bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The developing mouse coronal suture at single-cell resolution
Authors: Farmer D'Juan , Mlcochova Hana , Zhou Yan , Koelling Nils , Wang Guanlin , Ashley Neil , Maxson Robert , Wilkie Andrew , Crump J , Twigg Steve 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Sutures separate the flat bones of the skull and enable coordinated growth of the brain and overlying cranium. To uncover the cellular diversity within sutures, we generated single-cell transcriptomes and performed extensive expression validation of the embryonic murine coronal suture. We identify Erg and Pthlh as markers of osteogenic progenitors in sutures, and distinct pre-osteoblast signatures between the bone fronts and periosteum. In the ectocranial layers above the suture, we observe a ligament-like population spanning the frontal and parietal bones. In the dura mater underlying the suture, we detect a chondrocyte-like signature potentially linked to cartilage formation under pathological conditions. Genes mutated in coronal synostosis are preferentially expressed in proliferative osteogenic cells, as well as meningeal layers, suggesting discrete cell types that may be altered in different syndromes. This single-cell atlas provides a resource for understanding development of the coronal suture, the suture most commonly fused in monogenic craniosynostosis.
Evaluation of the effects of human dental pulp stem cells on the biological phenotype of hypertrophic keloid fibroblasts
Authors: Fu Ling-ling , Yan Ming , Nada Ola A. , Chen Li-ming , Gosau Martin , Smeets Ralf , Feng Hongchao , Friedrich Reinhard E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Despite numerous existing treatments for keloids, the responses in the clinic have been disappointing due to either low efficacy or side effects. Numerous studies dealing with preclinical and clinical trials have been published about effective therapies for fibrotic diseases using mesenchymal stem cells, However, no research has yet been reported to scientifically investigate the effect of HDPSCs on the treatment of keloids.The objective is to provide an experimental basis to provide a novel proposal for the application of stem cells in the treatment of keloids.Methods HNFs and HKFs were cultured alone and in combination with DPSCs using a trans-well cell-contact-independent cell culture system. The effects of DPSCs on HKFs were tested using CCK-8 assay, Live/dead staining assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot．Result DPSCs don’t inhibited HKFs and HNFs proliferation and induce apoptosis, but inhibited migration. Furthermore, DPSCs significantly decreased expression of profibrotic genes, transforming growth factor-β 1，and transforming growth factor-β 2. DPSCs suppressed the ECM synthesis in HKFs, as indicated by decreased expression of collagen I and fibronectin and low levels of hydroxyproline in cell culture supernatant． Conclusions 1) Co-culture of DPSCs inhibits the migration of HKFs but does not affect the proliferation and apoptosis of HKFs.2) DPSCs co-culture inhibits the expression of pro-fibrotic genes and promotes the expression of anti-fibrotic genes in HKFs.3) DPSCs co-culture inhibits the synthesis of extracellular matrix by HKFs.
Liquid crystal phase of counter-rotating staircases – A case of antiferrochirality
Authors: Li Ya-xin , Gao Hong-fei , Zhang Rui-bin , Gabana Kutlwano , Chang Qing , Gehring Gillian , Cheng Xiao-hong , Zeng Xiangbing , Ungar Goran 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Helical structures continue to inspire, and there is considerable temptation to attribute helicity to columnar liquid crystals (LC). While short isohelical sequences are undoubtedly present, and longer ones in chiral or chiral-doped compounds, the order is only short-range, equivalent to a paramagnet without or with field. However, here we report a confirmed example of a true LC phase of achiral compounds consisting of columns, each being a long-range homochiral helix. Long-range periodicity and isochirality are maintained by intercolumnar interaction. This orthorhombic LC, spacegroup Fddd, is discovered in compounds with either bent or straight rod-like pi-conjugated cores. There are 4 right and 4 left-handed ribbons or star-profiled columns per unit cell. The structure is equivalent to an antiferromagnet with twist replacing spins. A theory based on interacting quadrupoles confirms this structure as energetically favoured over alternatives. The findings open a new approach to homochirality in achiral compounds, with promising optical/chiroptical properties.
