bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry to the Study of Plasma Biomarkers in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Yang Wenqi , Wu Shaochang , Sun Boyao , Zhang Lijuan , Yan Xiumei , Zhou Haiyun , Li He , Li Huanhuan , Fan Jialin , He Ping , Liu Jinhua , Sun Jingchun , Zhao Longyou 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective
Here, Our study aimed to find the plasma biomarkers related to the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) through Liquid chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) technology.
Methods
Tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative LC/MS proteomics method was used to determine the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the plasma samples of 22 MS patients and 22 healthy controls. and the functional annotations of the DEPs were analyzed by GO and IPA. The candidate protein was validated by ELISA. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the predictive potential of the biomarker.
Results
LC/MS analysis of plasma proteomic identified 88 DEPs among the quantified 375 proteins, of which 39 proteins were up-regulated and 49 proteins were down-regulated. These proteins are involved in immunity/inflammation and Neurological diseases related pathways. A protein panel consisting of Alpha-1-antitrypsin (SERPINA1) and Protein S100-A9 (S100A9) were with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.991. A MS treatment related protein, DPP4, was validated by ELISA.
Conclusion
DEPs related to MS can be found in the plasma proteome, which may become biomarkers for MS diagnosis. Our study layed the foundation for the further application plasma proteomics in the diagnosis of MS.
Functional Vitamin B12 deficiency in Autism
Authors: Russell-Jones Gregory 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
It has been known for over 40 years that dietary insufficiency of vitamin B12 in pregnant mothers can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency in the children and is often accompanied by developmental delay. In a previous study we found a deficiency of functional vitamin B2 in each members of a cohort 600 children and adults with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) of various ages (18 months to 34 years). The same cohort has also been assessed for functional vitamin B12 and each member of the cohort assessed was found to have functional vitamin B12 deficiency. The functional deficiency appeared to be related to the functional B2 deficiency, that was attributed to insufficient dietary Iodine, Selenium and/or Molybdenum. The functional B12 deficiency occurred despite elevated serum B12 being found, and hence presents as Paradoxical vitamin B12 deficiency. As such, ASD due to functional B2 deficiency results in Paradoxical B12 deficiency, which differs from classical developmental delay due to vitamin B12 deficiency, as the later is correctable by administration of vitamin B12 alone. In contrast, ASD due to Paradoxical vitamin B12 deficiency, requires resolution of functional B2 deficiency before treatment with vitamin B12 can be effective.
Climatology and Trends in Temperature-Based Agroclimatic Indices Over Western Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Yeşilırmak Ercan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Temperature has a control on growth, development and yield of crops. Extreme high and low temperatures can be a limiting factor on crops. Extreme temperatures have accompanied global average temperature increase. Investigating the changes in indices derived using daily minimum and maximum temperatures may provide information about how extreme temperatures related to crop production have changed under global warming. In this sense, it is aimed in this study to investigate the climatology and monotonic temporal trends of a number of temperature-based agroclimatic indices with use daily minimum (TN) and maximum (TX) temperatures recorded over the period from 1966 to 2018 at 36 weather stations across western Anatolia, Turkey. The temperature-based agroclimatic indices were divided into two groups, cold-related and heat-related indices. The cold-related indices included number of frost days (NFD), first fall/winter frost (FFF), last winter/spring frost (LSF), frost period (FP) and accumulated frost (AF), where a frost was defined as when TN is equal to or less than 0°C. The heat-related indices were comprised of plant heat stress day (PHSD), plant heat stress accumulation (PHSA), growing season start (GSS), growing season end (GSE), growing season length (GSL) and growing degree-day (GDD). Significance of trends were assessed using Mann-Kendall test, and the slopes of trends were quantified by Sen’s Slope Estimator. The results firstly showed that southern and western coastal stations have the lowest frequency, intensity and duration of frost as a result of rarely occurring frost events. These stations are also characterized by the highest GDD, the earliest GSS, the latest GSE and hence the longest GSL, even with never-ending growing seasons in many years. They are also exposed to the highest heat stress in terms of frequency and intensity. On the other hand, the stations located in the North-eastern part of the study area have completely opposite character for all indices in comparison to southern and western coastal stations. Trend analysis revealed that frequency of frost events had decreasing trends (i.e., decreased NFD), accompanied by later onset of FFF, earlier onset of LSF, and hence shortened FP and decreased AF. As for growing season indices, in general, GSS occurred earlier, GSE occurred later, and GSL extended. Growing degree-day and heat stress indices had substantial increasing trends, implying that, over the course of study period, the study area have had more thermal accumulation, and exposed to more heat stress that may hinder crop development.
