bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The IL-17 receptor IL-17RE mediates polyIC-induced exacerbation of experimental allergic asthma
Authors: Vella Giovanna , Lunding Lars , Ritzmann Felix , Honecker Anja , Herr Christian , Wegmann Michael , Bals Robert , Beisswenger Christoph 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe interleukin 17 receptor E (IL-17RE) is specific for the epithelial cytokine interleukin-17C (IL-17C). Asthma exacerbations are frequently caused by viral infections. Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (pIC) mimics viral infections through binding to pattern recognition receptors (e.g. TLR-3). We and others have shown that pIC induces the expression of IL-17C in airway epithelial cells. Using different mouse models, we aimed to investigate the function of IL-17RE in the development of experimental allergic asthma and acute exacerbation thereof.MethodsWild-type (WT) and IL-17RE deficient (Il-17re−/−) mice were sensitized and challenged with OVA to induce allergic airway inflammation. pIC or PBS were applied intranasally when allergic airway inflammation had been established. Pulmonary expression of inflammatory mediators, numbers of inflammatory cells, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) were analyzed.ResultsAblation of IL-17RE did not affect the development of OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation and AHR. pIC induced inflammation independent of IL-17RE in the absence of allergic airway inflammation. Treatment of mice with pIC exacerbated pulmonary inflammation in sensitized and OVA-challenged mice in an IL-17RE-dependent manner. The pIC-induced expression of cytokines (e.g. keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)) and recruitment of neutrophils were decreased inIl-17re−/−mice. pIC-exacerbated AHR was partially decreased inIl-17re−/−mice.ConclusionsOur results indicate that IL-17RE mediates virus-triggered exacerbations but does not have a function in the development of allergic lung disease.
Pregnancy-induced changes in serum concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances and the influence of kidney function
Authors: Nielsen Christel , Andersson Hall Ulrika , Lindh Christian , Ekström Ulf , Xu Yiyi , Li Ying , Holmäng Agneta , Jakobsson Kristina 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Epidemiological associations between maternal concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and birth weight are inconsistent. There is concern that studies based on samples collected in late pregnancy may be confounded by kidney function but studies of the relation between pregnancy-induced changes in PFAS and kidney function are lacking. Our aims were to investigate changes in serum concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) from early to late pregnancy and to explore relations to changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and glomerular pore size.

Methods
We conducted the study in a cohort of 73 pregnancies of normal-weight Swedish women without gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, enrolled 2009–2014. Blood was collected in median weeks 11 and 36, respectively, and analysed PFAS using liquid chromatography-tandem-mass-spectrometry. We estimated GFR based on creatinine and cystatin C and used the ratio eGFRcystatin C/eGFRcreatinine to indicate glomerular pore size. We used Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare early and late measures and partial Spearman rank correlations to explore relations between changes in PFAS and kidney function.

Results
Median concentrations of PFNA, PFOA and PFOS decreased by 15–21% but changes were uncorrelated to changes in kidney function (partial R = − 0.06–0.11). The observed increase in median PFHxS concentration of 69% was likely an artefact of systematic measurement error caused by coeluting endogenous inferences.

Conclusions
Serum concentrations of PFNA, PFOA and PFOS decrease during pregnancy but the magnitudes of change are unrelated to parallel changes in eGFR and glomerular pore size, suggesting that changes in these indicators of kidney function are not important confounders in studies of PFAS and birth weight in pregnancies without gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.
Online adaptive radiotherapy compared to plan selection for rectal cancer: quantifying the benefit
Authors: de Jong R. , Crama K. F. , Visser J. , van Wieringen N. , Wiersma J. , Geijsen E. D. , Bel A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
To compare online adaptive radiation therapy (ART) to a clinically implemented plan selection strategy (PS) with respect to dose to the organs at risk (OAR) for rectal cancer.

