bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolutionary fate of rpl32 and rps16 losses in the Euphorbia schimperi (Euphorbiaceae) plastome
Authors: Alqahtani Aldanah , Jansen Robert 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Gene transfers from mitochondria and plastids to the nucleus are an important process in the evolution of the eukaryotic cell. Plastid (pt) gene losses have been documented in multiple angiosperm lineages and are often associated with functional transfers to the nucleus or substitutions by duplicated nuclear genes targeted to both the plastid and mitochondrion. The plastid genome sequence of Euphorbia schimperi was completed and losses of rpl32, rps16 and infA genes were detected. The nuclear transcriptome of E. schimperi was sequenced to investigate the transfer/substitution of the rpl32 and rps16 genes to the nucleus. Transfer of plastid-encoded rpl32 to the nucleus was identified previously in three families of Malpighiales, Rhizophoraceae, Salicaceae and Passifloraceae. An E. schimperi transcript of pt SOD-1-RPL32 confirmed that the transfer in Euphorbiaceae is similar to other Malpighiales indicating that it occurred early in the divergence of the order. Ribosomal protein S16 (rps16) is encoded in the plastome in most angiosperms but not in Salicaceae and Passifloraceae. Substitution of the E. schimperi pt rps16 was likely due to a duplication of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial-targeted rps16 resulting in copies dually targeted to the mitochondrion and plastid. Sequences of RPS16-1 and RPS16-2 in the three families of Malpighiales (Salicaceae, Passifloraceae and Euphorbiaceae) have high sequence identity suggesting that the substitution event dates to the early divergence of Malpighiales.
On the shape and structure of the murine pulmonary heart valve
Authors: Liu Yifei , Feng Xinzeng , Liu Hao , McComb David , Breuer Christopher , Sacks Michael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Murine animal models are an established standard in translational research and provides a potential platform for studying heart valve disease. To date, studies on heart valve disease using murine models have been hindered by a lack of appropriate methodologies due to their small scale. In the present study, we developed a multi-scale, imaging-based approach to extract the functional structure and geometry for the murine heart valve. We chose the pulmonary valve (PV) to study, due to its importance in congenital heart valve disease. Excised pulmonary outflow tracts from eleven 1-year old C57BL/6J mice were fixed at 10, 20, and 30 mmHg to simulate physiological loading. Micro-computed tomography was used to reconstruct the 3D organ-level PV geometry, which was then spatially correlated with serial en-face scanning electron microscopy imaging to quantify local collagen fiber distributions. From the acquired volume renderings, we obtained the geometric descriptors of the murine PV under increasing transvalvular pressures, which demonstrated remarkable consistency. We also observed that the preferred collagen orientation was predominantly in the circumferential direction, as in larger mammalian valves. The present study represents a first step in establishing organ-level murine models for the study of heart valve disease.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Iranian Wild Blackberry Species Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) Markers
Authors: Gharaghani Ali , Garazhian Mehdi , Eshghi Saeid , Tahmasebi Ahmad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study was carried out to estimate the genetic diversity and relationships of 74 Iranian blackberry genotypes assigned to 5 different species using inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) marker analysis and morphological trait characterization. Sixteen traits including phenological, vegetative and reproductive attributes were recorded, and 10 ISSR primers were screened. Results showed that yield and leaf width have the highest and lowest genetic diversity, (diversity index = 62.57 and 13.74), respectively. Flowering and ripening date recorded as traits having the strongest correlations (r = 0.98). The selected 10 ISSR primers produced a total of 161 amplified fragments (200 to 3500 bp) of which 113 were polymorphic. The highest, lowest and average PIC values were 0.53, 0.38 and 0.44, respectively. Principle component analysis (PCA) based on morphological traits showed that the first six components explained 84.9% of the variations of traits studied, whilst the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) based on ISSR data implied the first eight principal coordinates explained 67.06% of the total variation. Cluster analysis based on morphological traits and ISSR data classified all genotypes into two and three major groups, respectively, and the distribution pattern of genotypes was mainly based on species and the geographic origins.
