bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and Quantification of Bovine Papillomavirus DNA by Digital Droplet PCR in Sheep Blood
Authors: Roperto Sante , Cutarelli Anna , Corrado Federica , Falco Francesca De , Buonavoglia Canio 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Highly pathogenic bovine Delta papillomaviruses (δPVs) were detected and quantified for the first time using digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) by liquid biopsy in 103 clinically healthy sheep. Overall, ddPCR detected bovine δPVs in 68 blood samples (66%). Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection by a single genotype was revealed in 59% of the blood samples, and BPV coinfection by double, triple or quadruple genotypes was observed in 41% of liquid biopsies. The BPV-2 genotype was most frequently seen in sheep, whereas BPV-1 was the least common. Furthermore, ddPCR was very useful for detection and quantification; the BPV-14 genotype was observed for the first time in ovine species, displaying the highest prevalence in some geographical areas (Apulia). In 42 of the positive samples (61.8%), a single BPV infection was observed, 26 of which were caused by BPV-2 (61.9%) and 7 by BPV-13 (16.7%). BPV-14 was responsible for 7 single infections (16.7%) and BPV-1 for 2 single infections (4.7%). Multiple BPV coinfections were observed in the remaining 26 positive samples (38.2%), with dual BPV-2/BPV-13 infection being the most prevalent (84.6%). BPV infection by triple and quadruple genotypes was also observed in 11.5% and 3.8% of cases, respectively. The present study showed that ddPCR, a biotechnological refinement of conventional PCR, is by far the most sensitive and accurate assay for BPV detection. Therefore, ddPCR displayed diagnostic and epidemiological value resulting in the identification of otherwise undetectable BPV genotypes as well as their geographical distributions and suggesting that animal husbandry practices contribute to cross-species transmission of BPVs..
Hydroxytyrosol Effectively Improves The Quality of Pig Sperm at 17 °C
Authors: Li Dong , Zhang Wenyu , Tian Xuekai , Xiao Zitong , Zhao Xin , He Yulin , Du Renrang , Yang Gongshe , Yu Taiyong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Artificial insemination technology is the production technology used in more than 99% of the world's pig farms. As the frozen sperm damage is very serious, the preservation of pig sperm is mainly carried out at 17°C. However, the accumulation of a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the preservation process is the main reason for the deterioration of sperm quality. In our research, by adding different concentrations of hydroxytyrosol to the diluent during the storage of pig sperm at 17°C, we compared them with the traditional diluent to study the cumulative amount of ROS, the extent of membrane damage, the sperm acrosome integrity, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and other indicators to evaluate the effect of hydroxytyrosol on the changes of active oxygen species and sperm quality during storage. After we determined the optimal amount of hydroxytyrosol in the diluent, proteomics was used to monitor difference in sperm protein expression between the control group and the addition of 120 μmol/L hydroxytyrosol group (optimum concentration). Ultimately, we selected the control group and the 120 μmol/L hydroxytyrosol group to test the effect of artificial insemination.Results: The results of our research showed that during storage of pig sperm at 17 ℃, the sperm quality and antioxidant capacity of the hydroxytyrosol-treated group were significantly improved (P < 0.05). Proteomics sequencing analysis proved that the addition of hydroxytyrosol treatment group has potential value in improving sperm quality. Besides, the significant increase in sow pregnancy rate and piglet birth weight also confirmed that sperm quality during storage can be of vital importance in actual production (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Based on our results, we demonstrate that the addition of hydroxytyrosol to the diluent can improve the quality of pig sperm and the efficiency of artificial insemination.
