bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On Farm Varietal Diversity and Prevalence of Aspergillus Contamination of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Major Production Areas of Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Dereje Dunfa , Ruelle Morgan , Chimdessa Meseret , Tewolde-Berhan Sarah 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Groundnut is one of the most valuable cash crops and food sources in low lands of Ethiopia. In spite of its food and economic importance, very few studies have been conducted yet on the factors that influence groundnut production includingaflatoxigenic fungi in different socio-ecological conditions. Therefore, this study aimed ati) assessing groundnut varietal diversity ii) to determine the existing use values and management practices iii) to isolate and determine the prevalence of Aspergillus species associated with groundnut seed.Methods: Field data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews from 144 general informants and 24 key-informants. 88 groundnut seed samples were collected from farmers’ fields for Aspergillus species isolation. Diversity of groundnut was analyzed using the Shannon diversity index. Frequency of Aspergillus contamination was determined using plate counting methods.Results: In the study areas,six varieties were grown with varying distribution. Shannon diversity indices ranged from 0.20 to 1.27in warm sub-humid lowland and warm moist lowland agro-ecological zones, respectively. Of the four varieties observed in East Hararghe, oldhale was the most commonly grown variety (66% of groundnut growers), whereas farmers interviewed in East Wellega zone grow bure variety (87% of growers), due to greater drought tolerance and higher yields relative to other varieties. Results of the fungal species analysis showed infestation of groundnut seeds by A.niger, A. flavus, A. prasaticus and A. ochraceous. Of the four Aspergillus species, A. nigerand A. flavus were the most prevalent, with frequency ranging from 17.8 to 37.5% and 14.4 to 32.5%, respectively.However, when we compareinfection rates among varieties, we did not find statistically significant differences in the infection rates of different varieties collected from similar agroecology of the study area.Conclusion: Different varieties of groundnut weregrown with varying distribution based on the farmers’ preference criteria in different socio-ecological zones of the study areas. Although these varieties vary in terms of morphological features and disease resistance, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude they are differentially resistant to Aspergillus infection. Therefore, further breeding for more varieties using farmer selection criteria in mind and research identify field management measures against Aspergillus will further increase groundnut production and hence income for resource poor farmers
Fusarium Oxysporum Disrupts Microbiome-Metabolome Networks in Arabidopsis Thaliana Roots
Authors: Kudjordjie Enoch Narh , Hooshmand Kourosh , Sapkota Rumakanta , Fomsgaard Inge S. , Nicolaisen Mogens 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough it is well established that plant metabolomes mediate microbiome assembly, the question of how metabolome-microbiome interactions may prevent pathogen invasion remains to be answered. To address this question, we studied microbiome and metabolome profiles of two Arabidopsis thaliana accessions, Columbia-0 (Col-0) and Landsberg erecta (Ler-0) with differential resistance profiles to the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. mathioli (FOM). We used amplicon sequencing to characterize bacterial (16S) and fungal (ITS2) communities, and we used targeted metabolite analysis across 5 stages of FOM host progression. ResultsWe found that microbiome and metabolome profiles were markedly altered in FOM-inoculated and non-inoculated samples of resistant Col-0 and susceptible Ler-0. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed robust microbial networks in the resistant Col-0 compared to the susceptible Ler-0, during FOM infection. Specific metabolites and microbial OTUs (including indicator and hub OTUs) correlated in both non-inoculated and inoculated Col-0 and Ler-0. The glucosinolates 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin and indole-3 carbinol, but also phenolic compounds were active in structuring the A. thaliana-microbiome. ConclusionsOur results highlight the interactive effects of host resistance and its associated microbiota on Fusarium infection and progression. These findings shed significant insights into plant inter-omics dynamics during pathogen invasion and could possibly facilitate the exploitation of microbiomes for plant disease control.
Myogenic differentiation potential of chicken mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow
Authors: Zhou Zhen , Zhao Changbin , Cai Bolin , Ma Manting , Kong Shaofen , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xiquan , Nie Qinghua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to multilineage differentiation, which can be used for a good model to provide critical insight of chicken muscle development. Differential adhesion method is one of the commonest methods to isolate MSCs based on the ability of plastic adhesion. 5-azacytidine (5-Aza), dexamethasone (DXMS), hydrocortisone (HC) and horse serum had been proved the potential to induce the myogenic differentiation of MSCs. However, the myogenic differentiation of MSCs is still poorly understood in chicken. In present study, we isolated chicken mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) from bone using 4-hour differential adhesion method and analyzed the myogenic effect of cMSCs treated with different method based on 5-Aza, DXMS, HC and horse serum.Results: cMSCs isolated by 4-hour differential adhesion method expressed MSCs special surface markers and presented normal growth characteristic. cMSCs showed great potential of myogenic differentiation by the treatment of 5-Aza and horse serum. RNA-sequence, GO and KGEE enrichment analysis revealed that this effect might be based on demethylation of 5-Aza and ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt, p53, TGF-beta signaling pathways. Moreover, DXMS, HC and horse serum also presented potential of myogenic differentiation, but the effect was not as good as 5-Aza and horse serum method.Conclusions: cMSCs showed potential of myogenic differentiation by the treatment of 5-Aza and horse serum or DXMS, HC and horse serum.
