bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of differential expression of hair follicle tissue transcriptome in Hetian sheep undergoing different periodic changes
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Sun SunShuang , Sulaiman Yiming 
Published: November 2024

Background
This study provides new information on long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles in the hair follicles of Hetian sheep via the sequencing and analysis of the transcriptome of skin hair follicles during three periods of periodicity change. This is important for improving the quality of carpet wool, providing a preliminary basis for further research on the targeting relationship of these mRNAs and their target genes, and providing a scientific basis for marker-assisted selection of Hetian sheep.

Methods
The periodic variation of anagen (P I, May, n = 3), catagen (p II, October, n = 3), and telogen (p III, January, n = 3) of the skin hair follicle tissue of three Hetian sheep ewes were selected. Skin samples were collected from the right mid-side of each sampled sheep at three hair follicle developmental stages. The three sheep were used for each developmental stage as biological and technical replicates for transcriptome sequencing and analysis.

Results
The statistical power of this experimental design, calculated in RNASeqPower, was 0.92. Differential expression analysis revealed 81 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed (46 up-regulated and 35 down-regulated) and 129 mRNAs that were differentially expressed (46 up-regulated and 83 down-regulated) during the PI and PII periods. Between the PI and PIII periods, a total of 144 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 693 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Of these, 73 lncRNAs were significantly up-regulated and 71 were significantly down-regulated, while 474 mRNAs were significantly up-regulated and 219 were down-regulated. Additionally, a total of 87 lncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed, with 40 up-regulated and 47 down-regulated, along with 39 differentially expressed mRNAs (23 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated), between the PII and PIII stages. The functional assessment revealed that the mRNA expressed in the cells is related to the membrane, cell processes, metabolism, extracellular region, and other GO items. It is enriched in thyroid hormone synthesis, choline metabolism, cancer, AMPK, Hedgehog, and other signaling pathways.

Conclusion
A total of 2,286 lncRNAs (including 965 known and 1,321 novel lncRNAs) and 20,879 mRNAs were identified. These co-expressed differentially expressed genes could be used as candidate genes for studying the periodic changes of the hair follicles in Hetian sheep.
Clonal Diversity and Spatial Dissemination of Drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex among HIV Seropositive Patients in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatosin Ojetayo Helen , Ugbomioko Daniel 
Published: November 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex display relatively static genomes and 99.9% nucleotide sequence identity. Studying the evolutionary history of such monomorphic bacteria is a difficult and challenging task. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the clonal diversity and spatial dissemination of drug-resistant M. tuberculosis complex among HIV seropositive clients in Southwest Nigeria. A total of two-hundred and seventeen (217) consented HIV positive (case subjects) and fifty (50) non-HIV positive controls were recruited for this study. Two Sputum samples were collected from each participant in two consecutive days. The samples were divided into two parts: one part was decontaminated using NAOH-NALC method and aseptically cultured for Mycobacteria on Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) medium with and without pyruvate. Mycobacterial isolates were characterized using conventional and molecular methods. Anti-TB drug sensitivity test was done using 1% proportion conventional method on LJ. MTBC isolates were sequenced using Genetic Analyzer 3130xl sequencer. Genetic relatedness and clonal diversity (phylogenetic analysis) of MTBC isolates were done using Bio- Edit software and MEGA 6. Out of 217 HIV positive participants, 105(48.4%) were male, while 112(51.6%) were female. Twenty-six (26(52.0%)) of the control subjects were male, while 24(48.0%) were females. The overall prevalence of TB among PLHIV was found to be 19.1%. The prevalence of NTM among PLHIV was found to be 2.8% with M. intracellulare being the predominant organism isolated. Participants’ age was found to be significantly associated with TB (P<0.05), however there was no significant association between TB and sex of the participants (P<0.05). The prevalence of culture confirmed drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) among PLHIV was found to be 11.9%, with Rifampicin having the highest monoresistance rate of 5.5%. The overall prevalence of MDR-TB among PLHIV was found to be 9.2%. The phylogenetic analysis of M. tuberculosis strains revealed same clone of all isolates. All PLHIV should be screened for drug-resistant TB especially MDR-TB as the prevalence of primary MDR-TB is high among them. Further study like 3R gene-based studies of adaptation and evolution is needed to facilitate further epidemiological studies of these bacteria.
Cytokines Levels and Anti-tuberculosis Drug Resistance among HIV Seropositive Patients in Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Oluwatosin Ojetayo Helen , Ugbomioko Daniel 
Published: November 2024

