bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of homeobox gene clusters in harpacticoid and calanoid copepods
Authors: Kim Duck‐Hyun , Jeong Haksoo , Kim Min‐Sub , Kim Sanghee , Souissi Sami , Park Heum Gi , Hagiwara Atsushi , Lee Jae‐Seong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this study, we have identified the entire complement of typical homeobox (Hox) genes (Lab, Pb, Dfd, Scr, Antp, Ubx, Abd‐A, and Abd‐B) in harpacticoid and calanoid copepods and compared them with the cyclopoid copepod Paracyclopina nana. The harpacticoid copepods Tigriopus japonicus and Tigriopus kingsejongensis have seven Hox genes (Lab, Dfd, Scr, Antp, Ubx, Abd‐A, and Abd‐B) and the Pb and Ftz genes are also present in the cyclopoid copepod P. nana. In the Hox gene cluster of the calanoid copepod Eurytemora affinis, all the Hox genes were present linearly in the genome but the Antp gene was duplicated. Of the three representative copepods, the P. nana Hox gene cluster was the most compact due to its small genome size. The Hox gene expression profile patterns in the three representative copepods were stage‐specific. The Lab, Dfd, Scr, Pb, Ftz, and Hox3 genes showed a high expression in early developmental stages but Antp, Ubx, Abd‐A, and Abd‐B genes were mostly expressed in later developmental stages, implying that these Hox genes may be closely associated with the development of segment identity during early development.
Building a foundation in self‐awareness: Genetic counseling students’ experiences with self‐care, reflection, and mindfulness
Authors: Bulmer Laura , Stanley Christy , Loffredo Lauren , Mills Rachel , Doyle Lauren 
Published: December 2021

AbstractStress and anxiety are significant concerns for practicing genetic counselors as well as genetic counseling students and can have downstream effects on patient care. Prior research suggests graduate‐level training in self‐awareness practices such as self‐care, reflection, and mindfulness could have lasting effects for genetic counselors, their patients, and the profession as a whole. This mixed‐methods study assessed self‐awareness among 154 genetic counseling graduate students using the Self‐Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and self‐described experiences with self‐awareness practice. Genetic counseling students had significantly lower mean scores on the MAAS and the Insight subscale of the SRIS compared with other health professionals, indicating that genetic counseling students have lower levels of mindfulness and may lack insight into their thoughts and feelings. After starting genetic counseling graduate programs, students were more likely to reduce participation in active self‐awareness practices such as physical activity and mental health counseling. Most students reported having structured practice in self‐care (n = 97, 63%), reflection (n = 125, 81.2%), and mindfulness (n = 77, 50%) as a part of their training programs. Second‐year genetic counseling students reporting mindfulness practices had significantly higher scores on the Insight subscale of the SRIS than those who did not, indicating that students engaged in mindfulness practice are better able to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The majority of students reported benefitting from structured practice in self‐care (n = 63, 64.9%), reflection (n = 101, 80%), and mindfulness (n = 54, 70.1%). Open‐ended responses regarding students’ perceived benefits and limitations of structured practice were analyzed for recurrent themes. Students reported improved self‐awareness which enhanced their counseling relationships during clinical rotations. However, they also perceived that implementation of self‐awareness practices may have been inconsistent. Findings from this study have implications for integrating self‐awareness practices into genetic counseling graduate curriculum.
