bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurotoxic Amyloidogenic Peptides in the Proteome of SARS-COV2: Potential Implications for Neurological Symptoms in COVID-19
Authors: Charnley Mirren , Islam Saba , Bindra Guneet , Engwirda Jeremy , Ratcliffe Julian , Zhou Jiangtao , Mezzenga Raffaele , Hulett Mark , Han Kyunghoon , Berryman Joshua , Reynolds Nicholas 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
COVID-19 is primarily known as a respiratory disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. However, neurological symptoms such as memory loss, sensory confusion, cognitive and psychiatric issues, severe headaches, and even stroke are reported in as many as 30% of cases and can persist even after the infection is over (so-called ‘long COVID’). These neurological symptoms are thought to be caused by brain inflammation, caused by the virus infecting the central nervous system of COVID-19 patients, however we still don’t understand the molecular mechanisms that trigger these symptoms. The neurological effects of COVID-19 share many similarities to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in which the presence of cytotoxic protein-based amyloid aggregates is a common etiological feature. Following the hypothesis that some neurological symptoms of COVID-19 may also follow an amyloid etiology we performed a bioinformatic scan of the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, detecting peptide fragments that were predicted to be highly amyloidogenic. We selected two of these peptides from the open reading frame 6 (ORF6) and open reading frame 10 (ORF10) proteins. The amyloidogenic virus-derived proteins studied in this work did not include spike (S) protein or any other proteins that have been modified to function as antigens in any current vaccines. We discovered that these ORF protein fragments rapidly self-assemble into amyloid aggregates. Furthermore, these amyloid assemblies were shown to be highly toxic to a neuronal cell line. We introduce and support the idea that cytotoxic amyloid aggregates of SARS-CoV-2 proteins are causing some of the neurological symptoms commonly found in COVID-19 and contributing to long COVID.
Prediction of Renal Damage in Children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Jinjuan , Chu Huimin , Pan Yueli 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
This article is objected to explore the value of machine learning algorithm in predicting the risk of renal damage in children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura, and to construct a predictive model of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis in children and analyze the related risk factors of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis in children.
Methods
Case data of 288 hospitalized children with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura from November 2018 to October 2021 were collected. The data included 42 indicators such as demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, etc. Univariate feature selection was used for feature extraction, and Logistic regression, support vector machine, decision tree and random forest algorithm were used respectively for classification prediction. Last, the performance of four algorithms are compared using accuracy rate and recall rate.
Results
The accuracy rate, recall rate and AUC of the established random forest model were 0.83, 0.86 and 0.91 respectively, which were higher than 0.74, 0.80 and 0.89 of the Logistic regression model; higher than 0.70, 0.80 and 0.89 of support vector machine model; higher than 0.74, 0.80 and 0.81 of the decision tree model. The top 10 important features provided by random forest model are Persistent purpura≥4weeks, Cr, Clinic time, ALB, WBC, TC, TG, Relapse, TG, Recurrent purpura and EB-DNA.
Conclusion
The model based on random forest algorithm has better performance in the prediction of children with allergic purpura renal damage, indicated by better classification accuracy, better classification effect and better generalization performance.
Assessment of The Association of OCT3/4 With GLUT1 And CD105 In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Dual Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Derakhshan Samira , Mahdavi Nazanin , Khoozestani Neda Kardouni , Esfahani Bita Nasr , Heidarian Forouzan , Abolrahmani Ali , Rahrotaban Sedigheh 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer type affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. This study aimed to investigate the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in angiogenesis and hypoxic response in OSCC.Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated 56 cases of OSCC using dual immunohistochemistry. Octamer-binding transcription factor 3/4 (OCT3/4) marker was used for evaluation of CSC activity. Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) marker was used to evaluate the hypoxic response and angiogenesis, while endoglin (CD105) was used to evaluate the late stage of angiogenesis and blood vessel formation.Results: Overexpression of both OCT3/4 and GLUT1 was noted in early stage of hypoxic response and angiogenesis in OSCC, indicating the important role of CSCs in this phase. However, despite higher expression of CD105, the expression of CSC markers was not significant in the late stage of tumor progression and angiogenesis.Conclusions: CSCs could play important roles in initial stages of tumor progression and angiogenesis. Further studies are required to discover other biomarkers, their roles, and associated pathways of CSCs in OSCC.
