bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Specifically designed amine functional group doped sludge biochar for inorganic and organic arsenic removal
Authors: Chen Chih-Kuei , Nguyen Nhat-Thien , Le Thuy-Trang , Duong Cong-Chinh , Duong Thi-Thanh 
Published: September 2021

AbstractUsages of hospital sludge as a biochar adsorbent for wastewater treatment plants were investigated. Microwave carbonization was used to carbonize the sludge and then chemically activated with ZnCl2 to increase surface area and porosity. A newly designed amine functional group’s doped Sludge Biochar Carbon (SBC) presents effective inorganic arsenic (As (III)) and organic arsenic (Dimethylarsinic Acid, DMA) adsorption in water. The pore volume, pore size distribution and specific surface area were determined by performing nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements. The Fourier Transform Infrared of the SBC was recorded to study the functional groups at room temperature. The composition of SBC was further determined by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. In order to understand the effect of amine functional complexes on arsenic adsorption, the adsorption mechanism of As (III) and DMA on SBC surfaces modified with amine functional complexes was studied using Density Functional Theory (DFT). DFT results showed that both physical and chemical adsorption of As (III) and DMA on SBC surfaces occurred. The participation of amine functional complexes greatly promoted the surface activity of SBC surface and its adsorption capacity on arsenic. The physical adsorption energies of As (III) and DMA on SBC surface with amine functional complexes were − 38.8 and − 32.4 kJ mol− 1, respectively. The chemical adsorption energies of As (III) and DMA on SBC surface with amine functional complexes were − 92.9 and − 98.5 kJ mol− 1, respectively.
Evaluation of the cytotoxic anticancer effect of polysaccharide of Nepeta septemcrenata
Authors: Nasr Sawsan Ahmed , Saad Amel Abd El-Moneim 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Promoting cancer cells apoptosis is one of the effective methods to treat cancer. Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) and colorectal cancer (HCT-116) cell lines were used in the present study to evaluate the cytotoxic and anticancer properties of Nepeta septemcrenata Polysaccharide (NSP).

Result
Treatment of the two examined cells with NSP displayed a significant cytotoxicity towards HepG2 in a dose-dependent manner; meanwhile, its effect on HCT-116 was obtained under the influence of low doses. The quantitative real- time PCR (QRT-PCR) investigation revealed that NSP significantly up-regulated the expression levels of p53, p16, Fas, Fas-L, Bax, caspases-3, caspase-9, and TNF-α in association with down-regulation of cyclin D1, TERT, and BCL2. These findings declare the apoptotic characteristic of NSP.NSP, can also inhibit the development of cancer cells through the down-regulation of TGF-β and VEGF.

