bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Organic Agriculture in Structure and Organic Carbon Adsorption at Colloidal Scale in Marginal Olive Groves, Characterized by the Extended DLVO Model
Authors: Calero J. , Plaza I. , Ontiveros A. , Aranda V. , García-Ruiz R. 
Published: March 2022

Relationship between macroscopic and microscopic behavior of soils is a difficult issue, especially when dealing with complex properties such as structure or carbon sequestration, but it is necessary for a suitable understanding of the agricultural soil quality. In this work, we used the extended-DLVO theory to compute total energy of interaction between particles (kT), of three soils over granodiorites. This parameter allows predicting the tendency to aggregate formation at the colloidal scale, being the basis of soil structure. Furthermore, we characterized the mechanism and adsorption capacity of humic molecules on mineral surfaces, and its influence in the interaction energy, by means of the adsorption isotherms. The aim was to compare first the effects of organic farming on conventionally managed soils and, second, to compare these with a non-cultivated forest soil under Mediterranean climate. When total energies are negative (particle attraction), or positive (particle repulsion) but near 0 kT (&lt;100 kT), then particle flocculation occurs and the structure at colloidal scale can be developed. Total energy was less in the forest sample and greater in the soil of conventional groves, with intermediate values in organic farming soil. This indicates a tendency toward particle flocculation and more stability of the structure at colloidal scale in less disturbed soils, agreeing with other soil physical properties such as the total porosity (50, 41 and 37% in forest, organic and conventional plots, respectively) or the aggregate stability index (0.94, 0.73 and 0.66, respectively), which followed the same trend. Of the three components of the total energy of interaction, the acid-base force was a key factor. This component, related with the electron-donor component of surface free energy, γ−, yielded a strong attractive force (−150 kT at 3 nm) when calcium solutions were analyzed for the forest soil. This indicates a clear hydrophobic character of this sample. Because the mineralogical composition of the samples is quite similar, hydrophobicity should be attributed to the organic carbon content of the forest soil, which is much higher than that of the cultivated ones (12.03 vs. 1.44% and 0.88% in organic and conventional farms, respectively), proving to be an essential element for the development of the structure at the colloidal level.
Investigate the Effects of Industrial Agglomeration on Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution Using Spatial Panel Durbin and Panel Threshold Models
Authors: Han Cheng-Yu , Gu Zhao-Lin , Yang Hexiang 
Published: March 2022

The degree of industrial agglomeration in China has contributed to the reduction of nitrogen dioxide pollution because of financial support, the allocation of environmental governance efficiency, and technological advantages. However, the intensity and scope of the spatial effect of this contribution needs to be studied in depth. Based on the influence mechanism and intermediate mechanism of the spatial pattern, this paper uses the panel data of 282 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2015 to 2018, draws on the STIRPAT model, and uses the Spatial Panel Durbin and Panel Threshold models to investigate the effects of industrial agglomeration on nitrogen dioxide. The study finds that 1) industrial agglomeration has a significant spatial spillover effect on the reduction of nitrogen dioxide pollution, and the increase in the level of local industrial agglomeration can greatly reduce the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the surrounding area. 2) This kind of spatial overflow has a threshold boundary. Within 100 km, it is a dense area of overflow and reaches the threshold boundary beyond 150 km. 3) Under the influence of the three intermediate mechanisms of industrial agglomeration, the increase in car ownership, and the level of economic development, the impact of industrial agglomeration on the reduction of nitrogen dioxide pollution has gradually increased. The above conclusion is still valid after various robustness tests.
