bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipopolysaccharide preconditioning reduces liver metastasis of Colon26 cells by enhancing antitumor activity of natural killer cells and natural killer T cells in murine liver
Authors: Nishikawa Makoto , Kinoshita Manabu , Morimoto Yuji , Ishikiriyama Takuya , Nakashima Masahiro , Nakashima Hiroyuki , Ono Takeshi , Seki Shuhji , Moriya Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Junji , Kishi Yoji 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimLipopolysaccharide (LPS) preconditioning drastically augments bactericidal activity but reduces the host inflammatory response. Therefore, it may be beneficial to prevent postoperative infectious complications and mitigate host damage by surgical stress. Considering its clinical application, how LPS preconditioning influences the antitumor effect in the liver is an important issue. We then investigated the effect of LPS preconditioning on antitumor activity against Colon26 tumor cells in mice.MethodsLipopolysaccharide preconditioning was induced in mice by the intraperitoneal injection of 5 μg/kg LPS for three consecutive days. Intraportal inoculation of Colon26 cells, which express luminescent protein called Nano‐lantern, was performed to evaluate the effect of LPS preconditioning on tumor liver metastasis. The antitumor activities of cytotoxic liver lymphocytes, especially natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, against Colon26 cells were also examined in LPS preconditioned mice.ResultsLipopolysaccharide preconditioning remarkably prevented liver metastasis of Colon26 cells, as observed by IVIS imaging system, and prolonged survival after tumor inoculation. LPS preconditioning increased the proportions and number of liver NK cells and NKT cells and augmented their intracellular perforin and granzyme B expression, while reducing their intracellular expression of IFN‐γ. An in vitro antitumor cytotoxicity assay revealed that LPS preconditioning significantly augmented antitumor cytotoxicities of the liver NK cells and NKT cells, especially NKT cells, against Colon26 cells.ConclusionsLipopolysaccharide preconditioning potently augmented antitumor cytotoxicity of liver NK cells and NKT cells, thereby improving mouse survival after intraportal inoculation of Colon26 tumor cells. It may be useful for perioperative care in oncological patients.
Accuracy of bone segmentation and surface generation strategies analyzed by using synthetic CT volumes
Authors: Engelkes Karolin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDifferent kinds of bone measurements are commonly derived from computed‐tomography (CT) volumes to answer a multitude of questions in biology and related fields. The underlying steps of bone segmentation and, optionally, polygon surface generation are crucial to keep the measurement error small. In this study, the performance of different, easily accessible segmentation techniques (global thresholding, automatic local thresholding, weighted random walk, neural network, and watershed) and surface generation approaches (different algorithms combined with varying degrees of simplification) was analyzed and recommendations for minimizing inaccuracies were derived. The different approaches were applied to synthetic CT volumes for which the correct segmentation and surface geometry were known. The most accurate segmentations of the synthetic volumes were achieved by setting a case‐specific window to the gray value histogram and subsequently applying automatic local thresholding with appropriately chosen thresholding method and radius. Surfaces generated by the Amira® moduleGenerate Lego Surfacein combination with careful surface simplification were the most accurate. Surfaces with sub‐voxel accuracy were obtained even for synthetic CT volumes with low contrast‐to‐noise ratios. Segmentation trials with real CT volumes supported the findings. Very accurate segmentations and surfaces can be derived from CT volumes by using readily accessible software packages. The presented results and derived recommendations will help to reduce the measurement error in future studies. Furthermore, the demonstrated strategies for assessing segmentation and surface qualities can be adopted to quantify the performance of new segmentation approaches in future studies.
Word embeddings for biomedical natural language processing: A survey
Authors: Chiu Billy , Baker Simon 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWord representations are mathematical objects that capture the semantic and syntactic properties of words in a way that is interpretable by machines. Recently, encoding word properties into low‐dimensional vector spaces using neural networks has become increasingly popular. Word embeddings are now used as the main input to natural language processing (NLP) applications, achieving cutting‐edge results. Nevertheless, most word‐embedding studies are carried out with general‐domain text and evaluation datasets, and their results do not necessarily apply to text from other domains (e.g., biomedicine) that are linguistically distinct from general English. To achieve maximum benefit when using word embeddings for biomedical NLP tasks, they need to be induced and evaluated using in‐domain resources. Thus, it is essential to create a detailed review of biomedical embeddings that can be used as a reference for researchers to train in‐domain models. In this paper, we review biomedical word embedding studies from three key aspects: the corpora, models and evaluation methods. We first describe the characteristics of various biomedical corpora, and then compare popular embedding models. After that, we discuss different evaluation methods for biomedical embeddings. For each aspect, we summarize the various challenges discussed in the literature. Finally, we conclude the paper by proposing future directions that will help advance research into biomedical embeddings.
