bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ppia is the most stable housekeeping gene for qRT-PCR normalization in kidney tissues of Pkd1 deficient mouse models
Authors: Muñoz Juan J , Anauate Ana C , Amaral Andressa G , Ferreira Frederico M , Watanabe Elieser H , Meca Renata , Ormanji Milene S , Boim Mirian A , Onuchic Luiz F , Heilberg Ita Pfeferman 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disorder, characterized by renal cyst development leading to end-stage renal disease. Although the appropriate choice of suitable reference is critical for quantitative RNA analysis, no comparison of frequently used “housekeeping” genes is available. Here, we determined the validity of 7 candidate housekeeping genes (Actb, Actg1, B2m, Gapdh, Hprt, Pgam1 and Ppia) in kidney tissues from mouse models orthologous to ADPKD, including a cystic mice (CY) 10–12 weeks old (Pkd1flox/flox:Nestincre/Pkd1flox/-:Nestincre, n = 10) and non-cystic (NC) controls (Pkd1flox/flox/Pkd1flox/-, n = 10), Pkd1-haploinsufficient (HT) mice (Pkd1+/-, n = 6) and wild-type (WT) controls (Pkd1+/+, n = 6) and a severely cystic (SC) mice 15 days old (Pkd1V/V, n = 7) and their controls (CO, n = 5). Gene expression data were analyzed using six distinct statistical softwares. The estimation of the ideal number of genes suggested the use of Ppia alone as sufficient, although not ideal, to analyze groups altogether. Actb, Hprt and Ppia expression profiles were correlated in all samples. Ppia was identified as the most stable housekeeping gene, while Gapdh was the least stable for all kidney samples. Stat3 expression level was consistent with upregulation in SC compared to CO when normalized by Ppia expression. In conclusion, present findings identified Ppia as the best housekeeping gene for CY + NC and SC + CO groups, while Hprt was the best for the HT + WT group.
Genetic factors inherited from both diploid parents interact to affect genome stability and fertility in resynthesized allotetraploid B. napus
Authors: Katche Elizabeth Ihien , Schierholt Antje , Schiessl Sarah V. , Lv Zhenling , Batley Jacqueline , Becker Heiko C. , Mason Annaliese S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The genetic diversity in Brassica napus (canola, rapeseed) is limited because of few hybridization events and selection for important oil quality traits. One possible means of overcoming this challenge is through resynthesizing B. napus hybrids by crossing the diploid parents in order to broaden its gene pool. However, resynthesized B. napus lines are often unstable and infertile, unlike B. napus cultivars. Meiotic stability in established B. napus may have arisen through allele inheritance from the progenitor species. We tested this hypothesis by characterizing 41 resynthesized B. napus lines produced by crosses between eight B. rapa and eight B. oleracea lines for copy number variation resulting from non-homologous recombination events, allele inheritance, and fertility. We resequenced eight B. rapa and five B. oleracea parent accessions, and analyzed the allelic variation in a list of meiosis gene homologs. SNP genotyping was performed using the Illumina Infinium Brassica 60K array for three individuals per line. Self-pollinated seed-set and genome stability (number of copy number variants) were significantly affected by the interaction between both B. rapa and B. oleracea parental genotypes. We identified two putative meiosis gene candidates ( HEI10 and MCM8 ) which were significantly associated with meiosis and/or fertility as well as genome stability. Our results support the hypothesis that allelic variants inherited from parental genotypes affect genome stability and fertility in resynthesized rapeseed.
