bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of bat ecology on viral diversity and reservoir status
Authors: Guy Cylita , Ratcliffe John M. , Mideo Nicole 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRepeated emergence of zoonotic viruses from bat reservoirs into human populations demands predictive approaches to preemptively identify virus‐carrying bat species. Here, we use machine learning to examine drivers of viral diversity in bats, determine whether those drivers depend on viral genome type, and predict undetected viral carriers. Our results indicate that bat species with longer life spans, broad geographic distributions in the eastern hemisphere, and large group sizes carry more viruses overall. Life span was a stronger predictor of deoxyribonucleic acid viral diversity, while group size and family were more important for predicting ribonucleic acid viruses, potentially reflecting broad differences in infection duration. Importantly, our models predict 54 bat species as likely carriers of zoonotic viruses, despite not currently being considered reservoirs. Mapping these predictions as a proportion of local bat diversity, we identify global regions where efforts to reduce disease spillover into humans by identifying viral carriers may be most productive.
Chemistry of streams draining mined and unmined watersheds in the mountaintop mined landscape of Central Appalachia, USA
Authors: Gerson Jacqueline R. , Moore Eric , Naslund Laura C. , Rocca Jennifer , Simonin Marie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMountaintop removal coal mining is the predominant form of surface mining in the Appalachian Region of the United States and leads to elevated levels of chemical constituents in streams draining mined watersheds. This data set contains measurements of water chemistry in the mountaintop mined landscape of Central Appalachia. These data were collected to determine the accumulation and transport of mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) across environmental compartments in mountaintop mining‐impacted waters as well as the impact of mountaintop mining on the aquatic‐terrestrial subsidy. Samples were collected in summer 2017 and spring/summer 2018. Data predominantly include Se, THg, and methylmercury (MeHg) in the following environmental compartments at sites impacted and unimpacted by mountaintop removal coal mining: water, sediment, biofilm, larval cranefly, adult aquatic insects, and spiders. Additional water parameters that have been found to vary across a gradient of mountaintop mining impact (total organic carbon [TOC], total nitrogen [TN], sulfate [SO4], nitrate [NO3], chloride [Cl], pH, sodium [Na], potassium [K], magnesium [Mg], calcium [Ca], manganese [Mn], sulfur [S], specific conductance) were also measured. The majority of sites represented are headwater streams, although some settling ponds below valley fills are included. This data set also includes taxonomic characterization of the adult aquatic insect community as well as measurements of spider density at a subset of sites. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications.
Ethnic differences in atrial fibrillation among patients with heart failure in Asia
Authors: Tan Eugene S.J. , Goh Vera , Santema Bernadet T. , Tay Wan Ting , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Yap Jonathan , Tromp Jasper , Hung Chung‐Lieh , Chopra Vijay , Anand Inder , MacDonald Michael R. , Ling Lieng Hsi ,   ASIAN‐HF investigators, Van Gelder Isabelle C. , Rienstra Michiel , Voors Adriaan A. , Richards A. Mark , Lam Carolyn S.P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsWe aimed to characterize ethnic differences in prevalence, clinical correlates, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure (HF) with preserved and reduced ejection fraction (HFpEF and HFrEF) across Asia.Methods and resultsAmong 5504 patients with HF prospectively recruited across 11 Asian regions using identical protocols in the Asian Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure study (mean age 61 ± 13 years, 27% women, 83% HFrEF), 1383 (25%) had AF defined as a history of AF and/or AF/flutter on baseline electrocardiogram. Clinical correlates of AF were similar across ethnicities and included older age, prior stroke, higher NT‐proBNP, and larger left atria. Diabetes was associated with lower odds of AF in HFrEF [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.79, 95% CI 0.66–0.95] and HFpEF (AOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39–0.84) regardless of ethnicity. Compared with Chinese ethnicity, Japanese/Koreans had higher odds of AF in HFrEF (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.40–2.21), while Indians had lower odds in HFrEF (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.13–0.24) and HFpEF (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.16–0.49) even after adjusting for clinical covariates. Interaction between ethnicity and region was observed among Indians, with Southeast Asian Indians having higher odds of AF (AOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.60–5.67) compared with South Asian Indians. AF was associated with poorer quality of life and increased risk of 1 year all‐cause mortality or HF hospitalisation (adjusted hazard ratio 1.39, 95% CI 1.18–1.63) regardless of ethnicity.ConclusionsAmong patients with HF across Asia, clinical correlates and adverse outcomes associated with AF are similar across ethnicities; however, there are striking ethnic variations in the prevalence of AF that are not accounted for by known risk factors.
