bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the embryonic fate map through the mechanical signature of cells and their trajectories
Authors: Pastor-Escuredo David , Lombardot Benoit , Savy Thierry , Boyreau Adeline Adeline , Doursat Rene , Goicolea Jose Maria , Santos Andres , Bourgine Paul , Alamo Juan Carlos del , Ledesma-Carbayo Maria Jesus , Peyrieras Nadine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Digital cell lineages reconstructed from 3D+time imaging data of the developing zebrafish embryo are used to uncover mechanical cues and their role in morphogenesis. A continuous approximation of cell displacements obtained from cell lineages is used to assess tissue deformation during gastrulation. At this stage, embryonic tissues display multi-scale compressible fluid-like properties. The deformation rate at the mesoscopic level of the cell’s immediate surroundings appears noisy, in both space and time. The patterns identified by clustering the cells, according to the cumulative deformation rate along their trajectory throughout gastrulation, lead to a robust, ordered and coherent biomechanical map. The timing and amplitude of the biomechanical deformations provide a measurement of the phenotypic variability in small cohorts of specimens. We show that the biomechanical map matches the embryonic fate map of the zebrafish presumptive forebrain, in both wild type and Nodal pathway mutants (zoeptz57/tz57), where it reveals the biomechanical defects that lead to cyclopia.. The comparison of biomechanical patterns and the expression pattern of a transgenic reporter for the transcription factor goosecoid (gsc), supports the hypothesis that embryonic cells acquire, at an early developmental stage, a biomechanical signature that contributes to defining their fate.
Smoking and drug use among students of a medical university in Iran; prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Ghasemi Hadi , Jadidfard Mohammad Pooyan , Asgharian Mehrdad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Drug abuse is a critical health problem of human society. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of drug abuse among students in one of the medical universities of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2016 among a convenient sample of 800 undergraduate students from a medical university in the capital of Iran. Data were gathered by means of a self-administered questionnaire inquiring students’ age, gender, marital status, home city, living status, and drug used including history, frequency and types. Statistical evaluation included the Chi-square test and logistic regression models. Results: respondents’ mean age was 23.5; 67% were men, and 70% were single. Totally, 15% of the students reported to smoke cigarette and ≤6% use other drugs; more men than women (p<0.01). Alcohol use reported by 7% of the students more women than men (p=0.02). Older students, those spending their free time alone, and those without a job more frequently (p≤0.001) reported using all types of the drugs. Conclusion: The majority of the studied students did not report drug abuse. Considering the critical responsibilities of health care students, the prevalence is, however, needs to be reduced even further with purposeful preventive programs.
Assessment of self-medication practices in the context of COVID-19 outbreak in Togo
Authors: Sadio Arnold J , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi A , KONU Rodion Y , Bakoubayi Akila W , Tchankoni Martin K , Bitty-Anderson Alexandra M , Gomez Iris M , Denadou Claudia P , Anani Joël , Kouanfack Harold R , Kpeto Innocent K , Salou Mounerou , Ekouevi Didier K 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: To date, there is no effective treatment for COVID-19, which is a pandemic disease, caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. In Togo, where four in five people practice self-medication, the absence of a cure for COVID-19 and the constant progression of the disease requires an assessment of self-medication patterns in the context of the pandemic. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-medication to prevent COVID-19 and its associated factors in Lomé, Togo.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lomé, the capital city of Togo, from April 23rd to May 8th, 2020, with a sample of participants from five sectors: the healthcare, air transport, police, road transport and informal sectors. The participants were invited to provide information about their self-medication practices to prevent COVID-19 in the two weeks preceding the survey.Results: A total of 955 participants (71.6% men) with a median age of 36 (IQR 32–43) were included. Approximately 22.1% were in the air transport sector, 20.5% were in the police sector, and 38.7% were in the health sector. The overall prevalence of self-medication to prevent COVID-19 was 34.2% (95% CI: 31.2-37.3%). The most commonly used products were vitamin C (27.6%) and traditional medicine (10.2%). Only 2.0% of participants reported using chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine. Female sex (aOR=1.90; p<0.001), work in the health sector (aOR=1.89; p= 0.001), secondary education level (aOR= 2.28; p= 0.043) and university education level (aOR= 5.11; p<0.001) were associated with self-medication.Conclusion: One-third of the individuals in high-risk populations in Lomé practiced self-medication. Intensifying awareness campaigns is crucial to fight misinformation about alleged COVID-19 prevention products on social media.
