bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and experimental study of corn starch based vetiver cellulose reinforced bio-composite film for food packaging application
Authors: Arpitha G R , Verma Akarsh , Sanjay M R , Alosaimi Abeer Mohamed , Khan Anish , Hussein Mahmoud Ali , Asiri Abdullah M. , Siengchin Suchart 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Established applicability of biocomposites in the field of automotive, construction and structural industries has led to a hope to utilize them in the near future for further applications such as food packaging and lightweight coatings. Due to their global abundance, natural fibers and starch have been the most widely tested and used raw materials for use as the bio-composite reinforcements. Here in this work, composites based on corn starch (CS) and vetiver cellulose fibers (VCF) are fabricated using the solution casting method. Alpha-cellulose was synthesized from the vetiver roots post converted into nano-cellulose using the ball milling. Various compositions of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% (by weight) of this α-cellulose were introduced as the reinforcement to commercially available corn starch matrix. Tensile tests for the fabricated composites were done in accordance with the American Standard for Testing and Materials standard procedure. Crystallinity and failure morphology of the composites was studied using the X-Ray Diffraction techniques and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Water absorption capacity test, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, and determination of contact angle of the films were also done to evaluate the film properties. Results reveal that the incorporation of vetiver cellulose fiber in the starch enhances the mechanical properties of bio-composites. Also, the water absorption capacity and the contact angle decreased and increased, respectively; thereby predicting the composites application as a lightweight food packaging material.
Characteristics of Bacterioplankton community, the influencing factors and functional profiles of the Huangshui River on the ecotone zone of Qinghai Plateau and Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Wu Zhenbing , Jian Shenglong , Li Kemao , Wang Guojie , Hao Jingwen , Wang Shuyi , Lin Yaoyao , Guan Hongtao , Li Aihua 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Planktonic microorganisms play a key role in environmental and ecological processes in river ecosystems. Molecular techniques are increasingly used for biological monitoring of rivers. Here, the present study used high-throughput sequencing technology to investigate and study the bacterioplankton community of water bodies of the Huangshui River on the ecotone zone of Qinghai Plateau and Loess Plateau. The results indicated that the Huangshui River had lower alpha diversity than other plain rivers. Proteobacteria was the dominant phyla with relative abundance of 77.48%, followed by Firmicutes, Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria were significantly enriched. The predominant bacterial genera were Acidiphilium, Acidocella, Metallibacterium and Acinetobacter. Diverse taxa of potential pathogens, such as Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Aeromonas, were also been identified. The major driving factors for the bacterial community were Cr6+, altitude, and TN. PICRUSt results revealed that a substantial number of functional profiles were involved in human diseases and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, further studies were needed to isolate these potentially pathogenic organisms, as this will help protect the lives of communities using Huangshui River. The present study provided a certain theoretical basis for understanding the microbial ecology and environmental protection in the Huangshui River on the ecotone zone of Qinghai Plateau and Loess Plateau.
Impact of Vegetation Leaf Area Change on Global Terrestrial Water Storage in Recent 30 Years Based on GRACE and Reconstruction Data
Authors: Hong Tao , Kang Xianbiao , Wu Junjie , Yuan Min , Liu Yunfeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Vegetation change has an important impact on land water cycle by changing transpiration and other water exchange between land and atmosphere. Terrestrial water storage (TWS) is an important component of global water cycle and freshwater resources. However, the impact of vegetation change on terrestrial water storage under the background of global climate change is still unclear. Based on the GRACE satellite observed and GRACE-REC reconstructed global terrestrial water storage data, this study investigated the impact of global vegetation leaf area change on terrestrial water storage in recent 30 years. The results show that there is a significant positive correlation between leaf area index (LAI) and terrestrial water storage in the demand-limited region. The sensitivity of TWS on LAI change is high mainly in Australia, central and southern Africa, South Asia, Mediterranean region, western United States, southern South America and other regions with high temperature and low precipitation, and the analysis of GRACE-REC shows the sensitivity in demand-limited region has an increasing trend. Compared with climate factors such as temperature and precipitation, the TWS trend caused by LAI is nearly the same, and has the same sign (all positive or all negative) as that of originally TWS in about 63.6% global land area, and the LAI-related TWS trend is high in the region with annual average precipitation of 500-1000mm. In the six different global land cover classes, the sensitivity of TWS to the LAI change is much higher in semi-arid, grass cop, sparsely vegetated regions, and LAI plays an important role in the interannual variations of TWS in semi-arid, grass cop regions. This study emphasizes the important role of vegetation change in the land water cycle, which is of great significance to the management and utilization of water resources in the future, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions.
Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Reveals Cancer Stem Cell-Associated Metabolic Gene Signature in&nbsp;Glioma
Authors: Tang Yan , Jiang Yao , Zhang Dan , Fan Jia , Yao Juan , Zuo Zhihua , Li Yiqin , Tao Hualin , Guo Yongcan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutant glioma patients have a favorable prognosis, accompanying with metabolic alterations and glioma cell dedifferentiation. Recently, mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) characteristic relation to IDH status of gliomas has yet illuminated. Thus, we aimed to establish a cancer stem cell-associated metabolic gene signature for risk stratification of gliomas. Methods: The glioma samples came from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases. Next, we performed the differential expression analysis between IDH mutant and IDH wild-type gliomas and also conducted weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) for determining the modules associated with cancer stem cell trait. Subsequently, multivariate Cox regression analysis with the Akaike information criterion (AIC) algorithm was employed to establish a stemness-related metabolic gene signature, which was validated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and concordance index (C-index). Also, we developed a nomogram based on clinical traits and prognostic model. Additionally, according to the results of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, the protein levels of gene signature were consistent with the genes expression’s direction.Results: Low expression of mRNAsi was capable of predicting the unfavourable OS of gliomas with a 5-year survival rate of 14.08%. The blue module and its 1466 genes were pertinent to mRNAsi characteristic. Next, Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves revealed that cancer stem cell-associated metabolic genes exerted impact on gliomas’ prognosis. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were implemented, and gene signature (LCAT, UST, GALNT13, and SMPD3) was constructed, with C-index of 0.798 (95%CI: 0.769-0.827). Notably, the prognostic model presented a superior predictive value for gliomas’ survival, with the area under the curve (AUC) of ROC curves at 1-year, 3-year as well as 5-year time-point of 0.845, 0.85 and 0.811, respectively. And forest plot uncovered its role as a potential independent predictor for gliomas (HR=2.840, 95%CI: 1.961-4.113, P <0.001). Nomogram also presented superior predictive performance for gliomas’ OS. Conclusion: The gene signature (LCAT, UST, GALNT13, and SMPD3) can be used for risk stratification and also can serve as an independent prognostic factor of glioma patients.
QTL Mapping for Adult Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in Wheat line "Guixie 3"
Authors: CHENG Bin , GAO Xu , CAO Ning , DING Yanqing , CHEN Tianqing , ZHOU Qiang , GAO Yu , XIN Zhihai , Zhang Liyi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Development of cultivars with multiple resistances has proven to be an effective way to prevent diseases in wheat breeding. The Guixie 3 variety (GX3) has shown excellent performance in resistance to stripe rust in field for many years. The purpose of this study was to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to stripe rust in the adult plant stage and determine closely linked molecular markers. A population of recombinant inbred lines (n=228) was derived from a cross between the susceptible landrace Mian 96-5 (M96-5) and GX3 variety and evaluated in multiple field studies to elucidate genetic resistance by identifying QTL specifically for stripe rust resistance. A total of 19 QTL located on 12 chromosomes showed resistance to wheat stripe rust when studying phenotypic data from multiple field tests over the course of six years. These chromosomes included 1B (2), 1D (2), 2A (2), 2B (2), 2D (1), 4B (2), 4D (1), 5A (3), 5B (1), 6A (1), 6B (1), and 7B (1). Two stable QTL on chromosomes 2AS (Qyr.gaas.2AS) and 6AS (Qyr.gaas.6AS) were detected in six and five different environments, respectively; both QTL were derived from the GX3 variety. Qyr.gaas.2AS was found to be crucial for increasing adult plant resistance, which may explain the large phenotypic variation of 45.52%. Our results provide theoretical and molecular insight for wheat breeding and suggest the cloning of genes associated with the GX3 variety may be beneficial in future studies.
