bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The incidence of the XRCC1 rs25487 and PON1 rs662 polymorphisms in a population from Central Brazil: patterns in an area with a high level of agricultural activity
Authors: Alves Alessandro Arruda , Laurinho Késsia , Franco Fernanda Craveiro , Nascimento Felipe Araujo , Nunes Hugo Freire , Silva Daniela Melo e 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In Brazil, high levels of agricultural activity are reflected in the consumption of enormous amounts of pesticide. The production of grain in Brazil has been estimated to reach 289.8 million tons in the 2022 harvest, an increase of 14.7% in comparison with 2021, with an even greater increase being predicted for Goiás, one of the country’s principal grain producing states. These advances are likely associated with a progressive increase in the occupational exposure of rural workers to pesticides. The PON1 gene activates the enzymes involved in phase I of liver detoxification. The rs662 variant of this gene is known to modify the activity of the PON1 enzyme, which can increase the susceptibility of an individual to pesticides, leading to more severe symptoms or the development of diseases. The present study describes the frequencies of the rs25487 (of the XRCC gene) and rs662 variants and their haplotypes in a sample population from Goiás, Brazil, and compares the frequencies with other populations from around the world to verify the variation in the distribution of these Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). The study analyzed samples taken from 494 unrelated individuals resident in the state of Goiás. The A allele of the rs25487 variant had a frequency of 26% in the Goiás study population, and the modified rs662 G allele had a frequency of 42.8%. Four haplotypes were recorded for the rs25487 (G > A) and rs662 (A > G) markers, with a frequency of 11.9% being recorded for the A/G haplotype (both modified alleles), 30.8% for the G/G haplotype, 14.3% for the A/A haplotype, and 42.8% for the G/A haplotype (both wild-type alleles). In conclusion, we demonstrated the distribution of important SNPs associated with pesticide exposure in an area that presents a high level of agricultural activity.
Effects of the coupling of dielectric spherical particles on signatures in infrared microspectroscopy
Authors: Kong Beibei , Brandsrud Maren Anna , Solheim Johanne Heitmann , Nedrebø Ingrid , Blümel Reinhold , Kohler Achim 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Infrared microspectroscopy is a powerful tool in the analysis of biological samples. However, strong electromagnetic scattering may occur since the wavelength of the incident radiation and the samples may be of comparable size. Based on the Mie theory of single spheres, correction algorithms have been developed to retrieve pure absorbance spectra. Studies of the scattering characteristics of samples of different types, obtained by microspectroscopy, have been performed. However, the detailed,microscopic effects of the coupling of the samples on signatures in spectra, obtained by infrared microspectroscopy, are still notclear. The aim of this paper is to investigate how the coupling of spherical samples influences the spectra. Applying the surfaceintegral equation (SIE) method, we simulate small dielectric spheres, arranged as double-spheres or small arrays of spheres.We find that the coupling of the spheres hardly influences the broad oscillations observed in infrared spectra (the Mie wiggles)unless the radii of the spheres are different or the angle between the incident direction of the incident radiation and the normalof the plane where the spheres are located is large. Sharp resonance features in the spectra (the Mie ripples) are affected bythe coupling of the spheres and this effect depends on the polarization of the incident wave. Experiments are performed toverify our conclusions.
