bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial community assemblages in classroom floor dust of 50 public schools in a large city: characterization using 16s rRNA sequences and associations with environmental factors
Authors: Park Ju-Hyeong , Lemons Angela R. , Roseman Jerry , Green Brett J. , Cox-Ganser Jean M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Characterizing indoor microbial communities using molecular methods provides insight into bacterial assemblages present in environments that can influence occupants’ health. We conducted an environmental assessment as part of an epidemiologic study of 50 elementary schools in a large city in the northeastern United States. We vacuumed dust from the edges of the floor in 500 classrooms accounting for 499 processed dust aliquots for 16S Illumina MiSeq sequencing to characterize bacterial assemblages. DNA sequences were organized into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and identified using a database derived from the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Bacterial diversity and ecological analyses were performed at the genus level. We identified 29 phyla, 57 classes, 148 orders, 320 families, 1,193 genera, and 2,045 species in 3,073 OTUs. The number of genera per school ranged from 470 to 705. The phylum Proteobacteria was richest, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria while Firmicutes was most abundant. The most abundant order included Lactobacillales, Spirulinales, Clostridiales, Bacteroidales, Pseudomonadales, and Micrococcales. Halospirulina was the most abundant genus (the only genus within the order Spirulinales), followed by Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Sphingomonas, Clostridium, and Pseudomonas. Gram-negative bacteria were more abundant and richer (relative abundance=0.53;1,632 OTUs) than gram-positive bacteria (0.47; 1,441). The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index ranged from 0.22 to 0.63, with a median of 0.40. Effects of school location, degree of water damage, building condition, number of students, air temperature and humidity, floor material, and classroom’s floor level on the bacterial richness or community composition were statistically significant but subtle. Our study indicates that classroom floor dust had a characteristic bacterial community represented by more gram-negative bacteria, in comparison to typical house dust that is represented by more gram-positive bacteria. Health implications of exposure to the microbiomes in classroom floor dust may be different from those in homes for school staff and students.
The Structure of Human Tyrosine Hydroxylase Reveals the Mechanism for Feedback Inhibition by Dopamine
Authors: Valpuesta José , Bueno-Carrasco Teresa , Cuellar Jorge , Flydal Marte , Santiago Cesar , Kråkenes Trond-André , Kleppe Rune , López-Blanco José , Teigen Knut , Alvira Sara , Chacon Pablo , Martínez Aurora 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is a highly regulated enzyme that catalyses the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of dopamine (DA) and other catecholamines. Mutations and dysfunction in this enzyme lead to DA deficiency and parkinsonisms of different severity. An understanding of TH deficiency at the level of structure and stability has been lacking to date, as only structures of truncated TH forms have been available. Here, we used cryoEM to determine the first high-resolution structure of full-length human tetrameric TH in the absence (3.4 Å) and presence (3.8 Å) of the end-product and feedback inhibitor DA bound to the active site. We show that upon DA binding, an α-helix (residues 39-59) included within the flexible N-terminal tail of the regulatory domain, is internalized in the active site. The observed structural changes reveal the molecular basis of the inhibitory and stabilizing DA effect, reversible by TH S40-phosphorylation, which are crucial regulatory mechanisms for catecholamine and TH homeostasis.
Genomic Investigation of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Outbreak in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Jeong-Min , Park Sung Yong , Lee Daesang , Kim Jun-Sub , Park Youngjoon , Gwack Jin , Kim Mi Young , Song Dong Hyun , Jeong Seong Tae , Chung Yoon-Seok , Yoo Cheon Kwon , Lee Ha Youn , Han Myung-Guk 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The South Korean government effectively contained the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak primarily associated with a religious group. We conducted SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing of 66 cases to investigate connections among the initial South Korean cases and the religious group outbreak. We assessed the accuracy of genomic investigation by comparing the whole genome sequences with comprehensive contact tracing records. Five transmission clusters were estimated among the 15 initial cases. The six close-contact cases and two potential exposure pairs identified by contact tracing showed two or fewer nucleotide base differences. Additionally, we identified two transmission clusters from the religious group outbreak that were phylogenetically distinct from the initial clusters, sharing common G11083T, G26144T, and C14805T markers. The strain closest to the two religious group clusters was identified from a pair of identical sequences isolated from individuals who traveled from Wuhan to Italy. Our findings provide insights into the origins of community spread of COVID-19.
