bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Temperature and Water Deficit Cause Epigenetic Changes in Somatic Plants of Pinus Radiata D. Don
Authors: NASCIMENTO ANTONIA MAIARA MARQUES DO , Montalbán Itziar Aurora , de Miguel Diego Llamazares , Goicoa Tomás , Ugarte María Dolores , Moncaleán Paloma 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Current climate changes imply an imminent risk for forest species. In this context, somatic embryogenesis is a valuable tool to study the response of plants to different abiotic stresses. Based on this, we applied a high-temperature regime (50 ºC, 5 min) during the maturation of Pinus radiata D. Don embryogenic masses in order to evaluate the development of an epigenetic memory months later. Therefore, somatic plants (SP) resulting from somatic embryos (ses) maturated at control temperature and cultivated in a greenhouse were submitted to heat stress (40 ºC, 2 h, 10 days; 23 ºC, 10 days) or at a control temperature (23 ºC, 20 days); while another 20 SP resulting from ses maturated in the two temperature regimes and cultivated in the greenhouse were submitted to drought stress or weekly irrigated. All plants were evaluated for relative water content, water potential, electrolyte leakage, stomatal conductance, transpiration, methylation (5-mC) and hydroxymethylation (5-hmC) levels. The results showed that the SP obtained from ses maturated at 50 ºC showed an adaptation to drought stress based on water potential and transpiration. Furthermore, SP kept under heat stress in a greenhouse showed lower 5-hmC levels than SP kept at 23 ºC. Furthermore, the 5-hmC and 5-hmC/5-mC ratio showed a significantly negative correlation with changes in water potential; and a significantly negative correlation was observed between the levels of stomatal conductance and 5-mC. We conclude that the manipulation of conditions during the maturation process in somatic embryogenesis modulates the physiological characteristics of the SP obtained.
Prognostic value of APACHE II and SAVE scores in adult patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Zhu Yi , Zou Yue , Mei Yong , Lv Jinru , Zhou Hao , Zhang Zhongman , An Di , Ding Tao , Li Wei , Chen Xufeng 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of our study is to determine the accuracy and consistency of different evaluation systems including APACHE II scoring system and Survival After Veno-arterial ECMO (SAVE) score on predicting the prognosis of adult patients with ECPR.
Methods
We reviewed 74 adult patients underwent ECPR from June 2016 to July 2021. The primary endpoint examined was survival at hospital discharge or 28 days. The predicted accuracy of SAVE and APACHE II scoring systems was evaluated by binary logistic analysis and ROC curve, and the predicted consistency of the two grading systems was evaluated by Bland Altman plots.
Results
Overall, 43 (58.1%) patients finally died. On multivariable analysis, APACHE II score (OR = 1.372, 95%CI: 1.056–1.782, P = 0.018) was independently associated with increased 28-day mortality. The variable independently associated with decreased 28-day mortality included increased SAVE score (OR = 0.757, 95%CI: 0.643–0.890, P = 0.001). ROC analysis showed cut-off values to predict 28-day mortality for APACHE II score, namely 35.5 (sensitivity 79.1%, specificity 74.1%, AUC 0.81, 95%CI: 0.70–0.91), for SAVE score, namely − 6.5 (sensitivity 61.1%, specificity 83.7%, AUC 0.86, 95%CI:0.78–0.95), combined multivariate ROC analysis of both two parameters showed an AUC of 0.90 (95%CI: 0.83–0.97). In the Bland Altman plot for ECPR, mean mortalityAPAHCE II was not statistically different from mean mortalitySAVE (P = 0.99, mean difference mortalityAPAHCE II-mortalitySAVE=0.00%, 95%CI: -6.89–6.89%), meanwhile APACHE II and SAVE agreed well (95% limit of agreement:-59.29–59.29%) .
Conclusion
APACHE II and SAVE scores were fairly accurate in predicting prevention in adult ECPR patients and the predictive results of the two scoring systems are highly consistent.
Do extravillous trophoblasts isolated from maternal blood and cervical canal express the same markers?
