bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histopathological Biomarkers as Indicators of the Environmental Quality of Two Estuaries in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: SANTOS ITALA Gabriela Sobral , Lira Alex Souza , Montes Carolina da Silva , Frédou Flávia Lucena , Rocha Rossineide Martins 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The present study aimed at evaluating the environment quality of the Santa Cruz Channel estuary (area 1) and Sirinhaém river estuary (area 2), Northeastern Brazil, using histopathological biomarkers of liver and gills of fish species with different trophic levels as indicators. It was collected liver and gills from five species: Bairdiella ronchus (n=24) and Gobionellus stomatus (n=34) in the area 1; Caranx latus (n=35), Centropomus undecimalis (n=24) and Centropomus parallelus (n=29) from area 2. The liver showed several damages, such as, hepatic steatosis, necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, and infiltration. Centropomus undecimalis had the highest Histopathological Index of Liver (HIL). Gills exhibited moderate to severe alterations for all species, such as the lifting of epithelial cells, lamellar aneurysm, and rupture of the lamellar epithelium. Centropomus undecimalis in area 2 and G. stomatus in area 1 had the higher number of alterations in their organs. Both areas have been historically affected by mercury (Hg) pollution in área 1 and by the sugarcane industry in area 2 and the species used as biomarkers has been proven to be severely damaged in both estuaries. Species chosen in this study were considered good bioindicators of pollution and the combination of biomarkers methodologies in two organs, pioneering in the Northeastern of Brazil, was efficient in diagnosing the health status of the area using fish as bioindicator.
Considering Sex and Gender in Epidemiology: a Challenge Beyond Terminology – Methodological Research
Authors: Colineaux Helene , Soulier Alexandra , Lepage Benoit , Kelly-Irving Michelle 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
BackgroundEpidemiologists need tools to measure effects of gender, a complex concept originating in the humanities and social sciences which is not easily operationalized in the discipline. MethodsWe conducted a conceptual analysis and applied causal and mediation analysis methodology to standard questions in order to propose a methodologically appropriate strategy for measuring sex and gender effects in health.ResultsWe define gender as a set of norms prescribed to individuals according to their attributed-at-birth sex. Gender pressure creates a systemic gap, at population level, in behaviors, activities, experiences, etc. between men and women. A pragmatic individual measure of gender would correspond to the level at which an individual complies with a set of elements constituting femininity or masculinity in a given population, place and time. However, defining and measuring gender is not sufficient to isolate the effects of sex and gender on a health outcome. We should also think in terms of pathways to define appropriate analysis strategies. Gender could also be examined as a mechanism rather than through its realization in the individual, by considering it as an interaction between sex and environment. ConclusionsBoth analytical strategies have limitations relative to the impossibility of reducing a complex concept to a single or a few measures, and of capturing the entire effect of the phenomenon. However, these strategies could lead to more accurate and rigorous analyses of the mechanisms underlying health differences between men and women, and ultimately limit the sex and/or gender bias encountered in epidemiological and clinical research studies.
Synthesis, Composition and Structure of Complexes of Dialyzed Collagen With CuSO4
Authors: Rafikov Adham , Sadikova Dildora , Tursunkulov Oybek , Zubaydullaeva Malika 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Coordination complexes of collagen with copper (II) sulfate were synthesized at different ratios of the starting materials. For the synthesis, a collagen solution was used, isolated from the skin of cattle, and then freed from electrolytes by dialysis. With an increase in the salt content, the yield of the reaction product increases. The composition and structure of the complex were determined by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, X-ray phase analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The complex is formed due to the coordination interaction of with the nitrogen and oxygen atom of collagen and water. An inadequate change in the composition of the complexes with a change in the initial ratio of the components was found. With an excess of collagen, some of it does not bind into a complex and precipitates. With an excess of salt, almost all of the collagen is bound into a complex and a rhombic single crystal is formed. The composition of the complex changes not due to a change in the coordination number , but due to an increase in the amount of these ions. An X-ray phase analysis of the starting materials and complexes has been carried out. The correspondence of the parameters of the crystal structure in the X-ray spectra of the complexes was found for a wide ratio of the starting materials. The synthesized complexes have been successfully used for dyeing textile materials.
