bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enteric glial cells exert neuroprotection from hyperglycemia-induced damage via Akt/GSK3β pathway
Authors: Luo Pan , He Wen-Xi , Li Cai , Chang Mu-Jun 
Published: May 2021

Objective
Enteric glial cells (EGCs) can activate multiple pathways to inhibit the deleterious effects of acute and chronic insults. Our aim was to test the effect of EGCs on hyperglycemia-induced neuron damage and its underlying intracellular mechanisms.

Methods
A coculture model composed of EGCs and neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) was established to examine glial-mediated neuroprotection under high glucose conditions. The cell counting assay kit CCK-8 was used to measure cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), change of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. The expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin E2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, AKT, p-AKT, GSK-3β, and p-GSK-3β were tested using western blot.

Results
Exposure to high glucose (≥35 mM) reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Meanwhile, enhanced ROS generation and decrease of MMP were observed in SH-SY5Y cells when treated with high glucose. Furthermore, high glucose also caused SH-SY5Y cells arrest in G2 phase and apoptosis, accompanied by decreasing cyclin D1 and E2, and upregulating Bax and cleaved caspase-3. Coculture EGC lines or EGC-conditioned medium with SH-SY5Y prevented the neurotoxic effects. The p-AKT/AKT and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β ratios were dramatically decreased in SH-SY5Y cells after high glucose incubation, which was restored after coculture with EGCs.

Conclusions
EGCs can protect neurons from hyperglycemia-induced injury by activating the Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
Stress minimization for lattice structures. Part I: Micro-structure design
Authors: Ferrer A. , Geoffroy-Donders P. , Allaire G. 
Published: May 2021

Lattice structures are periodic porous bodies which are becoming popular since they are a good compromise between rigidity and weight and can be built by additive manufacturing techniques. Their optimization has recently attracted some attention, based on the homogenization method, mostly for compliance minimization. The goal of our two-part work is to extend lattice optimization to stress minimization problems two-dimensionally. The present first part is devoted to the choice of a parametrized periodicity cell that will be used for structural optimization in the second part of our work. In order to avoid stress concentration, we propose a square cell microstructure with a super-ellipsoidal hole instead of the standard rectangular hole often used for compliance minimization. This type of cell is parametrized two-dimensionally by one orientation angle, two semi-axis and a corner smoothing parameter. We first analyse their influence on the stress amplification factor by performing some numerical experiments. Second, we compute the optimal corner smoothing parameter for each possible microstructure and macroscopic stress. Then, we average (with specific weights) the optimal smoothing exponent with respect to the macroscopic stress. Finally, to validate the results, we compare our optimal super-ellipsoidal hole with the Vigdergauz microstructure which is known to be optimal for stress minimization in some special cases.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topics in mathematical design of complex materials’.
Some open problems in the theory of composites
Authors: Milton Graeme W. 
Published: May 2021

A selection of open problems in the theory of composites is presented. Particular attention is drawn to the question of whether two-dimensional, two-phase composites with general geometries have the same set of possible effective tensors as those of hierarchical laminates. Other questions involve the conductivity and elasticity of composites. Finally, some future directions for wave and other equations are mentioned.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topics in mathematical design of complex materials’.
Mathematical problems of nematic liquid crystals: between dynamical and stationary problems
Authors: Zarnescu Arghir 
Published: May 2021

Mathematical studies of nematic liquid crystals address in general two rather different perspectives: that of fluid mechanics and that of calculus of variations. The former focuses on dynamical problems while the latter focuses on stationary ones. The two are usually studied with different mathematical tools and address different questions. The aim of this brief review is to give the practitioners in each area an introduction to some of the results and problems in the other area. Also, aiming to bridge the gap between the two communities, we will present a couple of research topics that generate natural connections between the two areas.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Topics in mathematical design of complex materials’.
ACTIVATE-2: A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED TRIAL OF BCG VACCINATION AGAINST COVID19 IN INDIVIDUALS AT RISK
Authors: Tsilika Maria , Taks Esther , Dolianitis Konstantinos , Kotsaki Antigone , Leventogiannis Konstantinos , Damoulari Christina , Kostoula Maria , Paneta Maria , Adamis Georgios , Papanikolaou Ilias C. , Stamatelopoulos Kimon , Bolanou Amalia , Katsaros Konstantinos , Delavinia Christina , Perdios Ioannis , Pandi Aggeliki , Tsiakos Konstantinos , Proios Nektarios , Kalogianni Emmanouela , Delis Ioannis , Skliros Efstathios , Akinosoglou Karolina , Perdikouli Aggeliki , Poulakou Garyfallia , Milionis Haralampos , Athanassopoulou Eva , Kalpaki Eleftheria , Efstratiou Leda , Perraki Varvara , Papadopoulos Antonios , Netea Mihai G. , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. 
Published: May 2021

