bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide down-regulates voltage-gated Na+ channel in cardiomyocytes via transcriptional S-nitrosylation signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Pu , Wei Mengyan , Zhu Xiufang , Liu Yangong , Yoshimura Kenshi , Zheng Mingqi , Liu Gang , Kume Shinichiro , Morishima Masaki , Kurokawa Tatsuki , Ono Katsushige 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is produced from endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes composing the myocardium and benefits cardiac function through both vascular-dependent and -independent effects. This study was purposed to investigate the possible adverse effect of NO focusing on the voltage-gated Na+ channel in cardiomyocytes. We carried out patch-clamp experiments on rat neonatal cardiomyocytes demonstrating that NOC-18, an NO donor, significantly reduced Na+ channel current in a dose-dependent manner by a long-term application for 24 h, accompanied by a reduction of Nav1.5-mRNA and the protein, and an increase of a transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) in the nucleus. The effect of NOC-18 on the Na+ channel was blocked by an inhibitor of thiol oxidation N-ethylmaleimide or a disulfide reducing agent disulfide 1,4-Dithioerythritol, suggesting that NO is a negative regulator of the voltage-gated Na+ channel through thiols in regulatory protein(s) for the channel transcription.
Estimating HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use and analysis of HIV PrEP needs among men who have sex with men in Germany
Authors: Marcus Ulrich , Schmidt Daniel , Schink Susanne Barbara , Koppe Uwe 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Data on PrEP use in Germany is not collected systematically. We aim to estimate the number of PrEP users among men having sex with men (MSM) and describe PrEP use in Germany from 2017 through 2020. Moreover, we analyse whether PrEP needs expressed in 2017 could have been met by the expansion of PrEP until 2020.
We estimated the number of PrEP users using drug prescription data, information on on-demand/intermittent PrEP use from online surveys, and number of online profiles indicating PrEP use, based on varying assumptions about the proportion of on-demand/intermittent and daily PrEP users and on the average number of PrEP pills used. Factors associated with intention to use PrEP were identified by a multivariable logistic regression analysis among respondents to an online survey. We estimated the number of MSM in need for PrEP in 2017 based on four groups defined among the survey respondents, combining respondents intending to use PrEP and respondents indicating substantial sexual risks. We used data and assumptions on self-selection biases to estimate a range for the absolute size of these groups among gay men in Germany.
Depending on assumptions, we estimated a total of 15,600 to 21,600 PrEP users in Germany by the end of June 2020, which corresponds to between 40 and 55% of men with the intention to use PrEP in 2017. Distributions of PrEP users from different data sources and PrEP prescriptions by federal state in Germany were highly correlated, except for major deviations for Berlin with a higher proportion of prescriptions in Berlin compared to the proportion of survey participants using PrEP. A correlation between the regional distribution of intention to use PrEP in 11/2017 and actual PrEP use by 06/2020 suggested an unequal regional distribution of unsatisfied needs. The number of men with unmet PrEP needs ranged between 27,500 and 93,000 in 06/2020.
PrEP use in Germany has increased considerably between 10/2017 and 06/2020, but large regional inequalities persist. Results suggested that PrEP is not fully accessible and that there is a need to expand services and encourage demand.
Clinical Feeding Evaluation and Videofluoroscopy:&nbsp;An Integrative Approach to Feeding Management in&nbsp;Children With&nbsp;Suspected Aspiration
Authors: Stafler Patrick , Akel Khaled , Eshel Yuliana , Shimoni Adi , Grozovsky Sylvia , Mei-Zahav Meir , Levine Hagit , Gendler Yulia , Blau Hannah , Prais Dario 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundVideo fluoroscopy swallow studies (VFSS) are considered gold standard for the diagnosis of aspiration in children but require resources and radiation compared to clinical feeding evaluation (CFE). We evaluated their added value for diagnosis, feeding management and clinical status.MethodsA retrospective single-center cohort study of children aged 0-18 years, referred for VFSS at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Results 113 children, median age (range) 2.2 years (0.1-17.9) successfully completed VFSS. Forty-six (41%) had oropharyngeal aspiration, 9 (8%) overt alone and 37 (33%) including silent aspirations. Underlying medical conditions included clinically suspected aspiration lung disease (ALD), 87 (77%); neurologic disease, 73 (64%); gastrointestinal disease, 73 (64%) and congenital heart disease, 42 (37%), not mutually exclusive. Those with ALD or cerebral palsy were more likely to have aspiration by VFSS, OR 3.2 and 9.8 respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of CFE for VFSS diagnosis of aspiration were 71% and 84% respectively. Feeding recommendations after VFSS differed significantly from those based on prior CFE, p<0.001: The rate of exclusively orally fed children increased from 65% to 79%, p=0.006 and exclusively enterally fed children from 10% to 14%; p=0.005. During the following year, there were significantly less antibiotic courses, as well as total and respiratory admissions. Conclusions In this population of children with a high prevalence of clinically suspected ALD, VFSS refined diagnosis and altered feeding management compared to CFE, with subsequent clinical improvement.
