bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5G mobile networks and health—a state-of-the-science review of the research into low-level RF fields above 6 GHz
Authors: Karipidis Ken , Mate Rohan , Urban David , Tinker Rick , Wood Andrew 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe increased use of radiofrequency (RF) fields above 6 GHz, particularly for the 5 G mobile phone network, has given rise to public concern about any possible adverse effects to human health. Public exposure to RF fields from 5 G and other sources is below the human exposure limits specified by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). This state-of-the science review examined the research into the biological and health effects of RF fields above 6 GHz at exposure levels below the ICNIRP occupational limits. The review included 107 experimental studies that investigated various bioeffects including genotoxicity, cell proliferation, gene expression, cell signalling, membrane function and other effects. Reported bioeffects were generally not independently replicated and the majority of the studies employed low quality methods of exposure assessment and control. Effects due to heating from high RF energy deposition cannot be excluded from many of the results. The review also included 31 epidemiological studies that investigated exposure to radar, which uses RF fields above 6 GHz similar to 5 G. The epidemiological studies showed little evidence of health effects including cancer at different sites, effects on reproduction and other diseases. This review showed no confirmed evidence that low-level RF fields above 6 GHz such as those used by the 5 G network are hazardous to human health. Future experimental studies should improve the experimental design with particular attention to dosimetry and temperature control. Future epidemiological studies should continue to monitor long-term health effects in the population related to wireless telecommunications.
Recognition of high-specificity hERG K+ channel inhibitor-induced arrhythmia in cardiomyocytes by automated template matching
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Hongbo , Wei Xinwei , Zhang Tao , Xiang Yuting , Fang Jiaru , Wu Peiran , Xie Xi , Wang Ping , Hu Ning 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death in humans. Arrhythmia induced by gene mutations, heart disease, or hERG K+ channel inhibitors is a serious CVD that can lead to sudden death or heart failure. Conventional cardiomyocyte-based biosensors can record extracellular potentials and mechanical beating signals. However, parameter extraction and examination by the naked eye are the traditional methods for analyzing arrhythmic beats, and it is difficult to achieve automated and efficient arrhythmic recognition with these methods. In this work, we developed a unique automated template matching (ATM) cardiomyocyte beating model to achieve arrhythmic recognition at the single beat level with an interdigitated electrode impedance detection system. The ATM model was established based on a rhythmic template with a data length that was dynamically adjusted to match the data length of the target beat by spline interpolation. The performance of the ATM model under long-term astemizole, droperidol, and sertindole treatment at different doses was determined. The results indicated that the ATM model based on a random rhythmic template of a signal segment obtained after astemizole treatment presented a higher recognition accuracy (100% for astemizole treatment and 99.14% for droperidol and sertindole treatment) than the ATM model based on arrhythmic multitemplates. We believe this highly specific ATM method based on a cardiomyocyte beating model has the potential to be used for arrhythmia screening in the fields of cardiology and pharmacology.
Psychosocial care and support in the field of intersex/diverse sex development (dsd): counselling experiences, localisation and needed improvements
Authors: Lampalzer Ute , Briken Peer , Schweizer Katinka 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFrom different sides, there is a call for better psychosocial care and counselling in the field of diverse sex development (dsd). However, studies on the specific demands, deficits and needed improvements regarding those services are rare. This exploratory online study aimed at investigating counselling experiences and the ideas that different groups of participants have concerning the localisation of counselling structures and improving care. Quantitative and qualitative data (N = 630) were analysed within a mixed methods framework. The participants included experts of experience resp. patients with different intersex/dsd conditions (n = 40), parents of children with dsd (n = 27), professional psychosocial counsellors (n = 321) and experts in the field including medical practitioners, psychologists, natural and social scientists as well as others involved, e.g., students or relatives (n = 56). The results show a gap between receiving psychosocial and medical care in the group of adult lived-experience experts, who had received less psychosocial care than medical interventions. The findings also reveal important tasks of psychosocial care. A focus was set on parental experiences. Helpful aspects reported were talking with other parents of children with intersex/dsd, aspects missed were assistance in supporting the individual development of their children. The majority of all participants (58%) held the view that, apart from multidisciplinary competence centres, there also have to be easily accessible counselling services which offer support in everyday life. The participants named increasing quality and quantity as necessary improvements in counselling structures for children and adults with intersex/dsd and their families. Implications are drawn for the specific tasks and target groups of psychosocial care and needed research in intersex healthcare over life span.
