bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of pathogenesis and biofilm formation ability of Yersinia pestis after 40-day exposure to simulated microgravity
Authors: Li Ye , Chen Yulu , Wang Lei , Li Yixuan , Yang Ruifu , Han Yanping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: With the increase of manned space missions and the rise of space microbiology, the research of microbes grown under microgravity environment attracts more attentions. The research scope in space microbiology has been extended beyond pathogens directly related to spaceflight Y. pestis, the causative agent of plague, is also of interest to researchers. Results: After Y. pestis strain 201 cultivated for 40 consecutive passages in either simulated microgravity and normal gravity (NG) conditions, the cultures were used to observe the main phenotypic features of Y. pestis. By using crystal violet staining assays, increased biofilm amount was detected in Y. pestis grown under SMG condition. Besides that, the damage degrees of Hela cell caused by SMG-grown Y. pestis were found diminished in relative to those NG condition. Consistent with this observation, death course was delayed in mice infected with SMG-grown Y. pestis, suggesting that microgravity condition could contribute the attenuated virulence. RNA-seq-based transcriptomics analysis showed a total of 219 genes were differentially regulated, of which 92 upregulated and 127 downregulated. We found dozens of virulence-associated genes were downregulated, which partially explained the reduced virulence of Y. pestis under SMG condition. Our study demonstrated that long-term exposure to simulated microgravity influence the pathogenesis and biofilm formation ability of Y. pestis in a different way, which provides a novel avenue to study the mechanism of physiology and virulence in this pathogen.Conclusions: Microgravity enhanced the ability of biofilm formation of Y. pestis. The virulence and cytotoxicity of Y. pestis were reduced under the microgravity environment. The expressions of many virulence-associated genes of Y. pestis were differentially regulated in response to the stimulated microgravity.
Heterologous Avian System for Quantitative Analysis of Syncytin-1 Interaction with ASCT2 Receptor
Authors: Stafl Krystof , Travnicek Martin , Kucerova Dana , Pecnova Lubomira , Krchlikova Veronika , Galikova Eliska , Hejnar Jiri , Trejbalova Katerina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHuman Syncytin-1 is an envelope glycoprotein of retroviral origin. After interaction with ASCT2, its cellular receptor, Syncytin-1 triggers cell-cell fusion and formation of a multinuclear syncytiotrophoblast layer of the placenta. The ASCT2 receptor is a multi-spanning membrane protein containing a protruding extracellular part called region C, which has been suggested to be a retroviral docking site. Precise identification of the interaction site between ASCT2 and Syncytin-1 is challenging due to the complex structure of ASCT2 protein and the background of endogenous ASCT2 gene in the mammalian genome. Chicken cells lack the endogenous background and, therefore, can be used to set up a system with surrogate expression of the ASCT2 receptor.ResultsWe have established a retroviral heterologous chicken system for rapid and reliable assessment of ectopic human ASCT2 protein expression. Our dual-fluorescence system proved successful for large-scale screening of mutant ASCT2 proteins. Using this system, we demonstrated that progressive deletion of region C substantially decreased the amount of ASCT2 protein production. In addition, we implemented quantitative assays to determine the interaction of ASCT2 with Syncytin-1 at multiple levels, which included binding of the soluble form of Syncytin-1 to ASCT2 on the cell surface and a luciferase-based assay to evaluate cell-cell fusions that were triggered by Syncytin-1. Finally, we restored the function of Syncytin-1 in a replication-competent retrovirus and assessed the infection of chicken cells expressing human ASCT2 by chimeric Syncytin-1-enveloped virus. The results of the quantitative assays showed that deletion of the major part of region C did not abolish the interaction of ASCT2 with Syncytin-1.ConclusionsWe present here a heterologous chicken system for effective assessment of the expression of transmembrane ASCT2 protein and its interaction with Syncytin-1. The system profits from the absence of endogenous ASCT2 background, and implements the quantitative assays to determine the ASCT2-Syncytin-1 interaction at several levels. Using this system, we demonstrated that the protruding region C of ASCT2 was essential for protein expression but not for the interaction with Syncytin-1 glycoprotein.
