bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlling tsetse flies and ticks using insecticide treatment of cattle in Tororo district Uganda: cost benefit analysis&nbsp;
Authors: Okelo Walter O. , MacLeod Ewan T. , Muhanguzi Dennis , Welburn Susan C. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe endemic vector-borne diseases transmitted by tsetse and ticks impose heavy burdens on Africa’s livestock. Cattle offers the possibility of mitigating these losses at a cost affordable to livestock keepers, by applying deltamethrin just to the belly, legs and ears of cattle. Although studies have quantified the impacts of individual diseases on livestock productivity, little is known about the dual economic benefits of controlling both tsetse and ticks, nor about the number of cattle who need to be treated to confer these benefits. Alongside an epidemiological study in south-east Uganda, a farm level assessment was done to investigate the benefits and costs of spraying different proportions of the village cattle population using this restricted application protocol. MethodsA study comprising 1,902 semi-structured interviews was undertaken over a period of 18 months. Financial data on household income from and expenditure on cattle was collected and cost benefit analysis done, pre and post intervention and for different spraying regimes. The total cost of the intervention was obtained from the epidemiological study’s implementation costs and from expenses incurred by participating farmers enabling examination of benefit-cost ratios and incremental benefit-cost ratios for each treatment regime. ResultsThe benefit-cost analysis of spraying 25%, 50% and 75% of the cattle population yielded average benefit-cost ratios of 1.55, 3.85, 4.51 and 4.46. The incremental benefit-cost ratios from spraying each additional 25% of the cattle population were 11.38, 3.89 and 0.79 respectively, showing a very high return on investment for spraying 50% of the population, with returns reducing thereafter. ConclusionComparing the gross margins per bovine, the study found that increasing the proportion of cattle sprayed yielded increasing benefits to farmers, but that these benefits were subject to diminishing returns. From a practical viewpoint this study recommends spraying only draft cattle to control trypanosomiasis and tick-borne diseases in this area as they make 38.62% of the cattle population, approaching the 50% threshold. In areas with a lower proportion of draft males, farmers could be advised to also include cows.
Synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones through nickel-catalysed aldehyde-free hydroacylation of alkynes
Authors: Rhlee Joon Ho , Maiti Saikat , Lee Ho Seung , Lee Soochan , Park Jaehyun , Kang Seok Ju , Kim Yung Sam , Seo Jeong Kon , Myung Kyungjae , Choe Wonyoung , Hong Sung You 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
α,β-Unsaturated ketones are common feedstocks in functional materials, pharmaceuticals and natural compounds. Transition metal-catalysed hydroacylation reactions of alkynes using aldehydes have been widely applied for the atom-economical synthesis of α,β-unsaturated ketones through chemoselective aldehydic C–H activation. However, previous hydroacylation reactions using rhodium, cobalt, or ruthenium catalysts require chelating moiety-bearing aldehydes to prevent undesired decarbonylative product via an unstable acyl-metal-H complex. Herein, we report a nickel-catalysed reductive and anti-Markovnikov selective coupling process to afford non-tethered E-enones from terminal alkynes through an acyl-nickel-thiopyridine complex in the presence of zinc metal as a reducing agent. Utilization of a thioester as an acylating agent and water as a hydrogen donor enables this mechanistically distinctive and aldehyde-free hydroacylation of terminal alkynes under mild reaction conditions at room temperature, with a broad substrate scope including versatile functional groups and even simple aryl and alkyl moieties.
Perception of an Ambiguous Figure: Subconscious Social Group Bias or Anchor Effect?
