bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial composition differs between production systems and is associated with growth performance and carcass quality in pigs
Authors: Maltecca Christian , Dunn Rob , He Yuqing , McNulty Nathan P. , Schillebeeckx Constantino , Schwab Clint , Shull Caleb , Fix Justin , Tiezzi Francesco 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The role of the microbiome in livestock production has been highlighted in recent research. Currently, little is known about the microbiome's impact across different systems of production in swine, particularly between selection nucleus and commercial populations. In this paper, we investigated fecal microbial composition in nucleus versus commercial systems at different time points.

Results
We identified microbial OTUs associated with growth and carcass composition in each of the two populations, as well as the subset common to both. The two systems were represented by individuals with sizeable microbial diversity at weaning. At later times microbial composition varied between commercial and nucleus, with species of the genus Lactobacillus more prominent in the nucleus population. In the commercial populations, OTUs of the genera Lactobacillus and Peptococcus were associated with an increase in both growth rate and fatness. In the nucleus population, members of the genus Succinivibrio were negatively correlated with all growth and carcass traits, while OTUs of the genus Roseburia had a positive association with growth parameters. Lactobacillus and Peptococcus OTUs showed consistent effects for fat deposition and daily gain in both nucleus and commercial populations. Similarly, OTUs of the Blautia genus were positively associated with daily gain and fat deposition. In contrast, an increase in the abundance of the Bacteroides genus was negatively associated with growth performance parameters.

Conclusions
The current study provides a first characterization of microbial communities' value throughout the pork production systems. It also provides information for incorporating microbial composition into the selection process in the quest for affordable and sustainable protein production in swine.
Increases in GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes in the cerebellar molecular layer of young adult CBA/J mice
Authors: Tyszkiewicz Cheryl , Pardo Ingrid D , Ritenour Hayley N , Liu Chang-Ning , Somps Chris 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
CBA/J mice are standard experimental animals in auditory studies, and age-related changes in auditory pathways are well documented. However, changes in locomotion-related brain regions have not been systematically explored.

Results
We showed an increase in immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the cerebellar molecular layer associated with Purkinje cells in mice at 24 weeks of age but not in the younger mice. Increased GFAP immunoreactivity appeared in the form of clusters and distributed multifocally consistent with hyperplasia of astrocytes that were occasionally associated with Purkinje cell degeneration. Three out of 12 animals at 16 and 24 weeks of age exhibited pre-convulsive clinical signs. Two of these 3 animals also showed increased GFAP immunoreactivity in the cerebellum. Rotarod behavioral assessments indicated decreased performance at 24 weeks of age.

