bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intradiscal injection of monosodium iodoacetate induces intervertebral disc degeneration in an experimental rabbit model
Authors: Sudo Takao , Akeda Koji , Kawaguchi Koki , Hasegawa Takahiro , Yamada Junichi , Inoue Nozomu , Masuda Koichi , Sudo Akihiro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Establishing an optimal animal model for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is essential for developing new IVD therapies. The intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA), which is commonly used in animal models of osteoarthritis, induces cartilage degeneration and progressive arthritis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of MIA injections into rabbit IVDs on the progression of IVD degeneration evaluated by radiographic, micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and histological analyses.

Methods
In total, 24 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were used in this study. Under general anesthesia, lumbar discs from L1–L2 to L4–L5 had a posterolateral percutaneous injection of MIA in contrast agent (CA) (L1–L2: CA only; L2–L3: MIA 0.01 mg; L3–L4: 0.1 mg; L4–L5: 1.0 mg; L5–L6: non-injection (NI) control). Disc height was radiographically monitored biweekly until 12 weeks after injection. Six rabbits were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-injection and processed for micro-CT, MRI (T2-mapping), and histological analyses. Three-dimensional (3D) disc height in five anatomical zones was evaluated by 3D reconstruction of micro-CT data.

Results
Disc height of MIA-injected discs (L2–L3 to L4–L5) gradually decreased time-dependently (P < 0.0001). The disc height of MIA 0.01 mg-injected discs was significantly higher than those of MIA 0.1 and 1.0 mg-injected discs (P < 0.01, respectively). 3D micro-CT analysis showed the dose- and time-dependent decrease of 3D disc height of MIA-injected discs predominantly in the posterior annulus fibrosus (AF) zone. MRI T2 values of MIA 0.1 and 1.0 mg-injected discs were significantly decreased compared to those of CA and/or NI controls (P < 0.05). Histological analyses showed progressive time- and dose-degenerative changes in the discs injected with MIA (P < 0.01). MIA induced cell death in the rabbit nucleus pulposus with a high percentage, while the percentage of cell clones was low.

Conclusions
The results of this study showed, for the first time, that the intradiscal injection of MIA induced degenerative changes of rabbit IVDs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This study suggests that MIA injection into rabbit IVDs could be used as an animal model of IVD degeneration for developing future treatments.
Organic amendments alleviate early defoliation and increase fruit yield by altering assembly patterns and of microbial communities and enzymatic activities in sandy pear (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Authors: Kang Yalong , An Xiangrui , Ma Yanwei , Zeng Shaomin , Jiang Shangtao , Wu Wenli , Xie Changyan , Wang Zhonghua , Dong Caixia , Xu Yangchun , Shen Qirong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSevere early defoliation has become an important factor restricting the development of the pear industry in southern China. However, the assembly patterns of microbial communities and their functional activities in response to the application of bioorganic fertilizer (BIO) or humic acid (HA) in southern China’s pear orchards remain poorly understood, particularly the impact on the early defoliation of the trees. We conducted a 3-year field experiment (2017–2019) in an 18-year-old ‘Cuiguan’ pear orchard. Four fertilization schemes were tested: local custom fertilization as control (CK), CK plus HA (CK-HA), BIO, and BIO plus HA (BIO-HA). Results showed that BIO and BIO-HA application decreased the early defoliation rate by 50–60%, and increased pear yield by 40% compared with the CK and CK-HA treatments. The BIO and BIO-HA application significantly improved soil pH, available nutrient content, total enzyme activity and ecosystem multifunctionality, and also changed the structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities. The genusAcidothermuswas positively correlated with the early defoliation rate, while the genusRhodanobacterwas negatively correlated. Additionally, random forest models revealed that the early defoliation rate could be best explained by soil pH, ammonium content, available phosphorus, and total enzyme activity. In conclusion, application of BIO or BIO mixed with HA could have assembled distinct microbial communities and increased total enzyme activity, leading to significant improvement of soil physicochemical traits. The increased availability of soil nutrient thus changed leaf nutrient concentrations and alleviated the early defoliation rate of pear trees in acid red soil in southern China.
Intranasal HD-Ad vaccine protects the upper and lower respiratory tracts of hACE2 mice against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cao Huibi , Mai Juntao , Zhou Zhichang , Li Zhijie , Duan Rongqi , Watt Jacqueline , Chen Ziyan , Bandara Ranmal Avinash , Li Ming , Ahn Sang Kyun , Poon Betty , Christie-Holmes Natasha , Gray-Owen Scott D. , Banerjee Arinjay , Mossman Karen , Kozak Rob , Mubareka Samira , Rini James M. , Hu Jim , Liu Jun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in 185 million recorded cases and over 4 million deaths worldwide. Several COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for emergency use in humans and are being used in many countries. However, all the approved vaccines are administered by intramuscular injection and this may not prevent upper airway infection or viral transmission.