Cystatin SN as a potential marker for gastric cancer and promotes gastric cancer progression
Authors: Xu TingTing , Fan WenJuan , Liu HongYan , Jiang ShuTing , Ge XiaoXiao , Dai YuWan , Yan BeiZhan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundCystatin SN (cystatin 1, CST1) regulates the progression of many cancers and serves as a diagnostic marker; however, its significance in gastric cancer has not been fully elucidated. MethodsWe first analyzed the expression levels of CST1 in gastric cancer dataset in oncomine and UALCAN databases. We next analyzed the relationship between CST1 and prognosis of gastric cancer patients in KM Plotter database and downloaded TCGA GC data to verify this result. We further divided GC patients into two groups according to the level of CST1 expression for GSEA enrichment analysis. Finally, we validated the role of CST1 in gastric cancer by in vitro functional assays.ResultsWe found that CST1 expression levels in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher than those in normal control tissues and patients with high CST1 expression had a poorer prognosis. GSEA enrichment analysis showed that the main KEGG signaling pathways enriched in the CST1 high expression group were Coagulation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition, Complement, Apoptosis, Glycolysis. In vitro functional assay confirmed that inhibition of CST1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, colony-formation,migration and invasion ability of gastric cancer cells.ConclusionsOur study shows that the expression level of CST1 correlates with the development of gastric cancer, and CST1 may be used as a diagnostic marker for poor prognosis of gastric cancer.
The Effect of Darkness Treatment on Plasma Melatonin Concentrations and Reproductive Performance in Akkaraman Ewes
Authors: Şirin Emre , Karakaya Serhan , Şen Uğur 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Different techniques are used to achieve pregnancy out of season in sheep. These techniques are mostly performed with artificial and natural hormone injections. In this study, darkness application was carried out as a different technique. This study investigates the effect of the darkness treatment on plasma melatonin concentration and reproductive performance during the out-breeding season (April month) in the Akkaraman sheep breed. The vaginal implant device CIDR (0.30 g progesterone) in all sheep was used for return to the beginning of the follicular development (0.day). The control group (C; n = 25) was synchronized by using natural and synthetic hormones. The dark group (D; n = 25) was exposed to darkness for 13 hours (18:00–07:00h) in a fully environmentally controlled shelter. Ewe was taken blood in a specific program, and melatonin hormone concentrations were determined in Elisa device. At the end of darkness application, melatonin hormone concentration in the darkness applied group (90.83 ± 29.27 pg/ml) was higher than the control group (66.58 ± 21.05 pg/ml) (P <0.01). At the end of the experiment, melatonin concentration was higher in the darkness applied group (89.30 ± 29.57 pg/ml) than the control group (54.44 ± 22.97 pg/ml) (P <0.01). Reproductive characteristics were not different between the groups (P>0.05). According to these results, it has been shown that melatonin hormone concentrations may change with the application of darkness during the out-breeding season in sheep, and ıt is possible to estrus synchronize with this method in the Akkaraman sheep breed.