Altered gene expression profile of Wolbachia pipientis wAlbB strain following transinfection from its native host Aedes albopictus to Aedes aegypti cells
Authors: Bishop Cameron , Asgari Sassan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWolbachia is an obligate intracellular bacterial symbiont prevalent among arthropods and nematodes. To survive and reproduce, Wolbachia interacts with and modifies host subcellular structures, while sensing and responding to changes within the cellular environment. In mutualistic associations, Wolbachia may provision the host with metabolites, or help to maintain the chemical homeostasis of the host cell. Some strains can rapidly invade insect populations by manipulating host reproductive biology, while also preventing viral replication, allowing their use in vector control of arthropod‐borne viruses. The Aedes albopictus‐derived strain wAlbB is promising in this regard. When transinfected into the Yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, wAlbB reaches high frequencies within wild populations, and strongly inhibits viral transmission. Despite its obvious potential, much is still unknown about the molecular interactions between Wolbachia and host that enable its use in vector control. Furthermore, most Wolbachia transinfection research to date has focused on host effects. In the current study, we used a cell line model to explore the effect of transinfection of wAlbB from Ae. albopictus to Ae. aegypti. Using RNA sequencing, we show that several genes associated with host‐symbiont interactions were downregulated by transinfection, with the greatest downregulation exhibited by prophage‐associated genes.
Spectrum of Inborn errors of immunity in a cohort of 90 patients presenting with complications to BCG vaccination in India
Authors: Yadav Reetika Malik , Dalvi Aparna , Gupta Maya , Bargir Umair Ahmed , Shabrish Snehal , Aluri Jahnavi , Kulkarni Manasi , Hule Gouri , Kambli Priyanka , Setia Priyanka , Jodhawat Neha , Taur Prasad , Desai Mukesh , Madkaikar Manisha Rajan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWorld Health Organisation recommends the practice of BCG vaccination at birth in countries which have a high incidence of tuberculosis and/or high leprosy burden. The BCG vaccination is considered safe for a competent immune system. However, in children with weakened immune systems cause of which can be primary or secondary, the vaccine may lead to side effects which can be localized or disseminated. In this study, we report a spectrum of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) commonly referred to as primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDs) diagnosed in a large cohort of patients presenting with complications to BCG vaccination from India. Retrospective data analysis of patients referred to ICMR‐ National Institute of Immunohematology (ICMR‐NIIH) for IEI workup between 2007 and 2019 was done. IEI was identified in n = 52/90 (57.7%) patients presenting with BCG complications. Of these, n = 13(14.4%) patients were diagnosed with severe combined immune deficiency, n = 15(16.7%) with chronic granulomatous disease, n = 19(21.1%) with Inborn errors of IFN‐γ immunity, n = 4(4.4%) with Combined immunodeficiency and n = 1(1.1%) with Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency type1. Majority of cases with BCGosis (88%) had an underlying IEI. This study strongly highlights the need for evaluation of patients with BCG complications for underlying IEI. While disseminated BCGosis strongly predicts underlying IEI, even localized persistent adenitis may be a warning sign of underlying IEI. It is also strongly recommended to record a family history of previous sibling death prior to administration of this live vaccine and deferring live vaccine till the diagnosis of IEI is ruled out in cases with a positive family history.
The glass border: Gender and exporting in developing countries
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Mazhikeyev Arman 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUsing firm‐level data across 80 developing and transition economies, we explore the productivity differences between firms depending on their export status and the gender composition of their leadership. We find that for small‐ and medium‐sized firms where leaders are arguably involved in ‘on the ground’ activities, female‐led exporters have an exporter productivity premium three times that of comparable male firms. This suggests they face greater export barriers. For larger firms, we find the opposite, suggesting that large, female‐led firms experience more difficulties in gaining via learning by exporting. Together, these point to significant concerns female firms face when exporting.
Knowledge, attitude, and perception towards voluntary blood donation among university students in Nigeria
Authors: Ogundeji Sunday Peter , Ajayi Oluwafemi David , Busari Olusogo Ebenezer , Ogundeji Olajumoke A. , Adepoju Oluwaseun Adewole , Esan Folayan GJ 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAdequate provision of safe blood through voluntary non‐remunerated donation (VNRD) is critical to the delivery of quality health care. Understanding the factors affecting blood donation and addressing them would lead to an improvement in blood donation in Africa. The objective of this study was to determine factors affecting VNRD among culturally diverse Nigerian students.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional descriptive study, 840 students were selected by a stratified random sampling technique and given a pretested semi‐structured self‐administered questionnaire which included questions on knowledge, attitude, and perception of respondents towards voluntary blood donation. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 18·6 years (SD 1·8). The male‐to‐female ratio was 1:1·5. More than half (54·5%) of the respondents had good knowledge about blood donation with those of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) contributing the most to the knowledge base [p < 0·001, OR‐2·0, CI95 = 1·3, 3.0]. About 62% showed a willingness to donate blood, and the highest proportion were from the CMHS [χ2 = 29·62, p < 0·001]. Of those that had donated at least once in the past, males are more likely to donate than females [37 (60·7%) vs. 27 (39·3%)] (p = 0·001, OR 2·5 CI95 = 1·5–4·3).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that the knowledge about blood donation is inadequate among the population studied although most of them were willing to donate blood. Efforts to increase the pool of VNRD should focus on young people and especially females. We recommend that student’s societies be engaged with activities aimed to improve their knowledge of blood donation and demystify erroneous beliefs hindering blood donation. These engagements may take place at orientation programmes for fresh students, exhibitions at student unions events, and during the commemoration of the World Blood Donor Day.
