bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of the Gut Microbiome and Lithocholic Acid on Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Shao Junwei , Ge Tiantian , Chen Senzhong , Chen Zhi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Lithocholic acid are essential signaling molecules that mediate the relationship between the gut microbiome and liver function by regulating inflammation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of lithocholic acid in liver fibrosis. Methods: A liver fibrosis mouse model was induced by carbon tetrachloride followed by gavage of lithocholic acid, and the effects of lithocholic acid were evaluated by serum biochemical analysis and liver histology. Plasma cytokine levels and the number of immune cells were determined by cytometric bead array and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: Lithocholic acid treatment increased the recruitment of NK cells and reduced the activation of NKT cells, and reduced M1 macrophages differentiation and increased M2 macrophages differentiation. Furthermore, the lithocholic acid prevented inflammatory liver disease by reducing TNF-α and IL-22 secretion. However, the effect of lithocholic acid disappeared when the host gut microbiome was treated with antibiotics. Conclusions: It showed that the activation of lithocholic acid-mediated signaling was linked to the inhibition of inflammation and improvement of liver fibrosis. The role of lithocholic acid in liver fibrosis is mediated by the gut microbiome. The association between the gut microbiome, lithocholic acid, and liver function can serve as a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
A Methyl Esterase 1 (PvMES1) Promotes the Salicylic Acid Pathway and Enhances Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Common Beans
Authors: Xue Renfeng , Feng Ming , Chen Jian , Ge Weide , Blair Matthew W. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food legume. Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli is one of the most serious soil-born diseases of common bean found throughout the world and affects the yield and quality of the crop. Few sources of Fusarium wilt resistance exist in legumes and most are of quantitative inheritance. In this study, we have identified a methyl salicylate esterase (MES), PvMES1, that contributes to plant defense response by regulating the salicylic acid (SA) mediated signaling pathway in response to Fusarium wilt in common beans. The result showed the role of PvMES1 in regulating SA levels in common bean and thus the SA signaling pathway and defense response mechanism in the plant. Overexpression of the PvMES1 gene enhanced Fusarium wilt resistance; while silencing of the gene caused susceptibility to the diseases. RNA-seq analysis with these transiently modified plants showed that genes related to SA level changes included the following gene ontologies: a) interaction between host and pathogen; b) phenylpropanoid synthesis; and c) sugar metabolism as well as others. These key signal elements activated the defense response pathway in common bean to Fusarium wilt. Collectively, our findings indicate that PvMES1 plays a pivotal role in regulating SA biosynthesis and signaling, and increasing Fusarium wilt resistance in common bean, thus providing novel insight into the practical applications of both SA and MES genes and pathways they contribiute to for developing elite crop varieties with enhanced broad-spectrum resistance to this critical disease.
Exploration of The Biocontrol Potential of Halophilic Bacteria Against Sclerotium Oryzae and Rhizoctonia Solani
Authors: Nagaraju Yalavarthi , swamy Mahadeva , Gundappagol R.C. , Naik Nagaraj M , Rao K. Narayana 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
There is a pressing need for biocontrol agents to control soil borne plant pathogens through biocontrol agents. The focus of this research was on the interactions of halophilic bacterial isolates with the phytopathogenic fungi such as Sclerotium oryzae and R. solanii. The biocontrol ability of fifty bacterial strains isolated from saline soils of the Koppal (Gangavathi) and Raichur districts was assessed in vitro. Eight isolates, HB-10, HB-17, HB-28, HB-30, HB-39, HB-48, HB-49 and HB-50 showed strong antifungal activity against S. oryzae and R. solani in dual culture method. These prospective isolates were identified as Bacillus cereus (HB-48 and HB-49), Bacillus albus (HB-17), Bacillus safensis (HB-28), Staphylococcus xylosus (HB-39), Lysinibacillus sphaericus (HB-50) and Pseudomonas stutzeri (HB-10 and HB-30) based on 16S rRNA analysis. We found a link between isolates producing HCN, siderophore and hydrolytic enzymes and the biocontrol function of isolates. The isolate B. albus (HB-17), produced both catechol and hydroximate type of siderophores, confirmed in Arnow’s and Csaky’s tests. All isolates were tested for drug resistance and were shown to be immune to penicillin, oflaxacin and vancomycin. In addition, these isolates were investigated at three NaCl concentrations (3, 6 and 10 % w/v) for their plant growth promoting attributes viz., phosphorous, and zinc solubilization and potassium release. The solubilization zones of zinc carbonate, zinc oxide and phosphorous were within the range of 5.20 to 9.0 mm, 6.06 to 13.20 mm, 6.30 to 9.70 mm respectively, at 6 % NaCl concentration.
