bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of Airway Inflammation and Remodeling Mechanisms Specific to Eosinophilic Asthma Through Differential Co-Expression of Genes in Bronchial Brush Biopsy Samples
Authors: Kozlik Pawel , Buregwa-Czuma Sylwia , Zawlik Izabela , Myszka Aleksander , Zuk Joanna , Siwiec Andzelika , Zarychta Jacek , Okon Krzysztof , Zareba Lech , Soja Jerzy , Kepski Michal , Bazan Jan G. , Bazan-Socha Stanislawa 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Heterogeneity of asthma complicates search for targeted treatment against airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling. We conducted a systems biology approach study to establish differential co-expression of genes (DCG) in eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic asthma patients and infer their role in the disease.
Materials and Methods

N = 40 Caucasian adult moderate to severe non-smoking asthma patients (half with eosinophilic asthma) undergone bronchial brush biopsy sampling for mRNA expression using hybridization to cDNA microarray. Mechanistic interpretation of DCG was inferred from existing literature.
Results

Differentially co-expressed genes bear significance in airway viral infection (ATP1B1, EPS15), arachidonic acid metabolism (CLC, FADS6), cell migration (EPS8L1, STOML3, RhoBTB2), surface receptors endocytosis (STRN4, EPS15, ATP1B1) or decreased expression (CCT7), oxidative stress (DIO3, RhoBTB2), decreased adhesion (ATP1B1, RAPH1, STOML3), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ASB3, RADX, CCT7, MRPL14, PPP2R3B, RPS13, SLC19A1), myofibroblast differentiation (CCT7), smooth muscle proliferation (ASB3, ATP1B1), airway hyperreactivity (RECK, STOML3, ATP1B1, OR52I1), extracellular matrix remodeling (FBN3, RECK), angiogenesis (GPI, RhoBTB2) and neuronal pathogenesis of asthma (OR52I1, STRN4, TTC3P1, GPI, CABP5) and were linked to asthma in genome- (MRPL14, ASB3, RPS13) and epigenome-wide (CLC, EPS15, GPI, SSCRB4, STRN4) association studies. Signaling pathways involved (especially TGF-β/Smad2/3) are inferred from the co-expression pattern.
Conclusion

Activity of genes and pathways of known or tentative role in asthma pathogenesis was established in regard to a condition cognizable in clinical practice.
Psychometric Properties of Modified MOS Social Support Survey 5-item (MSSS-5 item) among Iranian Older Adults
Authors: Bavarsad Maryam Bakhshandeh , Foroughan Mahshid , Zanjari Nasibeh , Shushtari Zahra Jorjoran , Harouni Gholamreza Ghaedamini 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Social support is a key factor in public health. Since the precise evaluation of it is critical, the current study has been developed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MOS-SSS questionnaire's abbreviated form (MSSS-5 item) among the Iranian older adults.Methods: This cross-sectional and methodological study was conducted on 420 community older adults (age≥60) through random multi-stage sampling. At first, the questionnaire was translated into Persian through Forward & Backward method based on WHO guidelines. Next, the validity of scales was investigated by calculating face validity, content validity, Known-group validity, explanatory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis indices. Reliability of the questionnaire was calculated by internal consistency, test-retest, and absolute reliability. Moreover, the scalability of the questionnaire was checked through the Mokken scale analysis. The software packages SPSS version 22, AMOS version 22, and R (Mokken package) were employed to analyze the data. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results: the face validity was conducted by using the interview with older adults and gathering the specialists' opinions and the items were grammatically and lexically corrected, accordingly. The CVI index of the overall scale was 0.94 and for every single item above 0.89. The results of the independent t-test showed that the current questionnaire well distinguished between the older adults who do and do not feel lonely (p<0.001). Two components were recognized according to the explanatory factor analysis. They together explained 67.78% of the total variance of the questionnaire. The CFA showed that the two-factor model had acceptable fit indices. The questionnaire had desirable internal consistency (α=0.78), stability (ICC=0.98), and absolute reliability (SEM=0.56, MDC=1.57). The Mokken scale proved that MSSS-5item was a strong scale (H=0.51, se=0.03).Conclusion: The present study results showed that the MSSS-5-item questionnaire had suitable validity and reliability to be used among Iranian older adults.
