bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computational study of a chemical gas sensor utilizing Pd–rGO composite on SnO2 thin film for the detection of NOx
Authors: Akshya S. , Juliet A. Vimala 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper we discussed, nitrogen oxides gas sensors are designed and simulated using the MEMS-based tool of COMSOL Multiphysics software. Pd–rGO composite films were designed and their NOx sensing characteristics were investigated in this study by comparing with/without active layers. Transition metal SnO2 deals with four different active materials i.e., Pure SnO2, SnO2–Pd, SnO2–rGO, and SnO2–Pd/rGO film was controlled by altering the active materials during the active layer deposition. The deposition of Pd/rGO active material is integrated into the SnO2 thin film. The response of the nanocomposite materials on the NOx gas sensor at a low temperature below 100 °C was significantly improved. Moreover, we investigate the optimization from different active layer response for NOx by applying power in watt and milliwatt to the interdigitated electrode on the Sn substrate. The determination is tense to finalize the suitable materials that to detect more response for nitrogen oxides i.e., Pd/rGO layer shows better performance when compared with other active layers for the sensing of nitrogen oxides is in proportion to the power in the range of 0.6–4.8 W at (1–8) Voltage range. This advanced research will enable a new class of portable NOx gas sensors to be constructed with millimeter size and microwatt power.
Artificial miRNA mediated resistance in tobacco against Jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus by targeting RNA silencing suppressors
Authors: More Prashant , Agarwal Parinita , Anand Abhishek , Sanan-Mishra Neeti , Agarwal Pradeep K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe leaf curl disease of Jatropha caused by geminiviruses results in heavy economic losses. In the present study, we report the identification of a new strain of a Jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus (JLCuGV), which encodes six ORFs with each one having RNA silencing suppressor activity. Therefore, three artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs; C1/C4, C2/C3 and V1/V2) were designed employing overlapping regions, each targeting two ORFs of JLCuGV genomic DNA and transformed in tobacco. The C1/C4 and C2/C3 amiRNA transgenics were resistant while V1/V2 amiRNA transgenics were tolerant against JLCuGV. The relative level of amiRNA inversely related to viral load indicating a correlation with disease resistance. The assessment of photosynthetic parameters suggests that the transgenics perform significantly better in response to JLCuGV infiltration as compared to wild type (WT). The metabolite contents were not altered remarkably in amiRNA transgenics, but sugar metabolism and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle showed noticeable changes in WT on virus infiltration. The overall higher methylation and demethylation observed in amiRNA transgenics correlated with decreased JLCuGV accumulation. This study demonstrates that amiRNA transgenics showed enhanced resistance to JLCuGV while efficiently maintaining normalcy in their photosynthesis and metabolic pathways as well as homeostasis in the methylation patterns.
The pineapple MADS-box gene family and the evolution of early monocot flower
Authors: Hu Juan , Chang Xiaojun , Zhang Ying , Yu Xianxian , Qin Yuan , Sun Yun , Zhang Liangsheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnlike the flower of the model monocot rice, which has diverged greatly from the ancestral monocot flower, the pineapple (Ananas comosus) flower is more typical of monocot flowers. Here, we identified 43 pineapple genes containing MADS-box domains, including 11 type I and 32 type II genes. RNA-seq expression data generated from five pineapple floral organs (sepals, petals, stamens, pistils, and ovules) and quantitative real-time PCR revealed tissue-specific expression patterns for some genes. We found that AcAGL6 and AcFUL1 were mainly expressed in sepals and petals, suggesting their involvement in the regulation of these floral organs. A pineapple ‘ABCDE’ model was proposed based on the phylogenetic analysis and expression patterns of MADS-box genes. Unlike rice and orchid with frequent species-specific gene duplication and subsequent expression divergence, the composition and expression of the ABCDE genes were conserved in pineapple. We also found that AcSEP1/3, AcAG, AcAGL11a/b/c, and AcFUL1 were highly expressed at different stages of fruit development and have similar expression profiles, implicating these genes’ role in fruit development and ripening processes. We propose that the pineapple flower can be used as a model for studying the ancestral form of monocot flowers to investigate their development and evolutionary history.
