bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating Vitamin D levels status and clinical prognostic indices in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ricci Alberto , Pagliuca Alessandra , D’Ascanio Michela , Innammorato Marta , De Vitis Claudia , Mancini Rita , Giovagnoli Simonetta , Facchiano Francesco , Sposato Bruno , Anibaldi Paolo , Marcolongo Adriano , De Dominicis Chiara , Laghi Andrea , Muscogiuri Emanuele , Sciacchitano Salvatore 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Several immune mechanisms activate in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Usually, coronavirus infection is characterized by dysregulated host immune responses, interleukine-6 increase, hyper-activation of cytotoxic CD8 T lymphocytes. Interestingly, Vitamin D deficiency has been often associated with altered immune responses and infections. In the present study, we evaluated Vitamin D plasma levels in patients affected with different lung involvement during COVID-19 infection.

Methods
Lymphocyte phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry. Thoracic CT scan involvement was obtained by an image analysis program.

Results
Vitamin D levels were deficient in (80%) of patients, insufficient in (6.5%) and normal in (13.5%). Patients with very low Vitamin D plasma levels had more elevated D-Dimer values, a more elevated B lymphocyte cell count, a reduction of CD8 + T lymphocytes with a low CD4/CD8 ratio, more compromised clinical findings (measured by LIPI and SOFA scores) and thoracic CT scan involvement.

Conclusions
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with compromised inflammatory responses and higher pulmonary involvement in COVID-19 affected patients. Vitamin D assessment, during COVID-19 infection, could be a useful analysis for possible therapeutic interventions.
Trial registration: 'retrospectively registered'.
Evaluation and optimisation of direct transesterification methods for the assessment of lipid accumulation in oleaginous filamentous fungi
Authors: Langseter Anne Marie , Dzurendova Simona , Shapaval Volha , Kohler Achim , Ekeberg Dag , Zimmermann Boris 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Oleaginous filamentous fungi can accumulate large amount of cellular lipids and potentially serve as a major source of oleochemicals for food, feed, chemical, pharmaceutical, and transport industries. Transesterification of microbial oils is an essential step in microbial lipid production at both laboratory and industrial scale. Direct transesterification can considerably reduce costs, increase sample throughput and improve lipid yields (in particular fatty acid methyl esters, FAMEs). There is a need for the assessment of the direct transesterification methods on a biomass of filamentous fungi due to their unique properties, specifically resilient cell wall and wide range of lipid content and composition. In this study we have evaluated and optimised three common direct transesterification methods and assessed their suitability for processing of fungal biomass.

Results
The methods, based on hydrochloric acid (Lewis method), sulphuric acid (Wahlen method), and acetyl chloride (Lepage method), were evaluated on six different strains of Mucoromycota fungi by using different internal standards for gas chromatography measurements. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used for the detection of residual lipids in the biomass after the transesterification reaction/extraction, while transesterification efficiency was evaluated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results show that the majority of lipids, in particular triglycerides, were extracted for all methods, though several methods had substandard transesterification yields. Lewis method, optimised with respect to solvent to co-solvent ratio and reaction time, as well as Lepage method, offer precise estimate of FAME-based lipids in fungal biomass.