Subchronic Acephate Exposure Induces Immunotoxicity in White Leghorn Cockerels
Authors: Tripathi Syamantak Mani , Govindappa Prem Kumar , Bedekar Megha Kadam , Sahni Yash Pal , Sarkhel B. C. , Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Sankhala Laxmi Narayan , Shetty Raghavendra Hallur Lakshmana 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We investigated the subchronic immunotoxicity of the phosphoramidothioate organophosphorous insecticide, acephate in white leghorn cockerels (WLH). The cockerels were divided into five groups; C1 (plain control), C2 (vehicle control), T1, T2, and T3 which received acephate suspended groundnut oil for 60 days at doses of 21.3, 28.4 and 42.6 mgkg− 1respectively. The live body weight gain, absolute and relative weights of the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius, hemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte counts (TEC), packed cell volume (PCV) and lymphocytes were significantly decreased. However, monocytes, eosinophils, heterophils, and basophils were significantly increased. Total protein, albumin and albumin to globin ratio, the antibody response to RD-F and delayed-type hypersensitivity response to DNCB dye or PHA-P, erythrocyte and brain Acetylcholinesterase activity was also significantly reduced in T2 and T3. At 40 and 60 days of acephate exposure, nitrate and nitric oxide production by RD-F and mitogen Con A stimulated peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes, as well as lymphocyte proliferation in response to antigen RD-F and mitogen Con A stimulation, were significantly decreased in groups T2 and T3. Furthermore, dose-dependent increases in the frequency of micronuclei formation, varying intensity serum protein bands with different protein fractions (14.85KDa), and splenic DNA laddering (180 bp) were observed in groups T2 and T3. Histopathologically, the spleen and bursa showed morphological changes and mild lymphocyte depletion. In conclusion, low-level acephate exposure may affect acetylcholinesterase, lymphocytes, and immune responses in cockerels. As a result, it should be considered when assessing immunotoxicity and the risk to human and animal health.
Role of Montelukast in Modulation of Response to Sepsis in Preterm Infants: A Randomized-controlled Trial
Authors: El-Shehaby Nouran , El-Shahawy Heba , Nasef Nehad , El-Sallab Shadia , El-Halaby Hanan 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Inflammatory mediators play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of neonatal sepsis. Montelukast, as an anti-inflammatory drug, could be a beneficial therapy. This study aimed to explore the adjuvant role of Montelukast in regulating the inflammatory response associated with neonatal sepsis and its associated effect on the clinical outcomes. An open-label, randomized controlled intervention trial conducted on 40 late preterm newborn (gestational age 340/7 to 366/7 weeks) admitted to NICU, with clinical evidence of sepsis. In the Montelukast group (n=20), infants received oral Montelukast once daily for 10 days (infant's weight <2 kg received 1.5 mg whereas >2 kg received 2 mg) with antibiotics plus routine supportive care. In the routine care group (n=20), infants received antibiotics plus routine supportive care. Primary outcome was the serum level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha at day 10 of therapy. Secondary outcomes included the clinical outcomes along hospital admission. Baseline characteristics were non-significantly different between both groups. After 10 days of therapy, TNF alpha level was significantly lower in the Montelukast group (80.73+50.25 versus 119.54+58.46; p= 0.03). There were non-significant differences between both groups regarding duration of NICU admission, antibiotics duration or modalities and duration of respiratory support. C-reactive protein didn’t differ between both groups (p= 0.256). No documented significant adverse effects of Montelukast during the study period. Conclusion: in late preterm neonates with sepsis, 10 days of Montelukast therapy as an adjuvant to antibiotics lowered TNF alpha level without any impact on clinical outcomes.
Evolution of Cardiac Tissue and Flow Mechanics in Developing Japanese Medaka
Authors: Chakraborty Sreyashi , Sepulveda Maria S. , Vlachos Pavlos 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The effects of pressure drop across cardiac valve cushion regions and endocardial wall strain triggering cardiac morphogenesis in a teleost species heart are poorly understood. In the presented work, we utilize microscale particle image velocimetry (µPIV) flow measurements of developing medaka hearts from 3 to 14 dpf (n = 4–5 at each dpf) to quantify the pressure field and endocardial wall strain. Peak pressure drop at the atrioventricular canal (ΔPAVC) and outflow tract (ΔPOFT) show a steady increase with fish age progression. Pressure drops when non-dimensionalized with blood viscosity and heart rate at each dpf are comparable with measurements in zebrafish hearts. Retrograde flows captured at these regions display a negative pressure drop. A novel metric, Endocardial Work (EW), is introduced by analyzing the ΔPAVC-strain curves, which is a non-invasive measure of work required for ventricle filling. EW is a metric that can differentiate between the linear heart stage (< 100 Pa-%), cardiac looped chamber stage (< 300 Pa-%), and the fully formed chamber stage (> 300 Pa-%).