Rhamnan sulphate from green algae Monostroma nitidum improves constipation with gut microbiome alteration in double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Authors: Shimada Yasuhito , Terasawa Masahiro , Okazaki Fumiyoshi , Nakayama Hiroko , Zang Liqing , Nishiura Kaoru , Matsuda Koichi , Nishimura Norihiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rhamnan sulphate (RS), a sulphated polysaccharide from Monostroma nitidum, possesses several biological properties that help in treating diseases such as viral infection, thrombosis, and obesity. In the present study, we first administered RS (0.25 mg/g food volume) orally to high-fat diet-treated mice for 4 weeks. RS increased the faecal volume and calorie excretion with decreased plasma lipids, which was in accordance with the results of our previous zebrafish study. Notably, as the excretion amount by RS increased in the mice, we hypothesised that RS could decrease the chance of constipation in mice and also in human subjects because RS is considered as a dietary fibre. We administrated RS (100 mg/day) to subjects with low defaecation frequencies (3–5 times/week) for 2 weeks in double-blind placebo-controlled manner. As a result, RS administration significantly increased the frequency of dejection without any side effects, although no effect was observed on the body weight and blood lipids. Moreover, we performed 16s rRNA-seq analysis of the gut microbiota in these subjects. Metagenomics profiling using PICRUSt revealed functional alternation of the KEGG pathways, which could be involved in the therapeutic effect of RS for constipation.
Surgical outcomes in cardiogenic shock patients with preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
Authors: Abuharb Mahmoud Yousef Ibrahim , Ran Dong , Jubing Zheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives
To summarise the surgical outcomes in patients with cardiogenic shock supported by preoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Methods
Between May 2012 and August 2017, eight patients with cardiogenic shock patients supported by ECMO underwent emergency surgery; four of them had isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, three had coronary artery bypass grafting with mitral replacement, and one had mitral valve replacement with left ventricular posterior wall repair.
Results
All eight patients successfully weaned off from ECMO after their surgeries. Postoperative ECOM time ranged from 6.8 to 228 hours, with a median of 68.4 hours. Two patients died postoperatively while another six survived. The follow up time for the six patients was ranged from three to 66 months whereby one of them died in the third month due to septicaemia. The remaining five patients survived with good cardiac function based on the NYHA classification.
Conclusion
ECMO is a vital bridge in the preparation of critically-ill patients for cardiac surgery. It is associated with acceptable outcomes among the majority of the patients.
Which Clinical Scoring Systems Are Most Useful in Showing Severity in COVID-19 Patients?
Authors: San Ishak , Gemcioglu Emin , Baser Salih , Cakmak Nuray Yilmaz , Erden Abdulsamet , Izdes Seval , Catalbas Ramis , Davutoglu Mehmet , Karabuga Berkan , Ates Ihsan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
IntroductionIn this study, we compare the predictive value of clinical scoring systems that are already in use in patients with COVID-19, including the BCRSS, qSOFA, SOFA, MuLBSTA and HScore, for determining the severity of the disease. Our aim in this study is to determine which scoring system is most useful in determining disease severity and to guide clinicians.Materials and MethodsWe classified the patients into two groups according to the stage of the disease (severe and non-severe) by using the slightly modified and adopted interim guidance of the World Health Organization. Severe cases were divided into a group of surviving patients and a deceased group according to the prognosis. According to admission values, the BCRSS, qSOFA, SOFA, MuLBSTA, and HScore were evaluated at admission using the worst parameters available in the first 24 hours.ResultsOf the 417 patients included in our study, 46 (11%) were in the severe group, while 371 (89%) were in the non-severe group. Of these 417 patients, 230 (55.2%) were men. The median (IQR) age of all patients was 44 (25) years. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, BRCSS in the highest tertile (HR: 6.1, 95% CI: 2.105–17.674, p = 0.001) was determined as an independent predictor of severe disease in cases of COVID-19. In multivariate analyses, qSOFA was also found to be an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 (HR: 4.757, 95% CI: 1.438–15.730, p = 0.011). The area under the curve (AUC) of the BRCSS, qSOFA, SOFA, MuLBSTA, and HScore was 0.977, 0.961, 0.958, 0.860, and 0.698, respectively.ConclusionCalculation of the BRCSS and qSOFA at the time of hospital admission can predict critical clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19, and their predictive value is superior to that of HScore, MuLBSTA, and SOFA. With early identification of the high-risk group using BRCSS and qSOFA, early interventions for high-risk patients can improve clinical outcomes in COVID-19.
