bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete Genome Sequencing and Evolutionary Analysis of HCV Subtype 6a Including Strains from Guangdong Province, China
Authors: XU RU , Huang Jieting , Wang Min , Liao Qiao , Shan Zhengang , Zhong Huishan , Rong Xia , Fu Yongshui 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In recent years, Hepatitis C virus 6a was not only the predominant subtype in Guangdong but also has the potential of increasing in non-Guangdong in China over time. To understand the virus evolution and transmission mode, the representative HCV 6a specimens in Guangdong province were chosen for deep sequencing and performed evolutionary analysis with all the 6a whole genome reference sequences. Our results showed that less than 5% of the genome was found to be under positive selection. The protein with the highest proportion of sites under positive selection was E1 and E2; A positive association between positive selection sites and the presence of CD8 epitopes was found in non-Guangdong genomes (χ2 = 9.168, P < 0.05). The evolutionary rate of 6a whole genome was 9.59×10− 4s/s/y. E2 has the fastest evolutionary rate (9.40×10− 3s/s/y), followed by E1, NS3 and NS5A. Spatio-temporal evolutionary analysis showed that Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries were the origins of global HCV6a. Further, there were two important transmission modes which were all originated from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries in Guangdong. One (Group B) indicated that HCV6a was then transmitted to Hong Kong, and then to Guangdong and cross-dissemination between these two places; Another (Group C) revealed that HCV6a was directly disseminate to Guangdong and formed a regional epidemic. Our study firstly revealed the transmission mode of HCV6a by whole genome sequence, indicating that the impact of selective constraints in Guangdong and non-Guangdong, it can be helpful to plan for future prevention and management of HCV6a infection in Guangdong, China.
Estimating and Analyzing the Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Crop Yield Loss in Response to Drought in the Koshi River Basin, Nepal
Authors: Dahal Nirmal Mani , XIONG Donghong , Neupane Nilhari , Zhang Su , Yuan Yong , Zhang Baojun , Fang Yiping , Zhao Wei , Wu Yanhong , Deng Wei 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The quantitative assessment of crop yield loss in response to drought is crucial in the development of the agricultural sector to improve the productivity. This study estimated and analyzed the spatiotemporal patterns of crop yield loss in response to drought using the Lagrange interpolation method, wavelet analysis, and sequential Mann-Kendall test in the mountain, hill, and Terai (low-land) regions of Nepal's Koshi River Basin from 1987 to 2016. According to the findings, average crop yield loss was common after 2000, with the Terai, hill, and mountain experiencing the greatest loss in maize, rice, and wheat, respectively. Average annual rice and wheat yield losses rate were highest in the mountains, while maize yield losses were highest in the Terai. There was an abrupt change in wheat yield loss in the mountain, with significant increasing trend. In the hill, significant increment in maize and wheat yield loss, and decrement in rice yield loss, were observed. Between 1987 and 2016, periodic variations of maize, rice, and wheat revealed significant yield loss after 2000. The characteristics of the first and second key periods for crop yield loss demonstrated variation period which predicted that crop yield loss would either enter high yield loss or low yield loss period shortly after 2016. The findings of the study provide a detailed intervention in assessing crop yield loss at the river basin level and can provide an important pathway for developing a crop yield loss mitigation plan in the agricultural sector to achieve self-reliance and sustainable agricultural productivity.