Multicentre Study of Endo-Ectoparasite Infection in Italian Cats
Authors: Genchi Marco , VISMARRA ALICE , ZANET STEFANIA , MORELLI SIMONE , GALUPPI ROBERTA , CRINGOLI GIUSEPPE , OTRANTO DOMENICO , DIAFERIA MANUELA , REGALBONO ANTONIO FRANGIPANE DI , VENEGONI GIULIA , BASANO FABRIZIO SOLARI , VARCASIA ANTONIO , PERRUCCI STEFANIA , MUSELLA VINCENZO , BRIANTI EMANUELE , GAZZONIS ALESSIA LIBERA , DRIGO MICHELE , COLOMBO LILIANA , Kramer Laurahelen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
BackgroundParasites infecting cats include protozoa, helminths and arthropods. Many are also transmissible to humans. Effective control relies on knowledge of parasite distribution and risk factors for infection. The present study was aimed at evaluating prevalence of major feline parasites in Italy and risk factors associated with their occurrence.MethodsOver a 12-month study period, thirteen study centers across Italy analyzed feces, hair and ectoparasites from naturally infected cats coming from feral colonies, shelters and private households. Samples from cats (n=987) were analyzed by all centers using the same diagnostic methods. Prevalence values and risk factors were evaluated statistically for identification of predictors of risk. ResultsThe overall prevalence of gastro-intestinal (GI) and bronco-pulmonary (BP) nematodes was 35.9% (354/987). T. cati was the most prevalent species (253/987; 25.6%), followed by hookworms (98/987; 9.9%). Among BP nematodes, A. abstrusus was the most common (76/987; 7.7%). Approximately 35.7% (352/987) of the study population was infested by ectoparasites. The most common were fleas 29.4% (290/987), followed by ear mites O. cynotis 9.8% (97/987).Predictors of risk for parasite infection included age, a predominantly or exclusively outdoor lifestyle, geographic area and lack of anti-parasitic treatment.ConclusionBoth ecto- and endoparasites are still common in cats throughout Italy, many of them being of zoonotic concern and vectors of pathogens to humans. Given the presence of parasites throughout the entire study period, year-round treatment should be considered. Furthermore, data confirm the need to protect the human-animal bond using proper endo- and ecto-parasiticides to reduce the risk of human infection, in application of the One-Health concept.
Work-Based Learning in Faculty Development Through Educational Scholar Program (ESP): A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Keshmiri Fatemeh 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Aim and background: The aim of present study was to assess the effect of faculty development courses as educational scholar program (ESP) in viewpoints of faculty members.Materials and methods: The study is a mixed method concurrent embedded design. Faculty members participated in the ESP from different faculties (n=15). ESP is designed as a long empowerment course in two phases of training and scholarship. Data collection about faculty members’ satisfaction and experiences were conducted through a 9-items questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, respectively. In the first phases, data was analyzed by descriptive tests (mean, SD). The inductive content analysis approach was used for data analysis in qualitative phase. Inductive analysis approach was conducted by open coding, category, and main categories.Results: In the study, faculty members from different faculties including dentistry (n=8), public health (n=2), medicine (n=1), pharmacy (n=2), nursing and midwifery (n=2). 10 women (66.66%) and 5 men (33.33%) were participated in ESP. 15 educational scholarship projects developed by faculty members in the student assessment (n=9), teaching and learning (n=3), curriculum development (n=3) domains. The results showed the satisfaction score of participants was 4.8(0.14). The experience of participants in ESP was divided into four main categories including, motivator for change, experiential learning practice, change leadership capabilities, and executive difficulties.Conclusion: The results showed that the experience of empowerment courses based on experiential learning cycle helped participants acquire the key capabilities to design and execute scholarship projects. Although individual-motivational factors can be effective in the success of participants in implementing scholarship projects, resource development and system support are also required.
Humidity Sensor Based on Etched Optical Fibers Coated With Graphene Composite
Authors: Ostovari F. , Owji E. , Iran H. Mokhtari 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this research, optical humidity sensors based on etched-optical fibers coated with graphene Oxide (GO), silica gel (Sg) and a silica gel modified with GO (GSg) was studied. Their humidity sensing behavior was investigated by variation of relative differentiation of attenuation (RDA) in the presence of relative humidity (RH). As the results showed, etched fibers coated with Sg and GSg are highly capable of humidity sensing. However, a Sg- coated sample is not useful as humidity sensor related to sample coated by GSg because its RDA lacks a one-to-one correspondence with RH. As it was also found, the sensitivity of a GSg-coated sample is higher when the RH is below 40% and its repeatability is considerable.
