bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Susceptibility of ten rice brands to weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and their influence on the insect and infestation rate
Authors: Okpile Chilee , Zakka Usman , Nwosu Luke Chinaru 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Susceptibility studies keep farmers, managers and household users informed and enhance breeding program’s testing against infestation and damage by storage insect pests. Therefore, laboratory tests were carried out to examine the susceptibility of ten rice brands to rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), infestation under temperature and relative humidity of 25 ± 2 °C and 75 ± 5%, respectively. The specific objectives of the study were to identify some commercially available rice brands with resistance to S. oryzae, by determining whether brand difference influences insect body weight at emergence and whether infestation is related to brand palatability and appearance. The ten brands used for the study were royale stallion, Mama royale, parboiled rice, Mama gold, white rice, Super eagle, Indian rice, champion rice, Abakiliki rice and Mama Africa, and standard methods were used to achieve the objectives. The indices measured were F1 progeny emergence, grain weight loss and frass accumulation.

Results
The results showed that Abakiliki rice was poor in both palatability and appearance, whereas Super eagle was the most palatable and white rice was visually excellent. The results further showed that no brand was resistant to infestation and damage by S. oryzae. Males that were bred on the different rice brands did not differ in weight at emergence, but the weight of females at emergence was influenced by brand difference, and this suggests that female insects are more sensitive to brand difference at weight gain.

Conclusion
Palatability and appearance were important in the susceptibility of rice brands to S. oryzae. The proliferation of diverse genotypes of rice (branded) with enhanced resistance to S. oryzae should be strongly encouraged to reduce susceptibility and increase rice security.
Computer-aided identification of a series of novel ligands showing high potency as hepatitis C virus NS3/4A protease inhibitors
Authors: Ejeh Stephen , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Abechi Stephen E. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global medical condition that causes several life-threatening chronic diseases in the liver. The conventional interferon-free treatment regimens are currently in use by a blend of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) aiming at the viral NS3 protease. However, major concerns may be the issue of DAA-resistant HCV strains and the limited availability to the DAAs due to their high price. Due to this crisis, the developments of a new molecule with high potency as an NS3/4A protease inhibitor of the hepatitis-C virus remain a high priority for medical research. This study aimed to use in-silico methods to identify high potent molecule as an NS3/4A protease inhibitor and investigating the binding energy of the identified molecule in comparison with approved direct-acting antiviral agents (Telaprevir, Simeprevir, and Voxilaprevir) through molecular docking.ResultsThe model obtained by in-silico method have the following statistical records, coefficient of determination (r2) of 0.7704, cross-validation (q2LOO = 0.6914); external test set (r2(pred) = 0.7049) andY-randomization assessment (cR2p = 0.7025). The results from the model were used to identify 12 new potential human HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors, and it was observed that the identified molecule is well-fixed when docked with the receptor and was found to have the lowest binding energy of − 10.7, compared to approved direct-acting antiviral agents (Telaprevir, Simeprevir, and Voxilaprevir) with − 9.5, − 10.0, − 10.5 binding energy, respectively.ConclusionThe binding affinity (− 10.7) of the newly identified molecule docked with 3D structures of HCV NS3/4a protease/helicase (PDB ID: 4A92) was found to be better than that of Telaprevir, Simeprevir, and Voxilaprevir (approved direct-acting antiviral agents) which are − 9.5, − 10.0, and − 10.5, respectively. Hence, a novel molecule was identified showing high potency as HCV NS3/4a protease inhibitors.
The effect of Seasonal heat stress on oxidants–antioxidants biomarkers, trace minerals and acute-phase response of peri-parturient Holstein Friesian cows supplemented with adequate minerals and vitamins with and without retained fetal membranes
Authors: Abo El-Maaty Amal M. , Aly Mohamed A. , Kotp Mohamed S. , Ali Amal H. , El Gabry Mahmoud A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The global warming has become a worldwide problem affecting adversely the human being and the productivity of the livestock. This study aimed to investigate the effect of seasonal heat stress on the incidence of retained fetal membranes, oxidant-antioxidant biomarkers, haptoglobin, mineral status, milk production, inseminations/conception, estradiol, and days open of Holstein Friesian cows raised under Egyptian environmental conditions. Blood samples were collected one week before parturition and one day after parturition from two dairy farms. Total proteins, albumin, nitric oxide (NO), glutathione reduced (GSH), haptoglobin, estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper and zinc were measured in the blood serum for cows delivered during the hot months (May to September) and the cold months (December to April).