Conclusions
These results suggest minimal to mild reactive astrocytosis likely associated with Purkinje cell degeneration in the cerebellum at 24 weeks of age in CBA/J mice. These findings should be taken into consideration prior to using this mouse strain for studying neuroinflammation or aging.
Clinical outcomes of two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty in infected cases with antibiotic-loaded cement spacers produced using a handmade silicone mold
Authors: Hoshino Takashi , Watanabe Toshifumi , Nakagawa Yusuke , Katagiri Hiroki , Ozeki Nobutake , Ohara Toshiyuki , Shioda Mikio , Kono Yuji , Sekiya Ichiro , Koga Hideyuki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study assessed the clinical outcomes of periprosthetic joint infection patients who underwent two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty with antibiotic-loaded cement spacers fabricated using a handmade silicone mold.Materials and methodsThis study included seven patients (average age 77 years, average follow-up time 54 months) who underwent surgery at our hospital between 2009 and 2013. Clinical outcomes including knee scores, function scores, knee range of motion, and walking ability at the final observation, period from the primary total knee arthroplasty to implant removal, period from implant removal to revision total knee arthroplasty, and follow-up period after revision total knee arthroplasty were investigated.ResultsAt the final follow-up, the average knee range of motion was 99°, with no significant differences at each stage; average knee and function scores were 84 and 77, respectively. With cement spacers, five patients were able to walk with a t-cane. No recurrence of infection was observed.ConclusionsThe clinical outcomes of the current case series demonstrated good knee function with preserved walking ability, without any recurrence of periprosthetic joint infection. This study suggests that using a handmade silicone mold could be an effective option for periprosthetic joint infection after a total knee arthroplasty.
Assessment of fetal growth and anomalies in the era of COVID-19 pandemic: an Egyptian pilot study
Authors: Eltemamy Emad , Salama Sameh , Salem Sondos M. , Abdel-Rasheed Mazen , Salama Ehab , Elsirgany Sherif , Elnahas Tamer 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundMany issues need to be studied regarding pregnant women during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess fetal growth, fetal well-being, and any observed gross anomalies that may follow SARS-CoV-2 infection in Egyptian pregnant women. During fetal anomaly scan at 22 weeks, we compared 30 pregnant women with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection at 6‑12 weeks of gestation (group A) with 60 pregnant women (group B) who had no history of SARS-CoV-2. Then, we followed them on 28 and 34 weeks of gestation with fetal biometry and Doppler study.ResultsOur results revealed no significant difference between both groups regarding fetal biometry, estimated fetal weight, amniotic fluid index, Doppler scan, and gross anomaly scan throughout all visits.ConclusionAccording to the results of our pilot study, SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy was not found to increase the risk of fetal growth restriction or possible fetal gross anomalies. Nevertheless, larger-scale studies are needed to confirm those findings. Perhaps, post-SARS-CoV-2 infection pregnancies may run an uncomplicated course regarding fetal parameters.
Anemia in heart failure: still an unsolved enigma
Authors: Sharma Yash Paul , Kaur Navjyot , Kasinadhuni Ganesh , Batta Akash , Chhabra Pulkit , Verma Samman , Panda Prashant 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Anemia affects one-third of heart failure patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Despite being one of the commonest comorbidities associated with heart failure, there is a significant knowledge gap about management of anemia in the setting of heart failure due to conflicting evidence from recent trials.

Main body
The etiology of anemia in heart failure is multifactorial, with absolute and functional iron deficiency, decreased erythropoietin levels and erythropoietin resistance, inflammatory state and heart failure medications being the important causative factors. Anemia adversely affects the already compromised hemodynamics in heart failure, besides being commonly associated with more comorbidities and more severe disease. Though low hemoglobin levels are associated with poor outcomes, the correction of anemia has not been consistently associated with improved outcomes. Parenteral iron improves the functional capacity in iron deficient heart failure patients, the effects are independent of hemoglobin levels, and also the evidence on hard clinical outcomes is yet to be ascertained.

Conclusion
Despite all the research, anemia in heart failure remains an enigma. Perhaps, anemia is a marker of severe disease, rather than the cause of poor outcome in these patients. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of anemia in heart failure, its management and the newer therapies being studied.
Study protocol: A stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial of the effectiveness of a deliberative loop in identifying implementation strategies for the adoption of a dental sealant guideline in dental clinics
Authors: Polk Deborah E. , Guerrero Erick G. , Gruß Inga , Shah Nilesh H. , Yosuf Nadia M. , Dawson Tim , Kaplan Charles D. , Pihlstrom Daniel J. , Fellows Jeffrey L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental providers apply dental sealants to the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars for the prevention or treatment of non-cavitated dental caries. Despite the evidence-based support for this guideline, adherence among general dentists is low, ranging from less than 5 to 38.5%. Thus, an evidence-to-practice gap exists, and it is unclear which implementation strategies would best support providers in adopting and implementing the evidence-based practice. One potential approach to selecting and tailoring implementation strategies is a deliberative loop process, a stakeholder-engaged approach to decision-making. This trial aims to test the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of using a deliberative loop intervention with stakeholders (i.e., providers and staff) to enable managers to select implementation strategies that facilitate the adoption of an evidence-based dental practice.MethodsSixteen dental clinics within Kaiser Permanente Northwest Dental will be cluster randomized to determine the timing of receiving the intervention in this stepped-wedge trial. In the three-part deliberative loop intervention, clinic stakeholders engage in the following activities: (1) receive background information, (2) participate in facilitated small-group discussions designed to promote learning from each other’s lived experiences and develop informed opinions about effective clinic-level implementation strategies, and (3) share their informed opinions with clinic leaders, who may then choose to select and deploy implementation strategies based on the stakeholders’ informed opinions. The primary outcome of Reach will be defined as patient-level receipt of guideline-concordant care. Secondary outcomes will include the cost-effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of the deliberative loop process. Implementation strategies deployed will be catalogued over time.DiscussionThese results will establish the extent to which the deliberative loop process can help leaders select and tailor implementation strategies with the goal of improving guideline-concordant dental care.Trial registrationThis project is registered atClinicalTrials.govwith ID NCT04682730. The trial was first registered on 12/18/2020.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04682730
Evaluation of long-term changes of aspartate—platelet ratio index, FIB4, and liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C patients successfully treated by direct-acting antivirals
Authors: Abdelkader Nadia Abdel Ataay , Ahmed Osama Ashraf , Sherief Ahmed Fouad , Kandil Doaa Mahmoud , Gado Mohammed Soliman , Al Balakosy Amira Mahmoud 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
A large number of chronic hepatitis C patients had been successfully treated by directly acting antivirals; therefore, strategies for the long-term follow-up of these patients have to be planned based on the post-treatment fibrosis stage—the main determinant of prognosis. In this study, we aim to evaluate changes in aspartate-platelet ratio index, FIB4, and liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C patients who achieved SVR and ended treatment more than 1 year by DAAs.

