bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SNP-based breeding for broiler resistance to ascites and evaluation of correlated production traits
Authors: Lee Katie P. , Anthony Nicholas B. , Orlowski Sara K. , Rhoads Douglas Duane 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background

The goal of this study was to evaluate marker-assisted selection (MAS) in broiler chickens using previously mapped gene regions associated with ascites syndrome incidence. The second-generation MAS products were assessed for impact on ascites phenotype and whether there were associated changes in important production traits. Previously, we used whole genome resequencing (WGR) to fine-map 28 chromosomal regions as associated with ascites phenotype in our experimental ascites broiler line (Relaxed, REL) based on a hypobaric chamber challenge. Genotypes for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mapped regions on chromosomes 2 and 22, were used for MAS in our REL line. After two generations, birds homozygous for the genotypes associated with resistance for both chromosomal regions were established. The MAS F2 generation was then compared to the REL line for ascites susceptibility and 25 production traits.

Results

Selection based on SNPs in the carboxypeptidase Q (CPQ, Gga2) and leucine rich repeat transmembrane neuronal 4 (LRRTM4, Gga22) gene regions resulted in a sex- and simulated altitude- dependent reduction of ascites incidence in two F2 cohorts of the MAS line. Comparisons of the F2 MAS and REL lines for production traits when reared at ambient pressure found no significant negative impacts for feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), or deboned part yields for either sex for two F2 cohorts. There were, however, improvements in the MAS for full-trial body weight gain (BWG), FCR, absolute and relative tender weights, and relative drumstick weight.

Conclusions

These results validate the mapping of the 28 chromosomal regions and demonstrate that fine mapping by WGR is an effective strategy for addressing a complex trait; it also stands as the first successful SNP-based selection program against a complex disease trait, such as ascites. The MAS line is comparable and, in some instances, superior, in growth performance to the REL control while being more resistant to ascites. This study indicates that MAS based on WGR can provide significant breeding potential in agricultural systems.
Brain microvascular endothelial cell dysfunction in an isogenic juvenile iPSC model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Linville Raleigh , Nerenberg Renée , Grifno Gabrielle , Arevalo Diego , Guo Zhaobin , Searson Peter 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of cytosine–adenine–guanine (CAG) repeats in the huntingtin gene, which leads to neuronal loss and decline in cognitive and motor function. Increasing evidence suggests that blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction may contribute to progression of the disease. Studies in animal models, in vitro models, and post-mortem tissue suggest that disease progression is associated with increased microvascular density, altered cerebral blood flow, and loss of paracellular and transcellular barrier function. Here we report on changes in BBB phenotype due to expansion of CAG repeats using an isogenic pair of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) differentiated into brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMECs). We show that CAG expansion alters the trajectory of iBMEC differentiation, producing cells with ~ 2-fold lower purity of adherent endothelial cells. CAG expansion is associated with lower transendothelial electrical resistance, lower tight junction protein expression, and unique gene expression profiles, but no significant changes in paracellular permeability. In addition, CAG expansion results in unique responses to pathological and therapeutic perturbations including angiogenic factors, oxidative stress, and osmotic stress. In a tissue-engineered BBB model, iBMECs show subtle changes in phenotype, including differences in cell turnover and immune cell adhesion. Our results further support that CAG expansion in BMECs may alter BBB phenotype during HD.
Preparation of Polyaniline Nanofibers And Experimental Study On Their Electrochemical Properties And Conductivity
Authors: chg Uihoa 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Among nano polyaniline materials, polyaniline nanofibers are the most important. The low conductivity and poor processability have become the biggest obstacles to the application of polyaniline as a practical material. The excellent characteristics of new polyaniline nanofiber materials can just overcome the shortcomings of Polyaniline in forming and processing. In this study, a new polyaniline nanofiber was prepared by chemical oxidation, its structure was characterized, the mechanism of improving its conductivity was studied, and its superior electrocatalytic activity was evaluated by Electrochemical performance test. The results show that the diameter of polyaniline nanofibers is 20nm ~ 50nm and the fiber length is 2µm ~ 5µm. The structure is uniform and the conductivity can reach 13.5 S/cm. he electrocatalytic activity of polyaniline nanofibers for oxygen evolution and chlorine evolution was systematically tested. It was found that the electrocatalytic activity of polyaniline nanofibers for oxygen evolution was higher than that of polyaniline nanofibers. The electrocatalytic activity of carbon paper electrode prepared by β-PbO2 nano powder is superior to that of traditional chlorine evolution anode Ti/RuO2.
