bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the diffusion of coronavirus disease 2019 cases in a metropolis: a space syntax approach
Authors: Yao Yepeng , Shi Wenzhong , Zhang Anshu , Liu Zhewei , Luo Shuli 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The urban built environment (BE) has been globally acknowledged as one of the main factors that affects the spread of infectious disease. However, the effect of the street network on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) incidence has been insufficiently studied. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes COVID-19, is far more transmissible than previous respiratory viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, which highlights the role of the spatial configuration of street network in COVID-19 spread, as it is where humans have contact with each other, especially in high-density areas. To fill this research gap, this study utilized space syntax theory and investigated the effect of the urban BE on the spatial diffusion of COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong.

Method
This study collected a comprehensive dataset including a total of 3815 confirmed cases and corresponding locations from January 18 to October 5, 2020. Based on the space syntax theory, six space syntax measures were selected as quantitative indicators for the urban BE. A linear regression model and Geographically Weighted Regression model were then applied to explore the underlying relationships between COVID-19 cases and the urban BE. In addition, we have further improved the performance of GWR model considering the spatial heterogeneity and scale effects by adopting an adaptive bandwidth.

Result
Our results indicated a strong correlation between the geographical distribution of COVID-19 cases and the urban BE. Areas with higher integration (a measure of the cognitive complexity required for a pedestrians to reach a street) and betweenness centrality values (a measure of spatial network accessibility) tend to have more confirmed cases. Further, the Geographically Weighted Regression model with adaptive bandwidth achieved the best performance in predicting the spread of COVID-19 cases.

Conclusion
In this study, we revealed a strong positive relationship between the spatial configuration of street network and the spread of COVID-19 cases. The topology, network accessibility, and centrality of an urban area were proven to be effective for use in predicting the spread of COVID-19. The findings of this study also shed light on the underlying mechanism of the spread of COVID-19, which shows significant spatial variation and scale effects. This study contributed to current literature investigating the spread of COVID-19 cases in a local scale from the space syntax perspective, which may be beneficial for epidemic and pandemic prevention.
Glioma stem cells invasive phenotype at optimal stiffness is driven by MGAT5 dependent mechanosensing
Authors: Marhuenda Emilie , Fabre Christine , Zhang Cunjie , Martin-Fernandez Martà , Iskratsch Thomas , Saleh Ali , Bauchet Luc , Cambedouzou Julien , Hugnot Jean-Philippe , Duffau Hugues , Dennis James W. , Cornu David , Bakalara Norbert 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Glioblastomas stem-like cells (GSCs) by invading the brain parenchyma, remains after resection and radiotherapy and the tumoral microenvironment become stiffer. GSC invasion is reported as stiffness sensitive and associated with altered N-glycosylation pattern. Glycocalyx thickness modulates integrins mechanosensing, but details remain elusive and glycosylation enzymes involved are unknown. Here, we studied the association between matrix stiffness modulation, GSC migration and MGAT5 induced N-glycosylation in fibrillar 3D context.

Method
To mimic the extracellular matrix fibrillar microenvironments, we designed 3D-ex-polyacrylonitrile nanofibers scaffolds (NFS) with adjustable stiffnesses by loading multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). GSCs neurosphere were plated on NFSs, allowing GSCs migration and MGAT5 was deleted using CRISPR-Cas9.

Results
We found that migration of GSCs was maximum at 166 kPa. Migration rate was correlated with cell shape, expression and maturation of focal adhesion (FA), Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) proteins and (β1,6) branched N-glycan binding, galectin-3. Mutation of MGAT5 in GSC inhibited N-glycans (β1–6) branching, suppressed the stiffness dependence of migration on 166 kPa NFS as well as the associated FA and EMT protein expression.

