bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Striking Cardiac Phenotypic Variability in A Chinese Family With A MYH7 Splice Site Mutation
Authors: Tu Peng , Sun Hairui , Zhang Xiaohang , Ran Qian , Ran suzhen , He Yihua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a rare congenital heart defect (CHD), genetics defects have been found in patients with LVNC and their family members; and MYH7 is the most common genetic associated with LVNC. Methods: A trio (fetus and the parents) whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed when the fetus was found with Ebstein's anomaly (EA), heart dilatation, perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSD), mild seroperitoneum and single umbilical artery (SUA).Results: Whole-exome sequencing identified a maternal inherited heterozygous splice site mutation in MYH7 (NM_000257.3:c.732+1G>A). Subsequent Sanger sequencing confirmed that the mutation was heterozygous in the fetus, the old sister, the grandmother, and the mother. QPCR experiment using RNA from blood lymphocytes but were unable to amplify any product.Conclusion: This familial case underlines that the striking cardiac phenotypic of MYH7 mutation (the c.732+1G>A spice site variant) may be highly variable. The mechanistic studies which could uncover candidate genes modulating cardiac phenotype associated with LVNC/EA should be proceed.
A Novel Application of Bubble-eye Strain of Carassius Auratus for Ex Vivo Fish Immunological Studies
Authors: Nakajima Hiroto , Miyashita Atsushi , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, we investigated a new application of bubble-eye goldfish (commercially available strain with large bubble-shaped eye sacs) for immunological studies in fishes utilizing the technical advantage of examining immune cells in the eye sac fluid ex vivo without sacrificing animals. As known in many aquatic species, the common goldfish strain showed an increased infection sensitivity at high temperature, which we demonstrate may be due to an immune impairment using the bubble-eye goldfish model. Injection of heat-killed bacterial cells into the eye sac resulted in an inflammatory symptom (surface reddening) and increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in vivo, and high rearing temperature suppressed the induction of pro-inflammatory gene expressions. We further conducted ex vivo experiments using the immune cells harvested from the eye sac and found that the induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was suppressed when we increased the temperature of ex vivo culture, suggesting that the temperature response of the eye-sac immune cells is a cell autonomous function. These results indicate that the bubble-eye goldfish is a suitable model for ex vivo investigation of fish immune cells and that the temperature-induced infection susceptibility in the goldfish may be due to functional impairments of immune cells.
Two Faces of Arbutine in Hepatocelluler Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells: Anticarcinogenic Effect in LD50 Dose and Protective Effect Against Cisplatin Toxication Through its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity in LD0 Dose
Authors: Hazman Ömer , Evin Hatice , Bozkurt Mehmet Fatih , Ciğerci İbrahim Hakkı 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Arbutine is one of the active substances used as a skin whitening agent in cosmetic products. Possible effects of arbutine on hepatocelluler carcinoma (HepG2) cells and cisplatin toxication in HepG2 cells were investigated in this study. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and proliferation levels were determined in experimental groups established for the purpose above. It was determined that when low dose of α-arbutine (in LD0 dose) was administered to HepG2 cells alone, it had no genotoxic and cytotoxic effects and no effects on inflammation, apoptosis and proliferation. However, when low dose of arbutine was used with cisplatin, it was observed that oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity levels increased as a result of cisplatin toxicity, but caspase 3 levels were not affected by this situation. As a result of high dose (in LD50 dose) of α-arbutine administration to HepG2 cells, it was determined that it would have anticarcinogenic effects by increasing oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammation and apoptosis and by suppressing proliferation. In the presented study it was determined that as well as α-arbutine had an anticarcinogenic effect on HepG2 cells in high doses, it might be protective to reduce the side effects caused by low dose (LD0 dose) of cisplatin treatment. In addition, it was concluded that α/β-arbutine-including cosmetic products were safe for cancer patients because α/β-arbutine had no effect on proliferation in HepG2 cells. In order to present the activity of arbutine isoforms more clearly it is recommended that studies should be conducted using healthy and different cell lines.