EFFECTS OF ACADEMIC DEGREE AND DISCIPLINE ON RELIGIOUS AND EVOLUTIONARY VIEWS IN CHILE AND COLOMBIA
Authors: Marín César , García‐Merchán Victor Hugo , Arbeláez‐Moreno Julián David , Ochoa‐Berrío Esteban Camilo , Martínez‐Rincón Diego , D'Elía Guillermo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRelationships between degree/area of academic formation and religious and Darwinian views are controversial. This study aimed to compare the religious beliefs and acceptance of Darwinian evolution between two contrasting South American scientific communities (Chile and Colombia), accounting for different degrees and areas of academic formation. In 2018, 115 last year bachelor students (surveyed as freshmen in 2014 for a previous study) from Chile, and 283 first/last year bachelor students, graduate students, and professors from Colombia, all belonging to biology, chemistry, or physics, were surveyed. Chilean students/faculty were significantly more agnostic/atheist, more accepting of Darwinian evolution, and less creationist than their Colombian counterparts. Academic degree and area differently affected these views in both countries, as only in Chile there was a clear tendency among biologists and physicists with higher degrees to hold less religious and creationist views. Marked differences between the history, socioeconomic contexts, and especially in high school and university curricula of both countries might explain these results.
“The thing about animals is they are not judgemental”: Stories and images from formerly incarcerated women about their relationships with companion animals
Authors: Jarldorn Michele 
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: The data presented in this research brief are drawn from a project which asked 12 former prisoners what they thought outsiders should know about imprisonment and release. One of the themes arising from the data suggested that, rather than participating in a mandated programme or professionally delivered intervention, the reasons for successfully staying out of prison were based on relationships and connections. Sometimes these relationships were with family, community, a specific worker or group and, for six of the women, with companion animals. It was a combination of these relationships which helped the participants find their own pathways to staying in the community and, eventually, out of the criminal justice system.APPROACH: Data were created using Photovoice, an arts-based, qualitative, participatory action research method where participants take photographs and then use those images to help tell their story. Participants were invited to talk about anything they saw as important for outsiders to know about their experiences of imprisonment and release. Unexpectedly, six of the women chose to speak about the importance of their relationship with companion animals.FINDINGS: The data presented here show the value that women in this project placed on their relationships with companion animals. More broadly, their data point to the importance of having non-judgemental relationships and the benefits of being able to ‘give back’.CONCLUSION: The unexpected findings presented in this research brief suggest that social workers must take into consideration all relationships criminalised women have, not just those with other humans.
Learning with dogs: Human–animal bonds and understandings of relationships and reflexivity in practitioner-research
Authors: Ceatha Nerilee 
Published: December 2020

INTRODUCTION: This article highlights the importance of ethnographic observations of human–animal bonds (HAB) to inform social work practice and applied social research. It explores the relationship between the author and Bruno, a rescue dog, through conventional ideas on attachment theory, connectedness and containment.METHODS: These perspectives are applied to the author’s experiences of undertaking a PhD on the protective factors that promote LGBTI+ youth wellbeing. This emphasises reflexivity as an integral component of practitioner research, with the potential to explore the complexities and subjectivities of our emotional lives.FINDINGS: Through recognition of the dynamics of attachment, our roles as companion-carers prompt help-seeking to ensure reflective practice and effective caregiving. Our relationships with companion-animals resonate with the process of undertaking a PhD, through prioritising self-care and seeking work–life balance. These ideas are also relevant for collaborative studies underpinned by an iterative research process, described by a Consulting, Conducting, Collaborating and Checking cycle.CONCLUSION: The article concludes with an appeal to social work practitioners and practitioner- researchers to discover ways in which concepts of HAB, and our interconnectedness with all living beings, can be applied to policy, practice and research with those whom we work with, their families and within our broader communities.
