bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Levels of ER Stress and Apoptosis in A Sheep Model for Pulmonary Fibrosis Are Alleviated by in Vivo Blockade of the KCa3.1 Ion Channel
Authors: Perera Udari Eshani , Organ Louise , Dewage Sasika N.V. , Derseh Habtamu B , Stent Andrew , Snibson Kenneth J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal interstitial lung disease, characterized by progressive damage to the lung tissues. Apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) in type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) and lung macrophages has been linked with the development of IPF. Therefore, apoptosis- and ER stress-targeted therapies have drawn attention as potential avenues for treatment of IPF. The calcium-activated potassium ion channel KCa3.1 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for fibrotic diseases including IPF. While KCa3.1 is expressed in AECs and macrophages, its influence on ER stress and apoptosis during the disease process is unclear. Methods We utilized a novel sheep model of pulmonary fibrosis to demonstrate that apoptosis and ER stress occurs in type II AECs and macrophages in sheep with bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Apoptosis in type II AEC and macrophages was identified using the TUNEL method of tagging fragmented nuclear DNA, while ER stress was characterized by increased expression of GRP-78 ER chaperone proteins. Results We demonstrated that apoptosis and ER stress in type II AECs and macrophages increased significantly 2 weeks after the final bleomycin infusion and remained high for up to 7 weeks post-bleomycin injury. Senicapoc treatment significantly reduced the rates of ER stress in type II AECs and macrophages that were resident in bleomycin-infused lung segments. There were also significant reductions in the rates of apoptosis of type II AECs and macrophages in the lung segments of senicapoc-treated sheep. Conclusion In-vivo blockade of the KCa3.1 ion channel alleviates the ER stress and apoptosis in type II AECs and macrophages, and this effect potentially contributes to the antifibrotic effects of senicapoc.
Knowledge and Intentions Regarding the Pap Smear Test Among Saudi Arabian Women
Authors: Alissa Nawal 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe knowledge of Pap smear and uptake of preventive behaviors to prevent cervical cancer are the most important contributors to the advanced stage of the disease. Knowledge is one of the most leading factors to predict the health behaviors and a helpful factor in performing screening procedures. This study aimed to investigate Saudi Arabian women knowledge of Pap testing in relation to their intention to undergo the test. MethodsAn online cross-sectional study was conducted among 467 Saudi Arabian women, who aged 18 years and older, living in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The participants asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire including three parts (demographic factors, knowledge about Pap smear, and intentions to uptake Pap smear). Data were analyzed through SPSS version 22, using descriptive statistics and correlation to measure the relationship between knowledge, demographic factors and intention. ResultsThe study found that average level of knowledge was 1.3 which is between high and moderate knowledge, and the average score for the intention was 2.88, to indicate that the intentions to uptake Pap smear among the participants were above the average. The study revealed a significant correlation between demographic factors and intention. ConclusionFindings from the current study can inform health care providers about Saudi Arabian women knowledge of Pap smear and the intention to uptake the test. Strategies to motivate women to undergo Pap screening should be introduced.
Predictors of Anemia Among Non Pregnant Married Women in a Peri-urban Coastal Slum of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Ameer , Cheema Daniyaal Ahmad , Tariq Eleze , Nisar Imran , Azam Syed Iqbal , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Saleem Sarah , Shafiq Yasir 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundUnder-nutrition is a global public health threat, to which pregnant and lactating mothers are particularly susceptible. An estimated 468.4 million women (17%) of child bearing age have anemia, and this figure is as high as 50% of women of childbearing age in developing countries. Factors like substance abuse, nutritional habits, hygiene, reproductive health status and socio-cultural factors are associated with high prevalence of anemia among women. The aim of the study was to determine prevalence of anemia i.e. hemoglobin concentration of less than 12 gm/dl among non-pregnant married women of reproductive age (MWRA) and potential risk factors of anemia among these MWRA with a special focus on coastal slum.Methods A analytical cross sectional study conducted at a coastal slum of Karachi, Rehri Goth. We interviewed N-554 non pregnant MWRA and their blood samples were assessed for anemia. Cox proportional hazard algorithm was used for determining the association of potential covariates with anemia for the analysis purpose. ResultsThe prevalence of anemia among the non pregnant MWRA was 68.04% (95%CI: 64.15%, 71.92%). Prevalence ratio of anemia among gutka consumers was 1.37 times (95%CI: 1.12 - 1.68) higher than those who were not consuming it. Moreover, the prevalence ratio of anemia was 1.42 times higher in women who had not received formal education as compared to those who had received at least a primary education.(95% CI:1.13-1.81) Conclusion A high proportion of non pregnant MWRA of Rehri Goth were anemic. Women who were not literate were more likely to be anemic and were more likely to consume Gutka as a recreational substance.
