bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Magnesium Ions on Chromosome Structure: Insights from G-Banding
Authors: Dwiranti Astari , Kartapradja Hannie , Mualifah Mualifah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Magnesium ion (Mg2+) plays a fundamental role in the chromosome condensation which is important for genetic material segregation. Studies about the effects of Mg2+ on the overall chromosome structure have been reported. Nevertheless, its effects on the distribution of heterochromatin and euchromatin region have yet to be investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of Mg2+ on the banding pattern of the chromosome structure. Chromosome analysis was performed using the GTL-banding technique on synchronized HeLa cells. The effect of Mg2+ was evaluated by subjecting the chromosomes to three different solutions, namely XBE5 (5 mM Mg2+) as a control, XBE (0 mM Mg2+), and 1 mM EDTA as cations chelator. The results showed a condensed chromosome structure with a clear banding pattern when it was treated with a buffer containing 5 mM Mg2+. In contrast, chromosomes treated with a buffer containing no Mg2+ and those treated with an ions chelator showed an expanded and fibrous structure with the lower intensity of the banding pattern. Elongation of the chromosome caused by decondensation resulted in the band splitting. The results of this study further emphasized the role of Mg2+ on chromosome structure and gave insights into Mg2+ effects on the banding distribution.
Classification of Marine Mammals Using Trained Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network With Whale Algorithm Developed With Fuzzy System
Authors: Saffari Abbas , Khishe Mohammad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The existence of various sounds from different natural and unnatural sources in the deep sea has caused the classification and identification of marine mammals intending to identify different endangered species to become one of the topics of interest for researchers and activists field. In this paper, first, an experimental data set was created using a designed scenario. The Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is then used to train the multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP-NN). However, due to the large size of the data, the algorithm has not determined a clear boundary between the exploration and extraction phases. Next, to support this shortcoming, the fuzzy inference is used as a new approach to developing and upgrading WOA called FWOA. Fuzzy inference By setting FWOA control parameters can well define the boundary between the two phases of exploration and extraction. To measure the performance of the designed categorizer, in addition to using it to categorize benchmark datasets, five benchmarking algorithms CVOA, WOA, ChOA, BWO, PGO, were also used for MLP-NN training. The measured criteria are concurrency speed, ability to avoid local optimization, and classification rate. The simulation results showed that FWOA has the highest classification accuracy in classifying both sets of marine mammal datasets and provides better results than the other five benchmark algorithms.
Jian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi Decoction Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Through Modulating Gut Microbiota, Decreasing Gut Permeability, and Alleviating Liver Inflammation
Authors: Liao Jiabao , Xie Xuehua , Gao Jinmei , Zhang Zhaiyi , Qv Fei , Cui Huantian , Cao Yongjun , Han Xue , Zhao Jie , Wen Weibo , Wang Hongwu 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundJian-Gan-Xiao-Zhi decoction (JGXZ), composed of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Panax notoginseng, Curcuma zedoaria, and other 9 types of herbs, has demonstrated beneficial effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the mechanisms behind JGXZ’s impact on NAFLD remain unknown. MethodsIn this study, a NAFLD rat model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) received oral treatment of JGXZ (8 or 16 g crude herb/kg) for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effects of JGXZ on NAFLD model rats were investigated through blood lipid levels and pathological liver changes. 16s rRNA analysis was used to study the changes in gut microbiota after JGXZ treatment. The expressions of occludin and tight junction protein 1 (ZO-1) in colon were investigated using immunostaining to study the effects of JGXZ on gut permeability. The anti-inflammatory effects of JGXZ were also studied through measuring the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and liver.ResultsJGXZ treatment could decrease body weight and ameliorate dyslipidemia in NAFLD model rats. H&E and Oil Red O staining indicated that JGXZ reduced steatosis and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the liver. 16s rRNA analysis exhibited that JGXZ impacted the diversity of gut microbiota, decreasing the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing the relative abundance of probiotics, such as Alloprevotella, Lactobacillus, and Turicibacter. Gut permeability evaluation found that the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in the colon were increased after JGXZ treatment, and inflammation analysis showed decreased levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and liver after treatment. ConclusionsOur study illustrates that JGXZ ameliorates NAFLD through modulating gut microbiota, decreasing gut permeability, and alleviating liver inflammation.
