bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“This is an opportunity for leadership to lead, but leadership has disappeared”: A qualitative case study of clinical and translational scientists during COVID-19
Authors: Leonard Chelsea , Connelly Brigid , Albright Karen , Gilmartin Heather 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In March of 2020, academic research centers in Colorado were closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Scientists and research staff were required to continue their work remotely with little time to prepare for the transition. This survey study used an explanatory sequential mixed method design to explore clinical and translational researcher and staff experiences of the transition to remote work during the first six weeks of the pandemic. Participants indicated the level of interference with their research and shared their experiences of remote work, how they were impacted, how they were adapting and coping, and any short or long-term concerns. Most participants indicated that remote work interfered with their research to a moderate or great degree. Participant stories illuminated the differences of remote work prior to and during COVID-19. They described both challenges and silver linings. Here we describe three themes that highlight the challenges of transitioning to remote work during a pandemic: 1) Leadership: “This is an opportunity for leadership to lead, but leadership has disappeared”; 2) Parenting: Parents are “multitasked to death” every day; and 3) Mental health: The COVID-19 experience is “psychologically taxing”; The study findings can be used to assist academic, hospital, department, and team leaders in building community, resiliency, and support productivity during current and future crises.
Analysis of light emission and schlieren from short gap high voltage streamer impulses representing lightning
Authors: Mitchard Daniel , Widger Phillip , Haddad A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Light emissions and schlieren structures were simultaneously observed from streamers produced by tens of kilovolts 1.2/50 µs impulses, representing the high voltage component of lightning, applied across a 4 cm air gap between a variety of electrode geometries and a ground plane in an unconfined environment. The results demonstrated that the light emissions and Schlieren structures coincide along the same streamer filaments but on different timescales; the light existing only during the microsecond timeframe impulse whereas the Schlieren continued to develop into the millisecond timeframe, moving towards the centre of the air gap whilst diffusing into the surrounding air within 100 ms. If an electrical breakdown did occur, the Schlieren structures outside the arc remained visible. Streamer formation theory for high voltage impulses is subsequently refined to include the observed Schlieren mechanism.
Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity Among Urban Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals in Northeastern China
Authors: Yin Hongmei , Li Yuying , Yuan Yi , Wei Jinying , Wu Jing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the prevalence of chronic diseases and multimorbidity in the elderly population in an urban community in northeastern China.Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among an elderly population (≥60 years) in the community of Changchun, China, in 2018. The following were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, anthropometric data, and laboratory examinations. A total of 2171 elderly residents (1328 male) were finally enrolled. Data on 5 chronic diseases—hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) —were collected by interviews and physical check-ups and confirmed by physicians.Results: The age-adjusted prevalences of the five chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, CHD and CKD) were the following: 67.60%, 63.30%, 61.50%, 51.00% and 8.98%, respectively, in men and 64.10%, 59.70%, 71.10%, 44.80% and 19.70%, respectively, in women. A total of 77.0% of hypertensive subjects were aware of their hypertension status, and 61.0% had their blood pressure controlled. The awareness rate of diabetes was 82.1%, and the controlled rate was 68.4%. A total of 75.4% of the population had two or more chronic conditions, which is called multimorbidity. The elderly individuals had the highest frequency of multiple chronic conditions.Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly was high, and a significant proportion was affected by multimorbidity in urban China. Chronic diseases are important diseases threatening the health of the elderly population.
Single-cell immunophenotyping of the fetal immune response to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in late gestation
Authors: Matute Juan , Finander Benjamin , Pepin David , Ai Xinbin , Smith Neal , Li Jonathan , Edlow Andrea , Villani Alexandra , Lerou Paul , Kalish Brian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of pregnant women have been infected with SARS-CoV-2. The implications of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on fetal and childhood well-being are unknown. We aimed to characterize the fetal immune response to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing and T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) from newborns of mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the third-trimester (cases) or without SARS-CoV-2 infection. We identified widespread gene expression changes in CBMC from cases, including upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes and Major Histocompatibility Complex genes in CD14 + monocytes; transcriptional changes suggestive of activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and activation and exhaustion of NK cells and CD8 + T-cells. Lastly, we observed fetal TCR repertoire expansion in cases. As none of the infants were infected with SARS-CoV-2, our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 maternal infection might modulate the fetal immune system in the absence of vertical transmission.