Alterations in Social Brain Network Topology at Rest in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Yoon Narae , Huh Youngmin , Lee Hyekyoung , Kim Johanna Inhyang , Lee Jung , Yang Chan-Mo , Jang Soomin , Ahn Yebin D. , Lee Dong Soo , Kang Hyejin , Kim Bung-Nyun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundUnderconnectivity in the resting brain is not consistent in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is known that the default mode network is mainly decreased in childhood ASD. This study investigated the brain network topology as the changes in the connection strength and network efficiency in childhood ASD, including the early developmental stages.MethodsIn this study, 31 ASD children aged 2–11 years were compared with 31 age and sex-matched children showing typical development. We explored the functional connectivity based on graph filtration by assessing the single linkage distance and global and nodal efficiencies using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The relationship between functional connectivity and clinical scores was also analyzed.ResultsUnderconnectivities within the posterior default mode network subregions and between the inferior parietal lobule and inferior frontal/superior temporal regions were observed in the ASD group. These areas significantly correlated with the clinical phenotypes. The global, local, and nodal network efficiencies were lower in children with ASD than in those with typical development. In the preschool-age children (2–6 years) with ASD, the anterior-posterior connectivity of the default mode network and cerebellar connectivity were reduced.ConclusionsThe observed topological reorganization, underconnectivity, and disrupted efficiency in the default mode network subregions and social function-related regions could be significant biomarkers of childhood ASD.
Effect of 3D-Printed Hearts Used in Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Wang Xianzhi , Liang Jixiang , Mu Cunfu , Zhang Wenlin , Xue Chunzhu , He Yang , Zhang Gen , Li Dianyuan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective:The purpose of this research was to explore the application value of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed heart in the operation for left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Methods: From August 2019 to October 2021, 46 patients with LVOT obstruction underwent surgical treatment at Peking University International Hospital, Southwest Medical University Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Guangyuan First People's Hospital. According to the treatment method, 22 cases were allocated to the experimental group and 24 cases to the control group . The operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular flow velocity (LVFV), LVOT pressure difference (LVP), postoperative interventricular septal thickness (IST), inner diameter of the left ventricular outflow tract (IDLV), systolic anterior motion (SAM), atrioventricular block rate, aortic regurgitation (AR) rate and surgical complication rate of the two groups were compared. Results: The operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, LVP, postoperative IST, AR, SAM, and postoperative LVFV of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The IDLV was larger than that of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative EF, atrioventricular block rate or complication rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A 3D-printed heart model for in vitro simulation surgery is conducive to formulating a more reasonable surgical plan and reducing surgical trauma and operation time, thereby promoting the recovery and maintenance of the heart.
Identification of VCAM1 as a Novel Biomarker in the Immune Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer by Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xin , Chen Di , Wang Mengmeng , Xu Yushuang , Qiu Mengjun , Xiong Zhifan 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background and Purpose
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract worldwide and has high morbidity and mortality. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), especially the immune cell infiltration, plays an important role in the progression and prognosis of GC. In this study, we investigated the TIME-related genes and explored their role in the GC immune microenvironment.
Method
We used ssGSEA to assess the immune cell infiltration in 375 patients with GC downloaded from TCGA. Then GC samples were divided into high-, medium-, and low-immune cell infiltration groups by hierarchical clustering. Differentially expressed genes analysis were further proceed between groups to determine TIME-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By protein interaction network and Cox analysis, the angiogenesis gene was intersected. The results showed that vascular cell adhesion molecular 1 (VCAM1) was the most critical gene. We further analyze the importance of VCAM1 in the progression of GC and its role in the GC microenvironment.
Results
We identified 463 TIME-associated DEGs and found that VCAM1 was involved in development and prognosis of GC. Further analysis revealed that VCAM1 was involved in the regulation of immune, vascular, and metastasis-related signaling pathways. Immuno-correlation analysis showed that VCAM1 expression was associated with various immune infiltrating cells, including macrophages and T cells. In addition, combined with online database prediction analysis, we speculated that VCAM1 expression in GC could be enhanced by AC104211.1 sponge Has-mir-183-5p.
Conclusion
VCAM1 may be involved in the regulation of immune state and angiogenesis in the TIME in GC. This protein could be a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for GC.
Characterization of Subtilosin Gene In Wild Type Bacillus Spp. And Possible Physiological Role
Authors: Alajlani Muaaz Mutaz 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
In a designed study to screen for antimicrobial exhibiting bacteria using molecular aspects, Bacillus species were considered to investigate antibiotic biosynthesis genes. 28 bacterial strains and 3 induced mutants were screened for the presence of subtilosin gene (sbo) and subtilosin through PCR and Mass spectrometry respectively. Sbo gene was detected in 16 out of 28 Bacillus strains. The results from gene sequences deliberated by multiple sequence alignments revealed high-level homology to the sequences of the sbo-alb gene locus of B. subtilis 168 and the other limited reported strains. Hence, this report provided additional strains to support the idea of subtilosin gene predominance amongst Bacillus strains isolated from environment and to find different species containing homologous genes, furthermore the utilization of its conserved region as a means of identifying Bacillus spp. that produce subtilosin. This is the first report to confirm the detection of subtilosin production from B. amyloliquefaciens.