In-silico study of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS with special reference to intra-protein interactions, A plausible explanation for stability, divergency and severity of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mitra Debanjan , Pal Aditya K. , Mohapatra Pradeep Kumar Das 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The current nightmare for the whole world is COVID-19. The occurrence of concentrated pneumonia cases in Wuhan city, Hubei province of China was first reported on December 30, 2019. SARS-CoV first discloses in 2002, but not outspread worldwide. After 18 years, in 2020, it reemerges and outspread worldwide as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19), as the most treacherous virus creating disease in the world. Is it possible to create a favorable evolution within this (18 years) short time? If possible, then what are those properties or factors that are changed in SARS-CoV-2 to make it undefeated? What are the fundamental differences between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS? This study will find all those queries. Here, we took 4 types of protein sequences from SARS-CoV-2 and SARS are retrieved from the database to check their physicochemical and structural properties. Results showed that charged residues are playing a pivotal role in SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Those charged residues also contribute to helix stabilization of SARS-CoV-2. Formation of cyclic salt bridge and other intra-protein interactions also play crucial role in SAS-CoV-2. This comparative study will help to understand the evolution from SARS to SARS-CoV-2 and also helps in protein engineering.
Urban health nexus with COVID-19 preparedness and response in Africa: rapid scoping review of the early evidence.
Authors: Alhassan Robert Kaba 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) also called COVID-19 was first reported in the African continent on 14th February 2020, in Egypt. As at 24th August 2020, the continent reported a total of 1,189,526 cases; 27,798 deaths and 907,822 recoveries. Urban cities in African have suffered the brunt of COVID-19; meanwhile, response strategies by African countries have largely been condemned as “one-size-fit-all” approach.Objective: This paper synthesized and analyzed early evidence on the nexus between urban health and COVID-19 preparedness and response in Africa. Methods: Rapid scoping review of empirical and grey literature was done using data sources such as ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, PubMed, HINARI and official websites of WHO and Africa CDC. Out of over 6,000 search output, 24 full articles, reviews and commentaries were finally synthesized analyzed qualitatively based on relevance and quality, guided by the PRISMA flow chart (2009).Results: Over 70% of the 24 articles reported on COVID-19 response strategies across Africa; 29% of the articles reported on preparedness towards COVID-19 while 41% reported on the nexus between urbanization and COVID-19; 37% of the publications were full text empirical studies while the remaining 63% were either commentaries, reviews or editorials. It was found that urban cities remain epicentres for COVID-19 in Africa. Even though some successes have been recorded in Africa in respect of the COVID-19 fight, the continent’s response strategies are largely a “one-size-fit all” approach. In effect, adoption of “Western elitist” mitigating measures for COVID-19 resulted in excesses and spillover effects on individuals, families and economies in Africa. Conclusion: Africa needs to increase commitment to health systems strengthening through context-specific interventions in addition to prioritization of pandemic preparedness over response. Likewise, improved economic resilience and proper urban planning will help African countries to respond better to future public health emergencies.
Clinical Spectrum of COVID-19 in a Pediatric Mexican Population
Authors: Bustos-Cordova Edgar , Castillo-García Daniela , Cerón-Rodriguez Magdalena , Soler-Quiñones Nadia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveFrom the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become evident that the spectrum of manifestations in children is different from those seen in adults. In this study, we aimed to describe a broader clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children.MethodsIn this descriptive, prospective study, we included confirmed pediatric patients with COVID-19 who presented to the emergency department of a pediatric tertiary care center from April to July 2020. All patients were confirmed by the SARSCoV-2 RT-PCR test, and we analyzed 24 symptoms and 25 signs.ResultsWe analyzed 50 patients with COVID-19. From the evaluated signs and symptoms, the most common symptoms were fever, excessive crying and dry cough, digestive symptoms were frequently found (24%), and the most common signs were pharyngeal erythema and irritability.ConclusionClinicians should recognize that the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 in children is wider than previously described, often with nonspecific signs and symptoms, digestive symptoms should raise suspicion.
Detection of enteric bacteria in two groundwater sources and associated microbial health risks
