bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing DNA yield from fish scales following different extraction protocols
Authors: Shuttleworth Loraine , Oosthuizen Carel Jakobus 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Studies on genetic diversity, adaptive potential and fitness of species have become a major tool in conservation biology. These studies require biological material containing a reliable source of DNA which can be extracted and analysed. Recently, non-invasive sampling has become the preferred sampling method of such biological material; particularly when studying endangered species. Elasmoid scales from teleost fish are an example of non-invasive samples from which DNA can successfully be extracted.
Methods
This study compared different extraction protocols to find an optimal method for extracting DNA from teleost fish scales. This was done with the intent to use the protocol that yielded the highest quantity of DNA on dried, archived scales. The protocols tested in this study included (i) phenol/chloroform with a TNES-urea digestion buffer, (ii) phenol/chloroform with an amniocyte digestion buffer and (iii) Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue Kit with variations in incubation times and temperatures of each protocol.
Results
While the phenol/chloroform with TNES-urea digestion buffer yielded significantly higher concentrations of DNA compared to the other protocols, all protocols followed in this study yielded sufficient quantities of DNA for further downstream applications.
Conclusion
Therefore, while there are multiple viable options when selecting a DNA extraction protocol, each research project’s individual needs, requirements and resources need to be carefully considered in order to choose the most effective protocol.
Safety and Efficacy of the New CryoPop® Cryotherapy Device for Cervical Dysplasia in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Study Protocol for a Multicentre Open-label Non-inferiority Clinical Trial With Historical Controls
Authors: YogeshKumar S , Anderson Jean , Lu Enrique , Kenyi Edward , Mensa Margaret , Thaler Katrina , Antartani Ramalingappa , Donimath Kasturi , Patil Basavaraj , Chikaraddi Santosh , Bidri Shailaja , Biradar Aruna , Gudadinni Muttappa R , Lokare Laxmikant , Yenokyan Gayane , Bellad Mrutyunjaya B , Goudar Shivaprasad S , Derman Richard , Kumar Amit , Patil Hema , wani Ramadevi , Kangle Ranjit , Chavan Ramesh Y Chavan Y , Nagmoti Mahantesh B , Kabadi Yogendra M , Reddy Purushotham , Vernekar Sunita , Hipparagi Surekha , Patil Vijayalaxmi , Dalal Anita 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world, affecting mainly women residing in low- and middle-income countries. Progression from a pre-invasive phase to that of an invasive phase generally takes years and provides a window of opportunity to screen for and treat precancerous lesions. Methods: This study is being conducted at four sites in north Karnataka, India. Community sensitization activities have been organized in the study areas to create awareness among stakeholders, including elected representatives, physicians, health care workers and potential participants. Organized community based as well as hospital-based screening is being conducted using Visual Inspection with Acetic acid (VIA). Screen positive women are referred to respective study hospitals for colposcopy and directed biopsy. Participants with confirmed high-grade cervical dysplasia (high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or HSIL) who fit all other eligibility criteria will be recruited to the study and will receive cryotherapy using CryoPop®, an innovative new cryotherapy device.Discussion: There is a need to develop an inexpensive, simple and effective cryotherapy device for use by frontline health care providers at locations where screening and timely treatment can be given, accelerating access to cervical cancer prevention services and minimizing loss to follow-up of women with precancerous lesions who need treatment.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry - India CTRI/2019/01/017289 ClinicalTrials.Gov number NCT04154644 on November 6, 2019. https://bit.ly/3yRQWC4
Development of cost-effective IoT module-based pipe classification system for flexible manufacturing system of painting process of high-pressure pipe
Authors: Yoo Young Jun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This paper researches an IoT module-based pipe classification system for a flexible manufacturing system that recognizes the size and length of pipes used in the painting process of high-pressure pipes. The proposed system is composed of an IoT module, USB camera, and edge TPU for pipe classification. The proposed system recognizes the type of pipe by three processes; object detection of the pipe, line detection algorithm of the three regions of interest, and pipe classification algorithm based on the line detection algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed system enables web-based real-time monitoring, providing convenience to workers and helping them make quick decisions. The IoT module interfaces with the painting robot and the sequence control that paints for each type of pipe is executed in the painting robot, allowing flexible manufacturing of the painting process.