Authors: Brouwer Ambroos , Jin Xuxi , Waldi Aisha , Verheyen Steven 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Older participants who are briefly presented with the ‘my wife and my mother-in-law’ ambiguous figure estimate its age to be higher than young participants do. This finding is thought to be the result of a subconscious social group bias that influences participants’ perception of the figure. Because people are better able to recognize similarly aged individuals, young participants are expected to perceive the ambiguous figure as a young woman, while older participants are more likely to recognize an older lady. We replicate the difference in age estimates, but find no relationship between participants’ age and their perception of the ambiguous figure. This leads us to conclude that the positive relationship between participants’ age and their age estimates of the ambiguous ‘my wife and my mother-in-law’ figure is better explained by the own-age anchor effect, which holds that people use their own age as a yard stick to determine the age of the figure, regardless of whether the young woman or the older lady is perceived. Assimilation of others’ characteristics to one’s own is particularly likely to occur in uncertain circumstances that provide little information to base judgments on, such as estimating the age of a briefly presented ambiguous figure.
Garcinia Mangostana Extract and Curcumin Ameliorate Oxidative Stress, Dyslipidemia, and Hyperglycemia in High Fat Diet-induced Obese Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Labban Ranyah , fawaz Hanan , Almnaizel Ahmed , Al-Muammar May , Bhat Ramesa , El-Ansary Afaf 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background:Obesity is a risk factor for several diseases related to oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Several pharmacological agents have been used to treat obesity, but these commonly exhibit undesirable side effects. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) and Curcuma longa independently and synergistically in modulating selected biochemical markers of oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia commonly observed in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rodent models. Methods:Male albino Wistar rats were divided into eight experimental groups, fed on a normal diet or high-fat diet (HFD), then given mangosteen extract (400 mg /kg body weight/day) and/or curcumin (80 mg/kg body weight/day) for 6 weeks. Oxidative stress markers, glucose, and lipid fractions were measured in the sera. Results:Curcumin was found to be more effective in reducing BMI, while mangosteen extract was found to induce a significant increase in anti-atherogenic marker HDL-C, but was ineffective in reducing dyslipidemia. Mangosteen extract and curcumin effectively reduced blood glucose. Mangosteen did not exhibit any anti-oxidative effects in normal weight rats; however, it induced a significant increase in glutathione in obese rats. Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that mangosteen pericarp extract and curcumin were independently and synergistically effective in treating obesity-induced atherogenesis.
Porous Functionalized Polymers enable Generating and Transporting Hyperpolarized Arbitrary Solutions.
Authors: Darai Théo El , Cousin Samuel , Chappuis Quentin , Ceillier Morgan , Kempf James , Eshchenko Dmitry , Melzi Roberto , Schnell Marc , Gremillard Laurent , Bornet Aurélien , Milani Jonas , Vuichoud Basile , Cala Olivier , Montarnal Damien , Jannin Sami 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Hyperpolarization by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) has brought highly sensitive magnetic resonance to reality and has triggered the development of a plethora of promising applications in spectroscopy and imaging. Unfortunately, some severe limitations still restrain its widespread use, amongst which the experimental complexity, the need for trained personnel, and excessive prices. Broad democratization of dDNP would require remote preparation of hyperpolarized samples in dedicated facilities and transport over long distances to the point of use. We have recently pioneered a new concept in which transport over hours was enabled by formulation of 13C-labelled molecules into micro-crystallites. However, the proposed methods lacked both versatility and biocompatibility. Here, we propose a new approach relying on a new generation of hyperpolarizing polymers (HYPOPs), extremely easy to synthesize, and that bear a dual function. Arbitrary solutions, easily impregnated into these radical-containing porous HYPOPs, can be hyperpolarized within 20 min with a polarization level exceeding P(13C) > 25% in the solid state, and further stored for hours in view of transport to a remote point of use.