Conclusion
MGAT5 catalysing multibranched N-glycans is a critical regulators of stiffness induced invasion and GSCs mechanotransduction, underpinning MGAT5 as a serious target to treat cancer.
Ten-eleven translocation protein 1 modulates medulloblastoma progression
Authors: Kim Hyerim , Kang Yunhee , Li Yujing , Chen Li , Lin Li , Johnson Nicholas D. , Zhu Dan , Robinson M. Hope , McSwain Leon , Barwick Benjamin G. , Yuan Xianrui , Liao Xinbin , Zhao Jie , Zhang Zhiping , Shu Qiang , Chen Jianjun , Allen Emily G. , Kenney Anna M. , Castellino Robert C. , Van Meir Erwin G. , Conneely Karen N. , Vertino Paula M. , Jin Peng , Li Jian 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundMedulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor that originates in the cerebellum and brainstem. Frequent somatic mutations and deregulated expression of epigenetic regulators in MB highlight the substantial role of epigenetic alterations. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a highly abundant cytosine modification in the developing cerebellum and is regulated by ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes.ResultsWe investigate the alterations of 5hmC and TET enzymes in MB and their significance to cerebellar cancer formation. We show total abundance of 5hmC is reduced in MB, but identify significant enrichment of MB-specific 5hmC marks at regulatory regions of genes implicated in stem-like properties and Nanog-binding motifs. While TET1 and TET2 levels are high in MBs, only knockout ofTet1in the smoothened (SmoA1)mouse model attenuates uncontrolled proliferation, leading to a favorable prognosis. The pharmacologicalTet1inhibition reduces cell viability andplatelet-derived growth factorsignaling pathway-associated genes.ConclusionsThese results together suggest a potential key role of 5hmC and indicate an oncogenic nature for TET1 in MB tumorigenesis, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target for MBs.
Bone mineral density and microarchitecture among Chinese patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study with HRpQCT
Authors: Jin Shangyi , Li Mengtao , Wang Qian , Zeng Xiaofeng , Xia Weibo , Yu Wei , Guan Wenmin , Hsieh Evelyn 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of fractures. Although their decline in bone mineral density (BMD) is well-established, data regarding the alterations in bone microarchitecture are limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate bone microarchitecture, geometry, and volumetric BMD among patients with RA in mainland China using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HRpQCT).

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, patients with RA were recruited from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital site of the Chinese Registry of rhEumatoiD arthrITis (CREDIT). Each participant underwent HRpQCT scanning (Scanco XtremeCT II), thoracolumbar X-ray and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The primary outcomes were HRpQCT-related measures at distal radius and tibia. Data regarding demographic features, RA-related characteristics, and history of fragility fractures were collected. Correlation between HRpQCT parameters and potentially related factors were analyzed using linear regression analysis. A group of age- and sex-matched healthy controls was included for comparison.

Results
A total of 81 patients with RA [69 women, aged 57.9 ± 8.7 years, disease duration 5.7 (IQR 1.4–11.2) years] and 81 matched healthy controls were included. Compared with controls, patients with RA had significantly larger bone area and lower total and trabecular vBMD at both the distal radius and tibia. Lower cortical bone thickness was also shown at the distal tibia. Among patients with RA, advanced age, low BMI, female sex, disease duration, and activity were associated with decreased vBMD and impaired bone microstructure. Female reproductive factors including menopause, late menarche, breast feeding, and early childbirth also showed negative correlation with these parameters. Compared to patients with RA without fractures, patients with fragility fractures (n = 11) showed lower trabecular and cortical vBMD, thinner cortical bone, impaired trabecular microstructure, and a trend of declined bone strength. Current glucocorticoid intake was related to decreased vBMD, trabecular number, increased trabecular separation, and inhomogeneity.