Conclusions
The results show that Lepage and Lewis methods are suitable for lipid analysis of oleaginous filamentous fungi. The significant difference in lipid yields results, obtained by optimised and standard Lewis methods, indicates that some of the previously reported lipid yields for oleaginous filamentous fungi must be corrected upwards. The study demonstrates value of biomass monitoring by FTIR, importance of optimal solvent to co-solvent ratio, as well as careful selection and implementation of internal standards for gas chromatography.
Scoping review of the World Health Organization’s underlying equity discourses: apparent ambiguities, inadequacy, and contradictions
Authors: Amri Michelle M. , Jessiman-Perreault Geneviève , Siddiqi Arjumand , O’Campo Patricia , Enright Theresa , Di Ruggiero Erica 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and objectiveGiven the heightened rhetorical prominence the World Health Organization has afforded to equity in the past half-century, it is important to better understand how equity has been referred to and its conceptual underpinning, which may have broader global implications.Eligibility criteriaArticles were included if they met inclusion criteria — chiefly the explicit discussion of the WHO’s concept of health equity, for example in terms of conceptualization and/or definitions. Articles which mentioned health equity in the context of WHO’s programs, policies, and so on, but did not discuss its conceptualization or definition were excluded.Sources of evidenceWe focused on peer-reviewed literature by scanning Ovid MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, and supplementing by hand-search.ResultsResults demonstrate the WHO has held — and continues to hold — ambiguous, inadequate, and contradictory views of equity that are rooted in different theories of social justice.ConclusionsMoving forward, the WHO should revaluate its conceptualization of equity and normative position, and align its work with Amartya Sen’s Capabilities Approach, as it best encapsulates the broader views of the organization. Further empirical research is needed to assess the WHO interpretations and approaches to equity.
The effect of vitamin C on procalcitonin biomarker in community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Nikzad Mahsa , Banafshe Hamid Reza , Momen-Heravi Mansooreh , Haddad Kashani Hamed , Shiehmorteza Maryam 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionCommunity acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent low respiratory infection. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, radiologic evidence and culture. Biomarkers such as IL6, CRP and procalcitonin are helpful in diagnosis. Procalcitonin is a soluble biomarker in serum that increase in systemic inflammation and bacterial infections. People with normal procalcitonin have low risk to infect pneumonia. Patient with CAP have more oxidative stress than normal people. Studies show that receiving vitamin C can reduce incidence of pneumonia. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplement on procalcitonin biomarker in patient with CAP.MethodsPatients with CAP who passed inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining informed consent, were assigned randomly in two groups of drug and placebo. The drug group received vitamin C (1000 mg/d) daily and medications that physician prescribed for treating CAP for 10 days and placebo group received placebo and medications that physician prescribed. The serum level of procalcitonin was measured at the beginning of the study and after 10 days of intervention.Results35 patients finished the study. Serum level of procalcitonin on the first and tenth day did not show any significant difference between drug and placebo groups.ConclusionsTo clarify the relationship between the effects of vitamin C on procalcitonin in CAP, a larger sample size is required.
Knockdown of Circ_SLC39A8 protects against the progression of osteoarthritis by regulating miR-591/IRAK3 axis
Authors: Yu Jizhe , Qin Yushuang , Zhou Naxin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been identified in various human diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to identify the role and mechanism of circ_SLC39A8 in regulating the progression of OA.

Methods
The expression levels of circ_SLC39A8, miR-591, and its potential target gene, interleukin-1-receptor-associated kinase 3 (IRAK3), were identified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The relationship between miR-591 and circ_SLC39A8 or IRAK3 was predicted by bioinformatics tools and verified by dual-luciferase reporter.

Results
Circ_SLC39A8 and IRAK3 were upregulated and miR-591 was downregulated in OA cartilage tissues. Knockdown of circ_SLC39A8 inhibited apoptosis and inflammation in OA chondrocytes, while these effects were reversed by downregulating miR-591. Promotion cell viability effects of miR-591 were partially reversed by IRAK3 overexpression.

Conclusion
Our findings indicated that knockdown of circ_SLC39A8 delayed the progression of OA via modulating the miR-591-IRAK3 axis, providing new insight into the molecular mechanisms of OA pathogenesis.
Prevention and management of physical health conditions in adults with severe mental disorders: WHO recommendations
Authors: Gronholm Petra C. , Chowdhary Neerja , Barbui Corrado , Das-Munshi Jayati , Kolappa Kavitha , Thornicroft Graham , Semrau Maya , Dua Tarun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
People with severe mental disorders (SMD) experience premature mortality mostly from preventable physical causes. The World Health Organization (WHO) have recently produced guidelines on the prevention and management of physical health conditions in SMD. This paper presents the evidence which led to the recommendations presented in the guidelines.

Methods
The work followed the methodological principles for WHO guideline development. Systematic reviews in relation to the treatment of seven key priority physical health conditions and associated risk factors in persons with SMD were systematically sourced. The quality of this evidence was assessed, and compiled into evidence profiles. Existing guidelines and treatment recommendations were also considered. Based on this information, specific recommendations were developed on the prevention and management of physical health conditions and their risk factors amongst people with SMD.

Results
Nineteen recommendations were made in relation to the seven key priority physical health conditions and risk factors, alongside best practice statements for each condition. A mixture of conditional and strong recommendations were made, the quality of evidence underpinning these was generally low or very low. This is owing to the dearth of direct evidence relating to people living with SMD and comorbidities.