Association of whole blood copper and preeclampsia: A Cohort study in China
Authors: Xu Huan Ying , Chen Ying , Wu Su Zhen , Zhu Qiao Ling , Chen Yu , Tan Min Hua , Zhang Miao Miao , Ou Qi Xin 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background

Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The associations between whole blood copper and pre-eclampsia were controversial. Our study was aimed to investigate the association between whole blood copper concentration and preeclampsia in pregnant woman in China.
Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted between August 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 in a comprehensive tertiary hospital in Foshan city Guangdong Province, China. We measured copper concentration in maternal whole blood in 12–27 (+ 6) week of pregnancy, using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. We ascertained preeclampsia diagnosis from electronic medical records system. Covariates included demographic, offspring characteristics, serum biomarkers. Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between the concentration of trace element and preeclampsia.
Results

A total of 2134 participants were included, 57 (2.67%) women developed preeclampsia. In the multivariate regression models, per1 SD increment in copper was associated with 28% lower risk of preeclampsia (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54–0.95). After Propensity-Score Matching with similar age at delivery and prepregnancy BMI,per1 SD increment in copper was associated with 28% lower risk of preeclampsia (OR = 0.70,95% CI:0.51–0.97). We observed some extent evidence of a dose–response trend for Cu (P for trend = 0.0321) quintiles. And the result was sustained in mild and severe preeclampsia.
Conclusions

women with higher blood concentration of copper may associated with lower preeclampsia. More well designed studies are needed for the interpretation of these findings.
Maternal outcome of selective feticide due to fetal anomaly in late trimester: a retrospective 10 years’ experience in Taiwan
Authors: Sung Chen-Ai , Lin Tzu-Yi , Lee Han-Ni , Chan Kok-Seong , Hung Tai-Ho , Shaw Steven W. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
With advanced diagnostic techniques, early identification of fetal anomaly becomes more accurate. However, certain diseases could only be diagnosed in late gestation. Feticide was suggested to avoid delivering children with abnormalities. Recently, twin pregnancies have increased gradually, and so have their complications. Selective feticide was considered to achieve good outcome of pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of feticide in twin pregnancy with fetal anomaly.
Methods
This was a retrospective study enrolled from 2009 to 2018. A total of 68 pregnancies complicated with fetal anomalies received feticide were recorded. Potassium Chloride (KCl) was injected into left ventricle to induce fetal asystole. Monochorionic twin pregnancies were excluded, maternal and fetal characteristics of 16 dichorionic twins were documented to compare the effectiveness of feticide performed before and after 24th gestational week.
Results
All the pregnant women received feticide smoothly without any maternal complication. The reasons for choosing feticide were divided into four groups, including morphologic defect (61.8%), genetic-chromosomal abnormality (30.9%), obstetrical complication (5.9%) and maternal request (1.5%). Mean gestational age at delivery was significantly higher in dichorionic twins underwent selective feticide before and after 24th gestational week (36.7 vs 33.4, [p < .05]). No fetal loss in twin pregnancy demonstrated a high successful rate of selective feticide.
Conclusion
Intra-cardiac injection of KCl was effective for feticide and safe for mothers and fetuses. Selective feticide was beneficial to late gestation of dichorionic twin pregnancy. With sufficient discussion with patients, selective feticide served as an alternative approach for twin pregnancy with fetal anomaly.