Estimation of the serial interval of COVID-19 in Ireland using contact tracing data
Authors: McAloon Conor G. , Wall Patrick , Griffin John , Casey Miriam , Barber Ann , Codd Mary , Gormley Eamonn , Butler Francis , Messam Locksley L. McV , Walsh Cathal , Teljeur Conor , Smyth Breda , Nolan Philip , Green Martin J. , O’Grady Luke , Culhane Kieran , Buckley Claire , Carroll Ciara , Doyle Sarah , Martin Jennifer , More Simon J . 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe serial interval is the period of time between the onset of symptoms in an infector and an infectee and is an important parameter which can impact on the estimation of the reproduction number. Whilst several parameters influencing infection transmission are expected to be consistent across populations, the serial interval can vary across and within populations over time. Therefore, local estimates are preferable for use in epidemiological models developed at a regional level. We used data collected as part of the national contact tracing process in Ireland to estimate the serial interval of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Irish population, and to estimate the proportion of transmission events that occurred prior to the onset of symptoms.ResultsAfter data cleaning, the final dataset consisted of 471 infected close contacts from 471 primary cases. The mean serial interval was 4.0 (95% confidence intervals 3.75, 4.31) days, whilst the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles were 2, 4 and 6 days respectively. We found that intervals were lower when the primary or secondary case were in the older age cohort (greater than 64 years). Simulating from an incubation period distribution from international literature, we estimated that 67% of transmission events had greater than 50% probability of occurring prior to the onset of symptoms in the infector.ConclusionsWhilst our analysis was based on a large sample size, data were collected for the primary purpose of interrupting transmission chains. Similar to other studies estimating the serial interval, our analysis is restricted to transmission pairs where the infector is known with some degree of certainty. Such pairs may represent more intense contacts with infected individuals than might occur in the overall population. It is therefore possible that our analysis is biased towards shorter serial intervals than the overall population.
Mg-doped and chemo-thermally treated ZnO nanoflowers for ethanol sensing
Authors: Maity Santanu , Sahu P.P , Thomas Tiju 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
ZnO nanostructures are promising for a wide range of applications, including gas sensors. Ethanol sensing using ZnO remains unexplored though. In this paper, we report ethanol-sensing using un-doped ZnO nano flowers and Mg doped ZnO nano flowers. These are grown using a rather simple chemo-thermal process, making this a plausibly scalable technology. To study the structural and morphological properties of undoped ZnO and Mg doped ZnO nanoflowers, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) are carried out. Ethanol sensing properties of undoped ZnO and Mg doped ZnO nanoflower devices are investigated toward different ethanol concentration (concentration range of 1–600 ppm at 100°C–200°C). Our findings show that 15% Mg doped ZnO nano flower is better than ZnO nano flower for ethanol gas-sensing applications.