Diesel exhaust treatment by a combination of non‐thermal plasma with Nano‐CeO2 supported on the wood fiber filter
Authors: Guo Xiurong , Du Danfeng , Wang Yinghui , Xu Yuefeng , Gao Qi , Li Mingbao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn order to reduce the emissions of pollutants from diesel exhaust, a kind of exhaust purification technology by the combination of non‐thermal plasma (NTP) with Nano‐CeO2 supported on the micro‐wood fiber filter is proposed, and a simulation test bench is designed to test the influence factors of purification efficiency. It can be seen from the simulation experiments, the purification efficiency for particulate matter (PM) and NOx can be enhanced from 37 and 28% to 53 and 38% when the content of Nano‐CeO2 is from 0 to 16.92 wt%. The test results also show that the purification efficiency of PM and NOx increases with the rising of temperature between 40 and 160°C. Furthermore, when the mass of PM is no more than 30 mg, the purification efficiency of PM and NOx increases with the rising of PM mass. At last, the experiment shows that when the input voltage is between 6 and 12 kV, the corresponding purification efficiency increases with the rising of voltage. Temperature 160°C, catalyst 16.92 wt%, input voltage 12 kV, and PM 30 mg are the best experimental conditions for this study, in which the corresponding purification of PM and NOx is 66 and 53%, respectively. This can provide an experimental basis for the practical application of NTP and wood fiber filters in the field of exhaust gas purification.
Correlation of skin carotenoid levels with embryo development and pregnancy result of in vitro fertilization cycles for couples with unexplained infertility
Authors: Chen Wen‐Jung , Tzeng Shu‐Ling , Cheng En‐Hui , Tsao Hui‐Mei , Huang Chun‐Chia , Chen Sung‐Lang , Lee Maw‐Sheng , Lee Tsung‐Hsien 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOxidative stress‐related DNA damage is a significant pathology for male subfertility and unexplained infertility (UI). Antioxidant supplement by food or nutrition may benefit sperm function of UI couples. However, the role of antioxidant status on fertilization outcome and embryo development for UI couples is not clear. A total of 63 semen samples from UI couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (26 pregnant cycles and 37 nonpregnant cycles) were recruited for this prospective observational study. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of sperm cells are detected by a chemiluminescence assay. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of seminal plasma is evaluated according to an antioxidant assay kit. The skin carotenoid status in the male partners of UI couples is measured by resonance Raman spectroscopy to determine the antioxidant potential from dietary supplement. The skin carotenoid status (23,115 ± 6,831 vs. 19,432 ± 5,242 Raman intensity, p = .0329 by Mann–Whitney U test) and day 3 good embryo rates (49.6 ± 27.1% vs. 26.8 ± 23.1%, p = .002 by Mann–Whitney U test) are higher in pregnant cycles compared to those in nonpregnant cycles. The local antioxidant capacity (seminal TAC) is closely correlated with fertilization rates (r = .35, p = .005). In contrast, skin carotenoid status is intimately associated with good embryo rates in IVF cycles (r = .34, p = .007). In conclusion, the skin carotenoid status of male partners of UI couples may benefit embryo development and the subsequent pregnancy outcome of IVF treatment. Further investigation about the effect and mechanism of nutritional supplement on embryo development in IVF cycles for UI couples is deserved.
