bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vaginal microbiota diversity and paucity of Lactobacillus species are associated with persistent hrHPV infection in HIV negative but not in HIV positive women
Authors: Dareng Eileen O. , Ma Bing , Adebamowo Sally N. , Famooto Ayotunde , Ravel Jacques , Pharoah Paul P. , Adebamowo Clement A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe vaginal microbiota is thought to play a role in modulating risk of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection. We examined the relationship between the vaginal microbiota and persistent hrHPV infection in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women. We used 16S-rRNA sequencing to characterize the vaginal microbiota of two serial samples taken six months apart from 211 Nigerian women (67%, 142/211 HIV-positive and 33%, 69/211 HIV-negative) and evaluated the association between the vaginal microbiota and persistent hrHPV infection using generalized estimating equation logistic regression models and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) algorithm to identify phylotypic biomarkers of persistent hrHPV infection. The high diversity microbiota, Community State Type IV-B, was the most prevalent in both HIV-negative (38% at baseline, 30% at the follow-up visit) and HIV-positive (27% at baseline, 35% at the follow-up visit) women. The relationship between the vaginal microbiota and persistent hrHPV was modified by HIV status. In HIV-negative women, women with Lactobacillus dominant microbiota had lower odds (OR: 0.35, 95% CI 0.14–0.89, p = 0.03) of persistent hrHPV compared to women with Lactobacillus deficient microbiota. While among HIV-positive women, the odds of being persistently infected with hrHPV was higher in women with Lactobacillus dominant microbiota (OR: 1.25, 95% CI 0.73–2.14 p = 0.41). This difference in effect estimates by HIV was statistically significant (p = 0.02). A high diversity vaginal microbial community with paucity of Lactobacillus species was associated with persistent hrHPV infection in HIV-negative women but not in HIV-positive women.
Glomerular filtration barrier dysfunction in a self-limiting, RNA virus-induced glomerulopathy resembles findings in idiopathic nephrotic syndromes
Authors: Nusshag Christian , Stütz Alisa , Hägele Stefan , Speer Claudius , Kälble Florian , Eckert Christoph , Brenner Thorsten , Weigand Markus A. , Morath Christian , Reiser Jochen , Zeier Martin , Krautkrämer Ellen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPodocyte injury has recently been described as unifying feature in idiopathic nephrotic syndromes (INS). Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) infection represents a unique RNA virus-induced renal disease with significant proteinuria. The underlying pathomechanism is unclear. We hypothesized that PUUV infection results in podocyte injury, similar to findings in INS. We therefore analyzed standard markers of glomerular proteinuria (e.g. immunoglobulin G [IgG]), urinary nephrin excretion (podocyte injury) and serum levels of the soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a proposed pathomechanically involved molecule in INS, in PUUV-infected patients. Hantavirus patients showed significantly increased urinary nephrin, IgG and serum suPAR concentrations compared to healthy controls. Nephrin and IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with severe proteinuria than with mild proteinuria, and nephrin correlated strongly with biomarkers of glomerular proteinuria over time. Congruently, electron microcopy analyses showed a focal podocyte foot process effacement. suPAR correlated significantly with urinary nephrin, IgG and albumin levels, suggesting suPAR as a pathophysiological mediator in podocyte dysfunction. In contrast to INS, proteinuria recovered autonomously in hantavirus patients. This study reveals podocyte injury as main cause of proteinuria in hantavirus patients. A better understanding of the regenerative nature of hantavirus-induced glomerulopathy may generate new therapeutic approaches for INS.