Comparing Methods to Identify Wear-Time Intervals for Physical Activity With the Fitbit Charge 2
Authors: Claudel Sophie E. , Tamura Kosuke , Troendle James , Andrews Marcus R. , Ceasar Joniqua N. , Mitchell Valerie M. , Vijayakumar Nithya , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M. 
Published: December 2020

There is no established method for processing data from commercially available physical activity trackers. This study aims to develop a standardized approach to defining valid wear time for use in future interventions and analyses. Sixteen African American women (mean age = 62.1 years and mean body mass index = 35.5 kg/m2) wore the Fitbit Charge 2 for 20 days. Method 1 defined a valid day as ≥10-hr wear time with heart rate data. Method 2 removed minutes without heart rate data, minutes with heart rate  ≤ mean − 2 SDs below mean and ≤2 steps, and nighttime. Linear regression modeled steps per day per week change. Using Method 1 (n = 292 person-days), participants had 20.5 (SD = 4.3) hr wear time per day compared with 16.3 (SD = 2.2) hr using Method 2 (n = 282) (p < .0001). With Method 1, participants took 7,436 (SD = 3,543) steps per day compared with 7,298 (SD = 3,501) steps per day with Method 2 (p = .64). The proposed algorithm represents a novel approach to standardizing data generated by physical activity trackers. Future studies are needed to improve the accuracy of physical activity data sets.
Expression of the NEK7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in patients with diabetic lower extremity arterial disease
Authors: Cai HuaiQiu , Wang Peng , Zhang Bo , Dong XiaoQiu 
Published: December 2020

IntroductionThe NLRP3 inflammasome is closely related to diabetes and atherosclerosis. Recent studies suggest NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) is necessary for NLRP3 inflammasome activation during potassium efflux. However, the expression of the NEK7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in diabetic lower extremity arterial disease (DLEAD) is unclear. The present study aimed to explore whether the NEK7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is involved in the pathogenesis of DLEAD.Research design and methodsThe serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in the control group (n=39), diabetes without lower extremity artery diseases group (n=39) and DLEAD group (n=85) were measured. H&E and Von Kossa staining were used to observe the vasculature of amputated feet from patients with diabetic foot. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence and western blot were used to detect the expression of NEK7 and the NLRP3 inflammasome.ResultsThe serum IL-1β level in the DLEAD group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group and diabetes without lower extremity artery disease group. The serum IL-18 level was significantly higher in the DLEAD group and diabetes without lower extremity artery disease group than in the control group. H&E staining showed that the subintimal tissue of the arteries of patients with diabetic foot were highly thickened and exhibited irregular atherosclerotic plaques, and the arterial lumen was nearly occluded. Von Kossa staining showed dense brown-black calcium salt deposits in the vascular mesangium. Moreover, the expression of NEK7 and the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly increased in the vascular cells of patients with diabetic foot, especially in vascular smooth muscle cells.ConclusionThe NEK7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway might be involved in the pathogenesis of DLEAD.
Relationship between parental overweight and obesity and childhood metabolic syndrome in their offspring: result from a cross-sectional analysis of parent–offspring trios in China
Authors: Yang Zhaogeng , Li Yanhui , Dong Bin , Gao Di , Wen Bo , Ma Jun 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveMetabolic syndrome (MS) and its components are observed to emerge in childhood and may continue into adulthood. The study aimed to investigate the association between parental overweight and risk of childhood MS and its components in their offspring.MethodsData were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Chinese children and adolescents; a total of 11 784 children aged 7–18 years were included in this study; child outcomes were obtained from objective measurements and parental data were obtained from questionnaires; MS was defined according to the modified criteria of Adult Treatment Panel Ⅲ; correlation between parental overweight and offspring MS was assessed via multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for potential covariates.Results3476 (29.5%) children were found to have overweight fathers, 1041 (8.8%) had overweight mothers and 852 (7.2%) had both overweight parents. The prevalence of MS was 7.1% in total, 8.2% in boys and 5.9% in girls; children with overweight parents had a higher prevalence of MS and its components (except for elevated glucose) compared with children with normal-weight parents. Children with overweight fathers, mothers and both parents had 2.17 times (95% CI: 1.65–2.85), 2.89 times (95% CI: 2.03–4.11) and 2.81 times (95% CI: 1.91–4.15) higher risk of MS, respectively. Children with overweight mothers were likely to have a higher risk of MS compared with children with overweight fathers. Parental overweight was positively correlated with higher risk of MS, abdominal obesity and low HDL-C both in boys and girls.ConclusionParental overweight was strongly associated with increased risk of MS in their offspring, the risk was highest in children with both parents to be overweight. Maternal overweight seems to have a stronger correlation with offspring MS than paternal overweight. Parental overweight is one of the factors for identifying metabolic dysfunction risk in their offspring and other factors need to be considered as well.