M2 Macrophages Secrete CXCL13 to Promote Renal Cell Carcinoma Migration, Invasion, and EMT
Authors: Xie Yingwei , Chen Zhiliang , Zhong Qiyu , Zheng Zaosong , Chen Yuqing , Shangguan Wentai , Zhang Yishan , Yang Jingying , Zhu Dingjun , Xie Wenlian 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective: M2 macrophages are associated with a poor prognosis in a variety of malignancies. There are, however, few relevant investigations in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).Methods: The expression of M2 macrophages in ccRCC tissues was first discovered using immunohistochemistry in this study. Then, M2 macrophages were created in vitro to see how they affected the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of ccRCC cells. Using qPCR and prognostic analysis identifies important chemokine. Antibody neutralization tests confirmed the chemokine’s involvement and function. Pathway inhibitors confirmed the main pathway of M2 macrophages in ccRCC. Finally, qPCR and IHC were used to confirm the expression of chemokine receptors in ccRCC tissues.Results: The presence of M2 macrophages was linked to a poor outcome in ccRCC. M2 macrophages enhanced the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of ccRCC lines in vitro. CXCL13 was identified as the main chemokine by prognostic analysis and qPCR tests. CXCL13 neutralizing antibodies can inhibit the stimulation of M2 macrophages in ccRCC lines’ proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. M2 macrophages and CXCL13 may activate the Akt pathway in ccRCC lines, and Akt inhibitors decrease ccRCC lines proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. CXCR5 expression is a poor prognostic factor for renal cell carcinoma, according to qPCR and immunohistochemistry. In vivo experiments further proved that CXCL13 secreted by M2 macrophages can promote tumor proliferation.Conclusion: M2 macrophages in the immunological milieu secrete CXCL13, which promotes ccRCC proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the function of the tumor microenvironment in the incidence and progression of ccRCC, and they may point to novel therapeutic targets for ccRCC.
Preoperative Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D Level Is Associated With Poor Prognosis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Abuduwaili Munire , Xing Zhichao , Fei Yuan , Xia Baoying , Zhu Jingqiang , Su Anping 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between preoperative 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) level and poor prognosis factors of papillary thyroid cancer.Methods: A total of 1198 patients diagnosed of papillary thyroid cancer were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were categorized into vitamin D deficiency (VDD) group and normal group according to preoperative 25(OH)D＜20 ng/mL and 25(OH)D≥20 ng/mL. Differences of demographic date and clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed between two groups. Liner and logistic regression analysis to determine the effect of 25(OH)D on the established poor prognosis factors of papillary thyroid cancer were also applied.Results: We observed a negative liner correlation between 25(OH)D levels and tumor size and an independent relationship between VDD and lymph node metastasis in central area. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between preoperative 25(OH)D and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.Conclusions: 25(OH)D level significantly associated with certain poor prognosis factors of papillary thyroid cancer. Assessing and supplementing vitamin D may be an important addition to preoperative management of patients with papillary thyroid cancer.
A salt-free, zero-discharge and dyebath-recyclable circular coloration technology based on cationic polyelectrolyte complex for cotton fabric dyeing
Authors: Wang Wen-Yi , Chiou Jia-Chi , Chen Wan-Xue , Yu Jia-Li , Kan Chi-wai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Textile industry is one of the most polluting industries due to the large quantities of dyeing wastewater it generates and discharges. Herein, we report an eco-friendly and sustainable circular coloration technology based on cationic polyelectrolyte complex to realise salt-free, zero-effluent-discharge circular dyeing for cotton fabrics with a recyclable dyebath by using a typical cationic polyelectrolyte polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) bonded with anionic dyes. The cotton fabrics were first treated with PHMB and then dyed with three commercial acid dyes. Colour measurements show that the colour strength is controllable by adjustment of concentrations of both PHMB and the dyebath. The dyed fabric samples were found to have good/excellent colour levelness (< 0.49), and the colour fastness (Grade 3 ~ 5) was basically satisfactory and acceptable. The dyebath was proved to be recyclable for circular dyeing occurring at room temperature, which greatly reduces consumption of both water and heat energy for textile dyeing. Meanwhile, the dyed fabrics showed antimicrobial activity, particularly for the gram-positive S. aureus, which may help reduce the healthcare-associated infections that transmit through textiles. These results suggest that cationic polyelectrolyte-based circular dyeing could provide a promising and practicable strategy to address the pollution issue caused by wastewater generated in dyeing process in the textile industry.