Conclusions
In this study, we observed alterations in bone mineral density, geometry, and microarchitecture among patients with RA compared to healthy individuals, which may impair bone strength and lead to increased risk of fractures. Both traditional risk factors for osteoporosis and RA-associated factors need to be considered in the assessment of the bone quality.
A pulmonary ligament approach for portal robotic segmentectomy of the lateral and posterior basal segments: a case report
Authors: Mitsuboshi Shota , Shidei Hiroaki , Koen Akihiro , Maeda Hideyuki , Aoshima Hiroe , Isaka Tamami , Kanzaki Masato 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Thoracoscopic segmentectomy of the lateral and posterior basal segments is extremely technically challenging. Appropriate segmentectomy requires exposure and recognition of the branches of the bronchi and pulmonary vessels deep in the lung parenchyma. Although various approaches for these segmentectomies have been reported, the use of a pulmonary ligament approach is rational because it does not require any interlobar separation. Here, we report a successful case of portal robotic segmentectomy of the lateral and posterior basal segments through the pulmonary ligament approach.

Case presentation
A 60-year-old Japanese man with a history of low anterior resection for rectal cancer was referred to our department because of a lung nodule. His chest computed tomography revealed a 15-mm tumor in the left posterior basal bronchus. Robotic left S9–10 segmentectomy through the pulmonary ligament was performed with five-port incisions.