Stenotrophomonas nematodicola sp. nov., a novel intestinal lifespan-prolonging bacterium for Caenorhabditis elegans that assists in host resistance to Bacillus nematocida colonization
Authors: Zhang Lin , Deng Yang , Wei Xuyang , Zhang Yuqin , Niu Qiuhong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The gut microbiota of Caenorhabditis elegans, a tiny worm that feeds on bacteria, is significantly dominated by the bacteria upon which it feeds. These bacteria may not only interfere with the intestinal flora of C. elegans but also assist in resisting pathogen infection. Understanding the interactions between the microbiota of C. elegans and pathogens will shed light on how to achieve biological control of agricultural pests. Results: The lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans fed on strain CPCC 101271T was extended by approximately 40% compared with that of worms fed on Escherichia coli OP50. In addition, the colonization of C. elegans by the pathogenic bacterium Bacillus nematocida B16 was inhibited when it was pre-fed with strain CPCC 101271T. Based on a polyphasic taxonomy study including genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characteristics, we propose that strain CPCC 101271T represents a novel bacterial species with the name Stenotrophomonas nematodicola sp. nov. and CPCC 101271T as the type strain. Metagenomic sequence analysis of the intestinal microbiota of C. elegans fed with strain CPCC 101271T and then infected with B16 revealed that pre-feeding with CPCC 101271T improved the diversity of intestinal bacteria, while the community structure varied significantly together with the fluctuation of Stenotrophomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. abundance during competition between strain CPCC 101271T and B16. Conclusions: The nematode microbiota strain CPCC 101271T assisted in its host resistance to the pathogen Bacillus nematocida colonization, so as to act as an intestinal life span-prolonging bacterium for C. elegans. The genotypic and phenotypic properties of strain CPCC 101271T supported to the proposal of strain CPCC 101271T as a novel species of the genus Stenotrophomonas.
Uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria: Mapping the proteome from circulating platelets
Authors: Fernández Diana , Segura Cesar , Arman Mònica , McGill Suzzane , Burchmore Richard , Mesa Tatiana María Lopera 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Thrombocytopenia is frequent in uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria. Contribution of platelets to pathogenesis is unknown and poorly understood. Our study explores the platelet proteome from uncomplicated P. vivax malaria patients to fingerprint molecular pathways in relation to platelet function. Also, plasma levels of platelet activation (Platelet factor 4 – PF4/CXCL4) and endothelial activation (Von Willebrand factor – VWf) markers, in conjunction with some in vitro interactions between platelets and P. vivax infected erythrocytes ( Pv -IEs) were measured to explore platelet responses during infection and their effect on parasite development. Methods: This study was performed in a cohort of 48 patients and 25 healthy controls. Platelets were purified from a subgroup of 5 patients and 5 healthy controls to be analyzed by LC-MS/MS. In all participants enrolled in this study, PF4/CXCL4 and VWf plasma levels were measured. Finally, a subsample of 10 P. vivax isolates were co-cultured with platelets to measure P v- IE schizonts inhibition as well as platelet activation due to their interaction. Results: In total 28 out of 215 proteins were significantly abundant in the proteomes from patients. The most significantly decreased protein was PF4/CXCL4 followed by other proteins related to platelet activation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and adhesion to endothelial cells. In contrast, acute phase proteins including SERPINs and Amyloid Serum A 1 (SAA1) were increased. High VWf plasma levels in patients suggested endothelial activation. Interestingly, PF4/CXCL4 plasma levels were similar between patients and controls, but high levels of this protein were found in co-cultures, and platelets inhibited Pv -IEs development to schizonts. Conclusions: Platelet proteome from patients with uncomplicated P. vivax malaria suggests platelet degranulation, platelet activation, cytoskeletal remodeling, and adhesion to endothelial cells. According to the evidenced endothelial activation our study plus the suggested specific localization of PF4/CXCL4 during P. vivax infection due to the normal levels in plasma, and the inhibition of Pv -IE schizonts development; our study suggest that platelets are active players during the response to P . vi vax infection. Future studies are needed to further investigate the molecular pathways of interaction between altered platelet proteins and host response; which could affect parasite control as well as disease progression.
