bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis and cross associations of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) genotypes and morpho-biochemical features: a practical breeding program
Authors: Zareei Elnaz , Karami Farhad , Aryal Rishi , Saed-Moucheshi Armin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The success of plant breeding depends on diversity in plant genetic resources and their responses to changing environments. In this regard, twenty strawberry genotypes with altered genetic background were evaluated for their performance under different environments based on the estimation of their genetic variability and heritability. Furthermore, genetic distances and associations were assessed by using data mining techniques. The combined ANOVA results showed that environmental factors have great influences on changing the values’ size of the measured-traits. Also, high heritability and genetic variation were detected for yield and its components showed a high potential for improvement among the strawberry genotypes and being considered as raw materials in breeding programs. The biplot and heatmap, in line with clustering, showed to be key methods for finding about the structural association among genotypes, the measured-traits, and their cross relationships and their influences on one another simultaneously. Cluster analysis showed that the genotypes of the same geographic origin did not necessarily group in the same clusters which could be due to the environmental variability and the different responses of the genotypes coming from altered genetic materials. The overall results regarding multivariate analyses showed that genotypes Kurdistan, Queen Elisa, and No.14 could be considered as a cluster with high similarity for being crossed by other genotype in the clusters such as groups of Pajaro and Chandler, or the group of Silva and Gaviota.
Cortisol signaling and stress-induced gene expressions in response to copper toxicity through heat stress during zebrafish embryogenesis
Authors: Park Kiyun , Kwak Ihn-Sil 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Climate change is leading to an increase in temperatures, which has a stressful impact on the aquatic environment. Cortisol signaling is involved in enhancing metabolic processes such as anti-oxidation, immune defense, and osmoregulation, under stress conditions in fish. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of copper (Cu) toxicity along with an increase in temperature during zebrafish embryogenesis, based on the transcriptional responses of cortisol and stress-related genes. A decreased survival rate was observed following combined exposure to high temperature and Cu. Heart rates of zebrafish embryos significantly increased only during heat stress. An abnormal morphology was induced by exposure to a combination of Cu and heat stress. Furthermore, heat stress also triggered Cu-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production with upregulation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione s-transferase (GST) and cell death with modified expressions of p53 and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the zebrafish embryo. Finally, increased cortisol level and altered expressions of cortisol-signaling genes were observed following exposure to Cu and high temperature. These results highlight that the realistic exposure to combined stressors disturbs cortisol-related defense pathways as well as the stress-induced processes of anti-oxidation and cell death in fish.
Magnitude of Low Back Pain and Associated Factors Among Nurses Working at Intensive Care Unit in Amhara Region Public Hospitals, Ethiopia&nbsp;&nbsp;
Authors: Tefera Bitew , Zeleke Haymanot , Abate Abebe , Abebe Haimanot , Mekonnen Zebene , Sewale Yihenew 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Low back pain is a common public health problem throughout the world with the global prevalence from 28–86%. Nurses working in intensive care units are handling people who are critically ill and helpless, which requires more assistance for transferring and handling activities. This possesses a risk for low back pain but little is known about it in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of low back pain and associated factors among nurses who work at an intensive care units in Amhara region public hospitals, North Ethiopia.
Methods
A multi-centered institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Amhara region public hospitals from March 1–30/2020. Simple random sampling technique after proportional allocation was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a standard modified Nordic musculoskeletal assessment tool. After data were checked for completeness and consistency, it was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science software version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with low back pain. Finally, those variables with a p-value of < 0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.
Result
-The study was conducted among 412 intensive care unit nurses giving a response rate of 97.6%. The magnitude of low back pain was 313 (76 %) [95% CI: (71.6%-79.9%)]. Being female [AOR = 2.674 (1.404, 5.076)], unavailability of assistive device for patient handling [AOR = 2.139 (1.035, 4.410)], lack of training on intensive care [AOR = 2.017 (1.092 ,3.943)], lack of regular exercise [AOR = 2.164 (1.164 ,4.108)] and job stress [AOR = 3.66 (1.955, 6.498)] were factors significantly associated with low back pain.
Conclusions
In this study the magnitude of low back pain was high. Being female, unavailability of assistive device for patient handling, lack of training on intensive care, lack of regular exercise and job stress were factors associated with low back pain. Policy makers and concerned bodies should give emphasis on accessability of assistive devices for patient care, provision of training on intensive care and adaptive working environment for intensive care unit nurses.
