bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ measurement of airborne particle concentration in a real dental office: implications for disease transmission
Authors: Razavi Maryam , Butt Zahid , Chen Helen , Tan Zhongchao 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Aerosols generated during dental procedures are one of the most significant routes for infection transmission and are particularly relevant now in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the mechanisms of dental aerosol dispersion in dental offices and provide recommendations to minimize infection transmission in dental offices. The spread and removal of aerosol particles generated from a specific dental operation in a dental office are quantified for a single dental activity in the area near to the generation and corner of the office. The effects of the air purifier, door condition, and particle sizes on the spread and removal of particles were investigated. The results will help develop technologies for the proper control of aerosols and splatters generated during dental procedures. The results show that in the worst-case scenario it takes 95 min for 0.5 𝜇m particles to settle and that it takes a shorter time for the larger particles. The air purifier expedited the removal time at least 6.3 times faster than the case with no air purifier in the generation zone. Our results also indicate that particles may be transported from the source to the rest of the room, even when the particle concentrations in the generation zone dropped back to the background. Our findings have important implications for informing best practices for preventing infection transmission in indoor spaces such as healthcare settings.
Metabolic profiling reveals interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody treatment ameliorate lipids metabolism with the potentiality to reduce cardiovascular risk in psoriasis patients
Authors: Han Cao , Shengmin Su , Qi Yang , Yunchen Le , Lihong Chen , Mengyan Hu , Xiaoyu Guo , Jie Zheng , Xia Li , Yu Yunqiu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with overproduction of interleukin-17A (IL-17A). IL-17A monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have shown clinical efficacy in psoriasis patients. Although a series of different overlapping mechanisms have been found to establish a link between psoriasis and cardiovascular diseases, the underlying mechanisms of the two types of diseases and the potential efficacy of IL-17A mAbs in amelioration of cardiovascular comorbidities remain unclear.Methods: Serum samples from two study cohorts including 117 individuals were analyzed using a high-throughput UHPLC-MS platform. Non-targeted metabolic profiling analysis was first conducted with samples from 28 healthy individuals and from 28 psoriasis patients before and after 12-weeks of ixekizumab treatment in study cohort 1. Study cohort 2 was additionally recruited to validate the correlations of the identified metabolites with cardiovascular diseases. Results: A total of 43 differential metabolites, including lysophospholipids, free fatty acids, acylcarnitines and dicarboxylic acids, were accurately identified in study cohort 1, and the analysis showed that lipid metabolism was impaired in psoriasis patients. Compared with healthy individuals, psoriasis patients had higher levels of lysophosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylinositols, lysophosphatidic acids and free fatty acids, but lower levels of acylcarnitines and dicarboxylic acids. The identified dicarboxylic acid levels were inversely correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores (P < 0.05). The results for study cohort 2 were largely consistent with the results for study cohort 1. Moreover, the levels of all identified lysophosphatidylcholines were higher in psoriasis patients with coronary heart diseases than in psoriasis without coronary heart disease. Notably, most of these lipidic changes were ameliorated by ixekizumab treatment.Conclusion: The results of this non-targeted metabolomic analysis indicate that treatment with IL-17A mAbs can not only ameliorate psoriasis lesions but also restore dysregulated lipid metabolism to normal levels in psoriasis patients. Considering that dysregulated lipid metabolism has been regarded as the critical factor in cardiovascular diseases, the recovery of lipid metabolites in psoriasis patients indicates that IL-17A mAbs might have the potential protective effects against cardiovascular comorbidities.
Systematic identification of key functional modules and genes in esophageal cancer
Authors: Wu Rui , Zhuang Hao , Mei Yu-kun , Sun Jin-yu , Dong Tao , Zhao Li-li , fan zhining , Liu Li 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Esophageal cancer is associated with high incidence and mortality worldwide. Differential expression genes (DEGs) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) are important methods to screen the core genes as bioinformatics methods.Methods The DEGs and WGCNA were combined to screen the hub genes, and pathway enrichment analyses were performed on the hub module in the WGCNA. The CCNB1 was identified as the hub gene based on the intersection between DEGs and the greenyellow module in WGCNA. Expression levels and prognostic values of CCNB1 were verified in UALCAN, GEPIA2, HCMDB, Kaplan–Meier plotter, and TIMER databases.Results We identified 1,044 DEGs from dataset GSE20347, 1,904 from GSE29001, and 2,722 from GSE111044, and 32 modules were revealed by WGCNA. The greenyellow module was identified as the hub module in the WGCNA. CCNB1 gene was identified as the hub gene, which was upregulated in tumour tissues. Moreover, esophageal cancer patients with higher expression of CCNB1 showed a worse prognosis. However, CCNB1 ‘might not play an important role in immune cell infiltration.Conclusion Based on DEGs and key modules related to esophageal cancer, CCNB1 was identified as the hub gene, which offered novel insights into the development and treatment of esophageal cancer.