Antenatal care visits of child-bearing mothers having a child five years preceding in the survey and associated factors&nbsp;in&nbsp;Benchi-Sheko Zone, Southwestern&nbsp;Ethiopia:Cross-sectional study
Authors: Gelaw Assaye Belay , Andargie Solomon Abebaw , Terefe Abiyot Negsh 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is the service given by the caregiver for pregnant women to make safe the health of both pregnant women and babies during the pregnancy period. The objective of the current study was to persuade high-quality public health service and plan the mothers and their households expressively and mentally for being motherhood by ever-increasing antenatal care visits from health institutions.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study design was applied. Cross-sectional survey design mainly used for the collection of information on the Utilization of Antenatal Care Visit of Women During Pregnancy and its Related Factors in Bench-Sheko Zone, South Nation Nationalities Peoples of Region, Southwestern Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study. The study populations are all populations who are living in the study area, South Nation Nationalities peoples of Region, Southwestern Ethiopia.Results: Evidence tells us, one hundred twenty-nine (16.9%) of pregnant women were not visited by the caregiver during pregnancy. Around eighty-three percent of pregnant women were visited in health institutions at least once prior in the five years in the survey. The Poisson regression model was preferred to fit the data. As the output indicated in analysis, the odds ratio of women whose husband education status is illiterate is equal to exp(-0.272)=0.76(95% CI:-0.507,-0.038) (other variables are adjusted), it indicates that the women whose husband education status is 0.76 less likely to ANC visit than women whose husband education status is higher and above. Conclusions: The remark conclusion that the source of information, religion, educational status, birth order, knowledge of danger signs for pregnancy, and service satisfaction were significant at the alpha level of significance on the ANC visit of Women during pregnancy.
MHC Haplotyping of SARS-CoV-2 patients: HLA subtypes are not associated with the presence and severity of Covid-19 in the Israeli population
Authors: Shachar Shay Ben , Barda Noam , Manor Sigal , Israeli Sapir , Dagan Noa , Carmi Shai , Balicer Ran , Zisser Bracha , Louzoun Yoram 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
HLA haplotypes were found to be associated with increased risk for viral infections or disease severity in various diseases, including SARS. Several genetic variants are associated with Covid-19 severity. However, no clear association between HLA and Covid-19 incidence or severity has been reported. We conducted a large scale HLA analysis of Israeli individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR. Overall, 72,912 individuals with known HLA haplotypes were included in the study, of whom 6,413 (8.8%) were found to have SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. a Total of 20,937 subjects were of Ashkenazi origin (at least 2/4 grandparents). One hundred eighty-one patients (2.8% of the infected) were hospitalized due to the disease. None of the 66 most common HLA loci (within the five HLA subgroups; A, B, C, DQB1, DRB1) was found to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection or hospitalization. Similarly, no association was detected in the Ashkenazi Jewish subset. Moreover, no association was found between heterozygosity in any of the HLA loci and either infection or hospitalization.We conclude that HLA haplotypes are not a major risk/protecting factor among the Israeli population for SARS-CoV-2 infection or severity.
APG(Acceleration Plethysmography) Correlate with Moods in Nursing Workers with Fatigue after Work
Authors: Ishizuka Miki , katsuda Shin-ichiro , Hazama Akihiro 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Fatigue or stress in the workplace is a serious problem. The profession of nursing, in particular, is physically and mentally stressful, which often leads to job retrenchment, and shortage of workers. Solving this problem requires a deeper understanding of the fatigue and stress caused by work, and there is a need to consider countermeasures. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the correlation between the psychological and physiological fatigue of healthy nurses during normal work, and to measure nursing stress and fatigue more conveniently. Method: We examined healthy nurses’ physiology (Acceleration Plethysmography: APG and Blood Pressure: BP) and psychology (Visual Analogue Scale: VAS and Mood Inventory Scale: MIS) before and after a normal workday. Results: We observed that after a normal days’ work, the nurses’ autonomic activity, high-frequency component power (HF), low-frequency component power/high-component power ratio (LF/HF ratio), and total power (LF་HF) increased significantly. Psychologically, VAS increased significantly, while the MIS Refreshing Mood decreased remarkably. The HF value correlated significantly with VAS and the MIS Refreshing Mood. The MIS Refreshing Mood correlates significantly with increased sympathetic and autonomic nervous function. Thus, an MIS test may alternative for physiological tests to detect fatigue more quickly and easily. Conclusion: These findings may help nurses and other workers reduce fatigue, cope with stress, and prevent illness. We hope this study will contribute towards addressing the issues related to workers’ mental health in the workplace.