Conclusions
This paper presents evidence-based recommendations to prevent and manage physical health conditions in people with SMD. The recommendations are designed to inform policy makers, healthcare providers as well as other stakeholders about what they can do to improve the management of physical health conditions in adults with SMD and support the promotion of individual health behaviors to reduce the risk factors for these conditions. If implemented, these recommendations can improve the care that people with SMD receive for their physical health conditions in an equitable and person-centered manner, so that in future in relation to premature mortality ‘no-one is left behind’.
Evaluating the latent structure of the non-social domain of autism in autistic adults
Authors: Grove Rachel , Begeer Sander , Scheeren Anke M. , Weiland Ricarda F. , Hoekstra Rosa A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe social domain of autism has been studied in depth, but the relationship between the non-social traits of autism has received less attention. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines four criteria that make up the non-social domain including repetitive motor movements, insistence on sameness, restricted interests and sensory sensitivity. There is a lack of research into the relationship between these four criteria. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the non-social traits of autism in a large sample of autistic adults. It explored whether these traits are best conceptualised as four distinct factors, or exist along a single dimension.MethodsParticipants included autistic adults from the Netherlands Autism Register. The four components identified within the DSM-5 non-social domain were measured by items from the Adult Routines Inventory, the Autism Spectrum Quotient short and the Sensory Perception Quotient short. Confirmatory factor analysis, as well as exploratory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modelling, was implemented to examine the relationship between these four criteria.ResultsResults indicated that a four-factor model provided the best fit, mapping onto the DSM-5 criteria. These four factors were moderately correlated, suggesting that four distinct, yet related factors best describe the non-social domain of autism. The one-factor model did not provide a good fit, highlighting that the non-social domain of autism is not a unitary construct.LimitationsThe study included autistic adults who were cognitively able to complete the self-report measures. This may limit the generalisability of the findings to those who are less able to do so.ConclusionsThis study provided evidence for the multidimensional nature of the non-social domain of autism. Given only two of the four criteria within the non-social domain need to be endorsed for a diagnosis of autism, there is room for substantial variation across individuals, who will have a unique profile within the non-social domain. The results have implications for our understanding of the heterogeneous nature of autistic traits, as well as for how we conceptualise autism as a diagnostic category. This is important for the provision of diagnosis and support within research and clinical practice.
The psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with autism: a survey study across three countries
Authors: Oomen Danna , Nijhof Annabel D. , Wiersema Jan R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have reported a negative psychological and mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This impact is likely to be stronger for people with autism as they are at heightened risk of mental health problems and because the pandemic directly affects social functioning and everyday routines. We therefore examined COVID-19 pandemic-related changes in mental health, the impact of the pandemic on their social life and routines, satisfaction with pandemic-related information and tips, and participants’ wishes for guidance.MethodsWe used a mixed-method approach, collecting quantitative and qualitative survey data from adults with and without autism across three European countries: Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK (N = 1044).ResultsWe found an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms in response to the pandemic for both the non-autism and the autism group, which was greater for adults with autism. Furthermore, adults with autism showed a greater increase in worries about their pets, work, getting medication and food, and their own safety/security. They felt more relieved from social stress, yet experienced the loss of social contact as difficult. Adults with autism also felt more stressed about the loss of routines. Pleasant changes noted by adults with autism were the increase in solidarity and reduced sensory and social overload. Adults with autism frequently reported problems with cancellation of guidance due to the pandemic and expressed their wish for (more) autism-specific information and advice.LimitationsOur sample is likely to reflect some degree of selection bias, and longitudinal studies are needed to determine long-term effects.ConclusionsResults highlight the psychological burden of the pandemic on adults with autism and shed light on how to support them during this COVID-19 pandemic, which is especially important now that the pandemic is likely to have a prolonged course. There is a need for accessible, affordable (continued) support from health services. Guidance may focus on the maintenance of a social network, and adjusting routines to the rapid ongoing changes. Finally, we may learn from the COVID-19 pandemic-related changes experienced as pleasant by adults with autism to build a more autism-friendly society post-pandemic.
A stem delphinidan from the Caribbean region of Venezuela