SUMMARYBCG vaccination induces heterologous protection against respiratory tract infections, and in children improves survival independently of tuberculosis prevention. The phase III ACTIVATE-2 study assessed whether BCG could also protect against COVID19 in the elderly. In this double-blind, randomized trial, elderly Greek patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either BCG revaccination or placebo at hospital discharge, followed by 6 months observation for incidence of COVID19 infection. BCG revaccination resulted in 68% risk reduction for total COVID19 clinical and microbiological diagnoses (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.13-0.79). Five patients in the placebo group and one in the BCG-vaccinated group had severe COVID19 that necessitated hospitalization. 3 months after BCG vaccination 1.3% of placebo and 4.7% of BCG-vaccinated volunteers had anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. These data argue that BCG revaccination is safe and protects the elderly against COVID19. BCG revaccination may represent a viable preventive measure against COVID19.
Aerosol transport measurements and assessment of risk from infectious aerosols: a case study of two German cash-and-carry hardware/DIY stores
Authors: Hejazi Bardia , Schlenczek Oliver , Thiede Birte , Bagheri Gholamhossein , Bodenschatz Eberhard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe report experimental results on aerosol dispersion in two large German cash- and-carry hardware/DIY stores to better understand the factors contributing to disease transmission by infectious human aerosols in large indoor environments. We examined the transport of aerosols similar in size to human respiratory aerosols (0.3 µm–10 µm) in representative locations, such as high-traffic areas and restrooms. In restrooms, the observed decay of aerosol concentrations was consistent with well-mixed air exchange. In all other locations, fast decay times were measured, which were found to be independent of aerosol size (typically a few minutes). From this, we conclude that in the main retail areas, including at checkouts, rapid turbulent mixing and advection is the dominant feature in aerosol dynamics. With this, the upper bound of risk for airborne disease transmission to a susceptible is determined by direct exposure to the exhalation cloud of an infectious. For the example of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we find when speaking without a face mask and aerosol sizes up to an exhalation (wet) diameter of 50 µm, a distance of 1.5 m to be unsafe. However, at the smallest distance between an infectious and a susceptible, while wearing typical surgical masks and for all sizes of exhaled aerosol, the upper bound of infection risk is only ∼5% and decreases further by a factor of 100 (∼0.05%) for typical FFP2 masks for a duration of 20 min. This upper bound is very conservative and we expect the actual risk for typical encounters to be much lower. The risks found here are comparable to what might be expected in calm outdoor weather.
Unawareness for chronic kidney disease is high in all stages, age groups and comorbidities – and higher in women than in men
Authors: Stolpe Susanne , Kowall Bernd , Scholz Christian , Stang Andreas , Blume Cornelia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events, hospitalizations or mortality. In populations aged ≥40 years, CKD is as prevalent as diabetes or coronary heart disease. Awareness for CKD though is generally low in public, patients and physicians, which hinders early diagnosis and treatment to decelerate disease progress.MethodWe analyzed baseline data collected in 2010 from 3,334 participants with CKD stages 1-5 from German CKD cohorts and registries. CKD unawareness and 95%-confidence intervals (CI) was estimated according to patients’ answer to the question whether they had ever been told to suffer from a CKD. Prevalence ratios (PR) with 95%-CI were estimated in categories of age, sex, CKD stages, BMI, hypertension, diabetes and other relevant comorbidities.ResultsCKD unawareness was high, reaching 82% (95% CI: 80%-84%) for CKD stages 1 or 2, 71% (68%-73%) in CKD 3a, 49% (45%-54%) in CKD 3b and still 30% (24%-36%) in CKD4, in each stage increasing with age. CKD unawareness was similarly high in patients with hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular comorbidities. Women were more often unaware than men (PR=1.07 (1.02;1.12)), this sex difference increased with increasing CKD stage. Macroalbuminuria (PR=0.90 (0.82; 1.00)), anemia (PR=0.78 (0.73; 0.83)) and BMI ≥40 (PR=0.88 (0.77; 1.00)) were associated with higher CKD awareness.ConclusionEven in older patients or in patients with comorbidities, CKD unawareness was high. Sex differences were largest in later stages. Guideline oriented treatment of patients with hypertension or diabetes could increase awareness. Patient-physician communication about CKD might be amendable.
Conflicts of Interest of Pediatric Journal Authors
Authors: Petlansky Rebecca L , Bekoe-Tabiri Amadea D , Bueno Vanessa N , Onwuka AnnMarie N , Gionfriddo Michael R , Piper Brian J 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Physician Payments Sunshine Act requires disclosure of payments made by drug and medical device manufacturers to physicians or teaching hospitals. Academic literature extensively documents gender disparities in the medical profession with regard to salary, promotion, and government funded research. This investigation sought to quantify potential conflicts of interest (CoIs) in pediatric medical journals, specifically examining sex differences. To identify potential CoIs, we examined manuscripts published prior to 2019 in six pediatric journals (JAMA Pediatrics, Pediatrics, The Journal of Pediatrics, Pediatric Blood and Cancer, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, and The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal). We collected physician demographics and specialty from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System National Provider Identifier Registry and compensation data from both ProPublica’s Dollars for Docs (PDD) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payments (CMSOP). Data was collected on 2,747 authors from 929 manuscripts. Of the 1,088 authors based in the United States with medical degrees (40.5% female), 510 (46.9%) had entries in PDD and CMSOP. Overall, 11,791 payments to these physician-authors totaled $9,586,089.97. Males were 19.6% more likely to receive payments (RR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.05, 1.37], p = 0.008). The mean amount received by males was $23,250.71 while that received by females was $10,970.78 (mean difference = 12,279.92, 95% CI = (2036.31, 22,523.54), p = 0.019). A comprehensive understanding of these CoIs can inform the disclosure policies of journals to promote transparency of authors.
DNA Methyltransferase 1 and 3a Expression in the Frontal Cortex Regulates Palatable Food Consumption
