bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Birth Circumstances and Prenatal Maternal Mental Health: A Retrospective Study of Intergenerational Transmission
Authors: MoghaddamHosseini Vahideh , Makai Alexandra , Varga Katalin , Bogaerts Annick , Várnagy Ákos 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe evidence on long-lasting effects of certain specific aspects of birth circumstances on the maternal mental health later during pregnancy in offspring is scares.AimThis study aimed to investigate the association between birth circumstances and prenatal maternal mental health in offspring.MethodIn this retrospective survey, 380 pregnant women completed the Hungarian translation of Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire A, Beck Depression Inventory-Short Form, Beck Anxiety Inventory to measure prenatal fear of childbirth (FOC), depression, and anxiety, respectively. Information on peri and postnatal events were obtained from participants’ biological mothers through Mother’s Birth Circumstances Questionnaire. This included questions regarding mode of birth, administered medical interventions during labor, early life care, and breastfeeding during infancy. Multiple Linear regression was performed for statistical analysis.ResultsAfter adjusting for potencial confounders, administration of Oxytocin (OT) induction during labor was significantly associated with higher levels of prenatal FOC (B = 7.64; 95% CI, 0.55, 14.73), depression (B = 1.60; 95% CI, 0.47, 2.73), and anxiety (B = 3.80; 95% CI, 0.55, 6.99). Moreover, having been breastfed for more than 12 months was significantly associated with lower level of prenatal FOC in offspring (B= -10.45; 95% CI,-18.79,-2.11).ConclusionPoor prenatal mental health might be rooted in administered OT induction as a common medical practice during labor while long duration of breast feeding can have a positive effect on improving prenatal maternal mental health in offspring. Further studies of prospective design are on demand to explore the biological trajectories of these findings in humans.
Exploring the bacterial community composition of soil from a tropical dry evergreen forest in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Datta Saptashwa , Samuel Melvin S. , Selvarajan Ethiraj 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Metagenomics is a cutting edge omics technology that has been employed in various fields including novel product discovery, diagnostics, and pollutant monitoring. 16S metagenome amplicon sequencing is used for understanding the microbial diversity from various environments. Forest ecosystems have been known for the discovery of novel bacteria and also bacteria that produces novel compounds that are pharmaceutically and industrially relevant. In this study we try to show the bacterial community structure of the soil obtained from a tropical evergreen forest in India. We use 16s metagenomics sequencing and then follow it up with various analysis like alpha diversity analysis, to find out the dominant bacterial species found in these soils. Actinobacteria was found to be the most copmmonly found bacterial phylum followed by proteobacteria, firmicutes, chloroflexi, acidobacteria, verrucomicrobia, bacteroidetes, gemmatimonadetes, nitospirae and other unclassified organisms. Further studies can elucidate on the discovery of novel compounds from these bacteria.
Effect of chlorine and bromine on the nonlinear optical, electronic,&nbsp;optoelectronic and thermodynamic properties on the&nbsp;BEDT-TTF molecule&nbsp;: Ab initio and DFT calculations
Authors: Mbala G.F. Olinga , Mveme C.D.D. , Ntieche Z. , Ejuh G.W. , Ndjaka J.M.B , ABE MARTIN THIERRY OTTOU 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this study, the RHF and B3LYP methods with cc-pVDZ basis set have been used to investigate the non-linear optical (NLO), electronic, optoelectronic and thermodynamic properties of bis (ethylenedithio) tetrathiafulvalene and its chlorine and bromine derivatives. The results show that the undoped molecule denoted BEDT-TTF or ET (Eg =3.88 eV) and its derivatives are semi-conductors materials. However, one of them, Br4ET molecule doped with bromine, considerably improves its energy band gap Eg =2.88 eV is less than 3 eV, which makes more ineresting electronic properties. Some parameters such as dipole moment, average polarizability and first order hyperpolarizability have been calculated. In order to compare the results of molecules and with those of Urea, we have computed first molecular hyperpolarizability ꞵ, doped structures (ET chlorinated and brominated) find applications in telecommunication, in modern communication technology and data storage as NLO active materials. Moreover, the chemical potential, ionization potential, electron affinity, electronegativity, global hardness, softness, refractive index, dielectric constant, electric field and electric susceptibility have also been determined. The results show that there is a good electronic transfer within the doped molecules and could have potential applications as semiconductor components, photovoltaic and photonic devices. Finally thermodynamic properties have been also computed.