Design of a new cell penetrating peptide for DNA, siRNA and mRNA delivery
Authors: Ali Salif , Dussouillez Candice , Padilla Beatriz , Frisch Benoît , Mason A. James , Kichler Antoine 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundDelivery systems, including peptide‐based ones, that destabilize endosomes in a pH‐dependent manner are increasingly used to deliver cargoes of therapeutic interest, such as nucleic acids and proteins into mammalian cells.MethodsThe negatively charged amphipathic alpha‐helicoidal forming peptide named HELP (Helical Erythrocyte Lysing Peptide) is a derivative from the bee venom melittin and was shown to have a pH‐dependent activity with the highest lytic activity at pH 5.0 at the same time as becoming inactive when the pH is increased. The present study aimed to determine whether replacement in the HELP peptide of the glutamic acid residues by histidines, for which the protonation state is sensitive to the pH changes that occur during endosomal acidification, can transform this fusogenic peptide into a carrier able to deliver different nucleic acids into mammalian cells.ResultsThe resulting HELP‐4H peptide displays high plasmid DNA, small interfering RNA and mRNA delivery capabilities. Importantly, in contrast to other cationic peptides, its transfection activity was only marginally affected by the presence of serum. Using circular dichroism, we found that acidic pH did not induce significant conformational changes for HELP‐4H.ConclusionsIn summary, we were able to develop a new cationic histidine rich peptide able to efficiently deliver various nucleic acids into cells.
Early‐Onset Micromorphological Changes of Neuronal Fiber Bundles During Radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Jin , Wang Wenjuan , Zhou Yanfei , Gan Chen , Wang Tengfei , Hu Zongtao , Lou Jianjun , Wang Hongzhi , Yang Li‐Zhuang , Wong Stephen T.C. , Li Hai 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundPatients receiving cranial radiation face the risk of delayed brain dysfunction. However, an early medical imaging marker is not available until irreversible morphological changes emerge.PurposeTo explore the micromorphological white matter changes during the radiotherapy session by utilizing an along‐tract analysis framework.Study TypeProspective.PopulationEighteen nasopharyngeal carcinoma (two female) patients receiving cranial radiation.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T; Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and T1‐ and T2‐weighted images (T1W, T2W); computed tomography (CT).AssessmentPatients received three DTI imaging scans during the radiotherapy (RT), namely the baseline scan (1–2 days before RT began), the middle scan (the middle of the RT session), and the end scan (1–2 days after RT ended). Twelve fibers were segmented after whole‐brain tractography. Then, the fractional anisotropy (FA) values and the cumulative radiation dose received for each fiber streamline were resampled and projected into their center fiber.Statistical TestsThe contrast among the three scans (P1: middle scan–baseline scan; P2: end scan–middle scan; P3: end scan–baseline scan) were compared using the linear mixed model for each of the 12 center fibers. Then, a dose–responsiveness relationship was performed using Pearson correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsSix of the 12 center fibers showed significant changes of FA values during the RT but with heterogeneous patterns. The significant changes along a specific center fiber were associated with their cumulative dose received (Genu: P1 r = −0.6182, P2 r = −0.5907; Splenium: P1 r = 0.4055, P = 0.1063, P2 r = 0.6742; right uncinate fasciculus: P1 r = −0.3865, P2 r = −0.4912, P = 0.0533; right corticospinal tract: P1 r = 0.4273, P = 0.1122, P2 r = −0.6885).Data ConclusionThe along‐tract analysis might provide sensitive measures on the early‐onset micromorphological changes.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 3
Fabrication and evaluation of antimicrobial biomimetic nanofiber coating for improved dental implant bioseal: An in vitro study
Authors: Mathur Apoorva , Kharbanda Om Prakash , Koul Veena , Dinda Amit Kumar , Anwar Mohammad Faiyaz , Singh Suchita 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundA weak implant‐soft tissue interface may lead to bacterial ingression, breakdown of underlying tissues, and eventually implant failure. This study proposes a surface modification technique of titanium alloy (Ti), using a nano‐biopolymer scaffold to enhance soft tissue attachment in dental implants.MethodsGelatin (20% w/v) embedded with 10 ± 2 nm silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was electrospun to form a gelatin electrospun mat (GEM) scaffold, bonded to Ti alloy surface using chemical surface functionalization. Antimicrobial activity of AgNPs was tested against representative Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) at 4, 24, and 48 hours and after embedding in scaffold at 48 hours. Cytotoxicity analysis (MTT assay) was performed using the 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line at 24 and 72 hours for two groups: control (unmodified Ti disc) and experimental (GEM embedded with AgNPs); and further validated by scanning electron microscopy.ResultsThe AgNPs‐embedded GEM showed good antimicrobial activity at 48 hours, with the AgNPs showing complete (99.99%) inhibition of bacterial colony counts at 24 and 48 hours. Cell viability and proliferation over the GEM modified Ti discs were seen to be significantly increased (P < 0.05) at 72 hours as compared with control. SEM images revealed intimate spreading of fibroblasts, with differentiated cell morphology and pseudopodial processes, indicative of enhanced fibroblastic adhesion, growth, and differentiation over the scaffold.ConclusionResults show good antifouling properties and biocompatibility of the fabricated coating, making it a promising strategy to reduce postoperative infections and peri‐implant diseases in Ti dental implants.