Defective endosome-TGN retrograde transport promotes NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Ricci Romeo , Zhang Zhirong , Ran Li , Venditti Rossella , Liu Zengzhen , Schürmann Annette , Bonifacino Juan , De Matteis Maria Antonietta 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Inflammasome complexes are pivotal in the innate immune response to pathogens and other danger signals. The NLRP3 inflammasome is activated in response to a broad variety of cellular stressors. Most of the stimuli act in a potassium efflux-dependent manner but a primary and converging sensing mechanism by the NLRP3 receptor initiating inflammasome assembly remains ill-defined. Here we show that NLRP3 activators disrupt endosome-TGN retrograde transport (ETRT) and lead to localization of NLRP3 to endosomal vesicles. Genetic and pharmacologic perturbation of ETRT leads to accumulation of phosphoinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) in endosomes to which NLRP3 is recruited. Disruption of ETRT potentiates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in murine and human macrophages in vitro. Mice with defects in ETRT in the myeloid compartment are more susceptible to LPS-induced sepsis showing enhanced mortality and IL-1β serum levels as compared to control animals. Our study thus uncovers that changes in endocytic trafficking mediate NLRP3-dependent inflammatory responses.
Green Synthesis of Novel GelMA/Carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogels and Evaluation of Their Properties for Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Razmjooee Kavoos , Arabzadeh Naghmeh , Ahmadi Sara , Ahmady Azin Rashidy , Saber-Samandari Saeed 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogels are the most widely used materials in biomedical applications due to their optimal biological properties and tunable physical characteristics. So far, various studies have been done to improve the properties of GelMA by hybridizing it with chitosan. However, the necessity of acidic solvents usage in these procedures challenges their synthesis process. Herein, we develop an innovative green method to synthesize a novel GelMA hydrogel. In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) has been used to modify gelatin to obtain photo-cross-linkable GelMA. The hydrogels with different amounts of N, Ń methylene bisacrylamide as a cross-linking agent were prepared by using the photopolymerization technique, and their chemical and physical properties were characterized. The FTIR spectral analysis and NMR analysis confirmed gelatin and CMC chemical modification and demonstrated GelMA/CMC hydrogel synthesis. Various studies for characterization of the GelMA/CMC hydrogels revealed the tunability of their physical and mechanical properties by changing the cross-linking agent concentration. The synthesized hydrogels exhibited a tailor-made porosity, good mechanical strength, high swelling ratio, and high thermal stability. In addition, the results of L929 fibroblast cell viability assays indicated their excellent biocompatibility. These findings introduce these hydrogels as promising, great candidates to use in various shapes and an extended range of medical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds, delivery systems, and wound dressings.
An In Vitro Model to Assess Early Immune Markers following Co-Exposure of Epithelial Cells to Carbon Black (nano)Particles in the Presence of S. Aureus: Differential Induction of Cytokines.
