bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital PCR (dPCR) and qPCR Mediated Determination of Transgene Copy Number in the Forage Legume White Clover (Trifolium Repens).
Authors: Narancio Rafael , John Ulrik , Mason John , Giraldo Paula , Spangenberg German 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Obtaining data on transgene copy number is an integral step in the generation of transgenic plants. Techniques such as Southern blot, segregation analysis, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) have routinely been used for this task, in a range of species. More recently, use of Digital PCR (dPCR) has become prevalent, with a measurement accuracy higher than qPCR reported. Here, the relative merits of qPCR and dPCR for transgene copy number estimation in white clover were investigated. Furthermore, given that single copy reference genes are desirable for estimating gene copy number by relative quantification, and that no single-copy genes have been reported in this species, a search and evaluation of suitable reference genes in white clover was undertaken. Results demonstrated a higher accuracy of dPCR relative to qPCR for copy number estimation in white clover. Two genes, Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and an ATP-dependent protease, identified as single-copy genes, were used as references for copy number estimation by relative quantification. Identification of single-copy genes in white clover will enable the application of relative quantification for copy number estimation of other genes or transgenes in the species. The results generated here validate the use of dPCR as a reliable strategy for transgene copy number estimation in white clover, and provide resources for future copy number studies in this species.
18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in Primary Prostate Cancer: Using tPSA to Detect Distant Metastasis and Incorporating SUVmax to Characterize Primary Prostate Cancer and Distant Metastasis
Authors: Wang Zhuonan , Zheng Anqi , Dong Weixuan , Liu Xiang , Yuan Wang , Gao Fan , Duan Xiaoyi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) for primary prostate cancer (PCa) distant metastasis in 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, and the potential mediation role of tPSA level on the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of different metastasis stages.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 101 patients admitted consecutively between March 2019 and June 2020 with biopsy proven PCa who were referred for PET/CT. The diagnostic performance of tPSA to detect distant metastasis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and logistic regression analyses. SUVmax was compared across different metastatic stages with either low or high tPSA level using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A path analysis was conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of tPSA level on the relation between SUVmax of primary PCa and SUVmax of metastatic foci.ResultsAt a value of 29.01, the prediction tPSA demonstrated a sensitivity of 57.14% and a specificity of 73.68% for detecting distant metastasis with an area under the curve of 0.656 (P = 0.004). The prediction tPSA level was the only significant predictive variable in a logistic regression model (P = 0.008, odds ratio = 3.273). SUVmax was significantly different between primary prostate tissue with metastasis and metastasis foci only when tPSA ≥ 29.01 (P = 0.001). In addition, for those with metastasis foci, SUVmax was significantly higher in those with tPSA ≥ 29.01 than those with tPSA < 29.01 (P = 0.034). Both tPSA and SUVmax associated with risk of metastasis (P = 0.008, P = 0.014), and tPSA was found to have a partial mediating effect on SUVmax of primary PCa and metastases foci (P < 0.05). ConclusionA prediction tPSA level of 29.01 can help predict the distant metastases in primary PCa. The incorporation of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa evaluation may better characterize the metastasis lesions.
Angiotensin 1 Peptide Conjugated CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Induce Cardiac-Specific Hydrogen Sulfide Production to Mitigate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Qing , Min Jie , Xue Xiaofei , Yu Yue , Wang Pei , Wang Jun , Jiang Qixia , Zhang Pengfei , Xiao Jian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is protective in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R). However, venous injection of NaHS and local injection of adenovirus with cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) plasmids was used to increase H2S concentration presented low-efficiency and side-effect. In this study, we explored a cardiac-specific approach to increase the local expression of H2S, the efficacy in I/R, and the underlying mechanism. Angiotensin 1 (AT1) conjugated nanocarrier (CdSe/ZnS quantum dots) carrying cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) plasmid targeted myocardium was constructed and injected intravenously into the I/R animal model. The nanocarrier location was confirmed. The expression levels of CSE in different organs was also compared. The efficacy of nanocarrier was investigated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo fluorescence imaging system showed that the nanocarrier mostly enriched in the heart. Western blot demonstrated that CSE expression in the heart was higher in the AT1 group than the control group. There was no difference in other organs. Experiments in vitro showed that the nanocarrier had a high transfection efficiency. The CSE expression was also increased in the CSE group than the vector group. The IR rat was injected with the nanocarrier which decreased the infarct size and increased the ejection fraction. Cell viability and LDH concentration were also reduced in vitro at the same time. Key markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) including CHOP, GRP78, eIF2a expression level and mitophagy (Parkin, NIX, ATG) were all decreased in the CSE group. The rat was injected with an adenovirus vector carrying the CHOP gene which reversed the reduced mitophagy by CSE. In summary, the nanocarrier carrying CSE plasmid targeted myocardium with AT1 peptide can reduce the I/R without affecting other tissue. It inhibits ERS and mitophagy via the CHOP/GRP78/eIF2a signaling pathway.