Three-Dimensional Quantitative Measurement of Buccal Augmented Tissue After MCAT Technique With SCTG: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Case Series
Authors: Xue Fei , Zhang Rui , Cai Yu , Zhang Yong , Kang Ni , Luan Qingxian 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study to investigate three-dimensional quantitative analysis buccal augmented tissue alterations after modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique combined with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) within 1-year based on intraoral scanning.Methods: 25 Cairo class I gingival recession defects were treated by MCAT technique with SCTG. Two examiners performed digital three-dimensional measurements, including the preoperative gingival recession height (GH), width (GW) and root exposed area (REA), postoperative gingival height gain (HG), area gain (AG), volume gain (VG) and mean thickness gain (MTG) of region of interest (ROI). Then, dynamic alterations of ROI and buccal tissue at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 1-year post-op were analysis. Results: Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) showed almost perfect inter-examiner reliability for digital measurement (ICC > 0.89). Postoperative HG, AG, VG and MTG were encountered distinct at 2 weeks post-op, then gradually decreased. At 1-year, AG, VG and MTG were 7.614 ± 2.511mm2, 7.690 ± 4.335mm3 and 0.965±0.372mm, respectively. Significant decreases were recorded between 6 weeks and 1-year in terms of HG, AG and VG. The MTG was sustained after 6 weeks with an increase of nearly 1mm at 1-year.Conclusions: Digital measurement by intraoral scanning offered an advantage of clinically feasible, non-invasive and reliable evaluation method for achieving volumetric outcomes after periodontal plastic surgery. Augmented tissue acquired by MCAT with SCTG tends to be stable after 3 months post-op.Trial registration：This study was retrospectively registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1900026768. Date of registration: 21/10/2019.
METTL3-mediated M6a Modification Regulates Cell Cycle Progression of Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Luo Haiyun , Liu Wenjing , Zhang Yanli , Jiang Xiao , Wu Shiqing , Shao Longquan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) exhibited self-renewal, pluripotency capacity and served as promising cells source in endodontic regeneration and tissue engineering. Meanwhile, the regenerative capacity of DPSCs is limited and reduced in long lifespan. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent, reversible internal modification in RNAs. The methyltransferases complex and demethylases mediated m6A methylation and cooperated to impact various biological processes associated with stem cell fate determination. However, the biological effect of m6A methylation in DPSCs remained unclear. Methods: Cell surface markers and differentiation potential of primary DPSCs were identified and m6A immunoprecipitation with deep sequencing (m6A RIP-seq) was used to uncover characteristics of m6A modifications in DPSCs transcriptome. Expression level of m6A-related genes were evaluated in immature/mature pulp tissues and cells. Lentiviral vectors were constructed to knockdown or overexpress methyltransferase like 3 (METTL3). Cell morphology, viability, senescence and apoptosis were further analyzed by β-galactosidase, TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. Bioinformatic analysis combing m6A RIP and shMETTL3 RNA-seq was used to functionally enrich overlapped genes and screen target of METTL3. Cell cycle distributions were assayed by flow cytometry and m6A RIP-qPCR was used to confirm METTL3 mediated m6A methylation in DPSCs. Results: Here, m6A peaks distribution, binding area and motif in DPSCs were first revealed by m6A RIP-seq. We also found a relative high expression level of METTL3 in immature DPSCs with superior regenerative potential and METTL3 knockdown induced cell apoptosis and senescence. Furthermore, Conjoint analysis of m6A RIP and RNA-sequencing showed differentially expressed genes affected by METTL3 depletion was mainly enriched in cell cycle, mitosis and alteration of METTL3 expression resulted in cell cycle arrest which indicated METTL3 make essential effect in cell cycle control. To further investigate underlying mechanisms, we explored proteins interaction network of differentially expressed genes and Polo-like Kinase 1 (PLK1), a critical cycle modulator was identified as target of METTL3-mediated m6A methylation in DPSCs. Conclusions: These results revealed m6A methylated hallmarks in DPSCs and a regulatory role of METTL3 in cell cycle control. Our study shed light on therapeutic approaches in vital pulp therapy and serve new insight in stem cells based tissue engineering.
