bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Asthma on the Stress Oxidative, Inflammation, and Endothelial Dysfunction Characteristics in Children with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Shabestari Ali Arjmand , Mohaghegh Pegah , Kiyanrad Habibeh , Imanparast Fatemeh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary vascular endothelial activation, inflammation, and stress oxidative have been implicated in adverse clinical outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Although chronic lung problems such as asthma may affect the consequences of pneumonia, the exact mechanism of this effect remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the effects of asthma on the oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in children pneumonia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Amir Kabir Hospital affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. Participants were 25 children with severe CAP and asthma (group I), 25 children with severe CAP (group II), and 25 healthy children (group III) with 2 to 6 years of age. Fasting blood samples were taken to the assay of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).Results: We observed a significant reduction in TAC in groups I and II (0.997±0.22 and 1.23±0.21 mmol/l, respectively) compared with group III (1.46±0.19 mmol/l). This reduction was significantly higher in group I than in group II. Also, we observed a significant increase in MDA and TNF-α in groups I (2.57±0.40 µmol/l, 6.94±1.61 pg/ml, respectively) and II (6.94±1.61µmol/l, 5.54±1.84 pg/ml, respectively) compared with group III (1.89 ±0.27µmol/l, 3.42±1.32 pg/ml, respectively). The increase in MDA was significantly higher in group I than in group II. VCAM-1 and PAI-1 as endothelial dysfunction biomarkers increased significantly in group I (1.5 ±0.62 mmol/l and 10.52±3.2 AU/ml, respectively) compared with groups II (1.06±0.53 mmol/l and 8.23±3.4 AU/ml, respectively) and III (0.6± 0.35 mmol/l and 2.39 ± 0.83 AU/ml, respectively). Also, VCAM-1 and PAI-1 increased significantly in group II compared with groups III.Conclusions: Asthma can exacerbate the consequences of pneumonia in children by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.
Adults and Children Blatantly Dehumanize Outgroups
Authors: Zhou Wen , Hare Brian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Dehumanization is observed in adults across cultures and is thought to motivate the worst forms of human violence. The age of first expression and the degree of socialization required to foster dehumanization remains largely untested. This research demonstrates that several different representations of humanness, including a novel one, readily elicit blatant dehumanization in adults (N = 482) and children (5-12 years of age; N = 150). We also find that dehumanizing responses in both age groups are associated with stronger perception of outgroup inferiority and a willingness to punish outgroup transgressions. These findings rule out the need for exposure to cultural norms throughout adolescents and adulthood before observing significant outgroup dehumanization.
Modelling a Multiplex Brain Network by Local Transfer Entropy
Authors: Parente Fabrizio , Alfredo Colosimo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this work we report on a systematic study of the causal relations in information transfer mechanisms between brain regions under resting condition. The 1000 Functional Connectomes Beijing Zang dataset was used, which includes brain functional images of 180 healthy individuals. We first characterize the information transfer mechanisms by means of Transfer Entropy concepts and, on this basis, propose a set of indexes concerning the whole functional brain network in the frame of a multilayer description. By exploring the influence of a set of states in two given regions at time t (At; Bt.) over the state of one of them at a following time step (Bt+1), a series of time-dependent events can be observed pointing to four kinds of significant interactions, namely:- (de)activation in the same state (ActS); - (de)activation in the oppostive state (ActO);- turn off in the same state (TfS); - turn off in the opposite state (TfO).This leads to four specific rules and to a directional multilayer network based upon four interaction matrices, one for each rule. By hierarchical clustering methods the four rules can be reduced to two sharing some similarities with positive and negative functional connectivity. The global architecture of the four interactions and the features of single nodes were initially explored under stationary conditions. The information transfer mechanisms on the ensuing functional network were studied by specific indexes describing in a multilayer frame the effects of the network structure in several dynamical processes. The healthy subjects database was used to carefully calibrate and validate the proposed approach, whose final aim remains the detection of clinical differences among individuals, as well as among different cognitive states.