Susceptibility to TB disease rises on mutations in cytokine receptors which ultimately lead to defective signaling and alter the immune surveillance and bacterial killing. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the association between cytokines and anti-TB drug resistances. A total of 217 people living with human immunodeficiency virus at University College Hospital, Ibadan were recruited. Venous blood and sputum samples were collected. Sputum samples were cultured for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and characterized using standard methods. Anti-TB drug resistance was detected using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Cytokines levels (IL-10 and IFN-Y) were estimated using ELISA method. Association between cytokines and anti-TB drug resistance was determined using linear regression analysis. There were 105(48.4%) males and 112(51.6%) females with a mean age of 42.95 ± 8.286 years and a range of 28-65 years. The prevalence of TB among PLHIV was found to be 19.1% with male having higher rate than female (P<0.05), and highest rate among aged ≥40. There was no significant association between cytokines (IL-10 and IFN-y) and sex of the subjects (P>0.05). However, females had higher IFN-y level of 231.06±61.81 IU/ml when compared to 227.53±57.92 IU/ml obtained from males. The prevalence of multi-drug resistance TB was 11.9% with Rifampicin resistance having the highest rate of 5.5%. There was no significant association between cytokines (IL-10 and IFN-y) and sex, but age group >40 years had higher IL-10 and IFN-y level of 226.53±52.39 IU/ml and 232.41±66.63 IU/ml respectively. There was an association between high cytokines levels and anti-TB drug resistance (P<0.05). Highest cytokines levels; IL-10 (401.00±7.07 IU/ml) and IFN-Y (401.00±7.07 IU/ml) were recorded in Levofloxacin resistance. There was an association between high cytokines levels and genotypic anti- TB drug resistance (P<0.05) with highest cytokines levels; IL-10 (400.12±12.37 IU/ml) and IFN-Y (472.87±31.93 IU/ml) recorded in Rifampicin resistance. This entire study revealed that there is high prevalence of MDR-TB among PLHIV, with Rifampicin monoresistance having the highest resistance rate among the drugs tested, and pro and inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IFN-y) play significant role in the development of Multi Drug Resistant-Tuberculosis among people living with HIV.
Geospatial Analysis of LULC in the Srinagar Region of Jammu and Kashmir using Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: Anjum Khushnooda , Wani Akhlaq Amin , Islam M. A , Murtaza Shah , Gattoo Asif Ali , Jeelani M. Iqbal , Sofi Khursheed A 
Published: November 2024

Geospatial analysis based LULC mapping finds great utility in Himalyan region in order to carry proper assessment, evaluation and sustainable management of the existing resources. With the aid of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information system (GIS), the current study on LULC mapping was conducted in district Srinagar of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2022. European Space Agency (ESA) based Sentinel-2 satellite was used as a data source. By using the technique of visual image interpretation, the study area was demarcated into 11 LULC classes viz, agriculture, forest, forest scrub, built-up, TOF, grassland, wasteland, waterbody, wetland, snow and horticulture. The findings of the study revealed that from the delineated LULC classes highest percentage (19.61%) of area was covered by forest and least (2.17%) was covered by wetland. Moreover, the values obtained for overall classification accuracy and kappa statistics were 89.09% and 0.88 respectively. Due to increasing population and urbanisation some of the important LULC classes like wetland, agriculture etc have been encroached thereby disturbing the overall ecological balance. Therefore, findings of the current study might be useful in planning and demarcating the area where we can develop green infrastructure which might be fruitful in achieving the sustainable management goals.
In vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Activities of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Allium sativum (Garlic) Extracts on Fungal Isolates from Tinea Capitis
Authors: Nweke Rita Ngozi , Eleazar Clara Idara , Nwafor Emmanuel Okwudili , Nweke Bernard Uzoma 
Published: November 2024

