bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide insights on gastrointestinal nematode resistance in autochthonous Tunisian sheep
Authors: Ahbara A. M. , Rouatbi M. , Gharbi M. , Rekik M. , Haile A. , Rischkowsky B. , Mwacharo J. M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections have negative impacts on animal health, welfare and production. Information from molecular studies can highlight the underlying genetic mechanisms that enhance host resistance to GIN. However, such information often lacks for traditionally managed indigenous livestock. Here, we analysed 600 K single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes of GIN infected and non-infected traditionally managed autochthonous Tunisian sheep grazing communal natural pastures. Population structure analysis did not find genetic differentiation that is consistent with infection status. However, by contrasting the infected versus non-infected cohorts using ROH, LR-GWAS, FSTand XP-EHH, we identified 35 candidate regions that overlapped between at least two methods. Nineteen regions harboured QTLs for parasite resistance, immune capacity and disease susceptibility and, ten regions harboured QTLs for production (growth) and meat and carcass (fatness and anatomy) traits. The analysis also revealed candidate regions spanning genes enhancing innate immune defence (SLC22A4, SLC22A5,IL-4, IL-13), intestinal wound healing/repair (IL-4, VIL1, CXCR1, CXCR2) and GIN expulsion (IL-4, IL-13). Our results suggest that traditionally managed indigenous sheep have evolved multiple strategies that evoke and enhance GIN resistance and developmental stability. They confirm the importance of obtaining information from indigenous sheep to investigate genomic regions of functional significance in understanding the architecture of GIN resistance.
Stability of supported aerosol-generated nanoparticles in liquid media
Authors: Franzén Sara M. , Tasić Magdalena , Poulie Christian B. M. , Magnusson Martin H. , Strand Daniel , Messing Maria E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe stability of nanoparticles and their supports are critical, but poorly understood, parameters for applications of such systems in liquid environments. Here we develop an approach to systematically investigate the stability of aerosol-generated nanoparticles after exposure to commonly used solvents using a combination of identical location-SEM and density/size analysis. We demonstrate that the choice of solvent needs to be carefully matched with both the particle and support materials. We show that thermal annealing significantly increases the adhesion of the particles and expands the scope of applications in aqueous media and for biological applications. The results clarify combinations of inorganic nanoparticles on oxide and semiconductor supports with solvents and environmental conditions that give sufficient stability. Combined, the presented methods should be of value in investigating the stability of nanoparticle systems after exposure to solvent and can be used for future developments of high-performing supported aerosol-generated nanoparticles for solvent-based applications.
The lattice dislocation trapping mechanism at the ferrite/cementite interface in the Isaichev orientation relationship
Authors: Kim Jaemin , Ghaffarian Hadi , Kang Keonwook 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe analyze the lattice dislocation trapping mechanism at the ferrite/cementite interface of the Isaichev orientation relationship by atomistic simulations combined with the anisotropic linear elasticity theory and disregistry analysis. We find that the lattice dislocation trapping ability is varied by initial position of the lattice dislocation. The lattice dislocation near the interface is attracted to the interface by the image force generated by the interface shear, while the lattice dislocation located far is either attracted to or repelled from the interface, or even oscillates around the introduced position, depending on the combination of the stress field induced by the misfit dislocation array and the image stress field induced by the lattice dislocation.