Contaminant Emissions As Indicators of Chemical Elements in The Snow Along a Latitudinal Gradient in Southern Andes
Authors: Pizarro Jaime , Vergara Pablo , Cerda Sergio , Cordero Raul , Castillo Ximena , Rowe Penny , Casassa Gino , Carrasco Jorge , Damiani Alessandro , Llanillo Pedro , Lambert Fabrice , Rondanelli Roberto , Huneeus Nicolas , Fernandoy Francisco , Alfonso Juan , Neshyba Steven 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The chemical composition of snow provides insights on atmospheric transport of anthropogenic contaminants at different spatial scales. In this study, we assess how human activities influence the concentration of elements in the Andean mountain snow along a latitudinal transect throughout Chile. The concentration of seven elements (Al, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn and Zn) was associated to gaseous and particulate contaminants emitted at different spatial scales. Our results indicate carbon monoxide (CO) averaged at 20 km and nitrogen oxide (NOx) at 40 km as the main indicators of the chemical elements analyzed. CO was found to be a significant predictor of most element concentrations while concentrations of Cu, Mn, Mg and Zn were positively associated to emissions of NOx. Emission of 2.5 mm and 10 mm particulate matter averaged at different spatial scales was positively associated to concentration of Li. Finally, the concentration of Zn was positively associated to volatile organic compounds (VOC) averaged at 40 km around sampling sites. The association between air contaminants and chemical composition of snow suggests that regions with intensive anthropogenic pollution face reduced quality of freshwater originated from glacier and snow melting.
Inhibition of fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14) attenuates experimental tubulointerstitial fibrosis and profibrotic factor expression of proximal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Luo Mai , Liu Mengmeng , Liu Wei , Cui Xiao , Zhai Siyue , Gu Hanjiang , Wang Huixia , Wu Kunyi , Zhang Wen , Li Ke , Xia Yumin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
As a proinflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) participates in the progression of renal fibrosis by engaging its receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14). However, the effect of Fn14 inhibition on tubular epithelial cell-mediated tubulointerstitial fibrosis remains unclear. This study was designed to elucidate the role of TWEAK/Fn14 interaction in the development of experimental tubulointerstitial fibrosis as well as the protective effect of Fn14 knockdown on proximal tubular epithelial cells. A murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction was constructed in both wild-type and Fn14-deficient BALB/c mice, followed by observation of the tubulointerstitial pathologies. Fn14 deficiency ameliorated the pathological changes, including inflammatory cell infiltration and cell proliferation, accompanied by reduced production of profibrotic factors and extracellular matrix deposition. In vitro experiments showed that TWEAK dose-dependently enhanced the expressions of collagen I, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Interestingly, TWEAK also upregulated the expression levels of Notch1/Jagged1. Fn14 knockdown and Notch/Jagged1 inhibition also mitigated the effect of TWEAK on these cells. In conclusion, TWEAK/Fn14 signals contributed to tubulointerstitial fibrosis by acting on proximal tubular epithelial cells. Fn14 inhibition might be a therapeutic strategy for protecting against renal interstitial fibrosis.