Results
One hundred chronic hepatitis C patients who achieved SVR were enrolled at a median of 16 months after the end of treatment by DAAs. According to the baseline liver stiffness, 63 and 37 patients belonged to early (F0, F1, and F2) and advanced (F3 and F4) fibrosis stages, respectively. Both groups showed a decline of the degree of liver stiffness at follow-up compared to the baseline that was statistically significant in the early fibrosis group (5.9±1.5 vs 5.4±2.2 Kpcal, p=0.04), while measurements in the advanced group were (18±8.8 vs 15.9 ± 7.8 Kpcal, p=0.07). Also, serum biomarkers of fibrosis improved in both groups, where the recorded APRI and FIB4 before and after treatment were 0.42±0.3 vs 0.24±0.1, p<0.01 and 1±0.6 vs 0.93 ±0.5, p=0.1 in the early group and 0.85 ±0.5 vs 0.4±0.2, p <0.001 and 2.9±2.3 vs 1.8±1.4, p<0.02) in the advanced group, respectively. Changes in APRI and FIB4 correlated with changes in AST and ALT, but liver stiffness changes were not affected by changes in liver enzymes.

Conclusion
Although long-term improvement of APRI, FIB4, and liver stiffness scores could be achieved in chronic HCV patients after SVR by DAAS. High measurements of liver stiffness before treatment likely persist. We recommend transient elastography as a reliable tool for fibrosis assessment post-treatment.
Liquid crystal-amplified optofluidic biosensor for ultra-highly sensitive and stable protein assay
Authors: Wang Ziyihui , Liu Yize , Gong Chaoyang , Yuan Zhiyi , Shen Liang , Chang Pengxiang , Liu Kun , Xu Tianhua , Jiang Junfeng , Chen Yu-Cheng , Liu Tiegen 
Published: August 2021