DSF/Cu induces antitumor effect against diffuse large B-cell lymphoma through ROS/NF-kB pathways and BCL6 down-regulation
Authors: Zhu Yunying , Lei Chenshuang , Jiang Qian , Yu Qinhua , Qiu Liannv 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: The B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) oncogene is required for the survival of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), which is incurable using conventional chemotherapy. Thus, it is imperative to improve the survival of DLBCL patients. Disulfiram (DSF) has been demonstrated to have antitumor effects on some tumor; however, its effect on DLBCL is unclear. We here aimed to elucidate the effects and the underlying mechanisms of DSF alone or in combination with copper (Cu) on DLBCL cell lines and primary DLBCL cells.Methods: DLBCL cell lines including OCI-LY1, OCI-LY7, OCI-LY10, and U2932 cell lines and primary DLBCL cells from new-diagnosed DLBCL patients (n=8) were pretreated with DSF alone or in combination with Cu. Cell morphology was observed under microscope after Hoechst 33258 and Wright (BaSO) staining. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the cell apoptosis levels, cell cycle, the mitochondrial membrane potential and the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The protein expression were respectively measured by flow cytometry and western blotting.Results: DSF or DSF/Cu exhibited a marked inhibitory effect on the growth of DLBCL cells, accompanied by cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Meanwhile, DSF or DSF/Cu significantly induced DLBCL cell apoptosis. Compared with using DSF alone, the combination of DSF with Cu induced apoptosis in DLBCL cells more dramatically. Furthermore, we found that the antitumor effect of DSF/Cu against DLBCL cells occurred through ROS-dependent NF-kB signaling pathway, and that the ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) could reverse the cellular ROS levels. Interestingly, DSF/Cu significantly reduced BCL6 and AIP levels. In addition, DSF significantly up-regulate p53 protein in OCI-LY7 and OCI-LY10 while down-regulate p53 protein in OCI-LY1 and U2932. We also demonstrated that DSF or DSF/Cu show strong antitumor effect on primary DLBCL cells.Conclusion: DSF/Cu may be a new BCL6 inhibitor with potential therapeutic strategies for DLBCL patients.
Specific KIR-HLA genotypes predict outcomes of refractory or recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Lin Zhiguang , Xu Huiwen , Ma Jingjing , Ma Yan , Li Qing , Kang Hui , Zhang Mengxue , Chen Bobin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
An effective salvage regimen for re-induction of remission is lacking for refractory or recurrent primary central nervous system lymphoma (r/r PCNSL). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high dose cytarabine plus temozolomide in treating r/r PCNSL and explore the prognostic factors
Methods
A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted to access the efficacy and safety of high dose cytarabine and temozolomide (AT) in r/r PCNSL patients. KIR and HLA genotyping were performed from peripheral blood sample of each patient.
Results
Thirty PCNSL patients receiving AT regimen (cytarabine 3g/m2 for 2 days combined with temozolomide 150mg/m2 for 5 days) in our institution were analyzed. The median age was 65 years (range 25–79 years). 43.4% of patients (13/30) achieved overall response with a median follow up of 16 months (95% confidence interval [CI]:11–23 months). The median PFS and OS of the cohort were 1.75 months (95% CI:1–4 months) and 19.5 months (95%CI:11 months to not calculable), respectively. Patients harboring KIR3DL1/HLA-B genotypes predicting low affinity had a higher response rate (p = 0.042) and longer median PFS (3 months) than those with KIR3DL1/HLA-B genotypes predicting high affinity (1 month) (p = 0.0047). Cox regression analysis indicated that KIR/HLA-B genotypes were independently associated with the PFS (p = 0.042). But it had no impact on the OS of the cohort. Toxicity of AT treatment was mild and manageable.
Conclusion
AT regimen was well tolerated and patients with specific KIR-HLA genotypes may benefit from it.
Evaluation of a protocol combining applications of Ophytrium-based shampoo and mousse in dogs with sensitive, itchy and irritated skin
Authors: Gatellet Marina , Ollivier Elodie , Kesterman Roxane , Fiora Pierre , Groux Daniel , Ilgart Emmanuelle , Jamet Jean-François , Madiot Gilles , Mahé Vincent , Ordeix Laura , Poujol Mikaël , Rosenkrantz Wayne , Wiest Melissa , Yotti Cesar , Blondel Thomas , Zemirline Claudine , De Jaeger Xavier 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Topical formulations are key when managing skin conditions as they bring ingredients directly to the target organ. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a protocol combining applications of Ophytrium-based shampoo and mousse (DOUXO® S3 CALM) in atopic dogs presenting with a skin flare. Thirty-four atopic dogs were included in the analysis of this prospective, multicentric European and US field study. Dogs received a shampoo application on D0 then mousse applications every 48–72 hours for three weeks. CADESI-04 scores were assessed by a dermatologist and pruritus by the owners (Pruritus Visual Analogue Scale score (PVAS)) on a weekly basis. On D21, veterinarian and pet owner evaluations were collected through questionnaires. Mean CADESI-04 score decreased significantly from 24.2 on D0 to 11.9 on D21 (49.4% mean improvement, P < 0.001 at all timepoints), and 61.8% of dogs achieved a ≥ 50% decrease of their CADESI-04 score on D21. Mean PVAS scores also decreased significantly between D0 and D21 (30.8% mean improvement, P < 0.001 at all timepoints) and 44.1% of the dogs showed a ≥ 50% PVAS decrease on D21. Veterinarians considered the improvement as satisfactory, good or excellent in 66.7% of cases. Pet owners were satisfied with the performance of the protocol in 72.7% of cases. In conclusion, the protocol combining applications of Ophytrium-based shampoo and mousse resulted in a quick and significant improvement in both skin health and pruritus in atopic dogs presenting with a skin flare with a high level of pet owner satisfaction.
