bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activating Peroxymonosulfate Using Carbon from Cyanobacteria as Support for Zero-Valent Iron
Authors: Chen Jun , Zhu Layun , Cao Sisi , Chen Zhaoming , Song Zihui , Yang Xiaohong , Jin Jie 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In the present study, the cyanobacterial char (ACC) prepared from Chaohu cyanobacteria was used as a nanoscale carrier for zero-valent iron (NZVI) to synthesize a highly efficient activation material designated as cyanobacterial char-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI@ACC), which was subsequently used for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade the orange II (OII) dye. The XRD and XPS results revealed that NZVI was anchored onto the ACC through coordination bonding, thereby forming a stable structure. The SEM and TEM observations revealed that the NZVI was embedded in the sheet structure of the ACC. The NZVI@ACC had a larger specific surface area (42.249 m2/g), and also magnetism, due to which its components could be separated through an externally applied magnetic field. Using this NZVI@ACC/PMS system, the rate of degradation of OII (100 mg/L) reached 98.32% within 14 min. The OII degradation reaction using the NZVI@ACC/PMS system followed first-order kinetics. The activation energy of this degradation reaction was 17.34 kJ/(mol·K). Quenching and EPR experiments revealed that both SO4·– and ·OH were produced in this reaction, with SO4·- playing the major role in the reaction. The theoretical calculations revealed that SO4·- attacked the 12 (N) of OII, which destroyed and degraded the structure of OII. The presence of halogen ions in the actual dye-containing wastewater samples inhibited the OII degradation by the NZVI@ACC system to different degrees, and the inhibition effect followed the order: I- > Br- > Cl-.
Persistence of Ecologically Similar Fungi in a Restricted Floral Niche
Authors: Mukwevho Vuledzani O. , Dreyer Léanne L. , Roets Francois 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Fungi in the genera Knoxdaviesia and Sporothrix dominate fungal communities within Protea flowerheads and seed cones (infructescences). Despite similar ecologies, they show strong host recurrence and often occupy the same individual infructescence. Differences in host chemistry explain their host consistency, but the factors that allow co-occupancy of multiple species within individual infructescences are unknown. Sporothrix splendens and K. proteae often grow on different senescent tissue types within infructescences of their P. repens host, indicating that substrate-related differences aid their co-occupancy. Sporothrix phasma and K. capensis grow on the same tissues of P. neriifolia suggesting neutral competitive abilities. Here we test the hypothesis that differences in host-tissues dictate competitive abilities of these fungi and explain their co-occupancy of this spatially restricted niche. Media were prepared from infructescence bases, bracts, seeds, or pollen presenters of P. neriifolia and P. repens. As expected, K. capensis was unable to grow on seeds whilst S. phasma could. As hypothesised, K. capensis and S. phasma had equal competitive abilities on pollen presenters, explaining their co-occupancy of this resource. Growth of K. proteae was significantly enhanced on pollen presenters while that of S. splendens was the same as the control. Knoxdavesia proteae grew significantly faster than S. splendens on all tissue types. Despite this, S. splendens was a superior competitor on all tissue types. For K. proteae to co-occupy infructescences with S. splendens for extended periods, it likely needs to colonize pollen presenters before the arrival of S. splendens and may consequently depend on different spore vectors.