Predicting Dental Caries Increment Using Salivary Biomarkers in a Remote Indigenous Australian Child Population
Authors: Fernando Surani , Tadakamadla Santosh Kumar , Kroon Jeroen , Lalloo Ratilal , Johnson Newell W 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background The burden of childhood dental caries amongst Indigenous Australians is higher than that of other Australians. Because of differences in lifestyle and the evolutionary history of the oral microbiota associated risk indicators may differ. Our objective was to evaluate associations between caries increment, salivary biomarkers, and baseline caries status among a rural Indigenous community in Far North Queensland, Australia.MethodsThis study was part of a trial assessing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an intervention to prevent dental caries among children. A baseline epidemiological survey and application of topical caries preventive measures was conducted in 2015, followed-up in 2016 and 2017. Saliva flow rate, pH, buffering capacity and bacterial loads were measured. Caries was scored by the International Caries Detection and Assessment system. The outcome was caries increment. Explanatory variables were sex, being in experimental or comparison group, baseline caries status, saliva flowrate and buffering capacity, pH, and salivary loads of mutans streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli (LB), and yeast. Descriptive statistics assessed frequencies, means and percentages. Chi Square tests compared caries incidence in relation to explanatory variables and Generalised Linear Models with negative binomial regression and log-link explored associations between explanatory and outcome variables. ResultsOf children caries free at baseline, significantly fewer had incipient (p=0.01) and advanced (p=0.04) caries after two years. From Univariate analysis, children in the experimental group experienced fewer tooth surfaces with advanced caries (p=0.02) than children in the comparison group. Having caries at baseline (p=0.02) and low salivary flow rates (p <0.001) saw a significant increase in advanced caries after two years. Children with high salivary loads of MS (p=0.03) and LB (p=0.004) experienced more advanced carious surfaces. Multivariable analysis revealed 58% reduction (p=0.001) in advanced caries among children with high salivary flow rates. Caries increment was 61% (p=0.03) more for incipient and 121% (p=0.007) more for advanced caries among children who harboured higher loads of MS. ConclusionAs with other ethnicities, children with low salivary flow rates and those with high loads of MS had higher incipient and advanced caries increments after two years. These risk assessments can facilitate targeted preventive interventions for such communities. Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), No: ACTRN12615000693527; date of registration: 3rd July 2015.