Knowledge of obstetric fistula and its associated factors among women of reproductive age in Northwestern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tsega Meskerem , Assebe Tesfaye , Gedefaw Getnet , Demis Asmamaw , Tiruye Getahun , Semahegn Agumasie 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Obstetric fistula is one of the major maternal health challenges in low and middle-income countries, especially in Ethiopia where child marriage and access to a health facility are main challenges. Obstetric fistula is common among teenage mothers that results in a vast social, economic and cultural sequel. In Ethiopia, particularly in the study area, there is a paucity of research evidence on women's knowledge about obstetric fistula. Therefore, this study aimed to assess women’s knowledge about obstetric fistula and its associated factors at Banja District, Northwestern Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted at Banja District, Northwestern Ethiopia. Systematic sampling method was used to recruit 784 women in the reproductive age from six rural and one urban kebeles. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires through face-to-face interview method. Descriptive statistics, binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed by using SPSS version 24.Results: Of the study participants who had good knowledge about obstetric fistula was found to be 36.4% (95%CI: 32.9%-39.7%). Women who had completed primary education (AOR:3.47, 95%CI:2.01-5.98), secondary and above education (AOR:3.30, 95%CI:1.88-5.80), being a student (AOR: 6.78, 95%CI:3.88-11.86), get counseling about obstetric fistula (AOR:6.22, 95%CI: 3.78-10.24), participated in pregnant women’s conference (AOR:3.36, 95%CI: 1.99-5.66), had antenatal care follow-up (AOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.39-4.13), being an urban resident (AOR: 3.19, 95% CI: 1.33-7.66), and having access to TV/Radio (AOR:1.68, 95%CI:1.10-2.60) were significantly associated with women's good knowledge about obstetric fistula.Conclusions: One-third of women have good knowledge about obstetric fistula. Therefore, empowering women in education, promoting antenatal care, and reinforcing pregnant women's counselling conference platforms could substantially optimize women's knowledge of obstetric fistula
Comparison of the Vasoconstriction Effect of Phenylephrine and Ephedrine on the Uterine Arteries of Pregnant Rabbits: A CT Imaging-Based Study
Authors: Li Jingjing , Gao Guangjian , Yin Yibo , Hu Zhangrui , Long Xuechen , Guo Zixuan , Jin Xiaoju , Liu Can , Guo Wenjun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Hypotension is one of the most common complications during perioperative obstetric surgery and can cause serious adverse reactions in mothers and infants. Phenylephrine and ephedrine are the most widely used vasoconstrictors for preventing and controlling hypotension. However, which of them is the best choice remains unclear due to the lack of solid data on the effects of phenylephrine and ephedrine on uterine placental blood flow. This study aims to investigate the vasoconstriction effect of phenylephrine and ephedrine on the uterine arteries of pregnant rabbits via computed tomography (CT) imaging.Methods: Fifteen near-term pregnant rabbits at 27-29 days of pregnancy were randomly divided into Group P, Group E and Group C. Phenylephrine, ephedrine and normal saline were injected. CT imaging was performed, and the diameters of the uterine arteries were measured to evaluate the contractile response to different drugs.Results: Both phenylephrine and ephedrine induced a similar degree of vasoconstriction on peripheral resistance of the vessels (rostral arteries) (p>0.05). At 5 min and 10 min, the uterine arteries contracted more strongly in response to phenylephrine than ephedrine (p<0.01); after that, there was no significant difference in the diameters of the uterine arteries with the administration of phenylephrine and ephedrine (p>0.05).Conclusion: In summary, compared with ephedrine, phenylephrine had a faster effect, and resulted in stronger contraction of the uterine arteries, indicating a greater impact on placental perfusion. Therefore, in clinical practice, ephedrine has more favorable effects than phenylephrine on uterine and placental circulation.
