bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The molecular underpinnings of fertility: Genetic approaches in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mei Xue , Singson Andrew W. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe study of mutations that impact fertility has a catch‐22. Fertility mutants are often lost since they cannot simply be propagated and maintained. This has hindered progress in understanding the genetics of fertility. In mice, several molecules are found to be required for the interactions between the sperm and egg, with JUNO and IZUMO1 being the only known receptor pair on the egg and sperm surface, respectively. In Caenorhabditis elegans, a total of 12 proteins on the sperm or oocyte have been identified to mediate gamete interactions. Majority of these genes were identified through mutants isolated from genetic screens. In this review, we summarize the several key screening strategies that led to the identification of fertility mutants in C. elegans and provide a perspective about future research using genetic approaches. Recently, advancements in new technologies such as high‐throughput sequencing and Crispr‐based genome editing tools have accelerated the molecular, cell biological, and mechanistic analysis of fertility genes. We review how these valuable tools advance our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of fertilization. We draw parallels of the molecular mechanisms of fertilization between worms and mammals and argue that our work in C. elegans complements fertility research in humans and other species.
The complement C3‐C3aR pathway mediates microglia–astrocyte interaction following status epilepticus
Authors: Wei Yujia , Chen Tingjun , Bosco Dale B. , Xie Manling , Zheng Jiaying , Dheer Aastha , Ying Yanlu , Wu Qian , Lennon Vanda A. , Wu Long‐Jun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGliosis is a histopathological characteristic of epilepsy that comprises activated microglia and astrocytes. It is unclear whether or how crosstalk occurs between microglia and astrocytes in the evolution of epilepsy. Here, we report in a mouse model of status epilepticus, induced by intracerebroventricular injection of kainic acid (KA), sequential activation of microglia and astrocytes and their close spatial interaction in the hippocampal CA3 region. Microglial ablation reduced astrocyte activation and their upregulation of complement C3. When compared to wild‐type mice, both C3−/− and C3aR−/− mice had significantly less microglia–astrocyte interaction in response to KA‐induced status epilepticus. Additionally, KA‐injected C3−/− mice had significantly less histochemical evidence of neurodegeneration. The results suggest that the C3‐C3aR pathway contributes to KA‐induced neurodegeneration by mediating microglia–astrocyte communication. The C3‐C3aR pathway may prove to be a potential therapeutic target for epilepsy treatment.
Farnesoid X Receptor Activation Impairs Liver Progenitor Cell–Mediated Liver Regeneration via the PTEN‐PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR Axis in Zebrafish
Authors: Jung Kyounghwa , Kim Minwook , So Juhoon , Lee Seung‐Hoon , Ko Sungjin , Shin Donghun 
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims
Following mild liver injury, pre‐existing hepatocytes replicate. However, if hepatocyte proliferation is compromised, such as in chronic liver diseases, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) contribute to hepatocytes through liver progenitor cells (LPCs), thereby restoring hepatic mass and function. Recently, augmenting innate BEC‐driven liver regeneration has garnered attention as an alternative to liver transplantation, the only reliable treatment for patients with end‐stage liver diseases. Despite this attention, the molecular basis of BEC‐driven liver regeneration remains poorly understood.

Approach and Results
By performing a chemical screen with the zebrafish hepatocyte ablation model, in which BECs robustly contribute to hepatocytes, we identified farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists as inhibitors of BEC‐driven liver regeneration. Here we show that FXR activation blocks the process through the FXR‐PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog)–PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase)–AKT‐mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) axis. We found that FXR activation blocked LPC‐to‐hepatocyte differentiation, but not BEC‐to‐LPC dedifferentiation. FXR activation also suppressed LPC proliferation and increased its death. These defects were rescued by suppressing PTEN activity with its chemical inhibitor and ptena/b mutants, indicating PTEN as a critical downstream mediator of FXR signaling in BEC‐driven liver regeneration. Consistent with the role of PTEN in inhibiting the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway, FXR activation reduced the expression of pS6, a marker of mTORC1 activation, in LPCs of regenerating livers. Importantly, suppressing PI3K and mTORC1 activities with their chemical inhibitors blocked BEC‐driven liver regeneration, as did FXR activation.

