bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri infections by a meta-analysis approach
Authors: Mahittikorn Aongart , Masangkay Frederick Ramirez , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Milanez Giovanni De Jesus , Kotepui Manas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMalaria caused by Plasmodium ovale species is considered a neglected tropical disease with limited information about its characteristics. It also remains unclear whether the two distinct species P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri exhibit differences in their prevalence, geographic distribution, clinical characteristics, or laboratory parameters. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify these differences to support global malaria control and eradication programs. Studies reporting the occurrence of P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were explored in databases. Differences in proportion, clinical data, and laboratory parameters between the two species were estimated using a random-effects model and expressed as pooled odds ratios (ORs), mean difference (MD), or standardized MD depending on the types of extracted data. The difference in geographical distribution was visualized by mapping the origin of the two species. A total of 1453 P. ovale cases extracted from 35 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The p-value in the meta-analyses provided evidence favoring a real difference between P. ovale curtisi malaria cases (809/1453, 55.7%) and P. ovale wallikeri malaria cases (644/1453, 44.3%) (p: 0.01, OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.71–3.63, I2: 77%). Subgroup analyses established evidence favoring a real difference between P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri malaria cases among the imported cases (p: 0.02, 1135 cases). The p value in the meta-analyses provided evidence favoring a real difference in the mean latency period between P. ovale curtisi (289 cases) and P. ovale wallikeri malaria (266 cases) (p: 0.03, MD: 27.59, 95% CI 1.99–53.2, I2: 94%), total leukocyte count (p < 0.0001, MD: 840, 95% CI 610–1070, I2: 0%, two studies) and platelet count (p < 0.0001, MD: 44,750, 95% CI 2900–60,500, I2: 32%, three studies). Four continents were found to have reports of P. ovale spp., among which Africa had the highest number of reports for both P. ovale spp. in its 37 countries, with a global proportion of 94.46%, and an almost equal distribution of both P. ovale spp., where P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri reflected 53.09% and 46.90% of the continent’s proportion, respectively. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate the differences in the characteristics of the two distinct P. ovale species. Malaria caused by P. ovale curtisi was found in higher proportions among imported cases and had longer latency periods, higher platelet counts, and higher total leukocyte counts than malaria caused by P. ovale wallikeri. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the differences or similarities between these two species to promote malaria control and effective eradication programs.
Data-driven optimized control of the COVID-19 epidemics
Authors: Shirin Afroza , Lin Yen Ting , Sorrentino Francesco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOptimizing the impact on the economy of control strategies aiming at containing the spread of COVID-19 is a critical challenge. We use daily new case counts of COVID-19 patients reported by local health administrations from different Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) within the US to parametrize a model that well describes the propagation of the disease in each area. We then introduce a time-varying control input that represents the level of social distancing imposed on the population of a given area and solve an optimal control problem with the goal of minimizing the impact of social distancing on the economy in the presence of relevant constraints, such as a desired level of suppression for the epidemics at a terminal time. We find that with the exception of the initial time and of the final time, the optimal control input is well approximated by a constant, specific to each area, which contrasts with the implemented system of reopening ‘in phases’. For all the areas considered, this optimal level corresponds to stricter social distancing than the level estimated from data. Proper selection of the time period for application of the control action optimally is important: depending on the particular MSA this period should be either short or long or intermediate. We also consider the case that the transmissibility increases in time (due e.g. to increasingly colder weather), for which we find that the optimal control solution yields progressively stricter measures of social distancing. We finally compute the optimal control solution for a model modified to incorporate the effects of vaccinations on the population and we see that depending on a number of factors, social distancing measures could be optimally reduced during the period over which vaccines are administered to the population.
Development of brain atlases for early-to-middle adolescent collision-sport athletes
Authors: Zou Yukai , Zhu Wenbin , Yang Ho-Ching , Jang Ikbeom , Vike Nicole L. , Svaldi Diana O. , Shenk Trey E. , Poole Victoria N. , Breedlove Evan L. , Tamer Gregory G. , Leverenz Larry J. , Dydak Ulrike , Nauman Eric A. , Tong Yunjie , Talavage Thomas M. , Rispoli Joseph V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman brains develop across the life span and largely vary in morphology. Adolescent collision-sport athletes undergo repetitive head impacts over years of practices and competitions, and therefore may exhibit a neuroanatomical trajectory different from healthy adolescents in general. However, an unbiased brain atlas targeting these individuals does not exist. Although standardized brain atlases facilitate spatial normalization and voxel-wise analysis at the group level, when the underlying neuroanatomy does not represent the study population, greater biases and errors can be introduced during spatial normalization, confounding subsequent voxel-wise analysis and statistical findings. In this work, targeting early-to-middle adolescent (EMA, ages 13–19) collision-sport athletes, we developed population-specific brain atlases that include templates (T1-weighted and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging) and semantic labels (cortical and white matter parcellations). Compared to standardized adult or age-appropriate templates, our templates better characterized the neuroanatomy of the EMA collision-sport athletes, reduced biases introduced during spatial normalization, and exhibited higher sensitivity in diffusion tensor imaging analysis. In summary, these results suggest the population-specific brain atlases are more appropriate towards reproducible and meaningful statistical results, which better clarify mechanisms of traumatic brain injury and monitor brain health for EMA collision-sport athletes.