Methods
The first 20 patients treated with PS between May–September 2016 were included. This resulted in 10 short (SCRT) and 10 long (LCRT) course radiotherapy treatment schedules with a total of 300 Conebeam CT scans (CBCT). New dual arc VMAT plans were generated using auto-planning for both the online ART and PS strategy.
For each fraction bowel bag, bladder and mesorectum were delineated on daily Conebeam CTs. The dose distribution planned was used to calculate daily DVHs. Coverage of the CTV was calculated, as defined by the dose received by 99% of the CTV volume (D99%). The volume of normal tissue irradiated with 95% of the prescribed fraction dose was calculated by calculating the volume receiving 95% of the prescribed fraction or more dose minus the volume of the CTV. For each fraction the difference between the plan selection and online adaptive strategy of each DVH parameter was calculated, as well as the average difference per patient.

Results
Target coverage remained the same for online ART. The median volume of the normal tissue irradiated with 95% of the prescribed dose dropped from 642 cm3 (PS) to 237 cm3 (online-ART)(p < 0.001). Online ART reduced dose to the OARs for all tested dose levels for SCRT and LCRT (p < 0.001). For V15Gy of the bowel bag the median difference over all fractions of all patients was − 126 cm3 in LCRT, while the average difference per patient ranged from − 206 cm3 to − 40 cm3. For SCRT the median difference was − 62 cm3, while the range of the average difference per patient was − 105 cm3 to − 51 cm3.
For V15Gy of the bladder the median difference over all fractions of all patients was 26% in LCRT, while the average difference per patient ranged from − 34 to 12%. For SCRT the median difference of V95% was − 8%, while the range of the average difference per patient was − 29 to 0%.

Conclusions
Online ART for rectal cancer reduces dose the OARs significantly compared to a clinically implemented plan selection strategy, without compromising target coverage.

Trial registration
Medical Research Involving Human Subjects Act (WMO) does not apply to this study and was retrospectively approved by the Medical Ethics review Committee of the Academic Medical Center (W19_357 # 19.420; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands).
Challenges of providing healthcare worker education and training in protracted conflict: a focus on non-government controlled areas in north west Syria
Authors: Bdaiwi Yamama , Rayes Diana , Sabouni Ammar , Murad Lina , Fouad Fouad , Zakaria Waseem , Hariri Mahmoud , Ekzayez Abdelkarim , Tarakji Ahmad , Abbara Aula 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWithout healthcare workers (HCWs), health and humanitarian provision in Syria cannot be sustained either now or in the post-conflict phase. The protracted conflict has led to the exodus of more than 70% of the healthcare workforce. Those remaining work in dangerous conditions with insufficient resources and a healthcare system that has been decimated by protracted conflict. For many HCWs, particularly those in non-government-controlled areas (NGCAs) of Syria, undergraduate education and postgraduate training has been interrupted with few opportunities to continue. In this manuscript, we explore initiatives present in north west Syria at both undergraduate and postgraduate level for physician and non-physician HCWs. Conclusion: Challenges to HCW education in north west Syria can be broadly divided into 1. Organisational (local healthcare leadership and governance, coordination and collaboration between stakeholders, competition between stakeholders and insufficient funding.) 2. Programmatic (lack of accreditation or recognition of qualifications, insufficient physical space for teaching, exodus of faculty affecting teaching and training, prioritisation of physicians over non-physicians, informally trained healthcare workers.) 3. Healthcare system related (politicisation of healthcare system, changing healthcare needs of the population, ongoing attacks on healthcare.) Locally implementable strategies including dedicated funding are key to supporting retention of HCWs and return during post-conflict reconstruction.
The pandemic characteristics of 2019-nCoV: case-control study for severity and geographic locations for 2019-nCoV epidemics worldwide
Authors: Ronchetti Roberto , Bianco Pietro Massimiliano 
Published: July 2020

