bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytoremediation of lead in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) by growth-promoting rhizobacterium and neem cake
Authors: Shaikh Nawal Gul , Rahman Afshan , Sadiq Mehwish , Ehteshamul-Haque Syed , Shams Zafar Iqbal 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Lead causes toxicity and affects plant growth by disturbing photosynthesis and the functions of enzymes. Its removal from the soil is a challenging issue. The present investigation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of organic amendment in soil with neem cake and a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to reduce the effects of lead toxicity in sunflower when cultivated with and without neem cake amended soil. The experiment was performed in earthen pots (10 cm diam) containing 1 kg sandy loam soil, five sunflower seeds per pot, induced with 0.2 mM and 0.5 mM lead at 100 mL. After 30 days, the combination of organic amendment with PGPR improved the growth and the physiological performance of sunflower plants subjected to lead stress. The reduction % of lead was reported as 99% by P. aeruginosa at a specific concentration of 200 ppm on an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The plants treated with PGPR in amended soil showed healthier roots and shoots and improved carbohydrates. The PGPR-treated plants demonstrated better scavenging of free radicals, with improved H2O2 scavenging activity and peroxidase (POD) activity. Neem cake and P. aeruginosa individually and in combination significantly enhanced sugar contents and POD activity while lowering stress-induced elevated levels of phenols and ascorbic acid. The combination of neem cake and P. aeruginosa could be a promising solution for growing sunflower plants in lead-contaminated soil.
Validation of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7) in Cypriot Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Authors: Vogazianos Paris , Motrico Emma , Domínguez-Salas Sara , Christoforou Andri , Hadjigeorgiou Eleni 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Anxiety is increasingly acknowledged as a common mental health issue during the perinatal period. Its prevalence as well as the associated adverse effects constitute screening imperative. This study evaluates the psychometric properties and underlying factor structures of a Greek version of GAD-7 among pregnant and postpartum women (up to 6 months) in Cyprus.Methods: This study was conducted from June to December 2020. A total of 457 Cypriot women in the perinatal period (222 pregnant and 235 postpartum) were surveyed. The assessment included anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (EPDS), and psychosocial factors related with anxiety. The internal consistency and factor structure of GAD-7 were evaluated using reliability coefficients, Cronbach’s Alpha and McDonald's Omega, and factor analysis, both Exploratory as well as Confirmatory. Results: GAD-7 demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.907; Ω = 0.909). Horn's parallel analysis indicated a single factor as the most appropriate. EFA for a single factor gave KMO = 0.917 and Bartlett’s sphericity test, p < 0.001. CFA using the standard ML method indicated a good model fit, χ2 = 21.207, p = 0.096; CFI = 0.999; SRMR = 0.027. More studies are needed to determinate the cut-off point and the maximisation of the scale’s sensitivity and specificity in pregnant and postpartum Greek Cypriot womenConclusions: GAD-7 is a valid and reliable measure and healthcare professionals should utilize GAD-7 as a standard instrument for the screening of anxiety symptoms in pregnant and postpartum Greek Cypriot women.
Robust Automated Backbone Triple Resonance NMR Assignments of Proteins Using Bayesian-Based Simulated Annealing
Authors: Bishop Anthony , Kotaru Sravya , Torres-Montalvo Glorise , Mimun Kyle , Wand A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The comprehensive assignment of individual resonances of the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of a protein to specific atoms remains a labor-intensive and often debilitating task -especially for proteins larger than 30 kDa. Recently, there have been tremendous advances in our empirical knowledge of the relationship between the structural context of a nuclear spin and its observed resonance frequency. Indeed, the expansion in the database of determined high-resolution protein structures and recent advances in structure prediction provide an enormous resource in this respect. Robust automation of the resonance assignment process nevertheless often remains a bottleneck in the exploitation of solution NMR spectroscopy for the study of protein structure-dynamics-function relationships. Here we present a new approach for the assignment of backbone triple resonance spectra of proteins. A Bayesian statistical analysis of predicted and observed chemical shifts is used to provide a pseudo-energy potential to drive the search for the most optimal set of resonance assignments. This approach has been implemented in the C++ program Bayllagio and tested against protein systems ranging in size to over 450 amino acids. Bayllagio makes almost no errors, accommodates incomplete information, is sufficiently fast to allow for real-time evaluation of data acquisition, and greatly outperforms currently employed deterministic algorithms.