An in vitro comparison of four antibacterial agents with and without nicotine and their effects on human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Batra Chandni , Alalshaikh Marwa , Gregory Richard L. , Windsor L. Jack , Blanchard Steven B. , Hamada Yusuke 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of the study was to compare anti‐bacterial activity of 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX), 10% povidone iodine (PVD), Vega oral care gel (VEGA), and antioxidant gel (AO) on Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis with and without nicotine and to evaluate their effects on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs).MethodsS. mutans, S. sanguis, P. gingivalis, and F. nucleatum were incubated with serial dilutions (1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64) of anti‐bacterial agents in media (with and without nicotine). Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) were measured, and confocal microscopy was performed. HGFs were exposed to serial dilutions (1/10, 1/100, 1/1000, and 1/10,000) of antibacterial agents with media. Water‐soluble tetrazolium‐1 (WST‐1) assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay were used to assess proliferation and cytotoxicity towards HGFs.ResultsCHX and PVD significantly inhibited growth of all bacterial species (P < 0.0001) at all dilutions. AO and VEGA inhibited growth of all bacterial species up to only the 1/4 dilution. CHX and PVD decreased HGF proliferation at 1/10 and 1/100 dilution, whereas AO at all dilutions (P < 0.05). CHX and AO were cytotoxic at all dilutions (P < 0.05). VEGA was not cytotoxic to HGFs and did not affect HGF proliferation at any dilution (P > 0.05). An increased bacterial growth was seen for all species except P. gingivalis with addition of nicotine.ConclusionCHX and PVD demonstrate superior antibacterial properties, but significantly reduce HGF proliferation. AO is bacteriostatic at lower dilutions but is highly toxic to HGFs. VEGA was bacteriostatic and demonstrated no detrimental effects on HGF's.
Potential use of plant‐based by‐products and waste to improve the quality of gluten‐free foods
Authors: Difonzo Graziana , de Gennaro Giuditta , Pasqualone Antonella , Caponio Francesco 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe food industry generates a large amount of waste and by‐products, the disposal of which has a negative impact on the environment and the economy. Plant‐based waste and by‐products are rich in bioactive compounds such as dietary fiber, proteins, essential fatty acids, antioxidant compounds, vitamin, and minerals, which can be exploited to reduce the nutritional deficiencies of gluten‐free products. The latter are known to be rich in fats and carbohydrates but lacking in bioactive compounds; the absence of gluten also has a negative effect on textural and sensory properties. Several attempts have been made to improve the quality of gluten‐free products using alternative flours and additives, or by adopting innovative technologies. The exploitation of plant‐based by‐products would represent a chance to improve both the nutritional profile and the overall quality of gluten‐free foods by further enhancing the sustainability of the agri‐food system. After examining in detail the composition of plant‐based by‐products and waste, the objective of this review was to provide an overview of the effects of their inclusion on the quality of gluten‐free products (bread, pasta, cake/muffins, biscuits and snacks). The advantages and drawbacks regarding the physical, sensory, and nutritional properties were critically evaluated. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy expands stromal populations that predict poor prognosis in estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Brechbuhl Heather M. , Xie Mengyu , Kopin Etana G. , Han Amy L. , Vinod‐Paul Kiran , Hagen Jaime , Edgerton Susan , Owens Philip , Sams Sharon , Elias Anthony , Sartorius Carol A. , Tan Aik‐Choon , Kabos Peter 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment (TME) is an important modulator of response and resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor alpha (ER) positive breast cancer. Endocrine therapy is highly effective at reducing tumor burden and preventing recurrence in most estrogen receptor alpha (ER) positive breast cancers. Existing drugs work either directly by targeting tumor‐cell ER or indirectly by inhibiting estrogen production in stromal cells with aromatase inhibitors (AI). However, many stromal cells also express ER and the direct impact of endocrine therapies on ER + stromal cells remain unclear. In this study, we investigated how neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) directly effects stromal cells by measuring changes in stomal components of the TME that favor tumor progression. We previously defined two major subsets of tumor‐associated stromal cells (TASCs): CD146 positive/CDCP1 negative (TASCCD146), CD146 negative/CDCP1 positive (TASCCDCP1), and generated a differentially expressed genes list associated with each type. Here, we applied the TASC gene list for classification and an algorithm that estimates immune cell abundance (TIMEx) to METABRIC transcriptomic data for ER + breast cancer patients coupled with multiplex imaging and analysis of paired tissue samples pre‐ and post‐ NET with the AI exemestane. TASCCDCP1 composition predicted for decreased patient survival in the METABRIC cohort. Exemestane treatment significantly increased expression of TASCCDCP1 and decreased expression of TASCCD146. The posttreatment shift toward TASCCDCP1 composition correlated with increased macrophage infiltration and increased CD8+ T‐cell, B cell, and general stromal components. The effectiveness of NET is currently based solely on the reduction of ER+ breast cancer cells. Here, we show NET displays clear TME effects that promote the expansion of the less favorable TASCCDCP1 population which are correlated with TME remodeling and reshaping immune infiltration supportive of tumor progression. Our findings highlight the need to further understand the role of endocrine therapy on TME remodeling, tumor progression, and patient outcomes.
Developing a Standardized Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Panel for Rangewide Genetic Monitoring of Bull Trout
Authors: Bohling Justin , Von Bargen Jennifer , Piteo Matthew , Louden Amelia , Small Maureen , Delomas Thomas A. , Kovach Ryan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Conservation of threatened and endangered species often involves large-scale collaboration across jurisdictional boundaries, but such efforts are typically hampered by a lack of consistent monitoring data at local, regional, and species-distributional scales. Contemporary methods of genetic monitoring that are grounded in sequencing-based approaches offer a powerful means to achieve the data consistency necessary for conservation of high-profile species. Here, we describe the collaborative, multiagency development of a genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing panel for genetic monitoring of threatened Bull Trout Salvelinus confluentus across its range in North America. The resulting panel consists of 266 single nucleotide polymorphisms, a subset of which differentiate Salvelinus species (Arctic Char S. alpinus, Brook Trout S. fontinalis, Bull Trout, Dolly Varden S. malma, Lake Trout S. namaycush, and Whitespotted Char S. leucomaenis), as well as one sex ID locus. We then used case studies from the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains to demonstrate the efficacy of the panel for addressing local conservation needs (e.g., genetic variation, genetic differentiation, genetic assignment tests, and number of effective breeders) and compatibility with legacy data sets. Future genotyping with this panel will provide opportunities for improved conservation prioritization across the species range and collaboration among the numerous agencies charged with conserving this species. This effort provides framework to develop population genetic tools that will contribute to robust and efficient monitoring of biodiversity.