Conclusions
An extremely technically challenging thoracoscopic segmentectomy of the lateral and posterior basal segments was performed through the pulmonary ligament using a robotic surgical system.
Abdominal fat ratio estimation equation by abdominal type in elderly women
Authors: Lee Jooyeon , Park Jinhee 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study was conducted to define the abdomen types of Korean elderly women and to develop an abdominal fat ratio (AFR) estimation equation using key body measurements and indexes that well represented the body type characteristics of elderly women. An analysis was performed of the correlations between the individual obesity-related measurements and index items to explain the body shape characteristics and obesity trends in elderly women. To derive the equation for estimating the AFR of elderly women, the abdominal types of elderly women were classified, and then, the distribution of each type was investigated. Then, a simple regression analysis was performed in which the dependent variable is predicted by using a single predictor. The AFR and WHtR (Waist-Height Ratio) showed a higher correlation with the obesity-related measurement items and indexes; thus, an equation was derived that enables the estimation of the AFR using simple body measurements. Additionally, the morphological differences of the various abdomen types were analyzed to provide the trends of the abdomen types depending on the AFR in the elderly. This new model for estimating abdominal fat percentage developed in the present study is significant in that it uses relatively easy-to-obtain anthropometric measures like height and waist circumference. The results of the present study demonstrated the relationship between WHtR, which not only well reflects elderly obesity but is also closely related to the prevalence of obesity in the elderly. This finding suggests that the shape of the abdomen will serve as a potential health indicator in the future.
Effect of prophylactic administration of antipyretics on the immune response to pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in children: a systematic review
Authors: Koufoglou Eleni , Kourlaba Georgia , Michos Athanasios 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundProphylactic administration of antipyretics at the time of immunization seems to decrease some side effects, however reduced immune responses have been reported in some studies. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effect of prophylactic use of antipyretics on the immune response following administration of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).MethodsA systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies concerning the immune response to PCVs after antipyretic administration was performed up to November 2020 in the electronic databases of Pubmed and Scopus.ResultsOf the 3956 citations retrieved, a total of 5 randomized control trials including 2775 children were included in the review. Included studies were referred to PCV10 (3 studies), PCV7 and PCV13 (one study each). The prophylactic administration of paracetamol decreased the immune response to certain pneumococcal serotypes in all included studies. The effect was more evident following primary vaccination and with immediate administration of paracetamol. Despite the reductions in antibody geometric mean concentrations, a robust memory response was observed following the booster dose. Besides, antibody titers remained above protective levels in 88–100% of participants. The use of ibuprofen, that was evaluated in two studies, did not seem to affect the immunogenicity of PCVs .ConclusionAlthough the reviewed studies had significant heterogeneity in design, paracetamol administration seems to affect the immune response for certain serotypes. The clinical significance of reduced immunogenicity especially before booster dose needs further investigation.
Brief cytochalasin-induced disruption of microfilaments during a critical interval in 1-cell C. elegans embryos alters the partitioning of developmental instructions to the 2-cell embryo
Authors: Hill David P. , Strome Susan 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
We are investigating the involvement of the microfilament cytoskeleton in the development of early Caenor-habditis elegans embryos. We previously reported that several cytoplasmic movements in the zygote require that the microfilament cytoskeleton remain intact during a narrow time interval approximately three-quarters of the way through the first cell cycle. In this study, we analyze the developmental consequences of brief, cytochalasin D-induced microfilament disruption during the 1-cell stage. Our results indicate that during the first cell cycle microfilaments are important only during the critical time interval for the 2-cell embryo to undergo the correct pattern of subsequent divisions and to initiate the differentiation of at least 4 tissue types. Disruption of microfilaments during the critical interval results in aberrant division and P-granule segregation patterns, generating some embryos that we classify as ‘reverse polarity’, ‘anterior duplication’, and ‘posterior duplication’ embryos. These altered patterns suggest that microfilament disruption during the critical interval leads to the incorrect distribution of developmental instructions responsible for early pattern formation. The strict correlation between unequal division, unequal germ-granule partitioning, and the generation of daughter cells with different cell cycle periods observed in these embryos suggests that the three processes are coupled. We hypothesize that (1) an ‘asymmetry determinant’, normally located at the posterior end of the zygote, governs asymmetric cell division, germ-granule segregation, and the segregation of cell cycle timing elements during the first cell cycle, and (2) the integrity or placement of this asymmetry determinant is sensitive to microfilament disruption during the critical time interval.
Visualization of the endoplasmic reticulum in living buds and branches of the moss Funaria hygrometrica by confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Mccauley M. Michele , Hepler Peter K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Caulonemata of the moss Funaria hygrometrica were vitally stained with the fluorescent, lipophilic carbocyanine dye DiOC6(3) and examined via confocal laser scanning microscopy. Although DiOC6 (3) stained nearly all of the organelles, cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) could be resolved under favorable conditions and appeared as a network of irregular polygons, interspersed with lamellar cisternae in some cell types. The pattern of cortical ER was examined first during side initial formation and then in young branches and buds. The ER network extends into the outgrowth of a developing side initial, keeping pace with elongation of the outgrowth. Prior to the cell division that cuts off the outgrowth from the underlying cell, the network in the outgrowth becomes tighter, i.e. the polygons become smaller. If the side initial develops as a branch, this somewhat tighter ER network is maintained in the tip-growing side branch. If the side initial develops as a bud, dramatic changes in both the configuration and the quantity of the ER network occur. Coincident with the apical swelling that marks the first visible sign of bud formation, the network becomes increasingly tighter until eventually the polygonal configuration is barely discernible. The increased coverage of the bud cortex by the ER network demonstrates that a significant increase in the quantity of membranes also takes place during bud formation in Funaria.