Effect of L-citrulline, L-leucine, and multicomponent exercises on body compositions, physical activity, and amino acid concentrations in older Japanese women with low body mass index: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Kim Mijin , Isoda Hiroko , Okura Tomohiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The intake of citrulline (CIT) and leucine (LEU) can stimulate protein synthesis. However, the efficacy of the combined intervention of CIT and LEU intake with exercise on body composition and physical activity (PA) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of CIT and LEU intake and weight-bearing exercises (WBE) and square stepping exercise (SSE) for 20 weeks on body composition, PA, and amino acid concentration in older women with low body mass index (BMI) (16 to 21 kg/m 2 ). Methods: A total of 23 participants practiced WBE and SSE once a week for 75 minutes and were administered supplement (Ex + CIT·LEU group: CIT 0.8 g and LEU 1.6 g; Ex + Placebo group: 3.5 g carbohydrate) twice a day for 20 weeks. Body composition was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. PA, including leisure-time, household, and occupational PA, was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Amino acid concentrations in the blood were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography.Results: Significant interactions were observed in the body weight, BMI, lean mass, body mass, household and total PA, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. The within-group analysis showed that tyrosine of post-intervention measurement (Post) significantly in both groups ( p < 0.05). Body weight, BMI, lean mass, body mass, household PA, total PA, and phenylalanine of Post increased significantly in the Ex + CIT·LEU group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, significant positive correlations were observed between the intake rate of supplements and bone mass ( r = 0.80) and between the practice rate of WBE at home and bone mineral density ( r = 0.66) in the Ex + CIT·LEU group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the intake of CIT and LEU, with the practice of WBE and SSE, could improve body weight, muscle mass, bone mass, and PA in older women with low BMI, which may prevent sarcopenia and frailty.Trial registration: UMIN000022385. Registered 20 May 2016, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-39 bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000025797&type=summary&language=J
Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of seed germination-related traits in rice and identification of candidate genes
Authors: Panhabadi Rahele , Ahmadikhah Asadollah , Farokhi Naser , Bagheri Nadali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has become an accepted and powerful method for understanding the associations between phenotypes and genotypes. In agricultural production, uniform and rapid germination is an important prerequisite in crop production. Here, a rice (Oryza sativa L.) GWAS with 33,934 SNPs (MAF > 0.05) for eight germination traits including germination percentage (GP), shoot (SL) and root length (RL), root (RFW) and shoot fresh weight (SFW), root (RDW) and shoot (SDW) dry weight, and number of days to germinate (NDG) was performed to define genomic regions influencing seed germination.
Results

Loci (43) with 70 significant germination-associated markers were detected across all rice chromosomes. Some of novel candidate associated genes were: LOC_Os01g26210 (OsWAK6) co-located with qGR-1 that is seed vigor QTL, LOC_Os07g23944 (GH31) with an α-glucosidases /starch lyase activity; id7000519 marker that corresponds to a gene cluster containing glutathione S-transferase and glucan endo-1,3-β-glucosidase co-located with qAG3 germination-related marker, LOC_Os06g47640 (calmodulin-related calcium sensor protein 29) involved in the inhibition of ABA during seed germination, and id4006430 marker that corresponds to a gene cluster containing three GH17 hydrolytic enzyme that are co-located with qHD4 and qGI1 markers.
Conclusion

The germination process is an initial and important step in the production of agricultural products, especially for rice, which is a crop plant that is grown in flooded lands. Here, the genetic diversity of rice genotypes was put under scrutiny for germination. Our GWAS results identified several likely candidate genes for germination traits that will greatly contribute to our understanding of the genetic complexity underlying the corresponding traits. The associated genes with the germination traits can be generally classified as hydrolytic enzymes and regulatory proteins that can directly or indirectly influence germination.
Optimization of the Feeding rate of Anopheles Farauti Colony Mosquitoes in Direct Membrane Feeding Assays
Authors: Timinao Lincoln , Vinit Rebecca , Katusele Michelle , Burkot Thomas R , Schofield Louis , Karl Stephan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Direct membrane feeding assays (DMFA) are an important tool to study parasite transmission to mosquitoes. Mosquito feeding rates in these artificial systems require optimization as there are a number of factors that potentially influence the feeding rates and there are no standardized methods that apply to all Anopheline species.Methods: A range of parameters prior to and during direct membrane feeding (DMF) were evaluated for their impact on Anopheles farauti feeding rates; including the starving conditions and duration of starving prior to feeding, membrane type, DMF exposure time, mosquito age, illumination level, blood volume, mosquito density and temperature of water bath. Results: The average successful DMFA feeding rate for An. farauti colony mosquitoes increased from 50 % to 85 % when assay parameters were varied. Overnight starvation and Baudruche membrane yielded the highest feeding rates but rates were also affected by blood volume in the feeder and the mosquito density in the feeding cups. Availability of water during the pre-feed starvation period did not significantly impact feeding rates, nor did the exposure duration to blood in membrane feeders nor, the age of mosquitoes (3, 5 and 7 days post-emergence), illumination during feeding or the temperature (34 °C, 38 °C, 42 °C and 46 °C) of the water bath.Conclusion: Optimal feeding conditions in An. farauti DMFA were to offer 50 female mosquitoes in a cup (with a total surface area of ~340 cm2 with 1 mosquito / 6.8 cm2) that were starved overnight 350-500 µL of blood (collected in heparin coated vacutainers) per feeder in feeders with a surface area ~5 cm2 (with a maximum capacity of 1.5 mL of blood) via a Baudruche membrane, for at least 10-20 min.
