bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic Based Characterization of Enterococcus Spp-An Emerging Pathogen Isolated from Human Gut
Authors: younus Zumara , Goyal Sagar M. , Singh Vikash , Ikram Aamer , Imran Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Enterococci are ubiquitous microorganisms having diverse ecological niches but mostly prominently in gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. Production of enterocins make them used as probiotics, but in last few years their role as probiotic become ambiguous. This ambiguity in their probiotic role is related to presence of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, these virulence traits are also known to be transfer genetically which make them opportunistic pathogens in gastrointestinal track. These reports suggest serious concerns related to enterococcus before using them as probiotics. In present study Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of Enterococcus spp was done for checking presence of resistance and virulence genes, isolated from human gut.Methods and resultsFour human origin Enterococcus spp including Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus casseliflavus, and two Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated from human fecal samples, further cultured on blood and MacConkey agar. Sanger sequencing was done using Applied Biosystems 3730xl DNA Analyzer. These strains were further subjected to WGS using oxford nano pore technology MinION. Raw data was analyzed using free online tool epi2me. The Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD) and RAST software’s were used to look for presence of antibiotic resistance genes in these strains. Resistance determinants for clinically important antibiotics (vancomycin) and functional virulence factor genes were detected. G-view server was used for comparative genomics of all strains.Conclusion:The draft genomic sequencing of enterococcus suggested that Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus casseliflavus and Enterococcus gallinarum strains are opportunistic pathogens, having antibiotic resistance genes. All isolates have vancomycin resistance genes which they also expressed phenotypically. Some genes related to bacteriocin resistance were also present in E. casseliflavus and E. gallinarum.
Bioavailability of Zinc in Bread Wheat Grown in the Calcareous Soils of the Kurdistan Region of IRAQ
Authors: Rasheed Muhammed S. , Young Scott , Bailey Elezabeth 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A survey of wheat grain from 120 fields in Sulaimanyah province, Kurdistan region, Iraq was undertaken in 2017. We evaluated the concentrations of phosphorus (P), Zn and phytic acid (PA) and the estimated Zn bioavailability in wheat grain grown in the calcareous soils of the region. Concentrations of P in wheat grain were higher than the recommended value of 3570 mg kg− 1; PA was within the range of other countries but Zn concentration in 88% of wheat grain samples fell below the value recommended for human nutrition of 41.6 mg kg− 1. Bioavailable Zn intake (mg d− 1) was estimated assuming bread consumption of 300 g day− 1 in the region. Considering PA and Zn intake suggested only 21.5 ± 2.9% of whole grain flour Zn was bioavailable. Thus the effective Zn intakes from whole wheat was only 1.25–2.05 mg d− 1 for the local population. Typical dietary Zn was below recommended levels (11 mg d− 1), due to low soil Zn uptake by wheat and the large concentrations of PA in wheat grains, probably from over-use of phosphate fertilizer.
A Human-Immune-System (HIS) humanized mouse model (DRAGA: HLA-A2. HLA-DR4. Rag1 KO.IL-2Rγc KO. NOD) for COVID-19
Authors: Brumeanu Teodor-Doru , Vir Pooja , Karim Ahmad Faisal , Kar Swagata , Benetiene Dalia , Lok Megan , Greenhouse Jack , Putmon-Taylor Tammy , Kitajewski Christopher , Chung Kevin K. , Pratt Kathleen P. , Casares Sofia A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We report the first Human Immune System (HIS)-humanized mouse model (“DRAGA”: HLA-A2.HLA-DR4.Rag1KO.IL-2RgcKO.NOD) for COVID-19 research. This mouse is reconstituted with human cord blood-derived, HLA-matched hematopoietic stem cells. It engrafts human epi/endothelial cells expressing the human ACE2 receptor for SARS-CoV-2 and TMPRSS2 serine protease co-localized on lung epithelia. HIS-DRAGA mice sustained SARS-CoV-2 infection, showing deteriorated clinical condition, replicating virus in the lungs, and human-like lung immunopathology including T-cell infiltrates, microthrombi and pulmonary sequelae. Among T-cell infiltrates, lung-resident (CD103+) CD8+ T cells were sequestered in epithelial (CD326+) lung niches and secreted granzyme B and perforin, indicating cytotoxic potential. Infected mice also developed antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins. Hence, HIS-DRAGA mice showed unique advantages as a surrogate in vivo human model for studying SARS-CoV-2 immunopathology and for testing the safety and efficacy of candidate vaccines and therapeutics.