Hox-2.3 upstream sequences mediate lacZ expression in intermediate mesoderm derivatives of transgenic mice
Authors: Kress Chantal , Vogels Ronald , Graaff Wim De , Bonnerot Claire , Meijlink Frits , Nicolas Jean-François , Deschamps Jacqueline 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The mouse Hox-2.3 gene contains an Antp-like homeobox sequence and is expressed in a spatially restricted anteroposterior domain during development. To study the molecular basis of this differential gene regulation, we set out to characterize the cis-regulatory elements mediating Hox-2.3 expression during embryogenesis. We show that a fragment extending 1316 base pairs (bp) upstream of the transcription start site, thus corresponding to the Hox-2.4/Hox-2.3 intergenic sequences is capable of mediating luciferase gene transcription in transfected cells in vitro and lacZ expression in transgenic mice. The β-galactosidase-staining pattern in embryos was found to be strikingly similar to the Hox-2.3 in situ hybridization pattern in intermediate mesoderm derivatives: high levels of both Hox-2.3 transcripts and β-galactosidase activity were found in the mesonephric duct-derived epithelium of the meso- and metanephric kidney and associated ducts, from the time these structures first appeared on throughout development. The transgene apparently lacks sequences needed for correct Hox-2.3 expression in somitic and lateral plate mesoderm and in neurectoderm. These results document the involvement of distinct regulatory elements in Hox gene expression in subsets of cells with distinct developmental fate, situated at similar positions along the anteroposterior axis of the embryo.
Organogenesis and pattern formation in the mouse: RNA distribution patterns suggest a role for Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2A (BMP-2A)
Authors: Lyons Karen M. , Pelton Ron W. , Hogan Brigid L. M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-2A (BMP-2A) is a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF β) gene family that has been implicated in cartilage and bone formation. Here we use in situ hybridization to show that BMP-2A RNA is expressed in a variety of embryonic epithelial and mesenchymal tissues outside of the developing skeletal system, including cell populations known to play important roles in morphogenesis. Thus, high levels of transcripts are found in developing limb buds (ventral ectoderm and apical ectodermal ridge), heart (myocardium of the atrioventricular canal), whisker follicles (ectodermal placodes, hair matrix and precortex cells), tooth buds (epithelial buds, dental papilla and odontoblasts), and craniofacial mesenchyme, as well as a number of other sites. The expression patterns of BMP-2A are different from those of TGF β-1, -2 and -3, and this is illustrated in detail in the developing whisker follicles. These results suggest that BMP-2A plays multiple roles in morphogenesis and pattern formation in the vertebrate embryo.
Identification of a novel growth factor with transforming activity secreted by individual chick embryos
Authors: Smith Janet , McLachlan John C. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Previously we have developed a microassay for anchorage independent growth (AIG) of fibroblasts in soft agar, which can detect very small quantities of transforming growth factors (TGFs). Using this assay, we have shown that small pieces of dissected chick embryo tissue will stimulate AIG of both NR6 and NRK 49f cells, and that this property can be used to map production of growth factors with transforming activity in individual early embryos. We now show that this activity can be transferred to conditioned medium (CM) prepared using chick embryo tissue. Using two cell lines with differential responsiveness to TGFs, and by coincubating normal and heat-treated CM with trypsin, Con-A and neutralising antibodies, we show that CM contains at least two different growth factors with transforming activity. One of these is heat-stable, and stimulates colony formation in NRK 49f cells in the presence of EGF, but not in its absence. This activity corresponds to a TGFβ-like molecule. The other component is a heat-labile glycoprotein, which has TGFα-like properties, but does not appear to behave like known TGFs with these properties. It therefore appears to be a novel growth factor. Both activities are present from the intermediate primitive streak stage of development.
The effects of embryonic retinal neurons on neural crest cell differentiation into Schwann cells
Authors: Smith-Thomas L. C. , Johnson A. R. , Fawcett J. W. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Amongst the many cell types that differentiate from migratory neural crest cells are the Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system. While it has been demonstrated that Schwann cells will not fully differentiate unless in contact with neurons, the factors that cause neural crest cells to enter the differentiative pathway that leads to Schwann cells are unknown. In a previous paper (Development 105: 251, 1989), we have demonstrated that a proportion of morphologically undifferentiated neural crest cells express the Schwann cell markers 217c and NGF receptor, and later, as they acquire the bipolar morphology typical of Schwann cells in culture, express S-100 and laminin. In the present study, we have grown axons from embryonic retina on neural crest cultures to see whether this has an effect on the differentiation of neural crest cells into Schwann cells. After 4 to 6 days of co-culture, many more cells had acquired bipolar morphology and S-100 staining than in controls with no retinal explant, and most of these cells were within 200 μm of an axon, though not necessarily in contact with axons. However, the number of cells expressing the earliest Schwann cell markers 217c and NGF receptor was not affected by the presence of axons. We conclude that axons produce a factor, which is probably diffusible, and which makes immature Schwann cells differentiate. The factor does not, however, influence the entry of neural crest cells into the earliest stages of the Schwann cell differentiative pathway.