Conclusions
Our results suggested that the polysaccharides isolated from N. septemcrenata possess anticancer properties that could be explored for the development of novel anticancer agents.
Anti-trypanosomal activity and DNA fingerprinting of fifteen Euphorbia species using ISSR and SCoT markers
Authors: El-Hawary Seham S. , Lithy Nadia M. , Amin Elham , AbouZid Sameh F. , Mohammed Rabab 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundEuphorbiais the largest genus in family Euphorbiaceae with a great biological and genetic diversity. The anti-trypanosomal activity of the crude extract of 15Euphorbiaspecies againstTrypanosoma brucei bruceiwas carried out. Furthermore, DNA fingerprinting of the tested species using ISSR and SCoT markers was also investigated.ResultsThe anti-trypanosomal activity of the 15Euphorbiaspecies revealed the highest activity ofE. officinarumL. andE. milliDes Moul. againstTrypanosoma brucei bruceiwith IC50values < 10 μg/mL after 48- and 72-h incubation. Moreover, the assessment of the genetic diversity among the 15 tested species showed similar correlation coefficients of 0.76–0.98 which classifiedEuphorbiaspecies into two main groups, one contained two species and the other contained 13 species.ConclusionsSomeEuphorbiaspecies exhibited significant growth inhibitory activity towardTrypanosoma bruceistrain TC221. Results also indicated the suitability of both markers for genetic fingerprinting of the testedEuphorbiaspecies. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed comparison of the performance of two targeted DNA molecular markers (SCoT and ISSR) on the tested 15Euphorbiaspecies. The results guide future efficient use of these molecular markers in the genetic analysis ofEuphorbia.
Genetic characterization of melon accessions in the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System and construction of a melon core collection
Authors: Wang Xin , Ando Kaori , Wu Shan , Reddy Umesh K. , Tamang Prabin , Bao Kan , Hammar Sue A. , Grumet Rebecca , McCreight James D. , Fei Zhangjun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractMelon (C. meloL.) is an economically important vegetable crop cultivated worldwide. The melon collection in the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) is a valuable resource to conserve natural genetic diversity and provide novel traits for melon breeding. Here we use the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) technology to characterize 2083 melon accessions in the NPGS collected from major melon production areas as well as regions where primitive melons exist. Population structure and genetic diversity analyses suggested thatC. melo ssp. melowas firstly introduced from the centers of origin, Indian and Pakistan, to Central and West Asia, and then brought to Europe and Americas.C. melo ssp. melofrom East Asia was likely derived fromC. melo ssp. agrestisin India and Pakistan and displayed a distinct genetic background compared to the rest of ssp.meloaccessions from other geographic regions. We developed a core collection of 383 accessions capturing more than 98% of genetic variation in the germplasm, providing a publicly accessible collection for future research and genomics-assisted breeding of melon. Thirty-five morphological characters investigated in the core collection indicated high variability of these characters across accessions in the collection. Genome-wide association studies using the core collection panel identified potentially associated genome regions related to fruit quality and other horticultural traits. This study provides insights into melon origin and domestication, and the constructed core collection and identified genome loci potentially associated with important traits provide valuable resources for future melon research and breeding.
Breast Cancer Early Detection in Eswatini: Evaluation of a Training Curriculum and Patient Receipt of Recommended Follow-Up Care
Authors: O'Neil Daniel S. , Nxumalo Sifiso , Ngcamphalala Cebisile , Tharp G , Jacobson Judith S. , Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha Harriet , Dlamini Xolisile , Pace Lydia E. , Neugut Alfred I. , Harris Tiffany G. 
Published: September 2021

PURPOSEBreast cancer (BC) is detected at late stages in sub-Saharan Africa. We piloted a BC early-detection program in Eswatini aimed at increasing breast health knowledge and clinical skills. We also aimed to determine the proportion of patients with breast abnormalities who completed referral to breast specialty clinics.METHODSNurses and counselors from five human immunodeficiency virus and/or antiretroviral therapy clinics underwent training in BC and clinical breast examination (CBE). We compared knowledge and skill examinations completed before, immediately after, and 90 days after training. Nurses then screened female clinic patients ≥ 18 years for breast symptoms, examined those with symptoms, and referred women with CBE abnormalities to a surgeon or the national breast clinic. Consenting women were contacted at 30 and 60 days after screening to determine if they had completed referral.RESULTSIn 2019, 44 nurses underwent training. Median scores (interquartile range) on pretraining, immediate post-training, and 90-day post-training knowledge examinations were 17.5 (16-19), 20 (19-21), and 20 (19-21), respectively. Median scores (interquartile range) on pretraining, immediate post-training, and 90-day post-training skills examinations were 10 (7-11), 23 (21.5-25), and 23 (22-24), respectively. Compared with pretraining scores, post-training scores were significantly improved ( P < .0001 for all comparisons). From June 2019 to April 2020, a total of 9,502 clinic patients were screened for breast symptoms: 150 (2%) underwent CBE, 93 (62%) were referred for further evaluation, and 88 (97%) were included in the study. Of those, 54 (61%) completed referral. Referral completion was not associated with age, employment, relationship status, or prior experiences related to BC.CONCLUSIONThe program's training curriculum improved breast health knowledge and clinical skills. Efforts are needed to improve patients' receipt of recommended evaluation for breast abnormalities.
Deep learning for bioimage analysis in developmental biology
Authors: Hallou Adrien , Yevick Hannah G. , Dumitrascu Bianca , Uhlmann Virginie 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTDeep learning has transformed the way large and complex image datasets can be processed, reshaping what is possible in bioimage analysis. As the complexity and size of bioimage data continues to grow, this new analysis paradigm is becoming increasingly ubiquitous. In this Review, we begin by introducing the concepts needed for beginners to understand deep learning. We then review how deep learning has impacted bioimage analysis and explore the open-source resources available to integrate it into a research project. Finally, we discuss the future of deep learning applied to cell and developmental biology. We analyze how state-of-the-art methodologies have the potential to transform our understanding of biological systems through new image-based analysis and modelling that integrate multimodal inputs in space and time.
Isolation and characterization of a heavy metal- and antibiotic-tolerant novel bacterial strain from a contaminated culture plate of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a green micro-alga.
Authors: Mitra Mautusi , Nguyen Kevin Manoap-Anh-Khoa , Box Taylor Wayland , Berry Taylor Lynne , Fujita Megumi 
Published: September 2021