Examining the link between carbon emission, carbon emission intensity and financial development in Nigeria. A Dynamic ARDL Simulation
Authors: Okere Kingsley Ikechukwu , Ogbulu Maxwell Onyemachi , Muoneke Obumneke Bob , Onuoha Favour Chidinma , Oyeyemi Agbede Moses 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The need for adequate and consistent policies to mitigate the continuous rise of carbon emission have motivated the energy economist in the past decades to actively involved and explore common economic agents that are driving the rising pattern in the environmental pollution. This study is positioned towards contributing to the on-going debates on this issue by exploring the impact of bank credit to the private sector on aggregate carbon emissions and carbon emission intensity in Nigeria over the period 1971– 2016 using dynamic ARDL simulations. Controlling for the influence of fossil energy intensity of consumption and economic globalization, the study found that bank credit to the private sector has a positive significant long-run increasing effect on aggregate CO2 emission and carbon emission intensity in the economy. Second, the estimated coefficients show that fossil energy intensity of consumption and economic globalization have a significant long-run and short-run increasing impact on aggregate CO2 emission and carbon emission intensity in the economy. In contrast, the population has a significant long-run and short-run reducing effect on aggregate CO2 emission and only the long run reducing effect on carbon emission intensity. Third, economic growth has significant short-run and increasing long-run effects on aggregate CO2 emission and a long run increasing effect on carbon emission intensity. In sum, the results show that the economy is yet to transient to renewable energy.
Cloning, expression, purification and amyloid degradation study of recombinant serrapeptase from Serratia marcescens
Authors: Venkataprasad R , Gopinath Shreya , Selvarajan Ethiraj 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Serrapeptase (SP) is a proteolytic enzyme which plays a prominent role in the degradation of dead tissue. It can also use as a therapeutic enzyme for the treatment of Insulin amyloids. It has reported that the SP protein has the fibrinolytic activity, but the activities towards insulin amyloid degradation not reported. Our study has focused the cloning and expressing SP gene and studying its cytotoxic reactivity studies and amyloids degradation.
Results

SP gene was cloned in pET-28 a (+), and the enzyme was expressed using E.coli BL 21 (DE3) strain. The clone was confirmed using colony PCR, sequencing and restriction digestion. Overexpression of enzyme and purification performed using IPTG and Ni-NTA column. The molecular weight of serrapeptase protein was determined using SDS-PAGE, which found to be 52 kDa. The purified enzyme showed a zone of clearance on casein plate, slight cytotoxic reactivity to PC-12 cells after 24 h contact and 25% insulin amyloid degradation confirmed after 24 h of incubation.
Conclusion

This study shows that cloning and the expression of SP will reduce the time and cost of production of SP from wild type strain which can be used for the treatment of amyloid-related diseases.
Correlates of Influenza Vaccination Among Underserved Latinx Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Bazargan Mohsen , Martinez-Hollingsworth Adrienne , Cobb Sharon , Kibe Lucy 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Vaccination is a powerful tool in the fight against seasonal influenza, among underserved, middle-age and older, Latinx adults. Yet, vaccine hesitancy and inconsistent uptake in this population continues to represent a substantial challenge to public health. A better understanding of factors impacting influenza vaccination behaviors in this group could result in more effective messaging and initiatives promoting universal vaccination among Latinx. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, we explore correlates of influenza vaccination uptake among underserved, Latinx, older adults. Our focus was on the role of socio-demographics, living arrangements, financial strain, access and satisfaction with medical care, and the presence of major chronic conditions in terms of vaccine uptake. Middle-aged and older Latinx residents diagnosed with diabetes and/or hypertension (n=165), were recruited from the South Los Angeles Service Plan Area (SPA), a historically under-resourced community. Bi-variate and multi-variate logistical regression were performed on survey data to explore independent correlates of influenza vaccination.Results: Almost half of underserved Latinx older adults in our study (45%) reported influenza vaccination within the 12 months prior to the study. The majority (~85%) reported receiving this recommendation from their primary care provider. However, one-third (30%) of those receiving this advice did not get the vaccine. A decreased likelihood of vaccination was significantly associated with living alone (p=0.026), lacking Medicare coverage (0.028), or higher levels of financial strain (0.020). Difficulty accessing medical care (p=0.008) or dissatisfaction with these experiences (p=0.001) were also strongly associated with decreased likelihood of vaccination. Participants diagnosed with COPD had 9.5 (CI: 1.76 – 51.3) higher odds of being vaccinated compared to those without; no correlation was detected for other chronic conditions.Conclusion: The high number of unvaccinated Latinx participants receiving a vaccine recommendation from a provider is consistent with studies among other ethnic/racial minority older adults and highlights the pivotal role of the provider in influenza vaccine adoption. Additional findings reflect negative impact of Social Determinates of Health (SDoH) on preventive care efforts in this group. Further efforts to quantify these associations are needed to explore structural and human factors impacting influenza vaccine uptake.