Sharing psychosocial risk screening information with pediatric oncology healthcare providers: Service utilization and related factors
Authors: Etkin‐Spigelman Laurel , Hancock Kelly , Nathan Paul C. , Barrera Maru 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPsychosocial morbidity in pediatric oncology patients and their caregivers is widely recognized. Although routine systematic psychosocial screening has been proposed as a standard of care, screening is still limited. The present study assessed whether supplying the patient's treating team of healthcare providers with psychosocial risk screening information near diagnosis would increase the rate of documented psychosocial contacts, particularly for patients/families with elevated risk. The effect of demographic and clinical factors was also examined.ProceduresNinety‐three families with a child/youth newly diagnosed with cancer participated. Families were randomly assigned to a care as usual control group (n = 44) or an intervention group (n = 49) where the treating team was provided with a summary of family psychosocial risk, measured by the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT). The PAT was completed by the primary caregiver, who also provided demographic information. The number of psychosocial intervention contacts documented in the medical charts was examined.ResultsThe rate of psychosocial intervention did not significantly differ between the groups (P > 0.05). The intensity of the child's cancer treatment was found to be the only significant predictor of the number of documented psychosocial intervention contacts (β = 0.396, P < 0.001).ConclusionsClinical factors appear to be more predictive of the rate of psychosocial intervention provided to pediatric oncology patients and their families than informing the treating team of family psychosocial risk. Additional research is required to address the gap between psychosocial risk screening, psychosocial intervention, and family outcomes.
The implementation of green human resource management bundles across firms in pursuit of environmental sustainability goals
Authors: Napathorn Chaturong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to examine the green human resource management (GHRM) bundles successfully implemented by firms across industries in response to the national institutional and cultural contexts toward the pursuit of environmental sustainability goals. Based on a cross‐case analysis of five firms across industries in Thailand, the empirical evidence draws on semistructured interviews with various stakeholders, field visits, and a review of archival documents and web‐based reports and resources. This paper proposes that GHRM bundles successfully implemented by firms in response to the institutional and cultural contexts include the following: green recruitment and selection in terms of green employer branding; green training in terms of awareness enhancement, on‐the‐job training, job shadowing, coaching, mentoring, and workplace climate building; green pay and rewards in terms of financial and nonfinancial rewards; and green employee relations in terms of a paternalistic leadership style and workplace climate. Specifically, firms develop green employer branding and implement the practices of awareness enhancement, on‐the‐job training, job shadowing, coaching, mentoring, and workplace climate building in response to deficiencies in the national education and skill formation system in terms of skill shortages. Additionally, firms offer both financial and nonfinancial rewards and create a paternalistic leadership style and workplace climate in response to a cultural context that favors in‐group collectivism, conflict avoidance, and passivity among workers within the workplace.
Ternary Mo2NiB2 as a Superior Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Saad Ali , Gao Yang , Owusu Kwadwo Asare , Liu Wei , Wu Yanyan , Ramiere Aymeric , Guo Haichuan , Tsiakaras Panagiotis , Cai Xingke 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTransition metal borides are considered as promising electrocatalysts for water splitting due to their metallic conductivity and good durability. However, the currently reported monometallic and noncrystalline multimetallic borides only show generic and monofunctional catalytic activity. In this work, the authors design and successfully synthesize highly crystalline ternary borides, Mo2NiB2, via a facile solid‐state reaction from pure elemental powders. The as‐synthesized Mo2NiB2 exhibits very low overpotentials for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), that is, 280 and 160 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2, in alkaline media. These values are much lower from the ones observed over monometallic borides, that is, Ni2B and MoB, and the lowest among all nonprecious metal borides. By loading Mo2NiB2 onto Ni foams as both cathode and anode electrode for overall water splitting applications, a low cell voltage of 1.57 V is required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2, comparable with the value required from the Pt/C||IrO2/C couple (1.56 V). The proposed synthesis strategy can be used for the preparation of cost‐effective, multi‐metallic crystalline borides, as multifunctional electrocatalysts.