Discordance Between Apolipoprotein B or Non-HDL-Cholesterol and LDL-Cholesterol in Middle-aged and Elderly Chinese Patients Predicts Arterial Stiffness
Authors: Qu Geyue , Zhang Zhongying , Zhu Hong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Discordance of lipid parameters is closely associated with residual cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the discordance between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), or apolipoprotein B (apoB), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and assessed arterial stiffness risk.Methods: This study included a total of 402 middle-aged and elderly Northern Chinese individuals, whose brachial-ankle pulse wave conduction velocity(baPWV), as well as clinical and biochemical data, were measured. Arterial stiffness was defined as the upper quartile of the baPWV. All participants were divided into four mutually exclusive concordance/discordance groups based on the lipid goal for very high-risk populations, according to the 2016 European Society of Cardiology / European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines. Discordance was defined as an LDL-C≥ 1.81mmol/L with non-HDL-C< 2.59mmol/L, or apoB <0.80mmol/L, or vice versa.Results: The mean age of the participants was 65.9±13.0 years, and 59.5% were male. The mean LDL-C was 2.41±0.81mmol/L, non-HDL-C 3.06±0.94mmol/L, and apoB 0.84±0.21mmol/L. LDL-C was observed to be discordant with non-HDL-C (20.1%) and apoB (30.8%). When stratified according to LDL-C levels, the baPWV was greater in those patients with higher non-HDL-C or apoB levels. The Spearman analysis showed a significant association between discordant lipid patterns and the presence of arterial stiffness(r= 0.131 and r=0.117, respectively). In the adjusted logistic regression model, low LDL-C and high non-HDL-C or apoB discordance were also associated with the risk of arterial stiffness (OR: 13.412 and OR: 13.054, respectively).Conclusions: There was discordance between the LDL-C and non-HDL-C, or apoB in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals, which was associated with a higher risk of arterial stiffness. The non-HDL-C or apoB levels could be used to identify individuals who could benefit from more intensive lipid modification.
A higher expression of P2X7 receptor at the site of heterotopic ossification promotes osteogenesis
Authors: Cheng Shi , Yin Pengbin , Li Yi , Chen Ming , Wang Duanyang , Lin Yuan , Zhang Siqi , Yu Haikuan , Chen Ruijing , Zhang Mingming , Yan Jinglong , Lv Songcen , Zhang Licheng , Tang Peifu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Heterotopic ossification (HO) refers to a painful and complex disease. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as a key modulator of inflammation, is verified to promote the development of HO. However, the mechanism remains to be illustrated. The ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is an ATP-gated ion channel expressed in the majority of stem cells. Here, this paper hypothesizes that P2X7R may be activated by extracellular ATP and promote osteogenesis of stem cells under inflammatory condition, ending up in the formation of ectopic bone.
Methods

The tenotomy puncture and burn injury-induced HO model was constructed. The expression of P2X7R was found increasing at the site of injured Achilles tendon where HO occurs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultivated under an inflammatory condition plus Bz-ATP treatment which mimicked a microenvironment of HO site. An induction in P2X7R expression was also observed along with an enhancement of osteogenesis. In addition, an inhibition of P2X7R expression by its specific antagonist successfully reversed the above process.
Results

P2X7R expression of the Achilles tendon and osteogenic capability of SCs is higher in HOG than in other two groups. Bz-ATP promoted osteogenesis under inflammation condition. BBG impeded the heterotopic bone formation in animal model.
Conclusions

P2X7R is a crucial mediator in ATP-signaling promotion of HO, blocking which may represent a potential therapeutic target for HO.
