bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of miRNAs in plasma exosomes derived from patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wei Zhang , Bing Zhang , Shaohuan Qian , Yanran Wang , Shuo Sun , Bi Tang , Feiyu Zhu , Heng Zhang , Qin Gao , Pinfang Kang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundStudies have revealed the association between exosomes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the typical changes of plasma miRNAs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are still controversial, the use of exosomal miRNAs to diagnose and predict the prognosis of AF has not been described.HypothesisWe hypothesized that there were differences in the exosomal miRNAs between AF and normal sinus rhythm (SR) patients, which might be used as the novel biomarkers to reflect the progression of AF.MethodsmiRNAs were isolated from the plasma of patients, and the target genes of differential miRNAs via enrichment analysis to discover potential pathogenesis related to AF. Combined with high‐throughput sequencing results, real‐time PCR was used to verify the relative expression of target miRNAs in patients.ResultsThis study confirmed that the expression of plasma‐derived exosomal miRNAs between patients with AF and SR were different. Target gene enrichment analysis suggested that the target genes of 20 miRNAs, which were significantly upregulated were mainly enriched in biological processes such as gene expression process, inflammation response, enzyme modification, etc. Meanwhile, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and other pathways were highly enriched. The expressions of miR‐92b‐3p, miR‐1306‐5p, and miR‐let‐7b‐3p had differences between patients with AF and SR.ConclusionThese miRNAs and target genes were involved in the process of AF through affecting biological processes such as energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and enzyme activity. It suggested that the exosomal miRNAs might be used as the novel biomarkers to reflect the progression of AF.
Towards the Prediction of Antimicrobial Efficacy for Hydrogen Bonded, Self‐Associating Amphiphiles
Authors: Allen Nyasha , White Lisa J. , Boles Jessica E. , Williams George T. , Chu Dominique F. , Ellaby Rebecca J. , Shepherd Helena J. , Ng Kendrick K. L. , Blackholly Laura R. , Wilson Ben , Mulvihill Daniel P. , Hiscock Jennifer R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHerein we report 50 structurally related supramolecular self‐associating amphiphilic (SSA) salts and related compounds. These SSAs are shown to act as antimicrobial agents, active against model Gram‐positive (methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and/or Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria of clinical interest. Through a combination of solution‐state, gas‐phase, solid‐state and in silico measurements, we determine 14 different physicochemical parameters for each of these 50 structurally related compounds. These parameter sets are then used to identify molecular structure‐physicochemical property‐antimicrobial activity relationships for our model Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, while simultaneously providing insight towards the elucidation of SSA mode of antimicrobial action.
Improving the accessibility and transferability of machine learning algorithms for identification of animals in camera trap images: MLWIC2
Authors: Tabak Michael A. , Norouzzadeh Mohammad S. , Wolfson David W. , Newton Erica J. , Boughton Raoul K. , Ivan Jacob S. , Odell Eric A. , Newkirk Eric S. , Conrey Reesa Y. , Stenglein Jennifer , Iannarilli Fabiola , Erb John , Brook Ryan K. , Davis Amy J. , Lewis Jesse , Walsh Daniel P. , Beasley James C. , VerCauteren Kurt C. , Clune Jeff , Miller Ryan S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMotion‐activated wildlife cameras (or “camera traps”) are frequently used to remotely and noninvasively observe animals. The vast number of images collected from camera trap projects has prompted some biologists to employ machine learning algorithms to automatically recognize species in these images, or at least filter‐out images that do not contain animals. These approaches are often limited by model transferability, as a model trained to recognize species from one location might not work as well for the same species in different locations. Furthermore, these methods often require advanced computational skills, making them inaccessible to many biologists. We used 3 million camera trap images from 18 studies in 10 states across the United States of America to train two deep neural networks, one that recognizes 58 species, the “species model,” and one that determines if an image is empty or if it contains an animal, the “empty‐animal model.” Our species model and empty‐animal model had accuracies of 96.8% and 97.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the models performed well on some out‐of‐sample datasets, as the species model had 91% accuracy on species from Canada (accuracy range 36%–91% across all out‐of‐sample datasets) and the empty‐animal model achieved an accuracy of 91%–94% on out‐of‐sample datasets from different continents. Our software addresses some of the limitations of using machine learning to classify images from camera traps. By including many species from several locations, our species model is potentially applicable to many camera trap studies in North America. We also found that our empty‐animal model can facilitate removal of images without animals globally. We provide the trained models in an R package (MLWIC2: Machine Learning for Wildlife Image Classification in R), which contains Shiny Applications that allow scientists with minimal programming experience to use trained models and train new models in six neural network architectures with varying depths.