Results
Here, we describe a novel, intranasally delivered COVID-19 vaccine based on a helper-dependent adenoviral (HD-Ad) vector. The vaccine (HD-Ad_RBD) produces a soluble secreted form of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and we show it induced robust mucosal and systemic immunity. Moreover, intranasal immunization of K18-hACE2 mice with HD-Ad_RBD using a prime-boost regimen, resulted in complete protection of the upper respiratory tract against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion
Our approaches provide a powerful platform for constructing highly effective vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants.
Preoperative anxiety as predictor of perioperative clinical events following carotid surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Aspalter Manuela , Enzmann Florian K. , Hölzenbein Thomas J. , Hitzl Wolfgang , Primavesi Florian , Algayerova Lucia , Nierlich Patrick , Kartnig Christoph , Seitelberger Reinald , Linni Klaus 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Psychological factors like anxiety and depression are recognised to play a causal role in the development of cardiovascular disease and they may also influence outcome after vascular surgery procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of anxiety and depression with postoperative outcome following elective carotid surgery.

Methods
Single centre prospective observational study of patients treated for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis at an academic vascular surgery centre. Preoperative anxiety and depression were evaluated using self-reporting questionnaires: Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S/-T) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A/-D). Postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed with the primary composite endpoint of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and death. Standard reporting guidelines for carotid disease were applied.

Results
From June 2012 to November 2015, 393 carotid endarterectomies (CEA) were performed at our institution. Out of those, 98 asymptomatic patients were available for analysis (78% male; median age, 71.1 years). Median scores of self-reporting questionnaires did not differ from published data of the general population (STAI-T, trait component, median, 36; IQR, 31-42.75; STAI-S, state component, median, 38; IQR, 32-43; HADS-A median, 6; IQR, 3-8; HADS-D median, 4; IQR, 2-7). Cardiovascular risk factors were similar in anxious and non-anxious patients. The composite endpoint of stroke, MI and death occurred significantly more often in patients presenting with a preoperative HADS-A score higher than 6 (10.5%, 95% CI, 3-25; p =.020).

Conclusions
The present study indicates that preoperative anxiety is associated with the occurrence of intra- and postoperative neurological events in patients undergoing CEA. Patients who had a preoperative HADS-A score of 6 or less had a very low probability of experiencing these complications.
Coping strategies among Ethiopian migrant returnees who were in quarantine in the time of COVID-19: a center-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Desie Yekoyealem , Habtamu Kassahun , Asnake Mulat , Gina Endirias , Mequanint Temesgen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Following the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, many numbers of Ethiopian migrant workers from the Middle East repatriated to their home country. Returnees who came back to Ethiopia during the early stages of COVID-19 went through difficult experiences of unplanned return and unfamiliar quarantine. Despite burgeoning studies on the coping strategies of the general population on stresses associated with the pandemic, there is lack of research on how returnees cope with challenges related to migration and quarantine experiences. The aim of this study was to examine the coping strategies used by returnees who were in mandatory quarantine in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A center-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 405 migrant returnees who were in mandatory quarantine in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We developed a structured questionnaire to collect data about the socio-demographic, migration related, quarantine related and COVID-19 related characteristics of participants. We used the Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) scale to measure returnees coping strategies. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analyses were used to determine extent of use of coping strategies and identify factors associated with them.

Results
Emotion-focused coping mainly religious coping was the most frequently used coping strategy in the study group. Dysfunctional coping, however, was the least frequently employed coping strategy. Higher scores on emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies were associated with absence of perceived support from family and relatives after the quarantine and with no history of contact with COVID-19 suspected or infected person.