Mental Health and Self-Determination Profiles of the Diverse Population of Medical Students in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cockburn Jessica , Tan Chee Yang , Poh Dawn Celine Siaw Chern , Tan Ding Jun , Foong Chan Choong , Hong Wei-Han 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Medical schools throughout the world were forced to modify their programming during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Malaysia, virtual learning plans were implemented for non-clinical programming, while clinical posting modifications were designed to meet local SOPs. The prolonged enforcement of these modifications to undergraduate medical education will have affected student experiences, including well-being. Since these feelings can relate to perceived relatedness, autonomy, and competence, it is important to identify any potential factors that may lead to reduced intrinsic motivation in students. It is also important to consider how demographic features may contribute to student perspectives, which can be studied using the unique diversity represented by Malaysian students.Methods: A quantitative survey was distributed to Malaysian medical students to assess their overall wellbeing, autonomy in educational decision making, student experiences, and position on changes to graduation timing. Intrinsic components were identified using Principal Component Analysis and were aligned with the three needs for self-determination, namely relatedness, autonomy, and competence. Finally, trends in responses for participants from various sub-populations were assessed using ANOVA testing. Results: Responses were collected from 442 students representing 23 accredited Malaysian medical schools. Upon validation and reliability testing, eight components were identified with themes relating to: mental health, social concerns, communication, timing of modifications, depth of learning, and student-centred learning. Of these, gender was related to mental health, student-centred learning, and delayed graduation, while stage was related to student-centred learning and delayed graduation in addition to concerns about depth of learning and timing of modifications. Interestingly, ethnicity was related to differences in opinions about delayed graduation and income was related to social concerns. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that, while students were satisfied in general with the content and delivery of their programmes given the circumstances, there is evidence to suggest negative effects on emotional wellbeing, expression of student voice, due to the modifications that were made. Additionally, these feelings related to the three motivational needs, suggesting that students were experiencing a dampened motivational profile during the pandemic. Further, motivational profiles were distinct between student sub-groups, providing insight for developing appropriate and inclusive accommodations moving forward.
Mechanism of replication fork reversal and protection by human RAD51 and RAD51 paralogs
Authors: Cejka Petr , Halder Swagata , Sanchez Aurore , Ranjha Lepakshi , Taglialatela Angelo , Reginato Giordano , Ceppi Ilaria , Acharya Ananya , Anand Roopesh , Ciccia Alberto 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
SMARCAL1, ZRANB3 and HLTF are all required for the remodeling of replication forks upon stress. Using reconstituted reactions, we show that the motor proteins have unequal biochemical capacities, explaining why they have non-redundant functions. Whereas SMARCAL1 uniquely anneals RPA-coated ssDNA, suggesting an initial function in fork reversal, it becomes comparatively inefficient in subsequent branch migration. We also show that low concentrations of RAD51 and the RAD51 paralog complex, RAD51B-RAD51C-RAD51D-XRCC2 (BCDX2), directly stimulate SMARCAL1 and ZRANB3 but not HLTF, providing a mechanism underlying previous cellular data implicating these factors in fork reversal. Upon reversal, RAD51 protects replication forks from degradation by MRE11, DNA2 and EXO1 nucleases. We show that the protective function of RAD51 unexpectedly depends on its binding to double-stranded DNA, and higher RAD51 concentrations are required for DNA protection compared to reversal. Together, we define the non-canonical functions of RAD51 and its paralogs in replication fork reversal and protection.
