bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study on Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Epidemiology in Animal Reservoirs in Bulgaria
Authors: Palombieri Andrea , Tsachev Ilia , Sarchese Vittorio , Fruci Paola , Profio Federica Di , Pepovich Roman , Baymakova Magdalena , Marsilio Fulvio , Martella Vito , Martino Barbara Di 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Information on hepatitis E virus (HEV) epidemiology in animal reservoirs in Bulgaria is still lacking. Herein, by screening HEV seropositive sera obtained from Bulgarian swine and wild boars, viral RNA was detected at high prevalence rate (28.2%) in industrial pigs. Sequence analysis of the partial polymerase (RdRp) region revealed the highest genetic correlation with HEVs of genotype (Gt) 3 identified in French and Dutch patients. For three such strains a 700-bp fragment of the ORF 2 gene was generated. On phylogenetic analysis, the Bulgarian strains clustered tightly (93.8-98.3% nt) with human and animal HEVs classified within the Gt3 subtype c.
Risk Factors for 28-Day in-Hospital Mortality in Mechanically Ventilated Patients with COVID-19: An International Cohort Study
Authors: Bassi Gianluigi Li , Suen Jacky Y. , White Nicole , Dalton Heidi J. , Fanning Jonathon , Corley Amanda , Shrapnel Sally , Hinton Samuel , Forsyth Simon , Parsons Rex , Laffey John G. , Fan Eddy , Bartlett Robert , Brodie Daniel , Burrell Aidan , Chiumello Davide , Elhazmi Alyaa , Grasselli Giacomo , Hodgson Carol , Ichiba Shingo , Luna Carlos , Marwali Eva , Merson Laura , Murthy Srinivas , Nichol Alistair , Panigada Mauro , Pelosi Paolo , Torres Antoni , Ng Pauline Yeung , Ogino Mark , Fraser John F. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Risk factors associated with mortality in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on mechanical ventilation are still not fully elucidated. Thus, we aimed to identify patient-level factors, readily available at the bedside, associated with the risk of in-hospital mortality within 28 days from commencement of invasive mechanical ventilation (28-day IMV mortality) in patients with COVID-19. Methods Prospective observational cohort study in 148 intensive care units in the global COVID-19 Critical Care Consortium. Patients with clinically suspected or laboratory confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from February 2nd through December 29th, 2020, requiring IMV. No study-specific interventions were performed. Patient characteristics and clinical data were assessed upon ICU admission, the commencement of IMV and for 28 days thereafter. We primarily aimed to identify time-independent and time-dependent risk factors for 28-day IMV mortality. Results: A total of 1713 patients were included in the survival analysis, 588 patients died in hospital within 28 days of commencing IMV (34.3%). Cox-regression analysis identified associations between the hazard of 28-day IMV mortality with age (HR 1.27 per 10-year increase in age, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.37, P<0.001), PEEP upon commencement of IMV (HR 0.78 per 5-cmH2O increase, 95% CI 0.66-0.93, P=0.005). Time-dependent parameters associated with 28-day IMV mortality were serum creatinine (HR 1.30 per doubling, 95% CI 1.19-1.42, P<0.001), lactate (HR 1.16 per doubling, 95% CI 1.06-1.27 P=0.001), PaCO2 (HR 1.31 per doubling, 95% CI 1.05-1.64, P=0.015), pH (HR 0.82 per 0.1 increase, 95% CI 0.74-0.91, P<0.001), PaO2/FiO2 (HR 0.56 per doubling, 95% CI 0.50-0.62, P<0.001) and mean arterial pressure (HR 0.92 per 10 mmHg increase, 95% CI 0.88-0.97, P=0.002).Conclusions: This international study establishes that in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19, older age and clinically relevant variables monitored at the bedside are risk factors for 28-day IMV mortality. Further investigation is warranted to validate any causative roles these parameters might play in influencing clinical outcomes.
Mechanism of Exosomal miR-155 Derived From Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Stemness Maintenance and Drug Resistance in Myeloma Cells