Conclusions
The study shows that emotion-focused coping, particularly religious coping, was the most commonly used coping strategy among returnees who were in quarantine centers in the context of COVID-19. Returnees who perceived that they will not have support from family and relatives and those who were not exposed to the virus were more likely to use either emotion- or problem-focused coping strategies. Psychosocial reintegration efforts need to focus on enhancing returnees’ capacity to use adaptive coping strategies. We suggest in-depth qualitative studies for better understanding of returnees’ coping strategies and to facilitate reintegration activities.
COVID-19 pandemic risk and probability of loan default: evidence from marketplace lending market
Authors: Nigmonov Asror , Shams Syed 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects the financial markets, a better understanding of the lending dynamics of a successful marketplace is necessary under the conditions of financial distress. Using the loan book database of Mintos (Latvia) and employing logit regression method, we provide evidence of the pandemic-induced exposure to default risk in the marketplace lending market. Our analysis indicates that the probability of default increases from 0.056 in the pre-pandemic period to 0.079 in the post-pandemic period. COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on default risk during May and June of 2020. We also find that the magnitude of the impact of COVID-19 risk is higher for borrowers with lower credit ratings and in countries with low levels of FinTech adoption. Our main findings are robust to sample selection bias allowing for a better understanding of and quantifying risks related to FinTech loans during the pandemic and periods of overall economic distress.
TGF-β1/SMOC2/AKT and ERK axis regulates proliferation, migration, and fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation in lung fibroblast, contributing with the asthma progression
Authors: Wang Yuebin , Yang Huike , Su Xian , Cao Anqiang , Chen Feng , Chen Peng , Yan Fangtao , Hu Huirong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is a common chronic respiratory disease that influences 300 million people all over the world. However, the pathogenesis of asthma has not been fully elucidated. It has been reported that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) can activate myofibroblasts. Moreover, the fibroblast to myofibroblast transformation (FMT) can be triggered by TGF-β, which is a major mediator of subepithelial fibrosis. Secreted modular calcium-binding protein 2 (SMOC2) is a member of cysteine (SPARC) family and is involved in the progression of multiple diseases. However, its role in asthma remains poorly understood. RT-qPCR evaluated the expression of SMOC2. Bromodeoxyuridine assay and wound-healing assay detected the proliferation and migration of lung fibroblasts, respectively. IF staining was performed to assess the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Western blot analysis detected the levels of proteins. Flow cytometry was utilized for determination of the number of myofibroblasts.ResultsWe found the expression of SMOC2 was upregulated by the treatment of TGF-β1 in lung fibroblasts. In addition, SMOC2 promoted the proliferation and migration of lung fibroblasts. More importantly, SMOC2 accelerated FMT of lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, SMOC2 was verified to control the activation of AKT and ERK. Rescue assays showed that the inhibition of AKT and ERK pathway reversed the promoting effect of SMOC2 overexpression on proliferation, migration and FMT in lung fibroblasts.ConclusionsThis work demonstrated that SMOC2 modulated TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration and FMT in lung fibroblasts and may promote asthma, which potentially provided a novel therapeutic target for the management of asthma.
Highly sensitive force measurements in an optically generated, harmonic hydrodynamic trap
Authors: Stoev Iliya D. , Seelbinder Benjamin , Erben Elena , Maghelli Nicola , Kreysing Moritz 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe use of optical tweezers to measure forces acting upon microscopic particles has revolutionised fields from material science to cell biology. However, despite optical control capabilities, this technology is highly constrained by the material properties of the probe, and its use may be limited due to concerns about the effect on biological processes. Here we present a novel, optically controlled trapping method based on light-induced hydrodynamic flows. Specifically, we leverage optical control capabilities to convert a translationally invariant topological defect of a flow field into an attractor for colloids in an effectively one-dimensional harmonic, yet freely rotatable system. Circumventing the need to stabilise particle dynamics along an unstable axis, this novel trap closely resembles the isotropic dynamics of optical tweezers. Using magnetic beads, we explicitly show the existence of a linear force-extension relationship that can be used to detect femtoNewton-range forces with sensitivity close to the thermal limit. Our force measurements remove the need for laser-particle contact, while also lifting material constraints, which renders them a particularly interesting tool for the life sciences and engineering.
The APC/C targets the Cep152–Cep63 complex at the centrosome to regulate mitotic spindle assembly
Authors: Tischer Thomas , Yang Jing , Barford David 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT
The control of protein abundance is a fundamental regulatory mechanism during mitosis. The anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is the main protein ubiquitin ligase responsible for the temporal regulation of mitotic progression. It has been proposed that the APC/C might fulfil other functions, including assembly of the mitotic spindle. Here, we show that the APC/C localizes to centrosomes, the organizers of the eukaryotic microtubule cytoskeleton, specifically during mitosis. Recruitment of the APC/C to spindle poles requires the centrosomal protein Cep152, and we identified Cep152 as both an APC/C interaction partner and an APC/C substrate. Previous studies have shown that Cep152 forms a complex with Cep57 and Cep63. The APC/C-mediated ubiquitylation of Cep152 at the centrosome releases Cep57 from this inhibitory complex and enables its interaction with pericentrin, a critical step in promoting microtubule nucleation. Thus, our study extends the function of the APC/C from being a regulator of mitosis to also acting as a positive governor of spindle assembly. The APC/C thereby integrates control of these two important processes in a temporal manner.
Experimental verification of pedagogical conditions for formation of values and semantics experience among future foreign philology specialists in the process of professional training
Authors: Svyshch Lilya 
Published: December 2021