Background: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a green micro-alga, is normally cultured in laboratories in Tris-Acetate Phosphate (TAP), a medium which contains acetate as the sole carbon source. Acetate in TAP can lead to occasional bacterial and fungal contamination. We isolated a yellow-pigmented bacterium from a Chlamydomonas TAP plate. It was named Clip185 based on the Chlamydomonas strain plate it was isolated from. In this article we present our work on the isolation, taxonomic identification and physiological and biochemical characterizations of Clip185. Methods: We measured sensitivities of Clip185 to five antibiotics and performed standard microbiological tests to characterize it. We partially sequenced the 16S rRNA gene of Clip185. We identified the yellow pigment of Clip185 by spectrophotometric analyses. We tested tolerance of Clip185 to six heavy metals by monitoring its growth on Lysogeny Broth (LB) media plates containing 0.5 mM -10 mM concentrations of six different heavy metals. Results: Clip185 is an aerobic, gram-positive rod, oxidase-negative, mesophilic, alpha-hemolytic bacterium. It can ferment glucose, sucrose and mannitol. It is starch hydrolysis-positive. It is very sensitive to vancomycin but resistant to penicillin and other bacterial cell membrane- and protein synthesis-disrupting antibiotics. Clip185 produces a C50 carotenoid, decaprenoxanthin, which is a powerful anti-oxidant with a commercial demand. Decaprenoxanthin production is induced in Clip185 under light. NCBI-BLAST analyses of the partial 16S rRNA gene sequence of Clip185 revealed a 99% sequence identity to that of Microbacterium binotii strain PK1-12M and Microbacterium sp. strain MDP6. Clip185 is able to tolerate toxic concentrations of six heavy metals. Conclusions: Our results show that Clip185 belongs to the genus Microbacterium. In the future, whole genome sequencing of Clip185 will clarify if Clip185 is a new Microbacterium species or a novel strain of Microbacterium binotii, and will reveal its genes involved in antibiotic-resistance, heavy-metal tolerance and regulation of decaprenoxanthin biosynthesis.
Bullying victimization and its associated factors among adolescents in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Kodapally Bhagiaswari , Mathews Elezebeth , Kodali Prakash Babu , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman 
Published: September 2021

Background: Bullying victimization among adolescents is a serious concern as it leads to poor psycho-social adjustments in the future. Literature on bullying at schools in Kerala is limited. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude of bullying and the factors associated with it among adolescents. Methods: A sequential explanatory study design was used. A cross-sectional study among 764 adolescents (mean age 13.3 years, males 58.5%) selected through multistage cluster sampling was done. We used the Olweus Bully-Victim Questionnaire, Global School Health Survey, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 for data collection. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of bullying victimization. After this, in-depth interviews were carried out among key stakeholders. Results: About 117 (15.3%) respondents reported being bullied at least twice a month. Verbal bullying was reported by 30% (n=229), physical bullying by 23.3% (n=178), sexual bullying by 11% (n=89) and cyber-bullying by 3.3% (n=25). Adolescents aged 14 years and above (OR 2.09, 95% CI: 1.34-3.26), being male (OR 3.50, 95% CI: 1.97-5.87), the parent's response to bullying (OR 5.27, 95% CI: 2.44-11.36), the victim's reaction to being bullied (OR 8.101, CI: 4.53-14.36) and the teacher's action against the bully (OR 3.59, CI: 1.91-6.73) were major predictors of bullying. Qualitative exploration of pathways of bullying phenomena revealed the influence of parenting on a child being a victim or a bully, and a lack of competence and training among teachers to address bullying at school. Conclusions: Bullying is highly prevalent among adolescents in schools and has short- and long-term implications. Targeted interventions for bullying prevention should focus on older adolescent boys and those who report being bullied. Anti-bullying policies at school are vital to sensitize teachers, parents, and students to bullying.
U-grooved dual-channel plasmonic sensor for simultaneous multi-analyte
detection
Authors: Islam Abrar , Haider Firoz , Ahmmed Aoni Rifat , Hossen Moqbull , Begum Firoza , Ahmed Rajib 
Published: September 2021