Genomics and transcriptomics of the green mussel explain the durability of its byssus
Authors: Inoue Koji , Yoshioka Yuki , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Kinjo Azusa , Sassa Mieko , Ueda Ikuo , Shinzato Chuya , Toyoda Atsushi , Itoh Takehiko 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMussels, which occupy important positions in marine ecosystems, attach tightly to underwater substrates using a proteinaceous holdfast known as the byssus, which is tough, durable, and resistant to enzymatic degradation. Although various byssal proteins have been identified, the mechanisms by which it achieves such durability are unknown. Here we report comprehensive identification of genes involved in byssus formation through whole-genome and foot-specific transcriptomic analyses of the green mussel, Perna viridis. Interestingly, proteins encoded by highly expressed genes include proteinase inhibitors and defense proteins, including lysozyme and lectins, in addition to structural proteins and protein modification enzymes that probably catalyze polymerization and insolubilization. This assemblage of structural and protective molecules constitutes a multi-pronged strategy to render the byssus highly resistant to environmental insults.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of circular RNA in resected hepatocellular carcinoma and background liver tissue
Authors: Sunagawa Yuki , Yamada Suguru , Sonohara Fuminori , Kurimoto Keisuke , Tanaka Nobutake , Suzuki Yunosuke , Inokawa Yoshikuni , Takami Hideki , Hayashi Masamichi , Kanda Mitsuro , Tanaka Chie , Nakayama Goro , Koike Masahiko , Kodera Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCircular RNA (circRNA) is a type of non-coding RNA known to affect cancer-related micro RNAs and various transcription factors. circRNA has promise as a cancer-related biomarker because its circular structure affords high stability. We found using high-throughput sequencing that seven candidate circRNAs (hsa_circ_0041150, hsa_circ_0025624, hsa_circ_0001020, hsa_circ_0028129, hsa_circ_0008558, hsa_circ_0036683, hsa_circ_0058087) were downregulated in HCC. The expression of these circRNAs was examined by quantitative PCR in 233 sets of HCC and matched background normal liver tissues, and correlations between candidate circRNA expression and prognosis were evaluated. The results of quantitative PCR showed that expression of hsa_circ_0041150, hsa_circ_0001020 and hsa_circ_0008558 was significantly lower in HCC than in background normal liver tissues. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that low expression of hsa_circ_0001020, hsa_circ_0036683, and hsa_circ_0058087 was associated with poor recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in HCC. Additionally, multivariate analysis revealed that low hsa_circ_0036683 expression was a significant prognostic factor, independent from other clinicopathological features, for inferior RFS and OS. There was no significant association between the expression of these circRNAs and hepatitis B/C status or cirrhosis. This study therefore identified circRNAs as potential prognostic markers for patients who undergo curative surgery for HCC and highlighted hsa_circ_0036683 as the most useful biomarker.