Authors: Kongstad Christine , Singh Ripudaman , Ravn Katarina , Hatt Lotte , Bor Pinar , Vogel Ida , Uldbjerg Niels 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction Two approaches have been suggested for cell-based non-invasive prenatal testing (cbNIPT); A) enrichment of extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) from maternal blood using antibodies targeting a combination of mesodermal and ectodermal markers and B) enrichment of EVTs from cervical swabs using antibodies targeting human leukocyte antigen G. Objective To investigate whether a well-established protocol for enrichment of EVTs from maternal blood sample can be used on cervical swabs. Methods A blood sample and a cervical swab from each of the ten women carrying male fetuses and undergoing first trimester termination of pregnancy were obtained. A previously published method, ‘trophoblast retrieval and isolation from the cervix’ was used for mucus dissolvement before enriching EVTs using antibodies against CD105 and CD141, as used for enrichment of EVTs from maternal blood. XY chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to validate potential EVTs. Results No EVTs (XY cells) were detected in the cervical samples. Only maternal cells of epithelial origin were identified. However, the number of EVTs in blood samples varied from 1-9 EVTs per 30 mL.Conclusion A cbNIPT antibody-based protocol developed for enrichment of EVTs from maternal blood failed to enrich EVTs from the cervical canal of pregnant women in first trimester.
The microbiome in lichen and moss biocrust differentially contribute to carbon and nitrogen cycles in arid ecosystems
Authors: Tian Chang , Pang Jingwen , Bu Chongfeng , Wu Shufang , Li Yahong , Guo Qi , Siddique Kadambot H.M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are the main cover in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. Microbes are an essential component in biocrusts and mediate many critical biochemical processes. However, little is known about the taxonomic composition and the functions of microbiomes in lichen and moss biocrusts. The shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to compare two biocrust types (lichen-dominated and moss-dominated) in this study to reveal the microbial genes and metabolic pathways involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling. The results showed that the most abundant phylum in the two types of biocrust microbiomes was Actinobacteria, but their composition differed for the other abundant phyla (Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria). The relative abundance of carbohydrate-active enzymes and enzymes associated with carbon and nitrogen metabolism significantly differed in both biocrust types. There is a clear dominance of respiration pathways over carbon fixation pathways in the microbial communities of both biocrust types. The genes encoding carbon monoxide dehydrogenase were more abundant than those encoding ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCo) involved in the C fixation. N2 fixation had low metabolic pathways diversity in biocrust microbiomes, while nitrogen reduction dominated. The assimilatory nitrate reduction genes showed higher relative abundance in lichen biocrusts, while the dissimilatory nitrate reduction genes showed higher relative abundance in moss biocrusts. Dissolved organic carbon and soil organic carbon were considered as critical environmental factors affecting biocrust type. Our study suggests that biocrust type has significant effects on microbial biodiversity and biogeochemical cycling, providing new insights into biocrust microbiome responses to climate change at the gene level.