Chronic Anal Fissure in Female Patients: Is Fissurectomy and V-Y Anoplasty an Effective Procedure?
Authors: D'ORAZIO BEATRICE , Geraci Girolamo , Bonventre Sebastiano , Calì Dario , Vita Gaetano Di 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is still the approach of choice for the treatment of chronic anal fissure (CAF) regardless to the internal anal sphincter tone but it is burdened by high risk post-operative faecal incontinence (FI). In female patient there are some anatomical and functional differences of the sphinteric system which make them more at risk of FI and vaginal birth could cause sphinteric lesions affecting the anal continence function. The aim of our study is to evaluate the results of saving sphincter procedure as treatment for female patients affected by CAF. METHODS: We studied 110 female patients affected by CAF undergone fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap advancement associating pharmacological sphincterotomy in patients with hypertonic IAS. The follow up was at least for 2 years. The goals were patient’s complete healing, the evaluation of FI, recurrence rate and manometry parameters. RESULTS: All wounds healed within 40 days after surgery. We recorded 8 cases of recurrences 6 healed with medical therapy and 2 with dilatation. We recorded 2 “de novo” temporary and low grade post-operative cases of FI. Post-operative value of MRP were unmodified in patient with normotonic IAS but significantly lower at 12 months follow up as compared with the pre-operative ones in patients with hypertonic IAS; after 24 months from surgery MRP values were within the normal range. CONCLUSION: The fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous flap alone or in association with a pharmacological sphincterotomy in patients with hypertonic IAS may represent an effective approach for the treatment of CAF in female patients.
Expression of SARS-CoV-2-related Receptors in Cells of the Neurovascular Unit: Implications for HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Torices Silvia , Cabrera Rosalba , Stangis Michael , Naranjo Oandy , Adesse Daniel , Toborek Michal 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. Neurological complications are common in patients affected by COVID-19 due to the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect brains. While the mechanisms of this process are not fully understood, it has been proposed that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the cells of the neurovascular units (NVU), which form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The aim of the current study was to analyze the expression pattern of the main SARS-CoV-2 receptors in naïve and HIV-1-infected cells of the NVU in order to elucidate a possible pathway of the virus entry into the brain and a potential modulatory impact of HIV-1 in this process. Methods. The gene and protein expression profile of ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, BSG, DPP4, AGTR2, ANPEP, cathepsin B and cathepsin L was assessed by qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. In addition, we investigated if brain endothelial cells can be affected by the exposure to the S1 subunit of the S protein, the domain responsible for the direct binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptors. Results. The receptors involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection are coexpressed in the cells of the NVU, especially in astrocytes and microglial cells. These receptors are functionally active as exposure of endothelial cells to the SARS CoV-2 S1 protein subunit altered the expression pattern of tight junction proteins, such as claudin-5 and ZO-1. Additionally, HIV-1 infection upregulated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in brain astrocytes and microglia cells.Conclusions. These findings provide key insight into SARS-CoV-2 recognition by cells of the NVU and may help to develop possible treatment of CNS complications of COVID-19.
Integrated universal HIV testing with public health care program: an exploratory study of 1.1 million people from Eastern China
Authors: Xie Tiansheng , Liu Fumin , Wu Nanping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Objective
By investigating the large-scale HIV antibody screening of more than 1 million people, we explored weather the strategy of integrated universal HIV testing in a public health care program was useful.
Methods
We used a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method in a community-based investigation of 30 sample points within 9 counties in the Zhejiang province. The HIV antibody was detected, and demographic information was collected.