Investigation of triple-negative breast cancer risk alleles in an International African-enriched cohort
Authors: Martini Rachel , Chen Yalei , Jenkins Brittany D. , Elhussin Isra A. , Cheng Esther , Hoda Syed A. , Ginter Paula S. , Hanover Jeffrey , Zeidan Rozina B. , Oppong Joseph K. , Adjei Ernest K. , Jibril Aisha , Chitale Dhananjay , Bensenhaver Jessica M. , Awuah Baffour , Bekele Mahteme , Abebe Engida , Kyei Ishmael , Aitpillah Frances S. , Adinku Michael O. , Ankomah Kwasi , Osei-Bonsu Ernest B. , Nathansan Saul David , Jackson LaToya , Jiagge Evelyn , Petersen Lindsay F. , Proctor Erica , Nikolinakos Petros , Gyan Kofi K. , Yates Clayton , Kittles Rick , Newman Lisa A. , Davis Melissa B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLarge-scale efforts to identify breast cancer (BC) risk alleles have historically taken place among women of European ancestry. Recently, there are new efforts to verify if these alleles increase risk in African American (AA) women as well. We investigated the effect of previously reported AA breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) risk alleles in our African-enriched International Center for the Study of Breast Cancer Subtypes (ICSBCS) cohort. Using case–control, case-series and race-nested approaches, we report that the Duffy-null allele (rs2814778) is associated with TNBC risk (OR = 3.814, p = 0.001), specifically among AA individuals, after adjusting for self-indicated race and west African ancestry (OR = 3.368, p = 0.007). We have also validated the protective effect of the minor allele of the ANKLE1 missense variant rs2363956 among AA for TNBC (OR = 0.420, p = 0.005). Our results suggest that an ancestry-specific Duffy-null allele and differential prevalence of a polymorphic gene variant of ANKLE1 may play a role in TNBC breast cancer outcomes. These findings present opportunities for therapeutic potential and future studies to address race-specific differences in TNBC risk and disease outcome.
The dimer-monomer equilibrium of SARS-CoV-2 main protease is affected by small molecule inhibitors
Authors: Silvestrini Lucia , Belhaj Norhan , Comez Lucia , Gerelli Yuri , Lauria Antonino , Libera Valeria , Mariani Paolo , Marzullo Paola , Ortore Maria Grazia , Palumbo Piccionello Antonio , Petrillo Caterina , Savini Lucrezia , Paciaroni Alessandro , Spinozzi Francesco 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe maturation of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is the etiological agent at the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, requires a main protease Mproto cleave the virus-encoded polyproteins. Despite a wealth of experimental information already available, there is wide disagreement about the Mpromonomer-dimer equilibrium dissociation constant. Since the functional unit of Mprois a homodimer, the detailed knowledge of the thermodynamics of this equilibrium is a key piece of information for possible therapeutic intervention, with small molecules interfering with dimerization being potential broad-spectrum antiviral drug leads. In the present study, we exploit Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) to investigate the structural features of SARS-CoV-2 Mproin solution as a function of protein concentration and temperature. A detailed thermodynamic picture of the monomer-dimer equilibrium is derived, together with the temperature-dependent value of the dissociation constant. SAXS is also used to study how the Mprodissociation process is affected by small inhibitors selected by virtual screening. We find that these inhibitors affect dimerization and enzymatic activity to a different extent and sometimes in an opposite way, likely due to the different molecular mechanisms underlying the two processes. The Mproresidues that emerge as key to optimize both dissociation and enzymatic activity inhibition are discussed.
A randomized sham-controlled trial on the effect of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on gait control in severe obstructive sleep apnea patients
Authors: Baillieul Sébastien , Wuyam Bernard , Pérennou Dominic , Tamisier Renaud , Bailly Sébastien , Benmerad Meriem , Piscicelli Céline , Le Roux-Mallouf Thibault , Vergès Samuel , Pépin Jean-Louis 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo determine the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), on gait control in severe OSAS patients. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled monocentric study in Grenoble Alpes University Hospital, France. Gait parameters were recorded under single and dual-task conditions using a visuo-verbal cognitive task (Stroop test), before and after the 8-week intervention period. Stride-time variability, a marker of gait control, was the primary study endpoint. Changes in the determinants of gait control were the main secondary outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: (NCT02345694). 24 patients [median (Q1; Q3)]: age: 59.5 (46.3; 66.8) years, 87.5% male, body mass index: 28.2 (24.7; 29.8) kg. m−2, apnea–hypopnea index: 51.6 (35.0; 61.4) events/h were randomized to be treated by effective CPAP (n = 12) or by sham-CPAP (n = 12). A complete case analysis was performed, using a mixed linear regression model. CPAP elicited no significant improvement in stride-time variability compared to sham-CPAP. No difference was found regarding the determinants of gait control. This study is the first RCT to investigate the effects of CPAP on gait control. Eight weeks of CPAP treatment did not improve gait control in severe non-obese OSAS patients. These results substantiate the complex OSAS-neurocognitive function relationship.