Conclusions
FXR activation impairs BEC‐driven liver regeneration by enhancing PTEN activity; the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway controls the regeneration process. Given the clinical trials and use of FXR agonists for multiple liver diseases due to their beneficial effects on steatosis and fibrosis, the detrimental effects of FXR activation on LPCs suggest a rather personalized use of the agonists in the clinic.
Anticancer activity of Vicenin‐2 against 7,12 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐induced buccal pouch carcinoma in hamsters
Authors: Li Yijun , Zheng Yi , Wang Huibo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBuccal mucosa carcinoma is a significant cause of death in developing nations. Vicenin‐2 is a significant bioactive compound found in Ocimum sanctum Linn or Tulsi that possesses several pharmacologic properties. Our focus is to understand the possible impact of Vicenin‐2 on 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)‐induced oral carcinogenesis in hamsters. Buccal carcinoma was induced by treatment with carcinogenic DMBA, three times a week for 14 weeks. We determined 100% tumor incidence, abnormal tumor volume, inclined tumor burden, and deduced body weight in DMBA‐induced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) hamsters. The upregulation of cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐1β, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α]) was observed in DMBA‐induced OSCC hamsters. Moreover, dysplastic, hyperplastic, and squamous cell carcinoma was identified in the DMBA‐induced OSCC hamsters. The diminished activities of lipid peroxidation and enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants were observed in DMBA‐induced hamsters. Furthermore, the high expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin‐D1, and Bcl‐2, and attenuated Bax expression were observed in DMBA‐induced hamsters. Our study results explored that Vicenin‐2 (30 mg/kg) treated with DMBA‐brushed hamsters averted tumor incidence, improved the antioxidant status, and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Moreover, Vicenin‐2 inhibited the immunohistochemical expression of PCNA, Cyclin‐D1, and Bcl‐2, and significantly restored apoptotic Bax levels. The Vicenin‐2 treatment prevents the lesion formation in the oral epithelium of the DMBA‐induced hamsters. The Vicenin‐2 treatment potentially halts the proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α) production in OSCC hamsters. Thus, we proved that Vicenin‐2 prevents DMBA‐induced buccal carcinogenesis in hamsters via improving antioxidants by modulating apoptotic and cytokines signaling pathways.
Ethanol exacerbates manganese‐induced oxidative/nitrosative stress, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, nuclear factor‐κB activation, and apoptosis induction in rat cerebellar cortex
Authors: Nkpaa Kpobari W. , Owoeye Olatunde , Amadi Benjamin A. , Adedara Isaac A. , Abolaji Amos O. , Wegwu Matthew O. , Farombi Ebenezer O. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractManganese (Mn) exposure is causing public health concerns as well as heavy alcohol consumption. This study investigates the mechanisms of neurotoxicity associated with Mn and ethanol (EtOH) exposure in the rat cerebellar cortex. Experimental animals received 30 mg/kg of Mn alone, 5 g/kg of EtOH alone, co‐exposed with 30 mg/kg of Mn and 1.25 or 5 g/kg EtOH, while control animals received water by oral gavage for 35 days. Subsequently, alterations in the neuronal morphology of the cerebellar cortex, oxidative/nitrosative stress, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, neuro‐inflammation and protein expression of p53, BAX, caspase‐3, and BCL‐2 were investigated. The results indicate that Mn alone and EtOH alone induce neuronal alterations in the cerebellar cortex, decrease glutathione level and antioxidant enzyme activities, along with an increase in AChE activity, lipid peroxidation, and hydrogen peroxide generation. Mn alone and EtOH alone also increased neuro‐inflammatory markers, namely nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase activity, interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) levels in the cerebellar cortex. Immunohistochemistry analysis further revealed that exposure of Mn alone and EtOH alone increases the protein expression of cyclooxygenase‐2, BAX, p53, and caspase‐3 and decrease BCL‐2 in the rat cerebellar cortex. Furthermore, the results indicated that Mn co‐exposure with EtOH at 1.25 and 5 g/kg EtOH significantly (p ≤ .05) increases the toxicity in the cerebellum when compared with the toxicity of Mn or EtOH alone. Taken together, co‐exposure of Mn and EtOH exacerbates neuronal alterations, oxidative/nitrosative stress, AChE activity, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, NF‐κB signal transcription, and apoptosis induction in the rat cerebellar cortex.