Results
Of the 1 113 030 people screened for HIV, 310 tested positive (adjusted HIV prevalence, 3.45/10000; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.41–3.48). The HIV prevalence was higher in men(5.62/10000 ) than in women(1.17/10000) of all ages; those in the 25–34 and 35–44 age groups were highest (compared with the < 15 age group, the adjusted odds ratios were 25.69 and 18.48, respectively). The HIV prevalence at the medium gross domestic product (GDP) level (adjusted HIV prevalence, 5.28/10000; 95% CI, 4.53–6.04) was significantly higher than those at high and low GDP levels Especially in the male 25–34 and 35–44 age groups. Compared with the native HIV positive population, the migrants were younger, did not have a stable sexual partner, and had a lower level of education.
Conclusion
By using universal HIV testing integrated into a public health care program was feasible and (perhaps) effective in finding new HIV cases. We should pay more attention to the 25–44 age male population, as well as migrants in our HIV/AIDS control strategies, especial in industrial activity district.
Reference Data and Known-Groups Validity of the EQ-5D-5L for Vietnam
Authors: Vu Mai Quynh , Kim Giang Bao , Hoang Minh Van , Lindholm Lars , Sun Sun , Sahlen Klas Goran 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeThis study aims to provide EQ-5D-5L reference data of the general Vietnamese population and to test the EQ-5D-5L’ known-groups validity among people living with hypertension in Vietnam.MethodsThe EQ-5D-5L population norms were obtained via a representative sample from a general population of 1200 adults. Outcomes of the population norms were presented through five dimensions and five levels, EQ-VAS, and EQ-5D-5L indexes. Descriptive statistics of these outcomes were categorised by gender and age groups. Evidence of the known-groups validity was based on a sample of 577 non-hypertensive adults, 242 individuals with undiagnosed and 477 individuals with diagnosed hypertension. A hypothesis was formulated that people with worse health status would have lower EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes. ResultsFor the EQ-5D-5L population norms, 54.4% of the respondents reported having full health. The mean EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes were 81.10 and 0.94, respectively. The EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes were higher among males, people at younger ages, those with more education, a paid job, and single. The mean EQ-VAS and EQ-5D-5L indexes of people in the diagnosed hypertension group were statistically significantly lower than they were in the other two groups. ConclusionThe EQ-5D-5L population norms were derived for the Vietnamese general population. The EQ-5D-5L can distinguish the quality-of-life differences among Vietnamese with hypertension.
Effects of Life-form and Plants Functional Traits on Carbon, Nitrogen and Sulfur Distributed in Different Parts in Dry Region of Western India
Authors: Singh Genda , Singh Bilas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Plants adapt to adverse environmental conditions accumulate varying concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) compounds to cope up with adverse climatic conditions. Carbon, N and S concentrations were determined in roots, stem and leaves of 33 species of trees/shrubs with objectives to observe the effects of life-form and plants functional traits, and select species with high concentration of these elements for their utilization in afforestation and medicinal uses. Results: Concentrations of C, N, and S and C: N and N: S ratio varied (P<0.05) between species, organs, life-forms and functional traits (legume vs non-legume). These variables were higher (except C in roots and stem) in trees than shrubs, and in leguminous than non-leguminous species. Non-leguminous species showed high S content and low N: S ratio. Antagonistic and synergistic relations were observed between C and N, and N and S concentration respectively. Species showed varying potential in assimilating carbon by regulating uptake and accumulation of these elements in different organs making them adapt to the habitats affected by drought and salinity. We observed strong plant size/life-form effects on C and N content and C: N and N: S ratios and of function on S content. Conclusions: Life-form/size and varying functions of the species determined C: nutrient ratio and elemental composition and helped adapting varying environmental stresses. This study assist in selecting species of high carbon, nitrogen and S content to utilize them in afforesting the areas affected by water and salt stresses, increased carbon storage and species with high S/N content in medicinal uses.
