bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Betamethasone as a potential treatment for preterm birth associated with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation: a murine study
Authors: Galaz Jose , Romero Roberto , Arenas-Hernandez Marcia , Panaitescu Bogdan , Para Robert , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Preterm birth remains the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preterm birth is preceded by spontaneous preterm labor, which is commonly associated with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation; yet, no approved treatment exists for this clinical condition. Corticosteroids are the standard of care to improve neonatal outcomes in women at risk of preterm birth. Herein, we first validated our model of alarmin-induced preterm birth. Next, we investigated whether treatment with betamethasone could prevent preterm birth resulting from sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in mice.

Methods
Under ultrasound guidance, the first cohort of dams received an intra-amniotic injection of the alarmin high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1, n=10) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, n=9) as controls. A second cohort of dams received HMGB1 intra-amniotically and were subcutaneously treated with betamethasone (n=15) or vehicle (n=15). Dams were observed until delivery, and perinatal outcomes were observed.

Results
Intra-amniotic HMGB1 reduced gestational length (p=0.04), inducing preterm birth in 40% (4/10) of cases, of which 100% (4/4) were categorized as late preterm births. Importantly, treatment with betamethasone extended the gestational length (p=0.02), thereby reducing the rate of preterm birth by 26.6% (from 33.3% [5/15] to 6.7% [1/15]). Treatment with betamethasone did not worsen the rate of neonatal mortality induced by HMGB1 or alter weight gain in the first three weeks of life.

Conclusions
Treatment with betamethasone prevents preterm birth induced by the alarmin HMGB1. This study supports the potential utility of betamethasone for treating women with sterile intra-amniotic inflammation.
Jordanian graduate students’ complaints on Facebook: Semantic formulas and politeness
Authors: Migdadi Fathi , Badarneh Muhammad A. , Khwaylih Laila 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study examines Jordanian graduate students' complaints posted on a Facebook closed group and directed to the representatives of Student Union at Jordan University of Science and Technology to be transferred to the officials concerned. In line with Boxer (1993b), the study considers the students' complaints to be indirect speech acts, as the addressee(s) are not the source of the offense. Using a sample of 60 institutional complaining posts, the researchers have analysed the complaints in terms of their semantic formulas, politeness functions and correlations with the gender of the complainers. The students’ complaints are classified into six semantic formulas of which theact statementelement is indispensable as the complaint is stated in it. The other five formulas, ordered according to their frequency, areopener,remedy,appreciative closing,justificationandothers. Despite the negative affect typically involved in the complaining act, the semantic formulas identified in this study are found to signal politeness and fit into Brown and Levinson’s (1987) pool of face-saving strategies rather than face-threatening acts. Specifically, when the graduate students direct their Facebook complaints to the students' representatives, they tend to offer camaraderie with them to be encouraged to pursue the problems specified in the complainers’ posts.
On a Monte Carlo scheme for some linear stochastic partial differential equations
Authors: Nakagawa Takuya , Tanaka Akihiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study the simulation of the expectation for the solution of linear stochastic partial differential equation driven by the space-time white noise with the bounded measurable coefficient and different boundary conditions.
We first propose a Monte Carlo type method for the expectation of the solution of a linear stochastic partial differential equation and prove an upper bound for its weak rate error.
In addition, we prove the central limit theorem for the proposed method in order to obtain confidence intervals for it.
As an application, the Monte Carlo scheme applies to the stochastic heat equation with various boundary conditions, and we provide the result of numerical experiments which confirm the theoretical results in this paper.
Relation between IL-8 level and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Zeng Qing-Cui , Sun Qin , Zhang Min , Tang Yi , Long Huai-Cong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis meta-analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between serum level of IL-8 and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).MethodsElectronic databases were retrieved according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant studies exploring the relationship between serum level of IL-8 and OSAS were enrolled. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0.ResultsTotally 199 studies were retrieved, among which 10 were qualified for the inclusion criteria and were finally included in the meta-analysis with 367 cases of OSAS patients and 335 control cases. Serum level of IL-8 was higher in patients than healthy controls (Standard mean difference (SMD) = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.17–3.15,P< 0.001). The subgroup analysis based on ethnicity revealed that average serum level of IL-8 were higher in Asian and Caucasian OSAS patients than healthy controls (Asian: SMD = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.13–3.87,P< 0.001; Caucasian: SMD = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.11–3.06,P= 0.035). Further subgroup analysis based on age indicated a statistical difference in serum level of IL-8 between adult OSAS patients and healthy counterparts (SMD = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.49–3.98,P< 0.001).ConclusionThe level of IL-8 was related to OSAS in adult patients, and increased serum IL-8 level may increase the risk of OSAS.
Addressing the gender gap in science: lessons from examining international initiatives
Authors: Goos Merrilyn , Kelly Regina 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
From 2017 to 2019 the International Science Council funded a project investigating the gender gap in science disciplines. The aim of the project was to collect and analyse data on the gender gap and to create a database of good practices for encouraging girls and young women to study and pursue education and careers in the mathematical, computing, and natural sciences. In this article, we draw on our work in the Gender Gap in Science project to (1) explain the nature of the gender gap problem, (2) give examples of initiatives that scientists can take to help solve the gender gap problem, and (3) offer guidelines on how to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to address the gender gap in science.
Polypropylene hybrid composites: Effect of reinforcement of sisal and carbon fibre on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties
Authors: Agarwal Jyoti , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Polypropylene (PP)/sisal fibre (SF)/carbon fibre (CF) hybrid composites were prepared by melt blending process at a variable weight percentage (wt%) of carbon: sisal fibre loading (20:10, 15:15, 10:20, and 5:25). MA-g-PP (MgP) as a compatibiliser was used to improve the dispersion of the fibres within the PP matrix. The composites were subjected to mechanical tests to optimize the fibre content of CF: SF. Incorporation of 20 wt% of CF and 10 wt% of SF with 5 wt% MgP resulted in higher mechanical performance of about 67.02 and 112% over that of PP/SF composite. Similarly, the impact strength was found to be optimum which enhanced to the tune of 39.62% as compared with PP/SF composites. Halpin Tsai model was used to compare the theoretical tensile modulus of PP/SF/MgP composites and PP/SF/CF/MgP hybrid composites with experimental evaluated values. Fracture toughness parameters such as K
IC (critical stress intensity factor) and G
IC (critical strain energy release rate) are determined for PP/SF/MgP composites and PP/SF/CF/MgP hybrid composites and compared by using single edge notch test. DSC study showed higher melting temperature (T