Host transcriptome alterations in vitro and in vivo following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection
Authors: Luo Yannian , Xu Juan , Zhou Mingzhen , Lei Xiaomei , Cao Wen , Wang Xiaojun , Qiao Ruili 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background. Exploring alterations in the host transcriptome following SARS-CoV-2 infection is not only highly warranted to help us understand molecular mechanisms of the disease, but also provide new prospective for screening effective antiviral drugs, finding new therapeutic targets, and evaluating the risk of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) early.Methods. We downloaded three gene expression matrix files from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and extracted the gene expression data of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and non-infection in human samples and different cell line samples, and then performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), respectively. Thereafter, we integrated the results of GSEA and obtained co-enriched gene sets and co-core genes in three various microarray data. Finally, we also constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and molecular modules for co-core genes and performed Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis for the genes from modules to clarify their possible biological processes and underlying signaling pathway. Results. A total of 11 co-enriched gene sets were identiﬁed from the three various microarray data. Among them, 10 gene sets were activated, and involved in immune response and inflammatory reaction. 1 gene set was suppressed, and participated in cell cycle. The analysis of molecular modules showed that 2 modules might play a vital role in the pathogenic process of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that genes from module one enriched in signaling pathways related to inflammation, but genes from module two enriched in signaling of cell cycle and DNA replication. Particularly, necroptosis signaling, a newly identified type of programmed cell death that differed from apoptosis, was also determined in our findings. Additionally, for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, genes from module one showed a relatively high-level expression while genes from module two showed low-level. Conclusions. We identified two molecular modules were used to assess severity and predict the prognosis of the patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, these results provide a unique opportunity to explore more molecular pathways as new potential targets on therapy in COVID 19.
Metal Leaching from Antimicrobial Cloth Face Masks Intended to Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Authors: Pollard Zoe A. , Karod Madeline , Goldfarb Jillian L. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Global health organizations recommend the use of cloth face coverings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Seemingly overnight, companies whose primary business is in no way related to healthcare or personal protective equipment – from mattresses manufacturers to big box stores – transitioned into the “mask business.” One of many options on the market are antimicrobial face masks, some of which contain silver and/or copper that may leach out of these masks. We exposed ten face masks to deionized water, laundry detergent, and artificial saliva to quantify the leachable silver and copper as a result of mask washing and wearing. Leaching varied widely across brand, metal, and leaching solution, but in some cases was as high as 100% of the metals contained in the as-received mask after 1 hour of exposure. This could lead to a total adult body metal exposure of up to 900 µg/kg of silver and 75 µg/kg of copper by wearing a given mask over an 8-hour workday. While this exposure could be minimized by pre-washing the cloth masks, this would seem to eliminate any (perceived) antimicrobial properties as the metals are eliminated into wastewater and/or graywater.
Potential prognostic value of hsa-miR-18a in hepatocellular carcinoma and the underlying key down-stream gene CHRM2: a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis*
Authors: Fu Zile , Wen Shuzhan , Wei Tianchang , Gu Ruiqi , Chen Shuying 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Better prognosticators are warranted for HCC. Hsa-miR-18a has been considered implicated in the pathogenesis of several tumors including HCC.
Methods

Bioinformatic analyses were conducted to predict target genes and carry out enrichment analysis. Validated downstream genes of hsa-miR-18a were obtained from PubMed database. Differential expression analysis was conducted within the “edgeR” R package based on the TCGA datasets. Survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. All the visualizations were implemented by R.
Results

Bioinformatic analysis obtained a total of 90 target genes of hsa-miR-18a and revealed that target genes were involved in pathways essential for cancer onset and development such as cell cycle and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. A review of literatures found target genes of miR-18a indeed participating in the biological processes of HCC. CHRM2 was identified as a special gene after the intersection analysis of TCGA differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and predicted target genes. Survival analysis validated that hsa-miR-18a and CHRM2 significantly affected the prognosis of HCC patients.
Conclusion

There is a strong association between hsa-miR-18a with tumors including HCC via participating essential tumor-promoting pathways including cell cycle, PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, etc. Furthermore, high miR-18a expression and low CHRM2 expression could lead to a poor prognosis in HCC. In conclusion, miR-18a could serve as an expectational prognostic biomarker in HCC.