Identification of spindle-shaped von Economo-like neurons in the rodent Rattus norvegicus
Authors: Pellicer Francisco , Singh Suneeta , Sánchez-Islas Eduardo , León-Olea Martha 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The absence of spindle cells, or von Economo neurons (VENs), in the cortex of rodents, particularly Rattus norvegicus, has been previously reported. In this paper, we show microanatomic and immunohistochemical evidence of the existence of VENs-like cells in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and in the frontoinsular cortex (FI) of R. norvegicus. For this purpose, NADPH-d histochemistry, immunohistochemistry for nNOS, eNOS, NeuN, GABRQ, dopamine D3R and Nissl staining were performed. The results showed fusiform neurons positive for the aforementioned markers in layers III and V of the ACC and in layers III and V of the FI cortex. Fork neurons were also observed in the same areas. The NADPH-d-positive elements also indicated a close anatomical relationship between some VENs-like cells and blood capillaries. These findings demonstrate the anatomical existence of VENs-like cells in the rat.
Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies Significant Ferroptosis Genes and LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network in the Pathogenesis of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Yan Xu , Lin Tianjiao , Zhu Qingyun , Tian Fei , Zhang Yushi , Pan Xinting 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objectives The present study aims to identify the underlying mechanisms of ferroptosis and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in AP by bioinformatics tools.Methods The ferroptosis genes interacted with data obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene ontology, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network construction, hub genes association analysis, and transcription factor prediction were used to select and analyze the differentially expressed genes. lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network were constructed by integrating the lncRNA-miRNA pairs and miRNA-mRNA pairs.Results We identified 38 differentially expressed genes from the datasets. The function enrichment and pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs were mostly implicated in stress response and the MAPK signaling pathway. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network contained 145 lncRNA nodes, 4 miRNA nodes, 18 mRNA nodes and 235 edges. SQSTM1, KRAS, NFE2L2, HMOX1, SLC7A11, EGFR and ATF3 were identified as hub DEGs, and hub gene-related main TF MYC was discovered to have critical positive associations with these hub genes in pancreatic tissues. Conclusion The results of this study indicated that hub genes and the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network may play an important role in the mechanisms of ferroptosis in AP and provide treatment targets for AP.