Sex-specific Difference in Phenotype of Kabuki Syndrome Type 2 Patients: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: wang Yirou , Xu Yufei , Chen Yao , Hu Yabin , Li Qun , Liu Shijian , Wang Jian , wang xiumin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Kabuki syndrome (KS) is a monogenic disorder leading to special facial features, mental retardation, and multiple system malformations. KDM6A (MIM*300128) is the pathogenic gene of Kabuki syndrome type 2 (KS2, MIM#300867), which accounts for only 5%–8% of KS. Previous studies suggested that female patients with KS2 may have a milder phenotype. Thus, we summarized the phenotype and genotype of KS2 patients who were diagnosed in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center since July 2017 and conducted a 1:3 matched case-control study according to age and sex to investigate sex-specific differences between patients with and without KS2. Results There were 12 KS2 cases in this study, and 8 of them matched with 24 controls. The intelligence quotient (IQ) score of the case group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P <0.001). In addition, both the incidence of intellectual disability (ID) (IQ <70) and moderate-to-severe ID (IQ <55) were significantly higher in the case group than those in the control group (P <0.05). No sex-specific difference was found in the incidence of ID or moderate-to-severe ID between the female cases and female controls (P>0.05), whereas there was a significant difference between male cases and male controls (P <0.01). Furthermore, the rate of moderate-to-severe ID and congenital heart disease (CHD) was significantly higher in the male group than that in the female group (P <0.05).Conclusions Our results showed that a sex-specific difference was exhibited in the clinical phenotypes of KS2 patients. The incidence of CHD was higher in male patients, and mental retardation was significantly impaired. However, the female patients’ phenotype was mild.
Molecular insights into the unusually promiscuous and catalytically versatile Fe(II)/α-ketoglutarate-dependent oxygenase SptF
Authors: Tao Hui , Mori Takahiro , Chen Heping , Lyu Shuang , Nonoyama Akihito , Lee Shoukou , Zhang Huiping , Hayashi Fumiaki , Abe Ikuro 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Non-heme iron and α-ketoglutarate-dependent (Fe/αKG) oxygenases catalyze various oxidative biotransformations. Due to their catalytic flexibility and high efficiency, Fe/αKG oxygenases have attracted keen attention for their application as biocatalysts. Here, we report the biochemical and structural characterizations of the unusually promiscuous and catalytically versatile Fe/αKG oxygenase SptF, involved in the biosynthesis of fungal meroterpenoid emervaridones. The in vitro analysis reveals that SptF catalyzes four continuous oxidation reactions, including hydroxylation, desaturation, epoxidation, and skeletal rearrangement. SptF exhibits extremely broad substrate specificity toward various meroterpenoids, and efficiently produced novel cyclopropane-ring-fused 5/3/5/5/6/6 and 5/3/6/6/6 scaffolds from terretonins. Moreover, SptF also hydroxylates steroids, including androsterone, testosterone, and progesterone, with different regiospecificities. Crystallographic and structure-based mutagenesis studies of SptF reveal the molecular basis of the enzyme reactions, and suggest that the malleability of the loop region contributes to the remarkable substrate promiscuity. SptF exhibits great potential as a promising biocatalyst for oxidation reactions.