Results
Cows delivered during the hot months had the highest prevalence of retained placenta and were older (P = 0.0001) of mean parity (4.93 ± 2.24), required more services/conception (P = 0.0001; 3.14 ± 1.20), produced higher (P = 0.0001) milk yield/Ton (8.43 ± 1.29) compared to those retained during the cold months (8.00 ± 1.03). All cows retained their placentae had low estradiol ((P = 0.0001) compared to those dropped their placenta within the same season. All cows retained their fetal membranes had high NO (P = 0.0002) but low GSH (P = 0.008), and globulin (P = 0.041). During the hot months, cows with retained placenta obtained low calcium, corrected calcium and calcium/phosphorus ratio. The type of placental drop and its interaction with season influenced (P < 0.01) services /conception, milk yield, NO, estradiol and copper.

Conclusions
The retention of fetal membranes decreased the productive and reproductive parameters and its effects deteriorated reproduction and immunological status during the hot months.
Termiticidal activity of oil from Jatropha curcas L. and Azadirachta indica A. Juss against Coptotermes sjostedti Holmgren (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Okweche Simon Idoko , Hilili Patrick Matthew , Ekoja Edache Ernest 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Coptotermes sjostedti Holmgren (Isoptera:Rhinotermitidae) is one of the major termite species found infesting woods and other plant materials in Africa. Bioassays were carried out at the Arboretum of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Nigeria to investigate the effect of oils from the kernel of Jatropha curcas L. and Azadirachta indica oils A. Juss against the African subterranean termite (Coptotermes sjostedti Holmgren). Treatments comprised of the plant oils and Solignum (a synthetic termiticide, serving as positive control) applied at the rate of 5, 10 and 15 mL per 100 cm3 of the wood from seven plant species. Untreated woods also served as control. Seven wood species were placed in a test arena and artificially infested with 50 termites per unit. The setup was a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Data on termite mortality and wood weight loss were recorded.

Results
The use of 10 and 15 mL of J. curcas oil caused more than 90% mortality of C. sjostedti, after 96 h, kept wood consumption by the insect below 6.0% after 3 months, and these outcomes were similar to that of Solignum at the same concentrations. About 35.0–65.2% reduction in weight was observed among untreated woods from the tested woods, indicating their susceptibility to C. sjostedti attacks. Correlation analysis shows a significant (r > − 0.900; P < 0.0001) negative association between termite mortality and the rate of wood consumption.

Conclusion
The use of J. curcas oil at 10 mL per 100 cm3 of wood could be a potent alternative to Solignum for the control of C. sjostedti.
The intestinal microbial composition in Greylag geese differs with steatosis induction mode: spontaneous or induced by overfeeding
Authors: Knudsen Christelle , Arroyo Julien , Even Maxime , Cauquil Laurent , Pascal Géraldine , Fernandez Xavier , Lavigne Franck , Davail Stéphane , Combes Sylvie , Ricaud Karine 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Relationships between microbial composition and steatosis are being extensively studied in mammals, and causal relations have been evidenced. In migratory birds the liver can transiently store lipids during pre-migratory and migratory phases, but little is known about the implications of the digestive microbiota in those mechanisms. The Landaise greylag goose (Anser anser) is a good model to study steatosis in migratory birds as it is domesticated, but is still, from a genetic point of view, close to its wild migratory ancestor. It also has a great ingestion capacity and a good predisposition for hepatic steatosis, whether spontaneous or induced by conventional overfeeding. The conventional (overfeeding) and alternative (spontaneous steatosis induction) systems differ considerably in duration and feed intake level and previous studies have shown that aptitudes to spontaneous steatosis are very variable. The present study thus aimed to address two issues: (i) evaluate whether microbial composition differs with steatosis-inducing mode; (ii) elucidate whether a digestive microbial signature could be associated with variable aptitudes to spontaneous liver steatosis.