Evaluation of Invasive and Molecular Methods in the Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori From Gastric Biopsies of Sudanese Patients. A Comparative Approach
Authors: Elnosh Maram M. , Altayb Hisham N. , Hamedelnil Yousif Fadalla , Elshareef Wafa A. , Abugrain Aliaa Yahia , Osman Esraa Hassan , Albasha Aalaa Mahgoub , Abdelhamid Abdelhamid Gezouli , Moglad Ehssan H. , Ismail Ahmed Elhaj 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The continuous rise in the number of patients suffering from Helicobacter pylori is probably due to the changes in modern life. Nowadays patients suffering from gastrointestinal problems are diagnosed through invasive and noninvasive techniques. The choice of a diagnostic test is influenced by factors such as the tests' sensitivity and specificity, the clinical conditions, and the cost-effectiveness of the testing strategy. This study aimed to compare molecular detection methods of H. pylori by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S rRNA, ureA and glmM genes with an invasive histopathological technique. A total of 290 patients from various hospitals in Khartoum State were recruited in this study between March 2018 and January 2020. Two gastric biopsies were collected from each patient for PCR and histopathology.A total of 103 (35.5%) samples were positive by histopathological examination, 88 (30.3%) by 16SrRNA, 39 (13.4%) by glmM gene, and 56 (19.3%) by ureA gene. The highest sensitivity was observed in 16SrRNA (46.6%), followed by ureA (35%), and glmM (24.3%). While the best specificity was observed in glmM gene (92.5%), followed by ureA (89.3%) and 16SrRNA (78.6%). In conclusion, the PCR test targeting the16SrRNA gene exhibited the best results for molecular detection of H. pylori compared to other genes.
Bioinformatic Analysis of Diagnosis, Targeted Therapeutic Values and Potential Regulatory Network of FOXF1 in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chen Jianhong , Wang Fangfang , Zhang Meng , Liu Jiping 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: FOXF1 acts a crucial part to tumor initiation and progression. In this study, we aimed to analyzed FOXF1 in ovarian cancer from different databases which showed diagnosis and targeted therapeutic values.Results: The expression of FOXF1 in ovarian cancer tissue was markedly lower than that in normal tissue. Among different tumor subgroups, FOXF1 expression was conspicuously lower in higher grade stage. Additionally, FOXF1 expression and genetic variations were significantly correlated with various immune infiltrating cells. Altogether, 2594 co-expressed genes evidently pertinent to FOXF1. These genes were correlated with cell adhesion, NADH dehydrogenase complex and cytokine binding in results of enrichment analysis. In addition, FOXF1 was associated with gene networks regulated by PRKG1, miR-151, and SRF respectively. CMap analysis screened several potential small molecules for ovarian cancer treatment.Conclusions: FOXF1 has been shown to be a vital biomarker for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and the immune infiltrating levels. The small molecules screened here supply rationale for new drug development for ovarian cancer.
Expression, Purification and in Silico Characterization of Mycobacterium Smegmatis Alternative Sigma Factor SigB
Authors: Singh Rakesh Kumar , Jaiswal Lav Kumar , Nayak Tanmayee , Rawat Ravindra Singh , Kumar Sanjit , Gupta Ankush 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Sigma factor B (SigB), an alternative sigma factor (ASF) is very similar to primary sigma factor SigA (σ70) but dispensable for growth in both Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msmeg) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). It is involved in general stress responses including heat, oxidative, surface, starvation stress and macrophage infections. Despite having an extremely short half-life, SigB tends to operate downstream of at least three stress-responsive Extra Cytoplasmic Function (ECF) sigma factors (SigH, SigE, SigL) and SigF involved in multiple signalling pathways. There is very little information available regarding the regulation of SigB sigma factor and its interacting protein partners. Hence, we cloned the SigB gene into pET28a vector and optimized its expression in three different strains of E. coli, viz; (BL21(DE3), C41(DE3) and CodonPlus(DE3)). We also optimized several other parameters for the expression of recombinant SigB including IPTG concentration, temperature, and time-duration. We achieved the maximum expression of SigB at 25 °C in the soluble fraction of the cell which was purified by affinity chromatography using Ni-NTA and further confirmed by Western blotting. Further, structural characterization demonstrates the instability of SigB in comparison to SigA is carried out using homology modelling and structure function relationship. We have done protein-protein docking of RNA polymerase (RNAP) of Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msmeg) and sigB. This effort provides a platform for pulldown assay, structural and other studies with the recombinant protein to deduce the SigB interacting proteins, which might pave the way to study its signalling networks along with its regulation.