Shape and rate of movement of the invasion front of Xylella fastidiosa spp. pauca in Puglia
Authors: Kottelenberg David , Hemerik Lia , Saponari Maria , van der Werf Wopke 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn 2013, Xylella fastidiosa spp. pauca was first reported in Puglia, Italy, causing the olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS). Since then the disease has spread, prompting the initiation of management measures to contain the outbreak. Estimates of the shape of the disease front and the rate of area expansion are needed to inform management, e.g. the delineation of buffer zones. However, empirical estimates of the invasion front and the rate of spread of OQDS are not available. Here, we analysed the hundreds of thousands of records of monitoring data on disease occurrence in Puglia to estimate the shape of the invasion front and the rate of movement of the front. The robustness of estimation was checked using simulation. The shape of the front was best fitted by a logistic function while using a beta-binomial error distribution to model variability around the expected proportion of infected trees. The estimated rate of movement of the front was 10.0 km per year (95% confidence interval: 7.5–12.5 km per year). This rate of movement is at the upper limit of previous expert judgements. The shape of the front was flatter than expected. The fitted model indicates that the disease spread started approximately in 2008. This analysis underpins projections of further disease spread and the need for preparedness in areas that are still disease free.
Comparative analysis of visit and home blood pressure in a pilot trial on the effect of 18% sodium substitute salt on blood pressure
Authors: Liu Ting , Rao Huakun , Wang Meixian , Xu Huini , Wang Wen , Li Ge , Wang Hao , Mu Lihong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAim to compare the home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) and visit blood pressure monitoring in a clinical phase I single-arm pilot trial. The 18% sodium substitute salt was used in 43 hypertensives for 8 weeks, and visited once a week, while weekly visit blood (VBP) pressure, daily home blood pressure (HBP) and urine test results before and after intervention were collected. 43 hypertensive patients were recruited, 4 were lost. And enrolled 39 patients for analysis. The VBP were lower than morning HBP and night HBP (P < 0.05). And VBP was good correlated with morning BP (SBP: r = 0.692, P < 0.001, DBP: r = 0.789, P < 0.001) and night BP (SBP: r = 0.571, P < 0.001, DBP: r = 0.738, P < 0.001). The results of mixed linear model analysis showed that patients' visit SBP (− 11.4 mmHg, 95% CI: − 17.0 to − 5.7, P < 0.001), morning home SBP (− 10.0 mmHg, 95% CI: − 16.4 to − 3.6, P = 0.003) and night home SBP (− 10.2 mmHg, 95% CI: − 15.8 to − 4.6, P = 0.001) decreased significantly, after intervention. Both HBP and VBP showed that 18% substitute salt intervention could decrease the blood pressure of hypertensives. Medication led to VBP lower than HBP, but the two still had a good correlation.Trial registration: NCT03226327. Registered 21 July 2017—Retrospectively registered, http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
A multi-kingdom metabarcoding study on cattle grazing Alpine pastures discloses intra-seasonal shifts in plant selection and faecal microbiota
Authors: Palumbo Fabio , Squartini Andrea , Barcaccia Gianni , Macolino Stefano , Pornaro Cristina , Pindo Massimo , Sturaro Enrico , Ramanzin Maurizio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDiet selection by grazing livestock may affect animal performance as well as the biodiversity of grazed areas. Recent DNA barcoding techniques allow to assess dietary plant composition in faecal samples, which may be additionally integrated by the description of gut microbiota. In this high throughput metabarcoding study, we investigated the diversity of plant, fungal and bacterial taxa in faecal samples of lactating cows of two breeds grazing an Alpine semi-natural grassland during summer. The estimated plant composition of the diet comprised 67 genera and 39 species, which varied remarkably during summer, suggesting a decline of the diet forage value with the advancing of the vegetative season. The fungal community included Neocallimastigomycota gut symbionts, but also Ascomycota and Basidiomycota plant parasite and coprophilous taxa, likely ingested during grazing. The proportion of ingested fungi was remarkably higher than in other studies, and varied during summer, although less than that observed for plants. Some variation related to breed was also detected. The gut bacterial taxa remained stable through the summer but displayed a breed-specific composition. The study provided insights in the reciprocal organisms’ interactions affecting, and being affected by, the foraging behaviour: plants showed a high temporal variation, fungi a smaller one, while bacteria had practically none; conversely, the same kingdoms showed the opposite gradient of variation as respect to the animal host breed, as bacteria revealed to be the group mostly characterized by host-specificity.