Authors: Brown Scott M , Evans Stephen J , Burgum Michael J , Harris Llinos G , Jenkins Rowena E , Doak Shareen H , Clift Martin J D , Wilkinson Thomas S 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Human exposure to carbon black (CB) is inevitable due to its widespread applications in the medical, industrial and consumer sectors. With an ageing population, it is imperative that the effects of (nano)particle exposure in individuals with compromised immunity or infection are considered. Since barrier immunity provides the first line of defence against CB and the human skin and lung pathogen, Staphylococcus aureus, this work focuses on studying the impact of CB exposure upon compromised immunity during infection on human skin and lung epithelial cells in vitro. The principal aim of the work was to develop an epithelial cell model to characterise (co-)exposure to CB and S. aureus. The work used two human epithelial cell lines, HaCaT (skin) and A549 (lung), ELISA technology to assess the (pro-)inflammatory response, aseptic microbiology techniques to grow S. aureus and a Zetasizer, EDX spectroscopy, and both scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) to characterise the CB under the conditions used in the study. Physicochemical characterisation of CB confirmed its shape, dramatic polydispersity and potential to aggregate. CB significantly inhibited S. aureus growth, but in a biological media dependent manner. CB did not induce cytokines or antimicrobial peptides from skin and lung epithelial cells, when given alone. In contrast, S. aureus induced a robust interleukin (IL)-8 response in both skin and lung epithelial cells. IL-6 and human beta defensin (hβD)-2 could only be detected when cells were stimulated with S. aureus. However, co-exposure to CB (100µg/ml) and S. aureus resulted in significant inhibition of IL-8 (compared to S. aureus only induced levels). Furthermore, the same co-exposure induced significantly more hβD-2 (compared to S. aureus alone). The ability to detect pathogen responses to particle, in addition to epithelial responses to particle and pathogen is an advance on assessing cell responses under ‘healthy’ conditions and supports the need for developing exposure models under stressed or immunosuppressed conditions. This model will be useful for studying mechanisms of exposure in at-risk groups, including factory workers, the elderly and immunocompromised. Advanced models, that better represent human pathophysiology are essential for understanding cellular mechanisms of toxicity in the 21st Century.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Exert Therapeutic Effects by Attenuating Fibrosis and Facilitating Hepatocyte Proliferation via the Anti-pyroptosis Pathway in a Rat Cirrhosis Model
Authors: Zhang Yichi , Nie Xinsheng , Wang Lijuan , Wan Zhuzhi , Jin Hao , Pu Ronghui , Liang Meihui , Chang Yuan , Gao Yang , Zhang Hailong , Jin Shizhu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLiver cirrhosis, which lacks a specific therapy, induces a substantial economic burden and affects quality of life. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles that are secreted by cells transfer bioactive molecules to regulate metastasis and have attracted immense interest as a therapeutic option for liver cirrhosis. Therefore, in this study, we explored the efficacy and dose of exosomes derived from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (Exos-rBMMSC) in a hepatic cirrhosis rat model. ResultsFour weeks after exosome therapy, NLRP3, GSDMD, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 expression levels in the 200 μg and 400 μg Exos-rBMMSC groups were significantly decreased compared to those in the liver cirrhosis group (P<0.05). Similar results were observed in the hepatic function assay; serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were decreased, and albumin was increased. The histopathology results showed that 200 μg and 400 μg of Exos-rBMMSC significantly relieved collagen deposition, while 100 μg of Exos-rBMMSC induced no marked improvements compared to those in the liver cirrhosis group. The localization of PKH67-labelled Exos-rBMMSC was verified microscopically, and these particles coexpressed PCNA, NLRP3, GSDMD and Caspase-1. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that Exos-rBMMSC accelerate hepatocyte proliferation and relieve liver fibrosis, which may be a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis.
Association Between Retinal Sensitivity and the Presence of Quiescent Choroidal Neovascularization in Pachychoroid Diseases
Authors: Ozawa Rion , Obata Ryo , Azuma Keiko , Nomura Yoko , Murata Hiroshi , Asaoka Ryo , Kitamoto Kohdai , Ueda Kohei , Inoue Tatsuya 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
This study was conducted to examine retinal sensitivity (RS) in eyes with pachychoroid diseases and to analyze its association with the presence or absence of quiescent choroidal neovascularization (CNV), that can be protective against retinal dysfunction or atrophy in other macular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. A total of 12 eyes of 12 patients aged ≥45 years having the characteristic findings of central serous chorioretinopathy but not presenting any exudative changes were included in this study. Choroidal vascular hyper permeability (CVH) was identified by indocyanine green angiography, and the presence or absence of CNV was evaluated by optical coherence tomography angiography. RS at 68 points was examined by microperimetry. The average RS corresponding to within and outside CVH was compared. The association between the difference in RS and the presence or absence of CNV was also analyzed. CNV was detected in six eyes (50%). In eyes without CNV, the RS within CVH was similar compared with that outside CVH. However, in eyes with CNV, the RS within CVH was significantly decreased compared with that outside CVH. Multiple regression analysis revealed the presence of CNV as an independent factor associated with RS. In eyes with pachychoroid diseases, RS decreased within the CVH area under the coexistence of nonexudative CNV.