The formation of giant podiform chromitite by asthenospheric melts in supra-subduction zone environments
Authors: Ruan Tao , Zhong Hong , Zhu Jianming , Bai Zhong-Jie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Podiform chromitite hosted in supra-subduction zone (SSZ) ophiolite accounts for a substantial proportion of the global chromium supply market. However, there is no consensus regarding the specific processes involved in the source and formation of this chromium. It seems unlikely that fractional crystallization of basaltic melt or the boninitic melt–mantle harzburgite reaction could provide such huge amounts of chromium given the constraints of Cr mass balance. Here we identify two specific melts responsible for the formation of the typical ophiolite-related Luobusa chromite deposit in the Yarlung–Zangbo Suture Zone in Tibet, China. One is Cr-rich melt derived from the deep asthenosphere, and the other is boninitic melt generated by hydrous melting of previously depleted peridotites. We propose that the Luobusa podiform chromitite was produced through mixing of these two melts, of which the primitive asthenospheric Cr-rich melt provided huge amounts of Cr, and the introduction of boninitic magma triggered the crystallization of chromite. The findings of this study are important for understanding the genesis of global podiform chromite deposits hosted in SSZ ophiolite.
Evaluation Indicator of Regional Energy Vulnerability to Climate Change - Spatial and Temporal Analysis
Authors: RAMOS Luis , GUEVARA Fredy , GUEVARA Marco 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Climate change might affect energy production and therefore the energy security of a country or region. This vulnerability situation may affect Renewable Energy Sources (RES) such as hydroelectric and has consequences on effective energy transition. Since the transition to RES is a key for decarbonizing the economy in line with the Paris Agreement this situation is critical for many countries in which their energy systems are linked to resources strongly affected by climate. The aim of this study is to purpose a vulnerability indicator (VI) to evaluate the electric energy vulnerability of an on-grid system to climate change at national and regional level taking as base the case of study of Colombia, a country with a system based on 70% RES. VI is computed with different variables that may be related to climate change, the energy matrix, and vulnerability. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to select the variables involved in the VI calculation. The VI was calculated for the whole country and the 32 departments (states) showing that the regions with the larger vulnerability correspond to the more energy demanding regions. These vulnerable regions to climate change are more than 50% of the maximum possible vulnerability, meanwhile, the vulnerability of the whole country was estimated as 43%. The analysis was developed for the current situation of Colombia in which there are two regions: interconnected (SIN) and not-interconnected (ZNI) areas.
Dysautonomia in post-COVID-19 patients: new insights
Authors: Barizien Nicolas , Guen Morgan Le , Russel Stéphanie , Touche Pauline , Huang Florent , Vallée Alexandre 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients, continue to experience symptoms months after recovering from mild cases of COVID-19. Amongst these symptoms, several are related to neurological manifestations, including fatigue, anosmia, hypogeusia, headaches and hypoxia. However, the involvement of the autonomic nervous system, expressed by a dysautonomia, which can aggregate all these neurological symptoms has not been prominently reported. Here, we hypothesize that dysautonomia, could occur in secondary COVID-19 infection, also referred to as “long COVID” infection. Methods: 39 participants were included from December 2020 to January 2021for assessment by the Department of physical medicine to enhance their physical capabilities: 12 participants with COVID-19 diagnosis and fatigue, 15 participants with COVID-19 diagnosis without fatigue and 12 control participants without COVID-19 diagnosis and without fatigue. Heart rate variability (HRV) during a change in position is commonly measured to diagnose autonomic dysregulation. In this cohort, to reflect HRV, parasympathetic/sympathetic balance was estimated using the NOL™ index, a multiparameter artificial intelligence-driven index calculated from extracted physiological signals by the PMD-200TM pain monitoring system. Repeated-measures mixed-models testing group effect were performed to analyze NOL index changes over time between groups. Results: A significant NOL index dissociation over time between post-COVID-19 participants with fatigue and control participants was observed (p=0.046). A trend towards significant NOL index dissociation over time was observed between post-COVID-19 participants without fatigue and control participants (p=0.109). No difference over time was observed between the two groups of post-COVID-19 participants (p=0.904). Conclusions: Post-COVID-19 participants with fatigue may exhibit a dysautonomia characterized by dysregulation of the HRV, that is reflected by the NOL index measurements, compared to control participants. Dysautonomia may explain the persistent symptoms observed in post-COVID-19 patients, such as fatigue and hypoxia.