Stress, Anxiety, Depression among Nurses Caring for COVID-19 Patients in Babol, Iran: A logestic Regression
Authors: Aziznejadroshan Parvin , Qalehsari Mojtaba Qanbari , Zavardehi Fatemeh Shaker 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Nurses who are involved in the caring of COVID-19 patients, are at risk of mental distress. The present study was conducted with the purpose of demonstrating the relationship between stress, anxiety, depression and characteristics of nurses who provide care to COVID-19 patients.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the census method from May to June, 2020 on 224 clinical nurses who were working in hospitals affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences and were involved in caring for COVID-19 patients. The data collection instruments included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 items (DASS-21) and the individual characteristic questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were computed to identify the associated factors. Result: The mean and the standard deviation for stress, anxiety and depression scores were 9.47±7.30, 9.29±7.51 and 8.84±7.22 respectively. 17.4% had stress, 54% had anxiety and 43% had a degree of depression. There were significant relationships between the nurses’ stress level and characteristics including age (OR =3.009, 95%CI 1.46–6.16, P=0.003), having children (OR=0.26, 95%CI 0.11-0.63, P=0.003), work experience(OR=4.50, 95% CI 2.17-9.96, P=0.000) and employment status(OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.95, P=0.04). Moreover, along with these characteristics, job satisfaction (OR =3.03, 95%CI 5.64–1.63, P=0.000), level of physical activities (OR =0.26, 95%CI 0.08–0.82, P=0.02), exercising (OR =2.27, 95%CI 1.31-3.90, P=0.003) and violence in the workplace (OR =0.27, 95%CI 0.12– 0.56, P=0.001) also had significant relationships with the nurses’ anxiety level. Furthermore, the relationships between the nurses’ level of depression and characteristics including age(OR =2.07, 95%CI 1.15 – 3.72, P=0.014), work experience (OR =21.79, 95%CI 1.04 – 3.10, P=0.03), job satisfaction (OR=3.03, 95%CI 1.63–5.64, P=0.000), exercising (OR =1.76, 95%CI 1.02–3.04, P=0.04), having chronic diseases (OR =0.35, 95%CI 0.15–0.81, P=0.014), violence in the workplace (OR =0.39, 95%CI 0.20–0.75, P=0.005) and sleep (OR =1.77, 95%CI 1.00–3.16, P=0.050) were significant.Conclusion: The authorities should consider a number of the individual characteristics of nurses including age, work experience, gender, marital status, having children, job satisfaction, sleep, violence in the workplace and history of chronic disease in their planning and provide psychological support for them.