Mortality Prediction in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Bae Eunhye , Kwak Nakwon , Choi Sun Mi , Lee Jinwoo , Park Young Sik , Lee Chang-Hoon , Lee Sang-Min , Yoo Chul-Gyu , Cho Jaeyoung 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Overlap syndrome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased mortality. We aimed to assess all-cause mortality in patients with COPD, OSA, and the overlap syndrome and evaluate which polysomnographic indices—apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) or hypoxemic load measurements—better predict mortality within 10 years.Methods: Adults who underwent polysomnography, spirometry, and bronchodilator response tests between 2000 and 2018 were included and divided into four groups according to the presence of COPD and moderate-to-severe OSA (AHI ³15/h). We estimated mortality using Cox model adjusted for demographic/anthropometric covariates and comorbidities; this was called the clinical model. To evaluate prognostic performance, we compared the concordance index (C-index) between the clinical model and extended models, which incorporated one of the polysomnographic indices—AHI, sleep time spent with SpO2 < 90% (TS90), and mean and lowest SpO2.Results: Among 355 participants, patients with overlap syndrome of COPD and moderate-to-severe OSA had the highest risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 9.96). The C-indices of the extended models with TS90 (%) and mean SpO2 were significantly higher than that of the clinical model (0.765 vs. 0.737 and 0.756 vs. 0.737, respectively; all P <0.05); however, the C-index of the extended model with AHI was not (0.739 vs. 0.737; P=0.15).Conclusions: All-cause mortality was highest in patients with the overlap syndrome. The measurements of the hypoxemic load, not AHI, better predicted mortality in patients with COPD, OSA, and the overlap syndrome.
Quantitatively Measured Infrapatellar Fat Pad Signal Intensity Alteration is Associated with Joint Effusion-Synovitis in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Ruan Guangfeng , Zhang Yan , Zhu Zhaohua , Cao Peihua , Wang Xiaoshuai , Li Jia , Tang Su’an , Chen Tianyu , Han Weiyu , Lin Xin , Chen Di , Antony Benny , Winzenberg Tania , Wluka Anita E. , Cicuttini Flavia , Ding Changhai 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Abnormal infrapatellar fat pad (IPFP) plays a detrimental role in knee osteoarthritis (OA) by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. IPFP may interact with synovium because of their adjacent anatomical positions; however, whether abnormal IPFP can contribute to effusion-synovitis in knee OA is unclear.Methods: Among 255 knee OA patients, IPFP signal intensity alteration represented by four measurement parameters [standard deviation of IPFP signal intensity (IPFP sDev), upper quartile value of IPFP high signal intensity region (IPFP UQ (H)), ratio of IPFP high signal intensity region volume to whole IPFP volume (IPFP percentage (H)), and clustering factor of IPFP high signal intensity (IPFP clustering factor (H))] was measured quantitatively at baseline and two-year follow-up using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Effusion-synovitis of the suprapatellar pouch and other cavities were measured both quantitatively and semi-quantitatively as effusion-synovitis volume and effusion-synovitis score at baseline and two-year follow-up using MRI. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between IPFP signal intensity alteration and effusion-synovitis over two years.Results: In multivariable analyses, all four parameters of IPFP signal intensity alteration were positively associated with total effusion-synovitis volume and effusion-synovitis volumes of the suprapatellar pouch and of other cavities over two years (all P＜0.05). They were also associated with the semi-quantitative measure of effusion-synovitis except for IPFP percentage (H) with effusion-synovitis in other cavities. Conclusion: Quantitatively measured IPFP signal intensity alteration is positively associated with joint effusion-synovitis in people with knee OA, suggesting that IPFP signal intensity alteration may contribute to effusion-synovitis and a coexistent pattern of these two imaging biomarkers could exist in knee OA patients.
Analysis of Cutting Performance of Tool based on Analytic Hierarchy Process and Grey-fuzzy Evaluation Method
Authors: Yue Daxun , Yue Caixu , Liu Xianli , Zhang Anshan , Li Mingxing , Liang Steven Y. , Li Ming 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Studies show that in the cutting process, different parameters have different importance to performance indicators. Accordingly, it is necessary to define the importance of different parameters to performance indicators to study the correlation between parameters and performance indicators accurately. In the present study, the side milling process of titanium alloy by the end milling cutter is considered as the research object, analytic hierarchy process and grey-fuzzy evaluation method are used to evaluate the importance of tool geometric parameters and operating parameters on tool wear rate and material removal. It is found that applying the average method to remove the parameter level, makes each parameter calculate the same result. Therefore, it should be combined with other data processing methods to resolve the above problem. Finally, the range analysis method is applied to obtain the optimal parameter level of different parameters for each performance indicator in the orthogonal table. The obtained results show that helix angle has the highest importance comprehensive evaluation value, followed by feed per tooth. For the tool wear rate and material removal amount, the optimal horizontal combination of parameters was obtained successively.
