bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungal populations in the bedroom dust of children in Havana, Cuba, and its relationship with environmental conditions
Authors: Espinosa Kenia C. Sánchez , Flores Teresa I. Rojas , Davydenko Sonia Rodríguez , Fernández Silvia J. Venero , Almaguer Michel 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The study of the fungal community composition in house dust is useful to assess the cumulative exposure to fungi in indoor environments. The objective of this research was to characterize the fungal diversity of house dust and its association with the environmental conditions of bedrooms. For this, the dust was collected from 41 bedrooms of children between the ages of 8 and 9 with a family history of asthma, residents of Havana, Cuba. The fungal content of each sample was determined by two methods: plate culture with Malt Extract Agar and by direct microscopy. An ecological analysis was carried out from the fungal diversity detected. To describe the factors associated with the fungi detected, bivariate logistic regression was used. Through direct microscopy, between 10-2311 fragments of hyphae and spores corresponding mainly to Cladosporium, Coprinus, Curvularia, Aspergillus/Penicillium, Xylariaceae, and Periconia were identified. Through the culture, 0–208 CFU were quantified, where Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium predominated. The culturability evidenced the differences between the quantification determined by both methods. A positive relationship was found between the type of cleaning of the furniture, the presence of trees in front of the bedroom, indoor relative humidity, indoor temperature, the presence of air conditioning by air conditioning and natural ventilation with specific spore types and genders. The use of two different identification methods allowed to detect a greater fungal diversity in the residences evaluated. Monitoring the exposure to these fungal allergens in childhood can help to prevent sensitization in the allergic child, the development of asthma and other respiratory diseases.
LncRNA-MSC-AS1 inhibits the ovarian cancer progression by targeting miR-425-5p
Authors: Zhao Yinling , Yuan Donglan , Zhu Dandan , Xu Tianhui , Huang Aihua , Jiang Li , Liu Chiwen , Qian Hua , Bu Xinhua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were reported to be aberrantly expressed and related to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of MSC-AS1 in ovarian cancer has yet to be fully elucidated.
Methods

Expression of lncRNA MSC-AS1 (MSC-AS1) and microRNA-425-5p (miR-425-5p) in the ovarian cancer tissue samples and cell lines was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The functions of MSC-AS1 on ovarian cancer cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were determined using MTT, colony formation and flow cytometry analyses. The protein expression levels were evaluated using western blot assay. The targeting relationship MSC-AS1 and miR-425-5p was verified via dual-luciferase reporter assay.
Results

MSC-AS1 expression level was lowly expressed, while miR-425-5p level was highly in ovarian cancer tissues and cells. Elevation of MSC-AS1 has the ability to significantly inhibit cell proliferation and facilitate cell apoptosis in SKOV3 cells. Moreover, MSC-AS1 targeted and negatively modulated miR-425-5p. MiR-425-5p up-regulation has been proved to partially reverse the tumor suppressive function of MSC-AS1 overexpression.
Conclusion

