bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ferroptosis induces membrane blebbing in placental trophoblasts
Authors: Kajiwara Kazuhiro , Beharier Ofer , Chng Choon-Peng , Goff Julie P. , Ouyang Yingshi , St Croix Claudette M. , Huang Changjin , Kagan Valerian E. , Hsia K. Jimmy , Sadovsky Yoel 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Ferroptosis is a regulated, non-apoptotic form of cell death, characterized by hydroxy-peroxidation of discrete phospholipid hydroperoxides, particularly hydroperoxyl (Hp) forms of arachidonoyl- and adrenoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine, with a downstream cascade of oxidative damage to membrane lipids, proteins and DNA, culminating in cell death. We recently showed that human trophoblasts are particularly sensitive to ferroptosis caused by depletion or inhibition of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) or the lipase PLA2G6. Here, we show that trophoblastic ferroptosis is accompanied by a dramatic change in the trophoblast plasma membrane, with macro-blebbing and vesiculation. Immunofluorescence revealed that ferroptotic cell-derived blebs stained positive for F-actin, but negative for cytoplasmic organelle markers. Transfer of conditioned medium that contained detached macrovesicles or co-culture of wild-type target cells with blebbing cells did not stimulate ferroptosis in target cells. Molecular modeling showed that the presence of Hp-phosphatidylethanolamine in the cell membrane promoted its cell ability to be stretched. Together, our data establish that membrane macro-blebbing is characteristic of trophoblast ferroptosis and can serve as a useful marker of this process. Whether or not these blebs are physiologically functional remains to be established.
This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Anti-c-myc cholesterol based lipoplexes as onco-nanotherapeutic agents in vitro
Authors: Habib Saffiya , Daniels Aliscia , Ariatti Mario , Singh Moganavelli 
Published: January 2021

Background: Strategies aimed at inhibiting the expression of the c-myc oncogene could provide the basis for alternative cancer treatment. In this regard, silencing c-myc expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is an attractive option. However, the development of a clinically viable, siRNA-based, c-myc silencing system is largely dependent upon the design of an appropriate siRNA carrier that can be easily prepared. Nanostructures formed by the electrostatic association of siRNA and cationic lipid vesicles represent uncomplicated siRNA delivery systems. Methods: This study has focused on cationic liposomes prepared with equimolar quantities of the cytofectin, N,N-dimethylaminopropylamido-succinylcholesteryl-formylhydrazide (MS09), and cholesterol (Chol) for the development of a simple, but effective anti- c-myc onco-nanotherapeutic agent. Liposomes formulated with dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) in place of Chol as the co-lipid were included for comparative purposes. Results: Liposomes successfully bound siRNA forming lipoplexes of less than 150 nm in size, which assumed bilamellar aggregrates. The liposome formulations were well tolerated in the human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and colon carcinoma (HT-29) cells, which overexpress c-myc. Lipoplexes directed against the c-myc transcript mediated a dramatic reduction in c-myc mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, oncogene knockdown and anti-cancer effects were superior to that of Lipofectamine™ 3000. Conclusion: This anti- c-myc MS09:Chol lipoplex exemplifies a simple anticancer agent with enhanced c-myc gene silencing potential in vitro
Onchocerca volvulus and epilepsy: A comprehensive review using the Bradford Hill criteria for causation
Authors: Colebunders Robert , Njamnshi Alfred K. , Menon Sonia , Newton Charles R. , Hotterbeekx An , Preux Pierre-Marie , Hopkins Adrian , Vaillant Michel , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe possibility that onchocerciasis may cause epilepsy has been suggested for a long time, but thus far, an etiological link has not been universally accepted. The objective of this review is to critically appraise the relationship betweenOnchocerca volvulusand epilepsy and subsequently apply the Bradford Hill criteria to further evaluate the likelihood of a causal association.MethodsPubMed and gray literature published until September 15, 2020, were searched and findings from original research were synthesized. Adherence to the 9 Bradford Hill criteria in the context of onchocerciasis and epilepsy was determined to assess whether the criteria are met to strengthen the evidence base for a causal link between infection withO.volvulusand epilepsy, including the nodding syndrome.ResultsOnchocerciasis as a risk factor for epilepsy meets the following Bradford Hill criteria for causality: strength of the association, consistency, temporality, and biological gradient. There is weaker evidence supporting causality based on the specificity, plausibility, coherence, and analogy criteria. There is little experimental evidence. Considering the Bradford Hill criteria, available data suggest that under certain conditions (high microfilarial load, timing of infection, and perhaps genetic predisposition), onchocerciasis is likely to cause epilepsy including nodding and Nakalanga syndromes.ConclusionApplying the Bradford Hill criteria suggests consistent epidemiological evidence thatO.volvulusinfection is a trigger of epilepsy. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for seizure induction still need to be elucidated.
Testing a mindfulness meditation mobile app for the treatment of sleep-related symptoms in adults with sleep disturbance: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huberty Jennifer L. , Green Jeni , Puzia Megan E. , Larkey Linda , Laird Breanne , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Vlisides-Henry Robert , Irwin Michael R. 
Published: January 2021