Agency Improves Working Memory and Accelerates Visual and Attentional Processing
Authors: Loyola-Navarro Rocio , Moënne-Loccoz Cristóbal , Vergara Rodrigo , Hyafil Alexandre , Aboitiz Francisco , Maldonado Pedro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Agency, understood as the ability of an organism to control stimuli onset, modulates perceptual and attentional functions. Since stimulus encoding is an essential component of working memory (WM), we conjectured that the perceptual process's agency would positively modulate WM. To corroborate this proposition, we tested twenty-five healthy subjects in a modified-Sternberg WM task under three stimuli presentation conditions: an unpredictable presentation of encoding stimulus, a self-initiated presentation of the stimulus, and self-initiation presentation with random-delay stimulus onset. Concurrently, we recorded the subjects' electroencephalographic signals during WM encoding. We found that the self-initiated condition was associated with better WM accuracy, and earlier latencies of N100 and P200 evoked potential components representing visual and attentional processes, respectively. Our work demonstrates that agency enhances WM performance and accelerates early visual and attentional processes deployed during WM encoding. We also found that self-initiation presentation correlates with an increased attentional state compared to the other two conditions, suggesting a role for temporal stimuli predictability. Our study remarks on the relevance of agency in sensory and attentional processing for WM.
Racial Equity in the Fight Against COVID-19: A Qualitative Study Examining the Importance of Collecting Race-Based Data in the Canadian Context
Authors: Ahmed Ranie , Jamal Omer , Ishak Waleed , Nabi Kiran , Mustafa Nida 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

A failure to ensure racial equity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused Black communities in Canada to disproportionately be impacted. The aim of the current study was to determine the needs and concerns of Black communities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and to highlight the importance of collecting race-based COVID-19 data.
Methods

Six qualitative interviews were conducted with local community health centre leaders who serve a high population of racialized communities within the GTA. Content analysis was used to extract the main themes and concerns raised during the interviews.
Results

The findings from this study provide further evidence of the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on Black and other racialized communities. Difficulty self-isolating due to overcrowded housing, food insecurity, and less social support for seniors were concerns identified by community health leaders. Also, enhanced financial support for front-line workers, such as Personal Support Workers (PSWs), was an important concern raised. In order to lessen the impact of the pandemic on these communities, leaders noted the need for greater accessibility of testing centres in these areas and a greater investment in tailored health promotion approaches.
Conclusions

Overall, our findings point to the importance of collecting race-based data to ensure an equitable response to the pandemic. The current “one size fits all” response is not effective for all individuals, especially Black communities. Not all populations have access to the same resources, nor do they live in the same conditions [1]. A deeper consideration of the social determinants of health are needed when implementing COVID-19 policies and responses. Also, a lack of attention to Black communities only continues to perpetuate the underestimated issue of anti-black racism prevalent in Canada.
Through Bonds or Contacts? Mapping Protein Vibrational
Energy Transfer Using Non-canonical Amino Acids.
Authors: Bredenbeck Jens , Deniz Erhan , Valiño-Borau Luis , Löffler Jan , Eberl Katharina , Gulzar Adnan , Wolf Steffen , Durkin Patrick , Kaml Robert , Nediljko Budisa , Stock Gerhard 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Vibrational energy transfer (VET) is essential for protein function. It is responsible for the efficient dissipation of excess energy after enzymatic reactions and photochemical processes, and has been linked to pathways of allosteric signal transduction. While it is understood that VET occurs via the backbone as well as via non-covalent contacts, little is known about the competition of these two transport channels, which determines the pathways of VET. To tackle this problem, we equipped the β-hairpin fold of a tryptophan zipper with pairs of non-canonical amino acids, one serving as a VET injector and one as a VET sensor in a femtosecond pump probe experiment. This is accompanied by extensive non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations combined with a master equation analysis to unravel the VET pathways. The joint experimental/computational endeavor reveals the efficiency of backbone vs. contact transport, showing that even if cutting short backbone stretches of only 3 to 4 amino acids in a protein, hydrogen bonds are the dominant VET pathway.