Identification of an autophagy-related prognostic signature in head neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jiang Yue , Li Yuanyuan , Ge Han , Wu Yaping , Zhang Yuchao , Guo Songsong , Zhang Ping , Cheng Jie , Wang Yanling 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

Autophagy-related genes (ARGs) have been significantly implicated in tumorigenesis and served as promising prognostic biomarkers for human cancer. Hence, this study was aimed to develop an ARGs-based prognostic signature for head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Methods

Prognostic ARG candidates were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis in training set (TCGA-HNSC) and incorporated into a 3-ARGs (EGFR, FADD, PARK2) prognostic signature, which further verified in two independent validation cohorts (GSE41613 and GSE42743). Kaplan-Meier plots, Cox regression analyses and receiver operating characteristics curves (ROC) were employed to evaluate the prognostic prediction of 3-ARGs signature. Differential expression of these 3 ARG between cancer and normal counterparts as well as their associations with autophagy markers were assessed using Human Protein Profiles dataset.
Results

Patients with high-risk score had significantly inferior overall survival. Multivariate survival analyses revealed that 3-ARGs signature could be an independent prognostic factor. ROC analyses revealed the high predictive accuracy and sensitivity of 3-ARGs signature. Increased expression of EGFR, FADD, PARK2 were found in HNSCC samples and their expression significantly correlated with levels of ATG5, Beclin1 and LC3.
Conclusions

Our results reveal that 3-ARGs signature is a powerful prognostic biomarker for HNSCC, which could be integrated into current prognostic regime to realize individualized outcome prediction.
Co-Creation and Prototyping of An Intervention Focusing On Health Literacy In Management of Malaria At Community-Level In Ghana
Authors: Boateng Millicent Addai , Agyei-Baffour Peter , Angel Sanne , Asare Ofeibea , Prempeh Benjamin , Enemark Ulrika 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Collaborating with end-users to develop interventions tailored to fit unique circumstances is proposed as a way to improve relevance and effectiveness of an intervention. This study used a local needs driven approach to develop a health literacy intervention for caregivers in Ghana concerning management of malaria in children under five years. Method: A three-phase framework including: 1) needs assessment based on data from questionnaires, focus groups, individual interviews and observations, 2) Co-creation of a borad game and brochures for health education at Child Welfare Clinics to address needs in health literacy concerning malaria and 3)Development of a prototype of the game, brochures as well as determining user feasibility. Findings: The needs assessment resulted in a useful intervention to bridge the gaps in health literacy among caregivers. Co-creation of the materials and prototyping yielded a varying sense of ownership among stakeholders. End-users’ engagement and participation in developing the intervention resulted in a high interest and adherence to interventions. However, high attrition rates of health workers and caregivers’ inconsistent use of the Child Welfare Clinics challenged sustainability of this intervention.Conclusion: The interactive nature of this approach to health delivery interventions resulted in a better caregiver-health provider relationship and a sense of recognition of a more participatory approach to health delivery. A stronger buy-in at the top-level of health management and scaling it out into communities would improve sustainability and reach a larger audience.
Women Empowerment and Frequency of Meal Intake Among Children in Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Louis Kobina , Amo-Adjei Joshua , Esia-Donkoh Kobina 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundQuality nutrition is an important basis of health and well-being, especially for children as their bodies need to grow, develop and reach their physical and mental potential. Women’s empowerment is not only important for women’s human rights, but also improves nutrition outcomes of both mothers and their children. This study sought to investigate the association between women’s empowerment and minimum meal frequency in Ghana.MethodsThe study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). A sample of 1,640 mother-child (6-23 months) dyad was used and univariate and multiple linear regression techniques were applied.ResultsDecisions on large household purchases (β=0.351, p<0.01) and family visits (β=0.743, p<0.01), ownership over house (β=-0.245, p<0.10), age of child (β=1.387, p<0.01), mother’s educational attainment (β=0.496, p<0.10) and residence (β=-0.298, p<0.10) were significantly associated with minimum meal frequency in Ghana.ConclusionMinimum meal frequency was largely influenced by economic and socio-familial empowerment of women as decisions on large household purchases and family visits showed association with minimum meal frequency. Interventional programs should target households and mothers with lower socio-demographics characteristics such as lower educational level.