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to test whether a commercially available, mindfulness meditation mobile app, (i.e., Calm app), was effective in reducing fatigue (primary outcome), pre-sleep arousal, and daytime sleepiness (secondary outcomes) in adults with sleep disturbance (Insomnia Severity Index Score >10) as compared to a wait-list control group. Associations between the use of the Calm app (i.e., adherence to the intervention) and changes in sleep quality was also explored in the intervention group only. Adults with sleep disturbance were recruited (N = 640). Eligible and consenting participants (N = 263) were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 124) or a wait-list control (n = 139) group. Intervention participants were asked to meditate using the Calm app ≥10 minutes/day for eight weeks. Fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and pre-sleep arousal were assessed at baseline, mid- (4-weeks) and post-intervention (8-weeks) in both groups, whereas sleep quality was evaluated only in the intervention group. Findings from intent-to-treat analyses suggest the use of the Calm app for eight weeks significantly decreased daytime fatigue (p = .018) as well as daytime sleepiness (p = .003) and cognitive (p = .005) and somatic (p < .001) pre-sleep arousal as compared to the wait-list control group. Within the intervention group, use of the Calm app was associated with improvements in sleep quality (p < .001). This randomized controlled trial demonstrates that the Calm app can be used to treat fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and pre-sleep arousal in adults with sleep disturbance. Given that the Calm app is affordable and widely accessible, these data have implications for community level dissemination of a mobile app to improve sleep-related symptoms associated with sleep disturbance.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04045275.
Therapeutic plasma exchange for coronavirus disease-2019 triggered cytokine release syndrome; a retrospective propensity matched control study
Authors: Kamran Sultan Mehmood , Mirza Zill-e-Humayun , Naseem Arshad , Liaqat Jahanzeb , Fazal Imran , Alamgir Wasim , Saeed Farrukh , Saleem Salman , Nisar Shazia , Yousaf Muhammad Ali , Khan Asad Zaman , Hussain Mehmood , Azam Rizwan , Hussain Maryam , Khan Kumail Abbas , Jamal Yousaf , Iftikhar Raheel 
Published: January 2021

Background
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) plays a pivotal role in the pathophysiology and progression of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) by removing the pathogenic cytokines is hypothesized to dampen CRS.

Objective
To evaluate the outcomes of the patients with COVID-19 having CRS being treated with TPE compared to controls on the standard of care.

Methodology
Retrospective propensity score-matched analysis in a single centre from 1st April to 31st July 2020. We retrospectively analyzed data of 280 hospitalized patients developing CRS initially. PSM was used to minimize bias from non-randomized treatment assignment. Using PSM 1:1, 90 patients were selected and assigned to 2 equal groups. Forced matching was done for disease severity, routine standard care and advanced supportive care. Many other Co-variates were matched. Primary outcome was 28 days overall survival. Secondary outcomes were duration of hospitalization, CRS resolution time and timing of viral clearance on Polymerase chain reaction testing.

Results
After PS-matching, the selected cohort had a median age of 60 years (range 32–73 in TPE, 37–75 in controls), p = 0.325 and all were males. Median symptoms duration was 7 days (range 3–22 days’ TPE and 3–20 days controls), p = 0.266. Disease severity in both groups was 6 (6.6%) moderate, 40 (44.4%) severe and 44 (49%) critical. Overall, 28-day survival was significantly superior in the TPE group (91.1%), 95% CI 78.33–97.76; as compared to PS-matched controls (61.5%), 95% CI 51.29–78.76 (log rank 0.002), p<0.001. Median duration of hospitalization was significantly reduced in the TPE treated group (10 days vs 15 days) (p< 0.01). CRS resolution time was also significantly reduced in the TPE group (6 days vs. 12 days) (p< 0.001). In 71 patients who underwent TPE, the mortality was 0 (n = 43) if TPE was done within the first 12 days of illness while it was 17.9% (deaths 5, n = 28 who received it after 12th day (p = 0.0045).