An International Study of Caregiver-Reported Burden and Quality of Life in Metachromatic Leukodystrophy
Authors: Sevin Caroline , Barth Magalie , Wilds Alexandra , Afriyie Abena , Walz Markus , Dillon Annamarie , Howie Kenneth , Pang Francis 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder caused by mutations in the arylsulfatase A gene. Until now, there has been little information on the burden of MLD on patients and their caregivers. This multinational study aims to quantify caregiver-related impacts of MLD across several key domains including symptoms, treatment burden, time investment, social and emotional well-being, and professional and financial impact. Results: Data were collected through moderator-assisted web survey and telephone interviews. The survey was developed with extensive input from clinical experts and MLD patient advocacy groups. The EQ-5D-5L questionnaire was administered during follow-up interviews. The total sample consisted of parents of MLD patients in the US (n=10), France (n=10), Germany (n=6), UK (n=5), Belgium (n=1), and Norway (n=1). The impact of MLD is evident from the EQ-5D-5L scores, which indicate utility values for caregivers below respective national population norms and a higher proportion of caregivers reporting problems with anxiety/depression. Time involved for care was demonstrated by a mean of 4.1 inpatient and 29.6 outpatient hospital visits in the previous 12-month period. These commitments place stress on familial relationships with 50% of caregivers reporting their child’s MLD diagnosis had negatively impacted their relationship with their spouse/partner. Professionally, 76.5% of caregivers stopped working or switched to part-time employment following their child’s MLD diagnosis, and most acknowledged caring for their child had affected their potential for career progression or promotion. Differences are also observed based on late infantile versus juvenile onset MLD, time since diagnosis, and for transplanted patients versus those who received palliative care only.Conclusions: This multinational study demonstrates that MLD consistently negatively affects many aspects of caregivers’ lives including health, relationships, and professional status, irrespective of location. We expect that the results of this study are generalizable to other countries. This study enhances our understanding of MLD caregiver impacts, which could improve patient care and assist in identifying support for individuals with MLD and their families.
Different patterns of breast cancer-related lymphedema according to body mass index
Authors: Ogiya Akiko , Kimura Kiyomi , Ueno Takayuki , Iwase Takuji , Ohno Shinji 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to clarify how body mass index (BMI) affects the development of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and to improve the postoperative follow-up for BCRL.
Methods
In this prospective study, patients with operable breast cancer were registered in a single institute between November 2009 and July 2010. The incidence rates of lymphedema at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery were assessed according to BMI, and the trend of newly developed BCRL was examined. The cut-off point of BMI was 25 kg/m2 according to the definition of obesity by the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity.
Results
A total of 379 patients were analyzed in this study. The multivariate analysis of the whole population showed that high BMI, axillary dissection, and radiotherapy remained as risk factors for BCRL. Patients with high BMI showed a significantly higher incidence of lymphedema than those with low BMI at 1 year (p < 0.0001), regardless of axillary procedures (39.1% vs. 16.3% for axillary dissection, 15.6% vs. 1.5% for sentinel lymph node biopsy), but not at 3 and 5 years. Once BCRL was developed, patients with high BMI showed slow recovery, and 50.0% of the patients retained their lymphedema at 5 years. However, patients with low BMI showed rapid recovery, and 26.7% retained their lymphedema at 3 years (p = 0.04).
Conclusion
Preoperative BMI affected BCRL, regardless of axillary surgery or radiotherapy. Patients with high BMI should be provided appropriate information about BCRL before surgery and careful checkups after surgery.