Authors: Manjegowda Mohan C , Joy-Gaba Jonathan , Wengert Eric , Saga Anusha U. , Warthen Daniel , Kuchler Amelie , Gaykema Ronald , Patel Manoj K. , Sheffield Nathan C. , Scott Michael M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDNA methylation is an important regulatory mechanism in the control of neuronal function. Both during development and following exposure to salient stimuli, plasticity in the methylation of cytosine residues leads to a change in neuron excitability that subsequently sculpts animal behavior. However, although the response of DNA methyltransferase enzymes in adult neurons to stimuli such as drugs of abuse have been described, less is known about how these enzymes regulate methylation at specific loci to change the drive to ingest natural rewards. Specifically, we do not understand how changes in methylation within important brain areas known to regulate palatable food intake can affect ingestion, while a detailed investigation of the neurophysiological and genomic effects of perturbing methyltransferase function has not been pursued. By deleting DNA methyltransferase 1 and 3a in the mouse prefrontal cortex, we observed the requirement for these enzymes in the regulation of nutrient rich food consumption in the absence of any effect on the intake of low fat and low sugar chow. We also determined that the deletion profoundly affected neuron excitability within pyramidal cells resident in superficial layers II/III of the cortex but had little effect in deep layer V neurons. Finally, reduced representation bisulfite sequencing revealed both hypo and hypermethylation in response to methyltransferase deletion, an effect that was observed in binding sites for retinoic acid receptor beta (RARβ) located within regulatory regions of genes known to affect neuronal function. Together, our data suggest that alterations in the actions of RARβ could shift neuronal activity to reduce palatable food intake.
Study of compatibility and determination of the suitable pollinizer for Argane tree (Argania spinosaL.)
Authors: Aabd Naima Ait , Tahiri Abdelghani , Mimouni Abdelaziz , Bouharroud Rachid 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDuring the breeding program studies, the pollen donor parents (pollinizers) were observed to be characterized by a strong flowering rate and very low fruit set, even after hand pollination. Then the notion of pollinizers in the argane species was born, first mentioned, checked, documented and confirmed like other conventional tree species. Since the argane tree is completely self-incompatible, the presence of compatible pollinizers is necessary for the fruit set. Indeed, pollinizers need to be selected accurately based on the synchronization of bloom periods and compatibility to receiver trees (female). The pollinizer is essential in any breeding program and for new orchard plantations. The current study was conducted on 13 argane genotypes including two pollinizers. The flowering period, bloom phenology, floral structure and fruit set of crossed genotypes were monitored, illustrated and a season phenogram was established. The pollen viability and germination were also evaluated. In order to test compatibility, the hand pollination using two selected pollinizer pollens was compared to open pollination. Then, the compatibility system was monitored and evaluated through analysis of crossing diallel programs and through the index of self-incompatibility. The flowering periods are genotype depending and one to three blooms have been observed during the two years study (2018-2019) and the argane tree is a tristylous species (Mesostylous, brevistylous and longistylous flowers). Thein vitrotests showed that the pollen originated from crossed genotypes were viable and able to germinate. The cross-compatibility rate depends on cross associations and it varies from 39 to 84 %. In fact, this study showed that the effect of pollen-parent (xenia) occurs in all fruit components of argane tree. It was observed, for the first time, that both compatible pollinizers and xenic effects of pollen on argane fruit have occurred. Artificial pollination is currently feasible for breeding programs and the screening of elite genotypes. Then the selected pollinizer is quite required for the development of argane tree cropping.HighlightsPollinizers in the argane species first mentionedPollinizer is essential in any breeding program and for new orchard plantationsArgane tree is self-incompatiblePollen-parent effect, (xenia) occurs in all fruit components of argane tree
Unsupervised explainable AI for the collective analysis of a massive number of genome sequences: various examples from the small genome of pandemic SARS-CoV-2 to the human genome
Authors: Ikemura Toshimichi , Iwasaki Yuki , Wada Kennosuke , Wada Yoshiko , Abe Takashi 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTIn genetics and related fields, huge amounts of data, such as genome sequences, are accumulating, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) suitable for big data analysis has become increasingly important. Unsupervised AI that can reveal novel knowledge from big data without prior knowledge or particular models is highly desirable for analyses of genome sequences, particularly for obtaining unexpected insights. We have developed a batch-learning self-organizing map (BLSOM) for oligonucleotide compositions that can reveal various novel genome characteristics. Here, we explain the data mining by the BLSOM: unsupervised and explainable AI. As a specific target, we first selected SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) because a large number of the viral genome sequences have been accumulated via worldwide efforts. We analyzed more than 0.6 million sequences collected primarily in the first year of the pandemic. BLSOMs for short oligonucleotides (e.g., 4~6-mers) allowed separation into known clades, but longer oligonucleotides further increased the separation ability and revealed subgrouping within known clades. In the case of 15-mers, there is mostly one copy in the genome; thus, 15-mers appeared after the epidemic start could be connected to mutations. Because BLSOM is an explainable AI, BLSOM for 15-mers revealed the mutations that contributed to separation into known clades and their subgroups. After introducing the detailed methodological strategies, we explained BLSOMs for various topics. The tetranucleotide BLSOM for over 5 million 5-kb fragment sequences derived from almost all microorganisms currently available and its use in metagenome studies. We also explained BLSOMs for various eukaryotes, such as fishes, frogs and Drosophila species, and found a high separation ability among closely related species. When analyzing the human genome, we found evident enrichments in transcription factor-binding sequences (TFBSs) in centromeric and pericentromeric heterochromatin regions. The tDNAs (tRNA genes) were separated by the corresponding amino acid.
Retrospective screening for SARS-CoV-2 among 5,800 hospitalizations related to influenza-like illness during the 2018-19 pre-pandemic and 2019-2020 pandemic influenza seasons in the VAHNSI network, Spain
Authors: Mira-Iglesias Ainara , Mengual-Chuliá Beatriz , Cano Laura , García-Rubio Javier , Tortajada-Girbés Miguel , Carballido-Fernández Mario , Mollar-Maseres Juan , Schwarz-Chavarri Germán , García-Esteban Sandra , Puig-Barberà Joan , Díez-Domingo Javier , López-Labrador F. Xavier ,   for the Valencia Hospital Network for the Study of Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Disease
Published: May 2021

