bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effects of fear and anxiety on nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey
Authors: Kaya Seda , Uzdil Zeynep , Cakiroğlu Funda Pinar 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of fear and anxiety on nutrition during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design:Participants were recruited by an online survey in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire included general demographic characteristics, level of fear and anxiety, and nutritional habits. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 test (GAD-7) were used to determine fear and anxiety.Setting:Turkey.Participants:A total sample consisted of 1012 adults.Results:In pandemic, fear and anxiety caused individuals to skip breakfast and snacks less, but more at lunch. A positive significant correlation was observed between the increased consumption of yoghurt, cheese and water and FCV-19S scores. There was a positive significant correlation between cheese, legume, nuts-seeds, cake-cookies, dessert and tea consumption and GAD-7 scores. A 1-unit increase in FCV-19S scores affected 1·04 times of increased consumption of yoghurt, kefir, cheese, nuts-seeds, fruit (dry) and rice-pasta. A 1-unit increase in GAD-7 scores affected 1·03 times of increased consumption of egg and fruit (fresh); 1·04 times of increased consumption of cheese and other vegetables; 1·05 times of increased consumption of milk, meat, poultry, fish, legume, nuts-seeds, fruit (dry), cake-cookies and tea; 1·07 times of increased consumption of rice-pasta and coffee and 1·08 times of increased consumption of bread and dessert.Conclusions:In pandemic, anxiety and fear led to changes in individuals’ nutritional habits and food preferences. Continuous surveillance of psychological consequences for outbreaks should become routine as part of preparedness efforts worldwide. In addition, the effects of these psychological problems on nutrition should be evaluated.
The Role of Blueschist Stored in Shallow Lithosphere in the Generation of Postcollisional Orogenic Magmas
Authors: Wang Yu , Foley Stephen F. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn regions with small ocean plates and continental blocks, such as the Mediterranean in the Cenozoic and modern Indonesia, many blueschists may be stored at shallow depth in the mantle lithosphere that is newly formed during the amalgamation of small continental blocks and oceans. Melting of these blueschists at low pressures in the mixed lithosphere of this type during postcollisional relaxation may be involved in the generation of postcollisional orogenic magmas. Here, we have conducted a series of melting experiments on three blueschist samples with differing protoliths at 800–850°C, 2 GPa to investigate phase relations, mineral compositions, and trace element partitioning (using laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry [LA‐ICP‐MS]/nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry [NanoSIMS]), including the first results for clinozoisite. Dacitic/rhyolitic melts (SiO2 60 to 66 wt%) containing ~13 wt% volatiles are produced in all runs. Mn‐rich and Mn‐poor almandine garnets exhibit distinct rare earth element (REE) distribution patterns, while Mn‐rich garnets are effective preconcentrators of heavy REEs (HREEs) for later metamorphic processes. Melts produced from fluid‐affected blueschists of terrigenous origin show the most large‐ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichment, whereas those from terrigenous blueschists with no fluid history exhibit the lowest K/Th and Ba/Th and strongest Ce/Pb and Nb/U fractionations. Melts of blueschists derived from mid‐ocean ridge basalt (MORB) have relatively consistent, MORB‐like Ba/Th and Nb/U (~3) but the lowest Ce/Pb ratios (3.3). V/Sc and Zr/Hf ratios remain constant at ≥850°C regardless of the origin of the blueschist. Dehydration melting in new mantle lithosphere where blueschist is stored at shallow depth will significantly affect trace element behavior and should be considered carefully when examining chemical cycling and magmatism in postcollisional orogenic settings.