MSC-AS1 sponged miR-425-5p to inhibit the ovarian cancer progression. These findings may provide a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Heat-induced maternal effects shapes avian eggshell traits and embryo response to high temperatures
Authors: Hoffman Alexander , Dees Leslie , Wada Haruka 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Populations without a sufficient rate of genetic adaptation may risk extinction in the face of rapid environmental change, however, phenotypic plasticity can facilitate their persistence. For example, mothers can prepare offspring for the thermal environment young will experience through transgenerational plasticity. In oviparous species, whether mothers can prepare offspring to cope with thermal stress experienced as embryos is largely unknown. We demonstrate that when zebra finch mothers are exposed to a heat stress, their offspring show altered heart rates as embryos in response to high incubation temperatures, as well as an increase in eggshell pore density that was positively correlated with survival. These results are the first to show that temperature induced transgenerational plasticity may promote embryonic survival in an oviparous species.
3D Printing of Dual-cell Delivery Titanium Alloy Scaffolds for Improving Osseointegration Through Enhancing Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis
Authors: Zhao Heng , Shen Shi , Zhao Lu , Xu Yulin , Li Yang , Zhuo Naiqiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The repair of large bone defects is a great challenge for orthopedics. Although the development of three-dimensional (3D) printed metal implants with optimized the pore structure have effectively promoted the osseointegration. However, due to the biological inertia of titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) surface and the neglect of angiogenesis, some patients still suffer from postoperative complications such as dislocation or loosening of the prosthesis. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to construct 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds filled with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) loaded hydrogel and evaluate the effects of this composite implants on angiogenesis and osteogenesis, thus promoting osseointegration. RESULTS: The porosity and pore size of prepared 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds were 69.2 ± 0.9 % and 593.4±16.9 μm, respectively, which parameters were beneficial to blood vessel formation and bone ingrowth. The BMSC and EPC filled into the scaffold pores after being encapsulated by hydrogels can maintain high viability. As a cells containing composite implant, BMSC and EPC loaded hydrogel incorporated into 3D printed porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds enhancing angiogenesis and osteogenesis to repair bone defects efficiently. At the transcriptional level, the composite implant up-regulated the expression levels of the osteogenesis-related genes alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), and angiogenesis-related genes hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). CONCLUSION: Overall, the strategy of loading porous Ti6Al4V scaffolds to incorporate cells is a promising treatment for improving osseointegration.
Iron Dual-atom Catalyst combine with ″vicinal nonmetallic sites″ for efficient Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Zhu Hongdan , Zhang Kairui , Aarons Jolyon , Peng Qian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Ammonia synthesis from N2 under mild conditions is a long-term pursuit and goal, which theoretically limited by the Brønsted–Evans–Polanyi (BEP) relation in industrial transformation via the N2 dissociation. Here we show that the Fe2 catalyst combined with the “vicinal nonmetallic sites” may break the BEP limitation to fulfill the efficient ammonia synthesis. The catalyst supported on boron doped graphitic carbon nitride (Fe2/B/mpg-C3N4) strongly favors hydrogenation of *N2 to form a *NHNH2 species, which leads to low energy barriers for N-H formation (0.57eV) and N-N dissociation (0.51eV). Constructed B-N “Lewis pairs” on the mpg-C3N4 serve as nonmetallic sites can activate and transfer hydrogen, which reduce the competitive adsorption of N2 and H2. Through co-activated H2 on the vicinal site, synergistic Fe2 catalyst shows a significant advantage among Fen/mpg-C3N4 (n=2, 3, 4) catalysts and thus can avoid harsh reaction condition for the thermal conversion of N2 to NH3.
Improved Accuracy of S-Value Based Dosimetry: Transitioning from Cristy-Eckerman to ICRP Adult Phantoms
