMSO plus 7.5% egg yolk generated the best results. This study is the first to assess the reproductive traits of wild and captive populations of endangered leuciscids endemic from the Iberian Peninsula, describing the spermatozoa kinetics and developing protocols for managing male gametes both in short- and long- term storage. Outcomes will provide new and useful tools to complement the management and conservation of ex-situ breeding programs that are being developed on these four endangered species.
Metronidazole (Flagyl) use as an emergency contraceptive and associated factors among University female students in Dodoma region Tanzania: A descriptive crossectional study
Authors: Samson Nipael M. , Sumari Emmanuel Izack , Ndesendo Valence , Mbwasi Romuald 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Metronidazole is known for its therapeutic effect as antibacterial and anti-parasitic. However, its toxicity on the reproductive system remains not well studied. Its use in rodents was associated with toxic effects on the reproductive system, including hormonal alterations, reduced number of fertile cells, and effects on implantations. Its use at a therapeutic dose among humans has been associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. The effects on the reproductive system in humans may result in misconceptions about contraceptive effects hence sexually active individuals like students who, for any reason, fail to access safe contraceptive services use any possible methods to protect them from conception. This study explored if Metronidazole (Flagyl) is unofficially used as an emergency contraceptive among female university students and its associated factors for possible interventions.
Methods: This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 470 participants conveniently recruited from three educational institutions in the Dodoma Municipal, Dodoma region. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was done to determine the association and relationship between the study variables, and p<0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.
Results: The study revealed exciting findings: among the participants with experience using emergency contraceptives, 169(62.4%) reported using Metronidazole as an emergency contraceptive. Notably, 345(73.4%) of the study participants said they had ever heard someone use Metronidazole for contraception, especially their peers. Furthermore, an increase in the year of study was significantly associated with reduced use of Metronidazole as an emergency contraceptive (B= [-0.45], p= [0.02]). Furthermore, an increase in age, studying in non-medical college/university, the experience of using contraceptive methods, and hearing someone ever used Metronidazole were found to be positively associated with its use as an emergency contraceptive, although not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Metronidazole was found to be used as an emergency contraceptive in high doses, different factors associated with its use, and reasons influencing its use. Further research may be done to explore the toxicological effect of high doses of Metronidazole as a contraception in human subjects.
A conceptual analysis of the Funds of Knowledge and Identity approach from an eco- functional perspective
Authors: Nigrini Leonard , Esteban-Guitart Moisés 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The article situates the Funds of Knowledge (FoK) approach and the Funds of Identity (FoI) theory in the context of the eco-functional perspective. It proposes to understand the ‘funds’ as external factors of extra-cerebral organizations, as both refer to products of historically accumulated social labor. Furthermore, the article lays out, that similar to the dynamic features of external factors in developing functional psychic organizations, funds of knowledge and identity have to be considered specific to a social and developmental context. It is found, that Vygotsky’s concept of perezhivanie and Holzkamp’s concept off position-specifity may provide a valid framework for realization of this dynamic understanding of FoK and FoI.
Improvement of social cognition in a Down’s syndrome patient after Bilateral PFC Deep HF-rTMS: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Torre Ona Martin de la , Vázquez Javier C. , Redolar-Ripoll Diego 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Bilateral PFC Deep HF-rTMS protocol improved social cognition in a patient with Down’s Syndrome (DS, also known as Trisomy 21). DS is a genetic disorder originating from the existence of all or part of the third copy of chromosome 21 and is usually associated with difficulties in motor development, expressive language, grammar, speech clarity, number skills, verbal short-term memory etc.