AbstractUsing available official data we found 248 epidemics curves caused worldwide by the 2019-nCoV in the period December 2019–March 31st 2020. The analysis of this material allowed two main observations: 1) it is possible to describe the main geographical pathway of the diffusion of the virus in different directions. This strongly suggests a unique point of origin of the pandemics in Wuhan, China, from where it spread in many different directions. 2) of the 74 epidemics which were characterized by at least 1000 cases, 65 (90%) were located in the geographic region of the world delimitated by 52–30 degrees latitude North. Viceversa 110 (60%) of the 176 epidemics with less than 1000 cases were located outside the cited geographical world region. These results suggest considerations on the pandemic characteristics of 2019-nCoV.
Sierra: discovery of differential transcript usage from polyA-captured single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Patrick Ralph , Humphreys David T. , Janbandhu Vaibhao , Oshlack Alicia , Ho Joshua W.K. , Harvey Richard P. , Lo Kitty K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHigh-throughput single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) is a powerful tool for studying gene expression in single cells. Most current scRNA-seq bioinformatics tools focus on analysing overall expression levels, largely ignoring alternative mRNA isoform expression. We present a computational pipeline, Sierra, that readily detects differential transcript usage from data generated by commonly used polyA-captured scRNA-seq technology. We validate Sierra by comparing cardiac scRNA-seq cell types to bulk RNA-seq of matched populations, finding significant overlap in differential transcripts. Sierra detects differential transcript usage across human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the Tabula Muris, and 3 ′UTR shortening in cardiac fibroblasts. Sierra is available at https://github.com/VCCRI/Sierra.
Description of Cryptosporidium ornithophilus n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Cryptosporidiidae) in farmed ostriches
Authors: Holubová Nikola , Tůmová Lenka , Sak Bohumil , Hejzlarová Adéla , Konečný Roman , McEvoy John , Kváč Martin 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Background
Avian cryptosporidiosis is a common parasitic disease that is caused by five species, which are well characterised at the molecular and biological level, and more than 18 genotypes for which we have limited information. In this study, we determined the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. in farmed ostriches in the Czech Republic.

Methods
The occurrence and genetic identity of Cryptosporidium spp. were analysed by microscopy and PCR/sequencing of the small subunit rRNA, actin, HSP70 and gp60 genes. Cryptosporidium avian genotype II was examined from naturally and experimentally infected hosts and measured using differential interference contrast. The localisation of the life-cycle stages was studied by electron microscopy and histologically. Infectivity of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II for cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus (Kerr)), chickens (Gallus gallus f. domestica (L.)), geese (Anser anser f. domestica (L.)), SCID and BALB/c mice (Mus musculus L.) was verified.

Results
A total of 204 individual faecal samples were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. using differential staining and PCR/sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of small subunit rRNA, actin, HSP70 and gp60 gene sequences showed the presence of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II (n = 7) and C. ubiquitum Fayer, Santín & Macarisin, 2010 IXa (n = 5). Only ostriches infected with Cryptosporidium avian genotype II shed oocysts that were detectable by microscopy. Oocysts were purified from a pooled sample of four birds, characterised morphometrically and used in experimental infections to determine biological characteristics. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II measure on average 6.13 × 5.15 μm, and are indistinguishable by size from C. baileyi Current, Upton & Haynes, 1986 and C. avium Holubová, Sak, Horčičková, Hlásková, Květoňová, Menchaca, McEvoy & Kváč, 2016. Cryptosporidium avian genotype II was experimentally infectious for geese, chickens and cockatiels, with a prepatent period of four, seven and eight days post-infection, respectively. The infection intensity ranged from 1000 to 16,000 oocysts per gram. None of the naturally or experimentally infected birds developed clinical signs in the present study.