Relationship between multidimensional prognostic index and incident depressive symptoms in older people: Findings from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee , Solmi Marco , Senesi Barbara , Cella Alberto , Pilotto Alberto 
Published: May 2020

ObjectivesThe multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) is a useful prognostic tool for evaluating adverse health outcomes in older individuals. However, the association between MPI and depressive symptoms has never been explored, despite depression being a common condition in older people. We therefore aimed to evaluate whether MPI may predict incident depressive symptoms.MethodsLongitudinal, cohort study, with 2 years of follow‐up (W1: October 2009‐February 2011; W2: April 2012‐January 2013), including people aged ≥65 years without depressive symptoms at baseline. A comprehensive geriatric assessment including information on functional, nutritional, cognitive status, mobility, comorbidities, medications, and cohabitation status was used to calculate the MPI dividing the participants into low, moderate, or severe risk. Those who scored ≥16/60 with the Center of Epidemiology Studies Depression (CES‐D) tool were considered to have depressive symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to explore the association between MPI and incident depressive symptoms.ResultsThe sample consisted of 1854 participants (mean age: 72.8 ± SD 5.1 years; females: 52.1%). The prevalence of incident depressive symptoms by MPI tertiles at baseline were: low 2.5%, moderate 3.9%, and severe 6.7%. In multivariable analyses, baseline MPI values were significantly associated with incident depressive symptoms (increase in 0.1 points in MPI: odds ratio, OR = 1.47; 95% confidence intervals, CI: 1.17‐1.85; MPI tertile severe vs low: OR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.50‐5.85).ConclusionBaseline MPI values were associated with incident depressive symptoms indicating that multidimensional assessment of older people may lead to early identification of individuals at increased risk of depression onset.
Predicting salvage laryngectomy in patients treated with primary nonsurgical therapy for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma using machine learning
Authors: Smith Joshua B. , Shew Matthew , Karadaghy Omar A. , Nallani Rohit , Sykes Kevin J. , Gan Gregory N. , Brant Jason A. , Bur Andrés M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundMachine learning (ML) algorithms may predict patients who will require salvage total laryngectomy (STL) after primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).MethodsPatients treated for T1‐T3a laryngeal SCC were identified from the National Cancer Database. Multiple ML algorithms were trained to predict which patients would go on to require STL after primary nonsurgical treatment.ResultsA total of 16 440 cases were included. The best classification performance was achieved with a gradient boosting algorithm, which achieved accuracy of 76.0% (95% CI 74.5‐77.5) and area under the curve = 0.762. The most important variables used to construct the model were distance from residence to treating facility and days from diagnosis to start of treatment.ConclusionWe can identify patients likely to fail primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy and who will go on to require STL by applying ML techniques and argue for high‐quality, multidisciplinary regionalized care.
Biotin, coenzyme Q10, and their combination ameliorate aluminium chloride‐induced Alzheimer's disease via attenuating neuroinflammation and improving brain insulin signaling
Authors: Attia Hala , Albuhayri Shaykhah , Alaraidh Sadeem , Alotaibi Amirah , Yacoub Hazar , Mohamad Raeesa , Al‐Amin Maha 
Published: May 2020

AbstractInsulin is important for brain function and neuronal survival. Insulin signaling is initiated by the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) at tyrosine (pTyr) residue. However, IRS‐1 is inhibited by phosphorylation at serine (pSer). In Alzheimer's disease (AD), oxidative stress and accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) induce neuroinflammation, which augments pSer‐IRS‐1 and reduces pTyr‐IRS‐1 disturbing insulin signaling pathway. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and biotin possess antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, and, in this study, their impact on insulin signaling is investigated in an aluminium chloride (AlCl3) model of AD. AD was induced by oral administration of AlCl3 (75 mg/kg) for 60 days. Biotin (2 mg/kg), CoQ10 (10 mg/kg), and their combination were supplemented concomitantly with AlCl3 for 60 days. Memory test and histological examination were performed. Brain levels of lipid peroxides, antioxidants (reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase), inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], IL‐1, and nuclear factor κB), and phosphorylated Akt (survival kinase) as well as protein levels of Aβ, IRS‐1 (pTyr and pSer), and caspase‐3 (apoptotic marker) were determined. AlCl3 resulted in impaired memory, significant increase in Aβ, lipid peroxides, inflammatory markers, caspase‐3, and pSer‐IRS‐1, with significant reduction of the antioxidants, pTyr‐IRS‐1, and p‐Akt reflecting Aβ‐induced inflammation and defective insulin signaling. Histological examination revealed focal aggregations of inflammatory cells and neuronal degeneration. The biochemical deviations and histological changes were attenuated by the concomitant treatment with biotin and, to greater extent, with CoQ10 and the combination. In conclusion, biotin and CoQ10 could protect against AD via attenuating inflammatory response and enhancing insulin signaling.