Changes of resting-state neural activity and nerve fibers in ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegia
Authors: Cao Xuejin , Wang Zan , Chen Xiaohui , Liu Yanli , Abdoulaye Idriss Ali , Ju Shenghong , Zhang Shiyao , Wu Shanshan , Wang Yuancheng , Guo Yijing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Many neuroimaging studies have reported that stroke induces abnormal brain activities. Yet, little is known about resting-state networks (RSNs) and the corresponding white matter changes in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Here, we utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure the neural activity and related fiber tracks in 14 ischemic stroke patients with hemiplegia and 12 healthy controls. The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) calculation and correlation analyses were used to assess the relationship between the regional neural activity and movement scores. Tractography was performed using the diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data to analyze the fibers passing the regions of interest. Compared with controls, stroke patients showed abnormal functional connectivity (FC) in some brain regions of the RSNs. The fALFF was increased in the contralesional parietal lobe, with the regional fALFF being correlated to behavioral scores in stroke patients. And the tracked fibers across regions with reduced FC in the RSNs were increased in stroke patients. The study suggested that structural remodeling of functionally-relevant white matter tracts probably be an adaptive response that compensates for injury to the brain.
Experimental study on anti-freezing and thawing performance of basalt fiber reinforced fly ash concrete under corrosive conditions
Authors: Jin Sheng-ji , Yang Yu-hao , Sun Yi-min , Xu Li , Xu Jing-yan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Basalt fiber reinforced fly ash concrete (BFRFAC) is a new inorganic non-metal composite building material with superior mechanical performance, which can be extensively applied in the fields of bridge floors, pavements and other construction engineering projects. In the present paper, the freezing and thawing resistance performance of BFRFAC under corrosion conditions was studied in detail with the comparison to the Normal Concrete (NC). Experimental studies on the mass loss rate (MLR) in a non-corrosive environment, and the MLR as well as the relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME) in chlorine corrosion, sulfate corrosion and the complex combined corrosion of chloride and sulfate solution were conducted through the quick freezing method. Further, the meso-structure of the fracture section in the composite material was scanned with the help of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at amplified ×500, ×1,000 and ×1,500. The gripping effect between basalt fibers and substrate under the case of pull-out failure and fracture failure was quantitatively analyzed, which convincingly revealed the crack resistance, reinforcement and strengthening mechanisms of basalt fibers on concrete substrate. The research results indicated that RDME decreased and its decent rate became slower in turn when the composite material was exposed to freeze-thaw cycles in all the above four considered cases. Among them, in the case of the complex solution corrosion, the number of freeze-thaw cycles of BFRFAC was larger than 400. Compared to the NC, the BFRFAC cyclic lifespan could be extended effectively. In addition, the full play of fly ash activity and great filling effect enhanced the gripping effect between basalt fibers and concrete substrate. Therefore, it could effectively improve the freezing and thawing resistance damage capacity of BFRFAC.
Revealing the Social Biomarkers of Residual Feed Intake by Using 16s rRNA and LC-MS in Duroc Pig Ileum
Authors: Wang Shujie , Wang Kai , Ji Xiang , Chen Dong , Shen Qi , Yu Yang , Gu Yiren , Liu Yihui , Jiang Yanzhi , Zhu Li , Li Mingzhou , Li Xuewei , Tang Guoqing 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Feed efficiency (FE) is a typical social affected trait. However, the mechanisms involved are not fully elucidated. According to the rank of residual feed intake (RFI)’s social genetic effect (SGE), ten high and low pigs were selected, named LRI and HRI groups. A sampling of ileal chyme after slaughter. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and 16S rRNA were conducted to investigate the relationship between the gut microbiome or metabolites and the SGE of RFI. The results showed significant differences between HRI and LRI groups. Compared with the HRI group, Escherichia, Eubacterium, and Gemmiger were enriched in the LRI group (P < 0.01), whereas the abundance of Fusobacterium, Eubacterium, and Desulfovibrio in the HRI group were significantly higher than that in the LRI group (P < 0.01). In the metabolome, we found that Glycine, L-lysine, and L-tryptophan were positively correlated with RFI’s SGE. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that most differential metabolites were involved in amino acid metabolism. The Pearson correlation analysis of the candidate social biomarkers was carried out. Amino acid metabolites were discovered to have significant correlations with Escherichia and Fusobacterium. Therefore, Escherichia and Fusobacterium may influence the SGE of RFI through amino acid metabolism, thereby affecting feed efficiency.
