bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for soil microbial ecology in urban ecosystems
Authors: Nugent Andie , Allison Steven D. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNearly all ecosystems host diverse microbiomes that support vital ecosystem processes. At the same time, these ecosystems and their microbiomes are increasingly altered by human activities, particularly in highly managed urban environments. While microbial ecologists are beginning to understand the drivers of microbial assembly and the link between community structure and function in many ecosystems, few of these advances have been applied to urban ecosystems. In this synthesis, we review research on the urban soil microbiome and develop a framework to integrate soil microbial communities with urban ecosystem function. We identify disturbance, altered resources, and heterogeneity as key drivers through which human activities including urban development affect soils and their resident microorganisms. Steep environmental gradients in many urban systems present a unique opportunity to address fundamental questions in microbial ecology, such as how microbes respond to stress and how biogeochemical rates relate to microbial diversity and composition. Soil microbiomes in cities also provide ecosystem services and harms, making it crucial to understand how human activity drives those functions and the consequences for environmental and human health. We argue that much‐needed integration across disturbance ecology, urban ecology, and microbial ecology will help generate practical and equitable strategies for managing ecosystem benefits in cities where most humans now live.
Experimental analysis of energy, performance and noise emissions for biodiesel fuel obtained from animal waste fat
Authors: Öğüt Hüseyin , Oğuz Hidayet , Aydın Fatih 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAnimal fats are one of the biodiesel raw materials. In this study, biodiesel was produced from horse fat by transesterification method and the produced biodiesel was mixed with euro diesel at 5% by volume, and experimental fuels in the form of D100 and D95B5 were obtained. Fuel properties of test fuels were determined. In addition, using the experimental fuels in a single‐cylinder, four‐stroke, water‐cooled diesel engine, the data obtained by investigating the engine performances, energy analysis, and noise emissions were presented with graphics and interpreted. In the experiment results; D95B5 fuel produced 0.68% more torque than D100 fuel at maximum torque value and D95B5 fuel produced 4.06% more power than D100 fuel at maximum engine power. In the minimum specific fuel consumption values, D100 fuel consumed 4.70% less fuel than D95B5 fuel. In terms of energy analysis, results are given for the maximum torque speed 1200 rpm, minimum specific fuel consumption speed 1200 rpm, and maximum power speed 2000 rpm for the experimental fuels. In terms of noise emissions, the engine made 0.56% less noise in the use of D95B5 fuel compared to the use of D100 fuel and 0.20% less noise at the maximum torque speed values, according to the average values of the maximum power cycle. As a result, adding 5% horse fat biodiesel to diesel fuel has yielded positive results in terms of engine performance, energy analysis and noise emission. This type of fuel can be used in diesel engines without any modification.
A certification tool for on‐grid net zero energy consumption buildings
Authors: Güğül Gül Nihal , Bora Beyza Nur 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEnergy efficiency in buildings sector can provide influential solutions to the threats arising from the increase in carbon emissions. Since efficient design of the buildings and equipping them with renewable systems increases the final cost, strategies should be developed to encourage building owners. The first stage of these strategies is certification of these buildings. However, modeling of the buildings equipped with renewable systems is possible with the use of more than one software and requires detailed technical expertise. An easy‐to‐use software, where all calculations are conducted in a single software, will be useful in the spread of certification processes. For this reason, in this study, an easy‐to‐use software has been developed that can be used during the certification of zero energy buildings which eliminates the requirement of more than one software. The software makes use of the climate, electricity consumption, building, and renewable system properties data to predict the energy demand and production, and generate zero energy consumption building certificate. The heating demand, photovoltaic (PV) and wind system estimate of the software are verified by using real data and R2 values are calculated as 0.92, 0.97, and 0.98 respectively. A certificated passive and zero energy consumption building is modeled in the developed software as a case study building and NZEB certificate was awarded to the building by the software. Therefore, in this study, an easy‐to‐use software is developed and verified to certificate the on‐grid zero energy buildings that eliminates requirement of detailed technical knowledge and usage of more than one software.
UHPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS2 analysis of Acacia pennata extract and its effects on glycemic indices, lipid profile, pancreatic and hepatorenal alterations in nicotinamide/streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Shao Hui , Xiao Minmin , Zha Zheng , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder associated with severe metabolic derangement and comorbidities. The constant increase in the global population of diabetic patients coupled with some prevailing side effects associated with synthetic antidiabetic drugs has necessitated the urgent need for the search for alternative antidiabetic regimens. This study investigated the antidiabetic, antioxidant, and pancreatic protective effects of the Acacia pennata extract (APE) against nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced DM in rats. The antidiabetic activity of APE was evaluated and investigated at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight, while metformin (150 mg/kg bw) was used as a standard drug. APE markedly decreased blood glucose level, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine phosphatase levels. Additionally, treatment with APE increased the body weight, serum insulin concentration, and high‐density lipoprotein. Moreover, activities of pancreatic superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were increased, while the altered pancreatic architecture in the histopathological examination was notably restored in the treated rats. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS) analysis of APE showcases the prevailing presence of polyphenolic compounds. Conclusively, this study showed the beneficial effects of the Acacia pennata in controlling metabolic derangement, pancreatic and hepatorenal dysfunction in diabetic rats.
Bioactive content and phenolic compounds of common medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) and Stern’s medlar (M. canescens Phipps)
Authors: Sadeghinejad Zeinab , Erfani‐Moghadam Javad , Khadivi Ali 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMedlar (Mespilus) is an important fruit and is rich in nutritional and medical properties. Bioactive content and phenolic compounds of leaf, fruit, and seed samples of common medlar (M. germanica) and Stern’s medlar (M. canescens) were studied. The coefficient of variation showed high values among all the characters and was more than 50.00%, ranging from 59.74 to 196.81%. The leaf of M. canescens showed the highest total phenolic content (14.73 mg/g dry weight, DW) and followed by 13.70 mg/g DW in the seed of M. germanica collected from Ilam province, Iran. The highest flavonoid content was observed in fruits of M. germanica collected from the north of Iran (0.90 mg/g DW), and followed by the leaf of M. canescens (0.53 mg/g DW). The phenolic compounds showed strong variation. Principal component analysis showed that four PCs explained 95.07% of the observed total variance. Ward dendrogram indicated two different clusters based on the characters measured, indicating high variation among the accessions. The current investigation clearly showed the potential value of the common medlar (M. germanica) and Stern’s medlar (M. canescens) germplasm, as different medlar organs are significant sources of phenolic compounds and high antioxidant activity. Therefore, these species can be considered suitable sources of natural antioxidants, and may show potential future use in food and nutraceutical supplement formulations.
Why are the prices of European‐style derivatives greater than the prices of American‐style derivatives?
Authors: Jin Xuejun , Zhao Jingyu , Luo Xingguo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe prices of European‐style derivative warrants in Hong Kong are generally higher than those of identical American‐style options. We show that liquidity differences have strong explanatory power for this overpricing behavior, especially for low moneyness and long‐term derivatives. Other causative factors include counterparty credit risk, investor preference, information asymmetry, volatility discovery, exercise style, market makers' behavior, and investor sentiment. We also find a big gap in market‐wide liquidity between the two markets. Specifically, lower liquidity results in the weaker efficiency of the options market compared with the derivative warrants market.