AbstractProtein assays show great importance in medical research and disease diagnoses. Liquid crystals (LCs), as a branch of sensitive materials, offer promising applicability in the field of biosensing. Herein, we developed an ultrasensitive biosensor for the detection of low-concentration protein molecules, employing LC-amplified optofluidic resonators. In this design, the orientation of LCs was disturbed by immobilized protein molecules through the reduction of the vertical anchoring force from the alignment layer. A biosensing platform based on the whispering-gallery mode (WGM) from the LC-amplified optofluidic resonator was developed and explored, in which the spectral wavelength shift was monitored as the sensing parameter. The microbubble structure provided a stable and reliable WGM resonator with a high Q factor for LCs. It is demonstrated that the wall thickness of the microbubble played a key role in enhancing the sensitivity of the LC-amplified WGM microcavity. It is also found that protein molecules coated on the internal surface of microbubble led to their interactions with laser beams and the orientation transition of LCs. Both effects amplified the target information and triggered a sensitive wavelength shift in WGM spectra. A detection limit of 1 fM for bovine serum albumin (BSA) was achieved to demonstrate the high-sensitivity of our sensing platform in protein assays. Compared to the detection using a conventional polarized optical microscope (POM), the sensitivity was improved by seven orders of magnitude. Furthermore, multiple types of proteins and specific biosensing were also investigated to verify the potential of LC-amplified optofluidic resonators in the biomolecular detection. Our studies indicate that LC-amplified optofluidic resonators offer a new solution for the ultrasensitive real-time biosensing and the characterization of biomolecular interactions.
Quantitative determination of cyanoacetic acid content in teriflunomide drug substance by ion chromatography using conductivity detector
Authors: Merusomayajula Kishore V. , Rao T. Siva , Srinivas K. Rama , Sathyendranath Ch. V. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
The current study focuses on the development and validation of an analytical method for quantifying cyanoacetic acid (CAA) in teriflunomide drug substance using a high-performance ion chromatography (IC) with cation suppressed conductivity detection (TFM). Water was used as the diluent for preparing the sample solution, which was injected into a standard chromatographic device with 250 mm, 4.0 mm ID, and 5.0 μm particle size Metrosep A Supp 5 Ion exchange column and a suppressed conductivity detector. At a flow rate of 0.6 mL min−1 and a temperature of 40 °C, the mobile phase was delivered in an isocratic mode.

Results
CAA and TFM had retention times of 12.78 and 15.82 min, respectively. CAA has a limit of detection (LOD) of 33 μg/g and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 101 μg/g, respectively. For LOD and LOQ accuracy, the percentage RSD of CAA is 1.7 and 1.2, respectively. The average CAA recovery percentage was found to be between 98.6 and 100.1%. With a value of 0.9998, the calibration curve yielded an excellent linear correlation coefficient for CAA. According to the ICH guidelines, all verification parameters are within the range, indicating that the system is stable.

Conclusion
The elution time and run time in the currently developed ion chromatography analytical method have been reduced, demonstrating that the method is cost-effective and generally accepted, as well as simple and functional, and can be used in routine quality control tests in the industry.
Insilico design, ADMET screening, MM-GBSA binding free energy of novel 1,3,4 oxadiazoles linked Schiff bases as PARP-1 inhibitors targeting breast cancer
Authors: Shridhar Deshpande Narayan , Mahendra Gowdru Srinivasa , Aggarwal Natasha Naval , Gatphoh Banylla Felicity Dkhar , Revanasiddappa Bistuvalli Chandrashekharappa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), a nuclear protein belongs to a new class of drugs, which mainly target tumours with DNA repair defects. They are mainly involved in the multiple cellular processes in addition to the DNA repair process. They act directly on the base excision repair, which is considered as one of the important pathway for cell survival in breast cancer. These belong to the active members of DNA repair assembly and evolved as a key target in the anti-cancer drug discovery. 1,3,4-Oxadiazoles are also well known anticancer agents.

Results
A novel series of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles linked to Schiff bases (T1-21) were designed and subjected to In-silico analysis against PARP-1 (PDB ID:5DS3) enzyme targeting against breast cancer. Molecular docking study for the designed compounds (T1-21) was performed by In-silico ADMET screening by QikProp module, Glide module and MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations by using Schrodinger suit 2019–2. The PARP-1 enzyme shows the binding affinity against the newly designed molecules (T1-21) based on the glide scores. Compounds T21, T12 showed very good glide score by the molecular docking studies and compared with the standard Tamoxifen. The binding free energies by the MM-GBSA assay were found to be consistent. The pharmacokinetic (ADMET) parameters of all the newly designed compounds were found to be in the acceptable range.

Conclusion
The selected 1,3,4-oxadiazole-schiff base conjugates seems to be one of the potential source for the further development of anticancer agents against PARP-1 enzyme. The results revealed that some of the compounds T21, T17, T14, T13, T12, T8 with good glide scores showed very significant activity against breast cancer
Colchicine (a high-priced alkaloid) accumulation and HPTLC quantification in different stages of in vitro developed tuber of Gloriosa superba L.
Authors: Rathod Dipika , Panigrahi Jitendriya , Patel Illa 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Gloriosa superba L. belongs to Colchicaceae, which is an important medicinal plant containing high-priced alkaloid colchicines and other potent phytochemicals. Due to its extensive importance at the industrial level, this plant is overexploited. Moreover, indiscriminate harvesting for raw material leads to a decline in the population of this plant in the natural environment. Thus, the present study deals with the optimization of colchicine accumulation from the different intervals of in vitro and in vivo tubers of Gloriosa.