Relation Between Quality Improvement Collaboratives and Non-technical Skills Development: a Systematic Review of Complex Interventions
Authors: de Freitas Marise Reis , Paiva Sofia Guerra , Junqueira Beatriz de Freitas , Sousa Paulo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Improving the quality of care contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals. Non-technical skills (NTS) such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and use of data for decision-making are the strong points of the learning process of collaboratives for quality improvement in health services.Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the collaboratives and the development of NTS by participating health professionals.Methods: We searched PUBMED, WEB OF SCIENCE, SCOPUS and GOOGLE SCHOLAR (the first 30 pages) and performed a manual search on the IHI (Institute for Healthcare Improvement) website, from Jan 2010 to Dec 2019, for articles published in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. IHI Breakthrough Series Collaborative model project studies with pre- and post-data, and SQUIRE compliant titles were included. The qualitative analysis evaluated the study design, year, country, context, target for improvement, health services, duration of intervention, number of participating professionals, evidence of improvement, effectiveness of the intervention, and NTSResults: From 701 identified abstracts, 34 studies were included for data extraction and qualitative analysis. Improvement of the intended results was reported by 76.5% (26/34), of which only 38.5% (10/26) showed sustainability for six or more months. Improvement in NTS was assessed in five studies, but none assessed their contribution to the dissemination and sustainability of improvement.Conclusions: Collaborative initiatives train professionals in improvement science to incorporate evidence-based practices. It is necessary to include, in the measurement plan of these improvement projects, the assessment of the NTS acquired by the professionals and its relationship with the results achieved, the dissemination level, and the success in terms of sustainability of those gains and best practices.Systematic review registration number: Prospero - CRD42020164190
Multiplex Immunohistochemistry and High-Throughput Image Analysis for Evaluation of Spatial Tumor Immune Cell Markers in Human Breast Cancer: Preliminary Results from the Nashville Breast Health Study
Authors: Su Timothy , Wang Shuyang , Huang Shuya , Cai Hui , McKinley Eliot T. , Beeghly-Fadiel Alicia , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao-Ou , Cai Qiuyin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have emerged as predictive biomarkers for cancer prognosis. The clinicopathological significance of spatial TIL subpopulations is not well studied due to lack of high-throughput scalable methodology for large population studies.Methods We established a fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) method coupled with computer-assisted high-throughput quantitative analysis. We then evaluated associations of six TILs markers (CD3, CD8, CD20, CD56, FOXP3, and PD-L1) with breast cancer prognosis among 188 tumor samples from the Nashville Breast Health Study. Results Our 5-plex fluorescent mIHC workflow was reliable, highly sensitive, non-interfering, and balanced labeling for three biomarkers per tissue section, which is applicable for high-throughput imaging quantification of spatial TILs in regular laboratory settings. In this study we found that the increased intratumoral CD56+ cells were associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR, 4.89; 95% CI: 1.26-18.95, highest vs lowest tertiles; Ptrend = 0.022), suggesting the subset of immunosuppressive NK cell phenotypes within tumor bed. Increased stromal PD-L1+ cells (HR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.00-0.89; Ptrend = 0.042) and a high stromal CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio (HR, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00-0.12; Ptrend = 0.036) were associated with more favorable OS in stage III-IV breast cancer patients. Conclusion We established a reliable 5-plex fluorescent mIHC and showed that CD56+, PD-L1, and CD8+/FOXP3+ ratio may be important biomarkers for breast cancer prognosis. Further studies with a larger sample size are warrant to further elucidate the association between TILs and breast cancer outcomes.
Clinical Outcomes of Modified Simple Limbal Epithelial Transplantation for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency in Chinese Population: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Hu Xiaodan , Yang Ke , Zhang Yang , Deng Shijing , Wang Zhiqun , Li Shang , Tian Lei , Jie Ying 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective

To report clinical outcomes of a novel surgical technique, namely simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET), for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).
Methods

13 patients (13 eyes) with LSCD who underwent autologous (10 eyes) or allogeneic (3 eyes) modified SLET between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled in this study. Grades of symblepharon, corneal conjunctivalisation, vascularisation, opacification, and visual acuity (VA) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. In 2 cases, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and impression cytology (IC) were performed to assess the proliferation and degeneration of limbal tissue.
Results

At a postoperative follow-up of 6.5 ± 5.3 (range, 2–20) months, 10 (10/13, 76.92%) eyes maintained a successful outcome. The grades of symblepharon, corneal conjunctivalisation, vascularisation, and opacification were significantly improved after SLET (P < 0.05). Two-line improvement in VA was found in 6 (6/10, 60%) eyes of the successful cases. Recurrence of LSCD occurred in 3 (3/13, 23.08%) eyes and conjunctival cyst occurred in 1 patient. After SLET, morphology and structure of corneal epithelial cells and epithelial transition around the limbal tissue fragments were detected by IVCM and IC.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the SLET is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of LSCD. The corneal stroma and hAM can provide protection and nutrition for the limbal stem cells (LSCs) without negatively influencing clinical outcomes. IVCM and IC after SLET can evaluate the effectiveness of surgery and the transition of LSCs and corneal epithelial cells.
Bioactive nanoparticles for boosting tumor immunotherapy via Ca2+ interference mediate TME reprogramming and PD-L1 depletion
Authors: Shi Jinjin , An Jingyi , Zhang Kaixiang , Liu Mengyuan , Zhao Ling , Lu Wenxin , Liu Junjie , Wu Sixuan , Zhang Zhenzhong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The efficacy of antitumor immunotherapy is often limited by the highly tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME). Here, a previously unknown strategy is proposed to synergize the “Ca2+ interference” mediate TME reprogramming and Ca2+-activating PD-L1 depletion for immunotherapy. We discovered that calcium containing nanoparticles could induce significant “Ca2+ interference” effect and simultaneously resetting tumor-associated macrophages toward M1 phenotype and promoting in situ antigen release. Making them as powerful immunostimulants for TME reprogramming without notable toxicity. Meanwhile, we designed a circular aptamer-DNAzyme conjugate (cAD) with tumor-targeting ability and its catalytic shear activity can be specifically activated by Ca2+, which reduces potential autoimmune disorders of PD-L1 antibody. By simple integrating the ultra-high pH sensitive calcium peroxide nanoparticles with cAD into one nanosystem, we demonstrate the nanosystem not only arrests primary tumor progression, but also prevents lung metastasis. In addition, it offers a long-term immunological memory function, which can protect against tumor rechallenge. Therefore, this work provided an alternative strategy for boosting tumor immunotherapy.
Recent Trends in Human Brucellosis in the West Bank, Palestine
Authors: Amro Ahmad , Mansoor Badeeha , Hamarsheh Omar , Hjejeh Diaa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundBrucellosis in Palestine continues to be a significant public health problem due to its impact on the human health, as a result of the high prevalence level of infection in livestock especially in sheep and goats. The purpose of this research was to investigate the epidemiology of human brucellosis in the West Bank over the past 20 years with a focus on recent trends in disease incidence from 2010 through 2020. MethodsWe conducted a long-term descriptive epidemiological study based on the Palestinian Ministry of Health records on human brucellosis from 2000-2020.ResultsThe total number of cases reported in this period was 7935 patients and the average annual incidence rate (AAIR) was 9.4 cases/105 population. Hebron was the most endemic among all studied governorates.The AAIR ranged from 17.9 in 2000 to 15.7 cases/105 population in 2020. The AAIR markedly decreased from 17.9 in 2000, to 2.9 cases/ 105 populations in 2012. A dramatic increase in human cases started from 2013 onwards to mark a peak in 2016. Higher incidence was reported in male (57.1%) and among the age group 11-20 years (29%). A higher number of cases was reported during April, May and June with the highest peak recorded in May, and subsequently exhibiting a gradual decline during autumn and winter. 2850 (62.7%) patients reported contact with animals which included 1783 (62.6%) patients who had contact with sheep, 819 (28.7%) with goats, and 248 (8.7%) with cattle.Moreover, (37.2%) of the patients reported raw milk consumption and (80.9%) reported white cheese consumption. Approximately (30%) had at least one infected household member. Diagnosis was based on the clinical picture and confirmed by laboratory tests. Patients were treated with a combination of Streptomycin and Tetracycline, or Tetracycline and Rifampicin. ConclusionsThe incidence of human brucellosis in the West Bank has markedly increased in recent years. This dramatic increase is linked to the impaired control and surveillance of the disease. Mass vaccination, regular screenings of animals for brucellosis, continuous outreach campaigns on raising public health awareness, monitoring milk and homemade dairy products pose some recommended precautionary measures of coping with the epidemic.