Responses of Soil Microbial Communities to the Invasion of Fusarium Oxysporum and Screening for Fusarium Antagonistic Microorganisms From Pathogenic Soil
Authors: Tian Yehan , Gao Kexiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFusarium oxysporum is known as a biological pollutant in the farmland soil, that causes vascular wilt on a wide range of cash crops, which is the most destructive disease of plant worldwide. F. oxysporum is a fungus that can colonize and grow saprophytically in plant debris and increase pathogen viability in soil. It is almost impossible to remove once successful colonization. How to effectively reduce the pathogen population and restore the beneficial microbial community in soil is an important subject to control the Fusarium wilt. The main objective of this study is to explore influences of F. oxysporum invasion on the microbial community and to screen efficient biocontrol agents from microorganisms with changing relative abundance.ResultsIn this study, we evaluated that responses of the soil microbial communities to invasion of F. oxysporum. We found that F. oxysporum invasion could modify soil physical-chemical properties, soil enzymes activities, microbial community structure and diversity of the soil microbes. We screened and identified an efficient biocontrol strain, Talaromyces purpurogenus Q2, which could be used for defense and suppression of F. oxysporum in bitter gourd and efficiently decreasing incidence of the Fusarium wilt of bitter gourd in the greenhouse and in the field. The research results of biocontrol mechanisms showed that T. purpureogenus strain Q2 involved in the resistance of soil microbial communities to invasion of F. oxysporum, and the density of F. oxysporum was inhibited by exogenous T. purpureogenus and the resident microbes that strain Q2 promoted their growth. In the co-culture of strain Q2 and F. oxysporum, we further observed that T. purpurogenus Q2 could significantly suppress the mycelia growth and development of F. oxysporum by secreting cell wall degrading enzymes, and hinder cell wall formation by suppressing the gene expression of cell wall biosynthesis, such as FomCFEM that is essential for full virulence and stress tolerance in F. oxysporum.ConclusionTogether we screened a efficient biocontrol agents from microorganisms with resistance to the invasion of F. oxysporum. The mechanisms of Talaromyces purpurogenus strain Q2 protected bitter gourd from F. oxysporum is to reduce the relative abundance of rhizospheric F. oxysporum by inhibiting the growth and development of F. oxysporum. This work can provide a new biocontrol agent for biocontrol of Fusarium wilt and soil-born diseases of other horticultural crops.
Development and Characterization of Green Automotive Brakepads from Waste Shells of Giant African Snail (Achatina Achatina L.)
Authors: Ossia Chinwuba Victor , Big-Alabo A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, waste shells of African giant snail (Achatina achatina L.) were explored as candidates for asbestos-free non-carcinogenic brakepads. The results obtained showed that the density, brinell hardness and compressive strength of the snail shell (SS) brake pads were superior to the commercial sample used for comparison. These properties were found to decrease with increase in particle size, following a negative index power law model after the order of the Hall-Petch equation. However, the liquid absorption characteristics increased with increase in particle size and its model followed a positive index power law due to the pores in the matrix. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity showed no significant change with variation in particle size. The SS-based brake pad exhibited better frictional grip at the rubbing interfaces compared to the commercial brake pad sample. From the frictional results obtained, the commercial brake pad can be rated as Edge-Code-D whereas the frictional rating for the SS-based brake pad with different particle sizes are Edge-Code-E (500µm and 250µm), Edge-Code-F (375µm), Edge-Code-G (125µm) and Edge-Code-H (90µm). The wear rates and wear areas of the developed SS-based brake pads were inferior to the commercial sample but can be improved by impregnating the matrix with more iron fillings to enhance the poor thermal conductivity and hence wear characteristics.