Antimicrobial and physical properties of experimental endodontic sealers containing vegetable extracts
Authors: dos Santos Daniela Coelho , da Silva Barboza Andressa , Schneider Lara Rodrigues , Cuevas-Suárez Carlos Enrique , Ribeiro Juliana Silva , Damian Melissa Feres , Campos Angela Diniz , Lund Rafael Guerra 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo assess the antimicrobial activity and the physical properties of resin-based experimental endodontic sealers with the incorporation of vegetable extracts obtained from Bixa orellana, Mentha piperita, and Tagetes minuta species. The extracts were obtained and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. The extracts were individually incorporated into a dual-cure experimental sealer at a mass concentration of 0.5%. A commercial reference RealSeal was used. The sealers were evaluated by measuring the setting time, degree of conversion, dimensional stability, radiopacity, flow, and film thickness of these materials, also and its antimicrobial effect was evaluated using the direct contact test. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test at α = 0.05 significance level. The physical properties were not influenced by the addition of the vegetable extracts (p > 0.05). For S. mutans, only T. minuta and B. orellana groups presented antibacterial activity after 24 h of contact (p < 0.05). All extracts evidenced an antibacterial effect against E. faecalis (p < 0.05). The experimental sealers hold promise as a novel vegetable sealer with great antimicrobial activity and also great physical–mechanical properties. Nonetheless, more studies are needed.
A postbiotic from Aspergillus oryzae attenuates the impact of heat stress in ectothermic and endothermic organisms
Authors: Kaufman J. D. , Seidler Y. , Bailey H. R. , Whitacre L. , Bargo F. , Lüersen K. , Rimbach G. , Pighetti G. M. , Ipharraguerre I. R. , Ríus A. G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHeat stress is detrimental to food-producing animals and animal productivity remains suboptimal despite the use of heat abatement strategies during summer. Global warming and the increase of frequency and intensity of heatwaves are likely to continue and, thus, exacerbate the problem of heat stress. Heat stress leads to the impairment of physiological and cellular functions of ectothermic and endothermic animals. Therefore, it is critical to conceive ways of protecting animals against the pathological effects of heat stress. In experiments with endothermic animals highly sensitive to heat (Bos taurus), we have previously reported that heat-induced systemic inflammation can be ameliorated in part by nutritional interventions. The experiments conducted in this report described molecular and physiological adaptations to heat stress using Drosophila melanogaster and dairy cow models. In this report, we expand previous work by first demonstrating that the addition of a postbiotic from Aspergillus oryzae (AO) into the culture medium of ectothermic animals (Drosophila melanogaster) improved survival to heat stress from 30 to 58%. This response was associated with downregulation of genes involved in the modulation of oxidative stress and immunity, most notably metallothionein B, C, and D. In line with these results, we subsequently showed that the supplementation with the AO postbiotic to lactating dairy cows experiencing heat stress decreased plasma concentrations of serum amyloid A and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and the expression of interleukin-6 in white blood cells. These alterations were paralleled by increased synthesis of energy-corrected milk and milk components, suggesting enhanced nutrient partitioning to lactogenesis and increased metabolic efficiency. In summary, this work provides evidence that a postbiotic from AO enhances thermal tolerance likely through a mechanism that entails reduced inflammation.
An exploratory investigation on spatiotemporal parameters, margins of stability, and their interaction in bilateral vestibulopathy
Authors: Herssens Nolan , Saeys Wim , Vereeck Luc , Meijer Kenneth , van de Berg Raymond , Van Rompaey Vincent , McCrum Christopher , Hallemans Ann 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntegration of accurate vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive information is crucial in managing the centre of mass in relation to the base of support during gait. Therefore, bilateral loss of peripheral vestibular function can be highly debilitating when performing activities of daily life. To further investigate the influence of an impaired peripheral vestibular system on gait stability, spatiotemporal parameters, step-to-step variability, and mechanical stability parameters were examined in 20 patients with bilateral vestibulopathy and 20 matched healthy controls during preferred overground walking. Additionally, using a partial least squares analysis the relationship between spatiotemporal parameters of gait and the margins of stability was explored in both groups. Patients with bilateral vestibulopathy showed an increased cadence compared to healthy controls (121 ± 9 vs 115 ± 8 steps/min; p = 0.02; d = 0.77). In addition, although not significant (p = 0.07), a moderate effect size (d = 0.60) was found for step width variability (Coefficient of Variation (%); Bilateral vestibulopathy: 19 ± 11%; Healthy controls: 13 ± 5%). Results of the partial least squares analysis suggest that patients with peripheral vestibular failure implement a different balance control strategy. Instead of altering the step parameters, as is the case in healthy controls, they use the single and double support phases to control the state of the centre of mass to improve the mechanical stability.