Female sex mitigates motor and behavioural phenotypes in TDP-43Q331K knock-in mice
Authors: Watkins Jodie , Ghosh Anshua , Keerie Amy F. A. , Alix James J. P. , Mead Richard J. , Sreedharan Jemeen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are overlapping neurodegenerative disorders. ALS is more commonly seen in men than women and the same may be the case for FTD. Preclinical models demonstrating sex-specific vulnerability may help to understand female resistance to ALS-FTD and thereby identify routes to therapy. We previously characterised a TDP-43Q331K knock-in mouse, which demonstrated behavioural phenotypes reminiscent of ALS-FTD in males. Here we present our behavioural observations of female TDP-43Q331K mutants. Female TDP-43Q331K knock-in mice displayed increased weight relative to wild-type and increased food intake at 20 months of age, much later than previously observed in male mutants. Spontaneous digging behaviour was initially normal and only declined in mutants in the second year of life. Gait analysis using Catwalk (https://www.noldus.com/catwalk-xt) found significant deficits in the second year of life, while nocturnal running behaviour was attenuated from ~ 250 days of life. These results indicate that while female TDP-43Q331K knock-in mice do display progressive behavioural phenotypes, these are less severe than we previously noted in male mutants. Further studies of male and female TDP-43Q331K knock-in mice may help to unravel the mechanisms underlying sex-specific vulnerability in ALS-FTD.
Low genetic diversity indicating the threatened status of Rhizophora apiculata (Rhizophoraceae) in Malaysia: declined evolution meets habitat destruction
Authors: Azman Amelia , Ng Kevin-Kit-Siong , Ng Chin-Hong , Lee Chai-Ting , Tnah Lee-Hong , Zakaria Nurul-Farhanah , Mahruji Suhaila , Perdan Khairuddin , Abdul-Kadir Md-Zaidey , Cheng Acga , Lee Soon-Leong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWorldwide, many mangrove species are experiencing significant population declines, including Rhizophora apiculata, which is one of the most widespread and economically important species in tropical Asia. In Malaysia, there has been an alarming decline in R. apiculata populations driven primarily by anthropogenic activities. However, the lack of genetic and demographic information on this species has hampered local efforts to conserve it. To address these gaps, we generated novel genetic information for R. apiculata, based on 1,120 samples collected from 39 natural populations in Peninsular Malaysia. We investigated its genetic diversity and genetic structure with 19 transcriptome and three nuclear microsatellite markers. Our analyses revealed a low genetic diversity (mean He: 0.352) with significant genetic differentiation (FST: 0.315) among populations of R. apiculata. Approximately two-third of the populations showed significant excess of homozygotes, indicating persistent inbreeding which might be due to the decrease in population size or fragmentation. From the cluster analyses, the populations investigated were divided into two distinct clusters, comprising the west and east coasts of Peninsular Malaysia. The western cluster was further divided into two sub-clusters with one of the sub-clusters showing strong admixture pattern that harbours high levels of genetic diversity, thus deserving high priority for conservation.
Towards the scalable isolation of cellulose nanocrystals from tunicates
Authors: Dunlop Matthew J. , Clemons Craig , Reiner Richard , Sabo Ronald , Agarwal Umesh P. , Bissessur Rabin , Sojoudiasli Helia , Carreau Pierre J. , Acharya Bishnu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn order for sustainable nanomaterials such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to be utilized in industrial applications, a large-scale production capacity for CNCs must exist. Currently the only CNCs available commercially in kilogram scale are obtained from wood pulp (W-CNCs). Scaling the production capacity of W-CNCs isolation has led to their use in broader applications and captured the interest of researchers, industries and governments alike. Another source of CNCs with potential for commercial scale production are tunicates, a species of marine animal. Tunicate derived CNCs (T-CNCs) are a high aspect ratio CNC, which can complement commercially available W-CNCs in the growing global CNC market. Herein we report the isolation and characterization of T-CNCs from the tunicate Styela clava, an invasive species currently causing significant harm to local aquaculture communities. The reported procedure utilizes scalable CNC processing techniques and is based on our experiences from laboratory scale T-CNC isolation and pilot scale W-CNC isolation. To our best knowledge, this study represents the largest scale where T-CNCs have been isolated from any tunicate species, under any reaction conditions. Demonstrating a significant step towards commercial scale isolation of T-CNCs, and offering a potential solution to the numerous challenges which invasive tunicates pose to global aquaculture communities.