Identification of Genetic Markers and Immune Infiltration Characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease Through Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Duan KeFei , Miao YuYang , Tan Jin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a long-term progressive neurodegeneration disease. Studies have shown that accumulation of epigenetic changes promotes the formation of gene mutations thereby inducing the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of alzheimer disease are not well defined. This calls for identification of genetic markers of alzheimer disease which can be leveraged to design effective drugs. Method: In this study, we aimed to determine the modules and hub genes that contribute to the development of alzheimer disease through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The genes in the module were enriched and analyzed by GO / KEGG, and the protein-protein interaction（PPI） network was constructed. In addition, WGCNA topology analysis was carried out to construct a gene network, from which five hub genes were identified. Logistic regression analysis and Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was performed to explore the clinical value of genes in diagnosis of Alzheimer. The genes in the core module are intersected with the hub genes, and four intersecting genes were selected, which were ATP2A2, ATP6V1D, CAP2 and SYNJ1. The four genes were enriched by GSEA. Finally, immune infiltration analysis was performed.Results: The GO/KEGG analysis shows that the genes in the core module play a role in the differentiation and growth of nerve cells and neurotransmitter transmission.Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) about core genes demonstrated that the four genes were mainly enriched in immune infection pathways such as cholera infection and Helicobacter pylori infection and other metabolic pathways. In addition, immune infiltration characteristics were investigated and found that T cells regulatory (Tregs), neutrophils, plasma cells, mast cells activated, T cells cellular helper, T cells CD8, T cells CD4 memory resetting and macrophases M1 are core immune cells contributing to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: The results of enrichment analysis and immunoosmotic analysis showed that immune pathways and immune cells played an important role in the occurrence and development of alzheimer disease. The selected key genes are used as biomarkers related to the pathogenesis of alzheimer disease to further explore the pathways and cells.
The Assembly of Mammalian SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complexes
is Regulated by Lysine-Methylation Dependent Proteolysis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Guo Pengfei , Hoang Nam , Sanchez Joseph , Zhang Elaine , Rajawasam Keshari , Trinidad Kristiana , Sun Hong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The assembly of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes is developmentally programed, and loss/mutations of SWI/SNF subunits alter the levels of other components through proteolysis, causing cancers. We found that mouse Lsd1/Kdm1a deletion causes dramatic dissolution of SWI/SNF complexes and that LSD1 demethylates the methylated lysine residues in SMARCC1 and SMARCC2 to preserve the structural integrity of SWI/SNF complexes. The methylated SMARCC1/SMARCC2 are targeted for proteolysis by L3MBTL3 and the CRL4DCAF5 ubiquitin ligase complex. We identify SMARCC1 as the critical target of LSD1 and L3MBTL3 to maintain the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. L3MBTL3 also regulates SMARCC1/SMARCC2 proteolysis induced by the loss of SWI/SNF subunits. Consistently, mouse L3mbtl3 deletion causes striking accumulation of SWI/SNF components, associated with embryonic lethality. Our studies reveal that the assembly/disassembly of SWI/SNF complexes is dynamically controlled by a novel lysine-methylation dependent proteolytic mechanism to maintain the integrity of the SWI/SNF complexes.
Preserving lives or livelihoods?
Examining the COVID-19 pandemic policy responses in Africa
Authors: Ndung'u Njuguna , Shimeles Abebe , Thorbecke Erik 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Initial policy responses implemented by African governments, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, are assessed, including lockdowns, restrictions of international travel, and other stringency measures (such as social distancing and contact tracing) to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to November 2020. Policy lessons on potential trade-offs between the economic and social consequences and the effort to save lives are drawn. We used novel data to establish causal relationships between infection rates of SARS-CoV-2 and stringency measures implemented by governments, as well as their economic and social consequences. The Instrumental Variable (IV) Method was used to identify the direction of causation. Our estimates showed that compliance with mobility restrictions led to a significant decline in infection rates, with the impact amplified in situations in which complementary measures were strong. The economic and social consequences were also very substantial, including contractions in real gross domestic product (GDP) and deterioration of household welfare. There were also a high incidence of lockdown-related violence and criminal activities. The lockdowns to fight COVID-19 could be most effective in the contexts of a strong health care system, efficient infectious disease control infrastructure, and community understanding. In other contexts, the trade-off between saving lives and preserving livelihoods could be very costly, and in extreme cases, lead to unintended consequences, such as severe hunger, violence, and permanent loss of jobs.
