bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D reconstruction of structures of hatched larva and young juvenile of the larvacean Oikopleura dioica using SBF-SEM
Authors: Nishida Hiroki , Ohno Nobuhiko , Caicci Federico , Manni Lucia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe larvaceanOikopleura dioicais a planktonic chordate and an emerging model organism with a short life cycle of 5 days that belongs toTunicata (Urochordata), the sister clade of vertebrates. It is characterized by the rapid development of a tadpole-shaped body. Organ formation in the trunk proceeds within 7 h after the hatching of the tailbud larvae at 3 h after fertilization (hpf) and is completed at 10 hpf, giving rise to fully functional juveniles as miniature adult form. Serial block face scanning electron microscopy was used to acquire ~ 2000 serial transverse section images of a 3 hpf larva and a 10 hpf juvenile to characterize the structures and cellular composition of the trunk and organs using 3D images and movies. Germ cells were found to fuse and establish a central syncytial cell in the gonad as early as 10 hpf. Larval development gave rise to functional organs after several rounds of cell division through trunk morphogenesis. The feature would makeO. dioicaideal for analyzing cellular behaviors during morphogenetic processes using live imaging. The detailed descriptions of the larvae and juveniles provided in this study can be utilized as the start and end points of organ morphogenesis in this rapidly developing organism.
Ferritin is associated with the severity of lung involvement but not with worse prognosis in patients with COVID-19: data from two Italian COVID-19 units
Authors: Carubbi Francesco , Salvati Lia , Alunno Alessia , Maggi Fabio , Borghi Erika , Mariani Rinalda , Mai Francesca , Paoloni Maurizio , Ferri Claudio , Desideri Giovambattista , Cicogna Sabrina , Grassi Davide 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) is characterised by a heterogeneous clinical presentation, a complex pathophysiology and a wide range of imaging findings, depending on disease severity and time course. We conducted a retrospective evaluation of hospitalized patients with proven SARS-CoV-2 infection, clinical signs of COVID-19 and computed tomography (CT) scan-proven pulmonary involvement, in order to identify relationships between clinical, serological, imaging data and disease outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Clinical and serological records of patients admitted to two COVID-19 Units of the Abruzzo region in Italy with proven SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary involvement investigated with CT scan, assessed at the time of admission to the hospital, were retrospectively evaluated. Sixty-one patients (22 females and 39 males) of median age 65 years were enrolled. Fifty-six patients were discharged while death occurred in 5 patients. None of the lung abnormalities detected by CT was different between discharged and deceased patients. No differences were observed in the features and extent of pulmonary involvement according to age and gender. Logistic regression analysis with age and gender as covariates demonstrated that ferritin levels over the 25th percentile were associated with the involvement of all 5 pulmonary lobes (OR = 14.5, 95% CI 2.3–90.9, p = 0.004), the presence of septal thickening (OR = 8.2, 95% CI 1.6–40.9, p = 0.011) and the presence of mediastinal lymph node enlargement (OR = 12.0, 95% CI 1.1–127.5, p = 0.039) independently of age and gender. We demonstrated that ferritin levels over the 25th percentile are associated with a more severe pulmonary involvement, independently of age and gender and not associated with disease outcomes. The identification of reliable biomarkers in patients with COVID-19 may help guiding clinical decision, tailoring therapeutic approaches and ultimately improving the care and prognosis of patients with this disease.
A coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) genome assembly reveals a reduced chemosensory receptor gene repertoire and male-specific genome sequences
Authors: Navarro-Escalante Lucio , Hernandez-Hernandez Erick M. , Nuñez Jonathan , Acevedo Flor E. , Berrio Alejandro , Constantino Luis M. , Padilla-Hurtado Beatriz E. , Molina Diana , Gongora Carmenza , Acuña Ricardo , Stuart Jeff , Benavides Pablo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCoffee berry borer—CBB (Hypothenemus hampei) is a globally important economic pest of coffee (Coffea spp.). Despite current insect control methods for managing CBB, development of future control strategies requires a better understanding of its biology and interaction with its host plant. Towards this objective, we performed de novo CBB genome and transcriptome sequencing, improved CBB genome assembly and predicted 18,765 protein-encoding genes. Using genome and transcriptome data, we annotated the genes associated with chemosensation and found a reduced gene repertoire composed by 67 odorant receptors (ORs), 62 gustatory receptors (GRs), 33 ionotropic receptors (IRs) and 29 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs). In silico transcript abundance analysis of these chemosensory genes revealed expression enrichment in CBB adults compared with larva. Detection of differentially expressed chemosensory genes between males and females is likely associated with differences in host-finding behavior between sexes. Additionally, we discovered male-specific genome content and identified candidate male-specific expressed genes on these scaffolds, suggesting that a Y-like chromosome may be involved in the CBB’s functional haplodiploid mechanism of sex determination.
Human METTL7B is an alkyl thiol methyltransferase that metabolizes hydrogen sulfide and captopril
Authors: Maldonato Benjamin J. , Russell Drake A. , Totah Rheem A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMethylation of alkyl thiols is a biotransformation pathway designed to reduce thiol reactivity and potential toxicity, yet the gene and protein responsible for human alkyl thiol methyltransferase (TMT) activity remain unknown. Here we demonstrate with a range of experimental approaches using cell lines, in vitro systems, and recombinantly expressed enzyme, that human methyltransferase-like protein 7B (METTL7B) catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl-l-methionine (AdoMet) to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other exogenous thiol small molecules. METTL7B gene modulation experiments, including knockdown in HepG2 cells and overexpression in HeLa cells, directly alter the methylation of the drug captopril, a historic probe substrate for TMT activity. Furthermore, recombinantly expressed and purified wild-type METTL7B methylates several thiol compounds, including H2S, 7α-thiospironolactone, l-penicillamine, and captopril, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Typical for AdoMet-dependent small molecule methyltransferases, S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (AdoHcy) inhibited METTL7B activity in a competitive fashion. Similarly, mutating a conserved aspartate residue, proposed to anchor AdoMet into the active site, to an alanine (D98A) abolished methylation activity. Endogenous thiols such as glutathione and cysteine, or classic substrates for other known small molecule S-, N-, and O-methyltransferases, were not substrates for METTL7B. Our results confirm, for the first time, that METTL7B, a gene implicated in multiple disease states including rheumatoid arthritis and breast cancer, encodes a protein that methylates small molecule alkyl thiols. Identifying the catalytic function of METTL7B will enable future pharmacological research in disease pathophysiology where altered METTL7B expression and, potentially H2S levels, can disrupt cell growth and redox state.
Deep learning approaches for challenging species and gender identification of mosquito vectors
Authors: Kittichai Veerayuth , Pengsakul Theerakamol , Chumchuen Kemmapon , Samung Yudthana , Sriwichai Patchara , Phatthamolrat Natthaphop , Tongloy Teerawat , Jaksukam Komgrit , Chuwongin Santhad , Boonsang Siridech 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicroscopic observation of mosquito species, which is the basis of morphological identification, is a time-consuming and challenging process, particularly owing to the different skills and experience of public health personnel. We present deep learning models based on the well-known you-only-look-once (YOLO) algorithm. This model can be used to simultaneously classify and localize the images to identify the species of the gender of field-caught mosquitoes. The results indicated that the concatenated two YOLO v3 model exhibited the optimal performance in identifying the mosquitoes, as the mosquitoes were relatively small objects compared with the large proportional environment image. The robustness testing of the proposed model yielded a mean average precision and sensitivity of 99% and 92.4%, respectively. The model exhibited high performance in terms of the specificity and accuracy, with an extremely low rate of misclassification. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.958 ± 0.011, which further demonstrated the model accuracy. Thirteen classes were detected with an accuracy of 100% based on a confusion matrix. Nevertheless, the relatively low detection rates for the two species were likely a result of the limited number of wild-caught biological samples available. The proposed model can help establish the population densities of mosquito vectors in remote areas to predict disease outbreaks in advance.