Evaluation of a Novel Adjuvanted Vaccine for Ultrashort Regimen Therapy of Artemisia Pollen-Induced Allergic Bronchial Asthma in a Mouse Model
Authors: Tabynov Kairat , Babayeva Meruert , Nurpeisov Tair , Fomin Gleb , Nurpeisov Temirzhan , Saltabayeva Ulbossyn , Renu Sankar , Renukaradhya Gourapura J. , Petrovsky Nikolai , Tabynov Kaissar 
Published: March 2022

Wormwood (Artemisia) pollen is among the top 10 aeroallergens globally that cause allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the gold standard for treating patients with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. A significant disadvantage of today’s ASIT methods is the long duration of therapy and multiplicity of allergen administrations. The goal of this study was to undertake a pilot study in mice of a novel ultrashort vaccine immunotherapy regimen incorporating various adjuvants to assess its ability to treat allergic bronchial asthma caused by wormwood pollen.We evaluated in a mouse model of wormwood pollen allergy candidates comprising recombinant Art v 1 wormwood pollen protein formulated with either newer (Advax, Advax-CpG, ISA-51) or more traditional [aluminum hydroxide, squalene water emulsion (SWE)] adjuvants administered by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route vs. intranasal administration of a mucosal vaccine formulation using chitosan-mannose nanoparticle entrapped with Art v 1 protein. The vaccine formulations were administered to previously wormwood pollen-sensitized animals, four times at weekly intervals. Desensitization was determined by measuring decreases in immunoglobulin E (IgE), cellular immunity, ear swelling test, and pathological changes in the lungs of animals after aeroallergen challenge. Art v 1 protein formulation with Advax, Advax-CpG, SWE, or ISA-51 adjuvants induced a significant decrease in both total and Art v 1-specific IgE with a concurrent increase in Art v 1-specific IgG compared to the positive control group. There was a shift in T-cell cytokine secretion toward a Th1 (Advax-CpG, ISA-51, and Advax) or a balanced Th1/Th2 (SWE) pattern. Protection against lung inflammatory reaction after challenge was seen with ISA-51, Advax, and SWE Art v 1 formulations. Overall, the ISA-51-adjuvanted vaccine group induced the largest reduction of allergic ear swelling and protection against type 2 and non-type 2 lung inflammation in challenged animals. This pilot study shows the potential to develop an ultrashort ASIT regimen for wormwood pollen-induced bronchial asthma using appropriately adjuvanted recombinant Art v 1 protein. The data support further preclinical studies with the ultimate goal of advancing this therapy to human clinical trials.
The Diversity of Serum Anti-DSG3 IgG Subclasses Has a Major Impact on Pemphigus Activity and Is Predictive of Relapses After Treatment With Rituximab
Authors: Golinski Marie-Laure , Lemieux Alexandre , Maho-Vaillant Maud , Barray Marion , Drouot Laurent , Schapman Damien , Petit Marie , Hertl Michael , Boyer Olivier , Calbo Sébastien , Joly Pascal , Hébert Vivien 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionWe studied the distribution and in vitro pathogenicity of anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses during the course of pemphigus vulgaris (PV).MethodsWe longitudinally studied the distribution of anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses (before versus after treatment) in sera from PV patients, using an addressable-laser bead immunoassay (ALBIA). The in vitro pathogenicity of corresponding sera was tested using keratinocyte dissociation and immunofluorescence assays.ResultsSixty-five sera were assessed at baseline (33 from patients treated with rituximab and 32 with corticosteroids). Sixty-three percent of these baseline sera contained 2 or more anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses versus 35.7% of sera from patients in complete remission (CR) and 75.0% of sera from patients with persistent disease activity after treatment. IgG4 was the most frequently detected anti-DSG3 IgG subclass, both in patients with disease activity and in those in CR. The presence of three or more anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses was predictive of relapse, in particular when it included IgG3, with a positive predictive value of 62.5% and a negative predictive value of 92%. While anti-DSG3 IgG4 Abs from sera collected before treatment were most often pathogenic, anti-DSG3 IgG4 from sera collected after treatment were pathogenic only after adjusting their titer to the one measured before treatment. The IgG3 fraction containing anti-DSG3 Abs also had an in vitro pathogenic effect. The disappearance of the pathogenic effect of some sera after removal of anti-DSG3 IgG3 suggested an additional effect of this IgG subclass.ConclusionThe serum levels and number of anti-DSG3 IgG subclasses drive the pathogenic effect of pemphigus sera and may predict the occurrence of relapses.