Authors: Gao Xinyu , Zhou Jin , Wang Jinghua , Dong Xiushuai , Chang Yuying , Jin Yinglan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective This study was to explore the effect of exosomal miR-155 derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on stemness maintenance and drug resistance in MPC-11 multiple myeloma cells.Methods MPC-11 cells were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-155. miR-155 expression was detected by qRT-PCR, cell condition was observed, and the expression of stemness maintenance markers OCT-4 and Nanog was observed by immunofluorescence. The expression of proteins associated with the Hedgehog signaling pathway and drug resistance was evaluated by western blot. To investigate whether exosomes affect cell behavior by horizontal delivery of miR-155, MPC-11 cells were co-cultured with exosomes isolated from BMSCs that were transfected with mimics or inhibitors of miR-155. Cell proliferation and the expression of proteins related to stemness maintenance protein and drug resistance were examined.Results In function assays, after miR-155 mimics transfection, the expression levels of proteins related to stemness maintenance marker, Hedgehog signaling, and drug resistance were increased in MPC-11 cells. BMSC-derived exosomes carrying miR-155 inhibited apoptosis, promoted cell division, and upregulated the expression of protein associated with stemness maintenance, Hedgehog signaling, and drug resistance.Conclusion Therefore, our findings indicate that exosomal delivery of miR-155 exerted the same effect as transfection did on the stemness maintenance and drug resistance of multiple myeloma cells.
Remote Medical Scent Detection of Cancer and Infectious Diseases With Dogs and Rats: a Systematic Review
Authors: BAUËR Pierre , LEEMANS Michelle , AUDUREAU Etienne , FROMANTIN Isabelle 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Remote medical scent detection of cancer and infectious diseases with dogs and rats has been an increasing field of research these last 20 years. If validated, the possibility of implementing such a technique in the clinic raises many hopes. This systematic review was performed to determine the evidence and performance of such methods and assess their potential relevance in the clinic.Methods: Pubmed and Web of Science databases were independently searched based on PRISMA standards. We included studies aiming at detecting cancers and infectious diseases affecting humans with dogs or rats. We excluded studies using other animals, studies aiming to detect agricultural diseases, diseases affecting animals, and others such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. Only original articles were included. Data about patients’ selection, samples, animal characteristics, animal training and testing configurations, and performances were recorded.Results: A total of 62 studies were included. Sensitivity and specificity varied a lot among studies: While some publications report low sensitivities of 17% and specificities around 29%, others achieve rates of 100% sensitivity and specificity. Only 6 studies were evaluated in a double-blind screening like situation. In general, the risk of performance bias was high in most evaluated studies, and the quality of the evidence found was low.Conclusions: Medical detection using animals’ sense of smell lacks evidence and performances so far to be applied in the clinic. What odours the animals detect is not well understood. Further research should be conducted, focusing on patient selection, samples (choice of materials, standardization), and testing conditions. Interpolations of such results to free running detection (direct contact with humans) should be taken with extreme caution.
DNA Damage Response of Haematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells to High-LET Neutron Irradiation