Total Knee Arthroplasty Outcome for 129 Knees 80 Years and Older in Chinese Population
Authors: Jia Cheng-Qi , Zhao Zhi-Lai , Wu Yu-Jie , Fu Jun , Xu Chi , Chen Ji-Ying , Zhang Xue-Song 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSince China is aging rapidly, it is necessary to evaluate the reliability, durability, and satisfaction of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) among patients over 80 years.MethodsBetween February 2009 and December 2017, 98 patients (129 knees) met the inclusion criteria and were postoperatively followed-up ≥ 3 years. TKAs included 67 unilateral TKAs and 31 bilateral TKAs. The indexes included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, tourniquet time, Knee Society Score (KSS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Range of Motion (ROM), “Forgotten Joint” Scale (FJS), crutches usage and patients’ satisfaction.ResultsKSS clinical and functional scores improved significantly from preoperative mean of 33 and 27 to latest follow-up of 87 and 51, respectively (p <0.05). The VAS decreased significantly from preoperative mean scores of 8 to latest follow-up of 0 (p <0.05). The proportion of patients without crutches at last follow-up was 52%, satisfaction rate was 94% and FJS ≥ 50 was 85%. However, ROM did not improve significantly from preoperative mean 89° to latest follow-up 93° (p >0.05). The preoperative hemoglobin and survival proportions between bilateral and unilateral TKAs were not statistically different (p >0.05).ConclusionTKA was reliable, durable, and satisfied in patients older than 80 years in Chinese population.
Identification of Motile Sperm Domain Containing 1 (MOSPD1) As a Novel Target of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Horie Chiaki , Zhu Chi , Yamaguchi Kiyoshi , Nakagawa Saya , Takane Kiyoko , Ikenoue Tsuneo , Ohta Yasunori , Tanaka Yukihisa , Aikou Susumu , Tsurita Giichiro , Ahiko Yuka , Shida Dai , Furukawa Yoichi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Previously, we identified a set of candidate genes that were regulated by this signaling pathway, and we focused on MOSPD1, motile sperm domain containing 1, in this study. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the expression of MOSPD1 was elevated in tumorous cells of colorectal cancer tissues compared with non-tumorous cells. Using ChIP-seq data and JASPAR database, we searched for the regulatory region(s) in the MOSPD1 gene as a target of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and identified a region containing three putative TCF-binding motifs in the 3’-flanking region. Additional analyses using reporter assay and ChIP-qPCR suggested that this region harbors an enhancer activity through an interaction with TCF7L2 and β-catenin. These data have clarified that MOSPD1 is a novel direct target of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, the identification of its enhancer region may be helpful for the future studies of precise regulatory mechanisms of MOSPD1.
Agent-based Models for Detecting the Driving Forces of Biomolecular Interactions
Authors: Maestri Stefano , Merelli Emanuela , Pettini Marco 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Agent-based modelling and simulation have been effectively applied to the study of complex biological systems, especially when composed by a large number of interacting entities. Representing biomolecules as autonomous agents allows this approach to bring out the global behaviour of biochemical processes as resulting from local molecular interactions. In this paper, we leverage the capabilities of the agent paradigm to construct an in silico replica of the glycolytic pathway of baker’s yeasts; the aim is to detect the role that long-range electrodynamic forces might have on the rate of glucose oxidation. Experimental evidences have shown that random encounters and short-range potentials might not be sufficient to explain the high efficiency of biochemical reactions in living cells. However, while the latest in vitro studies are limited by the present-day technology, agent-based simulations provide an in silico support to the outcomes hitherto obtained and shed light on behaviours not yet well understood. Our results reveal to be able to grasp properties hard to uncover through other computational methods, such as the effect of electromagnetic potentials on glycolytic oscillations.