The Application Value of Syndecan-2 Gene Methylation for Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: A Clinical Study and Meta-Analyses
Authors: Yue Congbo , Zhang Yaping , Wang Yanlei , Zhang Zhenhong , Zhang Mengjiao , Wang Huayang , Chen Wendan , Shang Ziqi , Xin Yiwei , Zhang Xin , Zhang Yi 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveSyndecan-2 (SDC2) methylation has been previously reported as a sensitive biomarker for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC). Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is the latest development of PCR technology. It can accurately detect and quantify the target sequence of nucleic acid. ddPCR is widely used in research and clinical diagnosis. In the present study, we aimed to develop a ddPCR method to detect SDC2 gene methylation and evaluate the diagnostic value of SDC2 gene methylation.MethodsFirst, a ddPCR method was developed to measure SDC2 methylation in stool samples collected from 51 cases of normal, 23 cases of adenoma, and 86 cases of CRC. Subsequently, a meta-analysis of existing studies was conducted to judge the diagnostic value of SDC2 gene methylation in CRC. PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for relative studies. Meta-analysis was performed using Meta Disc 1.4 and STATA 15.0 software.ResultsThe ddPCR showed that the linearity, sensitivity, and specificity for the detection of SDC2 gene methylation could be down to 0.1% methylation level and 5 ng of methylated DNA input. In 109 cases of CRC, 107 cases could be detected, and the sensitivity was 98.17%. The median value of the percentage of methylated reference (PMR) in colorectal adenoma and CRC patients was significantly higher compared with the normal individuals (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, we found that the PMR value was associated with the clinical staging of CRC. The difference of PMR in stage II and stage IIIA was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, the meta-analysis showed that 11 out of 87 studies were identified to report the feasibility of SDC2 gene methylation as a method to diagnose early CRC. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of SDC2 gene methylation test for CRC were 0.80 [95% CI (0.68–0.88)] and 0.93 [95% CI (0.91–0.94)], respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under curve (AUC) were 52.46 [95% CI (30.43–90.45)] and 0.94 [95% CI (0.92, 0.96)], respectively.ConclusionsThe ddPCR method was more sensitive and convenient to detect SDC2 gene methylation, and the pooled analysis showed that methylated SDC2 was a valuable biomarker for the non-invasive detection of CRC.
Sexual Dimorphisms of Protein-Coding Gene Profiles in Placentas From Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Li Hui-hui , Sai Lin-tao , Tian Shan , Liu Yuan , Freel Colman I. , Wang Kai , Zhou Chi , Zheng Jing , Shu Qiang , Zhao Ying-jie 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may cause pathogenic changes in the placentas during human pregnancy, such as decreased placental weight, intraplacental hematoma, ischemic hypoxic change, placental infarction, and decidual vasculopathy, which contribute to high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Sex-specific adaptations of the fetus are associated with SLE pregnancies. The present study aimed to determine the transcriptomic profiles of female and male placentas from women with SLE.MethodsRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to identify differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DEGs) in placentas from women with SLE vs. normal term (NT) pregnancies with female and male fetuses (n= 3-5/sex/group). Real-time-quantitative PCR was performed (n= 4 /sex/group) to validate the RNA-seq results. Bioinformatics functional analysis was performed to predict the biological functions and pathways of SLE-dysregulated protein-coding genes.ResultsCompared with NT-female (NT-F) placentas, 119 DEGs were identified in SLE-female (SLE-F) placentas. Among these 119 DEGs, five and zero are located on X- and Y-chromosomes, respectively, and four are located on the mitochondrial genome. Compared with NT-male (NT-M) placentas, 458 DEGs were identified in SLE-male (SLE-M) placentas, among which 16 are located on the X-chromosome and zero on the Y-chromosome and mitochondrial genome. Twenty-four DEGs were commonly dysregulated in SLE-F and -M placentas. Functional analysis showed that SLE-dysregulated protein-coding genes were associated with diverse biological functions and pathways, including angiogenesis, cellular response to growth factor stimulus, heparin-binding, HIF (hypoxia-inducible factor)-1 signaling pathway, and Interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway in both SLE-F and -M placentas. Biological regulations were differentially enriched between SLE-F and -M placentas. Regulation of blood circulation, response to glucocorticoid, and rhythmic process were all enriched in SLE-F, but not SLE-M placentas. In contrast, tumor necrosis factor production, Th17 cell differentiation, and MDA (melanoma differentiation-associated gene)-5 signaling pathway were enriched in SLE-M but not SLE-F placentas.ConclusionThis report investigated the protein-coding gene profiles of placenta tissues from SLE patients using RNA-seq. The results suggest that the SLE-dysregulated protein-coding genes in placentas may contribute to the pathophysiological progress of SLE pregnancies in a fetal sex-specific manner, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Statin Use Is Associated With a Lower Risk of Blepharitis: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Feng Kathy Ming , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chen Yi-Hao , Chien Wu-Chien , Chien Ke-Hung 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundBlepharitis is a common eye disorder that may be overlooked by patients and clinical practitioners. The symptoms of blepharitis often manifest as irritation, a burning sensation, grittiness, and itchiness and may decrease visual acuity if not treated promptly. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of blepharitis, is believed to be associated with increased inflammatory marker levels that may disrupt the composition of lipids produced by the sebaceous glands in the eyelids and ultimately cause tear film instability.MethodsThis is a retrospective, population-based study using National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) data from a 14-year period (2000–2015). Pearson chi-squared and Student's t-tests were used to assess the differences in categorical and continuous variables, respectively, between statin users and non-statin users. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) after adjusting for confounders. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to assess the cumulative risk of blepharitis between the two cohorts.ResultsA total of 67,014 patients who used statins were enrolled as the study cohort, and 268,056 patients who did not use statins were enrolled as the comparison cohort. The incidence of blepharitis was 3.04% with statin treatment and 3.72% without statin treatment (p &lt; 0.001). Patients who used statins had a lower risk of developing blepharitis [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.746, p &lt; 0.001] than those who did not. In addition, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, chalazion, rosacea, Sjogren syndrome, psoriasis and atopy were found to be possible risk factors for blepharitis.ConclusionStatin use can decrease the risk of developing blepharitis. However, further prospective studies are needed to evaluate statin treatment for various subtypes of blepharitis and to identify the associated mechanism.
Cognitive Impairment Early After Initiating Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Schorr Melissa , Zalitach Mariah , House Cindy , Gomes Janice , Wild Conor J. , Salerno Fabio R. , McIntyre Christopher 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAbnormalities in cognitive function are almost universal in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) and are associated with worse quality of life, impaired decision making, increased healthcare utilization and mortality. While cognitive impairment in the HD population is increasingly recognized, it is unclear how quickly it develops after starting HD.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study of a cohort of low dialysis vintage HD patients (&lt;12 months). We used the validated Cambridge Brain Science (CBS) battery of web-based tests to evaluate cognition compared to age- and sex matched controls across three cognitive domains: verbal processing, reasoning and short-term memory.ResultsForty-nine HD patients were included in this study; 43 completed the full battery of tests. The average scores for HD patients were consistently below the age and sex-matched controls. Fifty-five percent of HD patients had cognitive impairment in verbal skills, 43% in reasoning and 18% in short-term memory.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of CI evident early after starting HD, with the largest deficits seen in reasoning and verbal processing. These deficits may be attributable to the HD treatment itself. Further studies are needed to characterize the natural history of CI in this patient population and to test interventions aimed at preventing or slowing its progression.