Aim: To evaluate the in-vitro antifungal activities of garlic and ginger extracts against fungal isolates from Tinea capitis.
Study Design: This was cross-sectional research.
Place and Duration of Study: Scalp scrapping samples were collected from village primary school children with Tinea capitis in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, while fresh garlic and ginger samples were purchased from Ogige market in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria. The analyses were done in Microbiology laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka from June to September, 2023.
Methodology: Forty samples of scalp scrapings collected from the head were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The isolates were identified using biochemical tests and head perforation test. Methanol and water were used in the extraction of the phytoconstituents of the plant samples. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out on the plant extracts. The antifungal activities of the extracts, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were also determined.
Results: The phytochemical analysis indicated that both plant extracts contain saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and phenols. Two fungi species isolated were identified as Trichophyton spp and Microsporum spp. At dilutions of 400, 200, 100 and 50mg/ml, the methanolic extracts of the garlic had inhibition zone diameters (IZD) of 35, 30, 25 and 20 mm respectively on the Trichophyton spp whereas ginger had IZD of 25, 20, 15 and 13 mm respectively. On the other hand, the methanol extracts of ginger and garlic gave IZDs of 25, 20, 14, 12mm and 36, 28, 25, 21mm respectively on Microsporum spp. The methanol extracts of both plants were found to be more effective than their aqueous extracts. However, the garlic extracts had better antifungal effects on the two isolates than the ginger extracts. The combined extracts had better antifungal activities; at the various dilutions of 400, 200, 100 and 50mg/ml, it gave IZDs of 38, 32, 28 and 23mm on the Trichophyton spp compared to the single extracts.
Conclusion: Both Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale were similarly active against Tinea capitis isolates. However, garlic was found to be more active than ginger, but have synergistic effect on each other. This study underscores the antifungal efficacies of A. sativum and Z. officinale as potential sources of novel anti-ringworm drugs especially when combined together.
Hydrogel Film Assembly Process at Droplet Interface with Evaporation Temperature
Authors: Kang Giho , Seong Baekhoon , Gim Yeonghyeon , Lee Hyungdong , Ko Han Seo , Byun Doyoung 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRecently, thin‐film assembly at the liquid–air interface has been widely studied. These film scaffolds have high potential to control the crystallization process and fabricate single crystals. However, there have been limitations in understanding and controlling the behavior of polymer chains form into films. This study investigates thin‐film assembly at the hydrogel droplet interface with internal flow and its role. During the hydrogel film formation, the internal flow of the droplet is visualized using micro‐particle image velocimetry technique at various temperatures. From the droplet evaporation, convection flow induced by heat cause buoyancy effect and pressure on the interface film from evaporation flux affect the film morphology and its mechanical characteristics. Therefore, more dense assembled film is generated on the droplet interface. It is expected that the investigations could give better understanding of interface film assembly and controlling its properties.
Influence of Amorphous, Carbon‐Derived Wrinkled Surface Topologies on the Colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteria
Authors: Nguyen Duy H. K. , Wang James , Sbarski Igor , Juodkazis Saulius , Crawford Russell J. , Ivanova Elena P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSurface wrinkling is a natural phenomenon that has inspired an emerging technology in surface patterning. Here, it is demonstrated that thermal treatment planar thin films of amorphous graphite‐like carbon (G‐aC) coatings deposited on shape memory polystyrene could be used to prepare substratum surfaces with topologies ranging from smooth undulations to those with rough distortion features. A comparative analysis of the attachment propensity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9721 and alginate‐overproducing P. aeruginosa PW2390 bacterial cells, together with the associated production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), reveal that at least a 13‐fold increase in the cell attachment density could be achieved, reaching up to 1.3 × 105 and 1.8 × 105 cells mm−2 being attached to the surface for both bacterial strains on G‐aC wrinkled surfaces. The P. aeruginosa PW2390 cells attached to a greater extent than the P. aeruginosa ATCC 9721 cells (≈45%) and without any increased production of EPS material. It is suggested that the increased level of cell attachment is related to the associated substantial increase in available substratum surface area. The results of this study afford a useful insight toward the production of substrata using a straightforward, tunable, and low cost microfabrication approach.
Highly Tunable Polarized Chromatic Plasmonic Films Based on Subwavelength Grating Templates
Authors: Zheng Jun , Ye Zhi‐Cheng , Wang Cheng‐Liang , Fu Yi‐Fei , Huang Xin‐Ran , Sheng Zheng‐Ming 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA kind of polarized chromatic plasmonic film is proposed based on subwavelength grating structure, which enables “blue transmission” for the transverse electric light and “red transmission” for the transverse magnetic light. Metal–insulator–metal plasmonic waveguiding and metallic nanowire scattering are revealed to be responsible for the chromatic shift. Based upon the unique transmission spectrum characteristics of such films, polarized chromatic plasmonic tags (PCPTs) can be flexibly fabricated by patterning dielectric grating templates with designed figures and depositing appropriate thickness of metal. These PCPTs, simultaneously possessing directly visible unpolarized transmission colors and concealed distinct polarization‐dependent color shift, can be widely used as anti‐counterfeiting tags with higher security than the diffractive types of holograms.
Enhanced Quantum Teleportation between Noninertial Moved Parties by Weak Measurements
Authors: Jin Yao 
Published: February 2019