The interaction between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66met polymorphism and dietary indices, The Healthy Eating Index (HEI), The Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) , and Phytochemical index (PI) , on anthropometric indices, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers in patient with type2 diabetes
Authors: Naeini Zeinab , Aghazadeh Negin , Karimi Elmira , Esmaeily Zahra , Abaj Faezeh , Rafiee Masoumeh , Koohdani Fariba 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Although many studies suggest an association between BDNF Val66Met with eating disorders and obesity especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the interaction between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and diet quality indices in diabetic patients have not been investigated yet. The current study was aimed to evaluate the interaction between the diet quality indices including Healthy Eating Index (HEI), Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I), Phytochemical Index (PI) and BDNF Val66Mat (rs6265) polymorphism on markers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in T2DM patients.Methods: This current cross-sectional study was conducted on 634 Iranian T2DM patients aged 35–65 years of both genders were randomly recruited. Dietary intakes was estimated by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 148 food items. All participants were categorized into three categories, based on DQI, HEI, and PI scores. The interactions were tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in adjusted and unadjusted models.Results: There were significant gene-diet interactions between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and HEI, DQI, and PI scores in modulating body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) values. Our results showed that higher scores for all diet-quality indices were significantly associated with a lower BMI and WC values after adjustment (P Interactions < 0.05). We also observed a significant interaction between the DQI scores and Val66Met polymorphism on level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p-interaction= 0.01). The highest quartile of DQI was associated with elevated level of SOD in the Val/Met and Met/Met genotype group. Moreover, the interaction between the DQI scores and Val66Met polymorphism on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) tended to be significant.Conclusions: Higher scores for all diet-quality indices were significantly associated with a lower BMI and WC values. There were significant differences for PTX and PGF2A among HEI tertiles. The interaction between the polymorphism and DQI on TAC and SOD levels were significant.
Evolution of the GII.3[P12] Norovirus from 2010 to 2019 in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Fu Jian-Guang , Ai Jing , Bao Changjun , Zhang Jun , Wu Qingbin , Zhu Liguo , Hu Jianli , Xing Zheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Norovirus genotype GII.3[P12] strains have been an important pathogen for sporadic gastroenteritis infection. In previous studies of GII.3[P12], the number of specimens and time span are relatively small, which is difficult to truly reflect the infection and evolution of this type of norovirus. Here we report a molecular epidemiological study of the NoVs prevalent in Jiangsu between 2010 and 2019 to investigate the evolution of the GII.3[P12] strains in China. Methods: In this study 60 GII.3[P12] norovirus strains were sequenced and analyzed for evolution, recombination, and selection pressure using bioanalysis software. Results: The GII.3[P12] strains were continuously detected during the study period, which showed a high constituent ratio in males, among children aged 0–11 months and winter. A time-scaled evolutionary tree showed that both GII.P12 RdRp and GII.3 VP1 sequences were grouped into three major clusters (Cluster I-III). Most GII.3[P12] strains were mainly located in sub-cluster (SC) II of Cluster III. A SimPlot analysis identified GII.3[P12] strain to be as an ORF1-intragenic recombinant of GII.4[P12] and GII.3[P21]. The RdRp genes of the GII.3[P12] showed a higher mean substitution rate than those of all GII.P12, while the VP1 genes of the GII.3[P12] showed a lower mean substitution rate than those of all GII.3. Alignment of the GII.3 capsid sequences revealed that three HBGA binding sites of all known GII.3 strains remained conserved, while several amino acid mutations in the predicted antibody binding sites were detected. The mutation at 385 was within predicted antibody binding regions, close to host attachment factor binding sites. Positive and negative selection sites were estimated. Two common positively selected sites (sites 385 and 406) were located on the surface of the protruding domain. Moreover, an amino acid substitution (aa204) was estimated to be near the active site of the RdRp protein. These results suggested that evolution of the GII.3[P12] noroviruses was possibly driven by intergenic recombination and mutations in some key amino acid sites. Conclusions: The GII.3[P12] recombinant strain was dominant for the GII.P12 and GII.3 noroviruses in China, which is therefore a major concern for causing gastrointestinal infection.
Fundamental optical linewidth of soliton microcombs
Authors: Lei Fuchuan , Ye Zhichao , Fülöp Attila , Torres-Company Victor 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Soliton microcombs provide a versatile platform for realizing fundamental studies and technological applications. To be utilized as frequency rulers for precision metrology, soliton microcombs must display broadband phase coherence, a parameter characterized by the optical phase or frequency noise of the comb lines and their corresponding optical linewidths. Here, we analyze the optical phase-noise dynamics in soliton microcombs and show that, because of the Raman self-frequency shift, the fundamental linewidth of some of the comb lines can, surprisingly, be narrower than the linewidth of the pump laser. This work elucidates information about the ultimate limits in phase coherence of soliton microcombs and illustrates a new strategy for the generation of spectrally coherent light on chip.