m
) of PP/SF/CF/MgP composites as compared to PP revealing the enhancement in thermal stability. TGA/DTG study revealed the synergistic effect of the hybrid composite thus confirming the hybridisation effect of the system. DMA study showed that the hybridisation of CF and SF within the matrix polymer contributes to an increase in the storage modulus (Eʹ). Morphological observation by SEM confirmed that the carbon fibres and sisal fibres are well uniformly dispersed within the PP matrix, in the presence of MgP.
The ISSPP PIPAC database: design, process, access, and first interim analysis
Authors: Mortensen Michael Bau , Glehen Olivier , Horvath Philipp , Hübner Martin , Hyung-Ho Kim , Königsrainer Alfred , Pocard Marc , Reymond Marc Andre , So Jimmy , Fristrup Claus Wilki 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Several trials have documented the favorable safety profile, and promising clinical results of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) directed treatment in different types of peritoneal malignancies. However, until the results of randomized trials are available, the quality of documentation and acceptance by the users may be improved through a worldwide registry. The International Society for the Study of Pleura and Peritoneum (www.ISSPP.org) facilitated this process by creating a dedicated focus group and providing the funding needed for the creation and implementation of an international database. This article describes the design and the journey of establishing this international database and the first, preliminary results from the ISSPP PIPAC online database.

Methods
In 2019 the ISSPP PIPAC Registry Group started to create a database with a minimal dataset relevant to many diseases and applicable in different framework conditions. The task was divided into three phases including design, testing, implementation, protocol, handbook, legal requirements, as well as registry rules and bylaws for the registry group.

