bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure and diversity of native bacterial communities in soils contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: Zenteno-Rojas Adalberto , Martínez-Romero Esperanza , Castañeda-Valbuena Daniel , Rincón-Molina Clara Ivette , Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor Manuel , Meza-Gordillo Rocio , Villalobos-Maldonado Juan José , Vences-Guzman Miguel Ángel , Rincón-Rosales Reiner 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of high-risk synthetic substances for human and environmental health. Currently, the study of sites contaminated by the spillage of equipment PCBs containing have been considered targeted areas for the study of bacterial communities with potential for PCBs degradation. There in isolation of bacterial strains is vital for use in biodegradable processes, such as bacterial bioaugmentation, which accelerates the development of phenomena such as natural attenuation of contaminated sites. The objective of this study was to assess biodiversity of bacteria contained in anthropogenic contaminated soils (HS and HP) with PCBs compared to a control sample without contaminant and the modified forest (F) and agricultural (A) soil in the laboratory with 100 mg L-1 PCB. For the analysis of 16S rRNA genes amplified from DNA extracted from the soils evaluated, the latest generation of Illumina Miseq and Sanger sequencing for the cultivable strains were detected. The bacteria identified as the most abundant bacterial phyla for HS and HP soil was Proteobacteria (56.7%) and Firmicutes (22.9%), which decreased in F and A soils. The most abundant bacterial genera were Burkholderia, Bacillus, Acinetobacter, Comamonas and Cupriavidus. Several species identified in this study, such as Bacillus cereus, Burkholderia cepacia, Comamonas testosteroni and Acinetobacter pittii have been reported as PCBs degraders. Finally, by means of a principal component analysis (PCA), a correlation between the physical and chemical characteristics of the soils in relation to the relative abundances of the bacteria identified was obtained. The C/N ratio was directly related to the control soil (without contaminant), while SOM maintained a relationship with F and A soils and the bacterial abundances were directly related to Hs and Hp soils due to the presence of aroclor 1260. Bacteria with the ability to tolerate high concentrations of this pollutant are considered for future use in biostimulation and bioaugmentation processes in contaminated soils.
Cyanobacterial taxonomy, metabolism, and cyanophage association in dark and anoxic sediment
Authors: Broman Elias , Holmfeldt Karin , Bonaglia Stefano , Hall Per OJ , Nascimento Francisco JA 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundCyanobacteria are photosynthetic ancient bacteria ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Even though they carry a photosynthesis apparatus they are known to survive in dark environments. Cyanophages are viruses that infect and lyse cyanobacterial cells, adding bioavailable carbon and nutrients into the environment. Here we present the first study that investigate the metabolic spectrum of cyanobacteria in dark and anoxic environments, as well as their associated cyanophages. We sampled surface sediments during April 2018 located along a water depth gradient of 60–210 m—representing oxic, hypoxic and anoxic conditions—in the largest dead zone in the world (Baltic Sea). We combined metagenomic and RNA-seq to investigate cyanobacterial taxonomy, activity and their associated cyanophages.ResultsCyanobacteria were detected at all four stations (n = 3 per station) along the sampled gradient, including the anoxic sediment. Top genera in the anoxic sediment included