Evaluation of Indonesian mangrove Xylocarpus granatum leaves ethyl acetate extract as potential anticancer drug
Authors: Darmadi Jason , Batubara Razethy Rahayu , Himawan Sandiego , Azizah Norma Nur , Audah Hilyatushalihah Kholis , Arsianti Ade , Kurniawaty Evi , Ismail Intan Safinar , Batubara Irmanida , Audah Kholis Abdurachim 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLocal Xylocarpus granatum leaves were extracted by ethyl acetate solvent and characterized by TLC fingerprinting and 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy to contain phenolic compounds as well as several organic and amino acids as metabolic byproducts, such as succinic acid and acetic acid. Traces of flavonoids and other non-categorized phenolic compounds exhibited intermediate antioxidant activity (antioxidant IC50 84.93 ppm) as well as anticancer activity against HeLa, T47D, and HT-29 cell lines; which the latter being most effective against HT-29 with Fraction 5 contained the strongest activity (anticancer IC50 23.12 ppm). Extracts also behaved as a natural growth factor and nonlethal towards brine shrimps as well as human adipose-derived stem cell hADSC due to antioxidative properties. A stability test was performed to examine how storage conditions factored in bioactivity and phytochemical structure. Extracts were compared with several studies about X. granatum leaves extracts to evaluate how ethnogeography and ecosystem factored on biologically active compounds. Further research on anticancer or antioxidant mechanism on cancer cells is needed to determine whether the extract is suitable as a candidate for an anticancer drug.
A facile colorimetric method for the quantification of labile iron pool and total iron in cells and tissue specimens
Authors: Abbasi Usama , Abbina Srinivas , Gill Arshdeep , Bhagat Vriti , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractQuantification of iron is an important step to assess the iron burden in patients suffering from iron overload diseases, as well as tremendous value in understanding the underlying role of iron in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Current iron determination of total or labile iron, requires extensive sample handling and specialized instruments, whilst being time consuming and laborious. Moreover, there is minimal to no overlap between total iron and labile iron quantification methodologies—i.e. requiring entirely separate protocols, techniques and instruments. Herein, we report a unified-ferene (u-ferene) assay that enables a 2-in-1 quantification of both labile and total iron from the same preparation of a biological specimen. We demonstrate that labile iron concentrations determined from theu-ferene assay is in agreement with confocal laser scanning microscopy techniques employed within the literature. Further, this assay offers the same sensitivity as the current gold standard, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), for total iron measurements. The newu-ferene assay will have tremendous value for the wider scientific community as it offers an economic and readily accessible method for convenient 2-in-1 measurement of total and labile iron from biological samples, whilst maintaining the precision and sensitivity, as compared to ICP-MS.
Prediction of urine culture results by automated urinalysis with digital flow morphology analysis
Authors: Kim Dokyun , Oh Seoung Chul , Liu Changseung , Kim Yoonjung , Park Yongjung , Jeong Seok Hoon 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo investigate the association between the results of urinalysis and those of concurrent urine cultures, and to construct a prediction model for the results of urine culture. A total of 42,713 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two independent groups including training and test datasets. A novel prediction algorithm, designated the UTOPIA value, was constructed with the training dataset, based on an association between the results of urinalysis and those of concurrent urine culture. The diagnostic performance of the UTOPIA value was validated with the test dataset. Six variables were selected for the equation of the UTOPIA value: age of higher UTI risk [odds ratio (OR), 2.069125], female (OR, 1.400648), nitrite (per 1 grade; OR, 3.765457), leukocyte esterase (per 1 grade; OR, 1.701586), the number of WBCs (per 1 × 106/L; OR, 1.000121), and the number of bacteria (per 1 × 106/L; OR, 1.004195). The UTOPIA value exhibited an area under the curve value of 0.837 when validated with the independent test dataset. The UTOPIA value displayed good diagnostic performance for predicting urine culture results, which would help to reduce unnecessary culture. Different cutoffs can be used according to the clinical indication.
Comparison of penetrating keratoplasty outcomes with or without microwave thermokeratoplasty
Authors: Hieda Osamu , Wakimasu Koichi , Kinoshita Shigeru , Sotozono Chie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicrowave thermokeratoplasty (MTK) is a surgical procedure for the correction of pathologic corneal steepening. The purpose of this study was to examine the postoperative outcomes of eyes with advanced keratoconus that underwent femtosecond-laser zig-zag penetrating keratoplasty (z-PK) following MTK for reshaping of the central cornea. This study involved 32 eyes of 32 consecutive advanced keratoconus patients; i.e., 25 eyes of 25 patients who underwent MTK prior to z-PK (MTK + z-PK group), and 7 eyes of 7 patients who underwent z-PK alone (z-PK group). In all treated eyes, visual acuity (VA) and corneal topography were measured before surgery and at 6-months postoperative. At 6-months postoperative, the mean uncorrected distance VA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) and surface regularity index (SRI) of the MTK + z-PK group was 0.62 ± 0.39 (mean ± standard deviation) and 1.26 ± 0.45, respectively, while that in the z-PK group was 1.02 ± 0.18 and 7.64 ± 3.22, respectively. Both variables were significantly better in the MTK + z-PK group than in the z-PK group (P < 0.05). The findings in this study reveal that MTK prior to z-PKP is effective for improving UDVA and reducing the irregularity of corneal topography in patients with advanced keratoconus.