Identifying Target Behaviors for Weight-management Interventions in Overweight Women during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Qualitative Study Informed by the Behaviour Change Wheel
Authors: Saarikko Johanna , Niela-Vilén Hannakaisa , Rahmani Amir , Axelin Anna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Maternal overweight is increasing, and it is associated with several risks for both the mother and child. Healthy lifestyle behaviors adopted during pregnancy are likely impact women’s health positively after pregnancy. The study’s aim was to identify and describe weight management behaviors in terms of the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) -model to target weight management interventions from the perspectives of overweight women and maternity care professionals. Methods: This qualitative, descriptive study was conducted in 2019–2020. Individual interviews of overweight pregnant and postpartum women (n = 11) and focus group interviews of public health nurses (n = 5) were undertaken in two public maternity clinics in Southwest Finland. The data were analyzed using deductive content analysis consistent with the COM-B model.Results: In the capability category, overweight women and public health nurses thought that there was a need to find consistent ways to broach overweight, which had become a part of women's identities. The use of health technology was considered as a part of antenatal care to broach the subject of weight and weight management. Smart wearables could also support evaluating overweight women’s lifestyles. The opportunity category highlighted a lack of resources for support in perinatal care, especially after birth. Support from family was the most important facilitating factor besides motivation. There was a conflict between pregnancy as an excuse to engage in unhealthy habits and pregnancy as a motivational period during which to change one’s lifestyle. Furthermore, the women wanted a tough stance on weight management and discreet counseling.Conclusions: Our findings offer a theoretical basis for tailoring, testing and implementing interventions that address barriers to effective weight management. Such interventions should offer clear advice and non-judgmental support during pregnancy and after delivery by targeting women’s capabilities, opportunities, and motivation. Health technology could be a valuable component of intervention, as well as an implementation strategy, as it provides ways to broach this topic and support overweight women during maternity care.
Macular Perfusion Analysed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography after Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification: Benefits beyond Restoring Vision
Authors: Križanović Ana , Bjeloš Mirjana , Bušić Mladen , Elabjer Biljana Kuzmanović , Rak Benedict , Vukojević Nenad 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: The purpose of the study is to investigate the changes of macular perfusion by OCT-angiography (OCT-A) after uncomplicated phacoemulsification.Methods: OCT-A was performed before cataract surgery, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery recording superficial vascular complex (SVC), nerve fiber layer vascular plexus (NFLVP) superior vascular plexus (SVP), deep vascular complex (DVC), intermediate capillary plexus (ICP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), as well as large choroidal blood vessels and choriocapillaris (CC) were recorded. Explant area (EA), vessels area (VA), vessels percentage area (VPA), total number of junctions (TNJ), junctions density (JD), total vessels length (TVL), average vessels length (AVL), total number of end points (TNEP), mean E lacunarity (MEL), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area throughout all layers were analysed.Results: Significant changes of vascular parameters in 55 eyes of 55 patients mostly reached plateau one week after surgery and remained stable up to three months after surgery, occurring in all retinal layers but not in choroid and choriocapillaris. Changes of FAZ area ensued across all retinal layers within one month after surgery. The greatest increase in VPA (22.79%), TVL (16.71%), AVL (166.71%) and JD (29.49%) was in SVC causing the largest FAZ surface decrease (-25.54%) in SVC likewise. On the contrary, the greatest change of MEL (-53.41%) appeared in DVC.Conclusions: This is the first OCT-A study demonstrating that perfusion alterations observed in macula after phacoemulsification are response to functional hyperaemia prompted by augmented visual stimulation. Phacoemulsification in elderly population proved as advantageous feature in addition to restoring visual acuity.
Changes in physical activity and sleep among adults in Russian Federation during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: Kontsevaya Anna , Mukaneeva Dinara , Myrzamatova Azaliia , Okely Anthony , Drapkina Oxana 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the levels of physical activity and sleep and to examine specific COVID-19 factors that may be associated with changes in physical activity and sleep among adults in Russia.
Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected during the period of tightest restrictions between 26 April 2020 and 6 June 2020. Eligible participants included all Russian adults aged 18 years and over. Participants reported their sleep patterns and problems, frequency and duration of walking, moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity, and muscle strengthening activities before COVID-19 and during the past seven days. Access to an outdoor green space and fitness centres, use of online resources, adherence to self-isolation recommendations and other preventive measures from Ministry of Health were self-reported.
Results

The sample included 2432 participants from 62 regions, 83% of who were female. There was a significant decline in the number of days per week participants reported not getting enough sleep (3.21 ± 2.44 to 2.86 ± 2.57; p < 0.001); participants also reported an increase in the number of days per week they had trouble falling asleep (1.70 ± 2.24 to 2.13 ± 2.48; P < 0.001). The proportion of participants who met the WHO Guidelines for physical activity declined from 68–49% (P < 0.001). The proportion who participated in muscle strengthening activities for 2 or more days per week declined from 53–45% (P < 0.001).