Effects of fertilization methods in wheat on gases emission and environmental benefit in Mollisols of Northeast China
Authors: Liu Chunzhu , Yingxue Zhu , Wang Qi , Xu Lianzhou , Ma Xianfa 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Aims Many previous studies have focused on crop yields, but there is a knowledge gap regarding the environmental benefits of phased fertilization and organic substitution. To study the effects of phased fertilization and organic substitution on soil gas emissions and spring wheat yields, a field experiment was conducted using Mollisols. Methods Five treatments were set up: conventional nitrogen application (CF); no nitrogen application (N0); one-time (N1), two-stage (N2) and three-stage (N3) application of chemical nitrogen based on 25% of chemical nitrogen being replaced by organic fertilizer. The changes in NH3 volatilization, N2O and CO2 emissions, soil-related carbon and nitrogen invertase activities and soil carbon and nitrogen contents under different treatments were analyzed and compared. Result The results showed that N1 had the best emission reduction and yield increase effects. Compared with CF, N1 reduced NH3 volatilization, N2O and CO2 emissions accumulation by 28.94%, 10.29% and 17.21%, respectively, and increased spring wheat yield by 21.33%. Compared with N2 and N3, N1 could better reduce soil urease, nitrate reductase, catalase and β-glucosidase activities, reduce the conversion rate of urea and organic carbon, increase the content of NH4+-N in soil, and reduce the NH3 volatilization rate and N2O and CO2 emissions rates. Conclusions Comprehensive analysis showed that the N1 treatment had the best effect on reducing the soil gas emission rate, emission reduction rate and environmental cost as well as on increasing yield.
A Network Pharmacology Study to Explore the Underlying Mechanism of Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Liu Qibing , Meng Qingwen , Liu Huajiang , Wu Haolin , Ding shun , Tang Chaoling , Fu Xinyin , Fang Xingyue , Xu Yiqian , Chen Bocen , Xie Yiqiang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Safflower has long been used to treat coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The goal of this study was to predict the therapeutic effect of safflower against CHD using a network pharmacology, and to explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms in vitro.Methods: Firstly, we obtained relative compounds of safflower based on the TCMSP database. The TCMSP and PubChem databases were used to predict targets of these active compounds. Then we built CHD target database by DisGeNET database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network graph of overlapping genes was obtained after supplying the common targets of safflower and CHD into the STRING database. The PPI network was then used to determine the top ten most significant hub genes. Furthermore, DAVID database was utilized for the enrichment analysis on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). To validate these results, a cell model of CHD was established in EAhy926 cells using oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Results: Safflower was determined to have 189 active compounds. The TCMSP and PubChem databases were used to predict 573 targets of these active compounds. The DisGeNET database was used to identify 1576 genes involved in the progression of CHD. The top ten hub genes were ALB, IL6, IL1B, VEGFA, STAT3, MMP9, TLR4, CCL2, CXCL8, and IL10. GO functional enrichment analysis yielded 92 entries for biological process (BP), 47 entries for cellular component (CC), 31 entries for molecular function (MF), and 20 signaling pathways were obtained from KEGG pathway enrichment screening. Based on these findings, the FoxO signaling pathway is critical in the treatment of CHD by safflower. The vitro Results showed that safflower had an ameliorating effect on ox-LDL induced apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting results showed that compared to the model group, safflower decreased Bax expression and acetylation of FoxO1 proteins while increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and SIRT1 proteins. Conclusions: Safflower targets multiple pathways during CHD treatment, and can exert anti-apoptotic effects by regulating the expression of BAX, BCL-2, and SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway-related proteins.