AbstractQuantum decoherence caused by the interaction between the quantum system and the environment is the most limiting factor for the applications of quantum teleportation. In this paper, investigated are the dynamic behavior of the coherence of the entangled source and the fidelity of the teleportation for two non‐inertial moved parties suffering the quantum noise induced by the background quantum fields, and a general protection scheme using weak measurements is provided. Explicitly, comparing the cases of using the initial state as well as the initial state , the coherence of the entangled state and teleportation fidelity with and without probabilistic weak measurements are studied. The results show that the decoherence caused by the thermalization of the two parties induced by their non‐inertial movements can be eliminated. The coherence and fidelity can be totally recovered with proper weak measurements and the optimal weak values are shown in relation with the spontaneous emission and excitation rates of the systems. However, the successful probability in the case of using the initial state is found to be much larger than that in the case of using the state and the preweak measurement is not needed with the initial state .
Short sleep and low milk intake are associated with obesity in a community of school aged children from Argentina
Authors: Orden Alicia B. , Lamarque Muriel S. , Chan Débora , Mayer Marcos A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesUnderstanding the factors related to obesity during childhood allows for improved preventive actions specifically adapted to particular communities. The purpose of this study was to identify individual and familiar factors related to obesity in children.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in an urban community in Argentina during the years 2015‐2016. Weight and height were measured on a probabilistic sample of 1366 schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years. BMI categories were established according to International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut‐offs. Data were analyzed using multivariate and logistic regression models. Independent variables corresponded to four domains: anthropometric, socioeconomic and demographic, nutritional, and energy balance.ResultsTwenty percent of children were categorized as overweight (OW) and 12.2% were obese (OB). Parental IOTF grade was positively associated with childhood OW/OB (father B = 0.421 P = 0.000, OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.24‐1.88; mother B = 0.498 P = 0.000, OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.37‐1.97). The remaining variables were negatively associated with OW/OB: hours of sleep (B = −0.566 P = 0.001, OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.41‐0.79), physical activity (B = −0.362 P = 0.017, OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0‐52‐0.94), and daily milk intake (B = −0.178 P = 0.045, OR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.70‐0.99). Parental IOTF predicted both OW and OB, while sleep hours predicted OW and physical activity predicted OB.ConclusionsFamily should be considered the initial target for effective strategies to reduce obesity. Like physical activity, the promotion of milk and dairy intake, as well as sleep, may have a major role in obesity reduction because of their protective effects in this community.
Point‐of‐care echocardiography – A road to future or a step backwards
Authors: Vaishnav Manan , Sedgwick John 
Published: February 2019