Down-regulation of EGFL8 regulates migration, invasion and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma through activating Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Fan , Zhang Fang-Yong , Tan Guo-Qian , Chen Wei-Jia , Huang Biao , Yan Lun , Zhang Hao-Lu , Chen Shi , Jiao Yang , Wang Bai-Lin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Our previous studies have reported the down-regulation of EGFL8 correlates to the development and prognosis of colorectal and gastric cancer. The present study is carried out to explore the expression pattern and role of EGFL8 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods and materials: EGFL8 expression in 102 cases of HCC tissues matched with adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues and three liver cancer cell lines with different metastatic capacity was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Moreover, the clinicopathological features and prognosis of HCC patients were separately correlated with expression levels of EGFL8. Subsequently, the gain‑and loss‑of‑function experiments were carried out to investigate the biological function of EGFL8 in HCC. We also used N-[N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]-(S)-phenylglycine t-butyl ester (DAPT), an inhibitor for Notch signaling pathway, in these experiments to verify the involvement of Notch signaling pathway in the effects of EGFL8. Additionally, a mouse model was established to investigate the effect of EGFL8 on metastasis of HCC cells. The expression of Notch signaling pathway in HCC cells and xenograft mouse tumors were detected by Western blot and immunohistochemistory.Results: The expression of EGFL8 was significantly decreased in HCC tissues and EGFL8 down-regulation correlated to multiple nodules, vein invasion, high TNM stage and poor prognosis of HCC. Interestingly, the expression levels of EGFL8 in three liver cancer cell lines were negatively associated with their metastatic capacity. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that EGFL8 obviously suppressed metastasis and invasion of HCC cells but slightly promoted apoptosis. Meanwhile, the expression of Notch signaling pathway was obviously suppressed in EGFL8 overexpressed HCCLM3 cells and xenograft mouse tumors generated from these cells but markedly elevated in EGFL8 depleted Hep3B cells. Furthermore, the up-regulated expression of Notch signaling pathway and effects induced by EGFL8 knockdown in Hep3B cells could be counteracted by DAPT treatment. Conclusion: The down-regulation of EGFL8 was correlated to progression and poor prognosis of HCC and regulates HCC cell migration, invasion and apoptosis through activating the Notch signaling pathway, suggesting EGFL8 as a novel therapeutic target and a potential prognostic marker for HCC.
Production and characterization of the maximum liquid product obtained from co-pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse and thermocol waste
Authors: Mohapatra Sowhm Swain , Singh Raghubansh Kumar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The current study explores co-pyrolysis of sugarcane bagasse, and thermocol waste in a semi-batch reactor to evaluate the influence of temperature, and blending ratio on yield of products, and reaction time, and thereby characterize the maximum liquid product. The properties of liquid product (bio-oil), and the solid product (bio-char) obtained from thermal sugarcane bagasse, and co-pyrolysis sugarcane bagasse: thermocol waste bio-oil were investigated for physicochemical characterizations. The compositional analysis result of the co-pyrolysis liquid product established the presence of several aromatic compounds. The co-pyrolysis liquid product manifested a higher calorific value, carbon, and hydrogen content as compared to sugarcane bagasse thermal pyrolysis bio-oil. The co-pyrolysis liquid product can be used as a liquid fuel in internal combustion engines, as well as a precursor for value-added chemicals. The properties of bio-char suggested it can be used as a solid fuel, as well as an adsorbent.
Monitoring Settlements Growth and Development in Algiers City Eastern Area
Authors: Bellout Azzeddine , Vaz Eric , Damásio Bruno 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Monitoring change detection in urban land use/land use is essential as it pertains to one of the main environmental change drivers, leading to urban pressures impacting cultivated areas. Algiers' eastern area is one of the critical areas of Algiers' state, and it is affected by the growth and development of the composing residential areas. This research aims to analyze the current issues, including aspects of land use, residential patterns, residential development directions, and characteristics of the communities in residential growth areas. We used Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) and Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) data as the primary data source, and maps and statistical data as the secondary. The annual growth of urban land has been studied over the past six years in Algiers' eastern area. Descriptive statistics and spatial analysis allowed assessing the data further. Results indicate that there has been a 100% expansion of the residential regions during the decade from 2014 to 2020. Population in the expansion areas increased by 2%. Future studies should understand the impact of rapid urban lands on social, economic, and environmental sustainability. It will also close the gap between currently available data sources, especially regarding the lack of reliable data and environmental and urban planning for Algiers' municipality. This aids directly in developing experimental models to predict future changes of land with great statistical confidence.