Results
The ISSPP PIPAC online database has six key elements (patient, consent, treatment, complications, response evaluation and follow-up). Following design, testing and implementation the database was successfully launched in June 2020. Ten institutions reported on 459 PIPAC procedures in 181 patients during the first 6 months, and the recorded data were comparable to the present literature.

Conclusions
A new international multicenter PIPAC database has been developed, tested and implemented under the auspices of ISSPP. The database is accessible through the ISSPP website (www.ISSPP.org), and PIPAC institutions worldwide are highly encouraged to participate.
Iron oxide pigments
Authors: Pfaff Gerhard 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Natural and synthetic iron oxide pigments are by far the most important colored pigments. Their high importance is based on the variety of stable colors ranging from yellow via orange, red and brown to black. Iron oxide yellow (α-FeOOH), iron oxide red (α-Fe2O3) and iron oxide black (Fe3O4) are the most important representatives of the iron oxide pigments. Synthetic iron oxide pigments are produced industrially on a large scale by solid-state processes, precipitation processes and by the Laux process. Main advantages of synthetic iron oxide pigments compared with natural types are their pure hue, the consistent, reproducible quality and their tinting strength. Iron oxide pigments are mainly used in construction materials, paints, coatings, and plastics, but also in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and special applications such as ceramics, magnetic coatings and toners.
Streptocyanine dyes
Authors: Mustroph Heinz 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The simplest possible type of polymethine dye consists of an odd-numbered polymethine chain sandwiched between two terminal nitrogen atoms, which do not form part of an unsaturated heterocyclic ring. Originally, this type of colorant was termed streptopolymethine dyes. For systematic reasons they are usually called streptocyanine dyes today. Their color is mainly determined by the lengths of their polymethine chains. Owing to their simple structure they are the favorite compounds for investigation of fundamental structure–property relationships. In the form of dianil hydrochlorides mainly streptocyanines are used to prepare cyanine, hemicyanine, merocyanine, oxonol, pyrylium and thiopyrylium dyes.
Eigenerwärmung von Widerstandsthermometern für Lufttemperaturmessungen bei Impulstromspeisung
Authors: Marin Sebastian , Pätz Joachim , Fröhlich Thomas 
Published: April 2021

Zusammenfassung
Sehr präzise Lufttemperaturmessung in der Meteorologie oder in klimatisierten Innenräumen sind herausfordernd, weil Strahlungseinflüsse und die Eigenerwärmung der Widerstandsthermometer teilweise erhebliche Störeinflüsse sind. In unserem Artikel betrachten wir eine spezielle Stromspeisung und weisen nach, dass diese die Eigenerwärmung auf unter ein Millikelvin reduzieren kann. Für einen typischen, für den Außeneinsatz in meteorologischen Wetterstationen geeigneten und üblichen Fühleraufbau erfolgen Simulationen der durch den gepulsten elektrischen Messstrom auftretenden statischen und dynamischen Eigenerwärmung. Der transiente Verlauf der Eigenerwärmung hängt stärker vom inneren Aufbau des Fühlers als vom Wärmeübergangskoeffizienten zur umgebenden ruhenden Luft ab. Die mittlere statische Eigenerwärmung aus einem stark vereinfachten Modell passt gut zum simulierten transienten Verlauf. Die Methode der Impulsstromspeisung hat sich durch die beschriebenen Simulationen als sehr effektiv zur Verringerung der Eigenerwärmung von Widerstandsthermometern erwiesen.
VGLUT2 Is a Determinant of Dopamine Neuron Resilience in a Rotenone Model of Dopamine Neurodegeneration
Authors: Buck Silas A. , De Miranda Briana R. , Logan Ryan W. , Fish Kenneth N. , Greenamyre J. Timothy , Freyberg Zachary 
Published: April 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive dopamine (DA) neuron loss in the SNc. In contrast, DA neurons in the VTA are relatively protected from neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanisms for this resilience remain poorly understood. Recent work suggests that expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) selectively impacts midbrain DA neuron vulnerability. We investigated whether altered DA neuron VGLUT2 expression determines neuronal resilience in rats exposed to rotenone, a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor and toxicant model of PD. We discovered that VTA/SNc DA neurons that expressed VGLUT2 are more resilient to rotenone-induced DA neurodegeneration. Surprisingly, the density of neurons with detectable VGLUT2 expression in the VTA and SNc increases in response to rotenone. Furthermore, dopaminergic terminals within the NAc, where the majority of VGLUT2-expressing DA neurons project, exhibit greater resilience compared with DA terminals in the caudate/putamen. More broadly, VGLUT2-expressing terminals are protected throughout the striatum from rotenone-induced degeneration. Together, our data demonstrate that a distinct subpopulation of VGLUT2-expressing DA neurons are relatively protected from rotenone neurotoxicity. Rotenone-induced upregulation of the glutamatergic machinery in VTA and SNc neurons and their projections may be part of a broader neuroprotective mechanism. These findings offer a putative new target for neuronal resilience that can be manipulated to prevent toxicant-induced DA neurodegeneration in PD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEnvironmental exposures to pesticides contribute significantly to pathologic processes that culminate in Parkinson's disease (PD). The pesticide rotenone has been used to generate a PD model that replicates key features of the illness, including dopamine neurodegeneration. To date, longstanding questions remain: are there dopamine neuron subpopulations resilient to rotenone; and if so, what are the molecular determinants of this resilience? Here we show that the subpopulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons that express the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) are more resilient to rotenone-induced neurodegeneration. Rotenone also upregulates VGLUT2 more broadly in the midbrain, suggesting that VGLUT2 expression generally confers increased resilience to rotenone. VGLUT2 may therefore be a new target for boosting neuronal resilience to prevent toxicant-induced DA neurodegeneration in PD.
Lithuanian Refusals and Politeness
Authors: Katinaitė Donata , Hilbig Inga 
Published: April 2021