Conclusion

Compared with before COVID-19, physical activity and sleep hygiene were adversely affected during COVID-19. Awareness of factors associated with these declines will assit policymakers in developing strategies to mitigate the negative lifestyle behaviours that have manifested during the COVID-19 confinement.
miRNA Profile in Hippocampus, Prefrontal Cortex and Sperm of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR), a Model for Schizophrenia
Authors: Campagnoli Gabriella , Cantão Isabelle , Marins Maryana , Mendes Agatha , Nogueira Beatriz , Martin Renan , Pesquero João , Stumpp Taiza 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Environment is crucial for manifestation and development of schizophrenia, bringing to light epigenetic mechanisms involved, such as post-transcriptional control of gene expression by miRNA, in this disorder. MiRNAs participate in physiological processes such as neurogenesis, behavioral manifestations as well as in adverse conditions likepsychiatric disorders. Experimental models are essential to investigate the development of schizophrenia from early life, especially its molecular aspects. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are considered a good model forschizophrenia, since they show behavior that can be related to SCZ symptoms in humans and respond to treatment with anti-psychotic drugs. We investigated miRNA profile in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and sperm of SHR through next generation sequencing (NGS). SHR showed differential expression (DE) of miRNAs related to neurological processes and schizophrenia in sperm, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Gene ontology and enrichment analyses showed that the majority of DE miRNA target genes are involved in pathways related to behavior, neurodevelopmentand synaptic processes. Among these genes, 12 are dysregulated in schizophrenia patients, what reinforces SHR as a good model for epigenetic and molecular studies of this disorder. Finally, altered miRNA expression in sperm suggests that SHR model may be useful for future studies on epigenetic inheritance of schizophrenia.
Hydrodynamic Assisted Multiparametric Particle Spectrometry
Authors: Martín-Pérez Alberto , Ramos Daniel , Yubero Marina , García-López Sergio , Kosaka Priscila , Tamayo Javier , Calleja Montserrat 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The real-time analysis of single analytes in flow is becoming increasingly relevant in cell biology. In this work, we theoretically predict and experimentally demonstrate hydrodynamic focusing with hollow nanomechanical resonators by using an interferometric system which allows the optical probing of flowing particles and tracking of the fundamental mechanical mode of the resonator. We have characterized the hydrodynamic forces acting on the particles, which will determine their velocity depending on their diameter. By using the parameters simultaneously acquired: frequency shift, velocity and reflectivity, we can unambiguously classify flowing particles in real-time, allowing the measurement of the mass density: 1.35 ± 0.07 g·mL-1 for PMMA and 1.7 ± 0.2 g·mL-1 for silica particles, which perfectly agrees with the nominal values. Once we have tested our technique, MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells are characterized (1.11 ± 0.08 g·mL-1) with high throughput (300 cells/minute) observing a dependency with their size, opening the door for individual cell cycle studies.
Genetic Algorithm Optimized Node Deployment in IEEE 802.15.4 Potato and Wheat Crop Monitoring Infrastructure
Authors: Pal Pankaj , Sharma Rashmi , Tripathi Sachin , Kumar Chiranjeev , Ramesh Dharavath 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This proposal investigates the effect of vegetation height and density on received signal strength between two sensor nodes communicating under IEEE 802.15.4 wireless standard. With the aim of investigating the path loss coefficient of 2.4 GHz radio signal in an IEEE 802.15.4 precision agriculture monitoring infrastructure, measurement campaigns were carried out in different growing stages of potato and wheat crops. Experimental observations indicate that initial node deployment in the wheat crop experiences network dis-connectivity due to increased signal attenuation, which is due to the growth of wheat vegetation height and density in the grain-filling and physical-maturity periods. An empirical measurement-based path loss model is formulated to identify the received signal strength in different crop growth stages. Further, a NSGA-II multi-objective evolutionary computation is performed to generate initial node deployment and is optimized over increased coverage, reduced over-coverage, and received signal strength. The results show the development of a reliable wireless sensor network infrastructure for wheat crop monitoring.