Conclusion
An earlier use of TPE was associated with improved overall survival, early CRS resolution and time to discharge compared to SOC for COVID-19 triggered CRS in this selected cohort of PS-matched male patients from one major hospital in Pakistan.
The effect of breast density on the missed lesion rate in screening digital mammography determined using an adjustable-density breast phantom tailored to Japanese women
Authors: Yamamuro Mika , Asai Yoshiyuki , Hashimoto Naomi , Yasuda Nao , Ozaki Yoshiaki , Ishii Kazunari , Lee Yongbum 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveDespite the high risk of missing lesions in mammography, the missed lesion rate is yet to be clinically established. Further, no breast phantoms with adjustable breast density currently exist. We developed a novel, adjustable-density breast phantom with a composition identical to that of actual breasts, and determined the quantitative relationship between breast density and the missed lesion rate in mammography.MethodsAn original breast phantom consisting of adipose- and fibroglandular-equivalent materials was developed, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) study was performed. Breast density, which is the fraction by weight of fibroglandular to total tissue, was adjusted to 25%, 50%, and 75% by arbitrarily mixing the two materials. Microcalcification, mass lesions, and spiculated lesions, each with unique characteristics, were inserted into the phantom. For the above-mentioned fibroglandular densities, 50 positive and 50 negative images for each lesion type were used as case samples for the ROC study. Five certified radiological technologists participated in lesion detection.ResultsThe mass-lesion detection rate, according to the area under the curve, decreased by 18.0% (p= 0.0001, 95% Confidence intervals [CI] = 0.1258 to 0.1822) and 37.8% (p= 0.0003, 95% CI = 0.2453 to 0.4031) for breast densities of 50% and 75%, respectively, compared to that for a 25% breast density. A similar tendency was observed with microcalcification; however, spiculated lesions did not follow this tendency.ConclusionsWe quantified the missed lesion rate in different densities of breast tissue using a novel breast phantom, which is imperative for advancing individualized screening mammography.
Peer Learning: An Effective Teaching-Learning Method for Improving Ability in Arterial Blood Gases Interpretation
Authors: Mauliandari Riana , Sumarwati Made , Upoyo Arif Setyo 
Published: January 2021

Background: Competent nurses are expected to be able to interpret arterial blood gases (ABGs). The benefits of peer learning, an innovative teaching-learning method today, have long been recognized. However, to date, no studies have compared the effect of this method and the traditional classical method in interpreting ABGs. Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effect of peer learning and classical learning methods on the nurses’ ability to interpret ABGs. Method: This was a quasi-experimental research with pre and post-test design. Forty ward nurses were invited in the peer learning method group, and another 40 ward nurses were invited in the classical learning method group through a randomization process. Data were collected using a questionnaire before and after the educational intervention. The classical class was taught by an experienced trainer, while peer groups, divided into groups of 5-6, were taught by one member of each group who obtained the best pre-test score and received special training first. The analysis of data was performed by t-test.Result: The result showed that after the intervention, the mean score of interpreting ABGs in the peer learning group increased by 3.18±1.12 (p<0.001), while in the classical learning method, it only increased by 2.32±0.988 (p<0.001). Although there were significant increases in ABGs analysis’s ability in both groups, the peer teaching-learning group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in interpreting ABGs (p<0.001).Conclusion: The peer learning method facilitates a more significant improvement in the nurses’ ability for ABGs interpretation. Peer learning is appropriate as one of the methods in clinical education for nurses.
Teachers’ Self-Efficacy: How does it Predict Children's Task Persistence and Behavioral Self-Regulation?
Authors: Davolytė Justina , Raižienė Saulė , Šilinskas Gintautas 
Published: January 2021