AbstractEchocardiography (Echo) has a myriad of clinical applications. Traditionally, it was performed and interpreted by cardiologist but the scope of its applications has lead physicians of other specialities to learn this useful skill. One of the newer and expanding scope of echocardiography is point‐of‐care (POC) echocardiography. In this review article, we aim to discuss the clinical applications of POC echo, common protocols and its limitations. Despite its widespread use, there is paucity of data describing its clinical efficacy and there is lack of guidelines regarding credentialing and quality control of POC echo.
Paramedic point of care ultrasound at Australian mass gatherings
Authors: Baron Aidan , Beirne Gerrie , Wald Anthony 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPoint of care ultrasound (POCUS) is not traditionally performed by paramedics, and where it is used, is generally limited to resuscitative‐type ultrasound examinations. We describe a select series of patient care cases collected between August 2017 and February 2018 which are the first known examples of expanded POCUS performed by a paramedic in this context. These point of care scans were performed for both high and lower acuity patient presentations and are felt to have contributed to improved decision‐making in the treatment and onward referral of patients in the Australian festival and event medicine.
Pd‐Catalyzed Selective Carbonylation of gem‐Difluoroalkenes: A Practical Synthesis of Difluoromethylated Esters
Authors: Liu Jiawang , Yang Ji , Ferretti Francesco , Jackstell Ralf , Beller Matthias 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe first catalyst for the alkoxycarbonylation of gem‐difluoroalkenes is described. This novel catalytic transformation proceeds in the presence of Pd(acac)2/1,2‐bis((di‐tert‐butylphosphan‐yl)methyl)benzene (btbpx) (L4) and allows for an efficient and straightforward access to a range of difluoromethylated esters in high yields and regioselectivities. The synthetic utility of the protocol is showcased in the practical synthesis of a Cyclandelate analogue using this methodology as the key step.
[(NHC)NiIIH]‐Catalyzed Cross‐Hydroalkenylation of Cyclopropenes with Alkynes: Cyclopentadiene Synthesis by [(NHC)NiII]‐Assisted C−C Rearrangement
Authors: Huang Jian‐Qiang , Ho Chun‐Yu 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA cross‐hydroalkenylation/rearrangement cascade (HARC), using a cyclopropene and alkyne as substrate pairs, was achieved for the first time by using new [(NHC)Ni(allyl)]BArF catalysts (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbenes). By controlling the (NHC)NiIIH relative insertion reactivity with cyclopropene and alkyne, a broad scope of cyclopentadienes was obtained with highly selectively. The structural features of the new (NHC)NiII catalyst were important for the success of the reaction. The mild reaction conditions employed may serve as an entry for exploring (NHC)NiII‐assisted vinylcyclopropane rearrangement reactivity.
A Scalable Methylamine Gas Healing Strategy for High‐Efficiency Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shao Zhipeng , Wang Zaiwei , Li Zhipeng , Fan Yingping , Meng Hongguang , Liu Ranran , Wang Yan , Hagfeldt Anders , Cui Guanglei , Pang Shuping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn easy and scalable methylamine (MA) gas healing method was realized for inorganic cesium‐based perovskite (CsPbX3) layers by incorporating a certain amount of MAX (X=I or Br) initiators into the raw film. It was found that the excess MAX accelerated the absorption of the MA gas into the CsPbX3 film and quickly turned it into a liquid intermediate phase. Through the healing process, a highly uniform and highly crystalline CsPbX3 film with enhanced photovoltaic performance was obtained. Moreover, the chemical interactions between a series of halides and MA gas molecules were studied, and the results could offer guidance in further optimizations of the healing strategy.
Radionuclide‐Activated Nanomaterials and Their Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ferreira Carolina A. , Ni Dalong , Rosenkrans Zachary T. , Cai Weibo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRadio‐nanomedicine, or the use of radiolabeled nanoparticles in nuclear medicine, has attracted much attention in the last few decades. Since the discovery of Cerenkov radiation and its employment in Cerenkov luminescence imaging, the combination of nanomaterials and Cerenkov radiation emitters has been revolutionizing the way nanomaterials are perceived in the field: from simple inert carriers of radioactivity to activatable nanomaterials for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review on the types of nanomaterials that have been used to interact with Cerenkov radiation and the gamma and beta scintillation of radionuclides, as well as on their biological applications.