Effectiveness of gabapentin in reducing opioid requirements after radiation in head and neck cancer in a single institution
Authors: Gilley David R. , Clark Andrew D. , Wieser Maggie E. , Bollig Craig A. , Dooley Laura M. , Biedermann Gregory B. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundGabapentin has been shown to reduce opioid use in head and neck cancer patients. Here, we examine the efficacy of prophylactic gabapentin at reducing opioid use in these patients at our institution.MethodsA retrospective study of patients receiving radiation was performed, using patients from our previous study as controls. Risk factors for opioid use at 3 and 6 months were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsIn total, 53/185 patients were treated with gabapentin, 39.6% of which took opioids at 3 months vs. 58.3% in the non‐gabapentin cohort (p = 0.021). Gabapentin was independently associated with less opioid use on multivariate analysis at 3 months (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24–0.9). Gastrostomy tube dependence and pretreatment opioid use were associated with chronic opioid use despite gabapentin.ConclusionsGabapentin is effective at expediting opioid tapering in head and neck cancer patients who are not gastrostomy tube dependent or taking opioids pretreatment.
Association between social determinants of health and rates of liver transplantation in individuals with cirrhosis
Authors: Flemming Jennifer A. , Muaddi Hala , Djerboua Maja , Neves Paula , Sapisochin Gonzalo , Selzner Nazia 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Background and Aims
This study evaluated the association between neighborhood‐level social determinants of health (SDOH) and liver transplantation (LT) among patients with cirrhosis who have universal access to health care.

Approach and Results
This was a retrospective population‐based cohort study from 2000–2019 using administrative health care data from Ontario, Canada. Adults aged 18–70 years with newly decompensated cirrhosis and/or HCC were identified using validated coding. The associations between five neighborhood level SDOH quintiles and LT were assessed with multivariate Fine‐Gray competing risks regression to generate subdistribution HRs (sHRs) where death competes with LT. Overall, n = 38,719 individuals formed the cohort (median age 57 years, 67% male), and n = 2788 (7%) received LT after a median of 23 months (interquartile range 3–68). Due to an interaction, results were stratified by sex. After multivariable regression and comparing those in the lowest versus highest quintiles, individuals living in the most materially resource‐deprived areas (female sHR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49–0.76; male sHR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.48–0.64), most residentially unstable neighborhoods (female sHR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.49–0.75; male sHR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.49–0.65), and lowest‐income neighborhoods (female sHR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.46–0.7; male sHR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.50–0.67) had ~40% reduced subhazard for LT (p < 0.01 for all). No associations were found between neighborhoods with the most diverse immigrant or racial minority populations or age and labor force quintiles and LT.

Conclusions
This information highlights an urgent need to evaluate how SDOH influence rates of LT, with the overarching goal to develop strategies to overcome inequalities.
Single‐cell transcriptomics reveals conserved cell identities and fibrogenic phenotypes in zebrafish and human liver
Authors: Morrison Joshua K. , DeRossi Charles , Alter Isaac L. , Nayar Shikha , Giri Mamta , Zhang Chi , Cho Judy H. , Chu Jaime 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis are multifaceted and remain elusive with no approved antifibrotic treatments available. The adult zebrafish has been an underutilized tool to study liver fibrosis. We aimed to characterize the single‐cell transcriptome of the adult zebrafish liver to determine its utility as a model for studying liver fibrosis. We used single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) of adult zebrafish liver to study the molecular and cellular dynamics at a single‐cell level. We performed a comparative analysis to scRNA‐seq of human liver with a focus on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the driver cells in liver fibrosis. scRNA‐seq reveals transcriptionally unique populations of hepatic cell types that comprise the zebrafish liver. Joint clustering with human liver scRNA‐seq data demonstrates high conservation of transcriptional profiles and human marker genes in zebrafish. Human and zebrafish HSCs show conservation of transcriptional profiles, and we uncover collectin subfamily member 11 (colec11) as a novel, conserved marker for zebrafish HSCs. To demonstrate the power of scRNA‐seq to study liver fibrosis using zebrafish, we performed scRNA‐seq on our zebrafish model of a pediatric liver disease with mutation in mannose phosphate isomerase (MPI) and characteristic early liver fibrosis. We found fibrosis signaling pathways and upstream regulators conserved across MPI‐depleted zebrafish and human HSCs. CellPhoneDB analysis of zebrafish transcriptome identified neuropilin 1 as a potential driver of liver fibrosis. Conclusion: This study establishes the first scRNA‐seq atlas of the adult zebrafish liver, highlights the high degree of similarity to human liver, and strengthens its value as a model to study liver fibrosis.