Symptoms and Comorbidities Differ Based on Race and Weight Status in Persons Living With HIV in the Northern United States: a Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: Butler Kierra R. , Harrell Faye R. , Rahim-Williams Bridgett , Robinson Jeffrey M. , Zhang Xuemin , Gyamfi Adwoa , Erlen Judith A. , Henderson Wendy A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) on highly active antiretroviral treatments (HAART) may require specialized care based on health and demographic indicators. This study investigated the association of co-morbidities, race, weight status, gastrointestinal (GI), and cardiovascular symptoms (CV) and among PLWHIV. Methods: The Symptom Checklist, Co-Morbidity, and Sociodemographic Questionnaires were used to assessed weight status, GI, and CV symptoms among 283 PLWHIV. Data were analyzed using Latent Class Analysis on John's Macintosh Project 13 Platform. Results: Participants were majority Black (50%), 69% male, and 35% AIDS diagnosed. Ages were 25 to 66. Clusters included least symptomatic status, weight gain, and weight loss by Black and non-Black participants. The non-Black weight gain cluster reported a higher incidence of AIDS (70.6% vs 38.2%), nausea (70.6% vs 17.6%), diarrhea (70.6% vs 26.5%), and shortness of breath (58.8% vs 20.6%) compared to the Black weight gain cluster. The Black weight loss cluster reported a higher incidence of CV symptoms such as chest palpitations (42.2% vs 2.7%), chest pain (44.4% vs 8.1%), and shortness of breath (73.3% vs 35.1%), and a higher incidence of all GI symptoms with the most prominent being diarrhea (71.1% vs 48.6%) compared to the non-Black weight loss cluster. Conclusions: The existing racial disparities in health-related quality of life for PLWHIV may be improved through precision health and nutrition modifications. Continued research is needed investigating differential health outcomes among PLWHIV on HAART.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT00222716
Is a Non-Caloric Sweeteners-Free Diet Good To Treat Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder Symptoms? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mendoza-Martínez Viridiana Montsserrat , Zavala-Solares Mónica Rocío , Espinosa-Flores Aranza Jhosadara , León-Barrera Karen Lorena , Alcántara-Suárez Raúl , Carrillo-Ruíz José Damian , Escobedo Galileo , Esquivel-Veláz Marcela , Melendez-Mier Guillermo , Bueno-Hernández Nallely 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundA diet containing Non-Caloric Sweeteners (NCS) is used to reduce calorie intake and blood sugar peaks in overweight and obese subjects. Nevertheless, some animal studies suggest that NCS consumption may increase Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder symptoms (FGDs); however, there are scant clinical trials in humans. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of consuming a diet containing NCS (c-NCS) versus a Non-Caloric Sweetener-free diet (NCS-f) on FGDs in adult volunteers.MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled, parallel-group study using two different diets for five weeks: diet c-NCS contained 50-100 mg/day NCS (80% sucralose and 20% aspartame, acesulfame K, and saccharin); NCS-f diet contained less than 10 mg/day NCS. FGDs were recorded according to the Rome III criteria, gastrointestinal symptom questionnaire, Bristol scale, food frequency questionnaire, and consumption questionnaire at the beginning (PreTx) and at the end (PostTx) of the study by a gastroenterologist and a nutritionist. This study conducted according to the CONSORT guidelines and it was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier code: NCT04129762).ResultsParticipants were more often women than men in both groups (59% and 62%), with a median age of 22 years. FGDs were similar in both groups at the beginning of the study (PreTx) but significantly increased in the diet c-NCS group after five weeks (PostTx). The percentage of participants with diarrhea (PreTx=19% versus PstTx=56%; p=0.02), post-prandial discomfort (PreTx=9% versus PstTx=39%; p=0.02), constipation (PreTx=30% versus PostTx=56%; p<0.01), and burning or retrosternal pain (PreTx=13% versus PostTx=33%; p<0.01) significantly increased in the diet c-NCS group. Conversely, abdominal pain (PreTx=15% versus PostTx=3%; p=0.04), post-prandial discomfort (PreTx=26% versus PostTx=6%; p=0.02), burning or retrosternal pain (PreTx=15% versus PostTx=0%; p=0.02), early satiety (PreTx=18% versus PostTx=3%; p<0.01), and epigastric pain (PreTx=38% versus PostTx=3%; p<0.01) significantly decreased in the NCS-f diet group.Conclusion This study shows that diet c-NCS associates with increased FGDs including diarrhea, post-prandial discomfort, constipation, and burning or retrosternal pain. Interestingly, NCS-f diet concurs with decreased FGDs such as abdominal pain, post-prandial discomfort, burning or retrosternal pain, early satiety, and epigastric pain. A NCS-f diet could be a complementary strategy to alleviate FGDs. Trial registration: The ethics committee of the hospital approved this study with the registration number DI/19/301/03/020. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (identifier code: NCT04129762).