First report of ToCV and Detection of other Viruses in Field-grown Tomatoes in North-western Region of India
Authors: CHAUDHARY POONAM , Kaur Amritpreet , Singh Balwinder , Kumar Surender , Hallan Vipin , Nagpal Avinash Kaur 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Tomato crop is known to be infected by large number of viruses across the globe causing severe losses in its yield. Accurate information on the distribution and incidence of different viruses is essential to implement virus control strategies. This study provides information on prevalence and distribution of different viruses infecting tomato crop in North-western region of India.Methods and Results: Leaf samples of 76 symptomatic tomato and 30 symptomatic and asymptomatic plants of Chenopodium sp. (weed) were collected from eight villages. DAS-ELISA and/or RT-PCR were used to detect occurrence of nineteen viruses and one viroid in tomatoes. Nine viruses viz. Cucumber mosaic virus, Groundnut bud necrosis virus, Potato virus M, Potato virus S, Potato virus X, Potato virus Y, Tomato chlorosis virus, Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus and Tomato mosaicvirus were detected in 58 of 76 tomato samples. Detection of viruses was confirmed by cloning of specific amplicons followed by sequencing and submission of sequences to the GenBank database. None of the targeted pathogens were found in collected weed samples. Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) was the most prevalent virus (64.47%) followed by Potato virus Y (PVY) (23.68%). Double, triple, quadruple and quintuple infections were also noticed. Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences was also carried out.Conclusions: Nine viruses infecting tomato crop from North-western region of India were detected. ToLCNDV was most prevalent with highest incidence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ToCV on tomato from India.
Dynamical law of the phase interface motion in the presence of crystals nucleation
Authors: Toropova Liubov V. , Alexandrov Dmitri V. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we develop a theory of solid/liquid phase interface motion into an undercooled melt in the presence of nucleation and evolution of crystals. A set of integrodifferential kinetic, heat and mass transfer equations is analytically solved in the two-phase and liquid layers divided by the moving phase transition interface. To do this, we have used the saddle-point method to evaluate a Laplace-type integral and the small parameter method to find the law of phase interface motion. The main result is that the phase interface Z propagates into an undercooled melt with time t as Z(t) = σ √ t + ε χt 7/2 with allowance for crystal nucleation. The effect of nucleation is in the second contribution, which is proportional to t 7/2 whereas the first term ∼ √ t represents the well-known self-similar solution. The nucleation and crystal growth processes are responsible for the emission of latent crystallization heat, which reduces the melt undercooling and constricts the two-phase layer thickness (parameter χ < 0).
Discrimination between Softwood and Hardwood based on Hemicellulose Content obtained with Portable Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Stagno Valeria , Ricci Sara , Longo Sveva , Verticchio Elena , Frasca Francesca , Siani Anna Maria , Capuani Silvia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Wood is a hygroscopic material that can reach an equilibrium moisture content when ambient temperature and relative humidity are constant. Moisture affects all properties of wood, as well as its preservative treatment. The hygroscopic behavior of wood can be attributed to the hydroxyl groups of its constituents. Since hemicellulose shows the greatest water affinity, it can be considered the main responsible for water entering into the wood mass. Below the fiber saturation point (FSP), wood moisture is only stored in the cell walls. Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a relative method used for the evaluation of moisture content distribution in wood and NMR relaxation is an excellent tool to study the hygroscopic behavior of different woods below the fiber saturation point. This work aimed to test the hypothesis of discriminating among softwoods and hardwoods of different botanical species and identifying further sub-clusters of woods on the basis of the NMR proton spin-spin (T2) and spin-lattice (T1) relaxation times of their cell wall water in the hygroscopic moisture range. Towards this goal, a portable low-field NMR instrument was used to develop a specific non-invasive NMR protocol for in situ investigation useful in the wood industry and/or cultural heritage applications.
Optimized Pretreatment Method for Long-Term Transduction Efficiency of AAV Into Rat Bladder
Authors: Wu Yanyuan , Zhou Jiatong , Chen Haojie , Shi Bowen , Ding Jie , Qi Jun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective
We sought the optimal preprocessing method to improve the long-term transfer efficiency of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors of rat bladder urothelium.
Methods
Rat bladders were pretreated by eight different chemical reagents including PBS, trypsin, poly-L-lysine (PLL), protamine sulfate (PS), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), n-dodecyl-β-d-maltoside (DDM), HCl or NaOH followed by transurethral instillation with AAV2/9-CMV-zsgreen. The transfection efficiency was evaluated by the percentage of urothelium with green fluorescence after 4 weeks.