Authors: Engelbrecht Monique , Ndimba Roya , de Kock Maryna , Miles Xanthene , Nair Shankari , Fisher Randall , du Plessis Peter , Bolcaen Julie , Botha Matthys Hendrik , Zwanepoel Elbie , Sioen Simon , Baeyens Ans , Nieto-Camero Jaime , de Kock Evan , Vandevoorde Charlot 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The radiosensitivity of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to neutron radiation remains largely underexplored, notwithstanding their potential role as target cells for radiation-induced leukemogenesis. New insights are required for radiation protection purposes, particularly for aviation, space missions, nuclear accidents and even particle therapy. In this study, HSPCs (CD34+ cells) were isolated from umbilical cord blood and irradiated with 60Co γ-rays (photons) and high energy p(66)/Be(40) neutrons. At 2 hours post-irradiation, a significantly higher number of 1.28 ± 0.12 γ-H2AX foci/cell was observed after 0.5 Gy neutrons compared to 0.84 ± 0.14 foci/cell for photons, but this decreased to similar levels for both radiation qualities after 18 hours. However, a signficant difference in late apoptosis was observed between photon and neutron irradiation at 18 hours, 43.17 ± 6.10 % versus 55.55 ± 4.87 %, respectively. A significant increase in cytogenetic damage was observed after both 0.5 and 1 Gy neutron irradiation compared to photons, while there was no difference in the nuclear division index between both radiation qualities. The results point towards a higher induction of DNA damage after neutron irradiation in HSPCs followed by error-prone DNA repair, which contributes to genomic instability and a higher risk of leukemogenesis.
A Novel Fluorobenzyl Polyethylene Glycol Conjucated Tetraiodothyroacetic Acid (fb-PMT), Targeting Thyrointegrin αvβ3 in Treatment Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Darwish Noureldien H. E. , Glinsky Gennadi V. , Sudha Thangirala , Mousa Shaker A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is associated with poor long-term survival, even with newer therapeutic agents. Here we show the results of our pre-clinical study, in which we evaluate the efficacy of a new thyrointegrin αvβ3 antagonist, named fluorobenzyl Polyethylene glycol conjucated tetraiodothyroacetic acid (fb-PMT).Methods and Results: fb-PMT effectively suppresses the malignant growth of human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after successful engraftment in transgenic NSG-S xenograft mouse models of either established human AML cell line or primary AML cells. Daily treatment with fb-PMT (1-10 mg/kg body weight) subcutaneously (s.c.) for 3-4 weeks was associated with marked regression of leukemogenesis and extended survival in both models. The efficiency of the fb-PMT therapy was verified using IVIS imaging, flowcytometry and histopathological examination to monitor the engraftment of leukemic cells in the bone marrow and other organs. fb-PMT therapy for 3-4 weeks at 3 and 10 mg/kg daily doses exhibited significant reduction (P<0.0001) of leukemic cell burden of 74% and >95%, respectively. All fb-PMT-treated mice in the 10 mg/kg treatment arm successfully maintained remission after discontinuing the daily treatment. Comprehensive fb-PMT safety assessments demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability at multiple folds above the anticipated human therapeutic doses. Lastly, our genome-wide microarray screens demonstrated that fb-PMT works through the molecular interference mechanism with multiple signaling pathways contributing to growth and survival of leukemic cells.Conclusion: our preclinical findings of the potent anticancer activities of fb-PMT and its favorable safety profiles warrant its clinical investigation for the effective and safe management of AML.
Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Telomere Length and Cellular Senescence in Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia
Authors: Asghar Muhammad , Odeh Amani , Fattahi Ahmad Jouni , Henriksson Alexandra Edward , Miglar Aurelie , Khosousi Shervin , Svenningsson Per 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Progressive age is the single major risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. Cellular aging markers during the course of Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been implicated in previous studies, however majority of these studies have investigated the association of individual cellular aging hallmarks with PD but not jointly.