Wet and Dry Deposition Flux Measurements of Atmospheric Microplastic Particles in Central Germany
Authors: Kernchen Sarmite , Schmalz Holger , Löder Martin G. J. , Georgi Christoph , Einhorn Andrej , Greiner Andreas , Nölscher Anke C. , Laforsch Christian , Held Andreas 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Air emissions, atmospheric transport and subsequent deposition of microplastics to other environments are now recognized. However, atmospheric dry and wet deposition of plastic particles and how different weather conditions may affect this fallout process are still poorly investigated. Hence, we examined wet and dry deposition of airborne plastic particulates from the atmosphere at a site in Kassel in Central Germany. Monthly samples of wet and dry deposition were taken separately over one year (05/2019-05/2020) and analysed by micro-Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR) down to 11 µm. Additionally, one exemplary dry deposition sample was subjected to Raman analyses to investigate the abundance of dry deposited plastic particles in the lower micron and submicron size range. Microplastic particles in size range of 11 µm to 130 µm were detected in all wet deposition samples and in 5 out of 12 dry deposition samples by µFTIR. Polypropylene particles were found most frequently and accounted for 62% and 54% of all particles in wet and dry deposition, respectively. Wet deposition of plastics dominated at the study site and comprised 62% of the total number and 70% of the total mass of deposition. Plastic wet deposition fluxes (DFs) were 10 ± 5 MPs m− 2 day− 1 and accounted for 4284 MPs m− 2 a− 1. Microplastic deposition was elevated when the dominant wind direction was recorded in the direction from the city centre of Kassel and concentrations in precipitation correlated significantly with population-weighted air mass trajectories. Thus, anthropogenic activities contribute to the MP pollution at the study site. Raman analyses revealed additional plastic particles in the micron (> 10 µm) and lower micron (between 10 µm and 1 µm) range but submicron (< 1 µm) range particles made of common synthetic polymer materials could not be detected in the exemplary analysed dry deposition sample. Our results suggest that microplastic analysis by µFTIR down to 11 µm may underestimate DFs at least by an order of magnitude. However, more comprehensive studies on submicroplastics and nanoplastics (< 100 nm) are needed to fully assess air pollution by plastic particles.
Fluoride Exposure Induced Bloom of Erysipelatoclostridium Ramosum Mediates the Exacerbation of Obesity in High-fat-diet Fed Mice
Authors: Chen Guijie , Peng Yujia , Huang Yujie , Xie Minhao , Dai Zhuqing , Cai Huimei , Dong Wei , Xu Weiqi , Xie Zhiyong , Chen Dan , Fan Xia , Zhou Wangting , Kan Xuhui , Yang Tingting , Chen Chunxu , Sun Yi , Zeng Xiaoxiong , Liu Zhonghua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Fluoride, a necessary mineral element for our health, is widely presented in drinking water and foods. The intake of excessive fluoride showed potential risk to human health. A strong relation between fluoride exposure and obesity has been reported. However, the knowledge on the potential mechanisms on fluoride-induced obesity is still limited.Results: In this work, we showed here that fluoride alone did not induce obesity in normal diet fed mice, whereas, it could trigger exacerbation of obesity in high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice. Fluoride impaired intestinal barrier and activated Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling to induce obesity, which was further verified in TLR4-/- mice. Furthermore, fluoride could deteriorate the gut microbiota in HFD mice. The fecal microbiota transplantation from fluoride-induced mice was sufficient to induce obesity, while the exacerbation of obesity by fluoride was blocked upon gut microbiota depletion. The fluoride-induced bloom of Erysipelatoclostridium ramosum belonged to Erysipelotrichaceae was responsible for the exacerbation of obesity. In addition, a potential strategy for prevention of fluoride-induced obesity was proposed by intervention with polysaccharides from Fuzhuan brick tea.Conclusions: Overall, these results provide the first evidence of a comprehensive cross-talk mechanism between fluoride and obesity in HFD fed mice, which is mediated by gut microbiota and intestinal barrier. E. ramosum was identified as a crucial mediator of fluoride-induced obesity, which could be explored as potential target for prevention and treatment of obesity with exciting translational value.
The Role of Community Leaders and Other Information Intermediaries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from the Multicultural Sector
Authors: Seale Holly , Harris-Roxas Ben , Heywood Anita , Abdi Ikram , Mahimbo Abela , Chauhan Ashfaq , Woodland Lisa 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Community and religious leaders, as well as other natural leaders, from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds have been posited as a gateway into communities, acting as information intermediaries that enabler or broker public health messages about the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are currently limitations regarding our understanding of the capacity, role and reach of these leaders. In-depth interviews were undertaken to understand the perceptions of those working in services and other social support roles focused on CaLD communities towards the role and impact of information intermediaries in promoting and supporting COVID-19 public health communication and engagement activities. Forty-six semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders who have an active role in the delivery of services and other social support to CaLD communities in Australia. Four key themes emerged related to the role of information intermediaries during the interviews. Ideas around the role they fulfil in “bridging the gap” and supporting the delivery of pandemic related information into communities. Participants suggested that there had been a failure by Federal government agencies to recognise the role of these stakeholders early in the pandemic, as well as a failure to provide sufficient resources and support. However, concerns were also raised that information may be inappropriately interpreted or translated by the community information intermediaries or potentially blocked, if the message does not align with the broker’s own beliefs. Finally, concerns were raised about the potential for burn-out amongst information intermediaries. It is critical that in preparing and responding to pandemics and other disasters, that there is recognition of the role of community leaders and other information intermediaries and that resources are identified to enhance and sustain their involvement.