It has been suggested that the quality of pre-primary education influences children's learning abilities in a variety of ways. Teachers’ behaviors are among the major factors relating to the quality of the classrooms, and one aspect of them – teachers’ self-efficacy – has been put forward to predict successful development of childrens’ learning and abilities to learn. Given this, it is surprising that relatively few studies have taken pre-primary techers' self-efficasy into account, and no research on the topic has been conducted in Lithuania.
Futhermore, a few studies have analyzed how teachers' self-efficacy relates to childrens' learning abilities, such as, tasks persistence and self-regulation. Consequently, the present study analyzed relations between teachers' self-efficacy, childrens' task persistence and self-regulation. This study is based on the theory of teachers’ self-efficacy by Tschannen-Moran and Woolfolk Hoy (2001). The aim of the current study is to determine whether the self-efficacy of Lithuanian pre-primary teachers' is related to the learning outcomes, in particular, childrens' tasks persistence and ability to regulate their behavior. Childrens' tasks persistence was measured using the Behavioral strategy rating scale (teachers' form) (Aunola et al., 2000; Zhang et al., 2011); the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task (McCellandet al., 2007; Ponitz et al., 2008; Ponitz at al., 2009) was used to measure childrens' self-regulation.
Participants were 18 pre-primary education teachers from six Lithuanian schools and their 229 pre-primary class students (116 [50.7%] girls and 113 [49.3%] boys). Teachers answered questionnaires concerning their self-efficacy towards the whole class and towards each child’s task persistence; school psychologists tested each child on their self-regulation. The statistical analyses of this study comprised of correlation analyses and hierarchical regression analyses.
The results supported our expectations about the positive significant relations between teachers' self-efficacy, childrens' tasks persistence and self-regulation. That is, the greater teachers' self-efficacy was, better childrens' tasks persistence and self-regulation were. The results stayed significant even after controlling for, child gender, parental education, and teachers’ experience. MoreoverIn particular, gilrs and children of higher educated parents were more likely to have better task persistence and self-regulation. Moreover, surprisingly, it was found that teachers' work experience predicted childrens' self-regulation. Taken together, the results have verified that techers' self-efficacy plays a meaningful role in promoting childrens’ tasks persistence and self-regulation in Lithuanian preschool. Thus, from the practical point of view, in order to facilitate children’s learning in preschool and primary school, one should also pay attention to the ways of strengthening teachers’ self-efficacy.
Valoración económica y microbiológica del uso de toallas y paños durante el ordeño
Authors: Varela-Vargas María José , WingChing-Jones Rodolfo , Uribe-Lorío Lidieth 
Published: January 2021

Introducción. Las prácticas previas al ordeño de los animales permiten mantener la salud de la ubre y la productividad. Objetivo. Realizar una comparación económica y microbiológica del uso de paños y toallas durante la desinfección de los pezones. Materiales y métodos. Esta investigación se realizó en Tilarán, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, entre octubre y noviembre del 2018, en un sistema de producción que realiza tres ordeños cada 8 h y mantiene sus animales en estabulación completa. Se tomaron al azar cinco paños usados en el secado de los pezones previo al ordeño de forma al azar, los cuales se lavaron y reutilizaron en el siguiente ordeño. Los paños se cortaron por la mitad, se identificaron ambas partes, se mantuvo la relación entre ellas, una parte se guardó en una bolsa hermética (paño usado) y la otra se lavó, para simular la reutilización de esta. Finalizado el lavado, a ambas partes (diez paños) se analizaron para cuantificar la población de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus y aerobios. Para el análisis económico, se registró la cantidad de toallas utilizadas por animal, la vida útil, el número de veces que se utilizó, costo de cada paño, del agua, electricidad, cloro y detergente líquido. Resultados. El ciclo de lavado utilizado, disminuyó 800 veces la población de Escherichia coli, en 5000 veces los aerobios y 500 veces a Staphylococcus aureus. Las toallas de papel analizadas, presentaron UFC g-1 menores a diez al momento de usarse. Existe similitud entre el uso de dos toallas/animal/ordeño con las toallas de microfibra y descarta el uso de tres toallas/animal/ordeño, debido a que incrementa en 48,59 % el costo. Conclusión. No existieron diferencias económicas ni microbianas entre los paños de microfibra y el uso de dos toallas de papel en el secado de los pezones durante el presellado.
Índice SPAD, nitratos y rendimiento en sorgo en respuesta al suministro de nitrógeno
Authors: Macías-Duarte Rubén , Grijalva-Contreras Raúl Leonel , Robles-Contreras Fabián , Núñez-Ramírez Fidel , Cárdenas-Salazar Víctor Alberto , Mendóza-Pérez Cándido 
Published: January 2021