Design, Synthesis and Molecular Modeling Studies of Thiosemicarbazone &amp; Thiazole Derivatives as Potential Anti-Malarial Agents
Authors: Kaur Kamalpreet , Asati Vivek 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
A series of novel thiosemicarbazone & thiazole derivatives (Kp1-10) have been designed, synthesized and evaluated for potential anti-malarial activity. The antimalarial activity of the synthesized thiazole derivatives (Kp1-10) was assessed against human pathogenic malarial strain viz. Plasmodium falciparum while quinine was taken as the standard drug. compound Kp-9 was found to be most promising which exhibited strongest inhibitory activity against P. falciparumwith an IC50 value of 0.29µg/mL which was higher than the reference drug quinine (1.26µg/mL). The SAR studyrevealed that thesubstitution with electron withdrawing group at phenyl increases anti-malarial activity as shown in compound Kp-9. The result of molecular docking studies showed that compounds Kp-9, Kp-1, Kp-3, Kp-4 showed good docking scores with protein (PDB code: 5TBO). The compound Kp-9 showed highest docking score (-9.519). Whereas, compounds Kp-1, Kp-3, Kp-4 and Kp-10 showed good docking scores (-8.764, -8.406, -9.062, -9.435 respectively) with critical interactions with the amino acid residues such as VAL532, ILE237, LEU531, HIE185, TYR528, ASN274, ARG265. The results of biological activity and docking study revealed that the presence of electron withdrawing group at 4th position of phenyl ring attached is crucial for better anti-malarial activity and favorable drug-like profile which can emerge as a potential drug molecule in further development.
A Comparative Evaluation of GIS based Flood Susceptibility Models: A Case of Kopai River Basin, Eastern India
Authors: Ghosh Ranajit , Sutradhar Subhasish , Das Niladri , Mondal Prolay 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Flood is a typical natural disaster which every year causes enormous damage to the natural environment, buildings and victims worldwide. The efficiency of flooding depends upon numerous criteria: flood strength, amplitude, frequency, flow time, changes in plan and river geometry, etc. In this research, three statistical models such as the frequency ratio, Shannon's entropy, and weight of evidence have been used to identify flood susceptibility regions in the Kopai River Basin. In order to run these statistical models, flooded and non-flooded pixels were employed. The outcome of these three models demonstrates that the upper reach of the basin is characterised by non-flooded zones and the bottom reach of the basin is high flooded zones. The lower part of the basin is therefore more vulnerable than that of the upper portion. 11 thematic layers are employed to get the final output of flood susceptibility zones. e.g., soil type, normalised vegetation difference index, normalised water differential index, river lift, slope, drainage density, land usage and land cover, rainfall, soil moisture indices, surface roughness. 370 sample points have been taken as test data and finally receiver operating curves have been plotted for testing the degree of accuracy. The result of the validation reveals that the accuracy of the frequency ratio is 96.5%. Shannon entropy is 91.2% accurate and the weight of evidence is 97.1% accurate. Weight of evidence is therefore the best model for flood susceptibility zones identification for this Kopai basin.
Etiological Analysis and Treatment Principles of Atypical Femur Fracture
Authors: zhang Zhishan , Wang Hongqing , Zhou Fang , Tian Yun , Yang Zhongwei , Hou Guojin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To discuss the etiology and clinical characteristics of atypical femur fracture (AFF) and to improve AFF recognition.Methods: The clinical data of AFF patients treated in our hospital from January 2007 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical characteristics of AFF were summarized.Results: Sixteen patients (24 femurs, eight bilateral femurs), including 14 females, with a median age of 73 years (53-85 years old), were included in this study. The etiological factors were divided into four categories: (1) administration of bisphosphonates (BPs), (2) severe osteoporosis, (3) hip joint dysfunction, and (4) structural abnormality of the femur. Six femurs with incomplete fractures received conservative treatment. Three femurs with incomplete fractures and 13 femurs with complete fractures received intramedullary nail treatment, and one patient (bilateral femurs) underwent plate fixation. All patients were followed up until fracture union; the follow-up time was 3-14 months.Conclusions: For high-risk patients, if there are prodromal symptoms or a simple transverse fracture of the femur, the possibility of AFF should be considered. At the sametime, imaging examinations should be performed to exclude the presence of AFF on the contralateral side.