Identification of Biomarkers and Pathogenesis in Severe Asthma by Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zeyi , Chen Ou , Wang Jingjing 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundSevere asthma is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease. The rise of precise immunotherapy for severe asthmatics underlines more understanding of molecular mechanisms and biomarkers. In this study, we aim to identify underlying mechanisms and hub genes that define asthma severity.MethodsDifferentially expressed genes were screened out based on bronchial epithelial brushings from mild and severe asthmatics. Then, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis was adopted to identify gene networks and the most significant module associated with asthma severity. Meanwhile, hub genes screening and functional enrichment analysis was performed. Receiver operating characteristic was conducted to validate the hub genes.ResultsWeighted gene co-expression network analysis identified 6 modules associated with asthma severity. Three modules were positively correlated (P < 0.001) with asthma severity, containing genes upregulated in severe asthmatics. Functional enrichment analysis found genes in the highlighted module mainly enriched in neutrophil degranulation and activation, leukocyte migration and chemotaxis. Hub genes identified in the module were CXCR1, CXCR2, CCR1, CCR7, TLR2, FPR1, FCGR3B, FCGR2A, ITGAM, and PLEK. Combining these hub genes possessed a moderate ability for discriminating between severe asthmatics and mild-moderate asthmatics with an area under the curve of 0.75.ConclusionOur results identified biomarkers and potential pathogenesis of severe asthma, which provides sight into treatment targets and prognostic markers.
Synthesis of n.c.a. [188, 189, 191pt] Cisplatin From a Cyclotron-produced n.c.a. 188, 189, 191PtCl42- Complex
Authors: Obata Honoka , Minegishi Katsuyuki , Nagatsu Kotaro , Ogawa Mikako , Zhang Ming 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We developed a novel method for production of no-carrier-added (n.c.a.) [188, 189, 191Pt]PtⅡCl42- from an Ir target material, and then synthesized n.c.a. [*Pt]cis-[PtⅡCl2(NH3)2] ([*Pt]cisplatin) from [*Pt]PtⅡCl42-. [*Pt]PtⅡCl42- was prepared as a synthetic precursor of n.c.a. *Pt complex by a combination of resin extraction and anion-exchange chromatography after the selective reduction of IrⅣCl62- with ascorbic acid. The ligand-substitution reaction of Cl with NH3 was promoted by treating n.c.a. [*Pt]PtⅡCl42- with excess NH3 and heating the reaction mixture, and n.c.a [*Pt]cisplatin was successfully produced without employing precipitation routes. After this treatment, [*Pt]cisplatin was isolated through preparative HPLC with a radiochemical purity of 99+% at the end of synthesis (EOS).
