bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed priming with selenium and zinc nanoparticles modifies germination, growth and yield of direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Adhikary Saju , Biswas Benukar , Chakraborty Debashis , Timsina Jagadish , Pal Srikumar , Banerjee Saon , Hossain Akbar , Roy Sovan , Tarafdar Jagadish Chandra 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Direct-seeded rice (DSR) seeds are often exposed to multiple environmental stresses in the field, leading to poor emergence, growth and productivity. Appropriate seed priming agents may help to overcome the challenges by ensuring uniform seed germination, and better seedling stand establishment. To examine the effectiveness of sodium selenite, sodium selenate, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as priming agents for DSR seeds, a controlled pot experiment followed by a field experiment over two consecutive years was conducted on a sandy clay loam soil (Inceptisol) in West Bengal, India. Priming with combinations of all priming agents had advantages over the hydro-priming treatment (control). All the combinations resulted in the early emergence of seedlings with improved vigour. In the field experiment, the combinations of all priming agents increased the plant chlorophyll, phenol and protein contents, leaf area index and duration, crop growth rate, uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, B, Zn and Si) and yield of DSR over the control. Our findings suggest that seed priming with the combination of ZnO-NPs, Na-selenite, and selenate could be a viable option for the sustainable intensification of DSR.
Risk factors of transient neurological deficits and perioperative stroke after Revascularization in patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: zhang xincheng , Yang Yiping , Gan Chao , He Xuejun , Liu Yanchao , Huang Yimin , Ma Xiaopeng , Shu Kai , Lei Ting , Wang Sheng , zhang huaqiu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors of transient neurological deficits (TND) and perioperative stroke in patients with MMD after extracranial-intracranial revascularization. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 183 patients with MMD undergoing 203 procedures EC-IC bypass operation from January 2018 to August 2020. According to whether TND and stroke occurred within 14 days after operation, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used. RESULTS: TND occurred in 26 cases (12.8%) of revascularization. The results of the univariate analysis showed that history of diabetes, multiple episodes of preoperative symptoms, lesions involving the posterior circulation, and high postoperative blood pressure are the risk factors of TND. Further multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that multiple episodes of preoperative symptoms (P=0.016) and lesions involving the posterior circulation (P=0.014) are the independent risk factors for TND. Perioperative stroke occurred in 12 cases (5.9%). The results of the univariate analysis showed that older age, history of hypertension, preoperative cerebral infarction as the main symptom, lesions involving the posterior circulation, and High perioperative blood pressure are the risk factors of the perioperative stroke. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative cerebral infarction as the main symptom (P=0.015) is an independent risk factor for perioperative stroke. Whether perioperative complications occurred was not related to the improvement of follow-up mRS score and long-term cerebral rehemorrhage.CONCLUSIONS: Clinically, patients with MMD have multiple episodes of preoperative symptoms, lesions involving the posterior circulation, and preoperative cerebral infarction should be attached when undergoing revascularization.
Sociodemographic and clinical risk factors associated with suboptimal glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes attending Mansoura Specialized Medical Hospital, Egypt
Authors: El-Eshmawy¹ Mervat M , Sabri Ghada , Magdy Hend , Nasr¹ Amira A , Mahsoub Nancy 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background/Aim: Diabetes is a major contributor to global mortality. Poor glycemic control is the major risk factor of diabetes-related complications and deaths. The implicated risk factors of poor glycemic control vary between countries and different ethnic groups. In Egypt, limited data are currently available therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency and predictors of suboptimal glycemic control in patients with T2DM attending Outpatient Diabetes Clinic at Mansoura Specialized Medical Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 250 patients with T2DM. Glycemic status was detected via glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and suboptimal glycemic control” was defined as HbA1c level ≥7%. Predictors of suboptimal glycemic control were identified using a multivariate regression analysis.Results: Of the total T2DM participants, 80.4% had suboptimal glycemic control. Irregular anti-diabetic drug intake was detected in 52.9% of patients. With multivariate analysis, earlier age at diabetes diagnosis, inadequate physical activity and increased body mass index (BMI) were the independent predictors of suboptimal glycemic control. Conclusion: A high proportion of the analyzed study population has suboptimal glycemic control. Among all the studied sociodemographic and clinical risk factors, earlier age at diabetes diagnosis, inadequate physical activity and increased BMI are the independent predictors of suboptimal glycemic control.