This study investigates Lithuanian refusals to comply with requests. Refusals are face-threatening speech acts. They can endanger social relationships, and therefore require mitigation by employing politeness means. The aim of the study is to find out strategies, sub-strategies, internal and external modifications of Lithuanian refusals. The research data was collected from students using an open-ended discourse completion test and consists of 1046 refusals. Summarizing the results, it can be stated that Lithuanians opt for indirect refusals. When refusing directly, the least straightforward strategy – stating the inability to comply with a request – is used, especially by women. Refusals (especially the direct ones) are often mitigated with external modifications that were again more frequent in women’s responses. Socioculturally, the most acceptable and thus polite way to refuse in Lithuanian is to apologize and provide reasons. Overall, there is a clear tendency to express positive politeness when refusing.
Przetwarzanie danych osobowych w pracy kapelanów szpitalnych wyznania rzymskokatolickiego – wybrane zagadnienia
Authors: Czarnowicz Robert , Kroczek Piotr 
Published: April 2021

Ochrona danych osobowych ma zastosowanie w dziedzinie realizacji prawa pacjenta do opieki religijnej. Materia ta jest regulowana symultanicznie przez prawo świeckie i kanoniczne. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie niektórych kanonicznych i prawnych kwestii dotyczących przetwarzania danych osobowych, pojawiających się w kontekście sprawowania opieki duszpasterskiej przez duchownych rzymskokatolickich (kapelanów szpitalnych). Te kwestie to: status podmiotów zaangażowanych w realizację prawa do opieki duszpasterskiej, zakres przetwarzanych danych osobowych w czasie realizacji tego prawa, przesłanki legalizacyjne przetwarzania.
Laminin-521 is a Novel Target of Autoantibodies Associated with Lung Hemorrhage in Anti-GBM Disease
Authors: Shen Cong-rong , Jia Xiao-yu , Luo Wentian , Olaru Florina , Cui Zhao , Zhao Ming-hui , Borza Dorin-Bogdan 
Published: April 2021

Significance Statement
Antiglomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease clinically presents as rapidly progressive GN, often accompanied by pulmonary hemorrhage. The autoantibodies that mediate the disease typically recognize cryptic epitopes within α345(IV) collagen in the glomerular and alveolar basement membranes. Laminin-521 is another major autoantigen that autoantibodies in anti-GBM disease target. These autoantibodies were detected in 51.5% of patients with both kidney and lung involvement of anti-GBM disease, compared with 23.5% of patients with isolated kidney disease. Seropositivity for antilaminin autoantibodies was significantly associated with lung hemorrhage, hemoptysis, and smoking. Antilaminin autoantibodies may contribute to lung injury in anti-GBM disease by increasing the amount of IgG bound to the alveolar basement membrane.