Early Rescue Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection in Partial Fertilization Failure Is Necessary and Safe: A Retrospective Analysis of 1223 Patients
Authors: Zeng Jun , Yao Zhongyuan , Zhang Yeqing , Tian Fen , Liao Tingting , Wu Lingqian , Li Yanping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Total or near total fertilization failure remains inevitable in conventional in vitro fertilization (IVF). The experts searched for the release of the second polar body 6 h after initial insemination, and rescued those oocytes with unclear second polar body by ICSI (early R-ICSI). Studies found that early R-ICSI can effectively decrease complete IVF fertilization failure and excessive ICSI treatment.METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in 16,769 patients (short-term IVF, n=12,094; ICSI, n=3,452; early R-ICSI, n=1,223) who received IVF/ICSI treatment in our hospital from January 2009 to October 2018. Fertilization and clinical outcomes were compared among those three groups.RESULTS: When considering the R-ICSI embryos in the early R-ICSI group independently, the rates of fertilization and day-3 cleaved embryos in 2PN oocytes were comparable, the rates of fertilization (2PN) and high-quality embryos were lower, whereas the multi-PN fertilization rate (3.27%) was significantly higher than the ICSI group (1.26%). The difference of clinical pregnancy rate between the part of transferred R-ICSI embryos (40.81%) and the ICSI group (44.73) remained nonsignificant. Furthermore, the rate of congenital birth defects in the early R-ICSI group (0.99%) was not significantly different from those in the short-term IVF (0.76%) and ICSI groups (1.07%).CONCLUSIONS: Despite the multi-PN fertilization rate, our study highlights early R-ICSI as a safe and effective alternative in assisted reproduction to reduce ICSI utilization. Additional large amount and long-term follow-up studies are needed to further validate the use of early R-ICSI.
Conceptualising, Operationalising, and Measuring Trust in Participatory Health Research Networks: a Scoping Review
Authors: Gilfoyle Meghan , MacFarlane Anne , Salsberg Jon 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThere are many described benefits of community-based participatory research (CBPR), such as increased relevance of research for those who must act on its findings. This has prompted researchers to better understand how CBPR functions to achieve these benefits through building sustainable research partnerships. Several studies have identified ‘trust’ as a key mechanism to achieve sustainable partnerships, which themselves constitute social networks. Although existing literature discuss trust and CBPR, or trust and social networks, preliminary searches reveal that none link all three concepts of trust, CBPR and social networks. Thus, we present our scoping review to systematically review and synthesize the literature exploring how trust is conceptualised, operationalised, and measured in CBPR and social networks.MethodsThis review follows guidelines from Levac et al, which follow the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. We explored several electronic databases including Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and PsychINFO. A search strategy was identified and agreed upon by the team in conjunction with a research librarian. Two independent reviewers screened articles by title and abstract, then by full-text based on pre-determined exclusion/inclusion criteria. A third reviewer arbitrated discrepancies regarding inclusions/exclusions. A thematic analysis was then conducted to identify relevant themes and sub-themes.Results Based on the 26 extracted references, several key themes and sub-themes were identified which highlighted the complexity and multidimensionality of trust as a concept. Our analysis revealed an additional emergent category that highlighted another important dimension of trust – outcomes pertaining to trust. Further, variation within how the studies conceptualised, operationalised, and measured trust was illuminated. Finally, the multidimensionality of trust provided important insight into how trust operates as a context, mechanism and outcome.ConclusionsFindings provide support for future research to incorporate trust as a lens to explore the social-relational aspects of partnerships and the scope to develop interventions to support trust in partnerships.
Genome-wide Identification, Expression, and Sequence Analysis of CONSTANT-like Gene Family in Cannabis Reveals Role in Plant Flowering Time Regulation