Identification of Molecular Biomarkers Associated with Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) Using Whole-Exome Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Singh Varsha , Katiyar Amit , Malik Prabhat , Kumar Sunil , Mohan Anant , Singh Harpreet , Jain Deepali 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Significant advancement has been made in the treatment of patients with on the basis of the molecular profile. However, no such molecular target exists for squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC). Whole-exome sequencing (WES) has been in wide use for the discovery of new genetic pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ADCA) markers, which may offer more information for the development of personalized medicine for all subtypes of lung cancer. The aim of the current study is to find out novel genetic markers for non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). WES of 19 advanced NSCLC patients (10 ADCA and 9 SQCC) was done on the Illumina HiSeq 2000 (Illumina Inc., USA). Variant calling was performed using GATK HaplotypeCaller and subsequent the impacts of variants on protein structure or function were predicted using SnpEff and ANNOVAR. Clinical impact of variants was evaluated using cancer-related archives. Somatic variants were further prioritized using knowledge-driven variant interpretation approach. Functionally important variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. We identified 24 rare single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) including 17 non-synonymous SNVs, and 7 INDELs in 18 genes possibly linked to lung carcinoma. Sanger sequencing of 10 high confidence somatic SNVs showed 100% concordance in 7 genes, whereas 80% in the remaining 3 genes. Our bioinformatics analysis identified KCNJ18, GPRIN2, TEKT4, HRNR, FOLR3, ESSRA, CTBP2, MPRIP, TBP, and FBXO6 may contribute to progression in NSCLC and could be used as new biomarkers for the treatment. Although the mechanism of GPRIN2, KCNJ12 and TEKT4 in tumorigenesis is unclear; our results suggest that these may play a major role in NSCLC and it is worth investigating in future.
Fine Mapping and Analysis of Candidate Genes for qFT7.1, a Major Quantitative Trait Locus Controlling Flowering Time in Brassica Rapa L
Authors: Qu Gaoyang , Gao Yue , Wang Xian , Fu Wei , Sun Yunxia , Gao Xu , Wang Wei , Hao Chunming , Feng Hui , Wang Yugang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In Brassica rapa, flowering time (FT) is an important agronomic trait that affects the yield, quality, and adaption. FT a complicated trait that is regulated by many genes and is affected greatly by the environment. In this study, a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL), CSSL16, was selected that showed later flowering than the recurrent parent, rapid-cycling inbred line of B. rapa (RcBr). Using Bulked Segregant RNA sequencing, we identified a late flowering quantitative trait locus (QTL), designated as qFT7.1, on chromosome A07 based on a secondary-F2 population derived from the cross between CSSL16 and RcBr. qFT7.1 was further validated by conventional QTL mapping. This QTL explained 39.9% (logarithm of odds = 32.2) of the phenotypic variations and was fine mapped to a 56.4-kb interval using recombinant analysis. Expression analysis suggests that BraA07g018240.3C, which is homologous with ATC (encoding Arabidopsis thaliana CENTRORADIALIS homologue), a gene for delayed flowering in Arabidopsis as the most promising candidate gene. Sequence analysis demonstrated that two synonymous mutations existed in the coding region and numerous bases replacements existed in promoter region between BraA07g018240.3C from CSSL16 and RcBr. The results will increase our knowledge related to the molecular mechanism of late flowering in B. rapa, and lay a solid foundation for the breeding of late bolting in B. rapa.