The Impact of Fiscal Policy Variables on Private&nbsp;Investment in Nigeria
Authors: YUSUF ABDULKARIM , Mohd. Saidatulakmal 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Motivated by the need to avoid potential parameter bias associated with previous empirical researches, the current study conducted a disaggregated inquiry of the individual impact of fiscal policy variables on private investment in Nigeria. The empirical investigation adopted the Autoregressive Distributed Lag method which allows for the simultaneous estimation of the short and long-run relationships between variables, removing the problems associated with excluded variables and the existence of autocorrelation. The method was applied to time series data spanning the period 1980-2017, generated using the quantitative and ex- post facto research design. The bounds test results established a co-integrating relationship between private investment and its selected determinants. The empirical findings confirmed that various components of direct taxes retarded the growth of private investment while indirect taxes stimulated the growth of private investment. Government capital spending had a favourable and statistically relevant impact on private investment while public external debt suggested a deleterious effect of inhibiting private investment both in the long and short run. The study recommended harmonizing tax policies to curb multiple taxes and high cost of doing business; and major investment in infrastructures to improve private investment and affect long-term growth positively.JEL Classification Codes: A22, E62, F16, G18, H26.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome After Induction of Chemotherapy in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Descriptive and Correlational Study From the West Bank of Palestine
Authors: Shawahna Ramzi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent type of cancer among children. This study was conducted to describe and correlate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of treatment of patients with pediatric ALL in the main referral hospital in Palestine. MethodsIn this single-center, retrospective, observational study, paper-based and electronic medical records of patients with pediatric ALL who received induction chemotherapy were reviewed. The sociodemographic variables, details of patient history, findings of physical examinations, daily progress notes, bone marrow biopsies, flow cytometry, and cytogenetics of patients were collected. ResultsComplete data of 69 patients were included in this analysis. The majority (79.7%) of the patients had B-ALL phenotype, 22 (31.9%) had abdominal pain, 37 (53.6%) had fever, 30 (43.5%) complained of bone pain, 50 (72.5%) had pallor, 9 (13.0%) had anorexia, 34 (49.3%) had hepatomegaly, 34 (49.3%) had splenomegaly, and 15 (21.7%) complained of bleeding symptoms. After induction chemotherapy, remission was experienced by the vast majority of the patients and 5 (7.2%) experienced relapse after receiving chemotherapy. The vast majority of the patients (96%) had CNS status 1, 1.4% had CNS status 2, and 2.9% had CNS status 3. Cytogenetics for patients with B-ALL phenotype indicated that 10 (18.2%) patients had t(12,21) translocation, 5 (9.1%) had hyperdiploidy, 4 (7.3%) had t(1,19) translocation, and 2 (3.6%) had t(9,22) translocation. The initial white blood cells (p value < 0.001), absolute neutrophils (p value = 0.011), and hemoglobin (p value < 0.001) were significantly lower for patients with B-cell ALL. Platelet counts were significantly lower (p value = 0.012) in patients with splenomegaly and those with bleeding symptoms (p value = 0.008). Presence of pollar was positively associated (p value = 0.035) with T-cell ALL. Presence of hepatomegaly was positively associated (p value < 0.001) with splenomegaly.Conclusion﻿Overall, this study provides insights into the clinical characteristics and outcomes of induction chemotherapy in Palestinian patients with pediatric ALL. The characteristics of ALL among Palestinians were comparable to their peers in the region. The outcomes of induction chemotherapy were also comparable to other published data for ALL patients.
Prognostic and Functional Role of Hyaluronan-binding Protein 1 (HABP1) in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Adachi Yasuhiro , Oba Takuya , Amaike Takao , Kudo Yuzan , Kohi Shiro , Nakayama Toshiyuki , Hirata Keiji , Sato Norihiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Hyaluronan-binding protein 1 (HABP1) is one of molecules that binds to hyaluronan and is involved in a variety of cellular processes including cell proliferation and migration. HABP1 has related to the progression of various cancers however there are few reports on the expression and function of HABP1 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We examined the expression and functional role of HABP1 in PDAC.Methods: (1) Immunohistochemical analysis of HABP1 protein was done in archival tissues from 105 PDAC patients. (2) We examined the functional effect of HABP1 on proliferation, colony formation, and migration in PDAC cells by knockdown of HABP1. Results: (1) HABP1 was overexpressed in 49(46.2%) of 106 PDAC patients. Overall survival was significantly shorter in patients with high HABP1 expression (median survival time of 12.8 months) than in those with low HABP1 expression (28.5 months) (log-rank test; p = 0.004). (2) Knockdown of HABP1 expression in PDAC cells resulted in decreased cell proliferation, colony formation and migration ability. Conclusion: HABP1 may serve as a prognosis factor in PDAC and could be a new therapeutic target.
