bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants used by three trans-boundary ethnic groups in Jiangcheng County, Pu’er, Southwest China
Authors: Cao Yilin , li ren , Zhou Shishun , Song Liang , Quan Ruichang , Hu Huabin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Dai, Hani, and Yao people, in the trans-boundary region between China, Laos, and Vietnam, have gathered plentiful traditional knowledge about wild edible plants during their long history of understanding and using natural resources. The ecologically rich environment and the multi-ethnic integration provide a valuable foundation and driving force for high biodiversity and cultural diversity in this region. However, little study has uncovered the mystical veil of this unique and attractive culture to the world. Methods: We conducted Ethnobotanical survey in 20 villages of Jiangcheng County from 2016 to 2020. Altogether 109 local Dai, Hani, and Yao people were interviewed, and their traditional knowledge about wild edible plants was recorded. Voucher specimens were identified by the authors and deposited in the herbarium of Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (HITBC). The use value was used as a quantitative index to evaluate the consume frequency and relative importance of the wild edible plants. The Jaccard index was calculated to assess the usage similarity of different areas. The relationship of age and recognized wild edible plants by different ethnic people was performed by R. Results: A total of 211 wild edible plants, belonging to 71 families and 151 genera, were recorded. These plants were consumed as wild edible vegetables, seasonal fruits, salads, spices, sour condiments, tonic soups, tea substitutes, liquor brewing, or dyeing materials. The use value, current cultivation, market availability, as well as the quantitative traditional knowledge inheritance situation of these wild edible plants among different generations were analyzed. Based on the data from threatened species list of China’s higher plants and the IUCN Red List, the food plant list for Asia Elephant, the Subject Database of China Plant and the calculated UV score, the top 30 most important wild edible plants were selected for further cultivation in some local villages. Conclusion: Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants, owned by Dai, Hani, and Yao people in Jiangcheng County, is rich but at risk of being lost among the young generation. Diversified cultivation of wild edible plants by the local communities could be a solution for sustainable use of natural resources and to conserve the endangered species in this trans-boundary region.
MAL62 overexpression enhances uridine diphosphoglucose-dependent trehalose synthesis and glycerol metabolism for cryoprotection of baker’s yeast in lean dough
Authors: Sun Xi , Zhang Jun , Fan Hua Zhi , Xiao Ping , Li Feng , Liu Qing Hai , Zhu Bi Wen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, alpha-glucosidase (maltase) is a key enzyme in maltose metabolism. In addition, the overexpression of the alpha-glucosidase-encoding gene MAL62 has been shown to increase the freezing tolerance of yeast in lean dough. However, its cryoprotection mechanism is still not clear.Results: RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that MAL62 overexpression increased uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPG)-dependent trehalose synthesis. The changes in transcript abundance were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme activity assays. When the UDPG-dependent trehalose synthase activity was abolished, MAL62 overexpression failed to promote the synthesis of intracellular trehalose.Moreover, in strains lacking trehalose synthesis, the cell viability in the late phase of prefermentation freezing coupled with MAL62 overexpression was slightly reduced, which can be explained by the increase in the intracellular glycerol concentration. This result was consistent with the elevated transcription of glycerol synthesis pathway members.Conclusions: The increased freezing tolerance by MAL62 overexpression is mainly achieved by the increased trehalose content via the UDPG-dependent pathway, and glycerol also plays an important role. These findings shed new light on the mechanism of yeast response to freezing in lean bread dough and can help to improve industrial yeast strains.