Conclusions
The molecular and biological characteristics of Cryptosporidium avian genotype II, described here, support the establishment of a new species, Cryptosporidium ornithophilus n. sp.
Evaluation of a sitting light volleyball intervention to adults with physical impairments: qualitative study using social–ecological model
Authors: Leung Ka-Man , Chung Pak-Kwong , Chu William 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis study was a part of 16-week sitting light volleyball (SLVB) intervention program which examined the effects of the intervention on the physical and psychological attributes of adults with physical impairments (PWPI) in Hong Kong. Gaining a deeper understanding of the perceptions and experiences of PWPI in the SLVB intervention is critical to the development of SLVB as a physical activity and a sport. The aims of this study were (a) to assess participants’ experiences of the intervention and (b) to examine the suitability and feasibility of SLVB intervention for PWPI.MethodsTwenty participants (mean age = 53.52 years, standard deviation 9.02 years; 60% female; 25% with at least a college degree) participated in semi-structured interviews.ResultsContent analysis revealed features of their experiences at theindividualorintrapersonallevel (physical and psychological health, enjoyment, novelty, competence, autonomy),interpersonallevel (socialization and teamwork, social support),organizationalandcommunitylevels (perceived sport venue environment, venue accessibility, safety, dissemination of information), andpolicylevel (resources allocation by the government). The participants also commented on the suitability and feasibility of the SLVB intervention for PWPI, its content and coaching, the modified rules, the duration of sessions, scheduling, and the number of participants and coaches.ConclusionsThis study identified several themes relevant to the promotion of PWPI engagement with SLVB and demonstrated that adopting a multilevel approach to the intervention resulted in positive outcomes for participants. Playing SLVB is suitable and feasible for PWPI. The findings contribute to the understanding of the experiences PWPI had of the SLVB intervention, which is critical to the further development of SLVB as a physical activity and a sport.
The current crisis of academia-led research: a threat to the common good? Preliminary data from Europe and the United States
Authors: Carta Mauro Giovanni , Moro Maria Francesca , Kirilov Iskren , Romano Ferdinando , Tagliagambe Silvano 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objective
This research note aimed to analyze the scientific productivity trends 2015–2019, focusing on the top 30 universities in Europe and United States and on the top 30 private companies—as classified in the SCImago Institutions Ranking. Our hypothesis is that private companies are gaining an increasingly prominent role in the research field, while academia is losing its predominance.

Results
From 2015 to 2019, all universities in Europe and the United States lost positions in the scientific production ranking, while private companies gained positions. These trends seem to be driven mainly by the scientific productivity sub-indicator “Innovation”. These data suggest that the role private companies will play in the future will not be limited to support research economically or influence it from “outside”. Private companies have taken a path that may lead them to directly control all stages of production/communication of knowledge, including research—a role once bestowed on universities. Our data, although preliminary, seem to suggest that, at present, academia risks losing its predominance in the research field. This scenario deserves attention because of the threats it may pose to the independence of research and its role in supporting human equity and sustainable health for all.
Protective effect of miRNA-containing extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells of old rats on renal function in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wang Yan , Guo Yi Fang , Fu Guang Ping , Guan Chang , Zhang Xin , Yang Dong Gang , Shi Yun Cong 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) play an important role in the prevention of cell and tissue fibrosis. Senescence may decrease the function of MSCs during recovery from tissue and organ damage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from MSCs contribute to the repair of kidney injury. We explored the influence of senescence on EVs derived from MSCs (MSC-EVs) and detected the protective effects of MSC-EVs expressing low levels of miR-294/miR-133 derived from old rats against chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods
The effects of MSC-EVs derived from 3-month-old and 18-month-old male Fisher 344 rats on renal fibrosis were explored in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. pLV-miR-294/pLV-miR-133 mimic/inhibitor were injected into young and old rats before UUO to detect the effects of miR-294/miR-133, which were decreased in MSC-EVs and sera from old rats, on renal function in CKD. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK2) cells were used to imitate the pathological process of renal fibrosis in vitro. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of epithelial/mesenchymal markers and phosphorylation of proteins in HK2 cells.