Streptomyces Grisecoloratus Sp. Nov., a New Bacterium Isolated From Soil in Cotton Fields in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Xing Li , Xia Ying-Ying , Zhang Qiao-Yan , Xia Zhan Feng , Wan Chuan-Xing , Zhang Li Li , Luo Xiao-Xia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A novel bacterium of the Streptomyces genus, designated TRM S81-3T, was isolated from soil in cotton fields of Xinjiang, China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain TRM S81-3T ismost closely related to Streptomyces naganishii NBRC 12892T (98.96% sequence similarity); however, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strains TRM S81-3T and S. naganishii NBRC 12892T is relatively low (86.26%). Strain TRM S81-3T possesses LL-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid, MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6), and MK-9(H10) as the major menaquinones, and polar lipids including DPG, PE, PC, PI, PME, NPG and PL. The major fatty acids are iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:1 ω9c, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, and C14:0. The genomic DNA G+C content is 72.1%. Based on the evidence from this polyphasic study, strain TRM S81-3T represents a novel species of Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces grisecoloratus is proposed. The type strain is TRM S81-3T (=CCTCC AA 2020002T=LMG 31942T).
Analysis of Immune Response of Chicken Primary Cells by Infection With Korean IBV Strain
Authors: Lee Rangyeon , Jung Ji Seung , Yeo Ji-in , Kwon Hyuk Moo , Park Jeongho 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, is highly contagious, which develops acute pathogenesis in multiple organs. Frequent recombination of spike (S) glycoprotein leads to vaccine strategies insignificant. To understand IBV pathogenesis, we analyzed genetic distance of the Korean IBV isolate to different coronaviruses, including SARS-Cov2. For comprehensive information of the immune responses during IBV infection, we infected primary chicken embryonic kidney cells and performed transcriptome analysis. We observed functional pathways for innate immunity are associated and confirmed mRNA expressions of element genes that coordinate early immune responses. Immune profile of the host cell may assist vaccine development.
Evaluation of DIBH and VMAT in Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Left-sided Breast Cancers After Breast-conserving Surgery: a Planning Study
Authors: Tang Liuwei , Ishikawa Yojiro , Ito Kengo , Yamamoto Takaya , Umezawa Rei , Jingu Keiichi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background This paper aims to compare dosimetric parameters of the organs at risk (OARs) among three different radiotherapy (RT) modalities in left breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Methods Eleven patients with left breast cancer after BCS were enrolled and underwent CT simulation in the free breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) position. Three-dimensional radiotherapy (3DCRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were generated for each patient in the DIBH position. A 3DCRT plan was also created in the FB position. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) was used to analyze each evaluation index of OARs. The principal outcome was heart dose, left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) dose and left lung dose.Results For the 3D-CRT plans, significant dose reductions were demonstrated in all evaluation parameters to heart, LADCA and left lung dose in the DIBH position compared with the FB position (p < 0.05). In DIBH position, significant dose reductions were founded in heart and LADCA in VMAT plan compared to 3DCRT plan (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between 3DCRT and VMAT plan for the left lung dose in DIBH position.Conclusion DIBH and VMAT could reduce dosimetric parameters of the OARs in left breast cancer patients after BCS. RT plans for left breast cancer after BCS can be optimized by DIBH and VMAT techniques to minimize radiation-induced toxicity
Body Mass Index, Subjective Body Shape, and Suicidal Ideation Among Community-Dwelling Korean Adults
Authors: Yong Chae Eun , Kim Young Bum , Lyu Jiyoung 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Studies examining the combination of objective and subjective body shape and its association with suicidal ideation have not been well investigated among different age groups. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the above association among Korean adults, stratified by developmental stages. Methods: Using a nationally representative data from the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey, 222,037 participants aged 19 or over were included in this study. A dependent variable was measured as having a suicidal ideation or not (1=yes, 0=no). With body mass index (BMI) and subjective body shape measures, seven categories were created (1=underweight-skinny, 2=underweight-normal/fat, 3=healthyweight-skinny, 4=healthyweight-normal, 5=healthyweight-fat, 6=overweight-skinny/normal, 7=overweight-fat). A multivariate logistic regression was conducted in each age group. Results: Adjusted for covariates, overweight-fat (OR=1.183, p<.01) young-aged adults, underweight-skinny (OR=1.322, p<.05) middle-aged adults, and healthyweight-fat (OR=1.193, p<.05) older adults were more likely to have suicidal ideation than healthyweight-normal counterparts. Conclusions: Results suggest that the association between the combination of objective and subjective body shape and suicidal ideation is different by developmental stages. Therefore, this difference should be considered when developing suicide prevention interventions by developmental stages.