QICAR methods for assessing the ecotoxicity of soil metal(loid)s to lettuce
Authors: Luo Xiaorong , Wang Xuedong , Xia Cunyan , Peng Jing , Wang Ying , Tang Yujie , Gao Fan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
New pollution elements introduced by the rapid development of modern industry and agriculture may pose a serious threat to the soil ecosystem. To explore the ecotoxicity and risk of these elements, we systematically studied the acute toxicity of 19 metal(loid)s toward lettuce using hydroponic experiments and quantitative relationships between element toxicity and ionic characteristics using ion-grouping and ligand-binding theory methods, thereby establishing a quantitative ion character-activity relationship (QICAR) model for predicting the phytotoxicity threshold of data-poor elements. The toxicity of 19 ions to lettuce differed by more than four orders of magnitude (0.05 µM-953.16 µM). Correlation and linear regression analysis showed that the ionic characteristics significantly associated with this toxicity explained only 23.8%-50.3% of the toxicity variation (R2Adj = 0.238–0.503, p < 0.05). Relationships between toxicity and ionic properties significantly improved after separating metal(loid) ions into soft and hard, with R2Adj of 0.793 and 0.784 (p < 0.05), respectively. Three ligand-binding parameters showed different predictive effects on lettuce metal(loid) toxicity. Compared with the binding constant of the biotic ligand model (log K) and the hard ligand scale (HLScale) (p > 0.05), the softness consensus scale (σCon) was significantly correlated with toxicity and provided the best prediction (R2Adj = 0.844, p < 0.001). We selected QICAR equations based on soft-hard ion classification and σCon methods to predict phytotoxicity of metal(loid)s, which can be used to derive ecotoxicity for data-poor metal(loid)s, providing preliminary assessment of their ecological risks.
Effect of Glycerin on Electrical and Thermal properties of PVA/Copper Sulphate Gel polymer electrolytes
Authors: Ali Noor , Kareem Aseel , Polu Anji 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Copper-ion conducting gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) systems based on polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and copper sulphate salt doped with glycerin as plasticizer have been synthesized by using solution casting method. Differential scanning calorimetry is used to examine the thermal effect of glycerin on a plasticized polymer electrolyte (DSC). With the addition of various quantities of glycerin, as a plasticizer in pure PVA and PVA+20wt.%CuSO4 gel polymer electrolyte shows a decrease in the values of melting temperature (54.34°C), glass transition temperature (37.22°C) and percentage of crystallinity (11.65%). Compared to pure PVA, thermal degradation measured from TGA curve for the plasticized gel electrolyte is shifted to lower temperatures and the weight loss of the polymer electrolyte increase with increase of glycerin concentration. From DTG, the temperature of maximum decomposition for PVA is 283.4 oC, and it is decreased with adding 20 wt.% CuSO4 and upon increased concentration of the plasticizer from 1 to 3 mL of glycerin. For pure PVA and PVA+20wt.% CuSO4, ε′ decreases with increasing glycerin concentration and peaks at 3 mL glycerin concentration. The maximum ionic conductivity obtained was 9.39×10-4 S/cm for PVA+20wt.%CuSO4+3 mL glycerin.
Rho-associated kinase1 promotes Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression via the FAK pathway
Authors: YANG Li-Yun , Qiao Peipei , Zhang Jianwei , Hu An 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers. Rho-associated kinase1 (ROCK1) is believed to promote progression of most cancers, however, its role of LSCC is still unknown at present. In the study, ROCK1 is highly expressed in human LSCC tissues, and high expression of ROCK1 correlates with advanced stage and poor survival prognosis for LSCC patients. Decreasing ROCK1 expression inhibits the ability of progression, migration, invasion in vitro, as well as pulmonary metastasis in vivo, on the contrary, increasing ROCK1 expression has the opposite experimental results. FAK signalling pathway plays an essential role in promoting LSCC progression and inhibits FAK activity with TAE226, a specific FAK inhibitor, observably impairs the tumor-promoting effects induced by ROCK1. Inconclusion, ROCK1 promotes LSCC tumorigenesis and progression via the FAK pathway, targeting ROCK1/FAK might provide a potential treatment strategy for LSCC.
Exploring the Relationship between Faculty Mentor Engagement and African American STEM Persistence
Authors: Harris Pheather R. , Nagle Barry 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This quantitative study explored factors associated with the persistence rates of African American students that aspired to major in STEM and ultimately completed undergraduate degrees in STEM. The primary data source for this study came from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program’s 2009 The Freshman Survey (TFS) and 2013 College Senior Survey (CSS). The sample included 379 African American students that indicated, on TFS, that they intended to declare STEM as their major. The findings revealed that African American undergraduates were significantly more likely to persist in STEM majors when they have increased levels of faculty mentor engagement. Findings demonstrate a need for institutions to consider implementing curricula that encompasses factors that contribute to meaningful faculty engagement to help create more inclusive academic environments for African American students in STEM.
