bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Glass Fibers on The Mechanical Behavior As Well As Energy Absorption Capacity and Toughness Indices of Concrete Bridge Decks.
Authors: Jan Ahmad , Pu Zhang , Khan Kashif Ali , Ahmad Izhar , Khan Irshad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, the incorporation of glass fibers in concrete bridge decks has been studied for improving its mechanical properties as well as energy absorption capacity and toughness indices. The mix proportion of 1:3:2 (cement:sand:aggregate) was selected having water-cement ratio of 0.71. For the manufacturing of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), the glass fibers (2-inch) were incorporated at a percentage level of 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% by weight of cement in concrete mixes. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural strength of GFRC increases at all the percentage levels, however, the compressive strength of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Besides, the energy absorption and toughness indices are also studied for different types of loadings (i.e. compressive, splitting-tensile and flexural loadings) up to a percentage level of 4%. The findings reveal that the split-tensile and flexural energy absorption was increased with the increase in the dosage of glass fibers in comparison with the conventional concrete mixes, however, the compressive energy absorption of the blended mixes get reduced by increasing the dosage of glass fibers in the concrete. Whereas, the toughness indices for compressive, spilt-tensile and flexure was increased while increasing the percentage of glass fibers as compared to the conventional concrete. Among the different percentages of glass fibers, its 4% addition gives better results as compared to 1%, 2% and 3%. Hence, the 4% of GF can be suggested to be the optimum percentage of the fibers for the selected mix-design in controlling the resistance of concrete in the bridge decks. Although, the energy absorption of GFRC is lesser in comparison with the toughness indices, GFRC are appropriate for enhancing ductility and resistance against loadings in concrete bridge decks.
Diversity of Vaginal Microbiota Affects Epithelial Barrier Permeability Among African Pregnant Women
Authors: BBLT Lois Bayigga , Nabatanzi Rose , Mausser Emilie , Kateete David P. , Sekikubo Musa , Anderson Deborah J. , Nakanjako Damalie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundWomen with diverse genital anaerobic bacterial communities, are at over 4-fold higher risk of HIV acquisition than women with a Lactobacillus-rich vaginal microbiome. The mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. We set out to examine how vaginal microbiota diversity affects epithelial integrity in HIV sero-negative pregnant women. We also investigated how HIV infection alters mucosal integrity within the prevalent genital microbiome diversity.MethodsWe assessed epithelial permeability by measuring the concentrations of tight junction proteins, claudin-1 and zonula occludens- (ZO)-1, in cervico-vaginal lavages (CVL) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cytokines in the vaginal fluids were measured by multiplex magnetic bead assay to establish the inflammatory state. Bacterial cell-free supernatants were used to treat vaginal epithelial cells and tissues, mimicking the in-vivo vaginal milieu. Gene and protein expression levels of tight junctions of vaginal epithelial cells and tissues in response to treatment were quantified by QuantiGene™ Plex Gene Expression Assay and by western blot respectively. The cytokine response of vaginal epithelial cells, VK2 (E6/E7, ATCC® CRL-2616™), to bacterial cell-free supernatants was measured by ELISA method.Results Among women with CT3 cervicotype, HIV sero-negative pregnant women had significantly higher claudin-1 in their CVL than the HIV-infected pregnant women (p=0.0011). IL-8 (p=0.0028), IL-1beta (p<0.0001) and TNF-alpha (p=0.0283) were significantly higher among HIV-negative pregnant women with a non-Lactobacillus dominant vaginal microbiota than those with a Lactobacillus-dominant vaginal microbiota. Bacterial cell-free supernatants from Lactobacillus elicited low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1alpha, IL8, IL-6 and IL-1 beta in comparison to media and G. vaginalis. Treatment with G. vaginalis supernatant lowers claudin-1 and claudin-4 expression yet presence of either L. crispatus or L. iners mitigates this effect of G. vaginalis as observed by immuno-staining of treated vaginal cells.Conclusions Pregnant women with a non-Lactobacillus dominant microbiome had a disrupted epithelial barrier and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, making them at a higher risk of HIV acquisition than women with a Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome. Targeting vaginal microbiota and/or its effects on the vaginal epithelium and cervico-vaginal milieu can potentially lower rates of HIV acquisition and transmission.