Anabaena (19% RNA data), Synechococcus (16%), and Cyanobium (5%). The mRNA data showed that cyanobacteria were surviving through i) anaerobic carbon metabolism indicated by glycolysis plus fatty acid biosynthesis, and ii) nitrogen (N2) fixation (likely by heterocystous Anabaena). Interestingly, in the mRNA data cyanobacteria were also transcribing photosynthesis, phytochromes, and gas vesicle genes. Cyanophages were detected at all stations, and compared to the oxic sediment had a different beta diversity in the hypoxic-anoxic sediment. Moreover, our results show that these cyanophages can infect cyanobacteria affecting the photosystem and phosphate regulation.ConclusionsCyanobacteria were found to transcribe genes for photosynthesis, phytochromes, and gas vesicles and this suggests that cyanobacteria try to ascend to the surface waters. The difference in cyanophage beta diversity between oxic and hypoxic-anoxic sediment suggests that anaerobic cyanobacteria select for specific cyanophages. Cyanobacteria are known to fuel oxygen depleted benthic ecosystems with phosphorous (so called internal loading), and our study suggests that cyanophage-controlled lysis of cyanobacteria likely provides a source of nitrogen. Our results suggest that cyanobacteria might also provide nutrients via N2 fixation and viral lysis in dark and anoxic environments.
Clinical experience of Umbilical Cord cysts from a Chinese single centre
Authors: Zaigui Wu , Minyue Dong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this series was to guide the prenatal management of umbilical cord cysts by summarizing their clinical datas.MethodsA retrospected study from Jan 2012 to May 2019 was conducted in our centre from Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. Clinical datas and pregnancy outcomes of women with umbilical cord cysts were reviewed from the hospital’s electronic record and descriptive information about the umbilical cord cysts were depicted from both the sonograms and macrography.ResultsTwenty-eight women were diagnosed with umbilical cord cysts during the last six years,of whom only three had therapeutic abortion for fetal malformations and twenty-three were diagnosed between 12 + and 38 + gestational week(GW). Eight had only maternal serum screening, six had non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) directly and six had both tests. Three had karyotype analysis while five cases had no record.With maternal serum screening,one had high risk and the other one had middle risk and they both further had NIPT low risk.Still another one had a HCG multiple of median (MoM) up to 2.9 whose fetal had left kidney cyst.Except umbilical cord cysts, six fetus had other sructural defects including multiple malformation,single umbilical artery,acromphalus and kidney absence or cyst.There were still two cases had fetal arrhythmia and atrial premature beats.The mean delivery week was 39 + GW, six women had successful vaginal delivery and the remaing had cesarean section. The mean birth weight was 3120 g and the majority had a good pregnancy outcome.ConclusionsUmbilical cord cysts were rare but might warn fetal structural defects or chromosomal abnormality. Systematic ultrasound assessment and karyotype analysis or NIPT at least should be suggested in their prenatal counseling. More attention should be paid to fetal distress during pregnancy and vaginal delivery could be a choose unless they had other contraindication.
Dairy and fish consumption and the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia
Authors: Chua Denise Qian Ling , Gwee Xinyi , Gao Qi , Nyunt Ma Shwe Zin , Yap Philip , Lee Tih-Shih , Chong Mei Sian , Lim Wee Shiong , Yap Keng Bee , Ng Tze Pin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