Microgeographic local adaptation and ecotype distributions: The role of selective processes on early life‐history traits in sympatric, ecologically divergent Symphonia populations
Authors: Tysklind Niklas , Etienne Marie‐Pierre , Scotti‐Saintagne Caroline , Tinaut Alexandra , Casalis Maxime , Troispoux Valerie , Cazal Saint‐Omer , Brousseau Louise , Ferry Bruno , Scotti Ivan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTrees are characterized by the large number of seeds they produce. Although most of those seeds will never germinate, plenty will. Of those which germinate, many die young, and eventually, only a minute fraction will grow to adult stage and reproduce. Is this just a random process? Do variations in germination and survival at very young stages rely on variations in adaptations to microgeographic heterogeneity? and do these processes matter at all in determining tree species distribution and abundance?We have studied these questions with the Neotropical Symphonia tree species. In the Guiana shield, Symphonia are represented by at least two sympatric taxa or ecotypes, Symphonia globulifera found almost exclusively in bottomlands, and a yet undescribed more generalist taxon/ecotype, Symphonia sp1. A reciprocal transplantation experiment (510 seeds, 16 conditions) was set up and followed over the course of 6 years to evaluate the survival and performance of individuals from different ecotypes and provenances.Germination, survival, growth, and herbivory showed signs of local adaptation, with some combinations of ecotypes and provenances growing faster and surviving better in their own habitat or provenance region. S. globulifera was strongly penalized when planted outside its home habitat but showed the fastest growth rates when planted in its home habitat, suggesting it is a specialist of a high‐risk high‐gain strategy. Conversely, S. sp1 behaved as a generalist, performing well in a variety of environments.The differential performance of seeds and seedlings in the different habitats matches the known distribution of both ecotypes, indicating that environmental filtering at the very early stages can be a key determinant of tree species distributions, even at the microgeographic level and among very closely related taxa. Furthermore, such differential performance also contributes to explain, in part, the maintenance of the different Symphonia ecotypes living in intimate sympatry despite occasional gene flow.
Charge Storage Properties of Aqueous Halide Supercapatteries with Activated Carbon and Graphene Nanoplatelets as Active Electrode Materials
Authors: Akinwolemiwa Bamidele , Wei Chaohui , Yang Qinghua , Chen George Z. 
Published: September 2020

Device level performance of aqueous halide supercapatteries fabricated with equal electrode mass of activated carbon or graphene nanoplatelets has been characterized. It was revealed that the surface oxygen groups in the graphitic structures of the nanoplatelets contributed toward a more enhanced charge storage capacity in bromide containing redox electrolytes. Moreover, the rate performance of the devices could be linked to the effect of the pore size of the carbons on the dynamics of the inactive alkali metal counterion of the redox halide salt. Additionally, the charge storage performance of aqueous halide supercapatteries with graphene nanoplatelets as the electrode material may be attributed to the combined effect of the porous structure on the dynamics of the non‐active cations and a possible interaction of the Br−/(Br2 + Br3−) redox triple with the surface oxygen groups within the graphitic layer of the nanoplatelets. Generally, it has been shown that the surface groups and microstructure of electrode materials must be critically correlated with the redox electrolytes in the ongoing efforts to commercialize these devices.
Management of catheter ablation in arrhythmia patients during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic
Authors: Li Kaige , Qin Mu , Jiang Weifeng , Zhang Yu , Wu Shaohui , Xu Kai , Liu Xu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsHealth care providers have reduced outpatient services and delayed elective cardiac surgeries during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic, while a large number of patients face more cardiovascular risks compared with those of the pandemic. The present study attempted to explore the management of catheter ablation in arrhythmia patients during the pandemic.Methods and resultsFrom 1 January 2020 to 24 March 2020, a total of 269 arrhythmia patients hospitalized for catheter ablation under strict risk assessments and careful infection prevention were retrospectively analysed and considered for our analysis at our centre. Preventive measured included a 14 day quarantine, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleic acid detection, adoption of personal protection equipment, application of hand disinfectant, management of hospital visitors, and maintenance of environmental hygiene. Three patients who had fever following ablation and were finally excluded from SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and no hospital infection occurred during the 3.1 ± 1.5 day hospitalization period. Additionally, 258/269 (95.9%) patients were free from arrhythmia after a median 133 day follow‐up (Q1, 81; Q3, 143; ending 1 June 2020), and no SARS‐CoV‐2 infections occurred at follow‐up.ConclusionsBy adopting strict risk assessments and careful infection prevention measures, catheter ablation in patients with arrhythmia can be safely and effectively performed during the COVID‐19 epidemic in well‐controlled areas.