lncRNA GAS5 enhances tumor stem cell-like medicated sensitivity of paclitaxel and inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by targeting miR-18a-5p/STK4 pathway in prostate cancer
Authors: Lu Tingting , Li Hualei , Gai Ling , Huang Hua , Li Feng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PCA) is onset hidden and more likely occur recurrence and metastasis due to chemotherapy resistance. The present research aimed to investigate the mechanisms of cancer chemoresistance and find new ways to improve the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs to tumors.Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect GAS5 expression in PCA tissues and cell lines. Western blotting was performed to assess the protein expressions. The effect of GAS5 on PCA cells was assessed by gain of function assay. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to assess the sensitivity of PCA cell lines to paclitaxel treatment. Flow cytometry and EDU assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. The dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the interaction between GAS5 and miR-18a-5p, also between miR-18a-5p and STK4. Results: our present research showed that long non-coding RNA GAS5 was downregulated in PCA and associated with metastasis and paclitaxel resistance. GAS5 acted as a tumor suppressor in suppressing proliferation and metastasis of the paclitaxel-resistant PCA cells. In vivo experiment, GAS5 overexpression inhibited the tumor growth of xenograft and elevated PCA sensitivity to paclitaxel. Combination of GAS5 and paclitaxel treatment showed great potential in treatment of PCA. Moreover, mechanistic analysis revealed a novel regulatory network of GAS5/miR-18a-5p/STK4 axis in PCA that inhibits the EMT and enhances tumor stem cell-like medicated sensitivity of paclitaxel.Conclusions: The findings provided a novel direction for potential adjunct to cancer chemotherapy that aimed at improving the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs to PCA.
Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells limit post-stroke infection
Authors: Han Jianbang , Xie Yu , Feng Zhiming , Sun Haitao , Li Feng , Ouyang Qian , Zhang Zhongfei , Zou Xiaoxiong , Cai Yingqian , Zou Yuxi , Tang Yanping , JIANG Xiaodan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Brain ischemia leads to excessive infiltration of clusters of CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells in the brain, which aggravate ischemic brain injury. Acute ischemic stroke also has a negative impact on the antibacterial immune response, leading to stroke-induced immunodepression and infection. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (ucMSC) have an immunosuppressive function. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether ucMSC treatment alleviates the excessive infiltration of CD8+ T and NK cells. We also investigated significant concerns that ucMSC treatment might suppress antimicrobial immunity, leading to an increased risk of infection.
Methods

After middle cerebral artery occlusion, stroke and post-stroke infective mice received intravenous injection of ucMSC. We performed haematoxylin and eosin staining of organs and assessed the Modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS),the activated state of microglia,quantity and distribution of CD8 + T and NK cells. Changes of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10), and blood biochemical indexes were also detected.We then assessed autophagy and apoptosis of platelets, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP levels.In vitro ucMSC was co-cultured with platelet and Escherichia coli, followed by detection of the E. coli growth curve.
Results

ucMSC treatment ameliorated the infiltration of CD8+ T and NK cells in the brain, reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines.ucMSC treatment limit post-stroke infection and reduce the inflmamatory injury of various organs induced by post-stroke infection,as well as ucMSC inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli in vivo and vitro.ucMSC treatment maintained autophagy, MMP, and the production of ATP, while inhibiting apoptosis of platelets in vivo.
Conclusions

Based on these findings, ucMSC may represent a potential and safe therapeutic option for stroke treatment by inhibiting brain injury and limiting post-stroke infection.