Evidence for cross-feeding, metabolic specialization, and niche partitioning in the octocoral holobiont
Authors: Keller-Costa Tina , Kozma Lydia , Silva Sandra G. , Toscan Rodolfo , Gonçalves Jorge , Lago-Lestón Asunción , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Rocha Ulisses Nunes , Costa Rodrigo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
BackgroundThe role of bacterial symbionts that populate octocorals (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) is still poorly understood. To shed light on their metabolic capacities, we examined 66 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) spanning 30 prokaryotic species, retrieved from microbial metagenomes of three octocoral species and seawater. ResultsSymbionts of healthy octocorals were affiliated with the taxa Endozoicomonadaceae, Candidatus Thioglobaceae, Metamycoplasmataceae, unclassified Pseudomonadales, Rhodobacteraceae, unclassified Alphaproteobacteria and Ca. Rhabdochlamydiaceae. Phylogenomics inference revealed that the Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts uncovered here represent two species of a novel genus unique to temperate octocorals, here denoted Ca. Gorgonimonas eunicellae and Ca. Gorgonimonas leptogorgiae. Their genomes revealed metabolic capacities to thrive under suboxic conditions and high gene copy numbers of serine-threonine protein kinases, type III-secretion system, type IV-pili, and ankyrin-repeat proteins, suggesting excellent capabilities to colonize, aggregate, and persist inside their host. All Endozoicomonadaceae MAGs harbored endo-chitinase and chitin-binging protein-encoding genes, enabling these symbionts to hydrolyze the most abundant polysaccharide in the oceans. Other symbionts, including Metamycoplasmataceae and Ca. Thioglobaceae, may assimilate the smaller chitin-oligosaccharides resulting from chitin breakdown and engage in chitin deacetylation, respectively, providing evidence for substrate cross-feeding and a role for the coral microbiome in overall chitin turnover. We also observed sharp differences in secondary metabolite production capacities between symbiotic lineages. Specific Proteobacteria taxa may specialize in chemical defense and guard other symbionts, including Endozoicomonadaceae, which lack such capacity. ConclusionThis is the first study to recover MAGs from dominant symbionts of octocorals, including those of so-far unculturable Endozoicomonadaceae, Ca. Thioglobaceae and Mycoplasmoidales symbionts. We identify a thus-far unanticipated, global role for Endozoicomonadaceae symbionts of corals in the processing of chitin, the most abundant natural polysaccharide in the oceans and major component of the natural zoo- and phytoplankton feed of octocorals. We conclude that niche partitioning, metabolic specialization, and adaptation to low oxygen conditions among prokaryotic symbionts likely contribute to the plasticity and adaptability of the octocoral holobiont in changing marine environments. These findings bear implications not only for our understanding of symbiotic relationships in the marine realm abut also for the functioning of benthic ecosystems at large.
Using Google Earth Engine for the complete pipeline of temporal analysis of NDVI in Chitwan National Park of Nepal
Authors: PRASAI RITIKA 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Advent of cloud computing and Google Earth Engine has completely changed the way we acquire, manage and process large satellite data. Here, we analyze temporal dynamics of vegetation productivity in Chitwan National Park, Nepal (CNP) for the period of 1988 to 2020 using Google Earth Engine (GEE) Python API, without using local computer for data storage or analysis. Specifically, we computed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from Landsat data and analyzed the time-series NDVI using a Thiel Sen estimator and by decomposing it to the trend and season components We completed remote sensing analyses including image retrieval, image analysis, classification and report generation in GEE Python API, which is a free resource. Our results showed that NDVI in CNP increased at the rate of 0.0006/year (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.66). We observed variation in NDVI during pre-monsoon (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.79) and monsoon (p < 0.05, R2 = 0.79) seasons which were 0.0005/ year and 0.0007/year, respectively. An annual increase in NDVI value in CNP indicates an increase in primary productivity that is assumed to support higher animal species richness. Using NDVI in GEE Python API proved to be an effective and efficient tool for monitoring the primary productivity of ecologically important sites such as protected areas.