Pimpinella Anisum Extracts, Safe Anti-Bacterial Treatment
Authors: Soltani Mahdieh , khodagholi Asal , Farjami Zahra , Akbarin Mohammad Mehdi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Now a day, antibiotic-resistant bacteria are increasing and became a medical worldwide problem, therefore the achievement of a new safe disinfectant is deemed necessary. Pimpinella anisum (Pa) is an aromatic plant, belonging to the Umbelliferae family. It is a well-known traditional medicinal herb that has been used in old medicine as an antibacterial, anticancer, antiulcer, therefore, the aim of this study is evaluation of the anti-bacterial effect of PA extracts against Probiotics and pathogens bacteria. Method: 96-well microplates MICs were determined by the broth microdilution method. Five Serial dilutions from 50 to 1 μg/mL concentrations were admitted for all bacteria which include: Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Probiotics complex. Results: PA watery extract demonstrates a statically inhibitory effect in just 50 g/L concentration against E.Coli, E. Faecalis, and Probiotic p= 0.000 for all, whereas this concentration was 25 g/L for Staph. Aureus and Pu p=0.000 and p= 0.007 respectively. PA alcohol extract displays the same effect in 1g/L for all bacteria p= 0.000 for all bacteria. Conclusion: Our results showed that PA in both watery and Alcohol extractions can inhibit both pathogenic and non-pathogen bacteria whereas active compounds are alcohol soluble. Long-time consumption of PA in an herbal product could disrupt normal bacteria of the gastrointestinal system while PA watery extract can promote Probiotics.
Sustained Low Disease Activity Measured By ASDAS Slow Radiographic Spinal Progression in Axial Spondyloarthritis Patients Treated With TNF-inhibitors. Data from REGISPONSERBIO
Authors: Llop Maria , Moreno Mireia , Navarro-Compán Victoria , Juanola Xavier , de Miguel Eugenio , Almodóvar Raquel , Quintana Eduardo Cuende , Sanz Jesús Sanz , Beltrán Emma , Montesinos Maria Dolores Ruiz , Calvet Joan , Berenguer-Llergo Antoni , Masmitjà Jordi Gratacós 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the influence of the disease activity on radiographic progression in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients treated with TNF inhibitors (TNFi).Methods: The study included 101 axSpA patients from the Spanish Register of Biological Therapy in Spondyloarthritides (REGISPONSERBIO), which had clinical data and radiographic assessment available. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the duration of TNFi treatment at baseline: i) long-term treatment (≥4 years) and ii) no long-term treatment (< 4 years). Radiographs were scored by two readers according to the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) with known chronology. Disease activity differences between patients’ groups at each time point were assessed using a linear mixed-effect model.Results: Radiographic progression was defined as an increase in ≥2 mSASSS units. At inclusion, approximately half of the patients (45.5%) were receiving long-term treatment with TNFi (≥4 years). In this group of subjects, a significant difference in averaged Ankylosing Spondylitis disease Activity Score (ASDAS) across follow-up was found between progressors and non-progressors (2.33 vs 1.76, p=0.027, respectively). In patients not under long-term TNFi treatment (54.5%) though, no significant ASDAS differences were observed between progressors and non-progressors until the third year of follow-up. Furthermore, no significant differences were found in progression status, when disease activity was measured by Bath Ankylosing spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and C reactive protein (CRP).Conclusions: Patients on long-term TNFi treatment with a mean sustained low disease activity measures by ASDAS presented lower radiographic progression than those with active disease.