R116C mutation in PRSS1 gene causes hereditary pancreatitis and elevated creatine kinase in one child：a case report
Authors: Cheng Yong Wei , Zhou Shao Ming , Dai Dong Ling 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Functionally acquired mutations in the PRSS1 gene can lead to autosomal dominant hereditary pancreatitis (Hereditary Pancreatitis, HP). The most frequently reported mutation sites are R122H, N29I, A16V, and R122C. R116C mutation was less frequently reported to be associated with HP. Moreover, there are few reports about association of hereditary pancreatitis with elevated creatine kinase in children.
Case presentation:

We reported a patient presented with repeated abdominal pain and recurrent acute pancreatitis accompanied by elevated creatine kinase. The genomic DNA of lymphocytes from peripheral blood was extracted for whole exon gene analysis. The patient had a heterozygous mutation in exon 3 c.346C > T, resulting in substitution of cysteine at position 116 with arginine (p.R116C). Her father had the same mutation in exon 3 c.346C > T. The diagnosis of hereditary pancreatitis due to R116C mutation in PRSS1 gene was confirmed.
Conclusions

The patient's hereditary pancreatitis is caused by the mutation of PRSS1 gene R116C, characterized by elevated creatine kinase in patient.
Nano-Enhanced Electric-Field Treatment Harnessing Lightning-Rod Effect for Rapid Bacteria Inactivation
Authors: Wang Ting , Brown Devin k. , Xie Xing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The growth of undesired bacteria can cause numerous problems. Seeking effective and sustainable bacteria inactivation approaches is an everlasting effort. Here, we show that nano-enhanced electric field treatment (NEEFT) can cause rapid bacteria inactivation with a lower applied voltage than bulk EFT. A lab-on-a-chip with nanowedge-modified electrodes is developed, and the bacteria inactivation in NEEFT is visualized and studied in real-time at a single-cell level. Rapid bacteria inactivation (~ 1 ms) occurs specifically at nanowedge tips where the electric field is enhanced due to the lightning-rod effect. Nanowedges with a high aspect ratio are critical for bacteria inactivation. NEEFT works for both immobilized and free-moving cells, where the free-moving cells will be first attracted to the nanowedge tips followed by rapid inactivation. The mechanism study shows that the bacteria inactivation is caused by electroporation induced by the nano-enhanced electric field. The bacteria inactivation performance depends on the strength of the enhanced electric field instead of the applied voltage. Quick pore closure and membrane recovery under moderate NEEFT indicate that electroporation is the predominant mechanism. NEEFT only requires facile treatment to achieve bacteria inactivation, which is safe for treating delicate samples and energy-efficient for large scale applications. It is also expected to find applications for targeted cell inactivation.
Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube-mediated Pulmonary and Systemic Inflammatory Activation
Authors: Young Tamara L. , Mostovenko Ekaterina , Denson Jesse L. , Begay Jessica G. , Lucas Selita N. , Herbert Guy , Zychowski Katherine , Hunter Russell , Salazar Raul , Wang Ting , Fraser Kelly , Erdely Aaron , Ottens Andrew K. , Campen Matthew 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are an increasingly utilized engineered nanomaterial that pose the potential for significant risk of exposure-related health outcomes. The mechanism(s) underlying MWCNT-induced toxicity to extrapulmonary sites are still being defined. MWCNT-induced serum-borne bioactivity appears to dysregulate systemic endothelial cell function. The serum compositional changes after MWCNT exposure have been identified as a surge of fragmented endogenous peptides, likely derived from matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. In the present study, we utilize a broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor, Marimastat, along with a previously described oropharyngeal aspiration model of MWCNT administration to investigate the role of MMPs in MWCNT-derived serum peptide generation and endothelial bioactivity. Results: C57BL/6 mice were treated with Marimastat or vehicle by oropharyngeal aspiration 1h prior to MWCNT treatment. Pulmonary neutrophil infiltration and total bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein increased in a dose-dependent manner, independent of MMP blockade. The lung cytokine profile similarly increased following MWCNT exposure for major inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα), with minimal impact from MMP inhibition. However, serum peptidomic analysis revealed differential peptide compositional profiles, with MMP blockade abrogating MWCNT-derived serum peptide fragments. The serum, in turn, exhibited differential potency in terms of inflammatory bioactivity when incubated with primary murine cerebrovascular endothelial cells. Serum from MWCNT-treated mice led to inflammatory responses in endothelial cells that were significantly blunted with serum from Marimastat-treated mice. Conclusion: Thus, MWCNT exposure induced pulmonary inflammation that was largely independent of MMP activity, but generated circulating bioactive peptides through predominantly MMP-dependent pathways. This MWCNT-induced lung-derived bioactivity caused pathological consequences of endothelial inflammation and barrier disruption.