Authors: Olalemi Adewale O. , Ige Oluwasegun M. , James Grace A. , Obasoro Favour I. , Okoko Favour O. , Ogunleye Christiana O. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe microbial quality of two groundwater sources (well and borehole) and associated risks were quantitatively assessed. Water samples from the selected borehole and well were collected over a period of 12 weeks (n = 48). The concentrations of Escherichia coli, faecal coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium and Campylobacter were determined using standard microbiological methods, which involve the use of a membrane filter technique. The water samples were filtered through a 0.45 μm membrane filter using vacuum pump pressure and plated on selective agar for the bacteria under test. The number of colonies of the bacterial growth observed after the incubation period was counted and recorded. The physicochemical properties of the water were determined using standard methods. The risk of Salmonella, Shigella, Clostridium and Campylobacter infections resulting from the ingestion of water from the borehole and well was estimated. The results showed that the levels of enteric bacteria in the borehole were higher than those in the well. The mean levels of E. coli in water from the borehole and well were 3.3 and 1.7 log10 cfu/100 ml, respectively, and exhibited a negative relationship with salinity (r = −0.53). The estimated risks of infection associated with the pathogens in water from the borehole and well were greater than the acceptable risk limit of 10−4 and followed this order Clostridium&lt;Salmonella&lt;Campylobacter&lt;Shigella. The findings of this study suggest recent and continuous faecal contamination of the two groundwater sources, thus exposing the residents relying on the water for drinking to potential risks of gastrointestinal infections.
Evaluation of the drinking water quality surveillance system in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Faria Clarissa Perez , Almendra Ricardo , Dias Gisele Silva , Santana Paula , do Céu Sousa Maria , Bessa de Freitas Marcelo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present work evaluated the surveillance of the drinking water quality information system database and correlated the findings of the microbiological analysis with the distribution of intestinal protozoa from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. From the database, we obtained 1,654 georeferenced monitoring stations that were used in the analysis. The results indicate that the minimum number of samples collected per parameter (free residual chlorine, turbidity, counts of total and fecal coliforms (Escherichia coli)) was not fulfilled, the collection of samples throughout the year was irregular and the representability of sampling points considered strategic was low (48% of municipalities). Besides, municipalities with a high prevalence for intestinal parasite protozoa were also the ones that had the highest counts for coliforms and the reverse can also be observed, indicating a transmission through contaminated drinking water. Despite the increased participation of municipalities in water surveillance actions during the studied period, it is necessary to implement managerial measures to improve the system, aiming to correct flaws and inconsistencies in the application of the water quality monitoring protocol.
Spatiotemporal variation of bacterial communities in three cascade reservoirs in a southern city of China
Authors: Cai Guangqiang , Liu Tongzhou , Zhang Jinsong , Song Haoran , Lu Xiaoyan , Liu Lijun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Reservoirs are important water sources of urban drinking water supply. Bacteria play an important role in the removal of organics in reservoirs, but some of them can pose a health risk to consumers. Knowledge of bacterial community composition in drinking water sources can favour the drinking water security safeguards. This study investigated the monthly composition and diversity of bacterial communities in three cascade reservoirs using high-throughput Illumina HiSeq sequencing over one hydrological year. The diversity and structure of the bacterial community showed distinct spatiotemporal variation. Mycobacterium, Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Sphingobacterium and Pseudomonas were the genera resistant to chlorine. In addition, Acinetobacter, Arcobacter, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus were the main potential pathogenic genera. The bacterial community diversity and the average relative abundance of potential pathogenic genera detected in the wet season were higher than those in the dry season. Water temperature was found to be the main factor for the temporal variation. The spatial variation of bacterial community diversity and the average relative abundance of potential pathogenic genera were related to water current and the degree of water pollution, respectively. The results of this study can conduce the beneficial management of drinking water treatment processes.
Crystal Structure of a Cu,Zn Superoxide Dismutase From the Thermophilic Fungus Chaetomium thermophilum
Authors: Mohsin Imran , Zhang Li-Qing , Li Duo-Chuan , Papageorgiou Anastassios C. 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Thermophilic fungi have recently emerged as a promising source of thermostable
enzymes. Superoxide dismutases are key antioxidant metalloenzymes with promising
therapeutic effects in various diseases, both acute and chronic. However, structural heterogeneity
and low thermostability limit their therapeutic efficacy.