A Novel Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique for Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis with Iliac Screws via Two Small Incisions
Authors: Asukai Mitsuru , Suda Kota , Satoko Matsumoto , Komatsu Miki , Takahata Masahiko , Iwasaki Norimasa , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Minami Akio 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The number of fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) is increasing quickly due to the ageing of society, and the treatment remain controversial. Long-term immobilization during conservative treatment can lead to secondary systemic complications, conventional open reduction and internal fixation is highly invasive. We have developed a novel minimally invasive surgical technique for FFP. We made a 3-cm incision along medial borders of the posterior superior iliac spine, inserted one iliac screw on each side, and created a tunnel below the fascia connecting the two incisions. The interconnecting rod was slid across the tunnel on the dorsal surface of the sacrum and then fixed with iliac screws. We evaluated the outcomes of this new stabilization technique in 9 patients, the average age and follow-up period were 80.8 years and 10.0 months. According to the Rommens classification, there was 1 patient with IIIc fracture, 1 with IVa, 6 with IVb and 1 with IVc. The average surgical time was 60.7 minutes with an intraoperative blood loss of 2.0 ml, and bony union of the posterior part of the pelvic ring was achieved in all patients. This method is a useful and safe minimally invasive option for high-risk elderly patients.
Unnatural Biosynthesis by an Engineered Microorganism with Heterologously Expressed Natural Enzymes and an Artificial Metalloenzyme
Authors: Huang Jing , Liu Zhennan , Bloomer Brandon , Clark Douglas , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Keasling Jay , Hartwig John 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Synthetic biology enables microbial hosts to produce complex molecules that are otherwise produced by organisms that are rare or difficult to cultivate, but the structures of these molecules are limited to those formed by chemical reactions catalyzed by natural enzymes. The integration of artificial metalloenzymes (ArMs) that catalyze unnatural reactions into metabolic networks could broaden the cache of molecules produced biosynthetically by microorganisms. We report an engineered microbial cell expressing a heterologous biosynthetic pathway, which contains both natural enzymes and ArMs, that produces an unnatural product with high diastereoselectivity. To create this hybrid biosynthetic organism, we engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) with a heterologous terpene biosynthetic pathway and an ArM containing an iridium-porphyrin complex that was transported into the cell with a heterologous transport system. We improved the diastereoselectivity and product titer of the unnatural product by evolving the ArM and selecting the appropriate gene induction and cultivation conditions. This work shows that synthetic biology and synthetic chemistry can produce, together with natural and artificial enzymes in whole cells, molecules that were previously inaccessible to nature.
Cycloalkane-modified amphiphilic polymers provide direct extraction of membrane proteins for CryoEM analysis
Authors: Higgins Anna , Flynn Alex , Marconnet Anaïs , Musgrove Laura , Postis Vincent , Lippiat Jonathan , Chung Chun-Wa , Ceska Tom , Zoonens Manuela , Sobott Frank , Muench Stephen 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Membrane proteins are essential for cellular growth and homeostasis, making up a large proportion of therapeutic targets. However, the necessity for a solubilising agent to extract them from the membrane creates significant challenges in their structural and functional study. Although amphipols have been very effective for single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) and mass spectrometry, they rely on initial detergent extraction before exchange into the amphipol environment. Therefore, circumventing this pre-requirement would be a significant advantage. Here we use a novel type of amphipol: a cycloalkane-modified amphiphile polymer (CyclAPol) to extract Escherichia coli AcrB directly from the membrane and demonstrate that the protein can be isolated in a one-step purification with the resultant cryoEM structure achieving 3.2 Å resolution. Together this work shows that cycloalkane amphipols provide a powerful detergent-free approach for the study of membrane proteins allowing native extraction and high-resolution structure determination by cryoEM.