Growth in Achondroplasia Including Stature, Weight, Weight-for-Height and Head Circumference from CLARITY: Achondroplasia Natural History Study— A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study of Achondroplasia in the US
Authors: Hoover-Fong Julie , Schulze Kerry J , Alade Adekemi Y , Bober Michael B , Gough Ethan , Hashmi S Shahrukh , Hecht Jacqueline T , Legare Janet M , Little Mary Ellen , Modaff Peggy , Pauli Richard M , Rodriguez-Buritica David F , Serna Maria E , Smid Cory , Liu Chengxin , McGready John 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Achondroplasia is the most common genetic skeletal disorder causing disproportionate short stature/dwarfism. Common additional features include spinal stenosis, midface retrusion, macrocephaly and a generalized spondylometaphyseal dysplasia which manifest as spinal cord compression, sleep disordered breathing, delayed motor skill acquisition and genu varus with musculoskeletal pain. To better understand the interactions and health outcomes of these potential complications, we embarked on a multi-center, natural history study entitled CLARITY (Achondroplasia Natural History Study). One of the CLARITY objectives was to develop growth curves (length/height, weight, head circumference, weight-for-height) and corresponding reference tables of mean and standard deviations at one month increments from birth through 18 years for clinical use and research for achondroplasia patients. Methods: All available retrospective anthropometry data including length/height, weight and head circumference from achondroplasia patients were collected at 4 US skeletal dysplasia centers (Johns Hopkins University, AI DuPont Hospital for Children, McGovern Medical School University of Texas Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health). Weight-for-age values beyond 3 SD above the mean were excluded from the weight-for-height and weight-for-age curves to create a stricter tool for weight assessment in this population. Results: Over 37,000 length/height, weight and head circumference measures from 1,374 patients with achondroplasia from birth through 75 years of age were compiled in a REDCap database. Stature and weight data from birth through 18 years of age and head circumference from birth through 5 years of age were utilized to construct new length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, head circumference-for-age and weight-for-height curves. Conclusion: Achondroplasia-specific growth curves are essential for clinical care of growing infants and children with this condition. In an effort to provide prescriptive, rather than purely descriptive, references for weight in this population, extreme weight values were omitted from the weight-for-age and weight-for-height curves. This well-phenotyped cohort may be studied with other global achondroplasia populations (e.g. Europe, Argentina, Australia, Japan) to gain further insight into environmental or ethnic influences on growth.
Severe Visual Loss Caused by Inhalational Methanol Poisoning in Fireworks Production: A Report on 3 Cases
Authors: Luo Lei , Zhu Xueqin , Li Jimeng , Yang Feng , Xiong YanYan , Xie Ying 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND Explosion injury is a common occupational injury with fireworks production. There are few reports about the relationship of severe visual loss and acute methanol poisoning in fireworks laborers. CASE SUMMARY Here we report 3 patients of visual loss caused by inhalation exposure to high concentration of methanol, who were engaged in the granulation process of fireworks manufacturing industry. They presented with severe metabolic acidosis and visual impairments, accompanied with headache, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness and vomiting. One patient developed bilateral blindness and two patients improved after timely hemodialysis treatment.CONCLUSION This case report emphasizes the risk of methanol poisoning in the fireworks industry or other factories using commercial alcohol. Early hemodialysis intervention and metabolic acidosis correction are crucial for rescuing visual impairment caused by methanol exposure. The awareness and supervision of commercial alcohol are indispensable for similar industrial manufactures.