The prognostic value of general laboratory testing in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Lv Zhihua , Wang Wei , Qiao Bin , Cui Xianghua , Feng Yong , Chen Lang , Ma Qingfeng , Liu Xinghui 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundLymphocyte count (LYM) of peripheral blood and some indices of general biochemical analysis had diagnostic and prognostic value for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and the value of other remaining indices is rare.MethodsA total of 94 patients with COVID‐19 were enrolled at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. According to the severity of COVID‐19, the patients were divided into three groups (moderate 49, severe 35, and critical 10), and 40 healthy cases were enrolled in the same period as healthy controls. The diagnostic and prognostic value of indices in peripheral blood cell count and general biochemical analysis was analyzed.ResultsCompared with healthy cases, the value differences in peripheral blood analysis in patients with COVID‐19 were statistically significant (p < 0.01), the differences in LYM, neutrophil count (Neu), platelet count (PLT), and white blood cell count (WBC) were statistically significant among different severity of COVID‐19 (p < 0.05). Compared with healthy cases, the differences in general biochemical results in patients with COVID‐19 were statistically significant (p < 0.01), the value differences in direct bilirubin (DBIL), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐Ch), and nitrogen (urea) were statistically significant among different severity of COVID‐19 (p < 0.05). Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) had higher sensitivity and specificity for COVID‐19 diagnosis.ConclusionsSome indices of peripheral blood cell count and general biochemical analysis were valuable in discriminating COVID‐19 and predicting severity and adverse outcome of patients with COVID‐19. For clinician, it is better to use more economical and easy‐to‐get indices to diagnose and predict the prognosis of COVID‐19.
Sigma metrics application for validated and non‐validated detecting systems performance assessment
Authors: Xia Yong , Li Mingyang , Li Bowen , Xue Hao , Lin Yu , Li Jie , Ji Ling 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundSigma metrics provide an objective and quantitative methodology for analytical quality evaluation of clinical laboratory. This study investigated the testing performance of validated systems and non‐validated systems based on sigma metrics, and explored the major parameters affecting the system performance.MethodsSigma metrics were evaluated by six biochemistry assays based on Beckman and Mindray validated and non‐validated systems through crossing the reagents and analyzers. Imprecision and bias were assessed for all assays based on trueness programs organized by National Centre for Clinical Laboratory. Total error allowance obtained from the Chinese Ministry of Health Clinical Laboratory Centre Industry Standard (WS/T403‐2012).ResultsThe imprecision for all systems meets the quality specifications except TP assay (2.19%) detected by Mindray non‐validated system, and the bias for four assays measured by non‐validated systems cannot fulfill the criterion, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), triglycerides (TG), and glucose (GLU). Higher biases were detected in six assays at different levels among non‐validated and validated systems. Systems performed poorly or unacceptably for TP assay with sigma metrics lower than 3 except Mindray non‐validated system. The sigma metrics for other assays with four systems were greater than 3 except the LDH evaluated on Mindray non‐validated systems.ConclusionNon‐validated systems may introduce performance uncertainty compared with validated systems based on sigma metrics evaluation, and lower bias was provided by validated systems. The performance of non‐validated systems should be evaluated thoroughly in the clinical laboratory before they were adopted for routine use.