Age-depended Selection of Chloroquine-sensitive&nbsp;Plasmodium Falciparum&nbsp;in Some part of Central Region of Ghana
Authors: Asare Kwame Kumi , Afrifa Justice , Yeboah Kwaku Opoku 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction The return of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum in sub-Saharan Africa countries offers the opportunity for reintroduction of chloroquine either in combination with other drugs or as a single therapy for the management of malaria. The reintroduction of chloroquine can serve as a stopgap to salvage the impending danger of complete failure of malaria treatment due to artemisinin drug resistance. Further, chloroquine reintroduction requires the understanding of the underlying factors that influence the reemergence of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum in the endemic areas. This study assesses the effects of age on the pattern for selection of CQ sensitive P. falciparum markers in the Central Region of Ghana Methodology Genomic DNA was extracted from an archived filter paper blood blot from Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin Foso and Twifo Praso using Chelex DNA extraction method. The age information to each extracted sample was collected. The prevalence of chloroquine-sensitive genotyping of Pfcrt K76 and Pfmdr1 N86 was assessed using nested PCR and RFLP. Results The overall prevalence of CQ sensitive P. falciparum marker (Pfcrt K76) at Central Region of Ghana was 66.36%, whereas the prevalence of Pfcrt K76 at Cape Coast, Assin Foso, Twifo Praso and Elmina were 71.74%, 65.22%, 66.67% and 61.54% respectively. The prevalence of Pfcrt K76 among the age categories showed that 0-5 years category predominantly selects CQ sensitive Pfcrt K76 marker at Cape Coast (34.76%), Assin Foso (37.68%) and Twifo Praso (39.98%). In the case of Pfmdr1 N86, the total prevalence was 84.11% with Cape Coast having 64%, Elmina with 92.26%, Assin Foso with 88.39% and Twifo Praso with 89.91% There was strong correlation of reemergence of chloroquine-sensitive malaria parasites between Cape Coast and Assin Foso, (r=0.8568, p=0.0318) Cape Coast and Twifo Praso (r=0.8671, p=0.0285) and Assin Foso and Twifo Praso, (r=0.9913, p=0.0005). Conclusion The study showed that the selection and expansion of chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum are influenced by age and geographical area. This finding has a significant implication for the future treatment, management and control of P. falciparum malaria.
Conversion of PP, HDPE and LDPE Plastics Into Liquid Fuels and Chemical Precursors by Thermal Cracking
Authors: Lamar Yuliana Rodriguez , Noboa José , Miranda Andrés S. Torres , Streitwieser Daniela Almeida 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The inappropriate disposal of plastic waste cause serious environmental problems. Nowadays, alternative processes are being studied for the sustainable reutilization of plastics. One of these options is the cracking into shorter liquid hydrocarbon fractions, while maintaining its basic chemical structure. The energetic potential from the original plastics structure remains and the fractions can be used as fuels and chemical precursors. This research addresses the kinetic study of thermal cracking of polypropylene (PP) and high- and low-density polyethylene (HDPE and LDPE) in a batch reactor. The kinetics of the reaction can be described as a first-order rate with the lowest activation energy using PP, followed by HDPE and LDPE with values of 367.28 kJ/mol, 453.37 kJ/mol and 457.96 kJ/mol, respectively. The yield obtained for the liquid fraction is highest for LDPE, with a value of 72% at 390°C, followed by HDPE and LDPE with 69% and 62% at 375°C. The liquid fractions obtained from the process were characterized according to ASTM standards, obtaining that LDPE and HDPE fractions have similar properties to diesel, while PP is closer to gasoline. The fractions were also analyzed by means of gas chromatography identifying the main products of the reaction and establishing a possible reaction mechanism.