Functional Connectivity Analysis and Detection of Mental Fatigue Induced by Different Tasks Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Peng Yaoxing , Li Chunguang , Chen Qu , Zhu Yufei , Sun Lining 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate common functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) features of mental fatigue induced by different tasks. In addition to distinguishing fatigue from non-fatigue state, the early signs of fatigue were also studied so as to give an early warning of fatigue.MethodsfNIRS data from 36 participants were used to investigate the common character of functional connectivity network corresponding to mental fatigue, which was induced by psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), cognitive work, or simulated driving. To analyze the network reorganizations quantitatively, clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, and small worldness were calculated in five sub-bands (0.6–2.0, 0.145–0.600, 0.052–0.145, 0.021–0.052, and 0.005–0.021 Hz). Moreover, we applied a random forest method to classify three fatigue states.ResultsIn a moderate fatigue state: the functional connectivity strength between brain regions increased overall in 0.021–0.052 Hz, and an asymmetrical pattern of connectivity (right hemisphere &gt; left hemisphere) was presented. In 0.052–0.145 Hz, the connectivity strength decreased overall, the clustering coefficient decreased, and the characteristic path length increased significantly. In severe fatigue state: in 0.021–0.052 Hz, the brain network began to deviate from a small-world pattern. The classification accuracy of fatigue and non-fatigue was 85.4%. The classification accuracy of moderate fatigue and severe fatigue was 82.8%.ConclusionThe preliminary research demonstrates the feasibility of detecting mental fatigue induced by different tasks, by applying the functional network features of cerebral hemoglobin signal. This universal and robust method has the potential to detect early signs of mental fatigue and prevent relative human error in various working environments.
Diagnosis of Sleep Apnoea Using a Mandibular Monitor and Machine Learning Analysis: One-Night Agreement Compared to in-Home Polysomnography
Authors: Kelly Julia L. , Ben Messaoud Raoua , Joyeux-Faure Marie , Terrail Robin , Tamisier Renaud , Martinot Jean-Benoît , Le-Dong Nhat-Nam , Morrell Mary J. , Pépin Jean-Louis 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe capacity to diagnose obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) must be expanded to meet an estimated disease burden of nearly one billion people worldwide. Validated alternatives to the gold standard polysomnography (PSG) will improve access to testing and treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnosis of OSA, using measurements of mandibular movement (MM) combined with automated machine learning analysis, compared to in-home PSG.Methods40 suspected OSA patients underwent single overnight in-home sleep testing with PSG (Nox A1, ResMed, Australia) and simultaneous MM monitoring (Sunrise, Sunrise SA, Belgium). PSG recordings were manually analysed by two expert sleep centres (Grenoble and London); MM analysis was automated. The Obstructive Respiratory Disturbance Index calculated from the MM monitoring (MM-ORDI) was compared to the PSG (PSG-ORDI) using intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were constructed to optimise the diagnostic performance of the MM monitor at different PSG-ORDI thresholds (5, 15, and 30 events/hour).Results31 patients were included in the analysis (58% men; mean (SD) age: 48 (15) years; BMI: 30.4 (7.6) kg/m2). Good agreement was observed between MM-ORDI and PSG-ORDI (median bias 0.00; 95% CI −23.25 to + 9.73 events/hour). However, for 15 patients with no or mild OSA, MM monitoring overestimated disease severity (PSG-ORDI &lt; 5: MM-ORDI mean overestimation + 5.58 (95% CI + 2.03 to + 7.46) events/hour; PSG-ORDI &gt; 5–15: MM-ORDI overestimation + 3.70 (95% CI −0.53 to + 18.32) events/hour). In 16 patients with moderate-severe OSA (n = 9 with PSG-ORDI 15–30 events/h and n = 7 with a PSG-ORD &gt; 30 events/h), there was an underestimation (PSG-ORDI &gt; 15: MM-ORDI underestimation −8.70 (95% CI −28.46 to + 4.01) events/hour). ROC optimal cut-off values for PSG-ORDI thresholds of 5, 15, 30 events/hour were: 9.53, 12.65 and 24.81 events/hour, respectively. These cut-off values yielded a sensitivity of 88, 100 and 79%, and a specificity of 100, 75, 96%. The positive predictive values were: 100, 80, 95% and the negative predictive values 89, 100, 82%, respectively.ConclusionThe diagnosis of OSA, using MM with machine learning analysis, is comparable to manually scored in-home PSG. Therefore, this novel monitor could be a convenient diagnostic tool that can easily be used in the patients’ own home.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04262557