Age-related decrease in mitochondrial lncMtDloop expression potentiates Alzheimer's pathogenesis
Authors: Xiong Wandi , Xu Kaiyu , SUN Jacquelyne , Liu Siling , Zhang Ying , Zhang Zhongyu , Liao Fan , Zheng Yongbo , Shi Jie , Herrup Karl , Chow Kim , Lu Lin , Li Jiali 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Loss of mitochondrial homeostasis are evident in Alzheimer's disease (AD)1. However, the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. In this study, we report that lncMtDloop, an age-related and conserved long noncoding RNA derived from mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop, is crucial for sustaining mitochondrial transcription and homeostasis, and associates with Alzheimer’s pathogenesis. Notably, the level of lncMtDloop expression is diminished in the brains of human AD patients and the 3xTg mouse model, whereas the failure to recruit mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) leads to the deregulated mitochondrial transcription. Restoring lncMtDloop expression not only significantly improves mitochondrial transcription, morphology and function, but also enhances mitophagy, ameliorates AD-like pathology, which these subcellular effects extend to a dramatic reversal of deficits in synaptic and cognitive behaviors of the 3xTg mouse model. Collectively, our findings show the decreased lncMtDloop expression potentiates AD risk, thereby revealing an unexpected mitochondrial mechanism contributing to AD pathogenesis and opens a new door for therapeutic intervention.
An Explainable Self-Attention Deep Neural Network for Detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Multi-input Digital Drawing Tasks
Authors: Chunharas Chaipat , Ruengchaijatuporn Natthanan , Chatnuntawech Itthi , Teerapittayanon Surat , Sriswa Sira , Itthipuripat Sirawaj , Hemrungrojn Solaphat , Bunyabukkana Prodpran , Petchlorlian Aisawan , Chunamchai Sedthapong , Chotibut Thiparat 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of cognitive decline beyond the normal aging process, which could develop into dementia. An early detection of MCI is a crucial step for timely prevention and intervention. Recent studies have developed deep learning models to detect MCI and dementia using a bedside task like the classic clock-drawing test (CDT). While these models succeed at distinguishing severe forms of dementia, it remains a challenge to predict the early stage of the disease using the CDT data alone. Moreover, the state-of-the-art deep learning techniques still face the black-box challenges, making it questionable to implement them in the clinical setting.Methods: We consecutively recruited 981 subjects from Geriatric Clinic at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (651 healthy subjects and 267 MCI patients according to Petersen’s criteria). We propose a novel deep learning modeling framework that incorporates data from multiple drawing tasks including the CDT, cube-copying, and trail-making tasks obtained from a digital platform. Soft-label method and self-attention were applied to improve the model performance and provide visual explanation that aids the interpretation of the deep learning model. The performance of the model was measured on an independent dataset. The visualization of our model and the traditional grad-CAM approach were scored by experienced medical personnels. Results: Using multiple drawings as inputs improves classification between healthy versus MCI in terms of accuracy (0.75 ± 0.01 vs. 0.80 ± 0.01), F1 score (0.36 ± 0.04 vs. 0.59 ± 0.02) and AUC (0.74 ± 0.01 vs. 0.81 ± 0.02). By adding soft-label and self-attention methods improve the accuracy (0.81 ± 0.01) F1 score (0.65 ± 0.01) and AUC (0.84 ± 0.01). The experienced medical personnels preferred the visualization of our model over the grad-CAM model (2.82 ± 0.49 vs. 1.52 ± 0.54). Conclusions: Our model achieves better classification performance at detecting MCI compared to a well-established convolutional neural network model. Moreover, our model can highlight features of the MCI data that considerably deviate from those of the healthy aging population, offering accurate predictions for detecting MCI along with visual explanation that aids the interpretation of the deep learning model.