Authors: Benites-Palomino Aldo , Reyes-Cespedes Andres E. , Aguirre-Fernández Gabriel , Sánchez Rodolfo , Carrillo-Briceño Jorge D. , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe dense Miocene record of cetaceans is known from localities along the coasts of all continents, mostly in the northern Atlantic or the eastern Pacific regions, but Antarctica. Fossils from the Caribbean region are few and include of a couple of findings from Panama and Venezuela. Here, we report a partly complete skull from the Caujarao Formation (middle Miocene), Falcon State, Caribbean region of Venezuela. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that the Caujarao specimen is a ‘stem delphinidan’, a group that includes several taxa of early diverging odontocetes whose phylogenetic affinities remain a matter of debate. The fossil record has shown that this group of stem delphinidans was taxonomically diverse, but displayed a somewhat homogeneous cranial patterning, with most of the variations being found within the mandible or tympanoperiotic characters. As other stem delphinidans the Caujarao odontocete displays an enlarged temporal fossa and a fairly symmetrical cranium. Because the skull is missing several key diagnostic characters due to the preservation state of the specimen, a more precise taxonomic identification is not possible. Despite this, the finding of this specimen highlights the importance of the fossil record from the Neogene of Venezuela, and the importance of the area to understand cetacean evolution in the proto-Caribbean.
NMF-weighted SRP for multi-speaker direction of arrival estimation: robustness to spatial aliasing while exploiting sparsity in the atom-time domain
Authors: Thakallapalli Sushmita , Gangashetty Suryakanth V. , Madhu Nilesh 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLocalization of multiple speakers using microphone arrays remains a challenging problem, especially in the presence of noise and reverberation. State-of-the-art localization algorithms generally exploit the sparsity of speech in some representation for this purpose. Whereas the broadband approaches exploit time-domain sparsity for multi-speaker localization, narrowband approaches can additionally exploit sparsity and disjointness in the time-frequency representation. Broadband approaches are robust to spatial aliasing but do not optimally exploit the frequency domain sparsity, leading to poor localization performance for arrays with short inter-microphone distances. Narrowband approaches, on the other hand, are vulnerable to spatial aliasing, making them unsuitable for arrays with large inter-microphone spacing. Proposed here is an approach that decomposes a signal spectrum into a weighted sum of broadband spectral components (atoms) and then exploits signal sparsity in the time-atom representation for simultaneous multiple source localization. The decomposition into atoms is performed in situ using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) of the short-term amplitude spectra and the localization estimate is obtained via a broadband steered-response power (SRP) approach for each active atom of a time frame. This SRP-NMF approach thereby combines the advantages of the narrowband and broadband approaches and performs well on the multi-speaker localization task for a broad range of inter-microphone spacings. On tests conducted on real-world data from public challenges such as SiSEC and LOCATA, and on data generated from recorded room impulse responses, the SRP-NMF approach outperforms the commonly used variants of narrowband and broadband localization approaches in terms of source detection capability and localization accuracy.
Effects of Gamma-Ray Irradiation on Hardened Cement Mortar
Authors: Khmurovska Yuliia , Štemberk Petr , Sikorin Svyatoslav , Němeček Jiří , Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka Daria , Doleželová Magdaléna , Kaladkevich Yuliya , Pavalanski Eryk , Fatseyeu Viktar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe effect of gamma-ray irradiation on cement mortar properties is investigated in this study in order to understand the mechanism behind the strength and stiffness reduction, which may be significant according to the available researches. 60Co irradiation facility with the generating dose rate of 0.1–10 Gy/s and the total activity of 4.4·1015 Bq (120 kCi) was used to perform the irradiation, so that the total observed dose of the irradiated samples reached the values ranging from 12.0 to 15.0 MGy. An identical set of control samples was placed in the same laboratory conditions away from gamma radiation. The results of nanoindentation, X-ray diffraction analysis and mercury intrusion porosimetry of the irradiated and the control samples are shown and explained in detail in this study. The nanoindentation creep compliance and the nanoindentation elastic modulus of the irradiated and the control samples do not show any significant difference. The mineral composition obtained using the X-ray diffraction analysis of the irradiated and the control samples is also similar. The pore structure rearrangement and microcrack occurrence, which were evidenced by the mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy, led to the porosity increase and may be attributed to the significant decrease of compressive strength.
Statistical investigation of gravity wave characteristics in the ionosphere
Authors: Chum Jaroslav , Podolská Kateřina , Rusz Jan , Baše Jiří , Tedoradze Nikolai 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPropagation of medium-scale gravity waves (GWs) in the thermosphere/ionosphere is observed remotely, using multi-frequency and multi-point continuous Doppler sounding system located in the western part of Czechia. Reflection heights of the sounding radio waves are determined from a nearby ionosonde. Phase velocity vectors of GWs are calculated from time/phase delays between signals corresponding to different transmitter–receiver pairs that reflect in the ionosphere at different locations. As various frequencies reflect at different heights, reflection points of radio signals are separated both horizontally and vertically, and the investigation of GW propagation in the ionosphere is performed in three dimensions. Results obtained for two 1-year periods representing the solar maximum (July 2014–June 2015) and current solar minimum (September 2018–August 2019) are presented. It is shown that GWs in the ionosphere usually propagated with wave vectors directed obliquely downward. A statistical distribution of wave vector elevation angles is presented. A model of neutral winds is used to estimate the wave characteristics in the wind-rest frame. It is found that the distribution of elevation angles is narrower in the wind-rest frame than in the Earth frame. Seasonal and diurnal changes of propagation directions and attenuations of GWs are discussed. The wind-rest frame wavelengths of the analyzed GWs were usually from ~ 80 to 300 km, and the propagation velocities were mostly between ~ 100 and ~ 220 m/s.