Result
To obtain in vitro tuberization, shoot tip explants were inoculated on Murashige and Skoog medium prepared with 3 mg/l BA and 0.5 mg/l Kn + 1 mg/l 2, 4-D followed by 2 mg/l BA + 0.2 mg/l NAA. In the high-performance thin-layer chromatography study (HPTLC), the linearity range of colchicine was set at a concentration range of 100–1000 ng/spot with a regression value (r) of 0.99. Its Rf value (0.25) was recorded at 254 nm. The colchicine amount in the in vivo tuber was 7.75 ± 0.25% dry weight, while the nearby amount of 7.7 ± 0.40% dry weight of colchicine was produced from 2 weeks in vitro old tuber. This value was followed by the 4th-week old tuber with 6.35 ± 0.17% dry weight and then a gradual decrease in its accumulation.

Conclusion
The significant results for the accumulation of colchicine at different stages were observed. Hence, this strategy of colchicine production creates a new possibility for improved production of colchicine under in vitro conditions which will be helpful to various pharmaceutical industries without damaging the plants from the natural environment.

Graphical abstract
Validated high-performance thin-layer chromatographic analysis of curcumin in the methanolic fraction of Curcuma longa L. rhizomes
Authors: Kushwaha Poonam , Shukla Babita , Dwivedi Jyotsana , Saxena Sumedha 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
In the present study, an HPTLC (high-performance thin-layer chromatography) method was developed for the quantitative determination and validation of the curcumin in the methanolic fraction of Curcuma longa L. For achieving good separation of curcumin, the mobile phase of chloroform:methanol (97:3) was used. The densitometric analysis of curcumin was performed at 420 nm in reflection/absorption mode.

Results
Linearity of the method was obtained in the range of 100‒600 ng per spot. During analysis, the methanolic fraction of the C. longa showed the presence of a quantifiable amount of curcumin. The content of curcumin was found to be 1.5% (per dry weight).

Conclusions
The method is specific, simple, precise, and accurate. The obtained data can have used for the routine analysis of the reported biomarkers in crude drugs and extracts. The quantification and the method validation of curcumin have not yet been reported in C. longa which can be utilized for the proper standardization of the plant.
Aberrant Epigenetic Alteration of PAX1 Expression Contributes to Parathyroid Tumorigenesis
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Arya Ashutosh Kumar , Saikia Uma Nahar , Sachdeva Naresh , Dahiya Divya , Kaur Jyotdeep , Brandi Maria Luisa , Rao Sudhaker Dhanwada 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Context
Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) results from the hypersecretion of parathyroid hormone from parathyroid tumors. A transcription factor, namely Paired box1 (PAX1), is active in parathyroid gland development.

Objective
We aimed to study potential epigenetic-mediated mechanism of PAX1 gene in sporadic parathyroid adenomas.

Methods
In parathyroid adenomas tissues, we analyzed the DNA methylation via bisulfite-specific polymerase chain reaction (BSP) and histone modifications via chromatin immunoprecipitation in regulating the differential expression of PAX1.

Results
The results showed that mRNA and protein expression of PAX1 was significantly reduced in parathyroid adenomas. Bisulfite sequencing demonstrated hypermethylation in the promoter region of PAX1 (35%; 14/40) and lower levels of histone 3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) were observed on the promoter region of PAX1 (6-fold; P &lt; .004) in parathyroid adenomas. Furthermore, upon treatment with a pharmacologic inhibitor, namely 5′aza-2 deoxycytidine, in rat parathyroid continuous cells, we found re-expression of PAX1 gene.

Conclusion
Our study not only reveals expression of PAX1 is epigenetically deregulated but also paves a way for clinical and therapeutic implications in patients with PHPT.