NLRC3 inhibits PDGF‐induced PASMCs proliferation via PI3K‐mTOR pathway
Authors: Zha Li‐huang , Zhou Jun , Tan Yilong , Guo Shuhong , Zhang Men‐qiu , Li Sheng , Yan Peng , Yu Zai‐xin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFew studies about nucleotide‐oligomerization domain‐like receptor subfamily C3 (NLRC3) in PASMCs have been conducted. This research aimed to investigate the role of NLRC3 on platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and its underlying mechanism. We found that the proliferation of PASMCs stimulated with PDGF decreased when phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) or mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors pretreatment. Overexpression of NLRC3 inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs and the phosphorylation of PI3K and mTOR while knocking down NLRC3 reversed this effect. Targeted to PI3K or mTOR can also reverse the effect of NLRC3. Activation of PI3K increased the phosphorylation of mTOR while inhibition of PI3K reduced it. Our data suggest that PDGF can induce abnormal proliferation of PASMCs, and NLRC3 suppresses activation of the PI3K‐mTOR signaling thus inhibits PASMCs proliferation. These findings unveiled the effect of NLRC3 as an inhibitor of the PI3K‐mTOR pathway mediating protection against PASMCs proliferation.
Elevated cell‐free fetal DNA contributes to placental inflammation and antiangiogenesis via AIM2 and IFI16 during pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Li Ning , He Fei , Gao Hang , Ge Ying , Fan Xiujun , Zhang Jian , Qi Hui , Ren Lili 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAccumulated evidence has shown that pre‐eclampsia (PE) is related to both maternal and utero‐placental antiangiogenesis and inflammation. Remarkably, an elevated cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) level has been found in maternal circulation; however, it remains unclear whether this DNA can induce activation of cytosolic DNA sensor signaling pathways and lead to the development of PE. In this study, we found that trophoblast cells constitutively expressed the cytosolic DNA sensors, absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) and interferon‐inducible protein 16 (IFI16). The cffDNA and pro‐inflammatory and antiangiogenic factors were present at higher concentrations in PE compared with the control group and correlated with the severity of PE. DNA stimulation significantly increased the AIM2 and IFI16 levels, consistent with the elevated AIM2 and IFI16 expression in women with PE, and elicited increased production of AIM2‐mediated interleukin IL‐8 (IL‐8), IL‐6 and CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and IFI16‐mediated sEndoglin, sFlt‐1 and CXCL10. Furthermore, enhancement of the inflammatory response was found to be induced by DNA exposure, but DNA exposure did not induce PE‐like symptoms in pregnant mice. It is possible that elevated cffDNA could reflect the degree of placental damage and trigger cytosolic DNA sensor activation, which disrupts the immunity balance and, consequently, contributes to inflammatory and antiangiogenic responses. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that circulating cffDNA levels are increased in preeclamptic women and act through AIM2 and IFI16 activation to promote the production of pro‐inflammatory and antiangiogenic factors, which correlate with the severity of the disease, and may offer insights into the etiology and pathogenesis of PE.