Insight Into Supersonic Combustion Using High-order Simulations
Authors: Kokkinakis Ioannis , Drikakis Dimitris , He Yun-qin , Liang Guo-zhu 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
High-order simulations of supersonic combustion are presented to advance understanding of the complex chemically-reacting flow processes and identify unknown mechanisms of the high-speed combustion process. We have employed 11th-order accurate implicit large-eddy simulations in conjunction with thermochemistry models comprising 20 chemical reactions. We compare the computations with available experiments and discuss the accuracy and uncertainties in both. Jets emanating from above and below the hydrogen plumes influence the combustion process and accuracy of the predictions. The simulations reveal that high temperatures are sustained for a long-distance downstream of the combustion onset. A barycentric map for the Reynolds stresses is employed to analyse the turbulent anisotropy. We correlate the axisymmetric contraction and expansion of turbulence with the interaction of reflected-shock waves with the supersonic combustion hydroxyl production regions. The physics insights presented in this study could potentially lead to more efficient supersonic combustion and scramjet technologies.
Efficient Drilling of Amorphous Alloy Foils Using Low-Energy Long Pulses of a Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Yamamoto Shota , Ikemoto Shun , Hara Hiromasa , Ohta Motoki , Nakamura Daisuke 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Laser drilling of amorphous alloy foils was conducted using low-energy long-pulses (LP) generated using a Nd:YAG laser. Results showed that LP can drill an amorphous alloy foil more efficiently than a nanosecond pulse (NSP) can: an LP at 1 mJ can open a through-hole on an amorphous alloy foil with 25 mm thickness although single shot NSP at 20 mJ formed a crater with ca. 3 mm depth. From these findings, we infer that the markedly higher drilling efficiency of a low-energy LP than that of NSP is attributable to 1) lower plasma generation by LP than by NSP, and 2) repeated irradiation of the target material by multiple sub-pulses in an LP. Results also demonstrate that low-energy LP drilling is applicable to various metal foils and that the drilling efficiency depends on the metal species.
Solvent Screening, Optimization and Kinetic Parameters of The Biocatalytic Epoxidation Reaction of Beta-Pinene Mediated by Novozym®435
Authors: Martins Gustavo Dos Santos , Staudt Amanda , Sutilli Felipe Korbus , Malafaia Camila Adão Rodrigues , Leal Ivana Correa Ramos 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Monoterpenes are secondary metabolites widely used in the flavors and fragrance industries and can have their structure altered to enhance their applicability, such as producing epoxides, which are used as synthetic blocks for pharmaceuticals. Epoxides are commonly synthesized by the use of inorganic acids as catalysts, although the acid medium induces epoxide degradation. To overcome these limitations biocatalysis is shown as an alternative, in view that lipases can perform the reaction in a non-acidic medium. Related to, this work aimed to perform the synthesis of beta-Pinene epoxide using Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B (Novozym®435) as biocatalyst and to determine the independent variables that influence the reaction using experimental design tools. Different solvent systems were evaluated for until 72 h, in reactions with molar ratio of 2:2:1 (beta-Pinene, octanoic acid, and urea-hydrogen peroxide - UHP) at 40°C, 250 rpm, and 10%(w/v) of the biocatalyst. Ethyl acetate showed higher conversion (40% in 24 h) into the product without the formation of by-products. The atom economy (AE) was determined using metrics of green chemistry and ethyl acetate proved to have a higher atom economy (67.8%), while the other solvents that used octanoic acid as an acyl donor had 41.3%. In the following reactions, ethyl acetate was maintained as the solvent, while the temperature, molar ratio, and the percentage of the biocatalyst were varied. The increase in the molar ratio (beta-Pinene:UHP, 1:1) and percentage of biocatalyst (20%w/v) resulted in 80% of the product after 3 hof reaction at 40°C. To evaluate the impact of each independent variable, an FFD was performed by varying temperature, molar ratio, stirring, and percentage of enzyme, in one level. All variables were statistically significant, with different rates of impact. Due to this, the same variables were maintained on the CCRD, varying in two levels. The conversion ranged from good to excellent (32 - 93%). The independent variables that influenced the direction were temperature > stirring > molar ratio. In conclusion, the combination of two different tools of experimental design provided the development of an optimized model for beta-Pinene epoxidation, achieving high yields within 3 h.