Overexpression of Shinorhizobium Meliloti Flavohemoglobinefficiently Improved Cell Growth and Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Oleaginous Fungus Mucor Circinelloides
Authors: Zhang Huaiyuan , Kang Xinxin , Wang Ruixue , Xin Feifei , Chang Yufei , Zhang Yingtong , Song Yuanda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Oxygen availability is a limiting factor for lipid biosynthesis in eukaryotic microorganisms. Two bacterial hemoglobins from Vitreoscilla sp. (VHb) and Shinorhizobium meliloti (SHb), which could deliver the oxygen to the respiratory chain to produce more ATP, were introduced into Mucor circinelloides to alleviate oxygen limitation, thereby improving cell growth and fatty acid production. VHb and SHb genes were integrated into the M. circinelloides MU402 genome through homologous recombination, and their protein expression was verified by carbon monoxide difference spectrum (CO-difference spectrum)analysis. SHb-expressing strain showed higher biomass than VHb-expressing strain. The biomass of the SHb-expressing strain was increased by about 50% and the total fatty acid (TFA) content was as high as 15.7% of the dry cell weight which was about 40% higher than that of the control strain in flask conditions. In the fermenter, the maximum biomass and TFA content was obtained in SHb-expressing strains, with the biomass being 12.1 g/L and the TFA being 21.1% of the dry cell weight. VHb and SHb expression also affected the fatty acid composition with the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids being increased. Over-expression of bacterial hemoglobins, especially SHb increased cell growth and TFA content in M. circinelloides at low and high aeration, suggesting that SHb is better than VHb in improving the fatty acid production in oleaginous microorganisms.
Everybody Nose: Molecular and Clinical Characteristics of Nasal Colonization During Active Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Schwarz Erika Reategui , de Guchte Adriana van , Dupper Amy C. , Caban Ana Berbel , Nadkarni Devika , Fox Lindsey , Mills Alexandra , Obla Ajay , Chacko Kieran I. , Oussenko Irina , Samaroo Flora , Polanco Jose , Silvera Richard , Smith Melissa , Patel Gopi , Gitman Melissa , Chung Marilyn , Sullivan Mitchell J. , Bakel Harm van , Altman Deena R. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background. Healthcare-associated infections pose a potentially fatal threat to patients worldwide and Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections. S. aureus is a common commensal pathogen and a frequent cause of bacteremia, with studies demonstrating that nasal and blood isolates from single patients match more than 80% of the time. Here we report on a contemporary collection of colonizing isolates from those with methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections to evaluate the diversity within hosts, and detail the clinical features associated with concomitant nasal colonization.Methods. Swabs of the bilateral anterior nares were obtained from patients diagnosed with MRSA bacteremia. A single colony culture from the blood and an average of 6 colonies from the nares were evaluated for MRSA growth. For the nares cultures, we typed multiple isolates for staphylococcal protein A (spa) and derived the clonal complexes. Demographic and clinical data were obtained retrospectively from the electronic medical record system and analysed using univariate and multivariable regression models.Results. Over an 11-month period, 68 patients were diagnosed with MRSA bloodstream infection, 53 were swabbed, and 37 (70%) were colonized with MRSA in the anterior nares. We performed molecular typing on 210 nasal colonies. Spa types and clonal complexes found in the blood were also detected in the nares in 95% of the cases. We also found that 11% of patients carried more than one clone of MRSA in the nares. Male sex and history of prior hospitalization within the past 90 days increased odds for MRSA colonization. Conclusion. The molecular epidemiological landscape of colonization in the setting of invasive disease is diverse and defining the interplay between colonization and invasive disease is critical to combating invasive MRSA disease.
Eye Movement Abnormalities in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Guo Xintong , Liu Xiaoxuan , Ye Shan , Liu Xiangyi , Yang Xu , Fan Dongsheng 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background and Purpose
It is generally believed that eye movements are completely spared in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although a series of eye movement abnormalities has been recognized in recent years, the findings are highly controversial, and the corresponding pattern has not yet been established. Furthermore, bulbar disabilities should be considered in relation to eye movement abnormalities. The present study aimed to determine whether eye movement abnormalities are present in ALS and, if so, to investigate their characteristics and their association with bulbar disability in ALS patients.
Methods
Patients with clinically definite, probable or laboratory-supported probable ALS (n=60) and a control group composed of their caregivers (n=30) underwent clinical assessments and standardized evaluations of the oculomotor system using videonystagmography. The gaze test, reflexive saccade test and smooth pursuit test were administered to all subjects.