Agrobacterium-Mediated Cassava Transformation For The Asian-elite Variety KU50
Authors: Utsumi Yoshinori , Utsumi Chikako , Tanaka Maho , Okamoto Yoshie , Takahashi Satoshi , Huong Tong Thi , Nguyen Anh Vu , Dong Nguyen Van , Tokunaga Hiroki , Taylor Nigel , Seki Motoaki 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Agrobacterium-mediated cassava transformation via friable embryogenic calli (FEC) has allowed the robust production of transgenic cassava. So far, transformation has been performed mostly for the model cassava variety 60444 and African varieties due to their good production of, and regeneration from, embryogenic tissues. It is important to develop transformation methods for elite Asian cassava varieties to meet changing needs within one of the world’s major cassava production areas. To date, however, a suitable transformation method for the Asian elite variety Kasetsart 50 (KU50) has not been developed. Here, we report a transformation method for KU50, the cultivar with the highest planting area in Thailand and Vietnam. In cassava transformation, the preparation of FEC as the target tissue for transgene integration is a key step. FEC induction from KU50 was improved by the use of media with reduced nutrients and excess vitamin B1, and somatic embryo and plant regeneration optimized by manipulation of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and benzylamino purine (BAP). The transformation efficiency for KU50 was 22%, at approximately half of that of 60444 (45%). Transcriptome analysis indicated that expression of genes related to cell wall loosing was upregulated in FEC from KU50 compared with 60444, indicating cell wall production and assembly was out of balance in the Asian variety. The transformation system for KU50 reported here will contribute to molecular breeding of cassava plants for Asian farmers by transgenic and genome-editing technologies.
Comparison of Autistic Traits between Iranian Students with Different Ethnical Background: A Cross-Cultural Study ​
Authors: Athar Mojtaba Elhami , Ebrahimi Ali , Karimi Sirvan , Esmaeili Roya , Asl Esmaeil Mousavi , Azizi Morteza , Heidarzadeh Saman , Siahkamari Esfandiar , Sharifi Amin , Jazi Elham Azamian , Farani Abbas Ramezani 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Autistic traits (ATs) include symptoms associated with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs), which are assumed to be continuously distributed across the general population. Studies had indicated the cultural differences in the expression ATs. To our knowledge, this is the first study designed to compare the expression of autistic traits between different ethnicities from the same country. Methods: Using the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ-28), we examined the possible cultural differences in the expression of autistic traits from four groups of students with different ethnicities backgrounds, including Turkish (n = 262), Persian (n = 290), Kurdish (n = 300), and Luri (n = 307) students. Results: Behaviors associated with autistic traits were reported overall higher for males than females. Also, significant cultural differences in autistic traits were found that were different for males and females. Furthermore, while the medical sciences student group scored significantly than the humanities group in the Imagination dimension, the humanities group had significantly high scores in Number/Pattern dimensions than the engineering and medical sciences groups. Limitations: First, other ethnicities (e.g., Arabs, Baloch) were not studied because of the lack of access. Second, for data gathering, we used only the self-report method. Third, our study included only a student sample but not the community and clinical samples from different ethnicities. Finally, our study sample included only students who are not representative of their entire ethnicity.Conclusions: Altogether, our results provide further support for the idea that the expression of ATs is significantly influenced by culture.
A Novel Non-antibiotic Selectable Marker GASA6 for Plant Transformation
Authors: Luo Yuewan , Gu Jiena , Wang Xiaojing , Zhang Shengchun 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Selectable markers help the transformed cell/tissue to survive in an otherwise lethal exposure of an antibiotic or herbicide. Unfortunately, almost all the traditional selectable markers are antibiotic and herbicide resistance genes, which are controversial on human health concerns and environmental impact. Novel plant-derived, non-antibiotic, and non-herbicide selectable markers are urgently needed in plant transformation. Our previous work showed that the seedlings of overexpression Arabidopsis lines of AtGASA6 survived on medium with a high concentration of sugar, which leads to the hypothesis that AtGASA6 could be a selectable marker on media with high or low sugar content. In this study, leaf explants of AtGASA6 overexpression tobacco lines regenerated shoots on sugar-free shooting medium while those of wild type could not. Moreover, the seeds of AtGASA6 overexpression tobacco lines germinated and grew into normal seedlings on sugar-free MS medium while those of WT could not. Attractively, no developmental defects were observed in AtGASA6 transgenic progenies. Using AtGASA6 as a selectable marker, overexpression tobacco lines of GAI , which restrains plant size, were created on sugar-free media. The GAI overexpression lines had a smaller plant size than that of control. Considering its plant-derived and non-antibiotic nature, GASA6 is promising to be used as a selectable marker in plant transformation.