Robust Expansion and Functional Maturation of Human Hepatoblasts by Chemical Strategy
Authors: Pan Tingcai , Tao Jiawang , Chen Yan , Zhang Jiaye , Getachew Anteneh , Zhuang Yuanqi , Wang Ning , Xu Yingying , Tan Shenglin , Fang Ji , Yang Fan , Lin Xianhua , You Kai , Gao Yi , Li Yin-xiong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Chemically strategies to generate hepatic cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) for the potential clinical application have been improved. However, producing high quality and large quantities of hepatic cells remain challenging, especially in terms of step-wise efficacy and cost-effective production requires more improvements. Methods: Here, we systematically evaluated chemical compounds for hepatoblasts (HBs) expansion and maturation to establish a robust, cost-effective and reproducible methodology for self-renewal HBs and functional hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) production. Results: The established chemical cocktail could enable HBs to proliferate nearly 3000 folds within 3 weeks with preserved bipotency. Moreover, those expanded HBs could be further efficiently differentiated into homogenous HLCs displayed typical morphologic and functionality as mature hepatocytes, including hepatocyte identity markers expression and key functional activities such as cytochrome P450 metabolism activities and urea secretion. Importantly, the transplanted HBs in injured liver of immune-defect mice differentiated as hepatocytes, engraft and repopulate in the injured loci of the recipient liver. Conclusion: Together, this chemical compound based HLCs generation method presents an efficient and cost-effective platform for the large-scale production of functional human hepatic cells for cell-based therapy and drug discovery application.
Networks to strengthen community social capital for suicide prevention in regional Australia: The LifeSpan Suicide Prevention Initiative
Authors: Long Janet C. , Ruane Colum , Ellis Louise A. , Lake Rebecca , Roux Anneke Le , Testa Luke , Shand Fiona , Torok Michelle , Zurynski Yvonne 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLifeSpan is a recently implemented suicide prevention initiative developed by the Black Dog Institute that draws upon nine evidence-based community-wide prevention strategies. We examined how the implementation of LifeSpan used the strategy of forming a suicide prevention Collaborative group (The Collaborative) at each site. We evaluated how this had affected the social capital of the community and the effectiveness of the group through the growth of the key stakeholders’ socio-professional network. MethodsThis was a mixed methods study. Participants were The Collaborative and working group members at four sites implementing the LifeSpan initiative in New South Wales. Quantitative social network data was collected through an online survey and qualitative data through focus groups with The Collaborative members and interviews with LifeSpan Coordinators.ResultsThere was clear quantitative evidence of increased engagement across key stakeholders in the region, who were not previously working together. This extended beyond the formal structure of The Collaborative. LifeSpan Coordinators were empirically identified as key players in the networks. Benefits of this collaborative approach included greater capacity to run activities, better communication between groups, identification of “who’s who” locally, improvement in the integration of priorities, services and activities, and personal support for previously isolated members. It was noted that the LifeSpan Coordinators were key to the smooth running of The Collaborative and its resulting combined effort, but this may represent a risk to its sustainability if they left. The model of collaboration that suited metropolitan sites was seen as difficult to sustain in one rural site but gains at this site were seen in better coordinated postvention efforts. Engagement was difficult with some clinically based services at some sites.ConclusionLifeSpan Coordinators were noted to be exceptional people that magnified the benefits of collaboration. Geographic proximity was also seen as a potent driver of social capital. Initial engagement with local stakeholders was seen as essential but time consuming (and “invisible”) work in the implementation phase.