A comparative analysis of the outcome of malaria case surveillance strategies in Sri Lanka in the prevention of re-establishment phase
Authors: Gunasekera W. M. Kumudunayana T. de A. W , Premaratne Risintha , Fernando Deepika , Munaz Muzrif , Piyasena M. G. Y. , Perera Devika , Wickremasinghe Rajitha , Ranaweera K. D. N. Prasad , Mendis Kamini Nirmala 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Sri Lanka sustained its malaria-free status by implementing, among other interventions, three core case detection strategies namely Passive Case Detection (PCD), Reactive Case Detection (RACD) and Proactive Case Detection (PACD). The outcomes of these strategies were analysed in terms of their effectiveness in detecting malaria infections for the period from 2017-2019.
Methods
Comparisons were made between the surveillance methods and between years, based on data obtained from the national malaria database and individual case reports of malaria patients. The number of blood smears examined microscopically was used as the measure of the volume of tests conducted. The yield from each case detection method was calculated as the proportion of blood smears which were positive for malaria. Within RACD and PACD, the yield of sub categories of travel cohorts and spatial cohorts was ascertained for 2019.
Results
A total of 158 malaria cases were reported in 2017-2019. During this period between 666,325-725,149 blood smears were examined annually. PCD detected 95.6%, with a yield of 16.1 cases per 100,000 blood smears examined. RACD and PACD produced a yield of 11.2 and 0.3, respectively. The yield of screening the sub category of travel cohorts was very high for RACD and PACD being 806.5 and 44.9 malaria cases per 100,000 smears, respectively. Despite over half of the blood smears examined being obtained by screening spatial cohorts within RACD and PACD, the yield of both was zero over all three years.
Conclusions
The PCD arm of case surveillance is the most effective and, therefore, has to continue and be further strengthened as the mainstay of malaria surveillance. Focus on travel cohorts within RACD and PACD should be even greater. Screening of spatial cohorts, on a routine basis and solely because people are resident in previously malarious areas, may be wasteful, except in situations where the risk of local transmission is very high, or is imminent. These findings may apply more broadly to most countries in the post-elimination phase.
Potential clinical utility of MUC5B und TOLLIP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the management of patients with IPF
Authors: Bonella F. , Campo Ilaria , Zorzetto Michele , Börner Eda , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Theegarten Dirk , Taube Christian , Costabel Ulrich 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Genetic variants of TOLLIP and MUC5B, both on chromosome 11, have been reported to be associated with the development and/or prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This retrospective study was conducted to investigate the association of MUC5B and TOLLIP SNPs with disease outcome in IPF. 62 IPF patients and 50 healthy controls (HC) from our Institution were genotyped for SNPs within MUC5B (rs35705950) and TOLLIP (rs3750920 and rs5743890). Correlation of SNPs genotypes with survival, acute exacerbation (AE) or disease progression (defined as a decline of ≥ 5% in FVC and or >10% in DLco in one year) was investigated.Results: The MUC5B rs35705950 minor allele (T) was more frequent in IPF subjects than in HC (35% vs 9% p<0.001). TOLLIP SNPs alleles and genotype distribution did not differ between IPF and HC and did not vary according to gender, age, BMI and lung functional impairment at baseline. The minor allele (C) in TOLLIP rs5743890 was associated with worse survival and with disease progression in all performed analyses. The MUC5B rs35705950 or the TOLLIP rs3750920 minor allele, were not associated with disease progression or acute exacerbation. Conclusion: We confirm that the minor allele of MUC5B rs35705950 is associated with IPF. The minor allele of TOLLIP rs5743890 appears to be a predictor of worse survival and more rapid disease progression, therefore being of potential utility to stratify IPF patients at baseline.
Optically Transparent Vertical Silicon Nanowire Arrays for Live-Cell Imaging
Authors: Elnathan Roey , Holle Andrew , Young Jennifer , George Marina , Heifler Omri , Goychuk Andriy , Frey Erwin , Kemkemer Ralf , Spatz Joachim , Kosloff Alon , Patolsky Fernando , Voelcker Nico 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Programmable nano-bio interfaces driven by tuneable vertically configured nanostructures have recently emerged as a powerful tool for cellular manipulations and interrogations. Such interfaces have strong potential for ground-breaking advances, particularly in cellular nanobiotechnology and mechanobiology. However, the opaque nature of many nanostructured surfaces makes non-destructive, live-cell characterization of cellular behavior on vertically aligned nanostructures challenging to observe. Here, a new nanofabrication route is proposed that enables harvesting of vertically aligned silicon (Si) nanowires and their subsequent transfer onto an optically transparent substrate, with high efficiency and without artefacts. We demonstrate the potential of this route for efficient live-cell phase contrast imaging and subsequent characterization of cells growing on vertically aligned Si nanowires. This approach provides the first opportunity to understand dynamic cellular responses to a cell-nanowire interface, and thus has the potential to inform the design of future nanoscale cellular manipulation technologies.