Genome sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the self-flocculating microalga Scenedesmus obliquus AS-6-11
Authors: Chen Bailing , Mhuantong Wuttichai , Ho Shih-Hsin , Chang Jo-Shu , Zhao Xinqing , Bai Fengwu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Scenedesmus obliquus belongs to green microalgae and is widely used in aquaculture as feed, which is also explored for lipid production and bioremediation. However, genomic studies of this microalga have been very limited. Cell self-flocculation of microalgal cells can be used as a simple and economic method for harvesting biomass, and it is of great importance to perform genome-scale studies for the self-flocculating S. obliquus strains to promote their biotechnological applications.Results: We employed the Pacific Biosciences sequencing platform for sequencing the genome of the self-flocculating microalga S. obliquus AS-6-11, and used the MECAT software for de novo genome assembly. The estimated genome size of S. obliquus AS-6-11 is 172.3 Mbp with an N50 of 94,410 bp, and 31,964 protein-coding genes were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses revealed 65 GO terms and 428 biosynthetic pathways. Comparing to the genome sequences of the well-studied green microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chlorella variabilis, Volvox carteri and Micractinium conductrix, the genome of S. obliquus AS-6-11 encodes more unique proteins, including one gene that encodes D-mannose binding lectin. Genes encoding the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell wall proteins, and proteins with fasciclin domains that are commonly found in cell wall proteins might be responsible for the self-flocculating phenotype, and were analyzed in detail. Four genes encoding both GPI-anchored cell wall proteins and fasciclin domain proteins are the most interesting targets for further studies.Conclusions: To our best knowledge, this is the first report on the in-depth annotation of the S. obliquus genome, and the results will facilitate functional genomic studies and metabolic engineering of this important microalga. The comparative genomic analysis here also provides new insights into the evolution of green microalgae. Furthermore, identification of the potential genes encoding self-flocculating proteins will benefit studies on the molecular mechanism underlying this phenotype for its better control and biotechnological applications as well.
Nomogram to identify severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on initial clinical and CT characteristics: a multi-center study
Authors: Yu Yixing , Wang Ximing , Li Min , Gu Lan , Xie Zongyu , Gu Wenhao , Xu Feng , Bao Yaxing , Liu Rongrong , Hu Su , Hu Mengjie , Hu Chunhong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: To develop and validate a nomogram for early identification of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on initial clinical and CT characteristics.Methods: The initial clinical and CT imaging data of 217 patients with COVID-19 were analyzed retrospectively from January to March 2020. 217 patients with 146 mild cases and 71 severe cases were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. Independent risk factors were selected to construct the nomogram for predicting severe COVID-19. Nomogram performance in terms of discrimination and calibration ability was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve, clinical impact curve and risk chart.Results: In the training cohort, the severity score of lung in the severe group (7, interquartile range [IQR]:5-9) was significantly higher than that of the mild group (4, IQR:2-5) (P < 0.001). Age, density, mosaic perfusion sign and severity score of lung were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. The nomogram had a AUC of 0.929 (95% CI, 0.889-0.969), sensitivity of 84.0% and specificity of 86.3%, in the training cohort, and a AUC of 0.936 (95% CI, 0.867-1.000), sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 88.6% in the validation cohort. The calibration curve, decision curve, clinical impact curve and risk chart showed that nomogram had high accuracy and superior net benefit in predicting severe COVID-19.Conclusion: The nomogram incorporating initial clinical and CT characteristics may help to identify the severe patients with COVID-19 in the early stage.
COVID-19 pandemic and dental hygienists in Italy: a questionnaire survey.
Authors: Bontà Giuliana , Campus Guglielmo Giuseppe , Cagetti Maria Grazia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: This online cross-sectional survey assesses the signs/symptoms, the protective measures taken and the awareness and risk perception regarding COVID-19 among Italian dental hygienists. All Italian dental hygienists were invited to participate. The ad hoc online questionnaire was divided into four domains: personal data, protective measures (-before patient arrival; -in the waiting room; -in the operating room) and PPE, awareness and risk perception. Results: Two-thousand-seven-hundred-ninety-eight subjects participated. Only 0.25% of the sample was positive to the virus. Sense of fatigue (8.19%), headache (7.81%) and sore throat (7.32%) were the most common symptoms. A statistically significant trend across the areas with a different prevalence of COVID-19 was observed related to the number of signs/symptoms (areas z=6.38 p<0.01). Overall, 90.55% of the sample used protective glasses or visor, 90.10% disposable gloves and 82.80% surgical mask. Regarding the confidence to avoid the infection, a statistically significant difference was found among dental hygienists belonging to the three years-professional-experiences groups who worked in the high COVID-19 prevalence area. The findings of this survey show that Italian dental hygienists have modified their working habits according to the professional risk related to the current pandemic and they seem correctly prepared to face the risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Ethnobotanical survey of wild edible plants used by Baka People in southeastern Cameroon.