Comprehensive surveillance data suggest a prominent role of parvovirus B19 infection in Belarus and the presence of a third subtype within subgenotype 1a
Authors: Yermalovich Marina A. , Dronina Alina M. , Semeiko Galina V. , Samoilovich Elena O. , Khrustalev Vladislav V. , Sausy Aurelie , Hübschen Judith M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHuman parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection is not notifiable in Belarus and its most common clinical presentation erythema infectiosum (EI) is often difficult to distinguish from other exanthematous diseases. The objective of this study was to provide comprehensive data about EI epidemiology in Belarus based on the serological and molecular investigation of samples from measles and rubella discarded cases collected between 2005 and 2019. Overall, 4919 sera were investigated for IgM antibodies against B19V and the positive cases were analysed according to year, season and age. B19V DNA was amplified by PCR in a total of 238 sera from all over the country, and sequenced for phylogenetic analyses. B19V infection was confirmed in 1377 (27.8%) measles and rubella discarded cases. Two high incidence periods and a seasonal increase of EI between mid-February to mid-July were identified. Children from 4 to 6 and from 7 to 10 years of age represented the largest groups of patients (22.51% and 22.66% of all cases, respectively), followed by adults between 20 and 29 years of age (14.23%). Among the 238 B19Vs sequenced, one belonged to subgenotype 3b and 237 to subgenotype 1a with 81 (34.2%) clustering with subtypes 1a1 and 153 (64.6%) with 1a2. Three strains (1.2%) formed an additional, well-supported cluster suggesting the presence of another subtype of 1a, tentatively named 1a3. The epidemiological and molecular analyses highlighted not only the prominent role of B19V in exanthematous diseases in Belarus, but also suggested a previously underestimated diversity of subgenotype 1a sequences with a third subtype 1a3.
Local scattering ultrasound imaging
Authors: Velichko Alexander , Villaverde Eduardo Lopez , Croxford Anthony J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUltrasonic imaging is a widely used tool for detection, localisation and characterisation of material inhomogeneities with important applications in many fields. This task is particularly challenging when imaging in a complex medium, where the ultrasonic wave is scattered by the material microstructure, preventing detection and characterisation of weak targets. Fundamentally, the maximum information that can be experimentally obtained from each material region consists of a set of reflected signals for different incident waves. However, these data are not directly accessible from the raw measurements, which represent a superposition of reflections from all scatterers in the medium. Here we show, that a complete set of transmitter–receiver data encodes sufficient information in order to achieve full spatio–temporal separation of transmitter–receiver data, corresponding to different local scattering areas. We show that access to the local scattering data can provide valuable benefits for many applications. More importantly, this technique enables fundamentally new approaches, exploiting the angular distribution of the scattering amplitude and phase of each local scattering region. Here we demonstrate how the local scattering directivity can be used to build the local scattering image, releasing the full potential and richness of the transmit–receive data. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the detection of small inclusions in various highly scattering materials using numerical and experimental examples. The described principles are very general and can be applied to any research field where the phased array technology is employed.