Post-hoc biomarker analyses of T4a/T4b gastric cancer from patients recruited into SAMIT, a phase III randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oshima Takashi , Tsuburaya Akira , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Yoshikawa Takaki , Miyagi Yohei , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka , Guan Jia , Tan Patrick , Grabsch Heike , Sakamoto Junichi , Tanaka Shiro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Biomarkers for selecting gastric cancer (GC) patients likely to benefit from sequential paclitaxel treatment followed by fluorinated-pyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy were searched for using samples of patients recruited into SAMIT, a phase III randomized controlled trial. Total RNA was extracted from 556 GC patients and the expression of 105 genes were quantified using real-time PCR. Genes predicting positive effects of sequential paclitaxel on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), or cumulative incidence of relapse were identified based on p-values associated with the interaction between the biomarker and sequential paclitaxel or monotherapy group. Low VSNL1 and CD44v expression predicted the positive effects of sequential paclitaxel in all above three endpoints. In the patient subgroup with combined low expression of both genes, sequential paclitaxel therapy was associated with a significantly improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.48 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30–0.78]; p < 0.01; interaction p-value < 0.01), particularly in patients with stage IIIB GC (HR = 0.39 [95% CI, 0.20–0.75]; p < 0.01; interaction p-value < 0.01). In this study, two biomarkers were identified. Our findings might open up the way for clinical trials on biomarker-oriented postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cancer.
COVID-19 Pandemics and Impacts on Medical Educators in China
Authors: Chen Meiling , Zou Shiqian , Wang Siyi , Akinwunmi Babatunde , Ming Wai-Kit 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Education informatization is still in the early stage in China. The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led medical educators passively incorporating information technology for remote medical teaching, in which challenges and opportunities have co-existed.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) explore the medical educators' perception and experience of online teaching in medical education before and after emergency remote teaching (ERT) experience during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) illustrate the medical educators' satisfaction on the contribution of online teaching on medical teaching, and (3) reveal the main challenges medical educators met when they conduct the ERT during the COVID-19 epidemic, and to demonstrate whether the challenges are a different by age or gender including some other factors.Methods: A web-based questionnaire was disseminated to the faculty of medical education departments at higher institutions in China. The collected quantitative data of the questionnaire were analyzed by using the SPSS software package. Descriptive statistics were conducted on demographic data and the perception and experience of medical educators before and after the COVID-19 were shown as the frequencies and percentages, while the teachers' opinions on contribution of online teaching on medical education were analyzed by descriptive statistics with means and standard deviations. Multiple response analysis combined with crosstabulation chi-square test was applied, and a P-value <.05 was considered to be statistically significant to exams the relationship between age as well as gender and difficulties met in online teaching respectively.Results: A total of 26 medical educators (65.38%, n=17 female and 34.62%, n=9 male) were valid participants. Total 57.69% (n=15) of them had used web-based teaching before the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas 43.21% (n=11) had not. The agreement level on the teaching effect of online teaching was medium, with a mean value of 2.55 (range from 1-5). The first two difficulties medical teachers came across in online teaching were the web-based instructional design (27%), and the unfamiliarity with web-based teaching tools (25 %). No significant difference in the types of difficulties encountered by different ages (P=0.969) or gender (P = 0.873) in online teaching.Conclusions: The majority of medical educators are open-minded to incorporating online teaching into their teaching practice in the future. However, medical educators in China commonly faced shared difficulties when they adopted online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Identify these challenges and proposing some relevant suggestions to promote a further increase in the active adoption of information technology in medical education.
The Clinical Significance of the Extent of Positive Surgical Margins in Partial Nephrectomy performed for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ziting , Tan Yi Quan , Lu Jirong , Goh Yen Seow Benjamin , Loh Kep Yong , Tiong Ho Yee 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to review the occurrences of extensive positive surgical margins and focal positive surgical margins after partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer, comparing their associations and clinical outcomes with those with negative surgical margins. Materials and MethodsBetween 2014 to 2019, a total of 137 partial nephrectomies for cancer was performed. Pathological surgical margins were classified according to negative surgical margins (n=156), extensive positive margins (n=7), or focal positive surgical margins (n=15). Peri-operative data, functional and oncological outcomes were compared among the three groups.ResultsBaseline clinical characteristics were comparable in all three groups except for gender, with a significantly greater proportion of male patients (P=0.02) with extensive positive surgical margins and focal positive surgical margins than negative surgical margins. Negative surgical margins was associated with shorter operative time compared with extensive and focal positive surgical margins. Pathologically, perinephric fat invasion was significantly associated (P<0.01) with positive surgical margins but there were no other differences in terms of cell type, grade and necrosis. There were a total of 4 local recurrences, all in the extensive positive surgical margins group with a median follow up period of 32.8 months.ConclusionsExtensive positive surgical margins and focal positive surgical margins share similar peri-operative associations when compared with negative surgical margins but have different pathological and oncological implications to each other. The higher association of pathological T3a stage with extensive positive margins may account for the finding that local recurrences exclusively occur in patients with extensive positive surgical margins.