Background
Antiglomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is characterized by GN and often pulmonary hemorrhage, mediated by autoantibodies that typically recognize cryptic epitopes within α345(IV) collagen—a major component of the glomerular and alveolar basement membranes. Laminin-521 is another major GBM component and a proven target of pathogenic antibodies mediating GN in animal models. Whether laminin-521 is a target of autoimmunity in human anti-GBM disease is not yet known.

Methods
A retrospective study of circulating autoantibodies from 101 patients with anti-GBM/Goodpasture’s disease and 85 controls used a solid-phase immunoassay to measure IgG binding to human recombinant laminin-521 with native-like structure and activity.

Results
Circulating IgG autoantibodies binding to laminin-521 were found in about one third of patients with anti-GBM antibody GN, but were not detected in healthy controls or in patients with other glomerular diseases. Autoreactivity toward laminin-521 was significantly more common in patients with anti-GBM GN and lung hemorrhage, compared with those with kidney-limited disease (51.5% versus 23.5%, P=0.005). Antilaminin-521 autoantibodies were predominantly of IgG1 and IgG4 subclasses and significantly associated with lung hemorrhage (P=0.005), hemoptysis (P=0.008), and smoking (P=0.01), although not with proteinuria or serum creatinine at diagnosis.

Conclusions
Besides α345(IV) collagen, laminin-521 is another major autoantigen targeted in anti-GBM disease. Autoantibodies to laminin-521 may have the potential to promote lung injury in anti-GBM disease by increasing the total amount of IgG bound to the alveolar basement membranes.
Early Mechanisms of Renal Injury in Hypercholesterolemic or Hypertriglyceridemic Rats
Authors: JOLES JAAP A. , KUNTER UTA , JANSSEN ULF , KRIZ WILHELM , RABELINK TON J. , KOOMANS HEIN A. , FLOEGE JÜRGEN 
Published: April 2021

Abstract.
Hyperlipidemia in conjunction with uninephrectomy leads to renal injury in rats. It is unknown whether this is due to mesangial cell or podocyte injury and whether the injuries induced by hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia share a similar pathogenesis. Therefore, renal effects of hypercholesterolemia were studied in male rats with dietary hypercholesterolemia compared with rats on a regular diet. Renal effects of hypertriglyceriemia were studied in female Nagase analbuminemic rats (NAR). Hypertriglyceridemia was reduced in NAR by ovariectomy. Both models were studied after uninephrectomy or sham operation. Dietary hypercholesterolemia had little effect on plasma triglycerides, whereas ovariectomy in the NAR had no effect on plasma cholesterol. However, an increase in intermediate density lipoprotein cholesterol was common to both models. Dietary hypercholesterolemia and uninephrectomy separately induced a similar increase in proteinuria after 13 wk, which was additive when these interventions were combined. At this stage, only a minimal increase was present in glomerular α-smooth muscle actin staining, a marker of mesangial cell activation, or in mesangial matrix expansion. Moreover, platelet-derived growth factor-B chain, a marker of mesangial cell proliferation, was not increased. However, podocyte injury was prominent as evidenced by podocytic de novo expression of desmin and ultrastructural changes. Glomerular macrophage counts were increased by hypercholesterolemia but not by uninephrectomy, and were not related to the level of proteinuria. Hypertriglyceridemia and uninephrectomy in female NAR induced an increase in proteinuria after 24 wk, which was also associated with an increase in podocyte desmin expression without any mesangial activation and proliferation or matrix accumulation. Hypertriglyceridemia, proteinuria, and the increase in desmin staining were largely prevented by ovariectomy. Interstitial myofibroblast activation and tubulointerstitial injury accompanied proteinuria in both models. These findings indicate that both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia aggravate renal injury primarily via podocyte rather than via mesangial cell damage. Such podocyte injury is accompanied by tubulointerstitial cell activation and injury.