Addition of probiotics to antibiotics improves the clinical course of pneumonia in young people without comorbidities: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Chang Hun , Choi Yunjung , Seo Seung Young , Kim Seong-Hun , Kim In Hee , Kim Sang Wook , Lee Soo Teik , Lee Seung Ok 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study was aimed at investigating the clinical efficacy of probiotics in pneumonia patients. To this end, we enrolled 80 participants diagnosed with pneumonia at Naval Pohang Hospital, Pohang, Korea, from May 2016 to January 2017. The participants were randomly assigned to the control and probiotic groups depending on whether they received probiotics. All participants clinically improved but 22.6% of the participants complained of abnormal stool habits after pneumonia treatment. In comparison, fever duration was significantly shorter in the probiotic group, and the group exhibited an improved general condition. The probiotic group also showed better stool characteristics according to the Bristol stool scale (P = 0.009). Notably, the serum hs-CRP levels were significantly lower in the probiotic group at 2 weeks of treatment (P = 0.015), and all participants in the probiotic group achieved their levels within the normal range. Flow cytometry was used to analyze T-helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs were promoted and the Th17 cell/Treg ratio was suppressed after 2 weeks of treatment in the probiotic group (P = 0.007 and 0.037, respectively). This study demonstrated that probiotics improved clinical symptoms and normalized inflammatory biomarker levels in patients with pneumonia. Early infection and inflammation recovery may be due to the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics by facilitating the subset of Tregs and suppressing the Th17 cell/Treg ratio.
An alternative approach to produce versatile retinal organoids with accelerated ganglion cell development
Authors: Wagstaff Ellie L. , ten Asbroek Anneloor L. M. A. , ten Brink Jacoline B. , Jansonius Nomdo M. , Bergen Arthur A. B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGenetically complex ocular neuropathies, such as glaucoma, are a major cause of visual impairment worldwide. There is a growing need to generate suitable human representative in vitro and in vivo models, as there is no effective treatment available once damage has occured. Retinal organoids are increasingly being used for experimental gene therapy, stem cell replacement therapy and small molecule therapy. There are multiple protocols for the development of retinal organoids available, however, one potential drawback of the current methods is that the organoids can take between 6 weeks and 12 months on average to develop and mature, depending on the specific cell type wanted. Here, we describe and characterise a protocol focused on the generation of retinal ganglion cells within an accelerated four week timeframe without any external small molecules or growth factors. Subsequent long term cultures yield fully differentiated organoids displaying all major retinal cell types. RPE, Horizontal, Amacrine and Photoreceptors cells were generated using external factors to maintain lamination.
Relationship between dental and periodontal health status and the salivary microbiome: bacterial diversity, co-occurrence networks and predictive models
Authors: Relvas M. , Regueira-Iglesias A. , Balsa-Castro C. , Salazar F. , Pacheco J. J. , Cabral C. , Henriques C. , Tomás I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe present study used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assess the impact on salivary microbiome of different grades of dental and periodontal disease and the combination of both (hereinafter referred to as oral disease), in terms of bacterial diversity, co-occurrence network patterns and predictive models. Our scale of overall oral health was used to produce a convenience sample of 81 patients from 270 who were initially recruited. Saliva samples were collected from each participant. Sequencing was performed in Illumina MiSeq with 2 × 300 bp reads, while the raw reads were processed according to the Mothur pipeline. The statistical analysis of the 16S rDNA sequencing data at the species level was conducted using the phyloseq, DESeq2, Microbiome, SpiecEasi, igraph, MixOmics packages. The simultaneous presence of dental and periodontal pathology has a potentiating effect on the richness and diversity of the salivary microbiota. The structure of the bacterial community in oral health differs from that present in dental, periodontal or oral disease, especially in high grades. Supragingival dental parameters influence the microbiota’s abundance more than subgingival periodontal parameters, with the former making a greater contribution to the impact that oral health has on the salivary microbiome. The possible keystone OTUs are different in the oral health and disease, and even these vary between dental and periodontal disease: half of them belongs to the core microbiome and are independent of the abundance parameters. The salivary microbiome, involving a considerable number of OTUs, shows an excellent discriminatory potential for distinguishing different grades of dental, periodontal or oral disease; considering the number of predictive OTUs, the best model is that which predicts the combined dental and periodontal status.