Objective:
Although several studies from hypethermophilic superoxide dismutases (SODs) have
been reported, information about Cu,Zn-SODs from thermophilic fungi is scarce. Chaetomium thermophilum
is a thermophilic fungus that could provide proteins with thermophilic properties.

Methods:
The enzyme was expressed in Pichia pastoris cells and crystallized using the vapor-diffusion
method. X-ray data were collected, and the structure was determined and refined to 1.56 Å resolution.
Structural analysis and comparisons were carried out.

Results:
The presence of 8 molecules (A through H) in the asymmetric unit resulted in four different
interfaces. Molecules A and F form the typical homodimer which is also found in other Cu,Zn-
SODs. Zinc was present in all subunits of the structure while copper was found in only four subunits
with reduced occupancy (C, D, E and F).

Conclusion:
The ability of the enzyme to form oligomers and the elevated Thr:Ser ratio may be
contributing factors to its thermal stability. Two hydrophobic residues that participate in interface
formation and are not present in other CuZn-SODs may play a role in the formation of new interfaces
and the oligomerization process. The CtSOD crystal structure reported here is the first
Cu,Zn-SOD structure from a thermophilic fungus.
Current Status of Mucoadhesive Gel Systems for Buccal Drug Delivery
Authors: Okur Neslihan Ü. , Bülbül Ece Ö. , Yağcılar Ayşe P. , Siafaka Panoraia I. 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Buccal drug delivery is a fascinating research field. Gel-based formulations present potent characteristics as buccal systems since they have great physicochemical properties.

Methods:
Among the various gels, in situ gels that are viscous colloidal systems consisted of polymers when physiological conditions change (pH, temperature, ion activation) shift to the gel phase. These systems can improve bioavailability. Other systems such as nanogels or emulgels can be also applied for buccal delivery with promising results. Polymeric gel-based systems can be produced by natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic polymers. Their main advantage is that the active molecules can be released in a sustained and controllable manner. Several gels based on chitosan are produced for the entrapment of drugs demonstrating efficient retention time and bioavailability, due to chitosan mucoadhesion. Besides polysaccharides, poloxamers and Carbopol are also used in buccal gels due to their high swelling ability and reversed thermal gelation behavior.

Results:
Herein, the authors focused on the current development of mucoadhesive gel systems used in buccal drug delivery. After explaining buccal drug delivery and mucoadhesion, various studies with hydrogels, in situ gels, and nanogels were analyzed as buccal gel systems. Various mucoadhesive gel studies with mucoadhesive polymers have been studied and summarized. This review is presented as valuable guidance to scientists in formulating buccal mucoadhesive drug delivery systems.

Conclusions:
This review aimed to assist researchers working on buccal drug delivery by summarizing buccal drug delivery, mucoadhesion, and buccal mucoadhesive gel systems recently found in the literature.
In Silico Validation, Fabrication and Evaluation of Nano-Liposomes of Bistorta amplexicaulis Extract for Improved Anticancer Activity Against Hepatoma Cell Line (HepG2)
Authors: Batool Salma , Asad Muhammad Javaid , Arshad Muhammad , Ahmed Warda , Sohail Muhammad Farhan , Abbasi Sumra Wajid , Ahmad Sajjad , Saleem Rahman Shah Zaib , Ahmed Muhammad Sheeraz 
Published: March 2021

Background:
Bistorta amplexicaulis of the genus Polygonum (Polygonaceae) has been
reported for its antioxidant and anticancer activities. However, the low cellular uptake of the compounds
in its extract limits its therapeutic application.