Decontamination of N95 Respirators using Moist Heat Delivered by Hospital Blanket Warming Cabinets: A Widely Available Method for N95 Re-Processing
Authors: Kumar Anand , Kasloff Samantha B. , Cutts Todd , Leung Anders , Sharma Naresh , Vazquez-Grande Gloria , Drew Tracy , Laframboise Denis , Orofino Olivero , Tanelli Joe , Krishnan Jay 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Shortages of personal protective equipment for use during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continue to be an issue among health-care workers globally. Extended and repeated use of N95 filtering facepiece respirators without adequate decontamination is of particular concern. Although several methods to decontaminate and re-use these masks have been proposed, logistic or practical issues limit adoption of these techniques. In this study, we propose and validate the use of the application of moist heat (70oC with humidity augmented by an open pan of water) applied by commonly available hospital (blanket) warming cabinets to decontaminate N95 masks. This report shows that a variety of N95 masks can be repeatedly decontaminated of SARS-CoV-2 over 6 hours moist heat exposure without compromise of their filtering function as assessed by standard fit and sodium chloride aerosol filtration efficiency testing. This approached can easily adapted to provide point-of-care N95 mask decontamination allowing for increased practical utility of mask recycling in the health care setting.
Reconciling the Plant-Animal Interface: Convergence of Optimal Herbage Accumulation and Intake Rate by Sheep Grazing Tall Fescue
Authors: Szymczak Leonardo Silvestri , Moraes Anibal , Sulc Reuben Mark , Barker David , Monteiro Alda Lucia Gomes , Lang Claudete R. , Moraes Renata Franciéli , Lemaire Gilles , Carvalho Paulo César de Faccio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims This study evaluated the optimal herbage level from both plant and animal perspectives, through the adjustment of instantaneous herbage accumulation rate as estimed by the Gompertz curve model and short-term intake rate of sheep. Schedonorus arundinaceus (tall fescue) was used as an experimental model. Methods Weekly tall fescue herbage accumulation was measured during seven growth periods initiated on monthly intervals (October, November, and December 2015, and March, April, August and September 2016) with the initiation dates arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Total herbage mass, leaf lamina mass, pseudo-stem + sheath mass, senescent mass, and sward surface height were measured each week. Results We demonstrated that a pre-grazing sward surface height of 22.3 cm of tall fescue promoted concomitantly the maximum short-term intake rate of sheep and the instantaneous herbage accumulation rate in the spring and autumn periods. In general, the convergent point occurred after the maximum instantaneous leaf lamina accumulation rate and before the maximum instantaneous accumulation rate of pseudo-stem + sheath and senescent material. Conclusions We suggest the existence of a convergent point in which both primary and secondary production of pastoral ecosystems could be fostered, potentially reconciling the fundamental ecological dilemma of grazing systems.
The effects of adding glucocorticosteroids to standard care for children with sepsis. A systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Korang Steven Kwasi , Safi Sanam , Gluud Christian , Jakobsen Janus C 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Glucocorticosteroids are widely used to treat severe sepsis in pediatric intensive care units. However, the evidence on the clinical effects is unclear.Objective: To assess the benefits and harms of glucocorticosteroids for children with sepsis. Data Sources: We conducted a systematic review of randomized clinical trials with meta-analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) (PROSPERO CRD42017054341). We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, SCI-Expanded, and more. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials assessing the effects of adding glucocorticosteroids to standard care for children with sepsis. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data. Evidence was assessed by GRADE according to our published protocol.Data Synthesis: We included 24 trials randomizing 3073 participants. Meta-analyses showed no evidence of an effect of adding glucocorticosteroids for children with sepsis with a mixed focus for any of our outcomes. Meta-analyses suggested evidence of a beneficial effect of dexamethasone for children with meningitis when assessing serious adverse events (risk ratio (RR) 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 0.86; P = 0.001, very low certainty of evidence) and ototoxicity (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.88; P = 0.007, low certainty of evidence). TSAs showed that we did not have sufficient data to confirm or reject these results. We found insufficient evidence to confirm or reject an effect on mortality or our other outcomes. No trials reported quality of life or organ failure. Most trials were at high risks of bias. We found high clinical heterogeneity between participants. None of our TSAs showed benefits, harms or futility. Conclusions: Generally, we found no evidence of an effect of glucocorticosteroids for children with sepsis without meningitis. Dexamethasone for sepsis in children due to meningitis may decrease serious adverse events and ototoxicity.