Heat-related illness risk and associated personal and environmental factors of construction workers during work in summer
Authors: Kakamu Takeyasu , Endo Shota , Hidaka Tomoo , Masuishi Yusuke , Kasuga Hideaki , Fukushima Tetsuhito 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHeat-related illness (HRI) is a common occupational injury, especially in construction workers. To explore the factors related to HRI risk in construction workers under hot outdoor working conditions, we surveyed vital and environmental data of construction workers in the summer season. Sixty-one workers joined the study and the total number of days when their vital data during working hours and environmental data were recorded was 1165. Heart rate with high-risk HRI was determined using the following formula: 180 − 0.65 × age. As a result of the logistic regression analysis, age, working area, maximum skin temperature, and heart rate immediately after warming up were significantly positively related, and experience of construction was significantly negatively related to heart rate with high-risk HRI. Heart rate immediately after warming up may indicate morning fatigue due to reasons such as insufficient sleep, too much alcohol intake the night before, and sickness. Asking morning conditions may lead to the prevention of HRI. For occupational risk management, monitoring of environmental and personal conditions is required.
Differential effects on human cytochromes P450 by CRISPR/Cas9-induced genetic knockout of cytochrome P450 reductase and cytochrome b5 in HepaRG cells
Authors: Heintze Tamara , Klein Kathrin , Hofmann Ute , Zanger Ulrich M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHepaRG cells are increasingly accepted as model for human drug metabolism and other hepatic functions. We used lentiviral transduction of undifferentiated HepaRG cells to deliver Cas9 and two alternative sgRNAs targeted at NADPH:cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR), the obligate electron donor for microsomal cytochromes P450 (CYP). Cas9-expressing HepaRGVC (vector control) cells were phenotypically similar to wild type HepaRG cells and could be differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells by DMSO. Genetic POR-knockout resulted in phenotypic POR knockdown of up to 90% at mRNA, protein, and activity levels. LC–MS/MS measurement of seven CYP-activities showed differential effects of POR-knockdown with CYP2C8 being least and CYP2C9 being most affected. Further studies on cytochrome b5 (CYB5), an alternative NADH-dependent electron donor indicated particularly strong support of CYP2C8-dependent amodiaquine N-deethylation by CYB5 and this was confirmed by genetic CYB5 single- and POR/CYB5 double-knockout. POR-knockdown also affected CYP expression on mRNA and protein level, with CYP1A2 being induced severalfold, while CYP2C9 was strongly downregulated. In summary our results show that POR/NADPH- and CYB5/NADH-electron transport systems influence human drug metabolizing CYPs differentially and differently than mouse Cyps. Our Cas9-expressing HepaRGVC cells should be suitable to study the influence of diverse genes on drug metabolism and other hepatic functions.
Identifying priority core habitats and corridors for effective conservation of brown bears in Iran
Authors: Mohammadi A. , Almasieh K. , Nayeri D. , Ataei F. , Khani A. , López-Bao J. V. , Penteriani V. , Cushman S. A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIran lies at the southernmost range limit of brown bears globally. Therefore, understanding the habitat associations and patterns of population connectivity for brown bears in Iran is relevant for the species’ conservation. We applied species distribution modeling to predict habitat suitability and connectivity modeling to identify population core areas and corridors. Our results showed that forest density, topographical roughness, NDVI and human footprint were the most influential variables in predicting brown bear distribution. The most crucial core areas and corridor networks for brown bear are concentrated in the Alborz and Zagros Mountains. These two core areas were predicted to be fragmented into a total of fifteen isolated patches if dispersal of brown bear across the landscape is limited to 50,000 cost units, and aggregates into two isolated habitat patches if the species is capable of dispersing 400,000 cost units. We found low overlap between corridors, and core habitats with protected areas, suggesting that the existing protected area network may not be adequate for the conservation of brown bear in Iran. Our results suggest that effective conservation of brown bears in Iran requires protection of both core habitats and the corridors between them, especially outside Iran’s network of protected areas.