Nanoimprinted multifunctional nanoprobes for a homogeneous immunoassay in a top-down fabrication approach
Authors: Brueckl Hubert , Shoshi Astrit , Schrittwieser Stefan , Schmid Barbara , Schneeweiss Pia , Mitteramskogler Tina , Haslinger Michael J. , Muehlberger Michael , Schotter Joerg 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMultifunctional nanoparticles are discussed as versatile probes for homogeneous immunoassays for in-vitro diagnostics. Top-down fabrication allows to combine and tailor magnetic and plasmonic anisotropic properties. The combination of nanoimprint lithography, thin film deposition, and lift-off processing provides a top-down fabrication platform, which is both flexible and reliable. Here, we discuss the material compositions and geometrical designs of monodisperse multicomponent nanoparticles and their consequences on optical and magnetic properties. The rotational hydrodynamics of nanoparticles is measured and considered under the influence of magnetic shape anisotropy in the framework of the Stoner-Wohlfarth theory. The plasmon-optical properties are explained by discrete-dipole finite-element simulations. Rotational dynamical measurements of imprinted nanoprobes for two test proteins demonstrate the applicability as highly sensitive biomolecular nanoprobes.
The multi-target small-molecule inhibitor SB747651A shows in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy in glioblastomas
Authors: Knudsen Arnon Møldrup , Boldt Henning Bünsow , Jakobsen Elisabeth Victoria , Kristensen Bjarne Winther 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGlioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary brain tumor and among the most lethal types of cancer. Several mono-target small molecule-inhibitors have been investigated as novel therapeutics, thus far with poor success. In this study we investigated the anticancer effects of SB747651A, a multi-target small-molecule inhibitor, in three well characterized patient-derived glioblastoma spheroid cultures and a murine orthotopic xenograft model. Concentrations of 5–10 µM SB747651A reduced cell proliferation, spheroid formation, migration and chemoresistance, while apoptotic cell death increased. Investigation of oncogenic kinase signaling showed decreased phosphorylation levels of mTOR, CREB, GSK3 and GYS1 leading to altered glycogen metabolism and formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Expression levels of cancer stemness marker SOX2 were reduced in treated tumor cells and SB747651A treatment significantly prolonged survival of mice with intracranial glioblastoma xenografts, while no adverse effects were observed in vivo at doses of 25 mg/kg administered 5 days/week for 8 weeks. These findings suggest that SB747651A has anticancer effects in glioblastoma. The cancer-related pathophysiological mechanisms targeted by SB747651A are shared among many types of cancer; however, an in-depth clarification of the mechanisms of action in cancer cells is important before further potential application of SB747651A as an anticancer agent can be considered.
Single-copy detection of somatic variants from solid and liquid biopsy
Authors: Silva Ana-Luisa , Powalowska Paulina Klaudyna , Stolarek Magdalena , Gray Eleanor Ruth , Palmer Rebecca Natalie , Herman Bram , Frayling Cameron Alexander , Balmforth Barnaby William 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAccurate detection of somatic variants, against a background of wild-type molecules, is essential for clinical decision making in oncology. Existing approaches, such as allele-specific real-time PCR, are typically limited to a single target gene and lack sensitivity. Alternatively, next-generation sequencing methods suffer from slow turnaround time, high costs, and are complex to implement, typically limiting them to single-site use. Here, we report a method, which we term Allele-Specific PYrophosphorolysis Reaction (ASPYRE), for high sensitivity detection of panels of somatic variants. ASPYRE has a simple workflow and is compatible with standard molecular biology reagents and real-time PCR instruments. We show that ASPYRE has single molecule sensitivity and is tolerant of DNA extracted from plasma and formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples. We also demonstrate two multiplex panels, including one for detection of 47EGFRvariants. ASPYRE presents an effective and accessible method that simplifies highly sensitive and multiplexed detection of somatic variants.