Authors: Subramanian Shalini , He Bin , Frey Eric , Jokisch Derek , Bolch Wesley , Poethko Thorsten , Hennekes Hartwig , Cleton Adriaan , Johanssen Sandra , Sgouros George 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn 2016, the International Commission on Radiological Protection and Measurements (ICRP), published the results of Monte Carlo simulations performed using updated and anatomically realistic voxelized phantoms. The resulting absorbed fractions are substantially more accurate than calculations based on the Cristy-Eckerman (CE) stylized (or mathematical) phantoms. Despite this development, the ICRP absorbed fractions have not been widely adopted for radiopharmaceutical dosimetry. To help make the transition, we have established a correspondence between tissues defined in the CE phantom and those defined in the ICRP phantoms. Using pre-clinical data from biodistribution studies performed, we have calculated absorbed doses for Th-227 labeled HER2 targeted antibody. We compare the CE phantom-based calculations as implemented in the OLINDA v1 software with those obtained using ICRP absorbed fractions as implemented in 3D-RD-S, a newly developed software package that implements the MIRD S-value methodology. We also compare ICRP values with a hybrid set of calculations in which alpha-particle energy was assumed completely absorbed in activity containing tissues. ResultsWe observed a non-negligible difference in the absorbed dose calculated using each of the methods for each radiation type. This can be attributed to a combination of greater accuracy in absorbed fraction calculations and differences in the time integrated activity coefficient values due to difference in representation of anatomy by the phantoms. The total absorbed dose for Thorium-227 was dominated by alpha particles, hence the differences in beta and photon absorbed doses were inconsequential in terms of total dose. ConclusionThe results obtained by comparing these different implementations of the MIRD S value methodology provide the data needed to help the field transition to the more anatomically accurate ICRP phantom-based dosimetry. Key words : ICRP phantom, radiopharmaceutical dosimetry, Cristy-Eckerman phantom
Spontaneous fusion of MSC with breast cancer cells can generate tumor dormancy
Authors: Melzer Catharina , Ohe Juliane von der , Luo Tianjiao , Hass Ralf 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background: A variety of different tumors including breast cancer cells can closely interact with mesenchymal stroma/stem-like cells (MSC) in the tumor microenvironment eventually resulting in cell fusion and formation of new hybrid cancer cell populations displaying altered properties. Methods: Lentiviral-transduced MDA-MB-231 cherry breast cancer cells and MSC GFP were co-cultured and a resulting hybrid cancer cell population (MDA-MSC-hyb5) was isolated. Characterization was performed for marker expression and short tandem repeat (STR) fragment analysis compared to the parental cells. Moreover, in vivo tumor development and metastatic capacity of MDA-MSC-hyb5 was studied and unique properties were analyzed by RNA microarray expression analyses compared to other breast cancer hybrid populations. Potential chemotherapeutic sensitivity was carried out in tumor explant cultures of MDA-MSC-hyb5 cells. Results: Direct cellular interactions of MDA-MB-231 cherry breast cancer cells with human MSC GFP in a co-culture model resulted in spontaneous cell fusion by generation of MDA-MSC-hyb5 cherry GFP breast cancer hybrid cells. Proliferative capacity of MDA-MSC-hyb5 cells was about 1.8-fold enhanced when compared to the parental MDA-MB-231 cherry breast cancer cells. In contrast to a spontaneous MDA-MB-231 cherry -induced tumor development in vivo within 18.8 days MDA-MSC-hyb5 cells initially remained quiescent in a dormancy-like state. At distinct time points up to about a half year later after injection NODscid mice started to develop MDA-MSC-hyb5 cell-induced tumors. Following tumor initiation, formation of metastases in various different organs occurred rapidly within about 10.5 days. Changes in gene expression levels were evaluated by RNA-microarray analysis and revealed certain increase in dormancy-associated transcripts in MDA-MSC-hyb5. Chemotherapeutic responsiveness of MDA-MSC-hyb5 cells was partially enhanced as compared to MDA-MB-231 cells, however, some resistance e.g. for taxol was detectable in cancer hybrid cells. Moreover, drug response partially changed during tumor development of MDA-MSC-hyb5 cells suggesting unstable in vivo phenotypes of MDA-hyb5 cells with increased tumor heterogeneity. Conclusions: The spontaneous formation of cancer hybrid cell populations like MDA-MSC-hyb5 by cell fusion contributes to tumorigenic diversification by acquisition of new properties such as altered chemotherapeutic responsiveness. The unique tumor dormancy of MDA-MSC-hyb5 cells not observed in other breast cancer hybrid cells so far markedly increases tumor heterogeneity.
Tamarindus indica Ameliorates Neural Aluminum Chloride Toxicity in Neonatal Wistar rats