Results
We employed eight different chemical components and eleven pretreatment methods. The rat bladder was harvested and evaluated without any mortality at 4 weeks post-infection. Compared with other treatment groups, the rate of urothelium transfection is comparatively high in the groups of rats treated with HCl or NaOH. In addition, rats treated with 0.1N NaOH 4 min showed significantly highest transfection efficiency (about 3%). The histopathologic results showed regular morphology of the bladder treated with HCl or NAOH and no significant damage was observed.
Conclusion
Pretreatment with 0.1N NaOH 4 min could improve the transfection efficiency of AAV in bladder urothelium and maintain the transfection efficiency for a long time without pathological damage.
Importance
We found that pretreatment of the bladder with HCl and NaOH can improve the transfection efficiency of AAV for a long time compared to control group. In addition, rats treated with 0.1N NaOH 4 min could have the most significant effect among these strategies, which was discovered for the first time. This could be valuable for future bladder gene therapy.
Is There an Association Between COVID-19 Mortality and Human Development Index? The Case Study of Nigeria and Selected Low/middle Income Countries.
Authors: AMEYE Sanyaolu Alani , Ojo Temitope Olumuyiwa , ADETUNJI Tajudin Adesegun , AWOLEYE Michael Olusesan 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objectives. We assessed Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of COVID-19 as an indicator to situate the performance of Nigeria relative to other selected countries. From the available open-source datasets, we derived the case fatality rates of the different countries of interest for comparison. The CFRs were calculated as the rate of deaths compared with total cases. The values were compared with the Nigeria’s COVID-19 CFR. Other relevant statistical comparisons were also conducted. Results: The worst performing countries with regards to CFR in descending order were Yemen (19.5%), Peru (9.0%) Mexico (7.6%), Sudan (7.4%) and Ecuador (6.3%) while the best performing nations were Bhutan (0.11%), Burundi (0.19%), Iceland (0.20%), Laos (0.21%) and Qatar (0.25%). The CFR of Nigeria was 1.39%% which falls below the 50th percentile. Other comparison done showed significant difference in the CFR values between countries similar to Nigeria and countries that are dissimilar when HDI is used. (Mann-Whitney U test 126.0, p = 0.01). The trend of the CFR in Nigeria showed a steady decline and flattening of the CFR curve which does not seem to be affected by the spikes in the daily declared cases.
Subsidence Following Cervical Discectomy and Implant-to-bone Ratio.
Authors: Godlewski Bartosz , Bebenek Adam , Dominiak Maciej , Karpinski Grzegorz , Cieslik Piotr , Pawelczyk Tomasz 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Implant subsidence is an undesirable effect after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). We investigated the relation between the rate of implant subsidence and the ratio of the implant surface area to the surface area of the adjacent bone.
Methods
We analysed 170 disk spaces operated in a group of 104 patients. Two types of implants were used: 1) PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cages and 2) titanium-coated PEEK cages. Patients were randomised to receive a specific implant using a randomisation table. All implants had a surface area of 1.61 cm2. Based on CT images, bone surface areas were calculated for vertebral bodies immediately adjacent to the interbody implants. The implant-to-bone surface ratio was then calculated for each disk space. Implant subsidence was assessed over 12 months of follow-up, and associations between implant subsidence, the type of implant, and the implant-to-bone surface ratio were investigated.
Results
A total of 166 complete measurement data sets were available, capturing changes in intervertebral space and the presence of subsidence. 21% of intervertebral spaces demonstrated subsidence. Subsidence was more frequently associated with higher values of bone surface area and lower values of the implant-to-bone surface ratio. The type of implant (PEEK vs titanium-coated PEEK cages) did not significantly influence the rate of implant subsidence.
Conclusions
Implant subsidence was significantly related to the value of a coefficient representing the ratio of the implant's surface area to the bone surface area of the adjacent vertebral bodies, with subsidence occurring significantly more rarely for coefficient values ≥ 0.37.