A photonic crystal fiber (PCF)-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is proposed for real-time multi-analyte detection. Semicircular U-shaped slots are excavated inside the PCF to facilitate the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons by reducing the distance between the core and external analyte channels. The evanescent field is controlled via engineered scaled-down air holes. A plasmonic metal layer (gold) is deposited over the U-curved microchannel to enhance the surface plasmons. This asymmetric PCF SPR structure enables superior birefringence controllability, which results in a dominant

y

-polarized response in comparison to the

x

-polarized mode. The light-guiding and sensor performance parameters are numerically analyzed using the full vector finite element method. The proposed sensor can detect a wide refractive index (RI) range from 1.33 to 1.43. It demonstrates the maximum wavelength sensitivities of 2000 nm/RIU and 12,800 nm/RIU with sensor resolutions of

5

×

1

0

−
5

R
I
U

and

7.813

×

1

0

−
6

R
I
U

for channels 1 and 2, respectively. The sensor also exhibits a maximum amplitude sensitivity of

1119

R
I
U

−
1

with a high figure of merit of

474

R
I
U

−
1

. The simultaneous dual-analyte detection capability and highly sensitive response with a broad detection range make the proposed sensor distinct and will pave the way for miniaturized medical diagnostics and sensing applications.
Altering product placement to create a healthier layout in supermarkets: Outcomes on store sales, customer purchasing, and diet in a prospective matched controlled cluster study
Authors: Vogel Christina , Crozier Sarah , Penn-Newman Daniel , Ball Kylie , Moon Graham , Lord Joanne , Cooper Cyrus , Baird Janis 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPrevious product placement trials in supermarkets are limited in scope and outcome data collected. This study assessed the effects on store-level sales, household-level purchasing, and dietary behaviours of a healthier supermarket layout.Methods and findingsThis is a prospective matched controlled cluster trial with 2 intervention components: (i) new fresh fruit and vegetable sections near store entrances (replacing smaller displays at the back) and frozen vegetables repositioned to the entrance aisle, plus (ii) the removal of confectionery from checkouts and aisle ends opposite. In this pilot study, the intervention was implemented for 6 months in 3 discount supermarkets in England. Three control stores were matched on store sales and customer profiles and neighbourhood deprivation. Women customers aged 18 to 45 years, with loyalty cards, were assigned to the intervention (n= 62) or control group (n= 88) of their primary store. The trial registration number is NCT03518151. Interrupted time series analysis showed that increases in store-level sales of fruits and vegetables were greater in intervention stores than predicted at 3 (1.71 standard deviations (SDs) (95% CI 0.45, 2.96),P= 0.01) and 6 months follow-up (2.42 SDs (0.22, 4.62),P= 0.03), equivalent to approximately 6,170 and approximately 9,820 extra portions per store, per week, respectively. The proportion of purchasing fruits and vegetables per week rose among intervention participants at 3 and 6 months compared to control participants (0.2% versus −3.0%,P= 0.22; 1.7% versus −3.5%,P= 0.05, respectively). Store sales of confectionery were lower in intervention stores than predicted at 3 (−1.05 SDs (−1.98, −0.12),P= 0.03) and 6 months (−1.37 SDs (−2.95, 0.22),P= 0.09), equivalent to approximately 1,359 and approximately 1,575 fewer portions per store, per week, respectively; no differences were observed for confectionery purchasing. Changes in dietary variables were predominantly in the expected direction for health benefit. Intervention implementation was not within control of the research team, and stores could not be randomised. It is a pilot study, and, therefore, not powered to detect an effect.ConclusionsHealthier supermarket layouts can improve the nutrition profile of store sales and likely improve household purchasing and dietary quality. Placing fruits and vegetables near store entrances should be considered alongside policies to limit prominent placement of unhealthy foods.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT03518151(pre-results)
VPS38/UVRAG and ATG14, the variant regulatory subunits of the ATG6/Beclin1-PI3K complexes, are crucial for the biogenesis of the yolk organelles and are transcriptionally regulated in the oocytes of the vector Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Vieira Priscila H. , Benjamim Claudia F. , Atella Georgia , Ramos Isabela 
Published: September 2021