Amorphous cellulose nanofiber supercapacitors
Authors: Fukuhara Mikio , Kuroda Tomoyuki , Hasegawa Fumihiko , Hashida Toshiyuki , Takeda Mitsuhiro , Fujima Nobuhisa , Morita Masahiro , Nakatani Takeshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite the intense interest in cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) for biomedical and engineering applications, no research findings about the electrical energy storage of CNF have been reported yet. Here, we present the first electroadsorption effects of an amorphous cellulose nanofiber (ACF) supercapacitor, which can store a large amount of electricity (221 mJm−2, 13.1 Wkg−1). The electric storage can be attributed to the entirely enhanced electroadsorption owing to a quantum-size effect by convexity of 17.9 nm, an offset effect caused by positive polar C6=O6 radicles, and an electrostatic effect by appearance of the localised electrons near the Na ions. The supercapacitor also captures both positive and negative electricity from the atmosphere and in vacuum. The supercapacitor could illuminate a red LED for 1 s after charging it with 2 mA at 10 V. Further gains might be attained by integrating CNF specimens with a nano-electromechanical system (NEMS).
Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent and spatially dependent over short distances in Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Adamu , Gashu Dawd , Joy Edward J. M. , Lark R. Murray , Chagumaira Christopher , Likoswe Blessings H. , Zerfu Dilnesaw , Ander E. Louise , Young Scott D. , Bailey Elizabeth H. , Broadley Martin R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractZinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient for human health. In Ethiopia, a high prevalence of Zn deficiency has been reported. To explore demographic variation and spatial dependencies in the Zn status of the Ethiopian population, we analyzed archived serum samples (n = 3373) from the 2015 Ethiopian National Micronutrient Survey (ENMS), a cross-sectional survey of young children, school-age children, women of reproductive age (WRA) and men conducted in all 9 regions and two city administration of Ethiopia. Serum Zn concentrations, measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICPMS), were compared to thresholds based on age, sex, fasting status, and time of blood collection, after adjusting for inflammation status. Median serum Zn concentration of the population was 57.5 μg dL−1. Overall, it is estimated that 72% of the population was Zn deficient, with high prevalence in all demographic groups. Spatial statistical analysis showed that there was spatial dependence in Zn status of WRA at distances of up to 45 km. Zinc deficiency is spatially dependent over short distances. Although WRA in most areas are likely to be Zn deficient, prevalence of deficiency varies at regional scale and between rural and urban inhabitants, suggesting there is scope to explore drivers of this variation, prioritize nutritional interventions, and to design more representative surveillance programs.
Novel candidate factors predicting the effect of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mitachi Katsutaka , Ariake Kyohei , Shima Hiroki , Sato Satoko , Miura Takayuki , Maeda Shimpei , Ishida Masaharu , Mizuma Masamichi , Ohtsuka Hideo , Kamei Takashi , Igarashi Kazuhiko , Unno Michiaki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe collagen gel droplet-embedded drug sensitivity test (CD-DST) was revealed to be useful for predicting the effect of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, collection of an adequate number of PDAC cells is difficult due to the surrounding fibroblasts. Thus, the aim of this study was to discover novel biomarkers to predict chemosensitivity based on the CD-DST results. Proteomics analysis was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Candidate proteins were validated in patients with 5-FU CD-DST results via immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationships between the candidate proteins and the effect of the adjuvant S-1 were investigated via IHC. Among the 2696 proteins extracted by LC–MS/MS, C1TC and SAHH could accurately predict the CD-DST results. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was significantly improved in the IHC-positive group compared with the IHC-negative group in both factors. The negative group did not show a significant difference from the group that did not receive S-1. The double-positive group was associated with significantly prolonged RFS compared to the no adjuvant chemotherapy group. C1TC and SAHH have been shown to be useful biomarkers for predicting 5-FU sensitivity as a substitute for the CD-DST in adjuvant chemotherapy for PDAC.