Results
Eye movement abnormalities such as square-wave jerks, abnormal cogwheeling during smooth pursuit, and saccade hypometria were observed in ALS patients. Square-wave jerks (p<0.001) and abnormal cogwheeling during smooth pursuit (p=0.001) were more frequently observed in ALS patients than in the control subjects. In subgroup analyses, square-wave jerks (p=0.004) and abnormal cogwheeling during smooth pursuit (p=0.031) were found to be more common in ALS patients with bulbar involvement (n=44) than in those without bulbar involvement (n=16). There were no significant differences in the investigated eye movement parameters between bulbar-onset (n=12) and spinal-onset patients (n=48).
Conclusion
ALS patients showed a range of eye movement abnormalities, affecting mainly the ocular fixation and smooth pursuit systems. These abnormalities were observed more common in the ALS patients with bulbar involvement. Our pioneering study indicates that the region of involvement could better indicate the pathophysiological essence of the abnormalities than the type of onset pattern in ALS. Eye movement abnormalities may be potential clinical markers for objectively evaluating upper brainstem or supratentorial cerebral lesion neurodegeneration in ALS.
Experiences and Factors Affecting Using WeChat among Urban Empty-Nesters: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Yang Yuting , Yao Miao , Yang Yongwei , Lin Ting 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

In an era where population aging and social information are intertwined, the elderly need to learn to use electronic products, but due to aging and other reasons, the process of learning to use it is not easier than that of young people. The elderly, especially the empty-nesters whose children are not around, need to adapt to using electronic products in their daily lives.
Objective

To explore the experiences of using WeChat for the urban empty-nesters.
Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was used in this study. A total of 14 registered empty-nesters who had used WeChat in Fuzhou communities were recruited via convenience and purposive sampling methods. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured, and face-to-face interviews and were analyzed according to the content analysis approach.
Results

Data analysis led to the identification of four categories and ten sub-categories including the following: (1) uncertainty about WeChat dependence (dependence or no dependence on WeChat), (2) positive experience (providing life convenience, improving spiritual life, and consciously advancing with the times), (3) negative experience (disgusting false information, disgusting negative reports), and (4) influencing using WeChat factors (Physiology, education, social support). The identification of these experiences and factors could help community workers to develop strategies to enhance older adults, especially empty-nesters’ utilization rate of electronic products such as WeChat and eventually adapt to the information society.
Conclusions

Informatization is unstoppable. Nowadays, the elderly must use electronic products, but the situations of the elderly using electronic products such as WeChat are different, and influencing factors are also different. Taking positive experiences of using WeChat as a reference promotes the elderly to participate in the information age. And taking negative experiences as a reference provides an early warning for other people using WeChat.
Identification and Validation of Key Genes in Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi by RNA Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Cheng Xialin , Dai Tao , Bao Wu , Chen Lingxi , Zhang Zexin , Jia Chiyu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMNs) are melanotic lesion present at birth, which often cause severe psychological and financial burden to patients and their families.However, the pathogenes is still unclear.
Objective
We aim to identify key genes and biological processes that related to the development of GCMN.
Methods
We sequenced ten pairs of GCMN tissues and adjacent normal tissues by high-throughput RNA-seq, then used GO and KEGG analysis to find inportment pathways, and used MCODE,Cluego and Cytohubba plugin of Cytoscape software to identify hub genes.
Results
A total of 1163 differentially expressed genes were identified. 29 BPs, 18 CCs, and 17 MFs were significantly enriched in GO analysis and no pathway was significantly enriched in KEGG analysis. PPI Visual Network consisted of 779 nodes and 2359 edges,which was be divided into 25 functional modules by MCODE. We discovered most of the hub genes were located in module 5,and the top 3 hub genes (PTGS2,EGF,SOX10) in module 5 were involved in GO and KEGG enrichment pathways --“Arachidonic acid metabolism”,”glycosaminoglycan biosynthetic process”,”developmental pigmentation” respectively.
Conclusion
PTGS2, EGF and SOX10 are thought to be the three most important hub genes and may play essential roles in the development of GCMN.