The Role of the Liliequist Membrane in the Third Ventriculostomy
Authors: Filho Jose Aloysio Costa Val , Gusmão Sebastião Nataniel da Silva , Furtado Leopoldo Mandic Ferreira , Filho Guaracy de Macedo Machado , Maciel Fernando Levi Alencar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a hydrocephalus treatment procedure that involves opening the Liliequist membrane (LM). However, LM anatomy has not been well-studied neuroendoscopically, because approach angles differ between descriptive and microsurgical anatomical explorations. Discrepancies in ETV efficacy, especially among children age 2 and younger, may be due to incomplete LM opening. The objective of this study was to characterize the LM anatomically from a neuroendoscopic perspective to better understand the impact of anatomical features during LM ostomy and the ETV success rate. Additionally, the ETV success score was tested to predict patient outcome after the intraoperatively difficult opening of LM. Fifty-four patients who underwent ETV were prospectively analyzed with a mean follow-up of 53.1 months (1–90 months). The ETV technical parameters of difficulty were validated by seven expert neurosurgeons. The pediatric population (44) of this study represents the majority of patients (81.4%). The overall ETV success rate was 68.5%. Anomalies on the IIIVT floor resulted in an increased rate of ETV failure. The IIIVT was anomalous, and LM was thick in 33.3% of cases. Fenestration of LM was difficult in 39% of cases, and the LM and TC were opened separately in 55.6% of cases. The endoscopic third ventriculostomy success score (ETVSS) accurately predicted the level of difficulty opening the LM (p = 0.012), and the group with easy opening presented greater durability in ETV success. Neurosurgeons should be aware of the difficulty level of the overture of LM during ETV and its impact on long-term ETV effectiveness.
Design of Non-Mapping Code in Spectral and Special Domain With Variable Weight and OFDM&nbsp;System&nbsp;
Authors: GUPTA SUMIT kumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Paper has been proposed the design of non-mapping code in spectral and spatial domain with variable weight coding system and new hybrid concept of OFDM–SAC OCDMA was also explored in spectral and spatial domain. The one dimensional non mapping coding system has been extended in spectral as well as in spatial domain. Extension of code in two dimensional domains enlarges the performance, in comparison to the existing systems. The performance of system is justified by measuring the bit error rate of system against the optical system parameters. The BER is affected by varying the numbers of subscriber, data rate and power requirement for the system. The BER performance was evaluated with above mentions parameters and systems shows the better performance as compared to reported methods 2D-DPD, 2D-MD and 1D-Non mapping code. The user’s accommodation in system is higher than the 2D-DPD, 2D-MD and 1D-Non mapping code. The suggested system supports the 201% and 146% users as compared to the published methods 2D-DPD and 2D-MD Code at10-12 BER and similarly the power requirement at optimum BER is very low and system sustainability at high date rate also increases as compare to the existing schemes. The required received power for system is-12.8 dBm at 10-12 BER, which is lower as compared to the 2D-DPD and 2D-MD Codes. The system performance was determined with variation in weights in spectral and spatial dimension. The outputs observation for hybrid of OFDM with spectral/spatial OCDMA also executed where proposed system outputs effectively improve.
Organochlorine and Metal Contaminants in the Blood Plasma of Green Sturgeon Caught in Washington Coastal Estuaries
Authors: Layshock Julie , Webb Molly , Langness Olaf , Garza John Carlos , Heironimus Laura , Gundersen Deke 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Non-invasive monitoring was used to evaluate the concentrations of forty contaminants in the blood plasma of the
North American Green Sturgeon Acipenser medirostris caught and released from three estuaries in Washington State. The highest contaminant loads were found in fish caught in the most urbanized sites. Few statistical differences were found when evaluating contaminant levels according to sex, maturation stage, or distinct population segments of Green Sturgeon. The results indicate that recent exposure to legacy contaminants was reflected in Green Sturgeon plasma. Aldrin, 4,4-DDE, a-BHC, copper, and selenium were the most frequently detected contaminants. This study also explored the challenges of assessing toxicity in threatened species using non-lethal approaches. There is currently a lack of environmental contaminant monitoring data in estuaries frequented by Green Sturgeon and limited plasma to tissue toxicity correlations.