Effect of Alkali Atom Doping on the Electronic Structure and Aromatic Character of Planar and Quasi-Planar Al13+&nbsp;Clusters
Authors: Guin Surajit , Jana Atish Dipankar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A set of three Al13+ clusters, one perfectly planar and two quasi-planar structures have been recently reported by our group [Guin et. al. Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modeling, 2020, 97, 107544]. One of the quasi-planar structures is true minima (GS) with zero imaginary frequency and another one is transition state structure (TS) with one imaginary frequency, whereas the perfectly planar structure has three imaginary frequencies. All three posses bilaterally symmetry with identical structural features - a set of ten aluminium atoms encircle a triangular core and also this set of three aluminium cluster is a rare example of a metallo-aromatic system in which highly anti-aromatic islands are embedded in an aromatic sea. One of the atoms of the central triangle lies on the symmetry axis and is crucial for the stability of these clusters. In the present study, we have explored the effect of doping alkali atoms (Li, Na and K) at this pivotal site of the cluster with an aim to understand the structural stability and the effect on the aromatic character as compared to the parent clusters. Besides the electronic structural analysis, NICS and ELF studies have also been carried out to characterize the aromatic nature of the doped clusters. Interestingly it has been found that even with the incorporation of the alkali atoms the bilateral symmetry of the clusters remains intact but instead of the central position the alkali atoms drift towards the periphery of the cluster along the symmetry line and equilibrate on the periphery. The dipole moment of the clusters systematically increases and the overall aromaticity of the cluster systematically decreases with the increase in the atomic number of the dopant alkali atoms.
Use of bacterial cellulose in the textile industry and the wettability challenge - a review
Authors: Provin Ana Paula , Reis Victória Oliva dos , Hilesheim Stefany Espindola , Bianchet Ritanara Tayane , Dutra Ana Regina de Aguiar , Cubas Anelise Leal Vieira 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) has been studied as an alternative material in several segments of the food, pharmaceutical, materials and textile industries. The importance of BC is linked to sustainability goals, since it is an easily degradable biomaterial of low toxicity to the environment and is a renewable raw material. For use in the textile area, bacterial cellulose has attracted great interest from researchers, but it presents some challenges, notably hydrophilicity due to its porous structure. This bibliometric review article gathers studies and methods related to minimizing the hydrophilicity of bacterial cellulose in order to expand its applicability in the textile industry. The databases consulted were ScienceDirect, ProQuest and Web of Science, the documents investigated were scientific articles and the time period investigated was between 2015 and 2021. The discussion is focused on the applicability of BC in the textile industry, highlighting the research needs, especially with regard to reducing wettability.
Effects of China's Ecological Restoration on Economic Development Based on Night-Time Light and NDVI Data
Authors: Li Qiang , Shi Xueyi , Wu Qing Qing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Correctly understanding and handling the relationship between economic development and environment protection is an eternal subject for human society. Based on the panel data of 31 provincial administrative units in China from 2000 to 2013, this study used Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Night-Time Light data to characterize the effect of ecological restoration practices and economic development respectively, and made an empirical study on the impact of ecological restoration on economic development by means of trend analysis, panel regression model and sub-sample analysis. The results showed that the spatial distribution of Night-Time Light was high in the east and low in the west, and the NDVI in the northwest of the Hu Line was generally low, while the southeast was higher. During the 14 years from 2000 to 2013, the overall vegetation coverage showed an upward trend, and the area with stable night lights accounted for the largest proportion. The influence of NDVI on Night-Time Light presented an inverted U-shaped relationship, which meant that the negative influence of the former on the latter was not an inevitable result but its periodic performance. In the process of economic development, there was an optimal value of vegetation coverage. The increase in vegetation coverage had a negative impact on the economic development of the eastern region, but it was beneficial to the central and western regions. In the future, the government should strengthen protection and restoration of ecosystem, promote high-level protection of environment and high-quality development with efficient environmental and economic policies, and differentiate the relationship between development and ecology in the eastern, central and western regions.
The Value of Heart Rhythm Complexity in Identifying High-Risk Pulmonary Hypertension Patients
Authors: Tang Shu-Yu , Ma Hsi-Pin , Hung Chi-Sheng , Kuo Ping-Hung , Lin Chen , Lo Men-Tzung , Hsu Hsao-Hsun , Chiu Yu-Wei , Tsai Cheng-Hsuan , Lin Yen-Tin , Peng Chung-Kang , Wu Cho-Kai , Lin Yen-Hung 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a fatal disease even under state-of-the-art medical treatment. Non-invasive clinical tools for risk stratification are still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of heart rhythm complexity in risk stratification for PH patients. We prospectively enrolled 54 PH patients, including 20 high-risk patients (group A; defined as WHO functional class IV or class III with severely compromised hemodynamics), and 34 low-risk patients (group B). Both linear and non-linear heart rate variability (HRV) variables, including detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) and multiscale entropy (MSE) were analyzed. In linear and non-linear HRV analysis, low frequency and high frequency ratio, DFAα1, MSE slope 5, scale 5 and area 6–20 were significantly lower in group A. Among all HRV variables, MSE scale 5 (AUC: 0.758) had the best predictive power to discriminate the two groups. In multivariable analysis, MSE scale 5 (p = 0.010) was the only significantly predictor of severe PH in all HRV variables. In conclusion, the patients with severe PH had worse heart rhythm complexity. MSE parameters, especially scale 5, can help to identify high-risk PH patients.