Initial COVID Hydroxychloroquine Failure Responds to Interferon and Tocilizumab.
Authors: Fleming M PhD Richard M , Fleming NRP BA BS Matthew R 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Currently there is no established treatment protocol for SARS-2 (CoVid-19). Proponents of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) argue that early intervention may sufficiently prevent replication of the virus and avoid the need for hospitalization. In instances where viral replication continues and the patient develops CoViD pneumonia (CVP), such patients – particularly with comorbidities – are prone to develop an InflammoThrombotic response similar to cytokine release syndrome (CRS). We present one such patient who failed HCQ treatment and was subsequently treated successfully with an interleukin-6 inhibitor and interferon.
RANKL&nbsp;Immunisation Inhibits Prostate Cancer Metastasis by Modulating EMT&nbsp;Through a RANKL-dependent Pathway
Authors: Park Mineon , Cho Yong Jin , Kim Bora , Ko Young Jong , Jang Yuria , Hyun Hoon , Lim Wonbong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) morbidity in the majority of patients is due to metastatic events, which are a clinical obstacle. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanism underlying metastasis is imperative if we are to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) regulates bone remodelling. RANKL was associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and expression of metastasis-related genes in PC3 cells. Thus, agents that suppress RANKL signalling may be useful pharmacological treatments. Method: In this study, we proposed a strategy to induce anti-cytokine antibodies using mutant RANKL as an immunogen. Here, we used preclinical experimental models to investigate whether an inactive form of RANKL affects bone metastasis in RANKL-induced PCa.Results: RANKL activation was observed in human PCa tissue specimens. RANKL promoted migration and invasion of PC3 cells through EMT, and induced a significant increase in binding of β-catenin to TCF-4, an EMT-induced transcription factor in PCa cells, via mitogen-activated protein kinase and β-catenin/TCF-4 signalling. Thus, RANKL increased EMT and the metastatic properties of PC3 cells, suggesting a role as a therapeutic target to prevent PCa metastasis. Conclusion: Treatment with mutant RANKL reduced EMT and metastasis of PC3 PCa cells in an experimental metastasis model. Thus, mutant RANKL could serve as a potential vaccine to prevent and treat metastatic PCaTrial registration: Chosun University Hospital, CHOSUN 2020-06-001. Registered 01 June 2020-prospectevely registered, https://hosp.chosun.ac.kr/medi_depart/?site=hospital&mn=151&type=view&catename=IRB
Human Plasmodium in Domestic Animals in West Sumba and Fakfak, Indonesia
Authors: Munirah Munirah , Wahyuni Sitti , Wahid Isra , Hamid Firdaus 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background: Although maximum efforts have been made, malaria in several areas in Indonesia is still high. This study aims to detect the possibility of a Plasmodium reservoir in domestic animals in endemic malaria areas.Methods: Blood from the domestic animal was collected by EDTA tube, smeared and stained by Giemsa for detecting Plasmodium microscopically. Ten µl blood from EDTA tube dripped into filter paper for Plasmodium DNA capture. Nested PCR was used for the molecular detection of parasites, and DNA was sequenced from PCR products to ascertain Plasmodium species.Result: A total of 208 and 62 animal blood samples were collected from Gaura and Fakfak villages. Thirty-two of 270 animals contained P. falciparum or P. vivax, and all are from Gaura village. The percentage of Plasmodium in buffalo, horse, goat, and dog is 20.7%, 14.3%, 5.8%, 16.7%, respectively. Neither P. knowlesi found in all samples, nor parasite detected in 18 pig blood samples.Conclusion: Human Plasmodium exists in domestic animals in Indonesia. This finding may partly explain the persistence of the high prevalence of malaria in some endemic areas in Indonesia and may affect public health and malaria control strategy.