Service Efficiency of Nursing Homes Based on DEA and Tobit Model: a Longitudinal Study in China
Authors: Zhang Liangwen , Han Ying , Fang Ya 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Low utilization of care resources in China continues to be a challenging problem even though the rapid development of pension services. However, few studies have explored the utilization of care services with either the production of nursing homes at a national and longitudinal level. Methods: The present study analyzes the spatio-temporal distribution of TE and productivity of nursing homes by using the data from China Civil Affairs statistical yearbook (2012-2016). Analysis was conducted based on the Data Envelopment Analysis and Tobit model, which have been widely applied to integrate several quality measures as a comprehensive benchmark. Results: The average TE, PTE and SE of nursing homes were 0.909. 0.928 and 0.979 from 2012 to 2016, respectively. The TE and SE decreased from 2012 to 2014, but improved after 2014. TE is 0.98 in the Eastern region, 0.93 of that in the Central region and 0.91 of that in the Western region, with a decrease range of 2%, 7% and 9%, respectively. The average improvement range of the five input indexes of the non-DEA effective nursing homes was 27.26%, 20.62%, 19.77%, 22.04%, and 38.84%, respectively. The influencing factors of efficiency value of nursing homes indicated that if there are more social workers, more patients in the nursing homes, and more employees who are aged 56 and above, the TE and productivity of nursing homes will be higher.Conclusion: We find that TE of nursing homes in Western regions are all at the lowest, as the current facilities can neither provide equitable nor optimal access and utilization. The decline of the efficiency and productivity before the healthcare reform implementation in 2014 was significant, where the influencing factors could be age and gender of employees, the number of social workers, and older people. Finally, suggestions are put forward for improving the efficiency of allocation and utilization of care services.
Factors predisposing women and children to indoor air pollution in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya
Authors: Dida Gabriel O , Lutta Patrick O , Abuom Paul O. , Mestrovic Tomislav , Anyona Douglas N. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background

Indoor air pollution (IAP) is an increasing public health hazard in developing countries. Although fuelwood and kerosene are still heavily relied on as energy sources among households in the Sub-Saharan Africa, little information is available concerning the predisposing factors. The aim of this study was to establish the factors predisposing women and children to IAP and their health outcomes among residents of Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, a structured questionnaire was used to collect information on effects of IAP from 252 women respondents drawn from 14 villages. Households were the sampling units and the woman of the household with/or in custody of a child aged less than 5 years old selected as respondents.
Results

Mean age of respondents was 36.49 years, (95% CI [35.5, 37.5]), with most (81.3%) being able to read. Most (64.5%) houses were semi permanent, and in good condition. Up to 58.6% of households had average kitchen size of approximately 5.6 m2, with most (84.5%) kitchens being located in separate building from main house. Majority the women (92.0%) and children (95.4%) had coughs of varying intensities during the year, while 31.5% of the women reported wheezing, and 98% experienced headaches. Wood and kerosene were the most preferred fuel types for cooking (96.8%) and lighting (97.4%), respectively. Smoke from the wood was identified as the dominant (96.8%) source of IAP. Education level, occupation, and family income were significantly associated with presence of eave spaces (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, the indoor concentration was negatively associated with ventilation, education and semi-permanent buildings.
Conclusions

Supporting the impoverished households and increasing their level of awareness on health-effects of IAP occasioned by use of biomass fuel while cooking indoors may be the first step in implementing a programme aimed at reducing exposure among rural households in Trans Nzoia County.
The expansion of activated naive DNA autoreactive B Cells and its association with disease activity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients
Authors: Wangriatisak Kittikorn , Thanadetsuntorn Chokchai , Krittayapoositpot Thamonwan , Leepiyasakulchai Chaniya , Suangtamai Thanitta , Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Khowawisetsut Ladawan , Khaenam Prasong , Setthaudom Chavachol , Pisitkun Prapaporn , chootong Patchanee 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Autoreactive B cells are well recognized as key participants in the pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). However, elucidating the particular subset of B cells in producing anti-dsDNA antibodies is limited due to their B cell heterogeneity. This study aimed to identify B cell subpopulations that display autoreactivity to DNA and contribute to lupus pathogenesis.
Methods
Flow cytometry was used to detect total B cell subsets (n = 20) and DNA autoreactive B cells (n = 15) in SLE patients' peripheral blood. Clinical disease activities were assessed in SLE patients using modified SLEDAI-2K and used for correlation analyses with expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells.