Significance of sonographically detected bladder debris in children less than 2 years old with febrile urinary tract infection
Authors: You Sun Kyoung , Lee Jiwon M. , Lee Jeong‐Eun , Shin Kyung Sook , Lee So Mi , Cho Hyun‐Hae 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the relationship between bladder debris found on renal and bladder ultrasonography (RBUS) and the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) episode in children under 2 years old.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of children aged <2 years with the first febrile UTI. We recorded bladder debris on RBUS and other findings (blood test, urinalysis, and urine culture). Other RBUS findings (renal pelvis debris, renal parenchymal change, wall thickening, and renal collecting system [RCS] dilatation) were recorded. Patients were divided into the debris (D) and non‐D groups.ResultsOf 128 patients (boys: girls = 81:47, mean age = 5.6 ± 4.2 months), 24 (18.8%) had bladder debris. The mean C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels were higher in the D group (6.1 ± 4.0 vs 4.3 ± 3.5, P = .03). Twenty‐one patients in the D group (87.5%) had hematuria (odds ratio = 3.706, 95% confidence interval = 1.035‐13.267, P = .04). No significant differences were seen in the urine culture results between both groups. Significant associations were seen between bladder debris and other RBUS findings such as debris in renal pelvis, renal parenchymal change, and RCS wall thickening.ConclusionBladder debris on RBUS is a common finding in children aged <2 years during the first febrile UTI. Bladder debris was related to higher CRP levels, hematuria and sonographic findings, but not to urine culture results.
Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes of 4‐aminoantipyrine‐derived Schiff base. Synthesis, structural elucidation, thermal, biological studies, and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Chellaian Justin Dhanaraj , S.S Salin Raj 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Schiff base ligand was prepared from 4‐aminoantipyrine, acetamide, and m‐phenylenediamine. Metal salts used for the synthesis of these complexes are Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) acetates. The elemental analysis results are in accordance with proposed formula assigned to these complexes. In the IR spectra, the imine band is shifted to a lower wave number in the complexes. UV spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements proposed square planar geometry for Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes and tetrahedral geometry for Zn(II) complex. The grain size of the metal complexes was estimated by the Scherrer formula using powder XRD. In the present study, the ligand and its metal complexes are found to be nanocrystalline. Thermal decomposition pattern is in agreement with the proposed formula of the complexes. Irreversible redox behavior of the complex was identified by cyclic voltammetric analysis. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized complexes are high under UV‐spectra using methylene blue dye. DNA studies reveal that the synthesized complexes exhibit both DNA cleavage and DNA binding properties. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were done by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Anticancer activity shows that Cu(II) complex has the highest cytotoxic effect in SK‐MEL‐28 cell line.
Functional morphology of the glandular esophageal pouches of chitons (Mollusca, Polyplacophora)
Authors: Lobo‐da‐Cunha Alexandre , Alves Ângela , Oliveira Elsa , Calado Gonçalo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe esophageal pouches of Chaetopleura angulata and Acanthochitona fascicularis were investigated using light and transmission electron microscopy. These pouches linked to the posterior region of the esophagus are known as sugar glands as they contain a fluid rich in polysaccharide digesting enzymes. They are the second largest glands in the digestive system of chitons, just after the digestive gland. In both species, the pouches contain a dense array of finger‐shaped villi. The villi epithelium includes absorptive cells, basophilic secretory cells, mucus‐secreting cells, and basal cells. Some absorptive cells were bordered by a dense cover of long microvilli, whereas other absorptive cells had short and sparse microvilli. Absorptive cells contain several lysosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, a few small Golgi stacks, some lipid droplets, and large amounts of glycogen. The basophilic secretory cells are characterized by the presence of many electron‐dense vesicles, with a glycoprotein content, a large number of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, and a highly developed Golgi apparatus. Mucus‐secreting cells are characterized by large vesicles containing acid polysaccharides and wide Golgi stacks. Basal cells that were found at the base of the epithelium in contact with the basal lamina exhibit histological and ultrastructural features of enteroendocrine cells. We suggest that these glandular pouches are involved in extracellular and intracellular digestion, and accumulate lipid and glycogen reserves.