There are inconsistent evidence for the association between fish consumption and dementia risk, and emerging evidence suggesting that dairy consumption is associated with lower dementia risk, based on a limited number of prospective cohort studies.
Methods

We investigated the association of dairy and fish consumption with the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. High intake of daily consumption of milk and dairy products and consumption of fish at least three servings per week were determined at baseline for 1,164 community-living and cognitively normal Chinese individuals aged 55 + in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Study (SLAS-1), who were followed-up (average 3.5 years) for incident cases of MCI and dementia determined by established criteria.
Results

The participants’ mean (SD) age was 65.1 (6.9) years, 66.8% were female. Controlling for sex, age, low or no education, APOE-e4 status, physical, social and productive activity, depression (GDS ≥ 5), central obesity, prediabetes/diabetes, hypertension, abnormal lipids, cardiac diseases, and daily fruit/vegetable intake in multivariable analysis, daily intake of milk and dairy products was significantly associated with lower risk of incident MCI (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.39–0.96) or MCI-dementia (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.40–0.95). Fish intake was not significantly associated with lowered risk of incident MCI and MCI-dementia, (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.49–1.13 for MCI; OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.51–1.14 for MCI-dementia).
Conclusions

High dairy intake was associated with approximately 40% reduced risk of MCI or dementia. There is weak support in this study of an association between fish intake and MCI-dementia risk.
Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03405675. Registered 23 January 2018 (retrospectively registered).
RICE CENTRORADIALIS 1, a TFL1-like gene, Responses to Drought Stress and Regulates Rice Flowering Transition
Authors: Wang Yan , Lu Yuyang , Guo Ziyu , Ding Yanfeng , Ding Chengqiang 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The initiation of flowering transition in rice (Oryza sativa) is a complex process regulated by genes and environment. In particular, drought can interfere with flowering; therefore, many plants hasten this process to shorten their life cycle under water scarcity, and this is known as drought-escape response. However, rice has other strategies; for example, drought stress can delay flowering instead of accelerating it. RICE CENTRORADIALIS 1 (RCN1) is a TERMINAL FLOWER-like gene that influences rice flowering transition and spike differentiation. It interacts with 14-3-3 proteins and transcription factor OsFD1 to form a florigen repression complex that suppresses flowering transition in rice.Results: In this study, we explored the role of RCN1 in the molecular pathway of drought-regulated flowering transition. The rcn1 mutant plants displayed early heading under both normal water and drought stress conditions, and they were more insensitive to drought stress than the wild-type plants. Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling-mediated drought-induced RCN1 and two transcription factors, ABA–RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING PROTEIN 1 and ABA RESPONSIVE ELEMENT–BINDING FACTOR 8, are involved in this process.Conclusions: Thus, under drought stress, RCN1 plays an important role by suppressing the function of HEADING DATE 3a during flowering transition in rice.
Expression profiling of LncRNA and miRNA in SDF-1-induced articular chondrocyte degeneration
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Zheng Jiali , He Lu , Xiang YaoYu , Li Yanlin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

With the in-depth exploration of the gene regulation network associated with the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), lncRNA has been found to play a major role in regulating the development of osteoarthritis. In this study, the expressions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in chondrocytes (2 days) of SDF-1-induced articular chondrocyte degeneration model and in normal chondrocytes were detected and the difference between them was visualized. The bioinformatics analysis was performed in parallel to elucidate the interactions between miRNAs and protein molecules.
Results

It was found that 186 lncRNA changes had significant statistical differences, of which 88 lncRNA were up-regulated and 98 lncRNA were down-regulated. A total of 684 miRNA had significant statistical differences in their expression changes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes were performed for the gene set enrichment analysis to determine the key biological processes and pathways. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated that CXCL10, ISG15, MYC, MX1, OASL, FIICT1, RSAD2, MX2, IFI44, and LBST2 are the ten core genes. The PPI network identified the most important functional modules to elucidate the differential expression of miRNA.
Conclusions

These data may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of osteoarthritis chondrocyte degeneration, and the identification of lncRNA and miRNA can provide potential therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
Early identification of carotid vulnerable plaque in asymptomatic patients
Authors: Jiao Yungen , Qin Yahong , Zhang Zhengang , Zhang Hao , Liu Haiwei , Li Chen 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

This study was to explore the influencing factors of atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques, so as to identify the vulnerable plaques at early stage, and then find high-risk group of cardio-cerebrovascular events for early clinical intervention to reduce related mortality and disability.
Methods

A total of 302 enrolled patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaques were divided into 3 groups based on the results of carotid artery color Doppler ultrasound: atherosclerotic unstable plaque (UP) group, atherosclerotic stable plaque (SP) group, and control group without plaques. Serum markers were measured by ELISA. χ2 test, t test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Logistic multivariate regression analysis were used in the analysis, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results

It revealed that diabetes, high MMP-9, LOX-1and YKL-40 were independent risk factors for unstable plaque formation. The area under the curve (AUC) of serum markers combined with MMP-9, LOX-1 and YKL-40 was 0.850, with sensitivity 87.67%, specificity 81.13%, and diagnostic accuracy 84.92%, which was significantly better than the individual diagnostic efficacy of other three factors. The accuracy rate of Crouse Plaque Score (CPS) in the diagnosis of vulnerable plaques was 61.90%, the 10-year ICVD diagnosis accuracy rate was 56.75%, and the diagnostic accuracy of serum markers was significantly better than CPS and 10-year ICVD.
Conclusion