Identification of the ataxin-1 interaction network and its impact on spinocerebellar ataxia type 1
Authors: Chen Jiu-Ming , Chen Shi-Kai , Jin Pei-Pei , Sun Shun-Chang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 protein. The pathogenic mechanism resulting in SCA1 is still unclear. Protein-protein interactions affect the function and stability of ataxin-1.Methods: Wild type and mutant ataxin-1 were expressed in HEK-293T cells. The levels of expression were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blots. Co-immunoprecipitation was done in HEK-293T cells expressing exogenous wild type and mutant ataxin-1 using anti-Flag antibody following by tandem affinity purification in order to study protein-protein interactions. The candidate interacting proteins were validated by immunoprecipitation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing were performed using HEK-293T cells expressing wild type or mutant ataxin-1.Results: In this study using HEK-293T cells, we found that wild type ataxin-1 interacted with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206, while mutant ataxin-1 lost its interaction with MCM2, GNAS, and TMEM206. Two ataxin-1 binding targets containing the core GGAG or AAAT were identified in HEK-293T cells using ChIP-seq. Gene Ontology analysis of the top ataxin-1 binding genes identified SLC6A15, NTF3, KCNC3, and DNAJC6 as functional genes in neurons in vitro. Ataxin-1 also was identified as an RNA binding protein in HEK-293T cells using RIP-seq, but the polyglutamine expansion in the ataxin-1 had no direct effects on the RNA binding activity of ataxin-1.Conclusions: An expanded polyglutamine tract in ataxin-1 might interfere with protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions but had little effect on protein-RNA interactions. This study suggested that the dysfunction of protein-protein or protein-DNA interactions is involved in the pathogenesis of SCA1.
The relationships between parents’ and children’s screen times on weight status: A cross-sectional path analysis
Authors: Ishii Kaori , Shibata Ai , Koohsari Mohammad Javad , Oka Koichiro 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Understanding factors that contribute to an individual reducing his/her screen time is important for promoting a healthy weight. Parents’ and guardians’ behavior affects children as they influence their daily decision-making through modeling, rules or restrictions, social support, and co-participation. The present study examined how the direct and indirect effects of parents’ and children’s behaviors regarding screen time influenced body mass index among Japanese elementary school children.Methods: The participants included 283 Japanese children aged 6-12 years who were randomly selected from resident registries of two cities. Screen time and sociodemographic attributes, including gender, age, employment status, height, and weight, were assessed using a mail-based survey. Path analyses were conducted to determine associations among children’s, fathers’, and mothers’ variables. It was hypothesized that after controlling for household income and children’s sex and age, mothers’ and fathers’ screen time on weekdays and at the weekend would be related to children’s weekday and weekend screen time, respectively. In addition, the present study hypothesized that children’s weekday and weekend screen time was related to children’s weight status.Results: Both fathers’ and mothers’ weekday screen times were associated with children’s weekday and weekend screen times. Body mass index was affected by children’s weekday screen time (0.117). The path coefficients for the indirect effects of mothers’ and fathers’ screen time on children’s body mass index through children’s weekday screen time was 0.016 from the fathers’ weekday screen time and 0.024 from the mothers’ weekday screen time (goodness-of-fit statistic = .980, adjusted goodness-of-fit statistic = .953, root mean square error of approximation = .030, Akaike information criterion = 93.030).Conclusions: The present study indicated that both fathers’ and mothers’ weekday screen times had indirect effects on children’s weight status through children’s weekday screen time among Japanese elementary school children. The strongest indirect effects could be seen by examining the paths of a mother’s weekday screen time through children’s screen time to weight status. The findings imply that intervention strategies to reduce screen time in children should focus on modeling of the mothers’ behavior.
A Comparative Study of the Right Heart Echocardiography Findings in COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Pneumonia in a South African Population
Authors: Blydenstein Sarah Alexandra van , Omar Shahed , Jacobson Barry F , Menezes Colin Nigel , Meel Ruchika 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction The right ventricle is affected by Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) via multiple mechanisms, which can result in right ventricular dysfunction (RVD), portending a poorer prognosis than those without RVD. There is a paucity of data regarding right ventricular function in COVID-19 pneumonia from Africa and therefore in this comparative study of COVID-19 and non- COVID-19 pneumonia, we aimed to provide a detailed assessment of right heart function using conventional echocardiography and advanced strain imaging. Methods This study was an observational, prospective, single-centre study, including adults with hypoxic pneumonia, in two groups: COVID-19 pneumonia; and non-COVID-19 community acquired pneumonia (CAP). Bedside echocardiography was performed according to a pre-specified protocol and all right heart measurements were done as per standard guidelines. Right ventricular free wall strain (RVFWS) was measured using Philips® QLAB 11.0 speckle tracking software. Results We enrolled 48 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and 24 with non-COVID-19 CAP. COVID-19 patients were significantly older, with a median age of 52 years (IQR 42-62.5, p=0.006), with fewer HIV positive patients, 25% versus 54% (p=0.01), and a higher frequency of hypertension and diabetes. There was a trend towards a lower severity of illness score (SAPS II). Median Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) and RVS’ were not significantly different between COVID-19 and CAP . Mean RVFWS yielded the highest estimates for prevalence of RVD; 81% (CI 75-87%, n=43) amongst COVID-19 pneumonia patients and 79% (CI 71-87%, n=24) for CAP. Non-COVID patients with moderate to severe hypoxemia (PF<150) were at greater risk of an elevated RVSP >30mmHg RR= 3.25 (CI 1.35-7.82) on admission.Conclusion Despite a clinically significantly lower severity of illness score, patients with COVID-19 pneumonia had a similar admission prevalence of RVD when compared to patients with non-COVID CAP. COVID-19 pneumonia patients had mortality that was significantly higher than predicted mortality. Additionally, despite preserved traditional parameters of RV systolic function, RVFWS was diminished in both groups, thus RVFWS served as an important marker of subclinical disease of RV.