TLR7/8 Signalling Affects X-Sperm Motility via the GSK3 α/β-Hexokinase Pathway for the Efficient Production of Sexed Dairy Goat Embryos
Authors: Ren Fa , Xi Huaming , Ren Yijie , Li Yu , Wen Fei , Xian Ming , Zhao Mengjie , Zhu Dawei , Wang Liqiang , Lei Anmin , Hu Jianhong 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGoat milk is most similar to human milk because of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion. To derive more economic benefits, farmers need to obtain offspring with more does; however, the buck to doe sex ratio of offspring is approximately 50%. At present, artificial insemination after separation of X/Y sperm using flow cytometry is the primary means to control the sex of livestock offspring. However, flow cytometry has not been successful in separating X/Y sperm for sexing control in dairy goats.ResultsIn this study, a novel, simple goat sperm-sexing technology that activates the toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8), inhibiting X-sperm motility, was investigated. Results showed that TLR7/8 coding goat X-chromosome was expressed in approximately 50% of round spermatids in testis' cross-sections and sperm in the epididymis' cross-sections and ejaculate. Importantly, TLR7/8 was located at the tail of X-sperm. Upon TLR7/8 activation, phosphorylated forms of glycogen synthase kinase α/β (GSK3 α/β) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) were detected in the X-sperm, reducing mitochondrial activity, ATP levels, and sperm motility. High-motility Y-sperm segregated to the upper layer and low-motility X-sperm to the lower layer. Following in vitro fertilisation using the lower layer TLR7/8-activated sperm, 80.52 ± 6.75% of the embryos were XX females. TLR7/8-activated sperm was used for in vivo embryo production via the superovulatory response, and 88.89% of the embryos were XX females.ConclusionsOur study reveals a novel TLR7/8 signalling mechanism that affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3 α/β-hexokinase pathway, facilitating the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos.
Oral Administration of Cystine and Theanine Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis and Diarrhea by Suppressing Both Glutathione Level Decrease and&nbsp;ROS Production in the Small Intestine of Mucositis Mouse Model
Authors: Yoneda Junya , Nishikawa Sachiko , Kurihara Shigekazu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Chemotherapy is frequently used in cancer treatment; however, it may cause adverse events, which must be managed. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been reported to be involved in the induction of intestinal mucositis and diarrhea, which are common side effects of treatment with fluoropyrimidine 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Our previous studies have shown that oral administration of cystine and theanine (CT) increases glutathione (GSH) production in vivo. In the present study, we hypothesized that CT might inhibit oxidative stress, including the overproduction of ROS, and attenuate 5-FU-induced mucositis and diarrhea.
Methods
We investigated the inhibitory effect of CT administration on mucositis and diarrhea, as well as its mechanism, using a mouse model of 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis.
Results
CT administration suppressed 5-FU-induced diarrhea and weight loss in the studied mice. After 5-FU administration, the GSH level and the GSH/GSSG ratio in the small intestine mucosal tissue decreased compared to normal control group; but CT administration improved the GSH/GSSG ratio to normal control levels. 5-FU induced ROS production in the basal region of the crypt of the small intestine mucosal tissue, which was inhibited by CT. CT did not affect the antitumor effect of 5-FU.
Conclusions
CT administration suppressed intestinal mucositis and diarrhea in a mouse model. This finding might be associated with the antioxidant characteristics of CT, including the improved rate of GSH redox and the reduced rate of ROS production in the small intestine mucosal tissue. CT might be a suitable candidate for the treatment of gastrointestinal mucositis associated with chemotherapy.
Brain Tissue Oxygenation Guided Therapy and Outcome in Non-Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: BOGOSSIAN Elisa GOUVEA , DIAFERIA Daniela , DJANGANG Narcisse NDIEUGNOU , MENOZZI Marco , VINCENT Jean-Louis , TALAMONTI Marta , DEWITTE Olivier , PELUSO Lorenzo , BARRIT Sami , BARAJRAJI Mejdeddine AL , ANDRE Joachim , SCHUIND Sophie , CRETEUR Jacques , TACCONE Fabio Silvio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Brain hypoxia can occur after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), even when levels of intracranial pressure (ICP) remain normal. Brain tissue oxygenation (PbtO2) can be measured as a part of a neurological multimodal neuromonitoring Low PbtO2 has been associated with poor neurologic recovery. There is scarce data on the impact of PbtO2 guided-therapy on patients’ outcome.