SUMOylome Modulates Intraflagellar Transport Machinery and Eukaryotic Cilia Motility
Authors: Sharma Komal , Sizova Irina , Pandey Girdhar , Hegemann Peter , Kateriya Suneel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Translocation of channelrhodopsins (ChRs) is mediated by intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery. However, the functional role of the network containing photoreceptors, IFT and other proteins in controlling cilia motility of the alga is still not fully delineated. In the current study, we identified two important motifs at the C-terminus of ChR1. One of them is similar to a known ciliary targeting sequence that specifically interacts with a small GTPase, and the other is a SUMOylation site. For the first time, experimental data provide an insight into the role of SUMOylation in the modulation of IFT & ChR1. Blocking of SUMOylation affected the phototaxis of C. reinhardtii cells. This implies SUMOylation based regulation of protein network controlling photomotility. The conservation of SUMOylation site pattern as analyzed for the relevant photoreceptors, IFT and its associated signaling proteins in other ciliated green algae suggested SUMOylation based photobehavioural response across the microbes. This report establishes a link between evolutionary conserved SUMOylation and ciliary machinery for the maintenance and functioning of cilia across the eukaryotes. Our enriched SUMOylome of C. reinhardtii comprehends the proteins related to ciliary development and, photo-signaling, along with homologue(s) associated to human ciliopathies as SUMO targets.
Picosecond Optospintronic Tunnel Junctions for Non-volatile Photonic Memories
Authors: Wang Luding , Cheng Houyi , Li Pingzhi , Liu Yang , Hees Youri van , Lavrijsen Reinoud , Lin Xiaoyang , Cao Kaihua , Koopmans Bert , Zhao Weisheng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions are one of the building blocks for spintronic memories, which allow fast nonvolatile data access, offering substantial potentials to revolutionize the mainstream computing architecture. However, conventional switching mechanisms of such devices are fundamentally hindered by spin polarized currents, either spin transfer torque or spin orbit torque with spin precession time limitation and excessive power dissipation. These physical constraints significantly stimulate the advancement of modern spintronics. Here, we report an optospintronic tunnel junction using a photonic-spintronic combination. This composite device incorporates an all-optically switchable Co/Gd bilayer coupled to a CoFeB/MgO-based perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction by the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interaction. A picosecond all-optical operation of the optospintronic tunnel junction is explicitly confirmed by time-resolved measurements. Moreover, the device shows a considerable tunnel magnetoresistance and thermal stability. This proof-of-concept device represents an essential step towards ultrafast photonic memories with THz data access, as well as ultralow power consumption.
Prospective study comparing leukocyte-poor platelet rich plasma combined with hyaluronic acid and autologous microfragmented adipose tissue in patients with early knee osteoarthritis.
Authors: Dallo Ignacio , Szwedowski Dawid , Irlandini Eleonora , Mobasheri Ali , Gobbi Alberto 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of repeated doses of leucocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (LP-PRP) plus hyaluronic acid (HA) to a single dose of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue (AMAT) injections in patients with early osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms. Eighty knees in fifty patients (mean age: 61.3 years) were randomly allocated into two equal groups in a non-blinded design and prospectively followed for 12 months. Group 1 received three intra-articular injections (1 month apart) using autologous LP-PRP+HA. Group 2 received a single dose of AMAT injection. Outcomes were measured by PROMs Tegner, Marx, VAS, and KOOS at 6 and 12 months. Both groups had significant clinical and functional improvement at 6 and 12 months. The differences between the groups were statistically significant in Tegner score and KOOS Symptoms (p = 0.016 and p = 0.027 respectively) at 6 months in group 2. The test with statistically significant differences (p<0.05) at 12 months was Tegner (p<0.001) with group 2 having a higher median than group 1. LP-PRP+HA and AMAT lead to clinical and functional improvement at 6 and 12 months. AMAT showed better clinical results in Tegner and KOOS Symptoms at 6 months and Tegner at 12 months. Understanding which therapy offers the most benefits with the least amount of risks can significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by OA. Long-term randomized controlled studies are needed to verify differences in efficacy.