Distribution of plutonium in the Pacific Ocean and implications for tracing of ocean circulation
Authors: Wu Junwen , Chen Jisheng , Wang Cui , Zheng Zhaoyong , Wang Liang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study examined plutonium (Pu) sources and distribution in the Pacific Ocean based on extensive field datasets over the past 50 years. The basin wide 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios in surface and deep seawater ranged from 0.192 to 0.279 averaging 0.235 ± 0.019, a value consistently higher than that of global fallout at ~ 0.180. The distribution of 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios exhibited a decreasing trend along the North Equatorial Current-Kuroshio to their extension areas. The activity levels of 239+240Pu in Pacific Ocean surface seawater ranged widely from 0.2 to 43.5 mBq m− 3, and increased with latitude. We determined the Pu sourced from the Pacific Proving Grounds (PPG) and global nuclear fallout in the Pacific Ocean based on the Pu isotopic composition. Using a mixing model, we found that the PPG made the dominant Pu contribution (average = 69.6 ± 14.4%) to Pacific Ocean surface seawater. The depth range of maximal 239+240Pu activity in the Pacific Ocean was well defined, averaging 608 ± 137 m. The vertical distribution of the 239+240Pu inventory showed most of Pu retained in the upper 3000 m, namely, the contributions of 239+240Pu inventories at 0-1000 m and 0-3000 m depths accounted for 43.5 ± 9.0% and 75.1 ± 12.0% of the total, respectively. We identified the transport pathway of Pu-PPG in the Pacific Ocean and demonstrated that Pu isotopes hold great promise as tracers of ocean circulation. Finally, via this extensive compilation of Pu isotopic compositions in the Pacific Ocean water, we established a Pu baseline in the region.
Immunological heterogeneity informs estimation of the durability of COVID-19 vaccine protection
Authors: de Cellès Matthieu Domenech , Wong Anabelle , Guevara Laura Barrero , Rohani Pejman 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Deciphering the properties of vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is essential to predict the future course of the pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, current uncertainties about COVID-19 vaccine immunity raise the question of how much time will be needed to estimate these properties, in particular the durability of vaccine protection. Here we designed a simulation study, based on empirically validated epidemiological models of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, to predict the impact of a breadth of vaccines with different mean duration (range: 2–5 years) and heterogeneity (coefficient of variation range: 50–100%) of protection against infection. We then assessed how confidently the duration of protection could be estimated under a range of epidemiological scenarios in the year following the start of mass immunization. We found that lower population mean and higher inter-individual variability facilitated estimation of the duration of vaccine protection. Across the vaccines tested, high waning and high heterogeneity permitted complete identification of the duration of protection; in contrast, low waning and low heterogeneity allowed only estimation of the fraction of vaccinees with rapid loss of immunity. These findings suggest that key aspects of COVID-19 vaccine immunity can be estimated with limited epidemiological data. More generally, they highlight that immunological heterogeneity can sensitively determine the impact of COVID-19 vaccines and, it is likely, of other vaccines.
Relationship between physical activity times and intramuscular adipose tissue contents of the thigh muscle groups in younger and older men
Authors: Ogawa Madoka , Tanaka Noriko , Yoshiko Akito , Oshida Yoshiharu , Koike Teruhiko , Akima Hiroshi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of daily physical activities evaluated by steps and time on muscle tissue size and intramuscular adipose tissue (IntraMAT) content in the thigh muscle groups for younger and older men. Twenty younger (23.8 ± 3.7 years) and 20 older (70.7 ± 5.6 years) men participated in this study. We measured the muscle tissue cross-sectional area (CSA) and the IntraMAT content in the quadriceps femoris (QF), hamstrings (HM), hip adductors (AD), and total of mid-thigh by magnetic resonance imaging. We measured physical activity time using a triaxial accelerometer and determined four levels of physical activity depending on the metabolic equivalent (METs), e.g., sedentary (≤ 1.5 METs), light-intensity (≤ 2.9 METs), moderate-intensity (3.0 to 5.9 METs) and vigorous-intensity (≥ 6.0 METs). The muscle tissue CSA of AD was a significantly correlated with the time of vigorous-intensity activity in the older group (rs = 0.446, P < 0.05), but not in the younger group. The IntraMAT content of the three muscle groups (QF, AD, and HM) and the total thigh were significantly correlated with the time of moderate-intensity activity (rs = − 0.625 to − 0.489, P < 0.05, for all comparisons) in the younger group, but not in the older group. Our results suggest that the relationship of muscle tissue size and IntraMAT content with physical activity times is affected by age.