Opsoclonus Induced by Head-Shaking in Vestibular Migraine
Authors: Kim Min-Ku , Lee Won-Hyeong , Yang Xu , Kim Hyo-Jung , Choi Jeong‑Yoon , Kim Ji-Soo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Opsoclonus refers to saccadic oscillations without an intersaccadic interval occurring in multiple planes. Opsoclonus mostly indicates dysfunction of the brainstem or cerebellum. We report opsoclonus induced by horizontal head-shaking without other signs of brainstem or cerebellar dysfunction in two patients with vestibular migraine (VM). The development of opsoclonus after horizontal head-shaking indicate unstable or hyperactive neural circuits between the excitatory and inhibitory saccadic premotor burst neurons in these patients with VM.
Gaussian Transformation Enhanced Semi-Supervised Learning for Sleep Stage Classification
Authors: Guo Yifan , Mao Helen , Yin Jijun , Mao Zhi-Hong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Sleep disorder has become an ubiquitous problem in modern society. Related long-term clinical diagnoses suffer from data deficiency because analyzing sleep data requires enormous human expertise and labor. Moreover, current clinical sleep data acquisition processes usually cover only one night’s sleep history, which is too short to recognize long-term sleep patterns. To address this challenge, we propose a semi-supervised learning approach for sleep stage classification, combining clustering algorithms with the traditional supervised learning pipeline. Also, we propose two types of Gaussian transformations to make the semi-supervised learning process more robust and accurate. We reveal the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm via experiments on whole-night electroencephalogram (EEG) data. Our algorithm evidently outperforms the state-of-the-art baseline on out-of-distribution human subjects. The experiments also prove that the proposed Gaussian transformations can significantly gain normality to EEG band-power features which in turn facilitate the semi-supervised learning process.
Comparison of thickness, gap width and translucency for 3D-printed and thermoformed clear aligners: A micro-CT analysis
Authors: Park So Yeon , Choi Sung-Hwan , Yu Hyung-Seog , Kim Su-Jung , Kim Hoon , Kim Ki Beom , Cha Jung-Yul 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The present study aimed to compare the thickness, gap width, and translucency of 3D-printed and thermoformed clear aligners using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Four groups of clear aligners were tested: thermoformed with single-layer material (TS, polyethylene terephthalate glycol) or a multi-layer material (TM, copolyester-elastomer combination), and 3D-printed TC-85 cleaned with alcohol (PA) or with centrifuge (PC). Aligners (n=10) were fitted onto respective models and micro-CT was performed. Thickness and gap width were measured for different tooth type in sagittal sections on all sides. CIELab coordinates were measured (n=5) to compare the translucency. Depending on tooth type and location, thermoformed and 3D-printed clear aligners have significantly varied thicknesses and showed a clinically acceptable range of fit with differences in regions of best fit. Centrifugation in post-processing significantly improved the translucency of 3D-printed aligners.
Development and application of fourth-order-accurate semi- implicit scheme for compressible viscous flow
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Yanming 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this paper, a semi-implicit time discretization scheme with fourth-order accuracy is constructed and applied to compressible Navier-Stokes equations. The scheme is composed of explicit basis scheme and adding implicit items, which can achieve the accuracy of explicit basis scheme after modification, and has a better stability. The explicit basis scheme is constructed by combining Runge-Kutta and linear multi-step method to satisfy the underdetermined equations with sufficient free parameters required by the accuracy condition, and the free parameters are chosen to fulfill the implicit method's requirements. To alter the implicitness, an implicit term with a configurable parameter γ is inserted at each stage of the explicit scheme. The linear stability of the model equation is analyzed for the obtained implicit scheme, which is A-stable. The scheme is applied to the space-time decoupled compressible N-S equation. In order to reduce the scale of matrix operation and further improve the stability, the LU-SGS method is used to calculate the implicit operator matrix, and the technique is used in conjunction with the dual-time step approach. Some classical cases are used to verify the calculation effect of the scheme on shock wave capture, low-speed turbulence, and shock wave/boundary layer interference. The results show that the scheme can ensure accuracy and stability of the scheme under a large physical time step, and the calculation efficiency is higher than the traditional method.