The Effect of Helicobacter Pylori Eradication On Prognosis Of Postoperative Early Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Jinfeng , Li Sha , Bai Fei , Xie Hailong , Shan Hanguo , Liu Zhuo , Ma Tiexiang , Tang Xiayu , Tang Haibing , Qin Ang , Lei Sanlin , Zuo Chaohui 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the prognosis of postoperative early gastric cancer (EGC).Methods: This is a retrospective study based on data from 6 hospitals. We identified patients with EGC who underwent curative gastrectomy from January 2010 to December 2016. All of the patients were tested for H. pylori. Patients were divided into two groups, the successful H. pylori eradication group (Group A) and the non-H. pylori eradication group (Group B), for calculating the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of each group.Result: Non-H. pylori eradication were statistically significant independent risk factors of overall survival (hazard ratio (HR), 1.760; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.067-2.902; P=0.027) and disease-free survival (HR, 1.728; 95% CI, 1.077-2.772; P=0.023).Conclusion: Eradication treatment for H. pylori can prevent the recurrence of postoperative early gastric cancer.
Prophylactic role of ivermectin in SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers
Authors: Behera Priyamadhaba , Patro Binod Kumar , Padhy Biswa Mohan , Mohapatra Prasanta Raghab , Bal Shakti Kumar , Chandanshive Pradnya Dilip , Mohanty Rashmi Ranjan , Ravikumar  , Singh Arvind Kumar , Singh Sudipta Ranjan , Pentapati Siva Santosh Kumar , Nair Jyolsna , Batmanabane Gitanjali 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are vulnerable to getting infected withSARS-CoV-2. Preventing HCWs from getting infected is a priority to maintain healthcare services. The therapeutic and preventive role of ivermectin in COVID-19 is being investigated. Based on promising results of in vitro studies of oral ivermectin, this study was conducted with the aim to demonstrate the prophylactic role of oral ivermectin in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infectionamong HCWs at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, which provides both COVID and Non-COVID care since March 2020. All employees and students of the institute who provided written informed consent participated in the study.Uptake of two-doses of oral ivermectin (300 μg/kg at a gap of 72 hours) was considered as exposure. The primary outcome of the study was COVID-19 infection in the following month of ivermectin consumption diagnosed by RTPCR as per Government of India testing criteria guidelines.The log-binomial model was used to estimate adjusted relative risk, and the Kaplan-Meier failure plot was used to estimate the probability of COVID-19 infection with follow-up time.Results Of 3892 employees, 3532 (90.8%) participated in the study. The ivermectin uptake was 62.5% and 5.3% for two-doses and single-dose, respectively. Participants who took ivermectin prophylaxis had a lower risk of getting symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection(6% vs 15%). HCWs who had taken two-doses of oral ivermectin have a significantly lower risk of contracting COVID-19 disease during the following month (ARR 0.17; 95% CI, 0.12-0.23). Females had a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 than males (ARR 0.70 95% CI, 0.52-0.93). The absolute risk reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 9.7%. Only 1.8% of the participants reported adverse events, which were mild and self-limiting.Conclusion and relevance Two-doses of oral ivermectin (300 μg/kg given 72 hours apart) as chemoprophylaxis among HCWs reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection by 83% in the following month. Safe, effective, and low-cost chemoprophylaxis have relevance in the containment of pandemic alongside vaccine.
Pulsatile therapy for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Choi Mansoo , Jeong Kiwan , Byeon Junseop , Jang Jihun , Ahn Namyoung 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Although photovoltaics employing hybrid perovskite halides have continuously been breaking world- records of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and expectations for their industrialization are rapidly rising, long-term stability issue that has greatly hampered the commercialization of perovskite solar cells has not been resolved yet. Ion instability and trapped charges were suggested as a fundamental reason for perovskite device degradation. Here, we report a pulsatile therapy relieving the accumulation of both trapped charges and ions in the perovskite solar cell device during the middle of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for reviving the device and prolonging its device lifetime. In the technique, reverse biases are repeatedly applied for a very short time to eliminate the charges accumulated and re-distribute the ions migrated during power harvesting without any pause of operation. Intriguingly, the therapy is not only delaying irreversible degradation, but also, restoring the degraded power right after a short reverse bias. In-situ photoluminescence (PL) and photocurrent (PC) measurements for the working device were done while applying the pulsatile therapy for studying the underlying physics. Time evolving PL intensity and PC not only revealed the steady increase of PL intensity during the therapy indicating the reduction of non-radiative recombination, but also strikingly showed the restoration of degraded PL intensity and PC right after a short reverse bias suggesting the device healing. In the long-term test, we observed outstanding improvement of device stability and total harvesting power. A model considering trap-assisted recombination has also been developed to explain the efficacy of the therapy based on defect formation during MPPT operation and defect healing by the pulsatile therapy. The unique technique will open up new possibility to commercialize perovskite materials into a real market.