In insects the reserve proteins are stored in the oocytes into endocytic-originated vesicles named yolk organelles. VPS38/UVRAG and ATG14 are the variant regulatory subunits of two class-III ATG6/Beclin1 PI3K complexes that regulate the recruitment of the endocytic (complex II) and autophagic (complex I) machineries. In a previous work from our group, we found that the silencing of ATG6/Beclin1 resulted in the formation of yolk-deficient oocytes due to defects in the endocytosis of the yolk proteins. Because ATG6/Beclin1 is present in the two above-described PI3K complexes, we could not identify the contributions of each complex to the yolk defective phenotypes. To address this, here we investigated the role of the variant subunits VPS38/UVRAG (complex II, endocytosis) and ATG14 (complex I, autophagy) in the biogenesis of the yolk organelles in the insect vector of Chagas Disease Rhodnius prolixus. Interestingly, the silencing of both genes phenocopied the silencing of ATG6/Beclin1, generating 1) accumulation of yolk proteins in the hemolymph; 2) white, smaller, and yolk-deficient oocytes; 3) abnormal yolk organelles in the oocyte cortex; and 4) unviable F1 embryos. However, we found that the similar phenotypes were the result of a specific cross-silencing effect among the PI3K subunits where the silencing of VPS38/UVRAG and ATG6/Beclin1 resulted in the specific silencing of each other, whereas the silencing of ATG14 triggered the silencing of all three PI3K components. Because the silencing of VPS38/UVRAG and ATG6/Beclin1 reproduced the yolk-deficiency phenotypes without the cross silencing of ATG14, we concluded that the VPS38/UVRAG PI3K complex II was the major contributor to the previously observed phenotypes in silenced insects.
Altogether, we found that class-III ATG6/Beclin1 PI3K complex II (VPS38/UVRAG) is essential for the yolk endocytosis and that the subunits of both complexes are under an unknown transcriptional regulatory system.
The association between socioeconomic status and pandemic influenza: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mamelund Svenn-Erik , Shelley-Egan Clare , Rogeberg Ole 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe objective of this study is to document whether and to what extent there is an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and disease outcomes in the last five influenza pandemics.Methods/principle findingsThe review included studies published in English, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish. Records were identified through systematic literature searches in six databases. We summarized results narratively and through meta-analytic strategies. Only studies for the 1918 and 2009 pandemics were identified. Of 14 studies on the 2009 pandemic including data on both medical and social risk factors, after controlling for medical risk factors 8 demonstrated independent impact of SES. In the random effect analysis of 46 estimates from 35 studies we found a pooled mean odds ratio of 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2–1.7, p < 0.001), comparing the lowest to the highest SES, but with substantial effect heterogeneity across studies,–reflecting differences in outcome measures and definitions of case and control samples. Analyses by pandemic period (1918 or 2009) and by level of SES measure (individual or ecological) indicated no differences along these dimensions. Studies using healthy controls tended to document that low SES was associated with worse influenza outcome, and studies using infected controls find low SES associated with more severe outcomes. A few studies compared severe outcomes (ICU or death) to hospital admissions but these did not find significant SES associations in any direction. Studies with more unusual comparisons (e.g., pandemic vs seasonal influenza, seasonal influenza vs other patient groups) reported no or negative non-significant associations.Conclusions/significanceWe found that SES was significantly associated with pandemic influenza outcomes with people of lower SES having the highest disease burden in both 1918 and 2009. To prepare for future pandemics, we must consider social vulnerability. The protocol for this study has been registered in PROSPERO (ref. no 87922) and has been published Mamelund et al. (2019).