Possible synergistic effect of air pollution on increasing severity of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Habibi Laleh , Tannazi Masoud , Akrami Seyed Mohammad 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection started in the last days of 2019 in China and affected a great number of people worldwide, causing many deaths in numerous countries. Major clinical symptoms of the infected patients are found to be fever, cough, and shortening of breath leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Cytokine storm and inflammatory responses have been introduced as the main causes of respiratory distress in severe cases. Moreover, all these inflammatory factors have been systematically expressed in the human body through chronic exposure to ambient pollution due to an industrial lifestyle and lead to respiratory problems. In order to assess the possible synergistic effect of air pollution on the increased severity of COVID-19, the number of days and the value of air quality index (AQI) as well as the amount of four ambient pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, and NO2) with unhealthy ranges were measured for three years in eight cities of Iran with different numbers of hospitalized patients affected with SARS-CoV-2. The correlation coefficient between the number of hospitalized patients and air pollution factors was calculated. The present data revealed a significant positive correlation between unhealthy ranges of O3 and NO2 and the number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. No correlation was found between PM2.5, PM10, and AQIs and the increased number of severe cases. Conclusively, these primary results might show the synergistic effect of chronic exposure to air pollutants due to living in polluted areas and the increased severity of COVID-19 disease.
Transcriptome mechanisms underlying interaction of polystyrene nanoplastics and wheat Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Zhou Qixing , Lian Jiapan , Liu Weitao , Men Shuzhen , Wu Jiani , Sun Yuebing , Zeb Aurang , Yang Tianzhi , Ma Qiying 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have inevitably entered and accumulated in terrestrial ecosystems. Recently, the report on MPs/NPs taken-up by crop plants has raised particular concerns. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of MPs/NPs and crop plant are still vague and elusive. To address this scientific gap, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed co-expression network analyses in hydroponically grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with ambient polystyrene NPs (PSNPs) concentration (0-10 mg/L). PSNPs could significantly shape the gene expression pattern in wheat with a tissue-specific mode. Four regulatory modules associated with the plant performance and nutrient capture were identified using WGCNA analysis. In addition, carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction were the most enriched KEGG pathways for all DEGs and target module eigengenes. These results confirm that NPs-induced genetic changes are the dominating driven forces for the observed plant growth or defense responses, shedding new light on the molecular mechanism and environmental implication behind the interaction of NPs and crop plants.
Synthesis of Novel Manganese Aluminum Phosphate Violet Pigments
Authors: Onoda Hiroaki , Kanai Shiho 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Novel violet pigments were synthesized from manganese oxide, aluminum hydroxide, and phosphoric acid by heating at several temperatures. The obtained materials were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) reflectance spectroscopy, and L*a*b* color space. Sample synthesized in this work showed no clear peak pattern on XRD analysis. At Mn/Al/P = 1/1/4, sample heated at 400 ° C showed the most violet color. The effect of heating time was small. In addition, the increasing the manganese ratio darkened the sample. Further, we examined the improvement of blue and red by replacing with copper and iron. The blue tint was improved by adding a small amount of copper. On the other hand, a high proportion of iron lost the violet color.
Laser Parameter Study on Cutting Metal using CO2 Laser
Authors: Lee Dongkyoung 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This experimental study investigated for the effect of laser parameters on machining of the SS41 and SUS304. These materials play an importance role in engineering aspect. They are widely used in high-tech industries such as aerospace, automotive, and semiconductor. Due to the development of technology and high-tech industrialization, the various processing technologies requiring high precision are being developed. However, the conventional cutting process is difficult to meet high precision processing. Therefore, to achieve high precision processing of the SS41 and SUS304, laser manufacturing has been applied. The experiment investigates the process quality of laser cutting for SS41 and SUS304, with the usage of a continuous wave CO2 laser cutting system. The experimental variables are set to the laser cutting speed, laser power, and different used materials. The results are significantly affected by the laser parameters. As the results, the process quality of the laser cutting has been observed by measuring the top and bottom kerf widths, as well as the size of the melting zone and HAZ according to Eline. In addition, the evaluation of the laser processing parameters is significantly important to achieve optimal cutting quality. Therefore, we observed the correlation between the laser parameters and cutting quality. These were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis.