bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discovery and validation of candidate genes for grain iron and zinc metabolism in pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.]
Authors: Mahendrakar Mahesh D. , Parveda Maheshwari , Kishor P. B. Kavi , Srivastava Rakesh K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPearl millet is an important crop for alleviating micronutrient malnutrition through genomics-assisted breeding for grain Fe (GFeC) and Zn (GZnC) content. In this study, we identified candidate genes related to iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) metabolism through gene expression analysis and correlated it with known QTL regions for GFeC/GZnC. From a total of 114 Fe and Zn metabolism-related genes that were selected from the related crop species, we studied 29 genes. Different developmental stages exhibited tissue and stage-specific expressions for Fe and Zn metabolism genes in parents contrasting for GFeC and GZnC. Results revealed that PglZIP, PglNRAMP and PglFER gene families were candidates for GFeC and GZnC. Ferritin-like gene, PglFER1 may be the potential candidate gene for GFeC. Promoter analysis revealed Fe and Zn deficiency, hormone, metal-responsive, and salt-regulated elements. Genomic regions underlying GFeC and GZnC were validated by annotating major QTL regions for grain Fe and Zn. Interestingly, PglZIP and PglNRAMP gene families were found common with a previously reported linkage group 7 major QTL region for GFeC and GZnC. The study provides insights into the foundation for functional dissection of different Fe and Zn metabolism genes homologs and their subsequent use in pearl millet molecular breeding programs globally.
Frequency of the TP53 R337H variant in sporadic breast cancer and its impact on genomic instability
Authors: Mathias Carolina , Bortoletto Stéfanne , Centa Ariana , Komechen Heloisa , Lima Rubens S. , Fonseca Aline S. , Sebastião Ana Paula , Urban Cícero A. , Soares Emerson W. S. , Prando Carolina , Figueiredo Bonald C. , Cavalli Iglenir J. , Cavalli Luciane R. , Ribeiro Enilze M. F. S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe R337H is a TP53 germline pathogenic variant that has been associated with several types of cancers, including breast cancer. Our main objective was to determine the frequency of the R337H variant in sporadic breast cancer patients from Paraná state, South Brazil, its association with prognosis and its impact in genomic instability. The genotyping of 805 breast cancer tissues revealed a genotypic and allelic frequency of the R337H variant of 2.36% and 1.18%, respectively. In these R337H+ cases a lower mean age at diagnosis was observed when compared to the R337H-cases. Array-CGH analysis showed that R337H+ patients presented a higher number of copy number alterations (CNAs), compared to the R337H−. These CNAs affected genes and miRNAs that regulate critical cancer signaling pathways; a number of these genes were associated with survival after querying the KMplot database. Furthermore, homozygous (R337H+/R337H+) fibroblasts presented increased levels of copy number variants when compared to heterozygous or R337H− cells. In conclusion, the R337H variant may contribute to 2.36% of the breast cancer cases without family cancer history in Paraná. Among other mechanisms, R337H increases the level of genomic instability, as evidenced by a higher number of CNAs in the R337H+ cases compared to the R337H−.
New chromium(III)-based catalysts for ethylene oligomerization
Authors: Malinowski Jacek , Jacewicz Dagmara , Gawdzik Barbara , Drzeżdżon Joanna 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe report focuses on the new precatalysts for ethylene oligomerization. The five chromium(III) complex compounds containing the following ligands: dipicolinate anion, oxalate anion, 5-aminopyridine-2-carboxylate anion, 2,2′-bipyridine and 4,4′-dimethoxy-2,2′-bipyridine have been examined towards catalytic activity for ethylene oligomerization. The chromium(III) complexes have been activated by modified methylaluminoxane. The obtained oligomers have been investigated by MALDI-TOF–MS, thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed that the examined chromium(III) complexes are highly active catalysts for ethylene oligomerization. The values of catalytic activities of the examined complexes are in the range 1860 – 3798 g∙mmol-1∙h-1∙bar-1.
Preliminary insights into the impact of primary radiochemotherapy on the salivary microbiome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kumpitsch Christina , Moissl-Eichinger Christine , Pock Jakob , Thurnher Dietmar , Wolf Axel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSquamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of throat cancer. Treatment options comprise surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemo(immuno)therapy. The salivary microbiome is shaped by the disease, and likely by the treatment, resulting in side effects caused by chemoradiation that severely impair patients’ well-being. High-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene provides an opportunity to investigate changes in the salivary microbiome in health and disease. In this preliminary study, we investigated alterations in the bacterial, fungal, and archaeal components of the salivary microbiome between healthy subjects and patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma before and close to the end point of chemoradiation (“after”). We enrolled 31 patients and 11 healthy controls, with 11 patients providing samples both before and after chemoradiation. Analysis revealed an effect on the bacterial and fungal microbiome, with a partial antagonistic reaction but no effects on the archaeal microbial community. Specifically, we observed an individual increase inCandidasignatures following chemoradiation, whereas the overall diversity of the microbial and fungal signatures decreased significantly after therapy. Thus, our study indicates that the patient microbiome reacts individually to chemoradiation but has potential for future optimization of disease diagnostics and personalized treatments.
Molecular epidemiology of the first wave of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in Thailand in 2020
Authors: Puenpa Jiratchaya , Suwannakarn Kamol , Chansaenroj Jira , Nilyanimit Pornjarim , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Auphimai Chompoonut , Kitphati Rungrueng , Mungaomklang Anek , Kongklieng Amornmas , Chirathaworn Chintana , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Poovorawan Yong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a major global concern. Several SARS-CoV-2 gene mutations have been reported. In the current study associations between SARS-CoV-2 gene variation and exposure history during the first wave of the outbreak in Thailand between January and May 2020 were investigated. Forty samples were collected at different time points during the outbreak, and parts of the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence were used to assess genomic variation patterns. The phylogenetics of the 40 samples were clustered into L, GH, GR, O and T types. T types were predominant in Bangkok during the first local outbreak centered at a boxing stadium and entertainment venues in March 2020. Imported cases were infected with various types, including L, GH, GR and O. In southern Thailand introductions of different genotypes were identified at different times. No clinical parameters were significantly associated with differences in genotype. The results indicated local transmission (type T, Spike protein (A829T)) and imported cases (types L, GH, GR and O) during the first wave in Thailand. Genetic and epidemiological data may contribute to national policy formulation, transmission tracking and the implementation of measures to control viral spread.
Bone-conduction hyperacusis induced by superior canal dehiscence in human: the underlying mechanism
Authors: Guan Xiying , Cheng Y. Song , Galaiya Deepa J. , Rosowski John J. , Lee Daniel J. , Nakajima Hideko Heidi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOur ability to hear through bone conduction (BC) has long been recognized, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Why certain perturbations affect BC hearing is also unclear. An example is BC hyperacusis (hypersensitive BC hearing)—an unnerving symptom experienced by patients with superior canal dehiscence (SCD). We measured BC-evoked sound pressures in scala vestibuli (PSV) and scala tympani (PST) at the basal cochlea in cadaveric human ears, and estimated hearing by the cochlear input drive (PDIFF = PSV – PST) before and after creating an SCD. Consistent with clinical audiograms, SCD increased BC-driven PDIFF below 1 kHz. However, SCD affected the individual scalae pressures in unexpected ways: SCD increased PSV below 1 kHz, but had little effect on PST. These new findings are inconsistent with the inner-ear compression mechanism that some have used to explain BC hyperacusis. We developed a computational BC model based on the inner-ear fluid-inertia mechanism, and the simulated effects of SCD were similar to the experimental findings. This experimental-modeling study suggests that (1) inner-ear fluid inertia is an important mechanism for BC hearing, and (2) SCD facilitates the flow of sound volume velocity through the cochlear partition at low frequencies, resulting in BC hyperacusis.
In vivo imaging of long-term accumulation of cancer-derived exosomes using a BRET-based reporter
Authors: Hikita Tomoya , Miyata Mamiko , Watanabe Risayo , Oneyama Chitose 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMonitoring of exosome dynamics in living organisms is essential to demonstrate the real functions of cancer-derived exosomes. Currently, these have been elucidated in vitro or under non-physiological conditions in vivo in most cases. To overcome these limitations, we developed an imaging method using Antares2-mediated bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) for observing long-term accumulation of exosomes in vivo. Ectopic expression of CD63-Antares2 effectively labeled exosomes with Antares2, which emitted intense, long-wavelength luminescence suitable for in vivo monitoring. Transplantation of CD63-Antares2-expressing prostate cancer cells into mice allowed determining the amount of cancer-derived exosomes released from primary tumors into the bloodstream and visualizing the long-term homing behavior of exosomes to their target organs or tissues. Interestingly, secreted exosome was decreased upon administration of low dose of dasatinib, an approved tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. The CD63-Antares2 xenograft mouse model will be useful for elucidating the dynamics of cancer-derived exosomes in vivo and evaluating the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of exosome production inhibitors.
Machine learning-guided discovery and design of non-hemolytic peptides
Authors: Plisson Fabien , Ramírez-Sánchez Obed , Martínez-Hernández Cristina 
Published: October 2020

AbstractReducing hurdles to clinical trials without compromising the therapeutic promises of peptide candidates becomes an essential step in peptide-based drug design. Machine-learning models are cost-effective and time-saving strategies used to predict biological activities from primary sequences. Their limitations lie in the diversity of peptide sequences and biological information within these models. Additional outlier detection methods are needed to set the boundaries for reliable predictions; the applicability domain. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute an extensive library of peptides offering promising avenues against antibiotic-resistant infections. Most AMPs present in clinical trials are administrated topically due to their hemolytic toxicity. Here we developed machine learning models and outlier detection methods that ensure robust predictions for the discovery of AMPs and the design of novel peptides with reduced hemolytic activity. Our best models, gradient boosting classifiers, predicted the hemolytic nature from any peptide sequence with 95–97% accuracy. Nearly 70% of AMPs were predicted as hemolytic peptides. Applying multivariate outlier detection models, we found that 273 AMPs (~ 9%) could not be predicted reliably. Our combined approach led to the discovery of 34 high-confidence non-hemolytic natural AMPs, the de novo design of 507 non-hemolytic peptides, and the guidelines for non-hemolytic peptide design.
Analysis of retinal sublayer thicknesses and rates of change in ABCA4-associated Stargardt disease
Authors: Whitmore S. Scott , Fortenbach Christopher R. , Cheng Justine L. , DeLuca Adam P. , Critser D. Brice , Geary Elizabeth L. , Hoffmann Jeremy M. , Stone Edwin M. , Han Ian C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStargardt disease, the most common inherited macular dystrophy, is characterized by vision loss due to central retinal atrophy. Although clinical trials for Stargardt are currently underway, the disease is typically slowly progressive, and objective, imaging-based biomarkers are critically needed. In this retrospective, observational study, we characterize the thicknesses of individual retinal sublayers by macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) in a large cohort of patients with molecularly-confirmed, ABCA4-associated Stargardt disease (STGD1) relative to normal controls. Automated segmentation of retinal sublayers was performed with manual correction as needed, and thicknesses in various macular regions were compared using mixed effects models. Relative to controls (42 eyes, 40 patients), STGD1 patients (107 eyes, 63 patients) had slight thickening of the nerve fiber layer and retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch’s membrane, with thinning in other sublayers, especially the outer nuclear layer (ONL) (p < 0.0015). When comparing the rate of retinal sublayer thickness change over time (mean follow-up 3.9 years for STGD1, 2.5 years for controls), STGD1 retinas thinned faster than controls in the outer retina (ONL to photoreceptor outer segments). OCT-based retinal sublayer thickness measurements are feasible in STGD1 patients and may provide objective measures of disease progression or treatment response.
The indispensable role of the cerebellum in visual divergent thinking
Authors: Gao Zhenni , Liu Xiaojin , Zhang Delong , Liu Ming , Hao Ning 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRecent research has shown that the cerebellum is involved not only in motor control but also in higher-level activities, which are closely related to creativity. This study aimed to explore the role of the cerebellum in visual divergent thinking based on its intrinsic activity. To this end, we selected the resting-state fMRI data of high- (n = 22) and low-level creativity groups (n = 22), and adopted the voxel-wise, seed-wise, and dynamic functional connectivity to identify the differences between the two groups. Furthermore, the topological properties of the cerebello-cerebral network and their relations with visual divergent thinking were calculated. The voxel-wise functional connectivity results indicated group differences across the cerebellar (e.g. lobules VI, VIIb, Crus I, and Crus II) and cerebral regions (e.g. superior frontal cortex, middle frontal cortex, and inferior parietal gyrus), as well as the cerebellar lobules (e.g. lobules VIIIa, IX, and X) and the cerebral brain regions (the cuneus and precentral gyrus). We found a significant correlation between visual divergent thinking and activities of the left lobules VI, VIIb, Crus I, and Crus II, which are associated with executive functions. Our overall results provide novel insight into the important role of the cerebellum in visual divergent thinking.
Learning curve analysis of applying Seprafilm hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose membrane during laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Huang Yi-Ting , Su Yu-Ying , Wu Kai-Yun , Huang Hui-Yu , Lin Yu-Shan , Weng Cindy Hsuan , Yang Lan-Yan , Pan Yu-Bin , Wang Chin-Jung 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate the learning curve of applying Seprafilm (modified hyaluronic acid and carboxymethylcellulose; Genzyme, Cambridge, MA, USA) during laparoscopic hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy. In this retrospective cohort study, 35 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy were enrolled. The Seprafilm was cut into 4 pieces, rolled up with a trimmed plastic sleeve and delivered through an incision wound made for the 5-mm ancillary trocar. The membrane was unrolled and placed on the rough surface after hysterectomy or subtotal hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy. The time from the insertion of the first piece of membrane into the abdominal cavity to the complete removal of the trimmed plastic sleeve was recorded. The median time for Seprafilm placement was 3 min. The learning curve was analyzed using the power-law method and suggested that 10 cases were required to achieve proficiency in the procedure. The presence of adnexectomy was significantly associated with the time required for Seprafilm placement (P < 0.001). Although Seprafilm placement is more complicated compared to the liquid and gel forms of anti-adhesion barriers, surgical proficiency seemed to be attained after 10 cases for an experienced surgeon.
Sensitivity to losses and defects of the symmetry-induced transmission enhancement through diffusive slabs
Authors: Chéron Élie , Félix Simon , Pagneux Vincent 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe inspect the robustness to absorption and to symmetry defects of the symmetry-induced broadband enhancement through opaque barriers in disordered slabs. The sensitivity of this phenomenon to symmetry defects is found to be strongly related to the distance from to barrier to the nearest defect, and, following, we propose a probabilistic model to estimate the conductance of a medium with an arbitrary number of randomly distributed defects. Also, the conductance enhancement is shown to be robust to absorption in the disordered medium, though being of course weakened. For sufficiently opaque barriers, the conditions of an optimal enhancement are mainly driven by the absorption length of the medium.
Natural infection by Procyrnea uncinipenis (Nematoda, Habronematidae), a parasite from rheas, an autoctone bird from South America, in emus Dromaius novaehollandiae, a ratite from New Zealand
Authors: Ederli Nicole Brand , Gallo Samira Salim Mello , de Oliveira Francisco Carlos Rodrigues 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present study reports a natural infection of emus, Dromaius novaehollandiae, by the nematode Procyrnea uncinipenis. Five adult emus from a scientific breeding farm at North Fluminense State University located in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil were necropsied, and their gastrointestinal tract were collected and examined for the presence of parasites from October 2013 to November 2015. Two of the five (40%) emus necropsied were infected with nematodes, and a portion of the nematodes were processed for light microscopy. In addition, two other nematodes (a male and a female) were prepared for scanning electron microscopy. In a female bird, one nematode was collected in the proventriculus and two nematodes in the gizzard and in the male bird four nematodes were collected in the gizzard. The morphological and morphometric analyzes allowed to identify the nematodes as P. uncinipenis, this being the first report of an infection by P. uncinipenis in emus. Therefore, we infer that these emus were naturally infected by nematodes that were considered specific to rheas.
Total alveolar lavage with oxygen fine bubble dispersion directly improves lipopolysaccharide-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome of rats
Authors: Kakiuchi Kenta , Miyasaka Takehiro , Takeoka Shinji , Matsuda Kenichi , Harii Norikazu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSevere respiratory disorder induced by pulmonary inflammation is one of the causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome, which still has high mortality. It is crucial to remove causative substances and inflammatory mediators early in order to inhibit the progression of pulmonary inflammation. Total alveolar lavage (TAL) may avert the inflammatory response by eliminating causative substances in certain inflammatory lung diseases. We developed an efficient TAL system and examined the efficacy of short-term TAL treatment performed for acute lung injury models of rats. In the first experiment with a severe lung injury model, 15 rats were divided into 3 groups: sham group, mechanical gas ventilation (MGV) treatment group, and TAL treatment group. The treatments were conducted for 5 min, 20 min after the provocation of inflammation. Two days after treatment, the TAL and MGV treatment groups exhibited significant differences in blood oxygen levels, mean arterial pressure, weight-loss ratio, and inflammatory cytokine levels in the lungs. In contrast, almost no differences were observed between the TAL treatment and sham groups. In the second experiment with a lethal lung injury model, the TAL treatment dramatically improved the survival rate of the rats compared to the MGV treatment groups (p = 0.0079). Histopathological analysis confirmed pronounced differences in neutrophil accumulation and thickening of the interstitial membrane between the TAL and MGV treatment groups in both experiments. These results indicate that as little as 5 min of TAL treatment can protect rats from acute lung injury by removing causative substances from the lungs.
Micromechanics modelling for mineral volume fraction determination: application on a terrigenous formation
Authors: Nicolás-López Rubén , Meléndez-Martínez Jaime , López-Lena-Estrada Alfredo , Valdiviezo-Mijangos Oscar C. , Couder-Castañeda Carlos , Coconi-Morales Enrique , España-Pinto José A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis work presents a non-linear Self-Consistent (SC) micromechanics method to model the observed physical elastic properties of a terrigenous formation with the purpose to obtain its depth mineral volume fractions profile. In this approach, it is first assumed that the observed physical elastic properties obtained from well logs, such as the density $$\rho_{o}$$

ρ
o

and the elastic compressional $$Vp_{o}$$

V

p
o

and shear $$Vs_{o}$$

V

s
o

velocities, are a non-linear relationship of the unknown mineral volume fractions $$\alpha$$
α
. Then, a gradient descent algorithm is implemented to seek for those volume fractions $$\alpha$$
α
for which differences between modelled and observed physical elastic properties are minimum. It is assumed that quartz, calcite and clay are the main comprising minerals of the formation. Obtained volume fractions profile follow the same general trends to those estimated by implementing the Linear Least-Squares Inversion LLSI method which is widely used in petrophysical analysis to obtain mineral concentrations from density $$\rho_{o}$$

ρ
o

, photoelectric effect $$Pe_{o}$$

P

e
o

and compressional slowness $$\Delta tp_{o}$$

Δ
t

p
o

well logs. Results also show that calcite and clay volume fractions from these two methods are highly correlated while quartz volume fractions show low correlation. Further comparison between clay concentrations from SC method with clay concentrations calculated from direct measurements of gamma ray GR well logs used as a guideline also exhibits high correlation. These results suggest that the SC method is better suited to obtain clay and calcite volume fractions rather than quartz volume fractions. However, SC method can provide with insights about the general distribution of quartz along the borehole.