Molecular Characterization of a Novel Fusarivirus Infecting the Plant-pathogenic Fungus Alternaria Solani
Authors: Gong Jie Wei , Liu Hong , Zhu Fei Xiao , Zhao Yun Shi , Cheng Le Jia , Zhu jian Hong , Zhong Jie , Zhou Qian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A novel mycovirus belonging to the proposed family "Fusariviridae" was discovered in Alternaria Solani by sequencing a double-stranded RNA extracted from this phytopathogenic fungus. The virus was tentatively named “Alternaria solani fusarivirus 1” (AsFV1). AsFV1 has a single-stranded positive-sense (+ssRNA) genome of 6,845 nucleotides containing three open reading frames (ORFs) and a poly(A) tail. The largest ORF, ORF1 encodes a large polypeptide of 1,556 amino acids (aa) with conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and helicase domains. The ORF2 and ORF3 have overlapping regions, encoding a putative protein of 522 amino acids (aa) and a putative protein of 105 amino acids (aa) respectively, for which function is unknown now. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic analysis revealed AsFV1 belonging to Fusariviridae. This is the first report of the full-length nucleotide sequence of a fusarivirus infected with Alternaria solani.
Radiological Assessment of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Females, Using Standard and Spectral Mammography
Authors: Steinhof-Radwańska Katarzyna , Grazynska Anna , Lorek Andrzej , Gutkowska Anna Barczyk , Chrascina Joanna Szczudlo , Bobola Agnieszka , Okas Karolina , Lelek Zuzanna , Morawska Irmina , Urbas Weronika , Gisterek Iwona 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Morphological assessment and measurement of the residual mass of the breast tumour following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is the key to successful surgical treatment. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficiency of contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) and conventional mammography (MMG) in detecting CR (complete response) following NACT, as well as to compare the efficiency of conventional mammography and contrast-enhanced spectral mammography is assessing the therapeutic response to NACT in breast cancer patients.Methods A retrospective analysis included 63 breast cancer subjects who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the years 2016-2019. The inclusion criteria for the study included diagnosed breast cancer based on a core needle biopsy, a complete set of imaging examinations before the procedure consisted of digital mammography, contrast-enhanced spectral mammography and surgery performed before and after completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results The average size of the tumours prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy amounted to 34.37 mm for MMG and 34.34 mm for CESM, as well as 17.61 mm for MMG and 8.48 mm for CESM following NACT. The average size of the lesions in histopathological examination was 11.06 mm. Spearman’s analysis revealed a high level of correlation (R=0.89, p<0.01) upon comparing the maximum tumour dimensions prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy on MMG and CESM, and a moderate level of correlation (R=0.57, p<0.01) upon comparing the maximum tumour dimensions post-NACT on MMG and CESM. While comparing the measurements of the maximum dimensions on MMG and CESM following NACT, with the maximum dimensions in histopathological examination, we can observe a low level of correlation for MMG (R=0.26, p<0.04) and a high level of correlation for CESM (R=0.67, p<0.01). The sensitivity of MMG in forecasting CR amounted to 33.33% and its specificity to 92.86%, whereas the same parameters for CESM were 85.71% and 71.42% respectively.Conclusions CESM demonstrates significantly higher sensitivity than MMG in forecasting CR in female patients receiving NACT due to breast cancer. CESM correlates well with the size of residual lesions in histopathological examination. However, it tends to underestimate the tumour size. In the assessment of post-NACT residual lesions, conventional mammography is an insufficient diagnostic tool.