Melatonin induces cell apoptosis in renal carcinoma cells via regulating mitochondria function, promoting ROS production, and suppression of Akt/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway
Authors: Xue Kaihua , Jiang Yifan , Bai Jiyu , Zhang Dize , Chen Yuhang , Ma Jianbin , Zhu Zhijing , Wang Xinyang , Guo Peng 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, metabolic alteration has been identified as a driver in the development of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which plays a critical role in cancer cells to adapt to hypoxic environment and cell proliferation. Melatonin (MLT), a neurohormone secreted during the dark hours by the vertebrate pineal gland, induces metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells by suppression of aerobic glycolysis. Whether it can be used as a potential therapeutic tool in RCC is worth exploring.
Methods
In this study, we detected concentration of metabolites in RCC cells through metabo-lomic analyses using UPLC-MS/MS and the oxygen consumption rate was determined using the Seahorse Extracellular Flux analyzer.
Results
We found that MLT significantly inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in RCC cells, moreover, MLT increased ROS level and inhibited the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, MLT up-regulated key TCA cycle metabolites while reduced aerobic glycolysis products, and induced higher oxygen consumption rate, more ATP production, and higher membrane potential in RCC cells, indicating that MLT enhances mitochondrial function and re-vert aerobic glycolysis to mitochondrial OXPHOS in RCC cells. Moreover, MLT treatment inhibited the phosphorylation levels of Akt, mTOR, and p70 S6 Kinase in RCC cells, while the application of NAC (inhibitors of ROS) not only restored the phosphorylation of these proteins but also decreased cell apoptosis. Consistently, MLT treatment significantly inhibited growth of RCC cell xenografts in nude mice.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that MLT treatment promotes intracellular ROS production via metabolic reprogramming and reducing antioxidants, which suppressed the activity of Akt/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway and induced apoptosis in RCC cells.
Epipelon biomass responses to different restoration techniques in a eutrophic environment
Authors: Costa Renata Aparecida , Ferragut Carla 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Eutrophication is a worldwide problem. In eutrophic shallow lakes, phosphorus release from stored sediment hinders restoration processes. The epipelon is a community that grows attached to the sediment surface and has the potential to help P retention by autotrophic organisms. This study evaluated epipelon responses to four shallow lake restoration techniques. The responses of abiotic variables and phytoplankton biomass were also evaluated. Four simultaneous mesocosm experiments were performed in a shallow eutrophic lake. The applied techniques were aeration, flocculant, floating macrophytes, and periphyton bioreactor. Water and epipelon samples were taken on days 3, 10, 17, 27, and 60. The aeration treatment and macrophytes shaded the epipelon, which had a predominance of heterotrophic components. Flocculant and periphyton bioreactor treatments favored epipelon growth with a higher contribution of autotrophic components. Therefore, some techniques may favor the epipelon growth, while others may harm the community in restoration processes. For the complete restoration of a lacustrine ecosystem, the choice of techniques to be applied must consider the restoration and maintenance of the benthic environment.
DT-13 attenuates inflammation by inhibition of NLRP3-inflammasome in RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Raina Shikha , Hübner Emely , Samuel Esther , Nagel Gregor , Fuchs Hendrik 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Plant derived saponins or other glycosides are widely used for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-viral properties in therapeutic medicine. In this study, we focus on understanding the function of the less known steroidal saponin from the roots of Liriope muscari L.H.Bailey – saponin C (also known as DT-13) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages in comparison to the well-known saponin ginsenoside Rk1 and dexamethasone.
Results: We proved that DT-13 reduces LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) production, interleukin-6 (IL-6) release, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene expression, and nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) translocation into the nucleus. It also inhibits the inflammasome component NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing protein 3 (NLRP3) regulating the inflammasome activation. This was supported by the inhibition of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and caspase-1 levels.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effect of saponins on LPS-stimulated macrophages. For the first time, an in vitro study shows the attenuating effect of DT-13 on NLRP3-inflammasome formation. In comparison to the existing anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone, and the triterpenoid saponin from ginseng plant, Rk1, DT-13 more efficiently inhibits inflammation in the applied cell culture model. Therefore, DT-13 may serve as a lead compound for the development of new more effective anti-inflammatory drugs with minimized side effects.