Authors: Fils Pascal Eric Billong , Nana Natacha Afiong , Betti Jean Lagarde , Njimbam Oumar Farick , Womeni Stéphanie Tientcheu , Martin Eva Ávila , Brull Guillermo Ros , Okale Robert , Fa John E. , Funk Stephan Michael 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Forest inhabitants worldwide, and Indigenous Peoples especially, have depended for generations on plants and animals harvested in these ecosystems. A number of Baka hunter-gatherer populations in south-eastern Cameroon became sedentarised in the 1950s, but still rely on hunting and gathering to meet their basic needs. The use of wild edible plants (WEP) by these communities remains largely undocumented. In this study we record the diversity of WEP used by Baka people in dense rainforests in the Mintom region. The area still contains relatively undisturbed forest expanses, just south of the Dja Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important protected areas in the Congo Basin.Methods: We conducted two ethnobotanical surveys in 2019 in four villages on the Mintom road. In the first survey, we interviewed a total of 73 individuals to determine WEP usage. In our second survey, we specifically quantified WEP harvested and consumed daily in a number of households over a two-week period during the major rainy season, when use of forest products is highest. Specimens of all recorded plants were collected and identified at the National Herbarium of Cameroon.Results: We documented 88 plant species and 119 unique species/plant organ/recipes in 1,519 different citations. A total of 61 genera and 43 families were noted. Excluding 14 unidentified wild yam species, 17 WEP species had not been reported in previous ethnobotanical surveys of the Baka. Our results showed that cultivated starchy plant foods make up a significant proportion of our study population’s daily nutritional intake.Conclusions: A high diversity of WEP are consumed by the studied Baka communities. The study area is likely to be significant in terms of WEP diversity since 18 out of the 30 ‘key’ Non-Timber Forest Products, NTFP, in Cameroon were mentioned. Documentation of the use of WEP by Indigenous communities is vital to ensure the continuity of traditional knowledge and future food security.
Altered gut microbiota correlate with different immune response to HAART in HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Xie Yirui , Sun Jia , Wei Li , Jiang Haiyin , Hu Caiqin , Yang Jiezuan , Huang Ying , Ruan Bing , Zhu Biao 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Although gut microbiota dysbiosis has recently been reported in HIV infected individuals, the relationship between the gut microbiota and immune activation in patients with a different immune response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is still not well understood. Gut microbiota and immune activation were studied in 36 non-HIV-infected subjects (Health Control) and 58 HIV-infected individuals which included 28 immunological responders (IR) and 30 immunological non-responders (INR) (≥500 and <200 CD4+ T-cell counts/µl after 2 years of HIV-1 viral suppression respectively) without comorbidities. Results: Metagenome sequencing revealed that the gut microbiota dysbiosis could not be recovered completely in HIV-infected immunological responders and immunological non-responders although with long-term suppressive antiretroviral treatment. At the 97% similarity level, Fusobacterium, Ruminococcus_gnavus and Megamonas were more abundant, whereas Faecalibacterium, Alistipes, Bifidobacterium, Eubacteriumrectale and Roseburia were more depleted in the IR and INR groups than that in the health control. Ruminococcaceae and Alistipes were positively correlated with nadir and current CD4+ T-cell counts, but negatively correlated with CD8+CD57+ T-cell counts. Inflammation markers and translocation biomarkers (LPS) levels were positively correlated with the abundance of genus Ruminococcus and Fusobacterium, but were negatively correlated with the genus Faecalibacterium. The relative abundances of Escherichia-Shigella and Blautia were significantly higher in the IR than that in the INR group. Escherichia-Shigella were negatively correlated with the CD4/CD8 ratio but positively correlated with the amount of CD8+CD57+ T-cells. Roseburia and Blautia were negatively associated with nadir CD4+ T-cell and positively associated with CD8+CD57+ T-cell counts. Conclusions: Gut microbiota dysbiosis may be one of the factors contributing to different immune response to HAART. Fusobacterium, Alistipes, Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Roseburia and Blautia maybe the major genus contributed to different immune response in immunodiscordant and immunoconcordant patients on long-term suppressive ART. Blautia and Roseburia might be associated with treatment outcome.