A New Decision-Making Model for Adopting Knowledge Management Strategy Based on FCM
Authors: Yadegari Mahdi , Mohammadi Shahriar 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Adopting the right strategy can alter the route of an organization. But, many factors in an organization influence the decision to choose a strategy. In the real world, these factors influence not only the strategy but also one another, and this increases the complexity of the issue. On the other hand, identifying the relationship between factors and making decisions on such issues is always subject to some degree of uncertainty. There are many other models created with the goal of enabling organizations to adopt KM (Knowledge Management) strategies. But however, none of them neither could satisfy the requirements of organizations in adopting KM strategies and nor of them are based on fuzzy cognitive maps (FCM) method. This paper aims to help managers choose the right strategy to carry out projects systematically and more efficiently than previous methods did. This research proposes the use of FCM to model and select the appropriate strategy. Since knowledge is the most important asset of any organization and its management is one of the most important processes of the organization, the method proposed here for the selection of an appropriate knowledge management strategy was tested in one of the largest logistics companies in Iran. Factors influencing strategy adoption were considered as the concepts in the fuzzy cognitive network and the evaluation criteria for three strategies: human-oriented, system-oriented, and dynamic. The results showed an improvement in the degree of sensitivity by 0.15% and the separation degree of the model by 0.22% compared to the previous method.
Readiness of Healthcare Professionals as an Inter-Professional Team for Teaching the Good Practices of Diabetic Foot Self-Management among Individuals with Diabetes –A Qualitative Study
Authors: Prabhath Sushma , Handady Ganesh , Herle Gagana , Kamath M Ganesh , Ramanathan Harihara Prakash 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Diabetes and associated diabetic foot ulcers require coordinated management, including several health care providers (HCPs). Therefore, an interprofessional (IP) team-based approach is essential for effectively managing and educating the population on diabetic foot self-management strategies. However, the perceptions of the HCPs related to the importance of IP teamwork in diabetic foot care and their readiness to work in an IP team are less explored.Methods: The present qualitative study aimed to investigate HCPs' readiness to work as part of a well-motivated IP team and its use in teaching patients effective diabetic foot self-management techniques. The study includes HCPs involved in diabetic foot management patient education and treatment. The seven HCPs were an Anatomist engaged in health professions education, a Medical doctor, an Endocrinologist, Surgeon, Physiotherapist, Nutritionist, and a Nurse who volunteered to be part of the IP team. They were interviewed in-depth using an interview guide, and a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts was undertaken. Results: Every participant was strongly motivated to be an IP team member. The following themes were identified that supported IP team-based approach in diabetic foot-care: 'patient-centric practices,' 'comprehensive care,' 'teamwork and coordination for improved patient outcome,' 'integrated approach,' 'professional knowledge amalgamation,' 'time-management,' 'education in a favorable environment,' and 'constant motivation and support through educational modules.' Conclusion: The HCPs' expressed their willingness to work as part of an IP team and also suggested appropriate teaching methods for diabetic foot self-management.