Observations and Modeling Studies of Solar Eclipse Effects on Oblique High Frequency Radio Propagation
Authors: Moses M. L. , Kordella L. J. , Earle G. D. , Drob D. , Huba J. D. , Ruohoniemi J. M. , Shepherd S. G. , Sivakumar V. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe total solar eclipse over the continental United States on 21 August 2017 offered a unique opportunity to study the dependence of the ionospheric density and morphology on incident solar radiation at different local times. The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) radars in Christmas Valley, Oregon, and Fort Hays, Kansas, are located slightly southward of the line of totality; they both made measurements of the eclipsed ionosphere. The received power of backscattered signal decreases during the eclipse, and the slant ranges from the westward looking radar beams initially increase and then decrease after totality. The time scales over which these changes occur at each site differ significantly from one another. For Christmas Valley the propagation changes are fairly symmetric in time, with the largest slant ranges and smallest power return occurring coincident with the closest approach of totality to the radar. The Fort Hays signature is less symmetric. In order to investigate the underlying processes governing the ionospheric eclipse response, we use a ray‐tracing code to simulate SuperDARN data in conjunction with different eclipsed ionosphere models. In particular, we quantify the effect of the neutral wind velocity on the simulated data by testing the effect of adding/removing various neutral wind vector components. The results indicate that variations in meridional winds have a greater impact on the modeled ionospheric eclipse response than do variations in zonal winds. The geomagnetic field geometry and the line‐of‐sight angle from each site to the Sun appear to be important factors that influence the ionospheric eclipse response.
Aberrant NSUN2-mediated m5C modification of H19 lncRNA is associated with poor differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Zhen , Xue Songlei , Zhang Meiying , Xu Hui , Hu Xuming , Chen Shihao , Liu Yangyang , Guo Mingzhou , Cui Hengmi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification. Recent studies on RNA methylation mainly focus on the m6A modification of mRNA, but very little is known about the m5C modification. NSUN2 is an RNA methyltransferase responsible for the m5C modification of multiple RNAs. In this study, we knocked down the NSUN2 gene in HepG2 cells by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and performed high-throughput RNA-BisSeq. An important tumor-related lncRNA H19 was identified to be targeted by NSUN2. Studies have shown that the expression of H19 lncRNA is abnormally elevated and has a carcinogenic effect in many types of tumors. Our results demonstrated that m5C modification of H19 lncRNA can increase its stability. Interestingly, m5C-modified H19 lncRNA can be specifically bound by G3BP1, a well-known oncoprotein which further leads to MYC accumulation. This may be a novel mechanism by which lncRNA H19 exerts its oncogenic effect. Besides, both the m5C methylation level and the expression level of H19 lncRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent non-cancer tissues, which were closely associated with poor differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In conclusion, we found that H19 RNA is a specific target for the NSUN2 modifier. The m5C-modified H19 lncRNA may promote the occurrence and development of tumors by recruiting the G3BP1 oncoprotein. Our findings may provide a potential target and biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Nanoparticle enhanced combination therapy for stem-like progenitors defined by single-cell transcriptomics in chemotherapy-resistant osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Li , Huang Xiaojia , You Xinru , Yi Tianqi , Lu Bing , Liu Jiali , Lu Guohao , Ma Minglin , Zou Changye , Wu Jun , Zhao Wei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe adaptation of osteosarcoma cells to therapeutic pressure impedes the efficacy of chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. However, the characteristics and cellular organization of therapy-resistant cells in osteosarcoma tumors remain elusive. Here, we utilized single-cell transcriptomics to systematically map the cell-type-specific gene expression in a chemotherapy-resistant osteosarcoma tumor. Our data demonstrated the VEGFR2-JMJD3-abundant subsets as quiescent stem-like cells, thereby establishing the hierarchy of therapy-resistant actively cycling progenitor pools (JMJD3-abundant) in osteosarcoma. VEGFR2 inhibitor and JMJD3 inhibitor synergistically impeded osteosarcoma cell propagation and tumor growth. Although osteosarcoma cells are predisposed to apoptosis induced by the synergistic therapy through activation of the CHOP pro-apoptotic factor via the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the stem-like/progenitor cells exhibit an adaptive response, leading to their survival. Reduction in cellular glutathione levels in stem-like/progenitor cells caused by the treatment with a glutathione synthesis inhibitor increases ER stress-induced apoptosis. Importantly, the marked therapeutic improvement of synergistic therapy against stem-like/progenitor cells was achieved by using glutathione-scavenging nanoparticles, which can load and release the drug pair effectively. Overall, our study provides a framework for understanding glutathione signaling as one of the therapeutic vulnerabilities of stem-like/progenitor cells. Broadly, these findings revealed a promising arsenal by encapsulating glutathione-scavenging nanoparticles with co-targeting VEGFR2 and JMJD3 to eradicate chemotherapy-resistant osteosarcoma.