Study on collaborative management of sustainable supply chain in water diversion Project
Authors: LU Yali , LIU Meng , Ding Wenwen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Measuring the collaboration of the sustainable supply chain of water diversion projects is of great significance to the sustainable operation of the project. To achieve this, it needs to develop a scientific and reasonable collaboration measurement method. Given the economic, environmental and social benefits of water diversion projects, and based on the theory of the sustainable supply chain, an order parameter index system for collaboration measurement was constructed in this study. The Dematel and Analytic Network Process methods were used to compute the local and global weights of each order parameter. A total of 161 valid questionnaires were collected from residents along the South-to-North Water Diversion Project Middle Route to measure its collaboration from 2018 to 2020. Results showed that the orderliness of the four flow subsystems of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project Middle Route increases year by year. Compared with the other three flow subsystems, the knowledge flow subsystem has a lower level of orderliness, suggesting that communication and exchanges among people along the route should be strengthened. Such findings can help identify the weak link in the collaborative management of the sustainable supply chain of water diversion projects and improve it in a targeted manner.
Supporting Task Shifting and Task Sharing in Nigeria: An Assessment of Family Planning Knowledge Retention of Community Pharmacists and Patent Proprietary Medicine Vendors
Authors: Baruwa Sikiru , Tobey Elizabeth , Okafor Emeka , Afolabi Kayode , Akomolafe Toyin O. , Ubuane Innocent , Anyanti Jennifer , Jain Aparna 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: CPs and PPMVs are an important source of modern contraceptives in Nigeria, yet many lack the requisite knowledge and skills to capably provide these services. This skills gap might be addressed through targeted family planning training. This study measures family planning knowledge retention of CPs and PPMVs after receiving training in FP counseling and services in Kaduna and Lagos States, in Nigeria. Methods: As part of the evaluation study, 559 CPs and PPMVs completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess their knowledge related to the provision of FP counseling, and injectable and implant contraceptive services at three points in time: 1) before the training; 2) immediately after the training; and 3) 9-months after the training. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of provider characteristics and receipt of job aids on FP knowledge retention 9 months after the trainingResults: The study revealed the importance of jobs aids as influence on knowledge retention. CPs and PPMVs who reported having the Balanced Counseling Strategy plus (BCS+) counseling cards, were more likely to retain knowledge (AOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 1.01-8.40) at 9 months follow-up. Similarly, in terms of injectable knowledge, CPs and Tier 2 PPMVs who reported receiving the Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) Wheel were 2.1 times more likely to retain injectable knowledge 9-months later on (95% CI: 1.14-3.99). Conclusion: CPs and PPMVs can be trained to offer FP counseling and injectable and implant services. Their knowledge can be supported through job aids, suggesting that they offer accurate information and quality services. For Nigeria, including Family planning job aids in the roll out of the task shifting and task sharing policy will be critical to a successful implementation.
Reduction of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition Activity of Antiscolic Herbal Compounds by Bacilli Probiotics
Authors: Liu Hao , Gong Xiaobei , Peng Yangyang , Sun Chengwu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Antiscolic herbal compounds (AHCs) are fast-growing biopesticides but must be removed afterwards from harvested crops due to their potential toxicities towards animal acetylcholine esterase (AchE). In this work, we investigated the inhibitory effect of several typical AHCs on AchE as well as their detoxification by bacilli probiotics, another group of green agricultural additives. Results showed the AchE inhibition activity of studied AHCs follows an order of berberine (IC50 = 12.16 μmol/L) > osthole (233.21 μmol/L) ≈ matrine (262.41 μmol/L) >> trigonelline (no inhibition). Molecular simulation predicted that berberine, matrine and osthole combine with AchE preferentially in the catalytic channel for acetylcholine (Trp84 and His440), but forming more stable complexes. At the IC50 dosage, the addition of Bacillus subtilis (106~107 CFU/mL) or several other bacilli species detoxified osthole from 50% AchE inhibition to around 30%. Slight detoxification of matrine was also observed but the toxicity of berberine was not influenced after incubated with bacilli probiotics. Conversely, the three AHCs could completely inhibited the growth of B. subtilis following an order of berberine (0.15 mmol/L) > Matrine (9 mmol/) > osthole (1.5 mmol/L). B. subtilis Ruizhen@ exhibited stronger tolerance to AHCs than other commercial strains. Among other tested species, B. mucilaginosus was less sensitive than B. subtilis while B. laterosporus and P. polymyxa were resistant to AHCs. The potential antagonistic actions between AHCs and bacilli probiotics maybe useful in removal of residual herbal toxicity with green bacterial sweeper.