A Global Measure of Patient-reported Outcomes After Injury – Life Back on Track
Authors: Chen Gang , Woode Maame Esi , Sia Kah Ling , Ellis Nina , Citroen Cassie , Harris Anthony 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The study assessed the psychometric properties of the Life Back on Track (LBoT) measure, a new self-reported single-item global measure of the trajectory of wellbeing after a transport accident. Methods The data come from four waves of the Transport Accident Commission Longitudinal Study (n=1,556 in wave 1), and two repeated cross-sectional surveys– a Client Outcome Survey (n=5,238) and a Client Experience Survey (n=1,964) of individuals injured in a transport accident in Victoria. The conceptual basis of the measure was confirmed in a qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses. The psychometric performance of the measure, including known-groups validity, test-retest reliability, sensitivity, and responsiveness was investigated. Results The LBoT measure was found to have a conceptual basis of recovery towards a normal life with domains of independence, control, happiness, work, social life, pain, physical function, cognitive function, work and leisure activities, income, anxiety, and depression. There were significant differences in the distribution of the LBoT scores based on the respondent’s depression, pain, return to work status, financial ability to get by, ability to cope, and ability to bounce back. The LBoT measure was a reasonable predictor of future work status and was moderately responsive to change. Conclusions LBoT is a valid measure to track the individual’s trajectory of subjective wellbeing in the context of recovery after a trauma, and it covers wider concepts than health-related quality of life. For use as a performance or tracking measure, however, further evidence is needed on its responsiveness.
Enzalutamide, a prostate cancer therapeutic, downregulates TMPRSS2 in lung and reduces cellular entry of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Leach D. A. , Mohr A. , Giotis E. S. , Isac A. M. , Yates L. L. , Barclay W. S. , Zwacka R. M. , Bevan C. L. , Brooke G. N. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, attacks various organs but most destructively the lung. It has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 entry into lung cells requires two host cell surface proteins: ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Downregulation of one or both of these is thus a potential therapeutic approach for COVID-19. TMPRSS2 is a known target of the androgen receptor, a ligand-activated transcription factor; activation of the androgen receptor increases TMPRSS2 levels in various tissues, most notably the prostate. We show here that treatment with the antiandrogen enzalutamide – a well-tolerated drug widely used in advanced prostate cancer – reduces TMPRSS2 levels in human lung cells. Further, enzalutamide treatment of mice dramatically decreased Tmprss2 levels in the lung. To determine therapeutic potential, we assessed uptake of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein pseudotyped lentivirus and live SARS-CoV-2 into human lung cells and saw a significant reduction in viral entry and infection upon treatment with the antiandrogens enzalutamide and bicalutamide. In support of this new experimental data, analysis of existing datasets shows striking co-expression of AR and TMPRSS2, including in specific lung cell types that are targeted by SARS-CoV-2. Together, the data presented provides strong evidence to support clinical trials to assess the efficacy of antiandrogens as a treatment option for COVID-19.