Prevalence of depression and its relationship with quality of life among university students in Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China
Authors: Li Lu , Lok Grace K. I. , Mei Song-Li , Cui Xi-Ling , An Feng-Rong , Li Lin , Cheung Teris , Ungvari Gabor S. , Xiang Yu-Tao 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThere is compelling evidence that depressive symptoms (depression hereafter) are common in university students and are considerably influenced by the given socioeconomic context. Being former European colonies, Macau and Hong Kong are China’s special administrative regions, with different sociocultural and economic background compared to mainland China. This study compared the prevalence of depression in university students between Macau, Hong Kong and mainland China and examined the association between depression and quality of life (QOL). The Beck Depression Inventory-II and the World Health Organization Quality of Life—Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) were used to measure depression and QOL, respectively.
Altogether, 2,312 university students participated in this study. The overall prevalence of depression was 28.9%; 35.2% in Macau, 41.0% in Hong Kong, and 16.8% in mainland China. Compared to the “No depression” group, students with depression had significantly lower QOL scores in the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. Factors associated with depression were different between the three study sites. Sleep disturbances and high academic pressure were positively associated with depression in all the three samples. In mainland China, male students (OR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.10–2.56) were more likely to have depression while those who were interested in their major (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.29–0.69) were less likely to have depression. In Macau, students in Grade 3 (OR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.36–0.89) and those who were interested in their major (OR = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.42–0.81) or had optimistic perspective about their future (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.36–0.73) were less likely to have depression. Nursing students (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.21–2.87) and students with the average score on major subject less than 65 (OR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.70–5.78) were more likely to have depression. In Hong Kong, students with optimistic perspective about their future (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22–0.91) were less prone to have depression. Depression is common among Chinese university students, particularly in Macau and Hong Kong. Considering the negative impact of depression on QOL, regular screening and effective treatments should be offered to this population.
Confirmatory factor analysis comparing incentivized experiments with self-report methods to elicit adolescent smoking and vaping social norms
Authors: Murray Jennifer M. , Kimbrough Erik O. , Krupka Erin L. , Ramalingam Abhijit , Kumar Rajnish , Power Joanna McHugh , Sanchez-Franco Sharon , Sarmiento Olga L. , Kee Frank , Hunter Ruth F. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMany adolescent smoking prevention programmes target social norms, typically evaluated with self-report, susceptible to social desirability bias. An alternative approach with little application in public health are experimental norms elicitation methods. Using the Mechanisms of Networks and Norms Influence on Smoking in Schools (MECHANISMS) study baseline data, from 12–13 year old school pupils (n = 1656) in Northern Ireland and Bogotá (Colombia), we compare two methods of measuring injunctive and descriptive smoking and vaping norms: (1) incentivized experiments, using monetary payments to elicit norms; (2) self-report scales. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined whether the methods measured the same construct. Paths from exposures (country, sex, personality) to social norms, and associations of norms with (self-reported and objectively measured) smoking behavior/intentions were inspected in another structural model. Second-order CFA showed that latent variables representing experimental and survey norms measurements were measuring the same underlying construct of anti-smoking/vaping norms (Comparative Fit Index = 0.958, Tucker Lewis Index = 0.951, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.030, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.034). Adding covariates into a structural model showed significant paths from country to norms (second-order anti-smoking/vaping norms latent variable: standardized factor loading [β] = 0.30, standard error [SE] = 0.09, p < 0.001), and associations of norms with self-reported anti-smoking behavior (β = 0.40, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001), self-reported anti-smoking intentions (β = 0.42, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001), and objectively measured smoking behavior (β = − 0.20, SE = 0.06, p = 0.001). This paper offers evidence for the construct validity of behavioral economic methods of eliciting adolescent smoking and vaping norms. These methods seem to index the same underlying phenomena as commonly-used self-report scales.