Physiological Effects of Different Stubble Height and Freeze-Thaw Stress on Secale cereale L. Seedlings
Authors: Zhang Longtian , Bao Guozhang , Zhang Mengyu , Yu Zihang , Guan Tao , Li Jingwen , Su Yidan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: As a biennial plant, Secale cereale L is usually harvested in the autumn in the northern part of China where the temperature difference between day and night is of great disparity Through the pot experiment, the seedlings were cut to 2, 6 and 10 cm stubble height, and the simulated freeze-thaw (FT) stress (10/-5℃) was carried out after 6 days regrowth. The physiological effects of FT with different stubble height were revealed by analyzing the relative water content (RWC), osmotic adjustment substance concentration (soluble sugar and protein), membrane peroxidation (MDA) and catalase (CAT) activity. Results: The results demonstrated that under freeze stress (-5℃), the content of soluble protein and MDA decreased and the seedlings of 2 cm treatment kept higher level of soluble protein and MDA, while the seedlings of 6 and 10 cm treatments kept higher level of the RWC, soluble sugar content, and CAT activity. After FT stress, the content of soluble sugar and protein, RWC in the 6 cm treatment were higher than those in 2 cm and 10 cm treatments, and the CAT activity in 10 cm treatment was the highest while the MDA content is lower.Conclusion: These data suggest that keeping high stubble height is more adaptive for short-term FT stress.
Social Isolation, Inflammation, and Cancer Mortality from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - A Study of 3,446 Women
Authors: Koh-Bell Alexander , Chan Joshua , Mann Amandeep K. , Kapp Daniel S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background To evaluate the relationships of social isolation, inflammatory biomarkers, and cancer mortality among women.Methods Data were abstracted from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988-1994. The Social Network Index was used to assess participants’ degree of social isolation. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were included as markers of inflammation. We used the National Death Index to identify causes and dates of mortality. Chi-square and multivariable Cox regressions were employed for statistical analyses.Results Of 3,446 women (median age: 55 years), the most isolated, very isolated, somewhat isolated, and not isolated comprised 14.5%, 30.3%, 37.0%, and 18.2% of the sample, respectively. The most isolated participants were more likely to have low income (57.1% vs 12.2 %, p<0.001), have fewer years of education (40.6% vs 12.2%; p<0.001), have low physical activity (27.3% vs 14.6%; p<0.003), be obese (32.3% vs 24.2%; p=0.02), and be current smokers (33.8% vs 10.2 %; p<0.001) compared to the not isolated ones. Mean fibrinogen levels increased with degree of social isolation (p=0.02), but C-reactive protein showed no association (p=0.58). Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated higher cancer mortality rates among participants with elevated fibrinogen levels, though not statistically significant (p=0.07). Furthermore, there was no correlation between social isolation and cancer mortality (p=0.55). On multivariate analysis, obesity (HR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.83; p=0.02) and lower education (HR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.04-2.11; p=0.03) were independent predictors for cancer mortality, while high physical activity predicted for lower mortality from cancer (HR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91; p=0.01). However, social isolation was not a predictor (p=0.88).Conclusion Social isolation among women was associated with an increased level of fibrinogen, but not associated with cancer mortality. The relationship between inflammation and cancer mortality warrants further investigation.