Results
Performances, biochemical composition of the livers and microbiota differed considerably in response to steatosis stimulation. We namely identified the genus Romboutsia to be overrepresented in birds developing a spontaneous steatosis in comparison to those submitted to conventional overfeeding while the genera Ralstonia, Variovorax and Sphingomonas were underrepresented only in birds that did not develop a spontaneous steatosis compared to conventionally overfed ones, birds developing a spontaneous steatosis having intermediate values. Secondly, no overall differences in microbial composition were evidenced in association with variable aptitudes to spontaneous steatosis, although one OTU, belonging to the Lactobacillus genus, was overrepresented in birds having developed a spontaneous steatosis compared to those that had not.

Conclusions
Our study is the first to evaluate the intestinal microbial composition in association with steatosis, whether spontaneous or induced by overfeeding, in geese. Steatosis induction modes were associated with distinct digestive microbial compositions. However, unlike what can be observed in mammals, no clear microbial signature associated with spontaneous steatosis level was identified.
Signatures of landscape and captivity in the gut microbiota of Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats (Lasiorhinus latifrons)
Authors: Eisenhofer Raphael , Helgen Kristofer M. , Taggart David 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Herbivorous mammals co-opt microbes to derive energy and nutrients from diets that are recalcitrant to host enzymes. Recent research has found that captive management—an important conservation tool for many species—can alter the gut microbiota of mammals. Such changes could negatively impact the ability of herbivorous mammals to derive energy from their native diets, and ultimately reduce host fitness. To date, nothing is known of how captivity influences the gut microbiota of the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (SHNW), a large herbivorous marsupial that inhabits South Australia. Here, using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we characterized the faecal microbiota of SHNWs in captivity and from three wild populations, two from degraded habitats and one from an intact native grass habitat.

Results
We found that captive SHNWs had gut microbiota that were compositionally different and less diverse compared to wild SHNWs. There were major differences in gut microbiota community membership between captive and wild animals, both in statistically significant changes in relative abundance of microbes, and in the presence/absence of microbes. We also observed differences in microbial composition between wild populations, with the largest difference associated with native vs. degraded habitat.

Conclusions
These results suggest that captivity has a major impact on the gut microbiota of SHNWs, and that different wild populations harbour distinct microbial compositions. Such findings warrant further work to determine what impacts these changes have on the fitness of SHNWs, and whether they could be manipulated to improve future management of the species.
Could insulin receptor H1085H C > T single nucleotide polymorphism predict insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic and chronic hepatitis C virus patients in Egypt?
Authors: Bedair Rania Nabil , Magour Gehan M. , Ooda Said Ahmed , Amar Eman M. , Awad Ahmed Mostafa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Insulin-receptor (INSR) is an α2β2 heterotetramer disulfide-linked trans-membrane glycoprotein and a family member of tyrosine kinase receptors. It mediates the pleiotropic actions of insulin regulating glucose homeostasis. It is encoded by a single gene: INSR gene. The INSR gene comprises 22 exons. Exons 17–22 encode the tyrosine kinase domain, and mutations in this region impair the function of the insulin receptor that may cause insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia. Single nucleotide polymorphism with C > T substitution at His 1058 position of INSR (rs 1799817) located in exon 17 was considered to be involved in insulin resistance. Insulin receptor might be counter-regulated by degradation, differential expression, or modification by phosphorylation in cells expressing HCV core protein. HCV infection eventually leads to liver steatosis and fibrosis, increased oxidative stress, and peroxidation, all of which trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses, thus contributing to the development of insulin resistance. The present retrospective case-control aimed to study INSR H1085H C > T (rs 1799817) SNP in Egyptian patients suffering from chronic HCV infection with DM. The current study was conducted on two hundred and two participants of 100 males and 102 females, divided as follows: the control group (group I) included 50 apparently healthy volunteers of comparable age, sex, and socioeconomic status as patients groups, group II included 50 type 2 DM patients without HCV infection, group III included 52 chronic HCV infected patients without DM, and group IV included 50 HCV patients with DM.