Phase I dose escalation study of sorafenib plus S-1 for advanced solid tumors
Authors: Tsai Hui-Jen , Shiah Her-Shyong , Chang Jang-Yang , Su Wu-Chou , Chiang Nai-Jung , Chen Li-Tzong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractS-1, an oral pyrimidine fluoride-derived agent, is effective against various cancers. Sorafenib, an oral multikinase inhibitor, was found to prolong the survival of various cancers and enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. We conducted a phase I dose escalation study to determine dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of S-1 when combined with sorafenib for refractory solid tumors. Eligible patients received escalating doses (30, 35, and 40 mg/m2 bid) of S-1 Day 1 (D1)–D14 and continuous sorafenib 400 mg bid from cycle 1 D8 every 21 days in a standard 3 + 3 study design. Primary endpoint was MTD. Thirteen patients were enrolled between May 2010 and Feb 2012. DLT developed in two (one grade 3 erythema and one prolonged grade 2 hand-foot-skin reaction) of the 6 patients at 35 mg/m2 dose level. One pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) patient achieved a durable partial response (27.9 months). Four colon cancer patients had stable disease and 3 of them had progression-free survival greater than 6 months. This study determined the recommended (MTD) S-1 dose of 30 mg/m2 bid for this regimen. This result warrants further phase II studies for advanced pNET and colon cancer to evaluate the efficacy of this combination.
Novel proton conducting core–shell PAMPS-PVBS@Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles as a reinforcement for SPEEK based membranes
Authors: Salarizadeh Parisa , Javanbakht Mehran , Askari Mohammad Bagher , Hooshyari Khadijeh , Moradi Morteza , Beydaghi Hossein , Rastgoo-Deylami Mohadese , Enhessari Morteza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, new nanocomposite membranes from sulfonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and proton-conducting Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles are prepared by the solution casting method. Sulfonated core–shell Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles are synthesized by redox polymerization. Therefore, 4-Vinyl benzene sulfonate (VBS) and 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) are grafted on the surface of nanoparticles through radical polymerization. The different amounts of hybrid nanoparticles (PAMPS@Fe2TiO5 and PVBS@Fe2TiO5) are incorporated into the SPEEK matrix. The results show higher proton conductivity for all prepared nanocomposites than that of the SPEEK membrane. Embedding the sulfonated Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles into the SPEEK membrane improves proton conductivity by creating the new proton conducting sites. Besides, the nanocomposite membranes showed improved mechanical and dimensional stability in comparison with that of the SPEEK membrane. Also, the membranes including 2 wt% of PAMPS@Fe2TiO5 and PVBS@Fe2TiO5 nanoparticles indicate the maximum power density of 247 mW cm−2 and 226 mW cm−2 at 80 °C, respectively, which is higher than that of for the pristine membrane. Our prepared membranes have the potential for application in polymer electrolyte fuel cells.
Involvement of the vertebral artery in hemifacial spasm: clinical features and surgical strategy
Authors: Lee Seunghoon , Han Junghoon , Park Sang-Ku , Lee Jeong-A. , Joo Byung-Euk , Park Kwan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe vertebral artery (VA)-involved hemifacial spasm (HFS) has distinctive clinical features and performing microvascular decompression (MVD) is challenging. We described the clinical presentations of VA-involved HFS and the outcomes of MVD using the interposition method. Between January 2008 and March 2015, MVD was performed in 271 patients with VA-involved HFS. Demographic characteristics, preoperative severity, intraoperative findings, spasm-free outcome, and complications were retrospectively evaluated. A control group of 1500 consecutive patients with non-VA-involved HFS was enrolled. VA-involved HFS was associated with older age (p < 0.001), less female predominance (p < 0.001), more left-sided predominance (p < 0.001), and rapid symptom progression before MVD (p < 0.001). The Teflon Fulcrum method allowed intraoperative identification of the neurovascular compression site in 92.6% of the cases, and showed more severe indentation on the facial nerve (p < 0.001). Changes in the brainstem auditory evoked potentials during MVD (p < 0.001) and postoperative non-serviceable hearing loss (p < 0.001) were more frequent in patients with VA-involved than in non-VA-involved HFS. The spasm-free outcome and overall complication rates after MVD were not significantly different between the groups. VA-involved HFS has distinctive clinical features and poses a major surgical challenge for MVD success. The interposition method is a feasible surgical strategy in VA-involved HFS.