Sequence of chondrocranial development in the oriental fire bellied toad Bombina orientalis
Authors: Lukas Paul , Olsson Lennart 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe vertebrate head as a major novelty is directly linked to the evolutionary success of the vertebrates. Sequential information on the embryonic pattern of cartilaginous head development are scarce, but important for the understanding of its evolution. In this study, we use the oriental fire bellied toad, Bombina orientalis, a basal anuran to investigate the sequence and timing of larval cartilaginous development of the head skeleton from the appearance of mesenchymal Anlagen in post‐neurulation stages until the premetamorphic larvae. We use different methodological approaches like classic histology, clearing and staining, and antibody staining to examine the larval skeletal morphology. Our results show that in contrast to other vertebrates, the ceratohyals are the first centers of chondrification. They are followed by the palatoquadrate and the basihyal. The latter later fuses to the ceratohyal and the branchial basket. Anterior elements like Meckel's cartilage and the rostralia are delayed in development and alter the ancestral anterior posterior pattern observed in other vertebrates. The ceratobranchials I–IV, components of the branchial basket, follow this strict anterior–posterior pattern of chondrification as reported in other amphibians. Chondrification of different skeletal elements follows a distinct pattern and the larval skeleton is nearly fully developed at Gosner Stage 28. We provide baseline data on the pattern and timing of early cartilage development in a basal anuran species, which may serve as guidance for further experimental studies in this species as well as an important basis for the understanding of the evolutionary changes in head development among amphibians and vertebrates.
In silico studies on the comparative characterization of the interactions of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein with ACE‐2 receptor homologs and human TLRs
Authors: Choudhury Abhigyan , Mukherjee Suprabhat 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak due to novel coronavirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has come out as a major threat for mankind in recent times. It is continually taking an enormous toll on mankind by means of increasing number of deaths, associated comorbidities, and socioeconomic loss around the globe. Unavailability of chemotherapeutics/vaccine has posed tremendous challenges to scientists and doctors for developing an urgent therapeutic strategy. In this connection, the present in silico study aims to understand the sequence divergence of spike protein (the major infective protein of SARS‐CoV‐2), its mode of interaction with the angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 receptor (ACE2) receptor of human and related animal hosts/reservoir. Moreover, the involvement of the human Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) against the spike protein has also been demonstrated. Our data indicated that the spike glycoprotein of SARS‐CoV‐2 is phylogenetically close to bat coronavirus and strongly binds with ACE2 receptor protein from both human and bat origin. We have also found that cell surface TLRs, especially TLR4 is most likely to be involved in recognizing molecular patterns from SARS‐CoV‐2 to induce inflammatory responses. The present study supported the zoonotic origin of SARS‐CoV‐2 from a bat and also revealed that TLR4 may have a crucial role in the virus‐induced inflammatory consequences associated with COVID‐19. Therefore, selective targeting of TLR4‐spike protein interaction by designing competitive TLR4‐antagonists could pave a new way to treat COVID‐19. Finally, this study is expected to improve our understanding on the immunobiology of SARS‐CoV‐2 and could be useful in adopting spike protein, ACE2, or TLR‐guided intervention strategy against COVID‐19 shortly.
A comparison study of SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody between male and female COVID‐19 patients: A possible reason underlying different outcome between sex
Authors: Zeng Fanfan , Dai Chan , Cai Pengcheng , Wang Jinbiao , Xu Lei , Li Jianyu , Hu Guoyun , Wang Zheng , Zheng Fang , Wang Lin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in China at the end of 2019 has spread throughout the world and caused many thousands of deaths. The previous study reported a higher severe status rate and mortality rate in male patients in China. However, the reason underlying this difference has not been reported. The convalescent plasma containing a high level of SARS‐CoV‐2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody has been used in clinical therapy and achieved good effects in China. In this study, to compare the differences of the SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody between male and female patients, a total number of 331 patients confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were enrolled. The serum of these patients was collected during hospitalization and detected for the SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody. Our data showed that the concentration of IgG antibody in mild, general, and recovering patients showed no difference between male and female patients. In severe status, compared with male patients, there were more female patients having a relatively high concentration of serum SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody. In addition, the generation of IgG antibody in female patients was stronger than male patients in disease early phase. Our study identified a discrepancy in the SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody level in male and female patients, which may be a potential cause leading to a different outcome of Coronavirus Disease 2019 between sex.