The economic burden of measles in children under five in Bangladesh
Authors: de Broucker Gatien , Ahmed Sayem , Hasan Md. Zahid , Mehdi Gazi Golam , Campo Jorge Martin del , Ali Md. Wazed , Uddin Md. Jasim , Constenla Dagna , Patenaude Bryan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: This study estimated the economic cost of treating measles in children under-5 in Bangladesh from the caregiver, government, and societal perspectives.Method: We conducted an incidence-based study using an ingredient-based approach. We surveyed the administrative staff and the healthcare professionals at the facilities, recording their estimates supported by administrative data from the healthcare perspective. We conducted 100 face-to-face caregiver interviews at discharge and phone interviews 7 to 14 days post-discharge to capture all expenses, including time costs related to measles. All costs are in 2018 USD ($).Results: From a societal perspective, a hospitalized and ambulatory measles cost $159 and $18, respectively. On average, the government spent $23 per hospitalized measles. At the same time, caregivers incurred $131 and $182 in economic costs, including $48 and $83 in out-of-pocket expenses in public and private not-for-profit facilities, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of the poorest caregivers faced catastrophic health expenditures compared to 21% of the richest. In 2018, 2263 cases of measles were confirmed, totaling $348,073 in economic costs to Bangladeshi society, with $121,842 in out-of-pocket payments for households.Conclusion: The resurgence of measles outbreaks is a substantial cost for society, requiring important short-term public expenditures putting households into a precarious financial situation. Improving vaccination coverage in areas where it is deficient (Sylhet division in our study) would likely alleviate most of this burden.
High-throughput sequencing analysis of the rhizosphere arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community composition associated with Ferula sinkiangensis
Authors: Luo Yunfeng , Wang Zhongke , He Yaling , Li Guifang , Lv Xinhua , Zhuang Li 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Ferula sinkiangensis is an increasingly endangered medicinal plant. Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) are symbiotic microorganisms that live in the soil wherein they enhance nutrient uptake, stress resistance, and pathogen defense in host plants. While such AMF have the potential to aid in Ferula sinkiangensis cultivation, the composition of AMF communities associated with Ferula sinkiangensis and the relationship between these fungi and other pertinent abiotic factors remain to be clarified.Results: Herein, we collected samples of rhizosphere and surrounding soil at a range of depths (0-20, 20-40, and 40-60 cm) and a range of slope positions (bottom, middle, top). These samples were then subjected to analyses of soil physicochemical properties and high-throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). We determined that Glomus and Diversispora species were highly enriched in all samples. We further found that AMF diversity and richness varied significantly as a function of slope position, with this variation primarily being tied to differences in relative Glomus and Diversispora abundance. In contrast, no significant relationship was observed between soil depth and overall AMF composition, although some AMF species were found to be sensitive to soil depth. Many factors were found to significantly affect AMF community composition, including organic matter content, total nitrogen, total potassium, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, available potassium, total dissolvable salt levels, pH, soil water content, and slope position. We further found that Shannon diversity index values in these communities were positively correlated with total phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen levels, and pH values (P<0.05), whereas total phosphorus, total dissolvable salt levels, and pH were positively correlated with Chao1 values (P<0.05).Conclusion: In summary, these findings reveal that Glomus and Diversispora are key AMF genera found within the rhizosphere soil of Ferula sinkiangensis. These fungi are closely associated with specific environmental and soil physicochemical properties. The physical and chemical properties of these soil samples also differed significantly as a function of slope position (P<0.05). Together, our results provide new insights regarding the relationship between AMF species and Ferula sinkiangensis, providing a theoretical basis for further studies of their development.