Shorter headed dogs, visually cooperative breeds, younger and playful dogs form eye contact faster with an unfamiliar human
Authors: Bognár Zsófia , Szabó Dóra , Deés Alexandra , Kubinyi Enikő 
Published: April 2021

AbstractForming eye contact is important in dog–human communication. In this study we measured what factors affect dogs’ propensity for forming eye contact with an experimenter. We investigated the effect of [1] cephalic index (head shape’s metric, indicator of higher visual acuity at the centre of the visual field), [2] breed function (visual cooperativeness), [3] age and [4] playfulness with strangers in 125 companion dogs. Cephalic index was measured individually and analysed as a continuous variable. Results showed that [1] dogs with a higher cephalic index (shorter head) established eye contact faster. Since cephalic index is highly variable even within a breed, using artificial head shape groups or breed average cephalic index values is not recommended. [2] Breed function also affected dogs’ performance: cooperative breeds and mongrels established eye contact faster than dogs from non-cooperative breeds. [3] Younger dogs formed eye contact faster than older ones. [4] More playful dogs formed eye contact faster. Our results suggest that several factors affect dogs’ interspecific attention, and therefore their visual communication ability.
Nonlinear optical property measurements of rhenium diselenide used for ultrafast fiber laser mode-locking at 1.9 μm
Authors: Lee Jinho , Kwon Suhyoung , Kim Taeyoon , Jung Junha , Zhao Luming , Lee Ju Han 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAn experimental investigation into the nonlinear optical properties of rhenium diselenide (ReSe2) was conducted at a wavelength of 1.9 μm using the open-aperture and closed-aperture Z-scan techniques for the nonlinear optical coefficient (β) and nonlinear refractive index (n2) of ReSe2, respectively. β and n2 measured at 1.9 μm were ~ − 11.3 × 103 cm/GW and ~ − 6.2 × 10–2 cm2/GW, respectively, which to the best of our knowledge, are the first reported measurements for ReSe2 in the 1.9-μm spectral region. The electronic band structures of both ReSe2 and its defective structures were also calculated via the Perdew–Becke–Erzenhof functional to better understand their absorption properties. A saturable absorber (SA) was subsequently fabricated to demonstrate the usefulness of ReSe2 for implementing a practical nonlinear optical device at 1.9 μm. The 1.9-μm SA exhibited a modulation depth of ~ 8% and saturation intensity of ~ 11.4 MW/cm2. The successful use of the ReSe2-based SA for mode-locking of a thulium–holmium (Tm–Ho) co-doped fiber ring cavity was achieved with output pulses of ~ 840 fs at 1927 nm. We believe that the mode-locking was achieved through a hybrid mechanism of saturable absorption and nonlinear polarization rotation.
Copper/reduced graphene oxide film modified electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing application
Authors: Phetsang Sopit , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Chanlek Narong , Jakmunee Jaroon , Mungkornasawakul Pitchaya , Ounnunkad Kontad 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNumerous studies suggest that modification with functional nanomaterials can enhance the electrode electrocatalytic activity, sensitivity, and selectivity of the electrochemical sensors. Here, a highly sensitive and cost-effective disposable non-enzymatic glucose sensor based on copper(II)/reduced graphene oxide modified screen-printed carbon electrode is demonstrated. Facile fabrication of the developed sensing electrodes is carried out by the adsorption of copper(II) onto graphene oxide modified electrode, then following the electrochemical reduction. The proposed sensor illustrates good electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation with a wide linear detection range from 0.10 mM to 12.5 mM, low detection limit of 65 µM, and high sensitivity of 172 μA mM–1 cm–2 along with satisfactory anti-interference ability, reproducibility, stability, and the acceptable recoveries for the detection of glucose in a human serum sample (95.6–106.4%). The copper(II)/reduced graphene oxide based sensor with the superior performances is a great potential for the quantitation of glucose in real samples.