Serum Sodium in Relation to Various Domains of Cognitive Function in the Elderly US Population
Authors: Lee Sohyae , Min Jin-young , Kim Beom , Ha Sang-Won , Han Jeohng Ho , Min Kyoung-bok 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background:Recent evidence suggests that sodium imbalances may be associated with cognitive impairment; however, the association between specific domains of cognition remains unclear. This study examines the association between serum sodium levels and immediate and delayed verbal memory as measured by the CERAD Word Learning Test (CERAD WLT), executive function as measured by the Animal Fluency test (AFT), and sustained attention, working memory, and processing speed as measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST) in the elderly population of the US aged 60 and older who participated in the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (n=2,700). Methods:Cognitive function tests were performed by trained interviewers and sodium levels were measured using indirect ion selective electrode methodology. Results:After adjusting for all covariates, CERAD WLT scores showed significant positive associations with sodium levels (Immediate recall (IR) β = 0.11 (SE = 0.04, p-value 0.018); Delayed recall (DR) β = 0.07 (SE = 0.03, p-value 0.009)). Compared to individuals with normal sodium levels, individuals with hyponatremia were significantly associated with lower CERAD WLT-DR (β = -0.71, SE = 0.23, p-value 0.005) and AFT scores (β = -1.58, SE = 0.68, p-value 0.027), and showed a borderline significant relationship with lower CERAD WLT-DR scores (β = -1.11, SE = 0.56, p-value 0.057). Individuals with hypernatremia did not show any significant relationships with cognitive test scores, compared to those with normal sodium levels. Conclusions:Our cross-sectional study showed that lower sodium levels were associated with cognitive change, especially regarding memory and executive function.
Sexual Dysfunction Among Men With Diabetes Mellitus Attending Chronic Out-patient Department at the Three Hospitals of Northwest Amhara Region, Ethiopia: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: Getie Eskedar , Yenus Hedija , Bishaw Alehegn 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Sexual dysfunction is the commonest reproductive health problem seen among men with diabetes which has different health and social consequences. Previous studies conducted in this area were concentrated to specific domain of sexual dysfunction and factors were not well addressed.Objective: To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and identify associated factors among men with diabetes at the three hospitals of Amhara region, Ethiopia.Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 462 men diabetic patients attending at the three hospitals of northwest Amhara region. Systemic random sampling were used and interviewer administered change in sexual functioning questionnaire were collected from February 20, 2020- April 15, 2020. The collected data were entered to Epi-data and analyzed by SPSS. Binary logistic regression was employed and multi-variable logistic regressions model used to control confounders. Variables that had independent correlation with the outcome were identified (with p-value≤ 0.05 and 95%CI) the direction and the strength of the association were measured by Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR).Results: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction found to be 69.5% (95%CI= (65.1-73.9)). The magnitude of sexual dysfunction has been disproportionately observed among old age individuals (AOR=8.7, 95%CI: (3.3-23.1)), longer duration of diagnosis with diabetes(AOR=10.8, 95%CI: (5.3-21.9)), poor metabolic control (AOR=3.57, 95%CI: (1.81-7.05)), existence of comorbidities (AOR=5.07, 95%CI: (2.16–11.9)) and having diabetic related complications (AOR=3.01, 95%CI=1.31-6.92). Nevertheless, physically active (AOR=0.41, 95%CI: (0.12-0.7)) and couples satisfied with their relationship (AOR=0.15, 95%CI: (0.03-0.7)) were less likely to experience the problem.Conclusion: Well over two-thirds of men with diabetes have experienced sexual dysfunction, implying a public health pressing concern. Older individuals, physical in activity, longer duration of diagnosis with diabetes, having diabetic complication, experiencing co-morbid illnesses, couples un satisfaction, and poor metabolic control increased risk of developing SD. Therefore, promoting physical exercise, preventing co-morbid illnesses, couples counseling to build good relationship are recommended for combating the problem.
Autoencoder-bank Based Design for Adaptive Channel-Blind Robust Transmission
Authors: Safi Hossein , Akbari Mohammad , Vaezpour Elaheh , Parsaeefard Saeedeh , Shubair Raed M. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The idea of employing deep autoencoders (AEs) has been recently proposed to capture the end-to-end performance in the physical layer of communication systems. However, most of the current methods for applying AEs are developed based on the assumption that there is an explicit channel model for training that matches the actual channel model in the online transmission. Since the actual channel varies over time, this imposes a major limitation on employing AE-based systems. In this paper, without relying on an explicit channel model, we propose an adaptive scheme to increase the reliability of an AE-based communication system over different channel conditions. More precisely, we divide the interval of random channel coefficients into n sub-intervals. Subsequently, in the offline training phase, we employ an AE bank consisting of n pairs of encoder and decoder and perform training over the sub-intervals. Then, in the online transmission phase, based on the actual channel conditions, the optimal pair of encoder and decoder is selected for data transmission in terms of satisfying an average block error rate (BLER) constraint imposed on the system. To monitor actual channel conditions for adopting the adaptive scheme, we assume a realistic scenario where the instantaneous channel gain is not known to Tx/Rx and it is blindly estimated at the RX, i.e., without using any pilot symbols. Our simulation results confirms the superiority of the proposed adaptive scheme over a non-adaptive scenario in terms of average power consumption. For instance, when the target average BLER is equal to 10−4 , our proposed algorithm with n = 5 can achieve a performance gain over 1.2 dB compared with a non-adaptive scheme
Genotoxic Impact of Aluminum-containing Nanomaterials in Human Intestinal and Hepatic Cells.