Expression of Five Target Proteins Related to Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Brain Metastases of Lung Cancer
Authors: Wu Jie , Zhao Haifeng , Yan Ke , Xie Xiangtong , Gu Donghua , Wang Weihua , Fei Xifeng , Zhu Wenyu , Wang Zhimin , Huang Qiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The links between brain metastases of lung cancer and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection have been controversial for a long time. This study aims to explore the links between brain metastases of lung cancer and HCMV infection from the perspective of expression and detection of HCMV immediate early gene (IE), guanine nucleotide-binding protein 4 (GBP4), CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) proteins. Methods: We collected brain metastases specimens and lung primary tumor specimens of a series of patients that have not undergone any treatment. Conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining of target molecules was performed. We used the ImageJ software to process the average optical density value of immune complexes and GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 to perform image analysis, and the SPSS 22.0 statistics package (t test) to analyze the expression differences of target molecules.Results: Based on five cases of brain metastases and two cases of lung primary tumors, a total of seven samples were investigated. Conventional pathology diagnosis reported four cases of brain metastases of lung adenocarcinoma and one case of brain metastases of mixed small cell lung cancer with adenocarcinoma. Among the 19 molecular immunopathological test samples, only GBP4, related to HCMV infection, and TTF1, related to metastases, were highly expressed in all seven samples. A comparison of the AOD values of the primary lung cancer to the AOD values of brain metastases, yielded statistically significant differences as follows: in Case No.1, GBP4 (p=0.016), EGRF (p<0.001); in Case No. 2, IE (p<0.001), CXCR4 (p=0.005), EGFR (p=0.023), TTF1 (p=0.004). Conclusions: Although TTF1 is known to be a kinesin for brain metastases of lung cancer cells and it is associated with poor survival prognosis, the role of GBP4, which is closely related to HCMV infection and a key protein of brain metastases of lung cancer, remains unknown. The findings provide new knowledge into the role of GBP4 and could provide clues for devising novel strategies for target molecular therapy research in brain metastases of lung cancer in the context of HCMV infection.
Use of Caenorhabditis Elegans and Zebrafish Embryo as an Alternative Model for Biocompatibility Assessment of Natural Latex Biocomposite
Authors: Miranda Matheus Carlos Romeiro , Borges Felipe Azevedo , Barros Natan Roberto , Marques Marina Paganine , Galeane Mariana Cristina , Singulani Junya , Guerra Nayrim Brizuela , Pegorin Giovana Sant'Ana , Mussagy Cassamo Ussemane , Almeida Ana Marisa Fusco , Giannini Maria José Soares Mendes , Herculano Rondinelli Donizetti 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The number of animals killed used for research purposes has increased significantly in recent years. For this reason, several alternatives of animal models are widely used. In this study, two phases of calcium phosphates synthesized by the sol-gel method were added by precipitation to the surface of the natural rubber latex membranes for bone applications. Membranes cytotoxicity and toxicity was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. Hemolysis levels were less than 3%, which indicates that there was no significant hemolytic activity. It was demonstrated that latex presents enzymes that can dissociate osteoblasts MC3T3, so it was necessary to eliminate these enzymes to obtain a good adhesion and cellular proliferation without morphological alterations. The in vivo toxicity test with Caenorhabditis elegans worms did not show evidence of toxicity with a sample of hydroxyapatite incubated for 5 days, exhibiting the lowest survival rate of the worms. In the Zebrafish embryotoxicity assay, 60% of embryos survived and there was no evidence of embryos with malformation or developmental delay. In summary, alternative animal models, which are not commonly used to assess biocompatibility, have provided reliable in vivo results that allow suggesting the use of these membranes in the bone biomedical.