Exploring the Characterization of biodegradable plastic “polyhyroxybutrate” (PHB) from Bacillus siamensis PHB 01 (MW440618) isolated from termite mound soil of Western Ghats of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Authors: Mani Subasri , Veu Gomathi , Jackson Kavitha Mary 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The present study was aimed to explore the characterization of polyhydroxy butrate extracted from the bacterial strain under optimized conditions for the production of bioplastic. Under optimized fermentation conditions, Polyhydroxy butrate (PHB) was extracted and subjected to examine their properties via Thin Layer Chromotogram (TLC), Gas Chromotogram- Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum (FTIR). The presence of a brown spot in the TLC plate indicates the presence of hydroxylgroup which is similar to the polymer group. GC-MS analysis of extracted PHB shows peaks at the retention time of 3.8, 11.6 which is corresponding to octadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, butyl -2-ethylester confirms the presence of polymeric nature in the extracted PHB. The absorption bands of FTIR at 1719–1720 cm −1 indicate the presence of C=O group of PHB. The absorption peaks at wave numbers 500-1000 cm -1 , 1055 cm -1 and 1230 cm -1 denotes (OH) group, (C–O) stretch and (C=O) ester group. From these results, it was confirmed that the extracted PHB is having the potential to replace petroleum plastic.
Improvement of Robusta Coffee Aroma with L-leucine Powder
Authors: LEE Kwang-Geun , Jo Ara , Park Hyunbeen , Park Jooyeon , Ha Seungwoo , Kim Yuri 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
L-leucine powder (LP) were added to improve the aroma of Robusta coffee beans. Treatment was a short soaking (M1) or spraying procedure (M2), then LP was added at varying levels up to 3% (w/w). All samples were roasted (240 °C/15 min) and extracted using an espresso machine. Volatile compounds were analysed by solid-phase microextraction−gas chromatography−mass selective detection. Thirty volatile compounds (6 pyrroles, 8 pyrazines, 3 phenols, 9 furans, 2 ketones, 2 aldehydes) were analysed. In 15 coffee samples, the levels of total volatile compounds (based on peak area ratios) ranged from 8.9 (M1-1) to 15.5 (non-treated Robusta: NTR). Robusta coffee has lower levels of bitter aroma compounds when pre-treated with LP. The sum of bitter volatiles (phenols, pyrroles, pyrazines) was lowest in M1-5 (3% LP), M2-1 (1% LP; both dried at 50 °C/15 min) and M2-7 (3% LP, dried at 70 °C/15 min) compared with NTR (p < 0.05).
An analysis of the Gender and Social Determinants of Health in Urban Poor Areas of the Most Populated Cities of Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Khawaja Aftab , Grundy John , Hashmat Lubna , Ahmed Imran , Farrukh Saadia , Bersonda Dexter , Shah Muhammad Akram , Yunus Soofia , Banskota Hari Krishna 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Recent surveys, studies and reviews have highlighted the impacts of social inequities on access of women and children to health services for women and children in Pakistan. Utilising mixed methods for urban slum profiles, and facility and coverage surveys in 4431 urban poor areas of the top 10 highly populated cities of Pakistan, this paper describes and analyses the complex interactions between economic, social and gender determinants of health care access and considers health policy and program options for addressing them. Results: Findings are classified into six analytic categories of (1) access to health services, (2) female workforce participation, (3) gender friendly health services, (4) access to schools and literacy, (5) social connections, and (6) autonomy of decision making. Out of a national sample of 14,531 children in urban poor areas of 10 cities, the studies found that just over half of the children are fully immunised (54%) and 14% of children had received zero doses of vaccine. There are large shortages of health facilities and female health workforce in the slums, with significant gaps in the quality of health infrastructure, which all serve to limit both demand for, and supply of, health services for women and children. Results demonstrate low availability of schools, low levels of female literacy and autonomy over decision making, limited knowledge of the benefits of vaccination, and few social connections outside the home. All these factors interact and reinforce existing gender norms and low levels of health literacy and service access. Conclusion: The Urban Slum profiles and coverage studies provide an opportunity to introduce gender transformative strategies that include expansion of a female health workforce, development of costed urban health action plans, and an enabling policy environment to support community organisation and more equitable health service delivery access.
Predictive Value of Left Atrial Appendage Functional Parameters on Left Atrial Thrombus or Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ma Changsheng , Wang Li , Miao Yuzhu , Fan Jiali , Zhou Bingyuan , Gao Songxia , Zhao Xin , Su Bo , Wang Heng 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC), sludge and thrombus were associated with a high incidence of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to identify the main echocardiographic parameters associated with LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus in nonvalvular AF patients.Methods and results: 298 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were included in the current study between September 2019 and January 2021. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography were performed before scheduled electrical cardioversion. LA diameter and maximum left atrial appendage area were increased in the LAA SEC group than control group, and were further increased in patients with LAA sludge or thrombus. LAA-EV, LAA-FV, anterior mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and LAA FAC were lower in the group with LAA SEC than control group, and were further reduced in LAA sludge or thrombus group. Lower LAA FAC and anterior MAPSE were associated with an increased risk of LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus, and LAA FAC and anterior MAPSE showed high accuracy on predicting LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus.Conclusion: Left atrial appendage FAC and anterior MAPSE improves left atrial appendage stasis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.