Authors: Pan Gen , Li Zheng , Yin Ming , Huang Siqi , Tao Jie , Chen Anguo , Li Jianjun , Tang Huijuan , Chang Li , Deng Yong , Li Defang , Zhao Lining 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Cannabis, an important industrial crop, has a high sensitivity to photoperiods. The flowering time of cannabis is one of its important agronomic traits, and has an important effect on its yield and quality. The CONSTANS-like (COL) gene plays a key role in the regulation of flowering in this plant. However, the specific biological and functional roles of the COL gene family in the cannabis is still unknown. Results: In this study, 13 CsCOL genes were identified in the cannabis genome. Phylogenetic analysis implied that the CsCOL proteins were divided into three subgroups, and each subgroups included conserved intron/exon structures and motifs. Chromosome distribution analysis showed that 13 CsCOL genes were unevenly distributed on 7 chromosomes, with chromosome 10 having the most CsCOL members. Colinearity analysis showed that two syntenic gene pairs of CsCOL4 and CsCOL11 were found in both rice and Gossypium raimondii. Among 13 CsCOLs, CsCOL6 and CsCOL12 were a pair of tandem duplicated genes, whereas CsCOL8 and CsCOL11 may have resulted from segmental duplication. Furthermore, tissue-specific expression showed that ten CsCOL genes were preferentially expressed in the leaves, one CsCOL in the stem, and two CsCOL in the female flower. Most CsCOL exhibited a diurnal oscillation pattern under different light treatment. Additionally, sequence analysis showed that CsCOL3 and CsCOL7 exhibited amino acid difference among the early-flowering cultivars and late flowering cultivars. Conclusion: This study provided insight into the potential functions studies of CsCOL genes, and highlight its roles in the regulation of flowering time in cannabis. Our results laid a foundation for the further elucidation of the functions of COLs in cannabis
First-principles calculation of atomic structure, stability and electronic structure of TaB2/SiC interface
Authors: Cheng Gong , Xiong Yuqing , Zhou Hui , He Yanchun , Zhang Kaifeng , Cao Shengzhu , Wang Keliang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The atomic structure, interface stability and electronic interaction of TaB2(0001)/SiC(111) interfaces were investigated by first principles study. The study found that the termination atom and stacking position are the key factors affecting the bonding strength and stability of the interface. On the basis of considering work of adhesion (Wad) and interfacial energy (γint), the Ta-TaB2/C-SiC centre-site stacked (Ta CS-C) and B-TaB2/C-SiC center-site stacked (B-CS-C) configurations were recognized as the most stable structures from ten different interface models. Electronic interaction of the two most stable interfaces were revealed by analyzing the charge density distribution, charge density difference and partial density of states (PDOS), and it was found that ionic and metallic bond coexisted in Ta CS-C interface, while covalent bond played a dominant role in B-CS-C interface.
Comparative transcriptome profiling of heat stress response of the mangrove crab Scylla serrata&nbsp;across different sites
Authors: Shrestha Anish M.S. , Lilagan Crissa Ann I. , Guiao Joyce Emlyn B. , Romana-Eguia Maria Rowena R. , Lagman Ma. Carmen Ablan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The fishery and aquaculture of the widely distributed mangrove crab Scylla serrata is a steadily growing, high-value, global industry. Climate change poses a risk to this industry as temperature elevations are expected to threaten the mangrove crab habitat and the supply of mangrove crab seeds from the wild. It is therefore important to understand the genomic and molecular basis of how mangrove crab populations from sites with different climate profiles respond to heat stress. Towards this, we performed RNA-seq on the gill tissue of S. serrata individuals sampled from 3 sites (Cagayan, Bicol, and Bataan) in the Philippines, under normal and heat-stressed conditions. To compare the transcriptome expression profiles, we designed a 2-factor generalized linear model containing interaction terms, which allowed us to simultaneously analyze within-site response to heat-stress and across-site differences in the response.Results: We present the first ever transcriptome assembly of S. serrata obtained from a massive data set containing ~66 Gbases of cleaned RNA-seq reads. With lowly-expressed and short contigs excluded, the assembly contains roughly 17,000 genes with an N50 length of 2,366 bp. Based on sequence comparison to the fruitfly and shrimp proteomes, our assembly contains several thousands of almost full-length transcripts. Differential expression analysis found population-specific differences in heat-stress response. Within-site analysis of heat response showed 177, 755, and 221 differentially expressed (DE) genes in the Cagayan, Bataan, and Bicol group, respectively. Across-site analysis of difference in heat response showed that between Cagayan and Bataan, there were 389 differently differentially expressed (DDE) genes associated with 48 signalling and stress-response pathways; and between Cagayan and Bicol, there were 101 DDE genes affecting 8 pathways.Conclusion: In light of previous work on climate profiling and on population genetics of marine species in the Philippines, our findings suggest that the variation in thermal response among populations might be derived from acclimatory plasticity due to pre-exposure to extreme temperature variations or from population structure shaped by connectivity which leads to adaptive genetic differences among populations.