Restoration of amyloid PET images obtained with short-time data using a generative adversarial networks framework
Authors: Jeong Young Jin , Park Hyoung Suk , Jeong Ji Eun , Yoon Hyun Jin , Jeon Kiwan , Cho Kook , Kang Do-Young 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOur purpose in this study is to evaluate the clinical feasibility of deep-learning techniques for F-18 florbetaben (FBB) positron emission tomography (PET) image reconstruction using data acquired in a short time. We reconstructed raw FBB PET data of 294 patients acquired for 20 and 2 min into standard-time scanning PET (PET20m) and short-time scanning PET (PET2m) images. We generated a standard-time scanning PET-like image (sPET20m) from a PET2m image using a deep-learning network. We did qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess whether the sPET20m images were available for clinical applications. In our internal validation, sPET20m images showed substantial improvement on all quality metrics compared with the PET2m images. There was a small mean difference between the standardized uptake value ratios of sPET20m and PET20m images. A Turing test showed that the physician could not distinguish well between generated PET images and real PET images. Three nuclear medicine physicians could interpret the generated PET image and showed high accuracy and agreement. We obtained similar quantitative results by means of temporal and external validations. We can generate interpretable PET images from low-quality PET images because of the short scanning time using deep-learning techniques. Although more clinical validation is needed, we confirmed the possibility that short-scanning protocols with a deep-learning technique can be used for clinical applications.
Optimism and pasture access in dairy cows
Authors: Crump Andrew , Jenkins Kirsty , Bethell Emily J. , Ferris Conrad P. , Kabboush Helen , Weller Jennifer , Arnott Gareth 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAllowing dairy cattle to access pasture can promote natural behaviour and improve their health. However, the psychological benefits are poorly understood. We compared a cognitive indicator of emotion in cattle either with or without pasture access. In a crossover experiment, 29 Holstein–Friesian dairy cows had 18 days of overnight pasture access and 18 days of full-time indoor housing. To assess emotional wellbeing, we tested cows on a spatial judgement bias task. Subjects learnt to approach a rewarded bucket location, but not approach another, unrewarded bucket location. We then presented cows with three “probe” buckets intermediate between the trained locations. Approaching the probes reflected an expectation of reward under ambiguity—an “optimistic” judgement bias, suggesting positive emotional states. We analysed the data using linear mixed-effects models. There were no treatment differences in latency to approach the probe buckets, but cows approached the known rewarded bucket slower when they had pasture access than when they were indoors full-time. Our results indicate that, compared to cattle housed indoors, cattle with pasture access display less anticipatory behaviour towards a known reward. This reduced reward anticipation suggests that pasture is a more rewarding environment, which may induce more positive emotional states than full-time housing.