Authors: USMAN IBE MICHAEL , Musa Sunday Abraham , Iliya Ibrahim Abdullahi , Aigbogun Eric Osamu , Kasozi Keneth Iceland , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Adebisi Samuel Sunday 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective:This was to determine levels of heavy metal expression following Tamarindus indica activity in neonatal rats. Pregnant timed rats were divided into 5 groups (n =4) and neonatal rats were used. Group 1 (negative control), Groups II-V were experimental groups treated with 100 mg/kg of AlCl3 s/c. Group II (positive control), Groups III and IV receiving 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg of Tamarindus indica respectively, and Group 5 receiving 30mg/kg of Vitamin E (comparative control) for 3 weeks. Brain metal; copper, zinc, iron, and calcium (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Ca respectively) quantification was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results:Tamarindus indica contained 61.6% Oleic Acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid 11.03%, Phenol, 3,5-bis (1,1-dimethyl ethyl)- 8.48 %, and cis-9-Hexadecenal 7.79% as the main components in Tamarindus indica. The differential expression of brain metals in the treatment groups on post gestation day 7 and 21 revealed significantly high mean Zn, Fe, and Cu and lower Ca expression in the positive control compared to the negative control; but significantly lower mean Zn, Fe, and Cu and higher Ca expression was observed in the group treated with 400 and 800mg/kg bw of EATI and comparative control when compared to values observed in positive control.
Experiences, Coping Strategies, and Lessons Learned During Double Disaster in the Philippines: COVID-19 Pandemic and Typhoons
Authors: Agaton Casper Boongaling , Cueto Lavinia Javier 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
ObjectiveThis study explores the impacts of double disaster: COVID-19 pandemic and typhoon, in terms of students’ experiences, coping strategies, and lessons learned. Using the interviews from six students from different parts of the Philippines, this qualitative study applies a narrative analysis to interpret participants’ lived experiences.ResultsThe occurrence of natural disasters during the partial lockdowns from pandemic brought stress among students in adopting the distance education, completing academic requirements, and accessing technology for online learning. Participants also expressed their anxieties on the spread of the virus in the community particularly in the disaster evacuation centers with less strictly observed social distancing, insufficient hygiene and sanitation facilities, and lack of basic needs. Participants described their coping strategies which include helping one another; following the government protocols; finding additional sources of income; using energy for important purposes only; and leaning on faith. Participants further shared insights with regard to the proper actions that citizens and government officials must do when double disaster hit the community.
Changing Practices Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learnt During a Review and Planning Meeting For Neglected Tropical Disease Control Programing in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: Olamiju Francisca O , MOGAJI Hammed O , Ojo Kayode H , Amodu-Agbi Pepertua , Attah John , Ekpo Uwem F 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Review meetings are critical activities aiding successful implementation of mass administration of medicines (MAM) for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control. The objective of this study was to assess the changes in practices amid COVID-19 pandemic during the review and planning meeting for 2020 MAM.Results: A total of 42 NTD implementers participated in this study [59.5% females and 40.5% males]. Majority of the participants were Local Government NTD (LNTD) coordinators (40.48%), State NTD officers (26.19%), LGA NTD data managers (23.81%) and NGDO partners (4.76%). Majority of the participants expressed their level of satisfaction on these modes of invitation (97.5%), admission (92.5%) and coordination (97.5%) during the meeting. Our findings have shown the importance of online platforms such as WhatsApp groups and email as communication channels between programmers involved in NTD control. Furthermore, compliance level to WHO guidelines were optimal for venue spacing (100%), usage of facemasks (85%) and physical distancing (72.5%), but sub-optimal for hand-washing (67.5%) and respiratory etiquette (52.5%). There were gaps in the provision of adequate handwashing facilities for the attendees. There is a need for more refined guidelines to steer investments in the provision of adequate hand-washing points in consideration of the population during subsequent meetings or mass gatherings.
Effects of Comorbid Alcohol Use Disorder on the Clinical Outcomes of Schizophrenia: A Nationwide Population-based Study
Authors: Ahn Soojin , Choi Youngjae , Choi Woohyeok , Jo Young Tak , Kim Harin , Lee Jungsun , Joo Sung Woo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common psychiatric comorbidity in schizophrenia, associated with poor clinical outcomes and medication noncompliance. Most previous studies on the effect of alcohol use in patients with schizophrenia had limitations of small sample size and a cross-sectional design. Therefore, this study aimed to use a nationwide population database to investigate the impact of AUD on clinical outcomes of schizophrenia.MethodsData from the Health Insurance Review Agency database in South Korea from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2016 was used. Among 64,442 patients with incident schizophrenia, 1,598 with comorbid AUD were selected based on the diagnostic code F10. We performed between- and