Objectives:
The present study aimed at developing a nanoliposomal carrier system for B. amplexicaulis
extracts for improved cellular uptake, thus resulting in enhanced anticancer activity.

Methods:
Ultra Pressure Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) was used to identify major compounds
in the plant extract. Nanoliposomes (NLs) were prepared by employing a thin-film rehydration
method using DPPC, PEG2000DSPE and cholesterol, followed by characterization through several
parameters. In vitro screening was performed against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and Hepatocellular
carcinoma cell line (HepG-2) using MTT-assay. Raw extract and nanoliposomes were tested
on Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC). Moreover, molecular docking was performed
to validate the data obtained through wet lab.

Results:
The UHPLC method identified gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and catechin as
the major compounds in the extract. The NLs with a size ranging between 140-155 nm, zeta potential
-16.9 to -19.8 mV and good polydispersity index of < 0.1 were prepared, with a high encapsulation
efficiency of 81%. The MTT assay showed significantly (p > 0.05) high uptake and cytotoxicity
of NLs as compared to the plant extract. Moreover, reduced toxicity against HUVEC cells was
observed as compared to the extract. Also, the docking of identified compounds suggested a favorable
interaction with the SH2 domain of both STAT3 and STAT5.

Conclusion:
Overall, the results suggest NLs as a potential platform that could be developed for
the improved intracellular delivery of plant extract, thus increasing the therapeutic outcomes.
The Potential Role of Peritumoral Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Evaluation in Differentiating Glioblastoma and Solitary Metastatic Lesions of the Brain
Authors: Tepe Murat , Saylisoy Suzan , Toprak Ugur , Inan Ibrahim 
Published: March 2021

Objective:
Differentiating glioblastoma (GBM) and solitary metastasis is not always possible
using conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. In conventional brain
MRI, GBM and brain metastases are lesions with mostly similar imaging findings. In this study,
we investigated whether apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios, ADC gradients, and minimum
ADC values in the peritumoral edema tissue can be used to discriminate between these two tumors.

Methods:
This retrospective study was approved by the local institutional review board with a
waiver of written informed consent. Prior to surgical and medical treatment, conventional brain
MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI (b = 0 and b = 1000) images were taken from 43 patients (12
GBM and 31 solitary metastasis cases). Quantitative ADC measurements were performed on the
peritumoral tissue from the nearest segment to the tumor (ADC1), the middle segment (ADC2), and
the most distant segment (ADC3). The ratios of these three values were determined proportionally
to calculate the peritumoral ADC ratios. In addition, these three values were subtracted from each
other to obtain the peritumoral ADC gradients. Lastly, the minimum peritumoral and tumoral ADC
values, and the quantitative ADC values from the normal-appearing ipsilateral white matter, contralateral
white matter, and ADC values from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were recorded.

Results:
For the differentiation of GBM and solitary metastasis, ADC3 / ADC1 was the most powerful
parameter with a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 87.1% at the cut-off value of 1.105 (p <
0.001), followed by ADC3 / ADC2 with a cut-off value of 1.025 (p = 0.001), sensitivity of 91.7%,
and specificity of 74.2%. The cut-off, sensitivity and specificity of ADC2 / ADC1 were 1.055 (p =
0.002), 83.3%, and 67.7%, respectively. For ADC3 – ADC1, the cut-off value, sensitivity, and specificity
were calculated as 150 (p < 0.001), 91.7%, and 83.9%, respectively. ADC3 – ADC2 had a cutoff
value of 55 (p = 0.001), sensitivity of 91.7%, and specificity of 77.4, whereas ADC2 – ADC1
had a cut-off value of 75 (p = 0.003), sensitivity of 91.7%, and specificity of 61.3%. Among the remaining
parameters, only the ADC3 value successfully differentiated between GBM and metastasis
(GBM 1802.50 ± 189.74 vs. metastasis 1634.52 ± 212.65, p = 0.022).

Conclusion:
The integration of the evaluation of peritumoral ADC ratio and ADC gradient into
conventional MR imaging may provide valuable information for differentiating GBM from solitary
metastatic lesions.