The current socio-cultural situation actualizes special attention to values, value orientations and other axiological phenomena that comprise axiological knowledge. The rapidly changing world, and therefore the change of axiological guidelines, is a fundamental issue for higher education. This argues the need for special attention to axiological problems in the context of the organization of higher education, in particular the training of future specialists in foreign philology. It has become more relevant because the Standard of Higher Education of Ukraine for the first (bachelor's) level, field of knowledge 03 Humanities, specialty 035 "Philology" does not actually provide any value component of professional training for future professionals.
The research hypothesis is based on the thesis that special value-oriented pedagogical conditions in the process of professional training are a prerequisite for the acquisition of values and semantics experience of future specialists in foreign philology, which creates important prerequisites for the formation of axiological competencies. The proposed study is aimed at determining the level of formation of values and semantics experience among future specialists in foreign philology at the initial and final stages of the experiment. The paper shows the methods that allow to achieve this goal and have practically confirmed the formulated research hypothesis.
PERCEPÇÕES E PRÁTICAS PROFISSIONAIS NO CUIDADO DA OBESIDADE NA ESTRATÉGIA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA
Authors: Figueiredo Amanda Tayná Tavares de , Tavares Fernanda Cristina de Lima Pinto , Silveira Priscila Ribeiro Rezende Mergulhão , Costa Emilia Chagas , Oliveira Adrielly Araújo de , Lira Pedro Israel Cabral de 
Published: December 2021

Introdução: A obesidade é uma epidemia global em ascensão no Brasil. A Estratégia Saúde da Família é a forma prioritária de organização da atenção básica representando a porta de entrada principal e ordenadora do cuidado no Sistema Único de Saúde. Objetivos: Identificar concepções e práticas de cuidado ofertadas a pessoas com obesidade na Estratégia Saúde da Família. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo exploratório-descritivo, de método qualitativo. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas com 12 profissionais de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família em Recife, transcritos e submetidos à análise de conteúdo por categorias temáticas. Na análise foram consideradas três categorias definidas à priori (I-Formação Profissional; II-Conhecimento Prévio e; III-O Cuidado diante da Obesidade) e 8 subcategorias emergentes identificadas respectivamente (I-Perfil dos Profissionais/ Educação Permanente em Saúde; II- Reconhecendo a Obesidade/ Implicações da Obesidade para ao Indivíduo/ Como Tratar a Obesidade e; III- Práticas de Cuidado na USF e Território/ Percebendo o Usuário com Obesidade/ O Papel da ESF e da RAS no Enfrentamento da Obesidade). Resultados: Apesar das profissionais reconhecerem a múltipla determinação da obesidade e a necessidade de intervenções interdisciplinares, longitudinais e sistematizadas, identificou-se desafios em operacionalizar tal entendimento e predominância de percepções negativas sobre usuários com obesidade. Conclusões: Embora as concepções reforcem a importância do cuidado integral, interdisciplinar e em rede, as práticas profissionais destinadas ao enfrentamento da obesidade na ESF mostram a não superação do modelo assistencial biomédico com fragilidades relacionadas à educação permanente em saúde, ao vínculo profissional-usuário e à prática interdisciplinar e intersetorial.
Violence and sexual and reproductive health service disruption among girls and young women during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: A cross-sectional study using interactive voice response survey
Authors: Lamichhane Ashish , Rana Shubheksha , Shrestha Krishna , Paudyal Rakshya , Malla Parash , Upadhyaya Shanti , Uprety Durga , Gurung Julie , Satow Elizabeth 
Published: December 2021

Introduction
There is a paucity of data on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on girls and young women. The study examines the prevalence and correlates of violence and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service disruption among girls and young women during COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown.

Methods
An interactive voice response survey was conducted among girls and women aged 18–24 years between 10th March to 24th April 2021. The survey enrolled 1314 participants. Descriptive analysis was used to assess prevalence of violence and SRH service disruption. Two sampled test of proportion was used to asses difference in prevalence of violence before and after the pandemic. Logistic regression was used to examine relationship between the outcome variables and socio demographic predictors.

Results
The study did not find significant difference in prevalence of violence before and after the pandemic. Education was found to be protective against experience of both physical and sexual violence after the pandemic. Dalit participants were four times more likely to report physical violence after the pandemic than Brahmin/Chhetri participants (OR:3.80; CI:1.41–10.24). Participants from 22-24-year age group were twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to girls and participants from 18-21year age group (OR:2.25; CI:1.04–4.84). Participants from urban municipalities were 29% less likely to report SRH services disruption than participants from rural municipalities (OR-0.71, 95% CI: 0.55–0.91). Participants with disability were twice as likely to report disruption than participants without disability (OR-2.35, 95% CI: 1.45–3.82).

Conclusions
To reduce violence against girls and women due to the pandemic, interventions should focus on Dalit women and on preventing education discontinuation among girls and women. SRH service during the pandemic needs to be improved for girls and women with focus on girls and women from rural municipalities and girls and women with disability.