Advances in modelling large river basins in cold regions with Modélisation Environmentale Communautaire—Surface and Hydrology (MESH), the Canadian hydrological land surface scheme
Authors: Wheater Howard S. , Pomeroy John W. , Pietroniro Alain , Davison Bruce , Elshamy Mohamed , Yassin Fuad , Rokaya Prabin , Fayad Abbas , Tesemma Zelalem , Princz Daniel , Loukili Youssef , DeBeer Chris M. , Ireson Andrew M. , Razavi Saman , Lindenschmidt Karl‐Erich , Elshorbagy Amin , MacDonald Matthew , Abdelhamed Mohamed , Haghnegahdar Amin , Bahrami Ala 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCold regions provide water resources for half the global population yet face rapid change. Their hydrology is dominated by snow, ice and frozen soils, and climate warming is having profound effects. Hydrological models have a key role in predicting changing water resources but are challenged in cold regions. Ground‐based data to quantify meteorological forcing and constrain model parameterization are limited, while hydrological processes are complex, often controlled by phase change energetics. River flows are impacted by poorly quantified human activities. This paper discusses the scientific and technical challenges of the large‐scale modelling of cold region systems and reports recent modelling developments, focussing on MESH, the Canadian community hydrological land surface scheme. New cold region process representations include improved blowing snow transport and sublimation, lateral land‐surface flow, prairie pothole pond storage dynamics, frozen ground infiltration and thermodynamics, and improved glacier modelling. New algorithms to represent water management include multistage reservoir operation. Parameterization has been supported by field observations and remotely sensed data; new methods for parameter identification have been used to evaluate model uncertainty and support regionalization. Additionally, MESH has been linked to broader decision‐support frameworks, including river ice simulation and hydrological forecasting. The paper also reports various applications to the Saskatchewan and Mackenzie River basins in western Canada (0.4 and 1.8 million km2). These basins arise in glaciated mountain headwaters, are partly underlain by permafrost, and include remote and incompletely understood forested, wetland, agricultural and tundra ecoregions. These illustrate the current capabilities and limitations of cold region modelling, and the extraordinary challenges to prediction, including the need to overcoming biases in forcing data sets, which can have disproportionate effects on the simulated hydrology.
Transitioning to the maternal death surveillance and response system from maternal death review in Ghana: Challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Compaoré Rachidatou , Kouanda Seni , Kuma‐Aboagye Patrick , Sagoe‐Moses Isabella , Brew Gladys , Deganus Sylvia , Srofenyo Emmanuel , Dansowaa Doe Roseline , Nkurunziza Triphonie , Tall Fatim 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the current system of maternal death review (MDR) in Ghana and identify the achievements, challenges, and gaps that will assist in transitioning to the maternal death surveillance and response system (MDSR).MethodsA secondary analysis of data from a cross‐sectional study on MDSR implementation was conducted between September and October 2018. The MDSR cycle served as an analytical framework to measure the country's performance in implementing MDSR. Common facilitating or hindering factors were also identified.ResultsThe MDR system is moderately strong at regional level with timely receipt of data and regular review meetings and reports in most regions. At district level the MDR system is less well implemented, although there is evidence of good communication with regional teams in providing timely data. Communication between districts and communities about maternal deaths seemed to be poor in general. There was no MDR committee at national level and the recommendations made were poorly implemented.ConclusionMDRs in Ghana were structurally sound, but recommendations were poorly implemented. Leadership at the national level needs to be developed to ensure that the current system could transition to an MDSR system.