Metabolomic Study on Electroacupuncture Treatment of Chronic Alcoholism in Rats with Learning and Memory Disorders
Authors: dong tingting , chen bo , zhang peiyue 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In recent years, electroacupuncture has been widely used in clinic, especially in the treatment of learning and memory dysfunction caused by chronic alcoholism, but its internal mechanism is not yet clear.In order to find the possible mechanism of electroacupuncture treatment for learning and memory disorders caused by chronic alcoholism, we exposed SD rats to alcohol to build a model. After successful modeling, electroacupuncture stimulated Baihui and Dazhui points. Metabolic profile of the brain tissue of the needle group.Using LC-MS / MS technology for research, we found that electroacupuncture treatment can effectively improve the learning and memory ability of rats with chronic alcoholism, and at the same time can reduce the endoplasmic reticulum by affecting the levels of metabolites such as glutamate metabolism and lipid metabolism in the hippocampus.Neurotoxicity such as stress and oxidative stress promotes local energy metabolism, improves intracellular homeostasis, enhances the synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus, protecting learning and memory ability.
Evaluation of cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant potential of Wedelia chinensis: possible implications in alleviating Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Zaman Shahed , Biswas Kushal , Al-Amin Md. Yusuf , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Alam A.H.M.K. , Tanaka Toshihisa , Sadik Golam 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Wedelia chinensis has been reported as a folk medicine for the treatment of different diseases including neurodegenerative disease. Although the plant has been studied well for diverse biological activities, the effect of this plant in neurological disorder is largely unknown. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant potential of W. chinensis.
Methods

The extract and fractions of the plant were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activity by modified Ellman method. The antioxidant activity was assessed in several in vitro models/assays such as reducing power, total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and flavonoid content, scavenging of 2,2’-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and hydroxyl radical, and inhibition of brain lipid peroxidation. Chromatographic and spectroscopic methods were used to isolate and identify the active compound from the extract.
Results

Among the extract and functions, aqueous fraction (AQF) and ethylacetate fraction (EAF) exhibited high inhibition against acetylcholinesterase (IC50: 40.02 ± 0.164 µg/ml and 57.76 ± 0.370 µg/ml) and butyrylcholinesterase (IC50: 31.79 ± 0.182 µg/ml and 48.41 ± 0.053 µg/ml). Similarly, the EAF and AQF had high content of phenolics and flavonoids and possess strong antioxidant activity in several antioxidant assays including DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging, reducing power and total antioxidant activity. They effectively inhibited the peroxidation of brain lipid in vitro with IC50 values of 45.20 ± 0.995 µg/ml and 25.53 ± 0.042 µg/ml, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between total flavonoids and antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Activity guided chromatographic separation led to the isolation of a major active compound from the EAF and its structure was elucidated as apigenin by spectral analysis.
Conclusions

The potential ability of W. chinensis to inhibit the cholinesterase activity and peroxidation of lipids suggest that the plant might be useful for the management of AD.
Peripheral Neuropathy in HIV-infected children attending Care and Treatment Clinic, at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam: A Cross sectional study
Authors: Amiji Insiyah , Naburi Helga , Kija Edward , Mumburi Livin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a neurological complication of untreated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection or exposure to antiretroviral drugs. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and associated factors for peripheral neuropathy among children living with HIV, attending Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at MNH-CTC in Dar es Salaam between October - December 2019, where 383 HIV positive children aged 5 to 18 years were enrolled . Baseline characteristics were obtained from participant’s medical records at enrollment. Screening for peripheral neuropathy was done on each participant using the Pediatric modified Total Neuropathy Score (Ped m TNS) screening tool . Continuous variables were summarized as mean (± standard deviation) or median (Interquartile range) and differences compared using student t -test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and differences compared using chi square or Fisher’s exact test. Logistic regression models were applied to determine the independent predictors of peripheral neuropathy on multivariate analysis, reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). ResultsThe prevalence of peripheral neuropathy among HIV infected children was 14.1% (95% CI (10.8% - 18%). Common neuropathic presentation was numbness and tingling sensation, reduced ankle reflexes, loss of vibration sense and reduced light touch and sensation to pain limited to fingers and toes. Severe immunosuppression reflected by CD4 count < 200 cell/mm3 (OR=5.21; 95% CI 2.0 – 13.57; p = 0.001), high viremia ≥ 1000 copies/ml (OR=26.31; 95% CI 7.91 – 86.51; p <0.001), use of a combination regimen containing NRTI plus PI (OR= 5.67; 95% CI 2.11– 15.22; p = 0.01) and time interval of at least ≥ 6 months since last use of isoniazid (OR=3.35; 95% CI 1.41 – 7.91; p = 0.006) were independent predictors for peripheral neuropathy. ConclusionPeripheral neuropathy is common among HIV infected children attending CTC at MNH and its frequency increases with advanced disease. The choice of antiretroviral regimen and other medications with potentially neurotoxic effect should be carefully done. Early screening for peripheral neuropathy among HIV positive children should be done routinely in CTCs.
Floods Risk Mapping and Assessing Vulnerability of Morang, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Pawan , Thapa Narayan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The impact of flooding rises due to unplanned settlements, especially in developing countries. This study tries to address these issues by mapping flood risk places and assessing their impact on population and household.Methods: This study used the dataset available in Google Earth Engine (GEE), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Central Bureau Statistics (CBS), Earth Data for preparing slope, drainage density, digital elevation model, rainfall, land use map, and soil map. These maps create using GEE and QGIS through overlay analysis that has two factors. The one is influence and other slopes, and it has provided high and low value according to its role on flooding.Results: The risk assessment shows around twenty-four percent population is at higher risk, whereas more than three thousand settlements are prone to flooding. It depicts a significant increasing trend of floods in the Morang district.Conclusion: This settlement risk map can help determine the flood safe and very high-risk areas in the Morang district. It will support residential places' planning by the local government, urban planners, and community people to reduce flooding risk.
“What Do You Think About Nephrology?” A National Survey of Internal Medicine Residents.
Authors: Nakhoul Georges , Mehdi Ali , Taliercio Jonathan , Arrigain Susana , Schold Jesse , Spencer Abby , Greenfield Jessica , Diwakar Amit , Snyder Grace , O'Toole John , Nally Joseph , Sedor John , Kao Patricia , Bierer S. Beth 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Interest in nephrology has been declining among residents but the reasons behind this observation are not well characterized. Our objective was to evaluate factors influencing internal medicine residents’ choice of subspecialty.
Methods

This is a mixed-method QUAL-QUAN design study that used the results of our previously published qualitative analysis on residents’ perception of nephrology to create and pilot a questionnaire of 60 questions. The questionnaire was distributed to 26 programs across the United States and a total of 1992 residents. We calculated response rates and tabulated participant characteristics and percentage of participant responses. We categorized choice of fellowship into 2 medical categories (Highly Desirable vs. Less Desirable) and fitted a logistic regression model of choosing a highly vs. less desirable fellowship.
Results

415 out of 1992 (21%) US residents responded to the survey. Of the 268 residents planning to pursue fellowship training, 67 (25%) selected a less desirable fellowship. Female sex was associated with significantly higher odds of selecting a less desirable fellowship (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.47, 4.74). Major factors deterring residents from pursuing nephrology were perception of inadequate financial compensation, broad scope of clinical practice and complexity of patient population. We observed a decline in exposure to nephrology during the clinical years of medical school with only 35.4% of respondents rotating in nephrology versus 76.8% in residency. The quality of nephrology education was rated less positively during clinical medical school years (median of 50 on a 0-100 point scale) compared to the pre-clinical years (median 60) and residency (median 75).
Conclusion

Our study attempts to explain the declining interest in nephrology. Results suggest potential targets for improvement: diversified trainee exposure, sub-specialization of nephrology, and increased involvement of nephrologists in the education of trainees.
Iodine-125 interstitial brachytherapy after tumor excision: an alternative eye-sparing surgery for lacrimal gland carcinoma
Authors: Li Yang-jun , Wang Ping , Zhang Shao-bo , Ning Xiao-na , Guo Chen-jun , Zhang Qiong , Cheng Qi-lin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:To describe the preliminary suppressive effects of iodine 125 brachytherapy for malignant lacrimal gland tumors after excisionMethods:The study recruit 9 patients with lacrimal gland carcinoma from May 2017 to December 2020. All patients underwent eye sparing surgical tumor resection first and then received iodine 125 interstitial brachytherapy to prevent tumor recurrence. We look over whether tumor recurred or metastasized by detecting the visual function and CT/MRI/PET MRI of every patient.Results1 patient was lost visit. The median follow up period was 29 months of other 8 patients (range, 7 43 months). One patient experienced recurrence two years later but was free from local disease after iodine 125 seeds were implanted one more time. The vision of one female patient was lost due to the seeds moving to the optic nerve. In the remaining 6 patients the vision was no changed, and CT/MRI showed no tumor was recurrencedConclusions:Permanent iodine 125 strip implantation in the orbit can be used as an alternative eye sparing surgery for malignant lacrimal gland tumors after tumor excision. It can control tumor recurrence and maintenance of vision and good cosmesis.