Vascular Wall Microenvironment: Exosomes Secreted by Adventitial Fibroblasts Induced Vascular Calcification
Authors: Zheng Minghui , Shan Sukang , Lin Xiao , Xu Feng , Wu Feng , Guo Bei , Li Fuxingzi , Zhou Zhiang , Wang Yi , Lei Limin , Tang Kexin , Duan Jiayue , Wu Yunyun , Cao Yechi , Liao Xiaobo , Yuan Lingqing 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Vascular calcification often occurs in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), which significantly increases the incidence of cardiovascular events in CRF patients. Our previous studies identified the crosstalk between the endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and the paracrine effect of VSMCs, which regulates the calcification of VSMCs. Herein, we aim to investigate the effects of exosomes secreted by high phosphorus (HPi) -induced adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) on the calcification of VSMCs, which will construct the novel theory of “Vascular Wall Microenvironment”. The conditioned medium of HPi-induced AFs promotes the calcification of VSMCs, which is partially abrogated by GW4869, a blocker of exosomes biogenesis or release. Exosomes secreted by high phosphorus-induced AFs (AFsHPi-Exos) show similar effects on VSMCs. miR-21-5p is enriched in AFsHPi-Exos, and miR-21-5p enhances osteoblast-like differentiation of VSMCs by downregulating Crim1 expression. AFsHPi-Exos and exosomes secreted by AFs with overexpression of miR-21-5p (AFsmiR21M-Exos) significantly accelerate vascular calcification in CRF mice. In general, the enriched miR-21-5p in AFsHPi-Exos promotes the calcification of VSMCs and vascular calcification by inhibiting the expression of cysteine-rich Crim1 protein (Crim1). Combined with our previous studies, the present experiment supports the theory of vascular wall microenvironment.
Transcatheter Closure of a Coronary Artery Fistula in a Neonate with Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Peck Daniel , Bass John L , Berry James M , Tainter Brianne S , Sinha Pranava , Aggarwal Varun 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistulae (CAPF) are a not uncommon finding in patients with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and collateral dependent pulmonary blood flow. Management for these fistulae is often primary surgical ligation or unifocalization at the time of complete repair, dependent on the presence of dual blood flow to the involved areas. We present the case of a 32-week premature boy weighing 1.79 kg with TOF, confluent branch pulmonary arteries, major aortopulmonary collaterals and right coronary artery to main pulmonary artery fistula. The patient demonstrated evidence of coronary steal into the pulmonary vasculature with an elevation in the troponin level without hemodynamic instability, and subsequently underwent successful trans-catheter occlusion of the fistula via right common carotid access using a Medtronic 3Q microvascular plug. This case demonstrates the realistic potential for early coronary steal in this physiology and possibility of trans-catheter therapy even in a small neonate.
Selection of a Sustainable Supplier by Using a Fuzzy MCDM Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Agarwal Reema , Agrawal Ankur , Kumar Nitendra , Ray Samrat , Voumik Liton Chandra 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The primary objective of any business today is to remain competitive and sustainable so that it may continue operating profitably and efficiently. Therefore, in order to achieve the aforementioned goals, businesses must evaluate potential sustainable suppliers in light of the three pillars of sustainability (social responsibility, economic viability, and environmental friendliness). One example of an issue that requires multiple criterion decision-making (MCDM) is the challenge of finding sustainable suppliers. Fuzzy PROMETHEE, a method of multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) that utilizes triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs) and linguistic concepts, is used in this study to establish the relative importance of three factors for choosing a sustainable supplier: social impact, economic viability, and environmental responsibility. Successful application of the fuzzy PROMETHEE method has allowed the organization's managers to arrive at the appropriate conclusion and implement the necessary solution.