Shear wave elastography of the lateral abdominal muscles in C-shaped idiopathic scoliosis: a case–control study
Authors: Linek Paweł , Pałac Małgorzata , Wolny Tomasz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConsidering that knowledge about lateral abdominal muscles (LAM) in idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is still very limited, the aims of this study were: (a) to compare LAM thickness and elasticity between C-shaped IS and non-scoliotic population; and (b) to compare LAM thickness and elasticity between C-shaped thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbar IS. A total of 259 adolescents were included in the final analysis; among these, 108 were IS and 151 were non-IS. LAM thickness and elasticity were measured at rest and during isometric contraction by an Aixplorer ultrasound scanner. Out of all LAM, only OE thickness was higher on the convex body side compared to the concave side in lumbar and thoracolumbar scoliosis. It may be related with muscle’s atrophy/hypertrophy or other tissues displacement rather than different force generated by the muscle on both body sides, because an asymmetry in the elasticity of the LAM between the convex and concave side was not presented. The only TrA was stiffer in lumbar scoliosis compared to thoracolumbar and thoracic scoliosis. LAM elasticity was similar in IS and non-IS adolescents.
Reopening businesses and risk of COVID-19 transmission
Authors: O’Donoghue Ashley , Dechen Tenzin , Pavlova Whitney , Boals Michael , Moussa Garba , Madan Manvi , Thakkar Aalok , DeFalco Frank J. , Stevens Jennifer P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe true risk of a COVID-19 resurgence as states reopen businesses is unknown. In this paper, we used anonymized cell-phone data to quantify the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission in business establishments by building a Business Risk Index that measures transmission risk over time. The index was built using two metrics, visits per square foot and the average duration of visits, to account for both density of visits and length of time visitors linger in the business. We analyzed trends in traffic patterns to 1,272,260 businesses across eight states from January 2020 to June 2020. We found that potentially risky traffic behaviors at businesses decreased by 30% by April. Since the end of April, the risk index has been increasing as states reopen. There are some notable differences in trends across states and industries. Finally, we showed that the time series of the average Business Risk Index is useful for forecasting future COVID-19 cases at the county-level (P < 0.001). We found that an increase in a county’s average Business Risk Index is associated with an increase in positive COVID-19 cases in 1 week (IRR: 1.16, 95% CI: (1.1–1.26)). Our risk index provides a way for policymakers and hospital decision-makers to monitor the potential risk of COVID-19 transmission from businesses based on the frequency and density of visits to businesses. This can serve as an important metric as states monitor and evaluate their reopening strategies.
Elucidation of transient protein-protein interactions within carrier protein-dependent biosynthesis
Authors: Bartholow Thomas G. , Sztain Terra , Patel Ashay , Lee D. John , Young Megan A. , Abagyan Ruben , Burkart Michael D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFatty acid biosynthesis (FAB) is an essential and highly conserved metabolic pathway. In bacteria, this process is mediated by an elaborate network of protein•protein interactions (PPIs) involving a small, dynamic acyl carrier protein that interacts with dozens of other partner proteins (PPs). These PPIs have remained poorly characterized due to their dynamic and transient nature. Using a combination of solution-phase NMR spectroscopy and protein-protein docking simulations, we report a comprehensive residue-by-residue comparison of the PPIs formed during FAB in Escherichia coli. This technique describes and compares the molecular basis of six discrete binding events responsible for E. coli FAB and offers insights into a method to characterize these events and those in related carrier protein-dependent pathways.