Serum markers predict potential atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease (ASCCVD) patients better than plaque scores and 10-year ICVD. This study provides a new idea for the early identification of high-risk population of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events by combining 10-year ICVD and serum markers.
How to choose the right real-time RT-PCR primer sets for the SARS-CoV-2 genome detection?&nbsp;
Authors: Anantharajah Ahalieyah , Helaers Raphael , Defour Jean-Philippe , Olive Nathalie , Kabera Florence , Croonen Luc , Deldime Françoise , Vaerman Jean-Luc , Barbée Cindy , Bodéus Monique , Scohy Anais , Verroken Alexia , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector , Kabamba-Mukadi Benoît 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has created an unprecedented need for rapid large-scale diagnostic testing. Currently, several quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays recommended by the World Health Organization are being used by clinical and public health laboratories and typically target regions of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), envelope (E) and nucleocapsid (N) coding region. However, it is currently unclear if results from different tests are comparable. The present study demonstrates substantial differences in SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection sensitivity among the primer/probe sets recommended by the World Health Organization especially for low-level viral loads. The alignment of thousands of European SARS-CoV-2 sequences against the primers/probe highlights single mismatches which might also contribute to false negatives. An understanding of the limitations depending on the targeted genes and primer/probe sets may influence the selection of molecular detection assays by clinical laboratories.
Understanding the spiritual and emotional needs of siblings of chronically sick children with a rare disease
Authors: NASH Sally , Bryson Laura , Nash Paul , Gray Susannah 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Family morbidity is a concern in the treatment of paediatric patients but guidance and research lacks reference to siblings. Siblings of chronically sick children are at risk of adverse outcomes if needs are not recognized and met. Positive outcomes are possible with appropriate support.
Objective

To identify emotional and spiritual needs of children and young people (CYP) with a sibling with a chronic disease.
Method

A mixed methods study including: validated, UK normed 52-item Kidscreen questionnaire for siblings, proxy version for parents; interviews of each sibling and focus groups drawn from these siblings were recorded, transcribed and subjected to iterative thematic analysis. The setting was Birmingham Children’s Hospital NHSFT, UK. Participants were 16 siblings and 16 parents of children with a chronic rare disease aged 8–16, one specialist nurse.
Results

The mean of parents’ scores on the questionnaire rated the sibling below the 50th percentile on all ten areas covered. A mean of 34.9 (median 31) for home life shows a significant impact of having a sick child. Siblings consistently rated themselves higher than parents. From the thematic analysis, largely negative consequences of having a sick sibling appeared in all domains. Coping mechanisms were in two main categories: 1. Creative and leisure activities, 2. Family and friends.
Discussion and Conclusion

Having a chronically unwell sibling negatively impacts global wellbeing, and, specifically in this study, their emotional and spiritual development. Further research will be needed to determine if this can be ameliorated
Evaluation of two commercial multiplex PCR tests for the diagnosis of acute respiratory infections in hospitalized children
Authors: Wang Le , Yang Shuo , Yan Xiaotong , Liu Teng , Zhao Mengchuan , You Dianping , Li Guixia 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI), including the common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, tonsillitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia are the most common diagnoses among pediatric patients and account for the majority of antibiotic prescriptions. A clear and rapid diagnosis is the key to preventing antibiotic abuse. Recently, based on different detection principles, many multi-target molecular analyses that can simultaneously detect dozens of pathogens have been developed, thereby greatly improving sensitivity and shortening turnaround time. In this work, we conducted a head-to-head comparative study between melting curve analysis (MCA) and capillary electrophoresis assay (CE) in the detection of nine respiratory pathogens in sputum samples collected from hospitalized ARTI childre.
Methods

Through MCA and CE analysis, nine common respiratory pathogens were tested on hospitalized children under the age of 13 who met the ARTI criteria.
Results

A total of 237 children with sputum specimens were tested. For all the targets combined, the positive detection rate of XYRes-MCA was significantly higher than ResP-CE (72.2% vs. 63.7%, p = .002). Some pathogens were detected more often with MCA, such as parainfluenza virus, influenza B and coronavirus, and some pathogens do the opposite, such as adenovirus and influenza A (all p < .01). Very good kappa values for most of pathogens were observed, except for Influenza B and coronavirus (both κ = .39).
Conclusions

Multiplex melting curve and capillary electrophoresis assays performed similarly for the detection of common respiratory pathogens in hospitalized children, except for Influenza B and coronavirus. Higher sensitivity was observed in the melting curve assay. By using this sensitive and rapid test, it may improv patient prognosis and antimicrobial management.
Assessment of natural radioactivity and consequent radiological hazard in different brands of commercialized bottled mineral water produced in China
Authors: Yu Lang , Feng Guangwen , Liu Qian , Tang Chao , Wu Baoshan , Mao Peihong , Cai Changlong 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
As one of the drinking water quality parameters, natural radioactivity parameters are recommended to prevent a potential health threat to the public. In this study, the gross-α and gross-β activity concentrations in 15 different brands of commercial bottled mineral water consumed in China were analyzed to evaluate the quality and corresponding health impact on the population. The activity concentrations of gross-α and gross-β in different samples varied from 4.4 to 130.6 and 17.3–320.3 mBq L–1, respectively. The values of the annual effective dose equivalent rate (AED) for infants, children and adults ranged from 1.3 to 21.6, 2.9–52.5 and 5.5–97.8 μSv y–1, respectively. The average excess lifetime cancer risk caused by the consumption of bottled mineral water samples was estimated as 6.0 × 10–5. These results show that all the measured gross-α and gross-β are found to be obviously less than the guidance level by WHO and the domestic standard. The values of AED are below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of 0.1 mSv y–1. Combined with the lifetime cancer risk assessment, it is concluded that there is no significant risk for consumption of the observed brands of bottled mineral water and it can be consumed safely.
3P4SW and 3P9SW Based UPQC Topologies to Improve the Power Quality in Medium Voltage Distribution System
Authors: Uthirapathi Senthil V. , Belur Keshavan 
Published: June 2020

Background:The undesirable effect of power quality issues on distribution system due to power electronics based controllers; it is highly desired to design a novel power quality conditioner with a minimum number of switches. The proposed configuration reduces the switching loss and also effectively alleviates the power quality issues. This paper introduces the configuration of 3P4SW (Three Phase Four Switch) UPQC (Unified Power Quality Conditioner) for both shunt and series APF (Active Power Filter) as well as 3P9SW (Three Phase Nine Switch) UPQC topologies, which can be implemented in medium voltage power grid. The major challenge of phase balance with only four switches in UPQC is accomplished by adaptive Self-tuning PID using neuro-fuzzy logic control and adaptive reference current generation scheme. This controller improves sag and swells compensation with better angle control via shunt and series converter performance and passive components design. The efficacy of proposed topology is tested on MATLAB/Simulink software and results are compared with the existing three phase six switch configuration (3P6SW).Methods:The main objective of this work is to identify the most suitable configuration of UPQC to mitigate the power quality issues in power distribution system. to achieve this goal a Synchronous reference frame theory is used to generate the pulses in the back to back connected VSI in UPQC.Results:The suggested topologies should not compromise with the nominal functions of the controller; hence from the simulation analysis it clear that the 3P4SW UPQC, as well as 3P9SW UPQC topologies, will fulfill the given constraints and also it maintains the magnitude of the load voltage as per the standard values. Also, the THD percentage is maintained well within the IEEE standard.Conclusion:The proposed topologies can be implemented for medium voltage distributed system with improved power quality.