Results
The increases of circulating double negative 2 (DN2) and activated naïve (aNAV) B cells were significantly observed in SLE patients. Expanded B cell subsets and DNA autoreactive B cells represented a high proportion of aNAV B cells with overexpression of CD69 and CD86. The frequencies of aNAV B cells in total B cell populations were significantly correlated with modified SLEDAI-2K scores. Further analysis showed that expansion of aNAV DNA autoreactive B cells was more related to disease activity and serum anti-dsDNA antibody levels than to total aNAV B cells.
Conclusion
Our study demonstrated an expansion of aNAV B cells in SLE patients. The association between the frequency of aNAV B cells and disease activity patients suggested that these expanded B cells may play a role in SLE pathogenesis. Thus, aNAV B cells may provide a candidate biomarker for monitoring disease activity in these patients.
Exploring the historical distribution of Dracaena cinnabari using ethnobotanical knowledge on Socotra Island, Yemen
Authors: Al-Okaishi Abdulraqeb Shamsan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn this study, we present and analyze toponyms referring to Socotra Island’s endemic dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) in four areas of the Socotra Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage site (Republic of Yemen). The motivation is understanding of the past distribution of D. cinnabari trees which is an important part of conservation efforts by using ethnobotanical data. We assumed that dragon’s blood trees had a wider distribution on Socotra Island in the past. MethodsThis research was based on field surveys and interviews with the indigenous people. The place names (toponyms) were recorded in both, Arabic and indigenous Socotri language. We grouped all toponyms into five different categories according to the main descriptor: Terrain, Human, Plant, Water and NA (unknown). In addition, this study identified current and historical Arabic names of dragon’s blood trees of the genus Dracaena, through literature review. ResultsA total of 301 toponyms were recorded from the four study areas in Socotra Island. Among names related to plants, we could attribute toponyms to nine different plant species, of which six names referred to the D. cinnabari tree, representing 14.63% of total phytotoponyms in the category. Three historical naming periods prior to 2000 could be identified. The most commonly used Arabic name for dragon’s blood trees (D. cinnabari, D. serrulata. D. ombet) appears to be “ahrieb” "إعريهب", its resin “dum al-akhawin” “دم الأخوين”, while derived (mixed-cooked) products are called “edah” “إيدع”; while regionally different names can be found.ConclusionThe place names that refer to D. cinnabari are herein suggested to represent remnant areas of once large populations. The toponyms may therefore support known hypotheses based on climate models that D. cinnabari had a wider distribution on Socotra Island in the past. This study also confirmed the historical importance of dragon’s blood
OTULIN is a New Target for EA Treatment in Alleviating Brain Injury and The Activation of Glial Cells By Depressing NF-κB Signalling Pathway in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Rats
Authors: Xu Hongbei , Wang You , Luo Yong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Objective: Ovarian tumour domain deubiquitinase with linear linkage specificity (OTULIN), a potent negative regulator of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway, exerted strong neuroprotective role following acute ischemic stroke. Electroacupuncture (EA) is an effective adjuvant treatment for reducing brain injury and neuroinflammtion through inhibiting the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, while the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated whether OTULIN was necessary for EA to mitigate brain injury and the activation of glial cells, following by a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model in rats.Methods: Acute ischaemic stroke model was established by performing tMCAO surgery in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. EA was performed once daily at “Baihui (GV 20)”, “Hegu (LI 4)”, and “Taichong (LR 3)” acupoints. EA’s effect on the spatiotemporal expression of OTULIN in the ischaemic penumbra of cerebral cortex was detected within 7 d after reperfusion. Following gene interference to silence OTULIN expression, the effects of OTULIN on EA neurological deficits, cerebral infarct volume, neuronal damage, the activation of microglia and astrocytes, the contents of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the expression of p-IκBa, IκBa and nucleus/cytoplasm NF-κB p65 protein were assessed. Results: EA treatment increased endogenous OTULIN expression, with a peak at 48 h. Enhanced OTULIN was mainly located in neurons, and little OTULIN was detected in microglia as well. OTULIN silencing obviously reversed EA neuroprotection as demonstrated by worsened neurobehavioural performance, cerebral infarct volume and neuronal injury. Besides, the inhibitory effect of EA on NF-κB pathway was also attenuated by enhanced IκBα phosphorylation and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, EA partly inhibited the transformation of microglia and astrocytes to from resting states to activated states, and reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, but this preventive effects were reversed after silencing OTULIN expression. Conclusions: OTULIN provides a new potential therapeutic target for EA to alleviate acute ischaemic stroke induced brain injury and the activation of glial cells, which is related to depression of NF-κB signalling pathway.
Evaluation of Spontaneous Swallow Frequency in Healthy People and Those With, or at Risk of Developing, Dysphagia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Authors: Bulmer Joseph M , Ewers Caroline , Drinnan Michael J , Ewan Victoria C 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundDysphagia is a common, and frequently undetected, complication of many neurological disorders and of sarcopoenia in ageing persons. However it is difficult to detect dysphagia clinically until the point of visible aspiration, and there are relatively few trained speech and language therapists, whose time and remit are limited to those with obvious disorders. Reduction in spontaneous swallowing frequency (SSF) has been mooted as a possible proxy for dysphagia. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the literature to describe SSF in both the healthy population, and in disease specific populations, in order to assess its utility as a screening tool to identify dysphagia.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Metadata were extracted, collated, and analysed via a random effects model to give quantitative insight.ResultsThree hundred and twelve articles were retrieved, with 19 meeting inclusion and quality criteria. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I2 = 98%), in part, due to the variety of methods for swallow identification reported. The mean SSF in Healthy younger groups was 0.98/min [CI: 0.78; 1.23]. In the Parkinson’s groups mean SSF was 0.59/min [0.41; 0.85]. Mean SSF in Healthy older, Higher risk and Dysphagic populations were similar (0.21/min [0.12; 0.37], 0.26/min [0.14; 0.85]), (0.27/min [0.17; 0.43] respectively).ConclusionsSSF is a novel, non-invasive clinical variable which warrants further explorations as to its potential to identify persons at risk of dysphagia. Larger, well-conducted studies are needed to develop objective, standardised methods for detecting SSF, and develop normative values in healthy populations.
Design of Telescopic Nadir Imager for Geomorphology (TENGOO) and Observation of Surface Reflectance by Optical Chromatic Imager (OROCHI) for the Martian Moons Exploration (MMX)
Authors: Kameda Shingo , Ozaki Masanobu , Enya Keigo , Fuse Ryota , Kouyama Toru , Sakatani Naoya , Suzuki Hidehiko , Osada Naoya , Kato Hiroki , Miyamoto Hideaki , Yamazaki Atsushi , Nakamura Tomoki , Okamoto Takaya , Ishimaru Takahiro , Hong Peng , Ishibashi Ko , Takashima Takeshi , Ishigami Ryoya , Kuo Cheng Ling , Abe Shinsuke , Goda Yuya , Murao Hajime , Fujishima Saori , Aoyama Tsubasa , Hagiwara Keiji , Mizumoto Satoko , Tanaka Noriko , Murakami Kousuke , Matsumoto Miho , Tanaka Kenji , Sakuta Hironobu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The JAXA’s Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission is planned to reveal the origin of Phobos and Deimos. Both moons will be observed by remote sensing. Sample return from Phobos will be performed. The nominal instruments were selected, including the telescopic nadir imager for geomorphology (TENGOO) and optical radiometer composed of chromatic imagers (OROCHI). The scientific objective of TENGOO is to obtain the geomorphological features of Phobos and Deimos. The spatial resolution of TENGOO is 0.3 m at an altitude of 25 km in the quasi-satellite orbit. The scientific objective of OROCHI is to obtain material distribution using spectral mapping. OROCHI is composed of seven wide-angle bandpass imagers without a filter wheel and one monochromatic imager dedicated to the observation during the landing phase. Using these two instruments, we plan to select landing sites and obtain information that supports the analysis of return samples.
Objective and subjective outcomes following external dacryocystorhinostomy and inferior tear duct stenting in patients with acquired lacrimal drainage system obstruction
Authors: Prinz Julia , Plange Niklas , Kuerten David , Schellhase Hannah , Koutsonas Antonis , Walter Peter , Fuest Matthias 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.