AbstractOn March 9 2020 the WHO Global Influenza Program (GIP) asked participant sites on the Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network (GIHSN) to contribute to data collection concerning severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We re-analysed 5,833 viral RNA archived samples collected prospectively from hospital admissions for influenza-like illness (ILI) in the Valencia Region of Spain by the VAHNSI network (4 hospitals, catchment area population 1,118,732) during the prepandemic 2018/2019 (n=4,010) and pandemic 2019/2020 (n=1,823) influenza seasons, for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. We did not find evidence for community-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital admissions for ILI in our region before early March 2020.
Employee's lying behavior and the role of self-awareness
Authors: Chang Kirk , Max Sylvain , Celse Jérémy 
Published: May 2021

Purpose
Employee’s lying behavior has become ubiquitous at work, and managers are keen to know what can be done to curb such behavior. Managers often apply anti-lying strategies in their management and, in particular, the role of self-awareness on lying intervention has drawn academic attention recently. Drawing on multi-disciplinary literature, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of self-awareness in reducing lying behavior.

Design/methodology/approach
Following the perspectives of positivism and deductive reasoning, a quasi-experimental research approach was adopted. Employees from Dijon, France were recruited as research participants. Based on the literature, different conditions (scenario manipulation) were designed and implemented in the laboratory, in which participants were exposed to pre-set lying opportunities and their responses were analyzed accordingly.

Findings
Unlike prior studies which praised the merits of self-awareness, the authors found that self-awareness did not decrease lying behavior, not encouraging the confession of lying either. Employees actually lied more when they believed other employees were lying.

Practical implications
This study suggests managers not to rely on employee’s self-awareness; rather, the concept of self-awareness should be incorporated into the work ethics, and managers should schedule regular workshops to keep employees informed of the importance of ethics. When employees are regularly reminded of the ethics and appreciate its importance, their intention of lying is more likely to decrease.

Originality/value
To the best of the atuhors’ knowledge, the current research is the first in its kind to investigate lying intervention of employees in the laboratory setting. Research findings have brought new insights into the lying intervention literature, which has important implication on the implementation of anti-lying strategies.