Lubrication Performance of Different Concentrations of Al2O3 Nanofluids on Minimum Quantity Lubrication Milling
Authors: Bai Xiufang , Jiang Juan , Li C. H. , Dong Lan , Duan Zhenjing , Zhang Haiying 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Lubricant plays an important role in machining. Due to the problems of environmental protection and workers' health, traditional lubricants are gradually replaced. Nanofluid, adding nanoparticles into base oil, is a kind of environment-friendly low-carbon lubricant, which improves not only the heat transfer capacity but also the lubrication performance. However, how many nanoparticles added into the fluid can improve the lubrication performance best? There are few studies on the mechanism of lubrication performance of different concentrations, and the results are not very clear. In this research, nanofluid as lubricating fluid is made by adding 0.5~2.0% mass concentration of Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles to the cottonseed oil during milling Grade 45 steel in minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) mode. The tribological properties of nanofluids with different concentrations at the tool/workpiece interface were studied by macro evaluation parameters (specific energy) and micro evaluation parameters (surface roughness, micro morphology, contact angle and viscosity). The results show that the concentration of nanoparticles has the most optimal value. When the concentration is 0.5 wt%, the specific energy is the minimum (0.281), and the roughness value is the lowest (1.63 μ m) . Meanwhile, slender chip and the largest droplet wetting area are obtained, which indicates better tribological properties. There is a nonlinear relationship between the lubricating effect of nanofluid and its concentration. The proper concentration of Al 2 O 3 nanofluid has good tribological properties and more potential to replace the pouring lubrication.
Effects of Early Cumulus Cell Removal on the Treatment Outcomes in Patients Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kong Pengcheng , Yin Mingru , Tang Chuanling , Zhu Xiuxian , Bukulmez Orhan , Chen Miaoxin , Teng Xiaoming 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Early cumulus cell removal combined with early rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) has been widely practiced in many in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in China in order to avoid total fertilization failure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of early cumulus cell removal alone after 4 h co-incubation of gametes (4 h group) on the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes as compared with the conventional cumulus cell removal after 20 h of insemination (20 h group) in patients undergoing IVF. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1784 patients who underwent their first fresh cleavage embryo transfer at the Centre for Assisted Reproduction of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital from June 2016 to December 2018 (4 h group, n=570; 20 h group, n=1214). There were 1073 infants delivered after the embryo transfer (4 h group, n=337; 20 h group, n=736). A logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent association between early cumulus cell removal and pregnancy outcomes after adjustment for the potential confounders. The neonatal outcomes between the two groups were compared.Result(s): The 4 h group had similar pregnancy outcomes, including biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, ongoing pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, live birth rate, when compared with the 20 h group. Both groups had comparable singleton and twin delivery rates (32.9% versus 33.5% and 13.2% versus 13.9%, respectively). There were 1073 infants delivered after the embryo transfer (4 h group, n=337; 20 h group, n=736). In both singleton and twin gestations, the preterm birth rate and very preterm birth rate, mean birth weight, mean gestational age, sex ratio at birth and rate of congenital birth defects in the 4 h group were similar to those in the 20 h group. In addition, Z-scores (gestational age- and sex-adjusted birthweight), the rates of small for gestational age, very small for gestational age, large for gestational age and very large for gestational age infants were also similar between the two groups in singleton gestations.Conclusion(s): Early cumulus cell removal alone was not associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients undergoing IVF. Thus, early cumulus cell removal to assess for a potential early rescue ICSI seems to be safe in terms of pregnancy and live birth outcomes.
Simultaneous Effect of Tool Rotation and Dwell Time on Quality of Dissimilar AA5052-Copper Joints Fabricated by Friction Stir Spot Welding
Authors: Jadidi Aydin , Azhiri Reza Bagherian , Baghdadchi Amir , Bideskan Abolfazl Salmani 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In the present study, lap joints of dissimilar 5052 aluminum alloy and pure copper were fabricated by friction stir spot welding process. The work was aimed to find effect of parameters such as tool rotary speed (1000, 1400 and 2000 RPM) and dwell time (5, 10 and 15s) on microstructure and strength properties of lap joints. Also, statistical models of the quality characteristics were developed to understand which interaction has dominant effect on quality characteristics. Research findings showed that to obtain sound joints with high lap shear strength tool rotary speed of 2000 rpm and dwell time of 5s should be selected. It provides sufficient heat input and prevents the excessive material softening. On the other hand, to achieve maximum hardness, 2000 rpm tool rotary speed should be chosen to provide enough heat for formation of intermetallic compound and 10s dwell time should be used prevent enough time for microstructure refining. Moreover, from the statistical analyses, it was found that dwell time and tool speed are the significant factor for lap shear strength and hardness, respectively. In order to attain simultaneous maximum strength and hardness, tool speed of 2000 rpm and dwell time of 8 s should be used. In such condition lap shear strength of 1755 N and hardness of 77 V are achieved with desirability of 85%.