Maternal exposure to a high-magnitude earthquake during pregnancy influences pre-reading skills in early childhood
Authors: Bátiz Luis Federico , Palmeiro-Silva Yasna K. , Rice Gregory E. , Monteiro Lara J. , Galaburda Albert M. , Romero Roberto , Choolani Mahesh A. , Wyneken Ursula , Orellana Pelusa , Illanes Sebastián E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractExposure to an adverse prenatal environment can influence fetal development and result in long-lasting changes in the offspring. However, the association between maternal exposure to stressful events during pregnancy and the achievement of pre-reading skills in the offspring is unknown. Here we examined the association between prenatal exposure to the Chilean high-magnitude earthquake that occurred on February 27th, 2010 and the development of early reading precursors skills (listening comprehension, print knowledge, alphabet knowledge, vocabulary, and phonological awareness) in children at kindergarten age. This multilevel retrospective cohort study including 3280 children, of whom 2415 were unexposed and 865 were prenatally exposed to the earthquake shows substantial evidence that maternal exposure to an unambiguously stressful event resulted in impaired pre-reading skills and that a higher detrimental effect was observed in those children who had been exposed to the earthquake during the first trimester of gestation. In addition, females were more significantly affected by the exposure to the earthquake than their male peers in alphabet knowledge; contrarily, males were more affected than females in print knowledge skills. These findings suggest that early intervention programs for pregnant women and/or children exposed to prenatal stress may be effective strategies to overcome impaired pre-reading skills in children.
Multiband and multifunctional polarization converter using an asymmetric metasurface
Authors: Pouyanfar Negin , Nourinia Javad , Ghobadi Changiz 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA compact and asymmetric multi-band reflective polarization converter metasurface has been offered in this paper. The proposed simple converter can effectively convert an incident linearly polarized EM wave to its orthogonal counterpart and circular polarized waves (RHCP and LHCP) at two frequency bands. The design consists of a square with two curves on the top right and lower left corners and a square Split Ring Resonator (SRR) responsible for linear-to-linear and linear-to-circular polarization conversions, respectively. The simulated results show that the converter successfully transforms ay-polarized incident wave to its orthogonal counterpart in a frequency range of 15.5–16.5 GHz with unity conversion at 16 GHz and circularly-polarized (RHCP) wave at 13 GHz and (LHCP) at 18 GHz, verified through the fabricated and measured sample. Wide angular stability up to 60° oblique incidence along with high efficiency reveals the good applicability of the structure. Moreover, the root cause of the cross-polarization conversion has been analyzed and confirmed through Bi-Mode Foster equivalent circuit and surface current distribution as well. Finally, a fabricated prototype is tested to validate the simulated results through measurement.
Role in staging and prognostic value of pretherapeutic F-18 FDG PET/CT in patients with gastric MALT lymphoma without high-grade transformation
Authors: Park Yong-Jin , Hyun Seung Hyup , Moon Seung Hwan , Lee Kyung-Han , Min Byung Hoon , Lee Jun Haeng , Kim Won Seog , Kim Seok Jin , Choi Joon Young 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the role in staging and prognostic value of pretherapeutic fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in patients with gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma without high-grade transformation (HT). We retrospectively reviewed 115 consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed gastric MALT lymphoma without HT who underwent pretherapeutic F-18 FDG PET/CT. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were used to identify independent prognostic factors for disease free survival (DFS) among 13 clinical parameters and three PET parameters. In two of 115 patients (1.7%), the clinical stage appeared higher according to F-18 FDG PET/CT. In univariate analysis, Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (P = 0.023), treatment modality (P < 0.001), and stage including PET/CT (P = 0.015) were significant prognostic factors for DFS. In multivariate analysis, only treatment modality was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.003). In conclusion, F-18 FDG PET/CT played an important role in enabling upstaging of patients with gastric MALT lymphoma without HT. F-18 FDG PET/CT may have a prognostic role in gastric MALT lymphoma without HT by contributing to better staging.