Novel Lichen-Dominated Hypolithic Communities In the Namib Desert
Authors: Rios Asuncion de los , Garrido-Benavent Isaac , Limón Alicia , Cason Errol D , Maggs-Killing Gilliam , Cowan Don , Valverde Angel 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The ventral surfaces of translucent pebbles from hot desert pavements often harbor hypolithic microbial communities, which are mostly dominated by cyanobacteria. The Namib Desert fog belt supports extensive hypolithic colonization of quartz pebbles but they are also colonized by lichens on their dorsal surfaces. Hence, our aim is to evaluate whether lichens colonize the ventral surface of the rocks (i.e., show hypolithic lifestyle) and compare the bacterial composition of these coastal hypolithic communities with those found inland. Fungal DNA barcoding and fungal and bacterial Illumina metabarcoding were combined with electron microscopy to characterize the composition and spatial structure of hypolithic communities from two (coastal and inland) areas in the Namib Desert. We report, for the first time, the structure and composition of lichen-dominated hypolithic communities found in the coastal zone of the Namib Desert with extensive epilithic lichen cover. Lichen modified areoles with inverted morphology of the genus Stellarangia (three lineages) and Buellia (two lineages) were the main components of these hypolithic communities. Some of these lineages were also found in epilithic habitats. These lichen-dominated hypolithic communities differed in structural organization and bacterial community composition from those found in inland areas. The hypolithic lichen colonization characterized here seems not to be an extension of epilithic or biological soil crust lichen growths, but the result of specific sublithic microenvironmental conditions. Moisture derived from fog and dew could be the main driver of this unique colonization.
Effects of irrigation and nitrogen on chlorophyll content, dry matter and nitrogen accumulation in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Ning Wang , Fengzhen Fu , Jinfeng Ji , Peng Wang , Shuping He , Hongying Shao , Zhen Ni , Xingmei Zhang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
A two-year field experiment was conducted to analyze the growth conditions, physical features, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of sugar-beet under limited irrigation conditions in northeast of China. A cultivar H003 was used as plant materials; six treatments (C1-C6) were included: C1, no nitrogen applied, rain-fed; C2, 120.00 kg nitrogen hm− 2, rain-fed; C3, no nitrogen applied, hole irrigation for seeding; C4, 120.00 kg nitrogen hm− 2, hole irrigation for seeding; C5, no nitrogen applied, hole irrigation for seeding; and C6, 120.00 kg nitrogen hm− 2, hole irrigation for seeding, and irrigation at foliage rapid growth stage. The irrigation supply was only 500 mL/plant once. Results showed C6 showed the highest chlorophyll content, dry matter accumulation, yield, etc. and had the best NUE among all the treatments. In conclusion, under the routine fertilization conditions of northeast of China, the cultivation measure of hole irrigation 500 mL/plant for seeding combined with irrigation 500 mL/plant at foliage rapid growth stage greatly improved sugar-beet yield and NUE.
A Novel Prognostic Signature of Immune-related lncRNA Pairs in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yang , Wu Qiuhong , Fan Xuejiao , Li Wen , Li Xiaogang , Zhu Hui , Zhou Qinghua , Yu Jinming 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common subtype of lung cancer, but the prognosis of LUAD patients remains unsatisfactory. Here, we retrieved the RNA-seq data of LUAD cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and then identified differentially expressed immune-related lncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs between LUAD and normal controls. Based on the novel method of cyclically single pairing along with a 0-or-1 matrix, we constructed a novel prognostic signature of 8 DEirlncRNA pairs in LUAD with no dependence upon specific expression levels of lncRNAs. The prognostic model exhibited significant power in distinguishing good or poor prognosis of LUAD patients and values of the area under the curve (AUC) were all over 0.70 in 1, 3, 5 years ROC curves. Moreover, the risk model was significantly associated with clinicopathological characteristics, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immune-related molecules and sensitivity of anti-tumor drugs. This novel signature of DEirlncRNA pairs in LUAD, which did not require specific expression levels of lncRNAs, might be used to guide the administration of patients with LUAD in clinical practice.
Survival of soil microbial community exposed to hyper-gravity conditions
Authors: XU Linya , LIU Yuanhui , ZHAO Kankan , LIU Shan , Stirling Erinne , XU Jianming , MA Bin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Earth is the cradle of mankind, but it is impossible for human beings to live in the cradle forever. Sending soil microbial spores through space to foreign planets will be a likely initial process in planet colonization. Periods of hyper-gravity are likely to be a challenge for the candidate microorganisms during their interstellar transportation, raising questions about their survival rates and community-level responses. To address these questions, the impacts of hyper-gravity on soil microbial community composition and activity were tested by applying 1×g or 2500×g centrifugal force to soil for 6 days. The results indicated an increased diversity and absolute abundance of soil total bacterial community and a relatively stable active bacterial community under hyper-gravity condition. Besides, hyper-gravity had no observable effect on the relative abundance of soil microorganisms. These results suggest that soil microorganisms could survive during short periods of hyper-gravity. Our findings represent the first step towards a better understanding of the potential for survival of soil microbiomes during space travel and provide a basis for further interstellar soil research.