The impact of cytokine levels in young South African children with and without HIV‐associated acute lower respiratory infections
Authors: Annamalay Alicia A. , Abbott Salome , Khoo Siew‐Kim , Hibbert Julie , Bizzintino Joelene , Zhang Guicheng , Laing Ingrid , Currie Andrew , Le Souëf Peter N. , Green Robin J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAltered host immune responses are considered to play a key role in the pathogenesis of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI). The existing literature on cytokine responses in ALRI is largely focussed on adults from developed countries and there are few reports describing the role of cytokines in childhood ALRI, particularly in African or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected populations. To measure systemic cytokine levels in blood plasma from young South African children with and without ALRI and with and without HIV to determine associations between cytokine responses and disease status and respiratory viral identification. Blood plasma samples were collected from 106 hospitalized ALRI cases and 54 non‐ALRI controls less than 2 years of age. HIV status was determined. Blood plasma concentrations of 19 cytokines, 7 chemokines, and 4 growth factors (epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factor‐basic, hepatocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial) were measured using The Human Cytokine 30‐Plex Panel. Common respiratory viruses were identified by PCR. Mean cytokine concentrations for G‐CSF, interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐5, and MCP‐1 were significantly higher in ALRI cases than in nonrespiratory controls. Within the ALRI cases, several cytokines were higher in children with a virus compared with children without a virus. Mean cytokine concentrations for IFN‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐5, IL‐13, tumour necrosis factor‐α, and MIP‐1α were significantly lower in HIV‐infected cases than in HIV‐uninfected cases, while IP‐10 and monokine induced by interferon‐γ were significantly higher in HIV‐infected cases than in HIV‐uninfected cases. Certain cytokines are likely to play an important role in the host immune response to ALRI. HIV‐infected children have impaired inflammatory responses to respiratory infections compared with HIV‐uninfected children.
Kinetics of Adhesion Staphylococcus aureus on Glass in the Presence of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Authors: Koubali Hajar , Latrache Hassan , Zahir Hafida , El Louali Mostafa 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBacterial contamination of surfaces is a natural and spontaneous process that often results in the formation of biofilms. The extracellular matrix of biofilm is mostly composed of proteins, polysaccharides, and extracellular DNA and is responsible for the strong persistent ability of biofilm in the food industry. Despite cleaning and disinfection processes, persistent bacteria cause a major problem in food processing environments. Synthetic surfactants, mainly anionic surface‐active agent, are commonly used as detergents, foaming agents, wetting agents, emulsifiers, and dispersants. Their tendency to adsorb to surfaces and interfaces and modify their surface tension, is considered among their main properties. They also have the ability to attach to bioactive macromolecules such as proteins, peptides, and DNA causing cell membrane damage. In order to estimate the adhesion kinetic and proliferation of pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, the surface of glass was coated with anionic surfactant Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Moreover, SLS was added in suspension with the culture medium. The physicochemical properties of the material were calculated using the contact angle measurement method and bacterial hydrophobicity using the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons (MATH) test. The obtained results showed that the number of adhering cells increased gradually as a function of time. However, changing the surface properties of the glass and S. aureus has affected the rate of adherent cells with time as well as their organization. SLS inhibited the attachment of cells, whether it is added with the microbial suspension or at the surface of the support. Generally, the present article points to a relationship between the microbial adhesion, the surface chemistry of the solid material and the bacteria, and the suspension properties.
Designing for the cerium‐based conversion coating with excellent corrosion resistance on Mg–4Y–2Al magnesium alloy
Authors: Wu Xinchen , Liu Zili , Liu Xiqin , Xie Huanjian , Liu Fang , Lu Cheng , Li Jian 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe cerium salt chemical conversion baths containing KMnO4 are applied to prepare protective coatings on the WA42 alloy surface, and the effect of the concentration of KMnO4 on the microstructure and corrosion properties of the coatings is investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical tests. The results indicate that with the addition of KMnO4 to the conversion bath, the microstructure of the coating is more uniform and denser, and the coating with the KMnO4 concentration of 4 g/L (4M coating) has the most uniform microstructure with the least microcracks. The 4M coating exhibits a two‐layered structure, and it is mainly composed of MgO, Mg(OH)2, CeO2, Ce2O3, Ce(OH)3, MnO, and MnO2. In addition, as the KMnO4 concentration increases from 0 to 6 g/L, the Icorr of the coatings in 3.5% NaCl solution decreases first and then increases, and the 4M coating shows the best corrosion resistance, which should attribute to the uniform and dense microstructure.