Microplastic fibers influence Ag toxicity and bioaccumulation in Eisenia andrei but not in Enchytraeus crypticus
Authors: Tourinho Paula S , Loureiro Susana , Talluri VSSL Prasad , Dolar Andraž , Verweij Rudo , Chvojka Jiří , Michalcová Alena , Kočí Vladimír , Gestel Cornelis A.M. van 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Microplastic fibers (MF) are released from synthetic textiles during washing and end up in the wastewater. Similarly, silver nanoparticles (AgNP), incorporated in textiles as antimicrobial agents, are released in washing machines, also reaching the wastewater treatment plants. Therefore, both MF and AgNP co-exist in the environment, and enter the soil compartment mainly via the application of biosolids. Yet, the combined effect of MF and AgNP has not been studied. Here, we assessed the effects of polyester MF (0.01% DW) on the toxicity of AgNP (32, 100, 320, 1000, 3200 mg Ag/kg) and AgNO3 (12.8, 32, 80, 200, 500 mg Ag/kg) to the earthworm Eisenia andrei and the enchytraeid Enchytraeus crypticus. The exposure to MF caused a decrease in the number of juveniles and changed the biochemical composition of earthworms. Moreover, the presence of MF increased the toxicity of AgNP to earthworm reproduction (EC50 = 165 mg Ag/kg) when compared to AgNP exposure alone (EC50 = 450 mg Ag/kg), but did not alter the toxicity of AgNO3 (EC50 = 40 mg Ag/kg). For enchytraeids, no significant difference in Ag toxicity could be detected when MF was added to the soil for both AgNP and AgNO3. Overall, Ag bioaccumulation was not affected by MF, with the exception of a decrease in earthworm body concentration at the highest Ag soil concentration (3200 mg Ag/kg). Our results suggest that the presence of MF in the soil compartment may be a cause of concern, and that the joint exposure to Ag may be deleterious depending on the Ag form, organism and endpoint. The present work provides the first evidence that a realistic MF concentration in soil lowers AgNP concentration necessary to provoke reproductive impairment in earthworms. The influence of MF on risk assessment of AgNP should be considered.
Impact of Daikenchuto (TU-100) on The Early Postoperative Period in Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass
Authors: Okikawa Shohei , Kashihara Hideya , Morine Yuji , Shimada Mitsuo , Yoshikawa Kozo , Higashijima Jun , Tokunaga Takuya , Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Nishiyama Mitsue , Zushi Makoto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: We investigated the effect of Daikenchuto (TU-100) on the early postoperative period in duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB).Methods: Study 1: The effect of TU-100 on diabetic rats was investigated. Rats were sacrificed after receiving TU-100 for one week. Study 2: The effect of TU-100 on DJB was investigated. Rats in the DJB and TU-100 treated DJB groups were sacrificed 24 hours postoperation to evaluate blood glucose, cytokine expression, and gut microbiome.Results: Study 1: TU-100 did not affect glucose or body weight. TU-100 suppressed intestinal inflammation and modified the gut microbiome. Specifically, Bifidobacterium and Blautia were increased, and Turicibacter were decreased in this group. Study 2: Both DJB and TU-100 treated DJB rats showed lower blood glucose at 24 hours postoperation than at preoperation. Cytokine expression in the liver and small intestine of the TU-100 treated DJB group was significantly lower than that of the DJB group. The gut microbiome composition in TU-100 treated DJB rats was altered. In particular, Bifidobacterium and Blautia were increased in this group.Conclusion: DJB suppressed blood glucose during the early postoperative period. TU-100 may enhance the anti-diabetic effect of metabolic surgery by changing the gut microbiome and suppressing inflammation in the early postoperative period.