Silencing of The Slzf-31 Gene Decreases The Salt Stress Tolerance And Drought Tolerance Of Tomato
Authors: Pei Tong , Bao Yufang , Wu Tairu , Wang Ziyu , Wang Yue , Liu Qifeng , Yang Huanhuan , jiang Jingbin , Zhang He , Li Jingfu , Zhao Tingting , Xu Xiangyang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The SlZF-31 gene is a member of the tomato C2H2 transcription factor family. Previous studies have shown that SlZF-31 gene expression is upregulated under drought stress and salt stress, but the specific function of this gene in tomato plants in response to these two kinds of stress is still unclear. To further explore the function of the SlZF-31 gene in tomato under drought stress and salt stress, we employed the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) method to reduce the expression of the SlZF-31 gene in tomato. The results showed that TRV2-SlZF-31 plants had higher levels of wilt and stem bending than CK and CK-TRV2 plants under drought and salt stress. The ABA content of TRV2-SlZF-31 plants were lower than those of CK and CK-TRV2 plants. The analysis of physiological indexes showed that the SOD and POD activity and the PRO content of TRV2-SlZF-31 plants were lower than those of CK and CK-TRV2 plants, while the MDA content of TRV2-SLlZF-31 plants was higher than those of CK and CK-TRV2 plants. The accumulation of H2O2 and O2- in TRV2-SlZF-31 plants was greater than those in CK and CK-TRV2 plants. The values of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (ΦII and qL) of TRV2-SlZF-31 plants were significantly lower than those of CK and CK-TRV2 plants. These results showed that the silencing of the SlZF-31 gene reduces the drought resistance and salt tolerance of tomato.
Cu2Te-PVA&nbsp;as Saturable Absorber for Generating Q-switched Erbium-doped Fiber Laser
Authors: Ahmad Harith b , Azmy Nur Fatini , Reduan Siti Aisyah , Yusoff Norazriena , Kadir Zamzuri Abdul 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A passively Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) using copper telluride-polyvinyl alcohol (Cu2Te-PVA) thin film as saturable absorber (SA) was proposed and demonstrated. The generated Q-switched pulses could be tuned over a tuning range of 44 nm from 1530 nm to 1574 nm, with the addition of a tunable bandpass filter (TBPF) into the C-band laser cavity. The pump power of 130.1 mW to 221.0 mW was used to observe the output pulses, which had repetition rates from 51.3 kHz to 61.7 kHz, with a minimum pulse width of around 1.84 µs and highest pulse energy of 7 nJ. The generated pulses were stable with a constant signal to noise ratio (SNR) value of around 51 dB when tested under continuous operation over a period of 60 minutes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of Q-switched pulses induced by a Cu2Te-PVA based SA in an EDFL.
Contamination, Identification and Distribution of Microplastic in Sediments, Surface Seawater and Four Species of Fish on the Northern Shores of the Persian Gulf, south of Iran
Authors: Agharokh Ali , Taleshi Mojtaba , Bibak Mehdi , Rasta Majid , Jafroudi Hor , Armesto Belén 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate Microplastic pollution (MPs) in important ports of the northern coast of the Persian Gulf. MPs were identified on the northern shores of the Persian Gulf in three compartments: sediment, seawater, and four species of fish. In December 2019, sampling was conducted in 7 sampling areas. In this study, 357 MPs were identified in all samples. The predominant polymer in MPs was polypropylene (PP) and later polyethylene (PE). The most polluted areas in terms of MPs in sediments, seawater, and fish were Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Qeshm. The fiber was the predominant form of MPs in all sampling stations and those samples taken from the surface seawater, sediments, and fish. The presence of fishing ports with fishing tools, commercial ports, the tourist attractions, and the tourist industry in these areas was an important factor controlling the distribution of MPs in these areas.