The bone marrow microenvironment of pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia at single-cell resolution
Authors: Anderson Denise , Skut Patrycja , Hughes Anastasia M. , Ferrari Emanuela , Tickner Jennifer , Xu Jiake , Mullin Benjamin H. , Tang Dave , Malinge Sébastien , Kees Ursula R. , Kotecha Rishi S. , Lassmann Timo , Cheung Laurence C. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) plays a key role in leukemia progression, but its molecular complexity in pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the most common cancer in children, remains poorly understood. To gain further insight, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the kinetics of the murine BMM during B-ALL progression. Normal pro- and pre-B cells were found to be the most affected at the earliest stages of disease and this was associated with changes in expression of genes regulated by the AP1-transcription factor complex and regulatory factors NELFE, MYC and BCL11A. Granulocyte–macrophage progenitors show reduced expression of the tumor suppressor long non-coding RNANeat1and disruptions in the rate of transcription. Intercellular communication networks revealed monocyte-dendritic precursors to be consistently active during B-ALL progression, with enriched processes including cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, neutrophil-mediated immunity and regulation of cell migration and proliferation. In addition, we confirmed that the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell compartment was perturbed during leukemogenesis. These findings extend our understanding of the complexity of changes and molecular interactions among the normal cells of the BMM during B-ALL progression.
In vitro protective effects of Paeonia officinalis var. mascula callus extract on human keratinocytes
Authors: Letsiou Sophia , Bakea Artemis , Holefors Anna , Rembiesa Jadwiga , Spanidi Eleni , Gardikis Konstantinos 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNatural ingredients have been used to improve the state of health in humans. The genus Paeonia has been studied only limited yet it’s reported to have many activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. To this context, here we focused on an endemic Paeonia species in Attica. This study aims to present the development of the Paeonia officinalis var. mascula callus extract and its pleiotropic bioactivity on human primary keratinocytes exploring its potential application as an active agent in skin-related products. This extract showed a high scavenging activity with high phenolic content and an interesting metabolic profile. At a molecular level, the study on the transcript accumulation of genes revealed that this extract exhibits in vitro skin-related protection properties by mediating mitochondrial energy, cell proliferation, immune and inflammatory response and positively regulates genes involved in epidermal and in stratum corneum function. Besides, the extract is proven not skin irritant on reconstructed human skin model. These findings indicate that the specific P. officinalis var. mascula extract possesses significant in vitro protection activity on human epidermis and provides new insights into its beneficial role in skin confirming that the advent of biotechnology contribution the past few decades.
Characterization of transcriptional response of Lactobacillus plantarum under acidic conditions provides insight into bacterial adaptation in fermentative environments
Authors: Jung Sera , Lee Jong-Hee 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLactic acid bacteria (LAB) play an important role in kimchi fermentation by metabolizing raw materials into diverse metabolites. Bacterial adaptation is therefore a crucial element of fermentation. In this study, we investigated the transcriptional changes of Lactobacillus plantarum under acidic conditions to evaluate the elements of bacterial adaptation critical for fermentation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) have shown that transport function is primarily affected by acidic conditions. Five of the 13 significantly down-regulated genes and 7 of the 25 significantly up-regulated genes were found to have transport-related functions. We quantified the intracellular leucine content of bacteria grown at different pH ranges, determining that optimal bacterial leucine transport could be controlled by acidity during fermentation. Inhibition of L. plantarum growth was investigated and compared with other LAB at a pH range of 6.2–5.0. Interestingly, valinomycin inhibited L. plantarum growth from pH 6.2 to 5.0. This showed that L. plantarum had a wider range of transport functions than other LAB. These results suggested that L. plantarum had robust transport functions, and that this was the crucial factor for bacterial adaptation during fermentation.
Computational modeling of drug separation from aqueous solutions using octanol organic solution in membranes
Authors: Pishnamazi Mahboubeh , Nakhjiri Ali Taghvaie , Taleghani Arezoo Sodagar , Ghadiri Mahdi , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: November 2020

AbstractContinuous membrane separation of pharmaceuticals from an aqueous feed was studied theoretically by development of high-performance mechanistic model. The model was developed based on mass and momentum transfer to predict separation and removal of ibuprofen (IP) and its metabolite compound, i.e. 4-isobutylacetophenone (4-IBAP) from aqueous solution. The modeling study was carried out for a membrane contactor considering mass transport of solute from feed to organic solvent (octanol solution). The solute experiences different mass transfer resistances during the removal in membrane system which were all taken into account in the modeling. The model’s equations were solved using computational fluid dynamic technique, and the simulations were carried out to understand the effect of process parameters, flow pattern, and membrane properties on the removal of both solutes. The simulation results indicated that IP and 4-IBAP can be effectively removed from aqueous feed by adjusting the process parameters and flow pattern. More removal was obtained when the feed flows in the shell side of membrane system due to improving mass transfer. Also, feed flow rate was indicated to be the most affecting process parameter, and the highest solute removal was obtained at the lowest feed flow rate.