Renal Resistive Index in Patients with Septic Shock: Changes in the Renal Resistive Index as a Parameter of Tissue Perfusion in the Assessment of Response to Treatment during Resuscitation of Patients with Septic Shock; a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Aminiahidashti Hamed , Sazgar Mohammad , Jahanian Fatemeh , Niksalehi Soroush , Golikhatir Iraj 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSeptic shock, a complication characterized by altered tissue perfusion, is associated with high mortality if left untreated. Renal resistive index (RRI) reflects changes in intrarenal perfusion. Therefore, the present study aimed at investigating changes in RRI during resuscitation of patients with septic shock and evaluating its relationship with other micro- and macrociculatory perfusion parameters.MethodsThe present prospective observational study was performed on all patients referring to the emergency department intensive care unit (ED-ICU) diagnosed with septic shock from July 2018 to September 2019. Demographic characteristics of the study subjects were recorded and their hemodynamic, paraclinical, and RRI values were measured at three time points of on arrival, and 30 and 120 minutes and six hours after admission, by ultrasound.ResultsA total of 109 subjects entered data analysis; their mean age was 67.62 ± 14.67 years, of which 65 (59.1) were male. The RRI values were 0.71 ± 0.27, on arrival, at 30 and 0.70 ± 0.1 on 60 minutes, at six hours after treatment onset, respectively, showing that RRI values decreased during the study, which was statistically significant (P-value= 0.00). ConclusionA decrease in RRI value during resuscitation is associated with an increase in MAP in patients with septic shock. Accordingly, RRI can be used as an indicator of microcirculatory perfusion in the treatment process and volume assessment of patients with septic shock.
Comparative Study Between the CRISPR/Cpf1 and CRISPR/Cas9 systems for Multiplex Gene Editing in Maize
Authors: Gong Chongzhi , Huang Shengchan , Song Rentao , Qi Weiwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) system has been successfully used for multiplex gene editing in crops. Although CRISPR/Cas9 system has been proved to be an efficient multiplex gene editing system in crops, it was still unclear how CRISPR/Cpf1, a natural direct repeat (DR)-based multiplex gene editing system, performed in crops. To this end, this study compared the CRISPR/Cpf1 system and CRISPR/Cas9 system for multiplex gene editing in maize. Results: The bZIP transcription factor Opaque2 (O2) was used as the target gene to evaluate the editing efficient of both systems. We found that in the T0 generation, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system showed low editing efficiency with only one mutation, while the CRISPR/Cas9 system generated many different types of on-target mutations. In the T1 generation, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system still showed lower editing efficiency than the CRISPR/Cas9 system. However, in the T2 generation, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system generated more types of new mutations. While the CRISPR/Cas9 system tended to edit within the on-target range, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system preferred to edit in between the targets. We also found that in the CRISPR/Cpf1 system, the editing efficiency positively correlated with the expression level of Cpf1. Conclusions: In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system offers alternative choices for target-site selection for multiplex gene editing and has acceptable editing efficiency in maize. Thus, the CRISPR/Cpf1 system is a valuable alternative choice for gene editing in crops.
A Case of a 22-year-Old Man with Primary Synovial Sarcoma of the Parapharyngeal Space with an AR&nbsp;Somatic Mutation: A Clinicopathologic Study and Literature Review
Authors: Jiang He , Ma Ge , Nie Zunzhen , Zhu Jin , Yan Qingguo , Chen Hongzhang , Nan Haiyan , Guo Ying 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a rare and aggressive entity that occurs predominantly in young adults. SS can arise in almost any part of the body, especially in the extremities. The incidence of SS in the parapharyngeal space is, however, quite low. Case presentation: Herein, we describe a case of a biphasic SS in the parapharyngeal space. A 22-year-old man presented with a pharyngeal foreign body sensation and underwent excision of the mass with a clear margin. Pathological examinations of the tumour specimen revealed a 1.7×1.5×1.2 cm spherical, well-circumscribed mass arising from the left side of the postpharyngeal wall. Histological examination showed a biphasic pattern of epithelioid and spindle cells, including glandular differentiation. Immunophenotype: Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for vimentin, and the spindle cells were positive for bcl-2; in contrast, the epithelioid tumour cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and weakly positive for CD99. The tumour cells were scattered positive for SMA. Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), thyroglobulin (TG), p63, WT-1 and S100 were negative, and the proliferative index (Ki-67) was found in approximately 70% of the tumour cells. Then, the presence of the SYT-SSX gene fusion was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition, androgen receptor (AR) gene somatic mutations were detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Two months postoperatively, the patient had neither developed a recurrence nor received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Conclusions: Accurate diagnosis depends on morphological and immunohistochemical examination and a proper molecular analysis, and novel technologies can detect a wide variety of genetic alterations. The prognosis is relatively good in patients who undergo surgical resection with a clean margin.