DNA methylation abnormalities of imprinted genes in congenital heart disease: A pilot study
Authors: Chang Shaoyan , Wang Yubo , Xin Yu , Wang Shuangxing , Luo Yi , Wang Li , Zhang Hui , Li Jia 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is resulted from the interaction of genetic aberration and environmental factors. Imprinted genes, which are regulated by epigenetic modifications, are essential for the normal embryonic development. However, the role of imprinted genes in the etiology of CHD remains unclear. Results: We investigated the alterations effect of imprinted gene gDMR methylation in patients with CHD. Eighteen imprinted genes that are known to affect early embryonic development were selected and the methylation modification genes were detected by massarray in 27 CHD children and 28 healthy children. Altered gDMR methylation level of 8 imprinted genes was found, including 2 imprinted genes with hypermethylation of GRB10 and MEST and 6 genes with hypomethylation of PEG10, NAP1L5, INPP5F, PLAGL1, NESP and MEG3. Stratified analysis showed that the methylation degree of imprinted genes was different in different types of CHD. Risk analysis showed that 6 imprinted genes, except MEST and NAP1L5, within a specific methylation level range were the risk factors for CHDConclusion: Altered methylation of imprinted genes is associated with CHD and varies in different types of CHD. Further experiments are warranted to identify the methylation characteristics of imprinted genes in different types of CHD and clarify the pathogenesis mechanism of imprinted genes in CHD.
Rhamnolipid coating reduces microbial biofilm formation on titanium implants: an in-vitro study
Authors: Tambone Erica , Bonomi Emiliana , Ghensi Paolo , Maniglio Devid , Ceresa Chiara , Agostinacchio Francesca , Caciagli Patrizio , Nollo Giandomenico , Piccoli Federico , Caola Iole , Fracchia Letizia , Tessarolo Francesco 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are biofilm-related diseases causing major concern in oral implantology, requiring complex anti-infective procedures or implant removal. Microbial biosurfactants emerged as new anti-biofilm agents for coating implantable devices preserving biocompatibility. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of rhamnolipid biosurfactant R89 (R89BS) to reduce Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilm formation on titanium. Methods: R89BS was physically adsorbed on titanium discs (TDs). Cytotoxicity of coated TDs was evaluated on normal lung fibroblasts (MRC5). using a lactate dehydrogenase assay. The ability of coated TDs to inhibit biofilm formation was evaluated by quantifying biofilm biomass and cell metabolic activity, at different time-points, with respect to uncoated controls. A qualitative analysis of sessile bacteria was also performed by scanning electron microscopy. Results: R89BS-coated discs showed no cytotoxic effects. TDs coated with 4 mg/mL R89BS inhibited the biofilm biomass of S. aureus by 98%, 49% and 10% and of S. epidermidis by 53%, 29%, and 10% at 24, 48 and 72 h respectively. A significant reduction of the biofilm metabolic activity was also documented. The same coating applied on three commercial implant surfaces resulted in a biomass inhibition higher than 90% for S. aureus, and up to 75% for S. epidermidis at 24 h. Conclusions: R89BS-coating was effective in reducing Staphylococcus biofilm formation at the titanium implant surface. The anti-biofilm action can be obtained on several different commercially available implant surfaces, independently of their surface morphology.