Unculturable and culturable periodontal-related bacteria are associated with periodontal inflammation during pregnancy and with preterm low birth weight delivery
Authors: Ye Changchang , Xia Zhongyi , Tang Jing , Khemwong Thatawee , Kapila Yvonne , Kuraji Ryutaro , Huang Ping , Wu Yafei , Kobayashi Hiroaki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRecent studies revealed culturable periodontal keystone pathogens are associated with preterm low birth weight (PLBW). However, the oral microbiome is also comprised of hundreds of ‘culture-difficult’ or ‘not-yet-culturable’ bacterial species. To explore the potential role of unculturable and culturable periodontitis-related bacteria in preterm low birth weight (PLBW) delivery, we recruited 90 pregnant women in this prospective study. Periodontal parameters, including pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level were recorded during the second trimester and following interviews on oral hygiene and lifestyle habits. Saliva and serum samples were also collected. After delivery, birth results were recorded. Real-time PCR analyses were performed to quantify the levels of periodontitis-related unculturable bacteria (Eubacterium saphenum, Fretibacterium sp. human oral taxon(HOT) 360, TM7 sp. HOT 356, and Rothia dentocariosa), and cultivable bacteria (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia) in saliva samples. In addition, ELISA analyses were used to determine the IgG titres against periodontal pathogens in serum samples. Subjects were categorized into a Healthy group (H, n = 20) and periodontitis/gingivitis group (PG, n = 70) according to their periodontal status. The brushing duration was significantly lower in the PG group compared to the H group. Twenty-two of 90 subjects delivered PLBW infants. There was no significant difference in periodontal parameters and serum IgG levels for periodontal pathogens between PLBW and healthy delivery (HD) groups. However, ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed that a higher abundance of Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Fretibacterium sp. HOT360 and lower levels of Rothia dentocariosa were significantly associated with the presence of periodontal disease during pregnancy. Moreover, the amount of Eubacterium saphenum in saliva and serum IgG against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were negatively correlated with PLBW. Taken together, unculturable periodontitis-associated bacteria may play an important role both in the presence of periodontal inflammation during pregnancy and subsequent PLBW.
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas with IDH1/2 mutation-associated hypermethylation at selective genes and their clinicopathological features
Authors: Lee Kyoungbun , Song Young Seok , Shin Yoonju , Wen Xianyu , Kim Younghoon , Cho Nam-Yun , Bae Jeong Mo , Kang Gyeong Hoon 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare but fatal tumor. The isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1/2) genes are known to be mutated in ICC. IDH1/2 mutations tend to be accompanied by enhanced hypermethylation at a subset of genomic loci. We sought to clarify the clinicopathological features, including prognostic value, of ICCs with IDH1/2 mutation-associated hypermethylation at a subset of genes. The mutation status of IDH1/2 and methylation status of 30 gene CpG island loci were analyzed in 172 cases of ICC using pyrosequencing and the MethyLight assay, respectively. The mutation status of IDH1/2 was correlated with clinicopathological features and the DNA methylation status at 30 gene loci. Then, the clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed regarding three-tiered methylation statuses in genes showing IDH1/2 mutation-associated methylation. IDH1/2 mutations were found in 9.3% of ICCs, and IDH1/2-mutated tumors were associated with the histological subtype, including the bile ductular type and small duct type, and poor differentiation. Eight DNA methylation markers showed associations with IDH1/2 mutations, and ICCs with > 5/8 methylated markers were associated with the bile ductular type or small duct type, absence of mucin production, absence of biliary intraepithelial neoplasia, and presence of chronic liver disease. > 5/8 methylated markers were an independent prognostic marker associated with better survival in both cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival. In summary, by analyzing the association between IDH1/2 mutations and DNA methylation in individual genes, we developed a panel of DNA methylation markers that were significantly associated with IDH1/2 mutations and were able to identify a subset of ICC with better clinical outcomes.