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for At-Risk Adolescents in Residential Care
Authors: Weiss-Dagan Shlomit , Naim Nofar , Brafman Dorit 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Over the past two decades, a large body of studies has focused on the contribution of therapeutic horseback riding (THR) to adolescents. The current study aimed to explore what makes this kind of intervention an effective positive psychological transformer. Methods: This qualitative study focused on at-risk adolescents living in residential care. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 adolescents. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: participants’ presentation; relationship with the horse, including three basic needs, as defined in self-determination theory (SDT), that emerged from the data (competence, autonomy, and relatedness); and THR’s influence as described by the adolescents. Results: Our findings emphasize horsemanship as the core element of the THR interventions with youth at the social margins. This study contributes to SDT by demonstrating the significant role of relatedness in enhancing competence and healthy autonomy. Conclusions: The study’s findings illustrate the significant impact of THR intervention on various aspects of at-risk adolescents’ lives.
IRX1 Promotes Loss of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue by Inhibiting Adipocyte Differentiation in Cachectic Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Han Jun , Ding Zuoyou , Zhuang Qiulin , Shen Lei , Yang Fan , Sah Szechun , Wu Guohao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Loss of adipose tissue is one of the most important characteristics of cancer cachexia. The loss degree of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is different in the same cachectic patient. However, it is unclear which genes lead to the differential fat loss in cancer cachexia. The purpose of this study is to screen the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) profile of SAT and VAT and clarify its function in cancer cachexia. Methods: We screened the DEGs of SAT and VAT in cachectic patients with gastric cancer by RNA sequencing. Gene enrichment analyses were preformed to analyze the biological function of DEGs. Interaction network was constructed to illustrate the relationship among key genes. Clinical significance of IRX1 related to cancer cachexia was illustrated by Spearman’s correlation analysis. SAT and VAT samples were collected and performed histomorphology analyses. Mouse model of cancer cachexia was established and differences between SAT and VAT were compared. The function of IRX1 on lipid metabolism was clarified by Oil Red O staining, qPCR, and western blotting in adipocytes. Results: A total of 455 DEGs were screened between SAT and VAT in cachectic patients with gastric cancer. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that the immune response might contribute to the pathological difference of SAT and VAT in caner cachexia. Patients with higher expression of IRX1 in SAT than VAT revealed significantly higher weight loss, IL-6 and TNFa concentration, as well as lower BMI, apoE, SAT and VAT area. A greater loss in SAT was observed in cachectic mice comparing to non-cachectic mice while the expression of IRX1 in SAT of cachectic mice was significantly higher. Oil Red O staining showed that IRX1 inhibited lipogenesis in adipocytes. Significant changes in the genes related to adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis were observed in both the cases of IRX1 overexpression and knockdown. Conclusion: Higher expression of IRX1 was observed in SAT than VAT in gastric cancer patients with cachexia and thus IRX1 promotes loss of SAT by inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. IRX1 is expected to be a potential target for the prevention and treatment of SAT loss in cancer cachexia.
Impact of strabismus management on the retinal microstructure
Authors: Shah Shreya , Shah Mehul , Thorat Deeksha 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Aim: To examine whether change in retinal structure can improve vision and stereoacuity following strabismus management.Methods: We recruited patients who presented with strabismus from 2017 to 2019. Information on demographics, posterior and anterior segment findings, and strabismus surgery was collected using a pretested online form. Patients’ stereoacuity was examined by employing the Titmus test. The central macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness of all the eyes were evaluated through SD-OCT. Stereoacuity examination and OCT were performed again 3 months postoperatively. Result: We recruited 54 patients (mean age: 19.74 ± 9.2 years). Stereoacuity and vision exhibited significant improvements after treatment. Both eyes showed improvement in RNFL thickness but not CMT. Conclusion: Functional stereoacuity changes and structural RNFL changes were noted following appropriate treatment for strabismus.