The association between excess weight and body composition measurements in a pediatric population – a cross sectional study.
Authors: Kostopoulou Eirini , Avgeri Aikaterini , Skiadopoulos Spyros , Dimitriou Gabriel , Giannakopoulos Ioannis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aims of the study: The prevalence of childhood obesity in Greece is among the highest in Europe. Body composition may be used as a screening tool to identify children with excess weight and those at risk for developing metabolic complications. The aim of the study was to provide data on body composition indices from a large Greek pediatric population and investigate the possible association between these indices and obesity.Methods: 1453 schoolchildren, 51.2% males, aged 10-12 years old, were recruited from the third in size city in Greece. Anthropometric and body composition indices, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), FM%, fat mass index (FMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), SMM%, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR), were assessed.Results: i) The rates of overweight and obesity were 25.9% (Males: 24.4%, females: 27.5%) and 12.6% (males: 13.4%, females: 11.7%), respectively. ii) Males had significantly higher SMM, SMM% and MFR, and lower FM% compared to females. iii) No differences were observed in body composition between younger (10-11-year-old) and older (11-12-year-old) children. iv) Higher FM, FM%, FMI, SMM, SMI and lower SMM% and MFR values were found in children with overweight or obesity.Conclusions: A direct association between excess weight and body composition measurements, such as FM, FM%, FMI, SMM, SMM%, SMI and MFR, was found in a large pediatric school-population. These body composition analysis measurements may potentially serve as a useful screening-tool with both research and clinical applications in assessing obesity, but also for predicting obesity-related complications.
Design, Implementation, Comparison, and Performance analysis between Analog Butterworth and Chebyshev-I Low Pass Filter Using Approximation, Python and Proteus
Authors: Rabbi Navid Fazle 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Filters are broadly used in signal processing and communication systems in noise reduction. Butterworth, Chebyshev-I Analog Low Pass Filters are developed and implemented in this paper. The filters are manually calculated using approximations and verified using Python Programming Language. Filters are also simulated in Proteus 8 Professional and implemented in the Hardware Lab using the necessary components. This paper also denotes the comparison and performance analysis of filters using Manual Computations, Hardware, and Software.
Lack of association between angiotensin blockade and severity of influenza: a nationwide case-control study
Authors: Dong Yaa-Hui , Wu Jo-Hsuan , Wang Jiun-Ling , Chen Ho-Min , Caffrey James L. , Chang Chia-Hsuin , Lin Jou-Wei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may modulate ACE2 level and the risk of viral infections. However, studies of the risk of the severity of influenza associated with ACEIs or ARBs in the real-world settings were limited and the findings are conflicting.
Methods

This case-control study evaluated the risk of developing severe influenza disease associated with ACEIs and ARBs in hypertension patients hospitalized for influenza from a population-based Taiwanese database. Logistic regression models were conducted to estimate ORs and 95% CIs associated with ACEIs or ARBs within 30 days before hospitalization.
Results

We included 1,369 cases (severe influenza patients) and 4,107 matched controls (non-severe influenza patients). ORs for any use of ACEIs and ARBs were 1.15 (95% CI, 0.93–1.42) and 0.97 (0.84–1.12) versus nonuse. Similarly, no significant association was observed for monotherapy with ACEIs (1.47; 0.95–2.29) or ARBs (0·76; 0.53–1.10) versus nonuse. Combination therapy between calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and either ACEIs (1.57; 0.91–2.70) or ARBs (1.23; 0·93-1.62) were not significantly different from CCBs alone.
Conclusions

Our findings did not suggest an association between ACEIs and/or ARBs and the severity of influenza. Stable patients should maintain their anti-hypertensive regimens in the influenza epidemic era.
Effects of various transition metals on the thermal oxidative stabilization of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers
Authors: Lee Jung-Hun , Li Siying , Yoo Ji-Beom , Kim Young Jun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and PAN nanofibers bonded with different transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) acetates were successfully prepared and their thermal oxidative stabilization process were analysed by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structural evolution of process was characterized by examining the FTIR spectral peaks generated at four different thermal oxidative stabilization temperatures. Based on the thermal oxidative stabilization rates obtained from each transition metal, Co-PAN and Cu-PAN are the only effective precursors for the thermal oxidative stabilization process and, according to differential scanning calorimetry, Co-PAN is the most effective and suitable precursor for the PAN with different transition metals. Although Co-PAN increased the exothermic reaction (ΔH) by approximately 140%, it alleviates the heat release rate (ΔH/ΔT) by approximately 44%.