Reintroduction of Immunosuppressive Medications in Pediatric Rheumatology Patients With Histoplasmosis: A Case Series
Authors: Brown Rachel , Barbar-Smiley Fatima , Yildirim-Toruner Cagri , Ardura Monica I. , Ardoin Stacy P. , Akoghlanian Shoghik 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Children with rheumatic diseases (cRD) receiving immunosuppressive medications (IM) are at a higher risk for acquiring potentially lethal pathogens, including Histoplasma capsulatum (histoplasmosis), a fungal infection that can lead to prolonged hospitalization, organ damage, and death. Withholding IM during serious infections is recommended yet poses risk of rheumatic disease flares. Conversely, reinitiating IM increases risk for infection recurrence. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor (TNFai) biologic therapy carries the highest risk for histoplasmosis infection after epidemiological exposure, so other IM are preferred during active histoplasmosis infection. There is limited guidance as to when and how IM can be reinitiated in cRD with histoplasmosis. This case series chronicles resumption of IM, including non-TNFai biologics, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and corticosteroids, following histoplasmosis among cRD.Case Presentation: We examine clinical characteristics and outcomes of 9 patients with disseminated or pulmonary histoplasmosis and underlying rheumatic disease [juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE), and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)] after reintroduction of IM. All DMARDs and biologics were halted at histoplasmosis diagnosis, except hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and patients began antifungals. Following IM discontinuation, all patients required systemic or intra-articular steroids during histoplasmosis treatment, with 4/9 showing Cushingoid features. Four patients began new IM regimens [2 abatacept (ABA), 1 HCQ, and 1 methotrexate (MTX)] while still positive for histoplasmosis, with 3/4 (ABA, MTX, HCQ) later clearing their histoplasmosis and 1 (ABA) showing decreasing antigenemia. Collectively, 8/9 patients initiated or continued DMARDs and/or non-TNFai biologic use (5 ABA, 1 tocilizumab, 1 ustekinumab, 3 MTX, 4 HCQ, 1 leflunomide). No fatalities, exacerbations, or recurrences of histoplasmosis occurred during follow-up (median 33 months).Conclusions: In our cohort of cRD, histoplasmosis course following reintroduction of non-TNFai IM was favorable, but additional studies are needed to evaluate optimal IM management during acute histoplasmosis and recovery. In this case series, non-TNFai biologic, DMARD, and steroid treatments did not appear to cause histoplasmosis recurrence. Adverse events from corticosteroid use were common. Further research is needed to implement guidelines for optimal use of non-TNFai (like ABA), DMARDs, and corticosteroids in cRD following histoplasmosis presentation.
Flexible Paper-Based Polyacrylic Acid-Coated Silver Nanoparticle Film Sensors Prepared by Inkjet Printing for Efficient Ammonia Detection at Room Temperature
Authors: Peng Mingyue , Lv Dawu , Shen Wenfeng , Song Weijie , Tan Ruiqin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A series of disposable gas-sensing paper-based film sensors were prepared rapidly by inkjet printing polyacrylic acid-coated silver nanoparticle (PAA/AgNP) ink onto the ordinary copy paper. The surface morphologies and chemical structures of the printed PAA/AgNP based sensing films with various thicknesses and spacing widths of interdigital electrodes were characterized. The electrical properties and the gas sensing performance of the film sensors were investigated and the results showed that the PAA/AgNP film sensors presented excellent selectivity, reproducibility and long-term stability to ammonia (NH3) gas at room temperature. The response of the PAA/AgNP film sensor to NH3 with the concentration of 25 ppm is 42.6% at 20℃ and 50% relative humidity (RH). The influences of thickness, spacing of interdigital electrodes and relative humidity on the sensing properties of the PAA/AgNP film sensors were also discussed and analyzed. Additionally, the PAA/AgNP film sensor presented perfect flexible stability and showed minor change in response value after 100 folding/extending cycles with the angle of 90°. In conclusion, the proposed high-performance paper based PAA/AgNP thin film sensor holds great promise for flexible, low-cost, portable, disposable and recyclable application in detecting NH3 at room temperature.