High individual pain variability in people living with HIV: A graphical analysis
Authors: Wadley Antonia Louise , Venter Willem D. F. , Moorhouse Michelle , Akpomiemie Godspower , Serenata Celicia , Hill Andrew , Sokhela Simiso , Mqamelo Noxolo , Kamerman Peter R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) frequently experience pain. Following calls to analyse individual‐level data in addition to group‐level data in pain studies, we compared individual and group‐level changes in pain prevalence, intensity and number of pain sites over 48 weeks in a large cohort of PLWH. This is the largest ever cohort study of pain in PLWH, and is the first to report pain at the level of the individual.MethodsParticipants included all participants with complete pain records from a randomized clinical trial (RCT) for the treatment of HIV (n = 787/1053). At weeks 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 we assessed participants’ pain in the last week; presence of pain, and if present, the intensity and locations of the pain. We used standard averaging methods to describe data at the group level, and unique graphical reporting methods to analyse data at the level of the individual.ResultsGroup‐level data demonstrated a trend for pain prevalence to decline over time (19% week 0, 12% week 48). Worst pain intensity remained stable (median between 4/10 and 5/10), as did the number (median = 1) and common sites of pain across the 48 weeks. In contrast, individual‐level data demonstrated high intra‐individual variability with regards to the presence of pain, and the intensity and location of the pain.ConclusionsWhile our group‐level data were similar to previous longitudinal studies, an apparent reduction in pain over 48 weeks, the individual‐level data showed large variability within individuals in that same time frame.SignificanceThis graphical analysis highlights the high variability in pain (pain prevalence, intensity and body sites) across time in people living with HIV, and how presenting averaged data hides this important variability. Our data support the reporting of individual‐level data in human experimental and observational studies.
Synthesis and Characterisations of Mixed Tellurium and Iodine Anions Based Chacolgen‐Halogen Lead Perovskite
Authors: Masikini Milua , Mkehlane Moleko Samuel , Iwuoha Emmanuel 
Published: September 2020

AbstractVarious types of low band gap materials have been reported as suitable components for the development of solar cells. These include oxygenated amorphous silicon (a‐SiO:H) with energy bang gap (Eg=1.8–2.0 eV), kesterites (Eg=1.0–1.7 eV), and more recently perovskites (Eg=1.6–2.3 eV) which are ambipolar inorganic‐organic hybrid semiconductors. The most extensively reported perovskite is methylammonium lead (II) iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) with a tetragonal crystal structure having a direct Eg around 1.6 eV and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 24 %. Recently, in order to resolve simultaneously both stability and toxicity challenges raised by conventional perovskite solar cells, chalcogenide materials have fascinated attention of researchers. This work, for the first time mixed tellurium (chalcogenide) and iodine (halogen) perovskite is explored to identify novel photovoltaic absorbers that can replace conventional perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3). Therefore, we present synthesis of organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite material by means of wet chemical solution technique, by introducing during the preparation the ions of tellurium into the precursors using solvent mixture of dimethylformamide (DMF)/dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at ambient temperature. The optical band gap (Eg) of CH3NH3PbI3‐xTex was estimated to be 1.98 eV using the Tauc plot which is within the range for an ideal perovskite. The high band gap obtained makes the material as an interesting candidate for multijunction solar cells. Though, more need to be done in term of synthesis, film making and an exact tuning of the band gap.