within-group analyses to compare the rates of psychiatric admissions and emergency room (ER) visits and medication possession ratio (MPR) with control patients having schizophrenia matched for the onset age, sex, and observation period.ResultsThe rates of psychiatric admissions and ER visits decreased after the diagnosis of AUD in both groups; however, the decrease was significantly greater in patients with comorbid AUD compared to the control group. While the case group showed an increase in MPR after the diagnosis of AUD, MPR decreased in the control patients. The rates of psychiatric admissions, ER visits and MPR were worse in the schizophrenia group with comorbid AUD both before and after the diagnosis of AUD.ConclusionsClinical outcomes were worse in the comorbid AUD group than in the control group before and after the diagnosis of AUD. Considering that patients with schizophrenia with comorbid AUD had poorer clinical outcomes even before the diagnosis of AUD, schizophrenia with comorbid AUD could be a distinct subtype of schizophrenia.
Ultrafast Soft Actuators
Authors: Hutmacher Dietmar , Gorissen Benjamin , Liponsky Simon , Bertoldi Katia , Shabab Tara , Bas Onur 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The quest for an advanced soft robotic actuator technology that is fast and can execute a wide range of application-specific tasks at multiple length scales is still ongoing. Here, we demonstrate a new design strategy leveraging the concepts of miniaturisation and fibre-reinforcement to realize high-speed inflatable actuators exhibiting diverse movements. To fabricate the designs, we employ a class of additive manufacturing technology called melt electrowriting. We demonstrate 3D printing of microfibre architectures on soft elastomers with precision at unprecedently small length scales, leading to miniaturised composite actuators with highly controlled deformation characteristics. We show that owing to their small dimensions and deterministically designed fibrous networks, our actuators require extremely low amounts of fluid to inflate. We demonstrate that actuators with a length of 10 to 15mm and an inner diameter 1mm can reach their full range of motion within ~ 20ms without exploiting snapping instabilities or material non-linearities. We display the speed of our actuators by building an ultrafast, soft flycatcher.
The Massive Misuse of Face Mask as a Risk to COVID-19 Pandemic in Latin American: The Case of Mexico
Authors: Tagle Melissa Jiménez Gómez , Cilia-López Virginia Gabriela 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a great challenge in waste management around the world. While the use of face masks has been shown to reduce the number of transmissions of COVID-19, it has also generated a high amount of waste, undermining the capacity of authorities and dumping areas to manage medical waste correctly. Latin American countries are particularly vulnerable because they are not self-sufficient to ensure adequate used facemasks management during the outbreak. The pandemic has led to poor purchasing practices, use, and disposal of this type of product, which can cause environmental contamination and health problems. This article focuses on Latin American using Mexico as a study case since it is one of the countries most affected by the pandemic. That shows the health risks of the population exposed to social inequalities and evaluates the future environmental implications arising from a lack of legislation for correct disposal of waste management in several Latin American countries, such as the generation of microplastics or plastic pollution. Since the pandemic is predicted to last until 2021, this is a good scenario to develop new policies for good urban solid waste management in favor of human health and the environment.
Lesion probability mapping in MS patients using a regression network on MR Fingerprinting
Authors: Hermann Ingo , Golla Alena-Kathrin , Martínez Eloy , Schmidt Ralf , Solana Elisabeth , Llufriu Sara , Gass Joachim , Schad Lothar Rudi , Zöllner Frank Gerrit 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose

To develop a regression neural network for the reconstruction of lesion probability maps on Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting using echo-planar imaging (MRF-EPI) in addition to T 1 , T 2 * , NAWM, and GM- probability maps.

Methods

We performed MRF-EPI measurements in 42 patients with multiple sclerosis and 6 healthy volunteers along two sites. A U-net was trained to reconstruct the denoised and distortion corrected T 1 and T 2 * maps, and to additionally generate NAWM-, GM-, and WM lesion probability maps.

Results

WM lesions were predicted with a dice coefficient of 0.61±0.09 and a lesion detection rate of 0.85±0.25 for a threshold of 33%.

The network jointly enabled accurate T 1 and T 2 * times with relative deviations of 5.2% and 5.1% and average dice coefficients of 0.92±0.04 and 0.91±0.03 for NAWM and GM after binarizing with a threshold of 80%.

Conclusion

DL is a promising tool for the prediction of lesion probability maps in a fraction of time. These might be of clinical interest for the WM lesion analysis in MS patients.