WHIM Syndrome-linked CXCR4 mutations drive osteoporosis by mitigating the osteogenic specification of skeletal stromal cells
Authors: Anginot Adrienne , Nguyen Julie , Abou-Nader Zeina , Rondeau Vincent , Bonaud Amélie , Boutin Antoine , Lemos Julia , Bisio Valeria , Koenen Joyce , Sakr Léa , Marty Caroline , Coudert Amélie , Provot Sylvain , Dulphy Nicolas , Aurrand-Lions Michel , Mancini Stéphane , lazennec Gwendal , McDermott David , Guidez Fabien , Blin-Wakkach Claudine , Murphy Philip , Cohen-Solal Martine , Espeli Marion , Rouleau Matthieu , Balabanian Karl 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
WHIM Syndrome (WS) is a rare immunodeficiency caused by gain-of-function CXCR4 mutations. Here we report for the first time a substantial decrease in bone mineral density in 25% of WS patients and bone defects leading to osteoporosis in a WS mouse model. Reduction in bone content involved impaired CXCR4 desensitization that disrupts cell cycle progression and osteogenic specification of mouse bone marrow (BM)-residing skeletal stromal/stem cells (SSCs). This was also evidenced in BM stromal cells from WS patients. Consistent with this, chronic treatment with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 normalized in vitro osteogenic fate of mutant SSCs and reversed in vivo loss in skeletal cells, thus demonstrating that proper CXCR4 desensitization is required for the osteogenic specification of BM SSCs. Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into how CXCR4 signaling regulates the osteogenic fate of BM SSCs.
Sustainable approach for biodiesel production and wastewater treatment by cultivating Pleusrastrum insigne in wastewater
Authors: Chhandama Michael Van Lal , Satyan Kumudini Belur 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The globalized modern world has been confronted with some of the most challenging problems, most of which arises from human activities. Overexploitation of fossil fuels which leads energy and environmental crisis, loss of aquatic ecosystem due to improper disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies constitute some of the biggest emerging global problems. In this study, an unconventional and sustainable approach to produce biodiesel was analyzed by growing Pleurastrum insigne in wastewater. The growth of P.insigne in wastewater in turn significantly reduce the amount of biological oxygen demand, total phosphorus content and total nitrogen content in the wastewater. Production of biodiesel conforming to international standards was predicted from P. insigne cultivated in wastewater confirming the effectiveness of combining wastewater treatment and biodiesel production.
Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on health-related quality of life in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer
Authors: Chen Min , Shi Fang , Wu Haitao , Cheng Lei , He Peijie , Jin Qian , Huang Jing jing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the possible risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer.
Methods
Patients who underwent partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer completed overnight polysomnography (PSG) home sleep tests and quality of life questionnaires. The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was used to investigate factors influencing HRQoL.
Results
Fifty-nine patients completed PSG tests and quality of life questionnaires, with 74.6% demonstrating evidence of OSA (Apnea-hyponea Index (AHI) ranging 5.2-49.8 per hour, median 12.8 per hour). There were significant differences in tumor area and neck dissection between OSA group and non-OSA groups. Patients with OSA had significant lower scores of body pain, general health, and health transition in SF-36 domains. Independent factors associated with general health were identified as tobacco use (OR=4.716, 95% CI: 0.207-2.894), alcohol use (OR=3.193, 95% CI: 0.042-2.28), and OSA (OR=11.336, 95% CI: 0.994-3.862).
Conclusion
Larger tumor area and neck dissection might be associated with an increased risk for developing OSA in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. OSA partially mediated the effect on physical health, including body pain, general health, and health transition. It is important to be aware of the potential impact of OSA on diminished HRQoL of these patients.
Predictors for Effectiveness of Naldemedine in Patients with Cancer Pain: A Retrospective, Single-Institution Analysis
Authors: KANBAYASHI YUKO , Shimizu Mayumi , Ishizuka Yuichi , Sawa Shohei , Yabe Katsushige , Uchida Mayako 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose

To identify predictors for the effectiveness of naldemedine.