Results
The inhibition of UUO-induced CKD by MSC-EVs was weaker in old rats than in young rats. Downregulation of miRNAs (miR-294 and miR-133) in both MSC-EVs and sera from old rats obviously attenuated UUO-induced renal injury in old rats. miR-294 and miR-133 overexpression mitigated TGF-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HK2 cells, and the obvious increase in the phosphorylation of both SMAD2/3 and ERK1/2 induced by TGF-β1 was prevented in miR-294- and miR-133-overexpressing HK2 cells.

Conclusions
The ability of MSC-EVs to inhibit renal fibrosis decreased with age. miR-294/miR-133 in MSC-EVs and sera had an important effect on renal fibrosis in old rats and on EMT in HK2 cells. Furthermore, miR-294/miR-133 overexpression prevented SMAD2/3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HK2 cells during TGF-β1-mediated EMT. These findings show that miR-294/miR-133 may be therapeutic in renal fibrosis and related renal dysfunction in elderly individuals.
Application of big data analytics and organizational performance: the mediating role of knowledge management practices
Authors: Shabbir Muhammad Qasim , Gardezi Syed Babar Waheed 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDrawing from tenets of the resource-based theory, we propose and test a model that examines the relationship between the application of big data analytics (ABDA) and organizational performance (OP) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Further, this study examines the mediating role of knowledge management practices (KMP) in relation to the ABDA and OP. Data were collected from respondents working in SMEs through an adapted instrument. This research study adopts the Baron–Kenny approach to test the mediation. The results indicated that the ABDA had a positive and significant impact on OP. Also, KMP had partially mediated the relationship between ABDA and OP in SMEs. The dataset was solely comprised of SMEs from Pakistan administered Kashmir and may not reflect the insights from other regions. Hence limits the generalizability of the results. Findings highlight both strategic and practical implications related to decision making in organizations for top management, particularly in developing countries. This study attempts to contribute to the literature through novel findings and recommendations. These fallouts will help the top management during the key decision-making process and encourage practitioners who seek competitive advantage through enhanced organizational performance in SMEs.
A CT-based radiomics nomogram for prediction of lung adenocarcinomas and granulomatous lesions in patient with solitary sub-centimeter solid nodules
Authors: Chen Xiangmeng , Feng Bao , Chen Yehang , Liu Kunfeng , Li Kunwei , Duan Xiaobei , Hao Yixiu , Cui Enming , Liu Zhuangsheng , Zhang Chaotong , Long Wansheng , Liu Xueguo 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To develop a radiomics nomogram based on computed tomography (CT) images that can help differentiate lung adenocarcinomas and granulomatous lesions appearing as sub-centimeter solid nodules (SCSNs).

Materials and methods
The records of 214 consecutive patients with SCSNs that were surgically resected and histologically confirmed as lung adenocarcinomas (n = 112) and granulomatous lesions (n = 102) from 2 medical institutions between October 2011 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients from center 1 ware enrolled as training cohort (n = 150) and patients from center 2 were included as external validation cohort (n = 64), respectively. Radiomics features were extracted from non-contrast chest CT images preoperatively. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was used for radiomics feature extraction and radiomics signature construction. Clinical characteristics, subjective CT findings, and radiomics signature were used to develop a predictive radiomics nomogram. The performance was examined by assessment of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results
Lung adenocarcinoma was significantly associated with an irregular margin and lobulated shape in the training set (p = 0.001, < 0.001) and external validation set (p = 0.016, = 0.018), respectively. The radiomics signature consisting of 22 features was significantly associated with lung adenocarcinomas of SCSNs (p < 0.001). The radiomics nomogram incorporated the radiomics signature, gender and lobulated shape. The AUCs of combined model in the training and external validation dataset were 0.885 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.823–0.931), 0.808 (95% CI: 0.690–0.896), respectively. Decision curve analysis (DCA) demonstrated that the radiomics nomogram was clinically useful.

Conclusion
A radiomics signature based on non-enhanced CT has the potential to differentiate between lung adenocarcinomas and granulomatous lesions. The radiomics nomogram incorporating the radiomics signature and subjective findings may facilitate the individualized, preoperative treatment in patients with SCSNs.