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Oatp2b1 as a Functional Ortholog of the Human OATP2B1 Transporter
Authors: Dragojević Jelena , Maraković Nikola , Popović Marta , Smital Tvrtko 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
OATP2B1 belongs to a highly conserved organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) family of transporters, involved in the cellular uptake of both endogenous and exogenous compounds. The main substrates of human OATP2B1 include steroid conjugates, bile salts and thyroid hormones, as well as several pharmaceuticals. Human OATP2B1 has orthologous genes in other vertebrate species, including zebrafish (Danio rerio), a widely used model organism in biomedical and environmental research. Our previous studies showed that zebrafish Oatp2b1 was phylogenetically closest to mammalian OATP2B1/Oatp2b1 and that it shares a similar tissue expression pattern. In this study, we aimed at discovering whether zebrafish Oatp2b1 could be a functional ortholog of human and rodent OATP2B1/Oatp2b1. To test this hypothesis, our primary goal was to obtain the first in vitro and in silico insights related to the structure and potential substrate preferences of zebrafish Oatp2b1. We generated cells transiently and stably transfected with zebrafish Oatp2b1 cloned from zebrafish liver, constructed an Oatp2b1 homology model, developed transport activity assays with model fluorescent substrate Lucifer yellow, and finally utilized this assay to analyze the interaction of zebrafish Oatp2b1 with both physiological and xenobiotic substances. Apart from structure similarities, our data revealed the strongest interaction of zebrafish Oatp2b1 with bile acids, steroid sulfates, thyroid hormones and bilirubin, as well as xenobiotics bromosulfophthalein and sulfasalazine, which indicates its functional orthology with human OATP2B1.
Economic costs of invasive rodents worldwide: the tip of the iceberg
Authors: DIAGNE Christophe , Ballesteros-Mejia Liliana , Bodey Thomas , Cuthbert Ross , Fantle-Lepczyk Jean , Angulo Elena , Dobigny Gauthier , Courchamp Franck 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Rodents are a notorious group of invaders worldwide. Their invasions have substantially impacted native ecosystems, local infrastructure, and human health and well-being. However, a lack of synthesized estimation of their economic impacts hampers effective management interventions at relevant scales. Here, we used the InvaCost database – the most up-to-date and comprehensive synthesis of reported monetary invasion costs – to assess the economic costs of invasive rodents globally. Our conservative analysis showed that reported costs of rodent invasions reached at least US$ 3.28 billion between 1930 and 2018, and were significantly increasing through time. The highest species-specific costs were reported from Ondatra zibethicus, Rattus norvegicus and Castor canadensis, with over 90% of the total costs damage-related, principally impacting agriculture, and predominantly reported in Asia (65%) and Europe (20%). Although minimal compared to damages, the majority of management investments were made on islands, with post-invasion spending always dominant. Importantly, managements expenditures to prevent rodent invasions were entirely absent from mainland areas. However, only approximately one quarter of the 48 known invasive alien rodents had reported costs, highlighting clear taxonomic biases. Obvious cost reporting gaps were also evidenced across different areas, sectors and contexts, suggesting a great underestimation of the costs incurred by invasive rodents globally. Greater and integrative research effort on the direct and indirect costs of rodent invaders – particularly the distinction between native rodent pests and invasive rodents’ impacts, or from indirect impacts on human health – would be crucial for bridging these gaps. Ultimately, this would support proactive and sustainable management strategies.