Genome-Wide Investigation of the ZF-HD Gene Family in Two Varieties of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and Its Expression Pattern Under Alkaline Stress
Authors: He Kai , Li Chunxin , Zhang ZhenYue , Zhan Lifeng , Cong Chunlong , Zhang DePeng , Cai Hua 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background:Zinc finger homeodomain (ZHD) protein is a plant-specific transcription factor and a potential regulator of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPCase)-coding genes, and it also participates in plant growth regulation and abiotic stress responses. To study the function of MsZF-HD genes in the alkaline stress response, this paper assessed biological information and performed transcriptome analyses of the MsZF-HD gene family by using the genomes of two different varieties of alfalfa (XinJiangDa Ye and Zhongmu No. 1). Results:In total, 49 and 11 MsZF-HD genes were identified in these varieties, respectively, including the alleles of XinJiangDa Ye. According to their phylogenetic relationships, the 60 MsZF-HD genes were divided into 5 ZHD subfamilies and 1 MIF subfamily. A total of 88.3% of MsZF-HD genes do not contain introns and are unevenly distributed among the 6 chromosomes of alfalfa. A collinearity analysis indicated that 26 genes of XinJiangDa Ye have no orthologous genes in Zhongmu No. 1, although these genes (such as ZHD-X1–2, ZHD-X3–2 and ZHD-X4–2) have homologous genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula and Glycine max. Through RNA-seq and qRT–PCR verification, it was found that MsZF-HD genes are downregulated to participate in the alkaline stress response. Conclusion:The results of this study may lay the foundation for the cloning and functional study of MsZF-HD genes and provide a theoretical basis for revealing the difference between XinJiangDa Ye and Zhongmu No. 1 at the genome level.
Associated factors for celiac disease, and utility of tissue transglutaminase antibody tests for diagnosis: a matched case-control study
Authors: Alawi Eman Jafar Al , Yenugadhati Nagarajkumar , Javad Sundas , Jahdli Hamdan Al , Badri Motasim 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background Prevalence of Celiac disease (CD) increased worldwide in recent decades. Approximately 53% of the 33.4 million Saudi population are genetically susceptible and 1.5% develop CD. This underscores the importance of identification of factors associated with CD and the diagnostic accuracy of CD screening tests. Methods In this case-control study records of patients managed between January 2016 and July 2019 at Gastroenterology Department, King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were reviewed. CD cases with confirmed intestinal biopsy were matched (1:1) by age with biopsy negative controls free of CD. Area under the curve (AUC) for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (TTG-IgA) and IgG (TTG-IgG) CD diagnostic tests were calculated and compared. Results The study included 270 cases and 270 controls. Sex distribution was similar in both groups. In a stepwise conditional logistic regression analysis, factors significantly associated with CD were family history (odds ratio (OR)=7.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.26-26.63, P=0.001), Helicobacter pylori infection (OR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.10-2.71, P=0.018), diabetes mellitus (OR=3.37, 95% CI: 1.68-6.74, P=0.001), hypothyroidism (OR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.15-5.28, P=0.02) and respiratory infections (OR=4.89,95% CI 2.26-10.56, P<0.001). AUC for TTG-IgA test was 0.934 and for TTG-IgG was 0.787, P<0.001. The optimal cut-off for TTG-IgA was >=12.7 U/ml, with 89% sensitivity and 86% specificity, and for TTG-IgG was >=3.5 U/ml, with 70% sensitivity and 77% specificity.Conclusion The findings of this study can inform strategies for CD screening and prevention. Public awareness campaigns for CD are urgently needed, particularly, for high-risk groups.