Carbazochrome Carbon Nanotube as Drug Delivery Nanocarrier for Anti-bleeding Drug: Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Sayiner Hakan. S. , Kandemirli Fatma , Dalgic Serap Senturk , Monajjemi Majid , Mollaamin Fatemeh 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The interaction between drugs and single-walled carbon nanotubes is proving to be of fundamental interest for drug system of delivery and nano-bio-sensing. In this study, the interaction of pristine CNT with carbazochrome, an anti-hemorrhagic or hemostatic agent was investigated with M06-2X functional and 6-31G* and 6-31G** basis sets. All probable positions of related adsorption for these kind drugs were thought-out to find out which one is energetically suitable. Based on the achieved data, the stronger interactions appeared the oxygen atom of C=O group and nitrogen atom of imine groups. The topology analysis of QTAIM (quantum theory of atoms in a molecule) method was accomplished to understand the properties of interactions between the CNT and Carbazochrome. Frontier molecular orbital energies of all systems, global index including stiffness, softness, chemical Gibbs energies and electrophilicity parameters, as well as some other important physical data such as dipole moment, polarizability, anisotropy polarisibility and hyperpolaribility were calculated, evaluated and then compared together. The essence of the formed bonding model progress along the reaction roots were further validated using electron localization function (ELF) calculations. In addition the total, partial, and overlapping population densities of states were calculated for any further discussion. The highest values of adsorption energies were determined in the range of 18.24) up to (22.12) kcal mol-1 for these kind systems. The acceptable recovery time of 849 s was obtained for the desorption of carbazochrome from the CNT surface under UV-Light. The final results exhibit that carbazochrome can serve as a promising carrier and also as sensitive sensors in any kind of practical application.
The Score Card Approach Method of Evaluation of Public Awareness About E-Waste Hazards in Lagos State
Authors: AJAKAYE PAUL ADENIRAN , Paul Ajakaye Adeniran , Emmanuel Somoye , Lawal Owolabi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate the level of awareness of Lagos State residents about e-waste health hazards. Data were collected through the distribution of 424 well-structured and Likert scaled questionnaire with respondents selected based on the proportionate sampling. Unlike the common categorisation of awareness level as either Low or High based on the independent variables like age, sex, educational qualifications; and dependent variables like regulations, mode of disposal of e-wastes, information sources etc, this study adopted the scorecard approach to determine the awareness level in its totality and specific term as either Very Low - 1 or Low - 2 or Moderate - 3 or High - 4 or Very High - 5 in order of categorisation. On the final analysis, the result revealed a score of '2' which implies that the level of awareness is Low. Significance tests were also carried out to examine if any significant differences exist among the respondents based on their gender, age and educational level with respect to the hazardous elements contain in e-waste. The study revealed that statistically, no significant difference exists between the awareness levels of male and female regarding e-waste hazards; no statistically significant difference exists between the awareness levels of respondents about e-waste hazards based on their educational qualifications but there was a statistically significant difference between respondents' ages regarding e-waste hazards.
Molecular imprint of epithelial origin identifies immuno-subtype of thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Xin Zhongwei , Lin Mingjie , Hao Zhixing , Chen Di , Chen Yongyuan , Chen Xiaoke , Xu Xia , Li Jinfan , Wu Dang , Chai Ying , Wu Pin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are common tumors in human anterior mediastinum with limited biological understanding. Through decoding the immune landscape of tumors, we reclassify TETs into three types based on T cell developmental patterns. We uncover the developmental dysfunction and TCR repertoire of tumor-infiltrating T cells by cell atlas. Moreover, we identify the unique subset of tumor cells with distinct epithelial origin in each TETs type. Furthermore, we demonstrate that KRT14/GNB3+ mTECs-like cell accumulation inhibits the T cell positive selection in type 1 TETs, while CCL25+ cTEC-like cell promotes T cell positive selection in type 2. Interestingly, although CHI3L1+ mTEC-like cell in type 3 TETs loses the function of supporting T cell development, it acquires the capacity to induce CD8+TRMs-mediated response. Finally, we propose a new molecular classification of human TETs using GNB3 and CHI3L1 to distinguish the epithelial origin of tumor cells, which is promising in prognostic prediction.