Salient distractors open the door of perception: alpha desynchronization marks sensory gating in a working memory task
Authors: Fodor Zsuzsanna , Marosi Csilla , Tombor László , Csukly Gábor 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFocusing attention on relevant information while ignoring distracting stimuli is essential to the efficacy of working memory. Alpha- and theta-band oscillations have been linked to the inhibition of anticipated and attentionally avoidable distractors. However, the neurophysiological background of the rejection of task-irrelevant stimuli appearing in the focus of attention is not fully understood. We aimed to examine whether theta and alpha-band oscillations serve as an indicator of successful distractor rejection. Twenty-four students were enrolled in the study. 64-channel EEG was recorded during a modified Sternberg working memory task where weak and strong (salient) distractors were presented during the retention period. Event-related spectral perturbation in the alpha frequency band was significantly modulated by the saliency of the distracting stimuli, while theta oscillation was modulated by the need for cognitive control. Moreover, stronger alpha desynchronization to strong relative to weak distracting stimuli significantly increased the probability of mistakenly identifying the presented distractor as a member of the memory sequence. Therefore, our results suggest that alpha activity reflects the vulnerability of attention to distracting salient stimuli.
ZNF354C is a transcriptional repressor that inhibits endothelial angiogenic sprouting
Authors: Oo James A. , Irmer Barnabas , Günther Stefan , Warwick Timothy , Pálfi Katalin , Izquierdo Ponce Judit , Teichmann Tom , Pflüger-Müller Beatrice , Gilsbach Ralf , Brandes Ralf P. , Leisegang Matthias S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractZinc finger proteins (ZNF) are a large group of transcription factors with diverse functions. We recently discovered that endothelial cells harbour a specific mechanism to limit the action of ZNF354C, whose function in endothelial cells is unknown. Given that ZNF354C has so far only been studied in bone and tumour, its function was determined in endothelial cells. ZNF354C is expressed in vascular cells and localises to the nucleus and cytoplasm. Overexpression of ZNF354C in human endothelial cells results in a marked inhibition of endothelial sprouting. RNA-sequencing of human microvascular endothelial cells with and without overexpression of ZNF354C revealed that the protein is a potent transcriptional repressor. ZNF354C contains an active KRAB domain which mediates this suppression as shown by mutagenesis analysis. ZNF354C interacts with dsDNA, TRIM28 and histones, as observed by proximity ligation and immunoprecipitation. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that the ZNF binds to specific endothelial-relevant target-gene promoters. ZNF354C suppresses these genes as shown by CRISPR/Cas knockout and RNAi. Inhibition of endothelial sprouting by ZNF354C is dependent on the amino acids DV and MLE of the KRAB domain. These results demonstrate that ZNF354C is a repressive transcription factor which acts through a KRAB domain to inhibit endothelial angiogenic sprouting.
Microparticle manipulation using laser-induced thermophoresis and thermal convection flow
Authors: Qian Yang , Neale Steven L. , Marsh John H. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe demonstrate manipulation of microbeads with diameters from 1.5 to 10 µm and Jurkat cells within a thin fluidic device using the combined effect of thermophoresis and thermal convection. The heat flow is induced by localized absorption of laser light by a cluster of single walled carbon nanotubes, with no requirement for a treated substrate. Characterization of the system shows the speed of particle motion increases with optical power absorption and is also affected by particle size and corresponding particle suspension height within the fluid. Further analysis shows that the thermophoretic mobility (DT) is thermophobic in sign and increases linearly with particle diameter, reaching a value of 8 µm2 s−1 K−1 for a 10 µm polystyrene bead.