CHN1 Promotes EMT via the Akt / GSK-3β / Snail Pathway in Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Haoqi , Wang Lan , Wang Shufang , Chen Xihua , Liang Min , Zhang Xin , Wang Jiedong , Xu Xiangbo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Metastasis and invasion are key points to lead the mortality of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is now a universal explanation for the mechanisms of tumor metastasis. Α-chimeric protein (α-chimaerin, CHN1) plays an important role in the regulation of signal transduction and development. However, the molecular regulatory relationship between CHN1 and CSCC progression involved EMT has not been identified.Methods: The expression of CHN1 in CSCC tissues, adjacent tissues, and lymph node metastases of CSCC patients was detected by immunohistochemistry assay. Upregulation and knockdown of CHN1 was achieved by transfecting the plasmid into CSCC cells. The effect of CHN1 on proliferation was determined by CCK-8 and plate clone formation assay. Changes in migration and invasion capabilities were evaluated by scratch migration assay and trans-well invasion assay. The effect of CHN1 overexpression and interference on xenograft tumor growth was determined by measuring tumor weight and pathological analysis. The expression of EMT-related mRNA was measured by qRT-PCR assay in transfected CSCC cells. EMT-related proteins and Akt / GSK-3β / Snail signaling pathway-related proteins were also evaluated by using western blotting assay.Results: CHN1 was overexpression in CSCC tissues and was associated with lymph node metastasis and low survival of CSCC patients. The overexpression CHN1 promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion bility in CSCC cells. On the contrary, silencing CHN1 inhibited these phenomena. In vivo experiments, the overexpression of CHN1 promoted tumors formed in xenograft tumor mouse model, with increased volume and weight of xenograft tumor. In addition, CHN1 induced the expression of EMT related transcription factors, accompanied by the decreased expression of epithelial markers and the increased expression of mesenchymal markers. The Akt / GSK-3β / Snail signaling pathway was activated by the overexpression of CHN1 in vitro, and the activation of the pathway was inhibited by signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002.Conclusion: These results suggest that CHN1 promoted development and progression in cervical carcinoma via of the Akt / GSK-3β / Snail pathway by inducing EMT.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Strains Selected From Nature Significantly Increased the Production of 2-Phenylethanol Through Protoplast Fusion
Authors: Lin Lucheng , Xu Zhiwei , Wang Weixia , Wang Kun , Zhu Tingheng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: 2-Phenylethanol (2-PE) is an aromatic alcohol with rose fragrance, which is widely used as an additive in food, tobacco and daily chemical industries. Yeast is the main microorganism producing natural 2-PE, but it is limited by low yield and weak tolerance. Nature and fermented products is a resource treasury of yeasts with excellent traits. Screening strains with good phenotypic traits and conducting breeding by cell fusion for genetic pyramiding is an effective way to improve strains. Results: In this study, 25 strains of 2-PE-producing yeasts were isolated from Chinese brewed samples. Three Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with good traits in tolerance and 2-PE yield were screened out. The strain LSC-1 produces 2-PE of 3.41 g/L with an increase of 9.3% compared to the industrial strain CWY132. The strain NGER shows good tolerance to 2-PE at the concentration of 3.60 g/L in agar plate, and the thermotolerant strain S.C-1 shows growth ability at 41℃. Two rounds of protoplast fusion were performed with these three parent strains for pyramiding of traits. A fusion strain RH2-16 with high 2-PE yield and increased tolerance was obtained. Using 5 g/L L-phenylalanine as the precursor, RH2-16 produced 2-PE of 4.31 g/L through fermentation conversion and the molar conversion rate of L-Phe reached 115% in 36 h. Compared to the yield of the parental strain LSC-1 and the industrial strain CWY132, 2-PE in RH2-16 increased by 26.4% and 38.1%, respectively. Overexpression of the key enzyme genes ARO8, ARO10, and ADH2 in the Ehrlich pathway in RH2-16 did not increase 2-PE production.Conclusion: Diversified S.cerevisiae strains with different traits can be isolated from the brewing related samples. Protoplast fusion technology can effectively pyramid excellent genetic traits and breed yeast strains with significantly improved tolerance and 2-PE yield. Our research provided a breeding strategy for S.cerevisiae and a strain for industrial production of 2-PE. Overexpression of the key enzyme genes in 2-PE synthesis pathway does not necessarily improve increase production.