Data-driven studies of magnetic two-dimensional materials
Authors: Rhone Trevor David , Chen Wei , Desai Shaan , Torrisi Steven B. , Larson Daniel T. , Yacoby Amir , Kaxiras Efthimios 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe use a data-driven approach to study the magnetic and thermodynamic properties of van der Waals (vdW) layered materials. We investigate monolayers of the form $$\hbox {A}_2\hbox {B}_2\hbox {X}_6$$

A
2

B
2

X
6

, based on the known material $$\hbox {Cr}_2\hbox {Ge}_2\hbox {Te}_6$$

Cr
2

Ge
2

Te
6

, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and machine learning methods to determine their magnetic properties, such as magnetic order and magnetic moment. We also examine formation energies and use them as a proxy for chemical stability. We show that machine learning tools, combined with DFT calculations, can provide a computationally efficient means to predict properties of such two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials. Our data analytics approach provides insights into the microscopic origins of magnetic ordering in these systems. For instance, we find that the X site strongly affects the magnetic coupling between neighboring A sites, which drives the magnetic ordering. Our approach opens new ways for rapid discovery of chemically stable vdW materials that exhibit magnetic behavior.
Isolation of extracellular vesicles improves the detection of mutant DNA from plasma of metastatic melanoma patients
Authors: Zocco Davide , Bernardi Simona , Novelli Mauro , Astrua Chiara , Fava Paolo , Zarovni Natasa , Carpi Francesco M. , Bianciardi Laura , Malavenda Ottavia , Quaglino Pietro , Foroni Chiara , Russo Domenico , Chiesi Antonio , Fierro Maria Teresa 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDetection of BRAFV600E within cell free tumor DNA (ctDNA) is emerging as a promising means to improve patients’ stratification or enable BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapeutic monitoring in a minimally invasive manner. Here, we investigated whether extracellular vesicle-(EV)-associated-DNA (EV-DNA) has value as an alternative source of circulating BRAFV600E. To do so, we identified a clinical practice-compatible protocol for the isolation of EV-DNA and assessed BRAF gene status on plasma samples from metastatic melanoma patients at the beginning and during BRAFi therapy. This protocol uses a peptide with high affinity for EVs and it has been found to recover more mutant DNA from plasma than standard ultracentrifugation. Molecular analyses revealed that mutant DNA is largely unprotected from nuclease digestion, interacting with the outer side of the EV membrane or directly with the peptide. When used on clinical samples, we found that the protocol improves the detection of BRAFV600E gene copies in comparison to the reference protocol for ctDNA isolation. Taken together, these findings indicate that EVs are a promising source of mutant DNA and should be considered for the development of next-generation liquid biopsy approaches.
Complex barite filter cake removal using in-situ generated acids by thermochemicals
Authors: Bageri Badr S. , Gomaa Ibrahim , Mahmoud Mohamed , Patil Shirish , Al-Nakhli Ayman 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn sandstone formations, the quartz particles integrate with drilling fluid solids and become part of the filter cake structure. As a result, the dissolution rate of the filter cake diminishes and reduces the removal efficiency. This paper presents a novel solution to overcome the challenges that restricts the filter cake removal process such as the presence of the quartz layer and the polymer coat. A multi-stage method for removing the filter cake from a wellbore is presented. The composition of the new formulation is; ammonium fluoride (NH4F), with a strong oxidizer, such as sodium bromate (NaBrO3) causes an exothermic reaction in the first stage, thereby removing the quartz layer and polymer coat in the filter cake by the in-situ generated HF acid. During the second stage for the barite-based filter cake, chelating agents combined with convertor catalysts were used to dissolve the barite. Solubility experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency at each stage in the filter cake removal process at 300 ºF and 500 psi. The experimental results showed that the formulation consisting of ammonium fluoride (NH4F), with a strong oxidizer (sodium bromate,NaBrO3), combined with exothermic reaction was able to generate HF in-situ, which in turn dissolved the quartz mineral and remove the polymer from the filter cake.