Results
HOMA-IR and QUICKI index was significantly higher in the patient groups (groups II, III, and IV) than in controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.019, and P < 0.001, respectively). It was significantly lower in patients of group III than in patients of groups II and IV with P < 0.001 for both. DM patient group without HCV infection (group II) and HCV with DM (group IV) showed a significant decrease in CC genotypes and a significant increase in TT genotypes than the controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.018, respectively). HCV patients with DM (group IV) had the highest frequency of heterozygous genotype (CT) (50%). HCV-infected patients with T2DM (group IV) also showed a significantly higher frequency of minor allele (T) (35%) than controls (20%), and a lower frequency of the wild allele (C) (65%) than controls (80%).

Conclusion
The mutant allele “T” of INSR H1085H C > T (rs 1799817) SNP might be associated with an increased risk of developing insulin resistance and T2DM.
Stabilization of inter-area oscillations in two-area test system via centralized interval type-2 fuzzy-based dynamic brake control
Authors: Fayez Mohamed , Mandor Mohamed , El-Hadidy Mohamed , Bendary Fahmy 
Published: January 2021

AbstractInter-area oscillations are, by far, the most detrimental oscillation category to the integrity of synchronously interconnected power systems. Inter-area oscillations are characterized by the inherent weak damping. The inherent poor damping associated with the inter-area oscillations leaves open wide probabilities for irrevocable widespread blackouts with the consequent eventual devastating outcomes measured in terms of the huge economic casualties and the possible human fatalities. The main purpose of this work is to mitigate inter-area power oscillations. This article explores the effectiveness of dual thyristor controlled braking resistor units with Interval Type-2 fuzzy-based centralized architecture for neutralizing the jeopardy of inter-area power oscillations in Kundur’s two-area test system using MATLAB™/Simulink environment. The effectiveness of the proposed scheme is examined by considering four case studies with different degrees of severity. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme is simple yet effective in treating the inter-area oscillations appropriately under the considered case studies.
The complex three-dimensional organization of epithelial tissues
Authors: Gómez-Gálvez Pedro , Vicente-Munuera Pablo , Anbari Samira , Buceta Javier , Escudero Luis M. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the cellular organization of tissues is key to developmental biology. In order to deal with this complex problem, researchers have taken advantage of reductionist approaches to reveal fundamental morphogenetic mechanisms and quantitative laws. For epithelia, their two-dimensional representation as polygonal tessellations has proved successful for understanding tissue organization. Yet, epithelial tissues bend and fold to shape organs in three dimensions. In this context, epithelial cells are too often simplified as prismatic blocks with a limited plasticity. However, there is increasing evidence that a realistic approach, even from a reductionist perspective, must include apico-basal intercalations (i.e. scutoidal cell shapes) for explaining epithelial organization convincingly. Here, we present an historical perspective about the tissue organization problem. Specifically, we analyze past and recent breakthroughs, and discuss how and why simplified, but realistic, in silico models require scutoidal features to address key morphogenetic events.
A muscle growth-promoting treatment based on the attenuation of activin/myostatin signalling results in long-term testicular abnormalities