Method

Here, we have studied the association of PD with three aging hallmarks (telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular senescence) in blood and the brain tissue. Telomere length and mitochondrial DNA ( mtDNA ) copy number was assessed by qPCR, while mitochondrial function ( PGC-1α and PGC-1β ) and expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A ( CDKN2A ), cellular senescence marker was measured by RT-qPCR.

Results

Our results show that patients diagnosed with PD had 20% lower mitochondrial DNA copy number but 26% longer telomeres in blood compared to controls. Moreover, telomere length in blood was positively correlated with medication (Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dose). Similar results were found in brain tissue, where patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson dementia (PDD) and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) showed (46-95%) depleted mtDNA copy number, but (7-9%) longer telomeres compared to controls. Furthermore, when compared to controls, patients had lower mitochondrial biogenesis ( PGC-1α and PGC-1β ) and higher load of cellular senescent cells in postmortem prefrontal cortex tissue, where DLB showing the highest effect among the patient groups.

Conclusion

Our results show that mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence but not telomere shortening is associated with PD, PDD and DLB. Our findings suggest that mitochondrial copy number and function could be used as viable biomarker in blood as an early indicator for the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Multiple Color Emission of Mechanoluminescence and Photoluminescence from SrZnSO: Bi3+ for Multi-mode Anti-counterfeiting
Authors: Yang Yun-Ling , Li Ting , Yuan Jia-Yong , Zhou Yu , Li Qian-Li , Wan Dong-Yun , Zhao Jing-Tai , Zhang Zhi-Jun 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Mechanoluminescence materials that emit light under mechanical stimulation have attracted widespread attention in sensing, anti-counterfeiting and imaging applications. In this study, a series of novel Sr1-xBixZnSO (0.001≤x≤0.1) samples were synthesized by the method of high temperature solid-state reaction. It is worth noting that the distortion degree of SrO3S3 octahedron was increased with increasing Bi3+ concentration, and the color manipulated Sr1-xBixZnSO which can emit different photoluminescence (blue to dark blue and finally red) and mechanoluminescence (orange to red) colors are obtained. Moreover, the deep traps can stably store and provide electronic supplement to shallow traps released under mechanical stimulated. Therefore, devices made of SrZnSO: Bi3+ phosphor and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can be used as thermo-mechano-opto three-mode anti-counterfeiting. The ML intensity is linear to the external load, can be utilized for stress sensing or imaging.
Protein-losing Enteropathy Caused by Disseminated Mycobacterium Avium Complex Infection in a Patient Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy: An Autopsy Case Report
Authors: Konishi Keiji , Nakagawa Hidenori , Nakahira Akio , Okuno Takahiro , Inoue Takeshi , Shirano Michinori 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection is an important indicator of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Effective antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced the incidence and mortality of HIV, although drug resistance and poor medication adherence continue to increase the risk of disseminated M. avium complex infection. However, gastrointestinal lesions in cases of disseminated M. avium complex infection resulting in protein-losing enteropathy have been rarely discussed. Therefore, we report a case of protein-losing enteropathy caused by disseminated M. avium complex infection in a patient undergoing antiretroviral therapy.Case presentation: A 29-year-old male diagnosed with AIDS for four years and was admitted for a 10-month history of refractory diarrhea and fever. Despite receiving antiretroviral therapy, viral load remained elevated due to poor medication adherence. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated M. avium complex infection and started on antimycobacterial drugs two years prior to admission. However, it remained uncontrolled. Previous hospitalization a year before admission was due to hypoalbuminemia and refractory diarrhea. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a diagnosis of protein-losing enteropathy caused by intestinal lymphangiectasia, and treatment with intravenous antimycobacterial drugs did not resolve his intestinal lymphangiectasia. The patient inevitably died of sepsis.Conclusions: Clinical remission is difficult to achieve in patients with AIDS and protein-losing enteropathy caused by disseminated M. avium complex infection due to its limited options for parenteral antiretroviral drugs.
Human Gut Microbial Taxa Metabolizing Dietary Obesogens: A BPA 1 directed-culturing and Bioinformatics Combined Approach
Authors: Moreno Ana López , Ruiz-Moreno Ángel , Pardo Jesús , Cerk Klara , Torres-Sánchez Alfonso , Ortíz Pilar , Úbeda Marina , Aguilera Margarita 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background

Integrated data from culturomics and functional omics may depict holistic understanding on gut microbiome eubiosis or dysbiosis, and microbial isolates can become a source of differential enzymes and useful bioactive compounds. Culturing methods developed during last decade swift increases the importance of gut microbial isolates, focusing on media, modifications and conditions that propitiate cultured taxa that previously were considered fastidious or unculturable. In this context and focusing on gut microbiota dysbiosis triggered by obesogens and microbiota disrupting chemicals (MDC), we have conducted a directed-culturing and bioinformatics combined approach, adding bisphenol A (BPA) and specific treatments to find resistant spore-forming bacteria, to obtain isolated strains for further explore their molecular BPA metabolizing or neutralizing capacities.