Methods

Participants comprised 106 advanced cancer patients receiving pain treatment with opioids who were prescribed naldemedine for OIC at Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital in Japan between November 2016 and June 2021.For the regression analysis of factors associated with OIC, variables were extracted manually from medical charts. The effectiveness of naldemedine was evaluated 3 days after administration, based on whether patients showed OIC. Presence of OIC was defined based on Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for naldemedine effectiveness. Values of P < 0.05 (two-tailed) were considered significant.
Results

Significant factors identified included chemotherapy with taxanes within 1 month of evaluation of naldemedine effectiveness (odds ratio [OR] = 0.063, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.007–0.568; P = 0.014), and addition of or switching to naldemedine due to insufficient prior laxatives (OR = 0.352, 95%CI = 0.129–0.966; P = 0.043).
Conclusion

No chemotherapy that included taxanes within 1 month of evaluation of naldemedine effectiveness and no addition of or switching to naldemedine due to insufficient prior laxatives were identified as predictors for effectiveness of naldemedine in patients with cancer pain.
Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Sheets From Young Donors Have Better Regenerative Potential For Clinical Applications
Authors: Yang Soonwon , Lee Hyun Jung , Shin Soojung , Park In Yang , Chung So-Hyang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the stemness of limbal epithelial stem cell sheets in relation to donor’s age.Methods: Human limbal explants from cadaveric donors were set on human amniotic membranes with xenofree medium. We evaluated limbal epithelial sheet size, expression of stem/progenitor cell markers, and colony formation efficiency from donors of different age groups (age ≤ 45, age 45-65, and age > 65). Expression of the proliferation marker Ki67, stem/progenitor cell markers p63α and ABCG2, cornea specific marker PANCK, and differentiation marker CK12 were evaluated. To determine the effect of donor age on the storage period of limbal explant sheets, the limbal explant outgrowth sheets were stored in 4℃ for 2 days and analyzed for JC-1, p63a, and PANCK with FACS on each day.Results: From days 6 to 12, the outgrowth area of the limbal epithelial stem cell sheet was significantly larger in the age ≤ 45 group compared to the other two age groups. In terms of stemness, outgrowth cells from aged donors (age > 65) showed lower expression of stem/progenitor cell markers p63α and ABCG2 and decreased CFE compared to the other two groups. Conclusion: Our results imply that donors younger than 65 years of age are a better source of limbal epithelial stem cell sheet generation with high regeneration potential.
Association of Serum Adipokines and Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Abi Nanzha , Xu Xiao , Yang Zhikai , Ma Tiantian , Dong Jie 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background and aim: Metabolic disorders are prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may lead to protein energy wasting. Adipokines play a vital role in energy metabolism. We aimed to determine the relationship between adipokine levels and resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with CKD.Methods: A total of 208 patients in non-dialyzed CKD stages 3–5 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patient's REE was measured using indirect calorimetry. Fat mass (FM) and lean tissue mass (LTM) were measured using multiple-frequency bioimpedance analysis. Spearman correlation analyses and multivariate linear regression models were used to assess the association between serum adipokines and REE.Results: The mean age was 52.7 ± 14.6 years, and 26.9%, 26.4%, and 46.7% of our participants had CKD stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The median values of serum adiponectin, leptin, and IL-6 were 470.4 (range, 291.1–802.2), 238.1 (range, 187.9–418.4), and 4.0 (range, 2.4–9.5) pg/mL, respectively. The male participants had significantly lower FM% (P = 0.001) and lower leptin levels (P < 0.001) than the female participants. After adjusting for age, diabetes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone, LTM, and FM, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that serum leptin levels were significantly positively associated with REE in men rather than in women (P < 0.05). Serum adiponectin levels were inversely associated with REE in men, but this association disappeared while FM was additionally adjusted. Adiponectin levels in women were not correlated with REE (P > 0.05). IL-6 was not significantly associated with REE in either men or women.Conclusions: A sex-specific relationship between serum adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) and REE was observed in patients with CKD stages 3–5, which was partly confounded by FM.Trial registration: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03377413).