Introducción. El nitrógeno (N) es el macronutriente que más afecta el rendimiento de los cultivos; sin embargo, su utilización por los cultivos se asocia a una baja eficiencia de recuperación; por esta razón es necesario analizar su absorción en el tejido vegetal durante el ciclo para obtener el beneficio deseado. Objetivo. Conocer el efecto de la fertilización nitrogenada en el crecimiento, concentración de nitratos en la base del tallo (NBT), índice SPAD (medición de clorofila) y el rendimiento en grano de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Materiales y métodos. El estudio se realizó en el Instituto de Ciencias Agrícolas de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, México, durante el verano de 2012 y la primavera de 2013. Se evaluaron dosis crecientes de nitrógeno (N) (0, 64, 128, 192, 256 y 320 kg ha-1), bajo un diseño experimental completamente al azar. En el Experimento 1 (Verano 2012), se evaluaron las seis dosis de N en un suelo bajo labranza de conservación (LC). En el experimento 2 (Primavera 2013), se evaluaron las mismas dosis de N y además se incluyó un tratamiento de 128 kg N ha-1 utilizando sistema de labranza mínima (LM). Resultados. En el Experimento 1, se obtuvo mayor cantidad de peso seco del grano (PSg), planta completa (PSt), índice de cosecha (IC) y rendimiento de grano, que en el Experimento 2. El mayor PSg, PSt, IC, área foliar (AF) y rendimiento de grano se obtuvo con la dosis de 192 kg de N ha-1. El índice SPAD y la concentración de NBT presentaron correlación con el rendimiento. Los valores R2 en el índice SPAD fueron mayores que en NBT. Conclusiones. Los NBT y el índice SPAD resultaron significativamente asociadas al rendimiento. La mejor época de producción del cultivo de sorgo fue en verano con una dosis de192 kg de N ha-1.
Viabilidad de Ischaemum rugosum Salisb. determinada mediante la prueba de tetrazolio
Authors: Portuguez-García Mary Pamela , Rodríguez-Ruiz Ana María , Porras-Martínez Carolina , González-Lutz María Isabel 
Published: January 2021

Introducción. La estimación de la viabilidad de Ischaemum rugosum Salisb. con la prueba de tetrazolio es una medida para el estudio de la dinámica biológica de esta maleza. Objetivo. Evaluar los factores que afectan la viabilidad de I. rugosum Salisb. mediante la prueba de tetrazolio. Materiales y métodos. El trabajo se realizó en el Laboratorio Oficial de Análisis de Calidad de Semillas del Centro para Investigaciones en Granos y Semillas de la Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica; en octubre de 2015. Las semillas de I. rugosum Salisb. se sometieron a los siguientes tratamientos previo a la prueba de tetrazolio: almacenamiento de semilla (temperatura ambiente: 23,9 °C y temperatura refrigerada: 5 °C), imbibición (embebida y no embebida), corte de la cariópside (con corte y sin corte) y unidad propagativa (cariópside pequeña, cariópside grande y espiguilla). Se contaron como viables las semillas teñidas de manera uniforme. Resultados. Hubo interacción significativa entre temperatura de almacenamiento y unidad propagativa, la cariópside grande tuvo una mayor ventaja con respecto a cariópside pequeña (12,18 a 1) o la espiguilla (181,27 a 1) y este resultado fue más contundente bajo temperatura ambiente. Hubo interacción significativa entre unidad propagativa y corte, todas las semillas requirieron de corte para que el tetrazolio lograra teñir los tejidos, fue más concluyente el efecto en la semilla grande que en la espiguilla (1326,1 a 1) y que en la pequeña (7,39 a 1). La interacción de las temperaturas de almacenamiento e imbibición y corte e imbibición fue significativa. Las semillas sometidas a temperatura ambiente, embebidas (41,26 a 1) y con corte e imbibición (18,17 a 1) fueron más viables. Conclusión. La imbibición y el corte facilitaron la tinción, la semilla grande y el almacenamiento en temperatura ambiente influyeron sobre la viabilidad de I. rugosum Salisb.