Associations between the dietary inflammatory index and urinary incontinence among women younger than 65 years
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Bian Haiyang , Qiu Shi , Cai Boyu , Jin Kun , Zheng Xiaonan , Li Jiakun , Tu Xiang , Ai Jianzhong , Yang Lu , Wei Qiang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and urinary incontinence (UI) among a representative sample of the US women. We performed a cross-sectional analysis of women younger than 65 years using the 1999 to 2016 NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) populations. DII were calculated based on baseline dietary intake using 24-h dietary recalls. UI was determined and categorized by self-reported questions. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between DII and UI. Stratified linear regression models were applied to test for interaction in prespecified subgroup of interest. A total of 13,441 women age between 20 and 65 years were included in the final analysis. Of these participants 3230 (24.03%) complained of urgency UI, 5276 (39.25%) complained of stress UI and 2028 (15.09%) complained of mixed UI. On multivariate analysis, analysis with DII categorized as quartiles revealed significantly increase odds of urgency UI in the most pro-inflammatory quartile compared to the most anti-inflammatory quartile (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07–1.44, P = 0.004 for trend) in full adjustment model. Similar results were observed in SUI (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00–1.30, P = 0.021 for trend) and MUI (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.02−1.43, P = 0.022 for trend). More pro-inflammatory diets, as presented by higher DII scores are associated with an increased likelihood of UI in American women younger than 65 years. Further studies are needed to explore the possible physiological mechanism and evaluate the potential therapeutic implications.
Blood–brain barrier disruption and ventricular enlargement are the earliest neuropathological changes in rats with repeated sub-concussive impacts over 2 weeks
Authors: Hiles-Murison Bailey , Lavender Andrew P. , Hackett Mark J. , Armstrong Joshua J. , Nesbit Michael , Rawlings Samuel , McGonigle Terrence , Warnock Andrew , Lam Virginie , Mamo John C. L. , Fitzgerald Melinda , Takechi Ryu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRepeated sub-concussive impact (e.g. soccer ball heading), a significantly lighter form of mild traumatic brain injury, is increasingly suggested to cumulatively alter brain structure and compromise neurobehavioural function in the long-term. However, the underlying mechanisms whereby repeated long-term sub-concussion induces cerebral structural and neurobehavioural changes are currently unknown. Here, we utilised an established rat model to investigate the effects of repeated sub-concussion on size of lateral ventricles, cerebrovascular blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and biochemical distribution. Following repeated sub-concussion 3 days per week for 2 weeks, the rats showed significantly enlarged lateral ventricles compared with the rats receiving sham-only procedure. The sub-concussive rats also presented significant BBB dysfunction in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal formation, whilst neuromotor function assessed by beamwalk and rotarod tests were comparable to the sham rats. Immunofluorescent and spectroscopic microscopy analyses revealed no significant changes in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, lipid distribution or protein aggregation, within the hippocampus and cortex. These data collectively indicate that repeated sub-concussion for 2 weeks induce significant ventriculomegaly and BBB disruption, preceding neuromotor deficits.
Inducible knockout of Clec16a in mice results in sensory neurodegeneration
Authors: Hain Heather S. , Pandey Rahul , Bakay Marina , Strenkowski Bryan P. , Harrington Danielle , Romer Micah , Motley William W. , Li Jian , Lancaster Eunjoo , Roth Lindsay , Grinspan Judith B. , Scherer Steven S. , Hakonarson Hakon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCLEC16A has been shown to play a role in autophagy/mitophagy processes. Additionally, genetic variants in CLEC16A have been implicated in multiple autoimmune diseases. We generated an inducible whole-body knockout, Clec16aΔUBC mice, to investigate the loss of function of CLEC16A. The mice exhibited a neuronal phenotype including tremors and impaired gait that rapidly progressed to dystonic postures. Nerve conduction studies and pathological analysis revealed loss of sensory axons that are associated with this phenotype. Activated microglia and astrocytes were found in regions of the CNS. Several mitochondrial-related proteins were up- or down-regulated. Upregulation of interferon stimulated gene 15 (IGS15) were observed in neuronal tissues. CLEC16A expression inversely related to IGS15 expression. ISG15 may be the link between CLEC16A and downstream autoimmune, inflammatory processes. Our results demonstrate that a whole-body, inducible knockout of Clec16a in mice results in an inflammatory neurodegenerative phenotype resembling spinocerebellar ataxia.