Progression of prostate carcinoma is promoted by adipose stromal cell-secreted CXCL12 signaling in prostate epithelium
Authors: Su Fei , Daquinag Alexes C. , Ahn Songyeon , Saha Achinto , Dai Yulin , Zhao Zhongming , DiGiovanni John , Kolonin Mikhail G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAggressiveness of carcinomas is linked with tumor recruitment of adipose stromal cells (ASC), which is increased in obesity. ASC promote cancer through molecular pathways not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate tumors is promoted by obesity and suppressed upon pharmacological ASC depletion in HiMyc mice, a spontaneous genetic model of prostate cancer. CXCL12 expression in tumors was associated with ASC recruitment and localized to stromal cells expressing platelet-derived growth factor receptors Pdgfra and Pdgfrb. The role of this chemokine secreted by stromal cells in cancer progression was further investigated by using tissue-specific knockout models. ASC deletion of CXCL12 gene in the Pdgfr + lineages suppressed tumor growth and EMT, indicating stroma as the key source of CXCL12. Clinical sample analysis revealed that CXCL12 expression by peritumoral adipose stroma is increased in obesity, and that the correlating increase in Pdgfr/CXCL12 expression in the tumor is linked with decreased survival of patients with prostate carcinoma. Our study establishes ASC as the source of CXCL12 driving tumor aggressiveness and outlines an approach to treatment of carcinoma progression.
β-catenin-promoted cholesterol metabolism protects against cellular senescence in naked mole-rat cells
Authors: Chee Woei-Yaw , Kurahashi Yuriko , Kim Junhyeong , Miura Kyoko , Okuzaki Daisuke , Ishitani Tohru , Kajiwara Kentaro , Nada Shigeyuki , Okano Hideyuki , Okada Masato 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe naked mole-rat (NMR; Heterocephalus glaber) exhibits cancer resistance and an exceptionally long lifespan of approximately 30 years, but the mechanism(s) underlying increased longevity in NMRs remains unclear. In the present study, we report unique mechanisms underlying cholesterol metabolism in NMR cells, which may be responsible for their anti-senescent properties. NMR fibroblasts expressed β-catenin abundantly; this high expression was linked to increased accumulation of cholesterol-enriched lipid droplets. Ablation of β-catenin or inhibition of cholesterol synthesis abolished lipid droplet formation and induced senescence-like phenotypes accompanied by increased oxidative stress. β-catenin ablation downregulated apolipoprotein F and the LXR/RXR pathway, which are involved in cholesterol transport and biogenesis. Apolipoprotein F ablation also suppressed lipid droplet accumulation and promoted cellular senescence, indicating that apolipoprotein F mediates β-catenin signaling in NMR cells. Thus, we suggest that β-catenin in NMRs functions to offset senescence by regulating cholesterol metabolism, which may contribute to increased longevity in NMRs.
A single donor is sufficient to produce a highly functional in vitro antibody library
Authors: Erasmus M. Frank , D’Angelo Sara , Ferrara Fortunato , Naranjo Leslie , Teixeira André A. , Buonpane Rebecca , Stewart Shaun M. , Nastri Horacio G. , Bradbury Andrew R. M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAntibody complementarity determining region diversity has been considered to be the most important metric for the production of a functional antibody library. Generally, the greater the antibody library diversity, the greater the probability of selecting a diverse array of high affinity leads. According to this paradigm, the primary means of elevating library diversity has been by increasing the number of donors. In the present study we explored the possibility of creating an in vitro antibody library from a single healthy individual, showing that the number of lymphocytes, rather than the number of donors, is the key criterion in the production of a diverse and functional antibody library. We describe the construction of a high-quality phage display library comprising 5 × 109human antibodies by applying an efficient B cell extraction protocol from a single donor and a targeted V-gene amplification strategy favoring specific antibody families for their improved developability profiles. Each step of the library generation process was followed and validated by next generation sequencing to monitor the library quality and diversity. The functionality of the library was tested using several therapeutically relevant targets for which a vast number of different antibodies with desired biophysical properties were obtained.
A Vaspin–HSPA1L complex protects proximal tubular cells from organelle stress in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Nakatsuka Atsuko , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Eguchi Jun , Kakuta Shigeru , Iwakura Yoichiro , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Wada Jun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProximal tubular cells (PTCs) are crucial for maintaining renal homeostasis, and tubular injuries contribute to progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, the roles of visceral adipose tissue-derived serine protease inhibitor (vaspin) in the development of DKD is not known. We found vaspin maintains PTCs through ameliorating ER stress, autophagy impairment, and lysosome dysfunction in DKD. Vaspin−/− obese mice showed enlarged and leaky lysosomes in PTCs associated with increased apoptosis, and these abnormalities were also observed in the patients with DKD. During internalization into PTCs, vaspin formed a complex with heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 1 like (HSPA1L) as well as 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78). Both vaspin-partners bind to clathrin heavy chain and involve in the endocytosis. Notably, albumin-overload enhanced extracellular release of HSPA1L and overexpression of HSPA1L dissolved organelle stresses, especially autophagy impairment. Thus, vapsin/HSPA1L-mediated pathways play critical roles in maintaining organellar function of PTCs in DKD.