Memories of traditional&nbsp;rice cultivation by descendants of Indian contract laborers in Suriname
Authors: Ramdayal Melissa , Maat Harro , Andel Tinde van 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Some 35,000 indentured laborers from India were recruited to work on plantations in Suriname after 1863. Many of them started to grow rice for their subsistence, but were stimulated to replace their traditional landraces for improved cultivars. Few Hindostani smallholders still cultivate rice today, and little is known on their varieties or motivations to continue or abandon this crop. We interviewed 30 persons currently or formerly involved in small-scale Hindostani rice farming, collected rice varieties and documented people’s personal memories and motivation for rice cultivation. In the historic literature, ca. 16 varieties were mentioned to be grown by Indian contract laborers, of which nine were remembered by our interviewees. We recorded 55 variety names, their agronomical and culinary characteristics, geographic origin, and (former) cultivation localities. Most active smallholders grew cultivars developed after 2000, but one landrace (Raymoen) and some old cultivars developed in the 1930-1950s (Rexora and Dima) were still grown for fodder, although heavily adulterated with weedy rice. Maroon farmers in the interior, however, cultivated several varieties of ‘coolie rice’ that they obtained from Hindostani farmers in the past, although this needs to be confirmed by molecular research. Small-scale rice farming in Suriname is declining due to competition with large-scale cultivators, urbanization, better education prospects and migration to the Netherlands. The vivid memories of the (former) rice farmers on traditional practices, gender-based labor division and how rice farming is integrated in the system of beliefs, as well as the few remaining varieties that potentially originated in India, deserve to be better safeguarded and shared with the public than they are today.
EEG&nbsp;Theta Responses Induced by Emoji Semantic Violations
Authors: Tang Mengmeng , Chen Bingfei , Zhao Xiufeng , Zhao Lun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study investigated emoji semantic processing by measuring changes in event-related electroencephalogram (EEG) power. The last segment of experimental sentences was designed as either words or emojis consistent or inconsistent with the sentential context. The results showed that incongruent emojis led to a conspicuous increase of theta power (4-7Hz), while incongruent words induced a decrease. Furthermore, the theta power increase was observed at midfrontal, occipital and bilateral temporal lobes with emojis. This suggests a higher working memory load for monitoring errors, difficulty of form recognition and concept retrieval in emoji semantic processing. It implies different neuro-cognitive processes involved in the semantic processing of emojis and words.
Ancient CO2&nbsp;Levels Favor Nitrogen Fixing Plants Over a Broader Range of Soil N Compared to Present
Authors: Chen Haoran , Markham John 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Small inreases in CO2 stimulate nitrogen fixation and plant growth. Increasing soil N can inhibit nitrogen fixation. However, no studies to date have tested how nitrogen fixing plants perform under ancient CO2 levels (100 MYA) when nitrogen fixers evolved, with different levels of N additions. The aim of this study was to assess if ancient CO2, compared to present, favors nitrogen fixers over a range of soil nitrogen concentrations. Nitrogen fixers (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa, Alnus viridis ssp. crispa, and Alnus rubra) and their close non-nitrogen fixing relatives (Betula pumila, Betula papyrifera, Betula glandulosa) were grown at ancient CO2 (1600 ppm) or present CO2 (400 ppm) over a range of soil N levels, equivalent to 0, 10, 50, and 200 kg N ha-1 year-1. The growth of non-N fixing plants increased more than N fixing plants in response to the increasing N levels. When grown at an ancient CO2 level, the N level at which non-nitrogen fixing plant biomass exceeded nitrogen fixing plant biomass was twice as high (61 kg N ha-1 y-1) as the N level when plants were grown at an ambient CO2 level. Specific nodule activity was also reduced with an increasing level of soil N. Our results showed there was a greater advantage in being a nitrogen fixer under ancient levels of CO2 compared with the present CO2 level.