ADAPT: A Smart Mask for Active Defense Against Air-Borne Pathogens
Authors: Kalavakonda Rohan Reddy , Masna Naren Vikram Raj , Mandal Soumyajit , Bhunia Swarup 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Face masks are a primary preventive measure against airborne pathogens. Thus, they have become one of the keys to controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Common examples, including N95 masks, surgical masks, and face coverings, are passive devices that minimize the spread of suspended pathogens by inserting an aerosol-filtering barrier between the user’s nasal and oral cavities and the environment. However, the filtering process does not adapt to changing pathogen levels or other environmental factors, which reduces its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This paper addresses the limitations of passive masks by proposing ADAPT, a smart IoT-enabled “active mask”. This wearable device contains a real-time closed-loop control system that senses airborne particles of different sizes near the mask by using an on-board particulate matter (PM) sensor. It then intelligently mitigates the threat by using mist spray, generated by a piezoelectric actuator, to load nearby aerosol particles such that they rapidly fall to the ground. The system is controlled by an on-board micro-controller unit (MCU) that collects sensor data, analyzes it, and activates the mist generator as necessary. A custom smartphone application enables the user to remotely control the device and also receive real-time alerts related to recharging, refilling, and/or decontamination of the mask before reuse. Experimental results on a working prototype confirm that aerosol clouds rapidly fall to the ground when the mask is activated, thus significantly reducing PM counts near the user. Also, usage of the mask significantly increases local relative humidity (RH) levels.
The Dark Side of Nighttime All-Terrain Vehicle Use
Authors: Jennissen Charles Anthony , Stange Nicholas R , Fjeld AnnaMarie , Denning Gerene M 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Driving at night is considered a risk factor for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crashes and injuries but few studies have addressed this issue. Our objective was to compare daytime and nighttime ATV crashes to better understand the potential risk factors associated with riding at night. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on Iowa ATV-related crashes and injuries from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2019 using four statewide datasets: the Iowa Department of Transportation (2002-2019), the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (2002-2019), the Iowa State Trauma Registry (2002-2018) and Iowa newspaper clippings (2009-2019). A standardized coding system was developed, and matching records were identified using Link Plus®. Descriptive (frequencies) and bivariate (chi-square, Fishers exact test) analyses were performed using VassarStats (Statistical Computation Website).ResultsAmong crash victims where light conditions were documented (2125/3752, 57%), about one-quarter (485/2125, 23%) were injured at night. Nighttime crash victims were less likely youth (14% vs. 30%, p<0.0001), less likely to be wearing helmets (11% vs. 18%, p=0.003), and less frequently involved in motor vehicle crashes (7% vs. 14%, p<0.0001) as compared to daytime victims. Nighttime victims were also more likely to be passengers (22% vs. 15%, p=0.002), to test positive for alcohol (44% vs. 13% in adults, p<0.0001), and to be injured on a roadway (53% vs. 45%, p=0.007) and on weekends (76% vs. 63%, p<0.0001). Numerous differences between daytime and nighttime characteristics were observed for males, females, and adults, whereas most characteristics were similar for youth. The severity of injuries and proportion of fatalities were similar among daytime and nighttime crash victims.ConclusionsNighttime crash victims, particularly adults, were characterized by more frequent risky behaviors like carrying passengers, roadway riding, alcohol use, and lack of helmets. Whereas the frequency of risky behaviors among youth was similar for daytime and nighttime crashes, these behaviors put children at potential risk for injury. Multi-factorial, targeted injury prevention strategies are needed, including improved vehicle design, education about the dangers of nighttime operation, and passage and enforcement of ATV safety laws. Particularly relevant to our study are laws that prohibit nighttime riding.