Authors: Jalili Pégah , HUET Sylvie , Burel Agnès , Krause Benjamin-Christoph , Fontana Caroline , Chevance Soizic , Gauffre Fabienne , Guichard Yves , Lampen Alfonso , Laux Peter , Luch Andreas , Hogeveen Kevin , Fessard Valerie 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: Exposure of consumers to aluminum-containing nanomaterials (Al NMs) through numerous products is an area of concern for public health agencies since human health risks are not completely elucidated. In addition, the available data on the genotoxicity of Al2O3 and Al0 NMs are inconclusive or rare. In order to provide further information, the present study investigated the in vitro genotoxic potential of Al0 and Al2O3 NMs in intestinal and liver cell models since these tissues represent organs which would be in direct contact or could experience potential accumulation following oral exposure. Methods: Differentiated human intestinal Caco-2 and hepatic HepaRG cells were exposed to Al0 and Al2O3 NMs (0.03 to 80 µg/cm2) and the results were compared with those obtained with the ionic form AlCl3. Several methods, including H2AX labelling, the alkaline comet assay and micronucleus (MN) assays were used. Oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage were assessed using High Content Analysis (HCA) and the formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase -modified comet assay respectively. Moreover, carcinogenic properties of Al NMs were investigated through the cell transforming assay (CTA) in Bhas 42 cells.Results: The three forms of Al did not induce chromosomal damage when tested in the MN assay. Furthermore, no cell transformation was observed in Bhas 42 cells. However, although no production of oxidative stress was detected in HCA assays, Al2O3 NMs induced oxidative DNA damage in Caco-2 cells in the comet assay following a 24 h treatment. Considerable DNA damage was observed with Al0 NMs in both cell lines in the comet assay, although this was likely due to interference with these NMs. Finally, no genotoxic effects were observed with AlCl3. Conclusion: The slight effects observed with Al NMs are therefore not likely to be related to ion release in the cell media.
Cre-Controlled CRISPR (3C) Mutagenesis: Fast and Easy Conditional Gene Inactivation in Zebrafish
Authors: Hans Stefan , Zöller Daniela , Hammer Juliane , Stucke Johanna , Spieß Sandra , Kesavan Gokul , Kroehne Volker , Eguiguren Juan Sebastian , Ezhkova Diana , Petzold Andreas , Dahl Andreas , Brand Michael 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Conditional gene inactivation is a powerful tool to determine gene function when constitutive mutations result in detrimental effects. The most commonly used technique to achieve conditional gene inactivation employs the Cre/loxP system and its ability to delete DNA sequences flanked by two loxP sites. However, targeting critical exons or an entire gene with two loxP sites is time and labor consuming. To circumvent these issues, we developed Cre-Controlled CRISPR (3C) mutagenesis. 3C mutagenesis is simple, fast and allows gene inactivation in a Cre-dependent manner. In contrast to loxP-flanked alleles, the recombined cells become fluorescently visible enabling the isolation of these cells and their subjection to various omics techniques. Moreover, 3C will be scalable and will enable the conditional inactivation of multiple genes simultaneously. Hence, 3C mutagenesis provides a valuable alternative to the production of loxP-flanked alleles and should be applicable to all model organisms amenable to single integration transgenesis.