Results

Overall microbiota culturing media and conditions have been retrieved and organized according to main gut taxa isolated during last decade. Furthermore, a catalogue of BPA directed-cultured microorganisms has been obtained from 46 fecal samples from two populations, children with obesity and normo-weight. A total of 235 BPA tolerating and potentially BPA biodegrading microorganisms were mainly grouped to strictly anaerobic sporuled/non-sporuled, anaerobic facultative sporuled/non-sporuled. Firmicutes, Enterobacteria and Actinobacteria species showed the major representation in both groups. However, differential BPA tolerant microbiota composition from the populations was detected. Bioinformatics analysis disclosed and predicted the variability of harboring genes encoding specific enzyme for BPA biodegradation pathways that corroborated from directed-culturing microbiota consortia obtained.

Conclusions

Strains from Staphylococcus , Bacillus and Enterococcus genera represented the majority of the successfully cultured bacteria in both population specimens. From them, the bioinformatics prediction assigned to Bacillus spp. the higher potential for BPA biodegradation. Therefore, extensive directed-culturomics approaches could be designed for different MDC with common biodegradation pathways, such as parabens, phthalates, and benzophenones.
Development of Evaluation Scale for Clinical Research Educaton
Authors: Demir Meral 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: There is no scale developed to evaluate clinical research education. The aim of the study is to introduce a development of clinical research scale first time for evaluation in Medical and Clinical Pharmacology clinical research practices.Methods: “Retrospective descriptive research” method was preferred for data collection and classification. The study group of the research consists of students who volunteered to be evaluated in the third grade medical students. The students were asked to fill the form and the pool of statements was compiled. Literature screening and expression pools selected words, has been converted into sentences with attitude expression. a 5-point Likert-type scale consisting of 12 items was prepared through the questionnaire study. The scale study with 150 students was included. Sample size was calculated in order to evaluate the correlation of item total score.Results: The sample size was “very good” [KMO=0.864 ]. Barlett’s Test of Shericity [p<0.001 ] was significant. Cronbach’s alpha value of the scale was 0.91. This value indicates that the scale degree is in "very good" for reliability, validity and sample size. This scale is suitable for correlation matrix factor analysis; the sample adequacy degree in is ”very good". The reliability coefficient of Guttman [rt = 0.830 ] and Spearman-Brown [rsb = 0.831 ], which represent the scale divided into two, were found. Conclusion: This newly developed scale has been shown to be able to evaluate students' attitudes towards clinical research and can be used in future education periods. Trial registration: “Retrospective descriptive research”
Sensitivity Analysis of Junction Free Electrostatically Doped Tunnel-FET Based Biosensor
Authors: Bind Mukesh Kumar , Nigam Kaushal 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The electrostatic doping technique has the ability to reduce random dopant fluctuations (RDFs), fabrication complexity and high thermal budget requirement in the fabrication process of nano-scale devices. In this paper, first time propose and simulate a Junction Free Electrostatically Doped Tunnel Field-Effect Transistor (JFED- TFET) based biosensor for label-free biosensing applications. The gate dielectric modulation concept used for sensing the existence of biomolecules inside the nano-cavity, created in gate dielectric material towards the tunneling junction to modulate the tunneling mechanism. The sensitivity of JF-ED-TFET biosensor investigate with various types of biomolecules based on dielectric constants (k) and charge densities (ρ). The sensing response of the JF-ED-TFET biosensor analyze in terms of electric field, energy band and transfer characteristic and the sensitivity in terms of ION, ION/IOFF ratio and Subtheshold Swing. The sensitivity of device investigated based on practical challenges as different filling factor and step-profile generated from the steric hinderance. The effect of temperate and nano-cavity dimensions variation on device performance also has been analyzed. In this work, various types of biomolecules as Streptavidin (k = 2.1), Ferro-cytochrome c (k = 4.7), keratin (k = 8) and Gelatin (k = 12) has been considered for the performance investigation.