Methods
This single-center cohort study (June 2014-March 2020) included all patients admitted to the ICU after SAH who required multimodal monitoring. Patients with imminent brain death were excluded. Our primary goal was to assess the impact of PbtO2-guided therapy on neurological outcome. Secondary outcome included the association of brain hypoxia with outcome.
Results
Of the 163 patients that underwent ICP monitoring, 62 were monitored with PbtO2 and 54 (87%) had at least one episode of brain hypoxia. In patients that required treatment based on neuromonitoring strategies, PbtO2-guided therapy (OR 0.33 [CI 95% 0.12–0.90]) compared to ICP-guided therapy had a protective effect on neurological outcome at 6 months. Brain hypoxia was associated with unfavorable neurological (OR 4.51 [95% CI 1.17–17.45]).
Conclusions
In this cohort of SAH patients, PbtO2-guided therapy when compared to ICP guided therapy may be associated with improved long-term neurological outcome.
Excitonic Effects in The Optical Spectra of Li2SiO3 Compound
Authors: Han Nguyen Thi , Dien Vo , Lin Ming-Fa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Li2SiO3 compound exhibits unique electronic and optical properties. The state-of-the-art analyses, which based on first-principle calculations, have successfully confirmed the concise physical/chemical picture and the orbital bonding in Li-O and Si-O bonds. Especially, the unusual optical response behavior includes a large red shift of the onset frequency due to the extremely strong excitonic effect, the polarization of optical properties along three-directions, various optical excitations structures and the most prominent plasmon mode in terms of the dielectric functions, energy loss functions, absorption coefficients and reflectance spectra. The close connections of electronic and optical properties can identify a specific orbital hybridization for each distinct excitation channel. The presented theoretical framework will be fully comprehending the diverse phenomena and widen the potential application of other emerging materials.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy vs. Radiofrequency Ablation for Single Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity-score Matching Analysis of Their Impact on Liver Function and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Ueno Masayuki , Takabatake Hiroyuki , Itasaka Satoshi , Kayahara Takahisa , Morimoto Youichi , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Mizuno Motowo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has high efficacy for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is expected as an accepted alternative to radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, SBRT for HCC may cause subacute liver injury leading to negative clinical outcomes. In this study, we compared changes of liver function and prognosis after SBRT or RFA in patients with single, small HCC by using a propensity-score matching analysis.Methods: We reviewed medical records of 140 patients with single ≤3 cm HCC treated with SBRT or RFA at Kurashiki Central Hospital between January 2014 and February 2019. Changes of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, local recurrence, and overall survival were compared between the propensity-score matched groups (31 patients treated with SBRT and 62 treated with RFA).Results: The ALBI score increased modestly but significantly after SBRT, while it was unchanged in the RFA group; the intergroup difference was statistically significant (p = 0.004). No local recurrence of tumor was identified in the SBRT group, whereas the cumulative recurrence incidence was 9.7% in the RFA group (p = 0.023). Overall survival was not significantly different between the two groups (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.60–2.89, p = 0.401).Conclusions: SBRT had modestly negative impact on liver function but better local control of HCC than did RFA. Although long-term follow-up of liver function is necessary with SBRT treatment especially in patients with impaired liver function, SBRT is a satisfactory alternative to RFA for treatment of single, small HCC.