PRIMA-1met Induces Autophagy in Colorectal Cancer Cells With Different p53 Status
Authors: Li Xiao-lan , Zhou Jianbiao , Xia Chen-jing , Lu Zhong-kai , Chen Zhi-rong 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: PRIMA-1met (APR246), a methylated form of PRIMA-1 (p53-reactivation and induction of massive apoptosis-1, APR-017), targets mutant p53 for restoring its wild-type structure and function. We previously demonstrated that PRIMA-1met was efficient in suppressing the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in a p53-independent manner, and distinctly induced apoptosis mediated by up-regulation of Noxa in p53-mutant cell lines. Here we aimed to the effect of PRIMA-1met on autophagy in different CRC cell lines, to further investigate mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect in cells with different p53 status.Methods: 3 CRC cell lines with wild-type p53, 5 lines with mutant p53 and 1 line without p53 were obtained for this study. Using western blotting, acridine orange staining, and transmission electron microscopy detection, we assessed autophagy flux in different cells treated with PRIMA-1met, and detected expression of mTOR/AMPK-ULK1-Vps34 autophagic signaling cascade. We also evaluated cell proliferation of cells with PRIMA-1met treatment by cell counting Kit-8 proliferation assay, compared to combination of PRIAM-1met and 3-Methyladenine. Furthermore, we knocked down Noxa gene by siRNA in different CRC cells, to assess LC3 conversion after administration of PRIMA-1met. Values were expressed as mean + standard error of the mean. Comparison between groups of data was made using one-way analysis of variance.Results: In this study, we showed that PRIMA-1met induced autophagy in CRC cells independent on p53 status. PRIMA-1met not only promoted autophagic vesicles (AVs) formation and AV-lysosome fusion, but also increased lysosomal degradation. Mechanistically, activation of mTOR/AMPK-ULK1-Vps34 autophagic signaling cascade was important for PRIMA-1met-induced autophagy. Furthermore, autophagy played a crucial role in the inhibitory effect of PRIMA-1met only in cells harboring wild-type p53, which was closely related to the increased Noxa.Conclusions: Our results indicated that PRIMA-1met induced autophagy in CRC cells regardless of p53 status via activating mTOR/AMPK-ULK1-Vps34 signaling cascade. However, induced autophagy was relevant to the cytotoxicity of PRIMA-1met in cells carrying wild-type p53, along with up-regulation of Noxa. Implying that, PRIMA-1met-based therapy could be an effective strategy for CRC.Trail registration: Not applicable.
In Situ Corn Fiber Conversion for Ethanol Improvement by The Addition of Novel Lignocellulolytic Enzyme Cocktail
Authors: Gao Le , Chen Shulin , Zhang Dongyuan 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background: The technology of converting corn mashes to ethanol has been mature, but corn mashes has high-viscosity and high-sugar characteristics which hindered cellulose utilization and yeast-fermentation efficiency. The excessive viscosity of corn mash is caused by the presence of non-starch polysaccharides, such as cellulose in cereal grains. Corn kernel fiber (mostly cellulose) is typically unconverted in the process. Results: A novel lignocellulolytic enzymes cocktail with strong substrate specificity was prepared for high-viscosity, high-sugar corn mash. The in situ conversion of corn mashes with novel lignocellulolytic enzymes at the optimum cellulase dosage of 50 FPU/L resulted in 12.4%, 12.0%, 11.8%, and 12.9% increased ethanol concentration compared with the reference mash at 0.3, 1, 5, and 70 L batch-fermentation scales, respectively. The highest yield of ethanol from corn mash digested with the prepared novel lignocellulolytic enzyme reached 117.0 ± 0.1g/L at the 70 L batch fermentation, which was a 12.9% increase in ethanol yield. Adding the lignocellulolytic enzymes caused the greatest decrease in viscosity of corn mash by 40.9% compared with the reference mash (33.5 ± 1.5 Pa·s), whereas the residual sugars decreased by 56.3%. Simultaneously, the application of novel lignocellulolytic enzymes increased the value of dried distiller’s grain with solubles by increasing the protein content and decreasing the residual cellulose and starch content.Conclusion: The application of novel lignocellulolytic enzymes significantly improved the alcohol concentration, productivity, and yield. With the same amount of material, the application of the novel enzymes cocktail can enhance the ethanol yield by more than 10%. The in situ conversion of cellulose promoted the release of contents, including starch and protein, which can decrease the fermentation broth viscosity and improve the rheological property, thereby improving the ethanol yield. Thus, this technology can increase the net revenue of fuel-ethanol industrialization and promote the technological progress of renewable energy.