Identification of Lipid Biomarkers for Skeletal Tuberculosis Using an Untargeted Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Li Qing , Fan Jun , Xue Yi , Huo Fengmin , Shang Yuanyuan , Qin Shibing , Pang Yu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe identification of novel biomarkers in the human body is urgently needed to improve diagnosis and the clinical management of skeletal tuberculosis (STB). This study aimed to identify potential lipid markers to differentiate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection from other infections, and establish a metabolite biomarker panel suitable for STB diagnosis from abscess samples.MethodsParticipants were recruited from Beijing Chest Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. Abscess specimens were collected from STB patients and patients diagnosed with other skeletal infections. Then we comparatively explored the lipid metabolomes of abscess specimens from STB and non-STB patients using untargeted lipid metabolomics approach.ResultsA total of 957 features in ESI + mode and 584 in ESI– mode were extracted from the lipidomic data. Among 1541 lipid metabolites, 55 lipid metabolites were significantly changed in STB patients compared to the control group. Significant up-regulation was clearly visualized in phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, lysophatidylinositols, lysophosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylethanolamine. Concomitantly, triacylglycerols and phosphatidylcholines were significantly down-regulated in patients affected by STB. It is worth noting that the two down-regulated monoacyl chain phosphatidylcholine, triacylglycerols and one up-regulated LPE showed excellent diagnostic potential, the AUC values of which were higher than 0.9 and the highest value was 1.0. Conclusions﻿To conclude, our data firstly characterize the lipid signatures of abscess specimens from STB patients. The LPEs are significantly upregulated in the STB cases than those in non-STB control, whereas phosphocholines and triacylglycerol are markedly downregulated in the STB cases. The panel of five lipid biomarkers exhibits great capacity for differential diagnosis of STB and non-TB cases.
Wild type Bacillus subtilis treated with ethyl methyl sulphonate produced catabolite insensitive mutants with improved cellulase production
Authors: Olaniyi Oladipo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The goal of this present investigation was to mutagenize Bacillus subtilis with Ethyl Methyl Sulphonate (EMS), screen the mutants for cellulase production and evaluate the influence of different glucose concentrations on their cellulase production potentials. The wild type B. subtilis was treated with 20, 40, 60 and 80 µl of EMS and the mutants generated were screened for cellulase production in minimal salt medium containing carboxylmethylcellulose (CMC) as the carbon source. Quantitatively, cellulase activity and protein contents were determined by dinitrosalicylic acid and Lowry methods respectively. Seven mutants were developed from each of the EMS concentration bringing the total to twenty-eight from all the concentrations. Approximately 14 and 57% of the mutants developed from 40 and 60µl of EMS had higher cellulase activities than the wild type, while none of the mutants developed from 20 and 80 µl of EMS had better activities than the wild type. The supplementation of 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% glucose in enzyme production medium caused approximately 100, 14, 29 and 14% cellulase repression respectively in the mutants developed from 60µl EMS. Mutants MSSS02 and MSSS05 were considered as catabolite insensitive mutants because their cellulase production were enhanced in comparison to wild type.
Simultaneous Bilateral Oculoplastic Surgical Simulation
Authors: Ma Andre , Chan Karen Kar Wun , Yuen Hunter Kwok Lai , Chong Kelvin Kam Lung 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PurposeThe current crisis of COVID-19 has reduced training opportunities for many ophthalmology residents. This study describes a model of simultaneous bilateral cadaveric surgical simulation for oculoplastic trainees as means to maximise training outcomes in a time- and resource-limited setting. MethodsA total of fourteen participants were included. Bilateral oculoplastic simulation were performed by two trainees assigned to a human cadaver at the same time. One participant started with transethmoidal endoscopic medial wall decompression over one side while another participant learned transcutaneous lateral wall decompression over the other eye, both under the direct supervision of a single experienced oculoplastic trainer. The number of orbital decompression surgeries performed, and participants’ rating of their learning progress and satisfaction with this simulation model were reported. ResultsThe fourteen participants included five ophthalmic residents (34%) and nine oculoplastic fellows (64%). Each participant completed one endoscopic medial and one lateral wall orbital decompression within 4 hours, hence a total four decompression surgeries was performed per human cadaver. Most (88%) participants agreed that simultaneous bilateral learning was preferred over the conventional and sequential unilateral simulation as it offered more hands-on time especially in a setting of limited time, cadavers and operative instruments. All (100%) would recommend fellow ophthalmic trainees to this type of simulation workshop.ConclusionIn this pilot study, simultaneous bilateral surgical simulation using human cadaver maximises the individual learning opportunity and was well received by all participants. It is an effective and resourceful model especially useful for oculoplastic training.