Authors: Vaughan Danielle , Mitchell Robert , Kretz Oliver , Chambers David , Lalowski Maciej , Amthor Helge , Ritvos Olli , Pasternack Arja , Matsakas Antonios , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Huber Tobias B. , Denecke Bernd , Mukherjee Abir , Widera Darius , Patel Ketan 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Activin/myostatin signalling acts to induce skeletal muscle atrophy in adult mammals by inhibiting protein synthesis as well as promoting protein and organelle turnover. Numerous strategies have been successfully developed to attenuate the signalling properties of these molecules, which result in augmenting muscle growth. However, these molecules, in particular activin, play major roles in tissue homeostasis in numerous organs of the mammalian body. We have recently shown that although the attenuation of activin/myostatin results in robust muscle growth, it also has a detrimental impact on the testis. Here, we aimed to discover the long-term consequences of a brief period of exposure to muscle growth-promoting molecules in the testis. We demonstrate that muscle hypertrophy promoted by a soluble activin type IIB ligand trap (sActRIIB) is a short-lived phenomenon. In stark contrast, short-term treatment with sActRIIB results in immediate impact on the testis, which persists after the sessions of the intervention. Gene array analysis identified an expansion in aberrant gene expression over time in the testis, initiated by a brief exposure to muscle growth-promoting molecules. The impact on the testis results in decreased organ size as well as quantitative and qualitative impact on sperm. Finally, we have used a drug-repurposing strategy to exploit the gene expression data to identify a compound – N6-methyladenosine – that may protect the testis from the impact of the muscle growth-promoting regime. This work indicates the potential long-term harmful effects of strategies aimed at promoting muscle growth by attenuating activin/myostatin signalling. Furthermore, we have identified a molecule that could, in the future, be used to overcome the detrimental impact of sActRIIB treatment on the testis.
Predictors of COVID-19 severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mudatsir Mudatsir , Fajar Jonny Karunia , Wulandari Laksmi , Soegiarto Gatot , Ilmawan Muhammad , Purnamasari Yeni , Mahdi Bagus Aulia , Jayanto Galih Dwi , Suhendra Suhendra , Setianingsih Yennie Ayu , Hamdani Romi , Suseno Daniel Alexander , Agustina Kartika , Naim Hamdan Yuwafi , Muchlas Muchamad , Alluza Hamid Hunaif Dhofi , Rosida Nikma Alfi , Mayasari Mayasari , Mustofa Mustofa , Hartono Adam , Aditya Richi , Prastiwi Firman , Meku Fransiskus Xaverius , Sitio Monika , Azmy Abdullah , Santoso Anita Surya , Nugroho Radhitio Adi , Gersom Camoya , Rabaan Ali A. , Masyeni Sri , Nainu Firzan , Wagner Abram L. , Dhama Kuldeep , Harapan Harapan 
Published: January 2021

Background: The unpredictability of the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be attributed to the low precision of the tools used to predict the prognosis of this disease. Objective: To identify the predictors associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Methods: Relevant articles from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched as of April 5, 2020. The quality of the included papers was appraised using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Data of interest were collected and evaluated for their compatibility for the meta-analysis. Cumulative calculations to determine the correlation and effect estimates were performed using the Z test. Results: In total, 19 papers recording 1,934 mild and 1,644 severe cases of COVID-19 were included. Based on the initial evaluation, 62 potential risk factors were identified for the meta-analysis. Several comorbidities, including chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were observed more frequent among patients with severe COVID-19 than with the mild ones. Compared to the mild form, severe COVID-19 was associated with symptoms such as dyspnea, anorexia, fatigue, increased respiratory rate, and high systolic blood pressure. Lower levels of lymphocytes and hemoglobin; elevated levels of leukocytes, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, high-sensitivity troponin, creatine kinase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, and procalcitonin; and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate were also associated with severe COVID-19. Conclusion: More than 30 risk factors are associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19. These may serve as useful baseline parameters in the development of prediction tools for COVID-19 prognosis.