Probing Earth's Upper Mantle With Daily Magnetic Field Variations. Exploring a Physics-Based Parametrization of the Source
Authors: Zenhäusern Géraldine , Kuvshinov Alexey , Guzavina Martina , Maute Astrid 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The electromagnetic (EM) field variations capable of probing the electrical conductivity of the upper mantle and mantle transition zone have a period range between a few hours and one day. At these periods, the dominant source of the EM signals is the ionospheric current system, which has a complex spatial and temporal structure. A concept of global-to-local (G2L) transfer functions can handle spatially complex source by relating global source expansion coefficients with locally measured magnetic (or/and electric) fields. When estimating the G2L transfer functions, the source is commonly expanded into spherical harmonics (SH). In this paper, we explore an alternative parametrization of the source based on a principal component analysis (PCA) of the Fourier transformed output from the physics-based Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM). Specifically, we investigate whether magnetic fields computed in the realistic three-dimensional conductivity model of Earth excited by the PCA-based source agree better with observatory data than those computed in the same model but induced by the SH-based source. Using PCA to capture the source current compared to SH parametrization, we found that agreement with the observatory data is better during magnetically disturbed times and at shorter periods. Vice versa, it is poorer during magnetically quiet times and at longer periods.
The Revised Self-monitoring Scale Detects Early Impairment of Social Cognition in Genetic Frontotemporal Dementia Within the GENFI Cohort
Authors: Franklin Hannah Daisy , Russell Lucy L , Peakman Georgia , Greaves Caroline V , Bocchetta Martina , Nicholas Jennifer , Poos Jackie , Convery Rhian S , Cash David M , Swieten John Van , Jiskoot Lize , Moreno Fermin , Sanchez-Valle Raquel , Borroni Barbara , Laforce Robert , Masellis Mario , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Graff Caroline , Galimberti Daniela , Rowe James B , Finger Elizabeth , Synofzik Matthis , Vandenberghe Rik , de Mendonça Alexandre , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Santana Isabel , Ducharme Simon , Butler Chris , Gerhard Alex , Levin Johannes , Danek Adrian , Otto Markus , Sorbi Sandro , Ber Isabelle Le , Pasquier Florence , Rohrer Jonathan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlthough social cognitive dysfunction is a major feature of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) it has been poorly studied in familial forms. A key goal of studies is to detect early cognitive impairment using validated measures in large patient cohorts. MethodsWe used the Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS) as a measure of socioemotional sensitivity in 730 participants from the Genetic FTD initiative (GENFI) observational study: 269 mutation-negative healthy controls, 193 C9orf72 expansion carriers, 193 GRN mutation carriers and 75 MAPT mutation carriers. All participants underwent the standardised GENFI clinical assessment including the ‘CDR® plus NACC FTLD’ scale and RSMS. The RSMS Total score and its two subscores, socioemotional expressiveness (EX score), and modification of self-presentation (SP score) were measured. Volumetric T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was available from 377 mutation carriers for voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis. ResultsThe RSMS was decreased in symptomatic mutation carriers in all genetic groups but at a prodromal stage only in the C9orf72 (for the total score and both subscores), and GRN (for the modification of self-presentation subscore) groups. RSMS score correlated with disease severity in all groups. The VBM analysis implicated an overlapping network of regions including the orbitofrontal cortex, insula, temporal pole, medial temporal lobe and striatum. ConclusionsThe RSMS indexes socioemotional impairment at an early stage of genetic FTD, and may be a suitable outcome measure in forthcoming trials.