Methyldecanoate isolated from marine algae Turbinaria ornata enhances immunomodulation in LPS induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages via iNOS/NFκB pathway
Authors: Bhardwaj Meenakshi , Sali Veeresh Kumar , Malarvizhi R. , Mani Sugumar , TK Padmavathy , Vasanthi Hannah R 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This study identifies the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential of a fatty acid methyl ester segregated from the brown algae Turbinaria ornata and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry as methyl6,12-dimethyltridecanoate (ET). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ET were studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, in silico docking studies of isolated ET with inflammatory markers TNFα, NFκB and COX-2 showed potent binding scores suggesting good anti-inflammatory potential. ET significantly reduced LPO and increased LPS induced SOD, catalase, and GSH levels. Molecular docking results were further confirmed by checking mRNA levels of common inflammatory/anti-inflammatory mediators IL6 and IL10, followed by protein expression of iNOS and NFκB in LPS induced macrophages. ET significantly upregulated the expression of IL10 and downregulated the expression IL6, iNOS, and NFκB confirming inhibition of LPS induced inflammation via the iNOS/NFκB pathway.
Endogenous AhR agonist FICZ accumulates in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) alevins exposed to a mixture of two PAHs, retene and fluoranthene.
Authors: Eriksson Andreas N. M. , Rigaud Cyril , Wincent Emma , Pakkanen Hannu , Salonen Phila , Vehniäinen Eeva-Riikka 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Multiple studies have reported synergized toxicity of PAH mixtures in developing fish larvae relative to the additive effect of the components. From a toxicological perspective, multiple mechanisms causing synergism has been proposed, such as increased accumulation of PAH, saturated xenobiotic metabolism capacity, and increased oxidative stress. Another potential contributor to synergism is the accumulation of endogenous metabolites, for example: the aryl hydrocarbon receptor 2 (AhR2) agonist and tryptophan metabolite 6-Formylindolo(3,2-b)carbazole (FICZ). Exposure to FICZ, alongside knock-down of cytochrome p450 (cyp1a), caused induced symptoms of toxicity similar to those observed following exposure to PAHs or the dioxin 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Here, we explored if FICZ accumulates in newly hatched rainbow trout alevins (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to two PAHs with different properties: retene (potent AhR2 agonist) and fluoranthene (weak AhR2 agonist and Cyp1a inhibitor), either alone or as a binary mixture for 3 and 7 days. We found that exposure to the mixture resulted in accumulation of endogenous FICZ, synergized the blue sac disease index (BSD), and altered the body burden profiles of the PAHs compared to the alevins exposed to the components. It is thus very plausible that accumulation of endogenously derived FICZ contributed to the synergized BSD index and toxicity in exposed alevins. Accumulation of endogenous FICZ is a novel finding that extends our general understanding on PAHs toxicity in developing fish larvae, while at the same time highlighting why environmental risk assessment of PAHs cannot be performed based upon results from single compounds.
Sequence and transcriptional activity analysis of long terminal repeat of endogenous and exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus
Authors: Du Xiaoyue , Zhang Liang , Li Huiping , Zhang Pei , Duan Xujie , Yang Xiaolin , Liu Shuying 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Sheep are an ideal model for studying endogenous and exogenous retroviruses. The exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV) is a pathogenic agent responsible for ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. In infected sheep, it coexists with various highly related endogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retroviruses (enJSRV). Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus integrates into the sheep genome in a proviral form whose long terminal repeat (LTR) regulates the expression of viral genes using host transcriptional mechanisms. LTR plays an important regulatory role in transcription and cell tropism.
Methods
We cloned the LTR genes of enJSRV and exJSRV and analyzed the differences between the two sequences using bioinformatics. Furthermore, we detected the transcriptional activity of LTRs in different cell types using the dual-luciferase system.
Results
Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the LTRs of enJSRV and exJSRV were divided into two branches, and there were differences in transcription factor binding sites, CpG islands, and putative quadruplex-forming sequences. The dual-luciferase reporter system showed that the transcriptional activity of exJSRV LTR was significantly higher than that of enJSRV LTR in lung epithelial cells (P < 0.01).
Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the sequence features of the LTR of enJSRV and exJSRV. These findings support the importance of the LTR in the respective tissue specificities of enJSRV and exJSRV.