Carbon Storage of Selected Church Forests in Northern Ethiopia: Implication for Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Mengistu kehali Dereje , Soromessa Teshome , Eshete Abeje 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundForests are known to play an important role in regulating the global climate. Therefore, it serves as natural sink of CO2 to mitigate climate change. Churches and monasteries have a long history of planting, protecting and conserving of trees. This study was conducted on selected church forests, with the objectives of estimating of the carbon stock and its variation along the altitudinal gradients. In light of this, primary data collection was done by field inventory and secondary data was collected from different sources. In order to collect vegetation data particularly above ground biomass (AGB), a total of 64 plots each with the size of 20 m x 20 m at an interval of 100 m, were laid along the established transects at 200 m apart. For litter and soil sample collection, five sub-quadrants 1 m x 1 m were established at four corners and center of every quadrant. Composite method was also used for litter and soil sampling. Data analysis of various carbon pools measured in the forests were analyzed on the excel data sheet and R software. ResultResults revealed that the total mean carbon stock density of church forests was 133.14 t/ha with aboveground biomass carbon of 24.73 t/ha and belowground biomass carbon 6.41t/ha, litter biomass carbon of 1.80 t/ha and soil carbon stock 100.19 t/ha.ConclusionThe result of this study showed that altitude has no significant impact on carbon pools. Overall, this study may increase knowledge on the study site and show contributing of church forests for climate change mitigation.
Establishment of a Combined Diagnostic Model of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Random Forest and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: DUAN YIXUAN , Xie Enrui , Liu Chang , Sun Jingjing , Deng Jie 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a disease with high mortality, is limited by the current diagnostic methods in the early screening. This study aimed to construct a diagnostic model for AAA by using a novel machine learning method, i.e., an ensemble of the random forest (RF) algorithm and an artificial neural network (ANN) (RF-ANN), to identify potential AAA-associated genetic biomarkers. Methods Through a search of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, two large-sample gene expression datasets (GSE57691 and GSE47472) were identified and downloaded. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the AAA and normal control samples were identified, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Then, RF-ANN was used to identify the key genes from the DEGs, and an AAA diagnostic model was established. Finally, the diagnostic performance of the model was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with GSE47472 as a test dataset. Results Using GSE57691, we obtained 2486 DEGs, 52 biological process annotations, 17 cellular component annotations, 17 molecular function annotations, and 13 significantly enriched KEGG pathways. Out of these DEGs, we further identified 74 key candidate feature genes by using the RF machine learning algorithm. The weight of each key gene was calculated by the ANN with GSE57691 as a training dataset to construct an AAA diagnostic model. A transcription factor (TF) regulatory network of key genes was constructed. Finally, GSE47472 was used to validate the model. The AUC value was 0.786, indicating that the model had a highly satisfactory diagnostic performance. Conclusion Potential AAA-associated gene biomarkers were identified, and a diagnostic model of AAA was established. This study may provide a valuable reference for early clinical diagnosis and the search for therapeutic targets of AAA.
A Theory-Based Evaluation of the Leadership for Universal Health Coverage Programme: Insights for Multisectoral Leadership Development in Global Health
Authors: Witter Sophie , Brikci Nouria , Scherer David 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLeadership to manage the complex political and technical challenges of moving towards universal health coverage (UHC) is widely recognised as critical but there are few studies which evaluate how to expand capacities in this area. This article aims to fill some of this gap by presenting the methods and findings of an evaluation of the Leadership for UHC (L4UHC) programme in 2019-20.MethodsGiven the complexity of the intervention and environment, we adopted a theory-driven evaluation approach that allowed us to understand the role of the programme, amongst other factors. Data from a range of sources and tools were compared with a programme theory of change, with analysis structured using an evaluation matrix organised according to the OECD-DAC criteria. Data sources included key informant (KI) interviews (89 in total); surveys of the 80 workshop participants; a range of secondary data sources; case studies in two countries; and observation of activities and modules by the evaluator. Results Participants and KI at global and country reported high relevance of the programme and a lack of alternatives aiming at similar goals. In relation to effectiveness, at the individual level, there was an increase in some competences, particularly for those with less experience at the baseline. Less change was observed in commitment to UHC as that started at a relatively high level. Understanding of UHC complexity grew, particularly for those coming from a non-health background. Connections across institutional divides for team members in-country increased, although variably across the countries, but the programme has not as yet had a major impact on national coalitions for UHC. Impacts on health policy and practice outcomes were evident in two out of seven countries. We examined factors favouring success and explanatory factors. We identified positive but no negative unintended effects. ConclusionsWhile noting methodological constraints, the theory-based evaluation approach is found suitable for assessing and learning lessons from complex global programmes. We conclude that L4UHC is an important addition to the global and national health ecosystem, addressing a relevant need with some strong results, and also highlight challenges which can inform other programmes with similar objectives.