Using the Medical Research Council Framework for the development of a communication partner training intervention for people with primary progressive aphasia (PPA): Better Conversations with PPA
Authors: Volkmer Anna , Spector Aimee , Swinburn Kate , Warren Jason D. , Beeke Suzanne 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is a language-led dementia resulting in a gradual dissolution of language. PPA has a significant psychosocial impact on both the person and their families. Speech and language therapy (SLT) is one of the only available management options, and communication partner training (CPT) interventions offer a practical approach to identify strategies to support conversation. The aim of this study was to define and refine a manual and an online training resource for speech and language therapists to deliver CPT to people with PPA and their communication partners (CPs) called Better Conversations with PPA (BCPPA). Methods: The BCPPA manual and training program were developed using the Medical Research Council framework for developing complex interventions. The six-stage development process included 1. Review of existing literature, 2. Consultation and co-production 3. Development of an initial draft 4. Review by a group of speech and language therapists, using consensus methods 5. Two focus groups to gather opinions of people with PPA and their families 6. Refinement.Results: The BCPPA manual and training program comprises seven modules, and four CPT intervention sessions. Eight important components of CPT were identified in the consensus work undertaken with speech and language therapists, including use of video feedback to focus on strengths as well as areas of conversation breakdown. Three themes arose from the focus groups with people with PPA and their families 1) Timing of intervention, 2) speech and language therapists’ understanding of types of dementia, and 3) Knowing what helps. Refinements to the manual included additional practice activities and useful strategies for the future. Conclusions: Using the MRC framework to develop an intervention that is underpinned by a theoretical rationale based on a review of the literature, increases the likelihood of behaviour change. Co-development of the manual and training materials ensures the intervention will meet the needs of people with PPA and their CPs. Gathering further data from speech and language therapists and people living with PPA and their families to refine the manual and the training materials enhances the feasibility of delivering this in preparation for a phase II NHS-based randomised controlled pilot-feasibility study, currently underway.
The Numerov Process Over A Non-Uniform Grid
Authors: Brunetti Rossella , Speciale Nicolò Attilio , Rudan Massimo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Numerov process is a solution method applicable to some classes of differential equations, that provides an error term of the fifth order in the grid size with a computational cost comparable to that of the finitedifference scheme. In the original formulation of the method, a uniform grid size is required; the paper shows a procedure for extending its applicability to a non-uniform grid in one dimension. The effectiveness of the procedure is tested on a model problem. Next, a variable transformation is described, that reduces the mathematical model of semiconductor devices to a form tractable with the Numerov process. Such a transformation is considered also in the multi-dimensional case, where it is shown that it solves a long-lasting difficulty in semiconductor modeling, namely, the impossibility of reconstructing the current density over the grid elements.
Analysis of correlation and variation of Cadmium in soil around Enterprises in Fujiang River Basin
Authors: Jiaguo REN , Kun FAN , Chenxue SHI , Yutao ZHANG , qianqian WU , Bin WANG 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to explore the correlation and spatial variation law of Cadmium (Cd) content in the soil around enterprises in the Fujiang River Basin, Global Moran's I and Anselin Local Moran's I were used to analyze the correlation, and the spatial structure was analyzed by using semivariogram. The results show that: the overall level of Cd in the soil around the enterprises in Fujiang River Basin is relatively low, which does not exceed the risk screening value of the national soil environmental quality standard (GB15618-2018), and only the content in some regions exceeds the risk screening value; The spatial correlation of soil Cd in different directions and distances is different. The distribution of high value cluster points and abnormal value points of soil Cd is less, most of them belong to low value cluster points and insignificant points, and they have a certain correlation with the number of enterprise distribution and geological background; The spatial variation of Cd in soil is of moderate intensity, and the spatial differences in different directions are different, according to the order from large to small: 0° > 90° > 45° >135°, the spatial differences are consistent with the distribution of local cold hot spots and outliers.
18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI Imaging Features of Monomorphic Epitheliotropic Intestinal T-cell Lymphoma Involving the Liver and Lymph Nodes: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Yu Qian , Liu Ying , Liu Simin , Lv Zhongwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Monomorphic epitheliotropic intestinal T-cell lymphoma (MEITL) is an uncommon, rapidly progressive, primary intestinal T-cell lymphoma. The most common site of occurrence is the small intestine. The prognosis of MEITL is extremely poor due to late diagnosis and lack of targeted therapy.Case presentation: A case of MEITL involving the entire small bowel, part of colon, rectum, mesenteric lymph nodes and liver is herein reported. We are presenting the 18F-FDG PET/CT features of MEITL, which showed all involved lesions with increased FDG activity. The MRI and pathological characteristics of MEITL were also described. Furthermore, some malignant diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Conclusions: Based on the lesions with high accumulation of FDG, our case shows the involved extent of MEITL, which is helpful for biopsy and treatment option decisions. We expect more and more physicians could know this disease and make an early diagnosis to improve the outcomes of MEITL.