Use of Dicloxacillin Al(III) Complex as a Modifier for Determination of Al(III) Ion in Real Samples
Authors: Youssef Ahmed F. A. , Abd Dayiem Marwa , Shehab Ola R. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThree new modified electrodes based on a well‐characterized Al(III)‐Dicloxacillin complex (Dicloxacillin: penicillin antibiotic) in the form of carbon‐paste, PVC and coated graphite were fabricated and investigated for determination of Al(III) ions in multivitamin syrup, tap water and soda cans. The developed sensors showed excellent sensitives to Al(III) ions with slopes in the range of 16.77–20.00 mV/concentration decade and detection limits of 4.04×10−4–3.16×10−7 mol L−1 as well as fast response time of 10–20 s. The electrodes were effectively applied as indicators in the potentiometric titration of Al(III) with disodium hydrogen phosphate.
Interaction of Miltefosine with Microcavity Supported Lipid Membrane: Biophysical Insights from Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Sarangi Nirod Kumar , Prabhakaran Amrutha , Keyes Tia E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMiltefosine an alkylphosphocholine analogue, is the only drug taken orally for the treatment of leishmaniasis‐a parasitic disease caused by sandflies. Although it is believed that Miltefosine exerts its activity by acting at the lipid membrane, detailed understanding of the interaction of this drug with eukaryotic membranes is still lacking. Herein, we exploit microcavity pore suspended lipid bilayers (MSLBs) as a biomimetic platform in combination with a highly sensitive label‐free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique to gain biophysical insight into the interaction of Miltefosine with host cell membrane as a function of lipid membranes composition. Four membrane compositions with increasing complexity were evaluated; DOPC, DOPC : Chol (75 : 25), domain forming DOPC : SM : Chol (40 : 40 : 20) and mammalian plasma membrane (MPM) mimetic DOPC:DOPE:Chol:SM:DOPS (32 : 25 : 20 : 15 : 8) and used to study the interaction of Miltefosine in a concentration‐dependent manner using EIS. The membrane resistance changes in response to Miltefosine were modelled by an empirical Langmuir isotherm binding model to provide estimates of binding saturation and equilibrium association constant. Miltefosine was found to have greatest impact on electrochemical properties of the simpler membrane systems; DOPC and DOPC : Chol, where these membranes were found to be more susceptible to membrane thinning, attributed to strong permeation/penetration of the drug whilst, compositions that included both Chol and SM, expected to contain large liquid‐ordered domains exhibited weaker changes to membrane resistance but strongest drug association. In contrast, at the MPM membrane, Miltefosine exerts weakest association, which is tentatively attributed to electrostatic effects from the anionic DOPS but some membrane thinning is observed reflected in change in resistance and capacitance values attributed to some weak permeation.
Assessing the Ecological Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Current State-of-the Science and a Proposed Path Forward
Authors: Ankley Gerald T. , Cureton Philippa , Hoke Robert A. , Houde Magali , Kumar Anupama , Kurias Jessy , Lanno Roman , McCarthy Chris , Newsted John , Salice Christopher J. , Sample Bradley E. , Sepúlveda Maria S. , Steevens Jeffery , Valsecchi Sara 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well-understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state-of-the-science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross-disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource-effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564–605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Effects of drying time on the aroma of garlic (Allium sativum L.) seasoning powder
Authors: Li Kaixuan , Zhan Ping , Tian Honglei , Wang Peng , Ji Yunyun 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo investigate the effects of different drying times on the aroma of garlic seasoning powder (GSP), five GSP samples, including raw (1) and dry‐treated (4) samples by hot air drying with different times, were analyzed by solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (SPME/GC‐MS) combined with quantitative descriptive analysis (QDS) and gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O). The GC‐MS analysis allowed identifying 49 volatile compounds in GSP samples. GSPs provided a high number of sulfur‐containing compounds, mainly diallyl disulfide, diallyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, 3‐vinyl‐1,2‐dithiacyclohex‐4‐ene, and dimethyl trisulfide, which were closely related to the aroma of seasoning powder. Statistically significant differences resulted among raw (GSP1) and dried samples (GSP2‐GSP5), relating to the drying time. Combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), the results showed that raw and dry‐treated GSPs provided different volatile profiles and presented different sensory behaviors during drying. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) result elucidated that the evolution of heterocyclic compounds and thioethers was highly correlated with sensory profiles. The aroma properties of sulfides in garlic seasoning powder were closely related to the changes in sulfide content during processing, which may lead to differences in aroma between GSPs. These results might serve as a reference for garlic processing and provide valuable information for the future commercial utilization of garlic in the food industry.