Polyacrylate-magnetite nanocomposite as a potential multifunctional additive for lube oil
Authors: Dey Koushik , Karmakar Gobinda , Upadhyay Mahua , Ghosh Pranab 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe application of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) in lubricant industry has attracted considerable interest due to their much enhanced properties compared to neat polymers. In this study, magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized. Then PNCs were prepared by reinforcing these NPs in the homopolymer of dodecyl acrylate in different percentages. The characterization of the prepared NPs and PNCs was done by different analytical techniques. Thermal stability is determined through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Performance evaluation of the PNCs as viscosity index improver, pour point depressant and antiwear additive was carried out by blending them with a mineral base stock at different percentage ratios. Standard ASTM methods are followed to carry out the evaluations. It is found that with increasing the percentage of nanocomposites in the base stock, the overall performance of the furnished lubricant is enhanced.
Microscale diamond protection for a ZnO coated fiber optic sensor
Authors: Kosowska Monika , Listewnik Paulina , Majchrowicz Daria , Rycewicz Michał , Bechelany Mikhael , Fleger Yafit , Chen Mingzhou , Fixler Dror , Dholakia Kishan , Szczerska Małgorzata 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFiber optic sensors are widely used in environmental, biological and chemical sensing. Due to the demanding environmental conditions in which they can be used, there is a risk of damaging the sensor measurement head placed in the measuring field. Sensors using nanolayers deposited upon the fiber structure are particularly vulnerable to damage. A thin film placed on the surface of the fiber end-face can be prone to mechanical damage or deteriorate due to unwanted chemical reactions with the surrounding agent. In this paper, we investigated a sensor structure formed with a Zinc Oxide (ZnO) coating, deposited by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) on the tip of a single-mode fiber. A nanocrystalline diamond sheet (NDS) attached over the ZnO is described. The diamond structure was synthesized in a Microwave Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition System. The deposition processes of the nanomaterials, the procedure of attaching NDS to the fiber end-face covered with ZnO, and the results of optical measurements are presented.
Application of the decision tree method to lithology identification of volcanic rocks-taking the Mesozoic in the Laizhouwan Sag as an example
Authors: Duan Yajun , Xie Jun , Su Yanchun , Liang Huizhen , Hu Xiao , Wang Qizhen , Pan Zhiping 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe decision tree method can be used to identify complex volcanic rock lithology by dividing lithology sample data layer by layer and establishing a tree structure classification model. Mesozoic volcanic strata are widely developed in the Bohai Bay Basin, the rock types are complex and diverse, and the logging response is irregular. Taking the D oilfield of the Laizhouwan Sag in the Bohai Bay Basin as an example, this study selects volcanic rocks with good development scales and single-layer thicknesses of more than 0.2 m as samples. Based on a comparison of various lithology identification methods and both coring and logging data, using the decision tree analysis method and the probability density characteristics of logging parameters, six logging parameters with good sensitivity to the response of the volcanic rocks of the above formation are selected (resistivity (RD), spontaneous potential (SP), density (ZDEN), natural gamma ray (GR), acoustic (DT), and compensated neutron correction (CNCF) curves), which are combined to form a lithology classifier with a tree structure similar to a flow chart. This method can clearly express the process and result of identifying volcanic rock lithology with each logging curve. Additionally, crossplots and imaging logging are used to identify the volcanic rock structure, and the core data are used to correct the identified lithology. A combination of conventional logging, imaging logging and the decision tree method is proposed to identify volcanic rock lithology, which substantially improves the accuracy of rock identification.
Efficient photocatalytic chemoselective and stereoselective C–C bond formation over AuPd@N-rich carbon nitride
Authors: Jiang Heyan , Xu Jie , Zhang Sishi , Cheng Hongmei , Zang Cuicui , Bian Fengxia 
Published: November 2020

High unsymmetrical chemoselective Ullmann biaryl products and satisfactory Z-type stereoselective Heck reaction products could be achieved through changing the visible light color over AuPd@N-Rich carbon nitride under mild conditions.