Fabrication, Illumination Dependent Electrical and Photovoltaic Properties of Au/BOD-Pyr/n-Si/In Schottky Diode
Authors: Ongun Onur , Taşcı Enis , Emrullahoğlu Mustafa , Akın Ümmühan , Tuğluoğlu Nihat , EYMUR SERKAN 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
4,4-Difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (BODIPY)-based BOD-Pyr compound was synthesized according to the literature and ﻿ HOMO and LUMO energies of the BOD-Pyr were calculated by DFT/B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) method using on Gaussian 09W. Au/BOD-Pyr/n-Si/In Schottky diode were fabricated using ﻿thermal evaporation and spin coating technique. The electronic and photovoltaic properties of Au/BOD-Pyr/n-Si/In photodiode have been investigated by current-voltage (I-V) measurements at dark and under various illumination intensities. ﻿The calculated ideality factor and barrier height of the diode in dark were found to be 2.84 and 0.75 eV, respectively. These parameters were also obtained under 100 mW/cm2 illumination level as 1.55 and 0.87 eV, respectively. The values of open-circuit voltage and short circuit current density were obtained as 0.26 V and 0.56 mA/cm2 under the illumination level of 100 mW/cm2. These all findings suggest that Au/BOD-Pyr/n-Si/In device can be used as photodiode in optoelectronic applications.
Band Gap Narrowing and Electrical Properties of (1-x)BaTiO3-xSrFe0.5Nb0.5O3 Lead-Free Ceramics
Authors: Chen Jianxin , Deng Hongmei , Zheng Dongliang , Pan Yanlin , Si Shufang , Zhang Yuemin , Yang Pingxiong , Chu Junhao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The composite materials in the form of (1-x)BaTiO3-xSrFe0.5Nb0.5O3((1-x)BT-xSFN) are synthesized via the solid-state reaction route. Structure, optical behaviors and electrical properties of (1-x)BT-xSFN are studied. It can be noted that the structure of the synthesized solid solution changes from the tetragonal phase to the cubic phase with increase of x-value. Due to the increase in content of double perovskite SFN, the optical band gaps of doped BT decrease to a minimum of 2.66 eV, which is smaller than that of pure BT (3.21 eV). However, the ferroelectric property deteriorates with the addition of dopants, which result from the lattice distortion caused by the substitution of Sr2+ and Fe3+/Nb5+ for Ba2+ and Ti4+, respectively. These results provide new insights into the control of the structure, optical behaviors and ferroelectric properties in BT-based oxides.
Direct Bare Metal Needle Puncture and Balloon Angioplasty in Calcified Plaques of the Common Femoral Artery Guided by Angiography (“BAMBOO SPEAR”)
Authors: Hayakawa Naoki , Kodera Satoshi , Arakawa Masataka , Hirano Satoshi , Shakya Sandeep , Kanda Junji 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSurgical endarterectomy for common femoral artery (CFA) disease is still considered the gold standard for treatment. Development of various techniques and devices has improved the clinical results of endovascular therapy (EVT) for CFA. However, severe conditions remain, especially for occlusive lesions owing to calcified plaque. We developed a useful technique for passing a lesion by directly penetrating the calcified plaque of the CFA using a bare metal needle and then passing through a balloon or dilating it. We named this technique “direct bare metal needle puncture and balloon angioplasty in calcified plaques of the common femoral artery guided by angiography” or “BAMBOO SPEAR.” Main textThis report describes our technique for crossing a lesion by directly penetrating the calcified plaque of the CFA using a needle. We report a case of a 73-year-old male with hemodialysis who presented with cyanosis and ischemic rest pain of both lower limbs. Control angiography showed total occlusion of the left CFA with a calcified plaque. We advanced a 21-G metal needle that was slightly curved into the blood vessel from where the lumen of the distal CFA was located. The needle was advanced into the center of the calcified plaque, while observing from multiple directions with a fluoroscopic guide. We succeeded in advancing the needle into the lumen of the distal external iliac artery. After guidewire crossing, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) showed that guidewire was able to completely pass through the center of the calcified plaque. We could dilate the lesion by scoring balloon and drug-coated balloon. The final angiography showed sufficient results. We named this technique ‘‘direct BAre Metal needle puncture and BallOOn angioplaSty in calcified PlaquEs of the common femoral ARtery guided by angiography” (BAMBOO SPEAR).Conclusions﻿The BAMBOO SPEAR technique may be considered a useful option in EVT for occlusive CFA with calcified plaques.