Assessment of the embolization effect of temperature-sensitive p(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butyl methylacrylate) nanogels in the rabbit renal artery by CT perfusion and confirmed by macroscopic examination
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Cen Chunyuan , Qian Kun , Li Han , Zhang Xin , Zhang Hongsen , Ma Guina , Chen Yan , Jiang Nanchuan , Zheng Chuansheng , Zhao Yanbing , Han Ping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTranscatheter embolization is an important treatment method in clinical therapy, and vascular embolization material plays a key role in embolization. The temperature-sensitive p(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butyl methylacrylate) (PIB) nanogel is a novel embolic agent. To evaluate the feasibility of the nanogel as a blood vessel embolization agent, we aimed to assess the effect of embolization with PIB nanogels in the rabbit renal artery by non-invasive computed tomography (CT) perfusion, macroscopic and histological examination. Ten healthy adult Japanese rabbits were used to implement RAE of PIB nanogels in their right kidneys. CT perfusion scans were performed pre- and post-treatment at various time-points (1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks). Two rabbits were euthanized and histologically examined at each time-point, and the remaining rabbits were euthanized at 12 weeks after embolization. The RAE efficacy of the nanogels was further confirmed by macroscopic and histological examination. The renal volume and renal blood flow (BF) of the right kidney were significantly decreased post-treatment compared with those pre-treatment (volume: pre, 9278 ± 1736 mm3; post 1 week, 5155 ± 979 mm3, P < 0.0001; post 4 weeks, 3952 ± 846 mm3, P < 0.0001; post 8 weeks, 3226 ± 556 mm3, P < 0.0001; post 12 weeks, 2064 ± 507 mm3, P < 0.0001. BF: pre, 530.81 ± 51.50 ml/min/100 ml; post 1 week, 0 ml/min/100 ml, P < 0.0001; post 4 weeks, 0 ml/min/100 ml, P < 0.0001; post 8 weeks, 0 ml/min/100 ml, P < 0.0001; post 12 weeks, 0 ml/min/100 ml, P < 0.0001). No revascularization or collateral circulation was observed on histological examination during this period, and PIB nanogels were dispersed in all levels of the renal arteries. Twelve weeks after embolization, CT perfusion showed no BF in the right renal artery and renal tissue, a finding that was consistent with histological examination showing complete embolization of the right renal artery with a lack of formation of collateral vessels. The effect of embolization on PIB was adequate, with good dispersion and permanency, and could be evaluated by non-invasive and quantitative CT perfusion.
Synthesis and characterization of Na-P1 (GIS) zeolite using a kaolinitic rock
Authors: Novembre Daniela , Gimeno Domingo , Del Vecchio Alessandro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis work focuses on the hydrothermal synthesis of Na-P1 zeolite by using a kaolinite rock coming from Romana (Sassari, Italy). The kaolin is calcined at a temperature of 650 °C and then mixed with calculated quantities of NaOH. The synthesis runs are carried out at ambient pressure and at variable temperatures of 65 and 100 °C. For the first time compared to the past, the Na-P1 zeolite is synthesized without the use of additives and through a protocol that reduces both temperatures and synthesis times. The synthesis products are analysed by X-ray diffraction, high temperature X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The cell parameters are calculated using the Rietveld method. Density and specific surface area are also calculated. The absence of amorphous phases and impurities in synthetic powders is verified through quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods. The results make the experimental protocol very promising for an industrial transfer.
Retinal microvascular signs and risk of diabetic kidney disease in asian and white populations
Authors: Nusinovici Simon , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Lee Kristine E. , Zhang Liang , Cheung Carol Y. , Tai E. Shyong , Tan Gavin S. W. , Cheng Ching Yu , Klein Barbara E. K. , Wong Tien Yin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe objective was to examine prospectively the association between retinal microvascular signs and development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in Asian and White populations. We analysed two population-based cohorts, composing of 1,221 Asians (SEED) and 703 White (WESDR) adults with diabetes. Retinal microvascular signs at baseline included vascular caliber (arteriolar—CRAE, and venular—CRVE) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Incident cases of DKD were identified after ~ 6-year. Incident cases were defined based on eGFR in SEED and proteinuria or history of renal dialysis in WESDR. The incidence of DKD were 11.8% in SEED and 14.0% in WESDR. Wider CRAE in SEED (OR = 1.58 [1.02, 2.45]) and wider CRVE (OR = 1.69 [1.02, 2.80)) in WESDR were associated with increased risk of DKD. Presence of DR was associated with an increased risk of DKD in both cohorts (SEED: OR = 1.91 [1.21, 3.01] in SEED, WESDR: OR = 1.99 [1.18, 3.35]). Adding DR and retinal vascular calibers in the model beyond traditional risk factors led to an improvement of predictive performance of DKD risk between 1.1 and 2.4%; and improved classification (NRI 3 between 9%). Microvascular changes in the retina are longitudinally associated with risk of DKD.