High Resolution Reference Evapotranspiration for Arid Egypt: comparative analysis and evaluation of empirical and artificial intelligence models
Authors: Sobh Mohamed Tarek , NASHWAN Mohamed Salem , Amer Nabil 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Accurate estimation of evapotranspiration has crucial importance in arid regions like Egypt, which suffers from the scarcity of precipitation and water shortages. This study provides an investigation of the performance of 31 widely used empirical equations and 20 models developed using five artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to estimate reference evapotranspiration (ET o ) to generate gridded high-resolution daily ET o estimates over Egypt. The AI algorithms include support vector machine-radial basis function (SVM-RBF), random forest (RF), group method of data handling neural network (GMDH-NN), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), as well as Dynamic Evolving Neural Fuzzy Interference System (DENFIS). Daily observations records of 41 stations distributed over Egypt were used to calculate ET o using FAO56 Penman-Monteith equation as a reference estimate. The multi-parameter Kling-Gupta efficiency (KGE) metric was used as an evaluation metric for its robustness in representing different statistical error/agreement characteristics in a single value. By category, the empirical equations based on radiation performed better in replication FAO56-PM followed by temperature- and mass-transfer-based ones. Ritchie equation was found to be the best overall in Egypt (median KGE 0.75) followed by Caprio (median KGE 0.65), and Penman (median KGE 0.52) equations based on station-wise ranking. On the other hand, the RF model, having maximum and minimum temperatures, wind speed, and relative humidity as predictors, outperformed other AI algorithms. The generated 0.10°×0.10° daily estimates of ET o enabled the detection of a significant increase of 0.12-0.16 mm/decade in the agricultural-dependent Nile Delta using the modified Mann Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator.
Diagnostic efficacy of pelvic ultrasound in central precocious puberty in girls: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: rakhshankhah nima 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Differentiating central precocious puberty (CPP) patients from immature normal cases and CPP-like patients “isolated premature adrenarche (IPA) and isolated premature thelarche (IPT)” is important for beginning of treatment. Although the GnRH stimulation test is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of CPP, Because of its wide limitations, our study targets to evaluate pelvic sonography parameters as a contributory tool for CPP diagnosis.Methods: We consecutively enrolled 183 cases (93 CPP, 16 IPT, 12 IPA and 62 of age-matched normal controls) in our study over four years. All cases are of Persian ethnicity classified by clinical and laboratory findings and are followed up for at least 2 years. Pelvic sonography parameters included uterine fundus, body and cervix anteroposterior diameter, fundus/cervix ratio, uterine length and transverse diameter, uterine volume, endometrial thickness, ovarian volumes and diameter of the largest follicle are evaluated in all classified groups. One-way ANOVA, POST HOC and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to compare the study groups.Results: Our study found that all sonography parameters differ significantly between CPP and normal control cases, also a significant difference is found between CPP compared to IPT or IPA cases in all parameters except in cervix anteroposterior diameter, ovarian volumes and diameter of the largest follicle. In order of best parameters for differentiating CPP compared to study groups, uterine volume (a cut-off of 1.40 ml had a sensitivity of 75.27% and a specificity of 75.56%), transverse diameter (a cut-off of 13.5 mm had a sensitivity of 72.04% and a specificity of 71.11%) and F/C ratio (a cut-off of 0.98 had a sensitivity of 78.49% and a specificity of 70%) was selected. Our study also classified sonography parameters as of equal diagnostic value to uterine volume (as the best diagnostic parameter with area under the curve of 0.826) and not equal diagnostic value to uterine volume.Conclusions: Pelvic Sonography parameters may improve the diagnosis of CPP patients and can have a contributory role in distinguishing treatment needed from other patients. The best diagnostic parameter and its cut-off value could change according to different ethnicities and studies.