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the retroperitoneum mimicking a cortisol‐ and catecholamine‐secreting adrenal tumor
Authors: Fuu Takayoshi , Yano Akihiro , Urakami Shinji 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionRetroperitoneal tumors with endocrine abnormalities are suspected to be functional adrenal tumors. Retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas are rare tumors, without endocrine potential.Case presentationA 60‐year‐old male was referred for a 15 cm mass in the left suprarenal space. His plasma cortisol and catecholamine levels were elevated. He underwent open left adrenalectomy with radical nephrectomy and his endocrinological abnormalities were improved. Pathological findings suggested that it had originated from the retroperitoneal fat tissue, and a diagnosis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was made based on the results of immunohistochemical analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Interestingly, neither cortisol nor catecholamine was elevated when, 6 months after surgery, local recurrence developed.ConclusionThis is the first reported case of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma accompanied by high levels of cortisol and catecholamine. We should keep in mind the possibility of tumors like retroperitoneal soft tissue sarcomas inducing endocrine abnormalities.
Impact of airborne total suspended particles (TSP) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5)‐induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Jia Zhi‐li , Zhu Cheng‐yue , Rajendran R. Samuel , Xia Qing , Liu Ke‐chun , Zhang Yun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAirborne total suspended particles (TSP) and particulate matter (PM2.5) threaten global health and their potential impact on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are extensively studied. Recent studies attest premature deaths, low birth weight, and congenital anomalies in the fetus of pregnant women exposed to air pollution. In this regard, only few studies have explored the effects of TSP and PM2.5 on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular development. As both TSP and PM2.5 differ in size and composition, this study is attempted to assess the variability in toxicity effects between TSP and PM2.5 on the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems and the underlying mechanisms in a zebrafish model. To explore the potential toxic effects of TSP and PM2.5, zebrafish embryos/larvae were exposed to 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/ml of TSP and PM2.5 from 24 to 120 hpf (hours post‐fertilization). Both TSP and PM2.5 exposure increased the rate of mortality, malformations, and oxidative stress, whereas locomotor behavior, heart rate, blood flow velocity, development of cardiovasculature and neurovasculature, and dopaminergic neurons were reduced. The expression of genes involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), Wnt signaling, and central nervous system (CNS) development were altered in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. This study provides evidence for acute exposure to TSP and PM2.5‐induced cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental toxicity, attributed to enhanced oxidative stress and aberrant gene expression. Comparatively, the effects of PM2.5 were more pronounced than TSP.
Antioxidant for treatment of diabetic complications: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Zhong Ou , Hu Jialin , Wang Jinyuan , Tan Yongpeng , Hu Linlin , Lei Xiaocan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAntioxidants may provide a complementary treatment for patients with chronic diseases. Nevertheless, studies that have measured the effects of antioxidant on diabetes complications have provided conflicting results. This study aimed to elucidate the association between antioxidant and diabetic complications and to develop robust evidence for clinical decisions by systematic reviews and meta‐analysis. PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus databases were searched to collect clinical studies related to the efficacy of antioxidants in the treatment of diabetes complications from inception to May 5, 2021. Statistical meta‐analyses were performed using the RevMan 5.4 software. Stata16 software was used to detect publication bias. The data of diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and diabetic periodontitis were collected to analyze the effect of antioxidant on diabetes and the above three complications. The meta‐analysis results showed that antioxidant treatment was associated with significantly changes in the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (standardized mean difference [SMD]: − 0.21 [95% confidence interval [CI]: − 0.33, −0.10], p < 0.001), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (MD: − 0.41 [95% CI: − 0.63, −0.18], p < 0.001), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (SMD: 0.44 [95% CI: 0.24, 0.63], p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD: − 0.82 [95% CI: − 1.24, −0.41], p < 0.001) than the control group. Antioxidant supplements have the potential to treat three complications of diabetes. In conclusion, the meta‐analysis results indicate that antioxidant treatment is effective clinically for diabetes mellitus and its complications.