Determinants of uptake of malaria preventive interventions among pregnant women in eastern Uganda
Authors: Wafula Solomon Tsebeni , Mendoza Hilbert , Nalugya Aisha , Musoke David , Waiswa Peter 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundConsistent use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) have been recommended as cost-effective interventions for malaria prevention during pregnancy in endemic areas. However, the coverage of these interventions during pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa is still suboptimal. This study aimed to determine the uptake of IPTp and ITNs and associated factors among women during their recent pregnancy in Eastern Uganda. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among 2,062 women who had delivered within the last 12 months prior to the start of the study in three districts of Eastern Uganda. The primary outcomes were consistent ITN use and optimal uptake (at least 3 doses) of IPTp. A modified Poisson regression was used to examine the association between consistent ITN use and the uptake of optimal doses of IPTp with independent variables. Data were analysed using Stata 14 software.Results The level of uptake of IPTp3 (at least three doses) was 14.7 %, while IPTp2 (at least two doses) was 60.0%. The majority (86.4%) of mothers reported regularly sleeping under mosquito nets for the full duration of pregnancy. Uptake of IPTp3 was associated with engaging in farming (adjusted PR = 1.71, 95% CI [1.28 – 2.28]) or business (adjusted PR = 1.60, 95% CI [1.05 – 2.44]), and attending at least 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits (adjusted PR = 1.72, 95%CI [1.34 – 2.22]). On the other hand, consistent ITN use was associated with belonging to the fourth wealth quintile (adjusted PR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.02 – 1.14]) or fifth wealth quintile (adjusted PR = 1.08, 95% CI [1.02- 1.15]), and attending at least 4 ANC visits (adjusted PR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.03- 1.11]). Conclusion Uptake of IPTp3 and consistent ITN use during pregnancy were lower and higher than the current Ugandan national targets, respectively. Study findings highlight the need for more efforts to enhance utilization of ANC services, which is likely to increase the uptake of these two key malaria preventive measures during pregnancy.
Citizens’ Expectations from Government in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Authors: Zarei Leila , Shahabi Saeed , Sadati Ahmad Kalateh , Tabrizi Reza , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The government is the main body in charge of controlling epidemics; hence, expectations from government’s intention and capacity would affect citizens’ behavior and flexibility. Given the severity of COVID-19 pandemic and an urgent need for people's cooperation in the prevention and combat processes, understanding the public perspectives would be crucial and instructive. This study aimed to explore such perspectives towards the current pandemic among the Iranian. Indeed, we sought to provide a favorable platform for effective policies in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic by recognizing public expectations.Methods: This cross sectional study used an open-ended online questionnaire to investigate the common perspectives of the Iranian towards government’s response to COVID-19 pandemic. The participants were selected using snowball and convenient sampling techniques across the country. The collected data were analyzed and described using thematic content analysis. Results: In general, 2547 participants agreed to participate in this study and completed the online questionnaire. According to the findings, the Iranian exhibited several expectations regarding the government's response to COVID-19 pandemic, based on which three main themes were extracted: (1) health-related expectations, (2) policy-related expectations, and (3) mass media-related expectations. In this study, a majority of the participants highlighted the need to consider and follow-up the patients and their families, provide financial and hygiene support during the pandemic, apply strict restrictions, and have close monitoring and controlling procedures. Furthermore, they mentioned that authorities and news agencies should observe honesty and transparency principals. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that people expect the government and other responsible institutions to minimize the burden of this pandemic on them through adopting effective policies. The study findings could help policy-makers become aware of people's expectations and develop better strategies.
Evaluation of Right Myocardial Performance Index of In Vitro Fertilization Fetuses and Spontaneous Pregnancy Fetuses:A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen Shaoqi , Zhuang Zemin , Chen Qingzi , Du Xiya , Tan Xuerui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background Whether the in vitro fertilization (IVF) has an effect on the cardiac function of the fetus is very important to evaluate the safety of the technique. The aim of this paper is to establish normal reference range for the fetal right myocardial performance index (RMPI), and compare the reference range between IVF fetuses and spontaneous pregnancy (SP) fetuses by automatic measurement of the RMPI.Methods 371 spontaneous singleton pregnancies (the control group) and 39 singleton pregnancies conceived by IVF (the experimental group) were enrolled into the current study. An automatic measurement system was used to acquire the RMPI. The cardiac function of the two groups was compared by t-test. Results There was no significant difference in normal reference range of RMPI between IVF fetuses and SP fetuses (RMPI 0.42 ±0.05 vs 0.43±0.05). No strong correlation was also noted between RMPI with gestational age and heart rate.Conclusions Normal reference ranges of RMPI of IVF fetuses and SP fetuses were established, and no significant difference between IVF fetuses and SP fetuses in RMPI was found.