A Set of Challenges for setting distance-learning environments based on university students’ experience at the covid-19 pandemic time in Iraq
Authors: Alkhafaji Alaa , Mshalli Haider , Giovannela Carlo , Passarelli Marcello 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This paper presents an empirical study to investigate students’ perspectives and attitude towards distance-learning at the university level in Iraq. Universities were forced to convert from face-to-face (f2f) learning to fully virtual due to the coronavirus covid-19 pandemic. The transition was within two weeks, which probably causes some challenges students might encounter due to this rapid transition. This study aims to highlight any challenges students might face. This would help prevent such challenges in the future time, which could ensure a smooth and seamless learning process over the internet. A mixed methods approach was used with data being gathered using a questionnaire technique with 79 questions; multichoice, scales and open-ended questions; this paper focuses on the quantitative data only. 2746 students responded to this questionnaire from different age groups and different study levels. A set of four challenges’ themes is introduced in this paper, which was driven based on the results of this study. Themes include infrastructure related, pedagogy related, context related, and self-support related.
Bone marrow derived CD 34+ cells and leukocytes in 729 children and adults with non-malignant diseases&nbsp;
Authors: Pabinger Christof , Laky Brenda , Heuberer Philip , Kobinia Georg Stefan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
To our knowledge, no large studies reporting bone marrow (BM) derived cell counts of children and adults with non-malignant diseases have been published so far. Thus, the primary objective was to evaluate BM-derived CD34+ and leukocyte cell counts in 729 female and male patients of different age groups who underwent autologous cell-based therapy for non-malignant diseases.For this study, a retrospective data analysis of laboratory parameters including BM-aspirated and post-centrifuge concentrated CD34+ cells and leukocytes was performed. Associations and differences of cell counts between age groups, gender, and diagnose related group were evaluated.Included were data of 187 female and 542 male patients aged between 2 and 75 years, who underwent autologous cell-based therapy for various non-malignant diseases. The median percentage of CD34+ cells of leukocytes was 1.10% in BM-aspirate (BMA) and 0.96% in post-centrifuge BMA concentrate (BMAC). Significant moderate positive correlations were observed between CD34+ cells (count/μl) and leukocytes (count/μl) in BMA and in BMAC. Significant strong negative correlations were detected between age (years) and CD34+ cells (count/μl/kg) in BMA and in BMAC. No significant differences regarding CD34+ cells (count/μl) in BMA were detected between adults, while significant differences regarding cell counts were detected between diagnose related groups, but not between females and males.This study including 729 patients with various non-malignant diseases showed that approximately 1% of leukocytes were CD34+ cells in BMA and in BMAC. While BM-derived CD34+ cells were significantly higher in younger patients, similar cell counts were detected within adults.
Rotylenchus wimbii n. sp. (Nematoda: Hoplolaimidae) associated with finger millet in Kenya
Authors: Singh Phougeishangbam Rolish , Karssen Gerrit , Gitau Kelvin , Wanjau Cecilia , Couvreur Marjolein , Pili Njira Njira , Gheysen Godelieve , Bert Wim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Rotylenchus wimbii n. sp. was found associated with finger millet in Kenya and is described based on light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and molecular information. Sequence analysis was performed on ITS, 18S, and D2-D3 of 28S of ribosomal DNA and COI of mitochondrial DNA. This new species is characterized by a moderate female body size of 0.6 to 0.8 mm, a continuous hemispherical lip region with four annuli, 3 to 4 irregular blocks on the basal lip annule, absence of longitudinal cuticular striations in anterior region, four lateral lines forming three equal bands which are areolated mainly at pharynx level, a robust stylet of 23 to 27 µm of which 45 to 53% is cone part, and with rounded to sometimes indented knobs, a secretory-excretory pore around level of pharyngo-intestinal junction, didelphic-amphidelphic reproductive system, vulva without distinct epiptygma, indistinct to empty spermatheca, tail usually truncated with 5 to 9 annuli, phasmids located at 7 to 17 annuli anterior to anus, and absence of males. Molecular phylogenies, in combination with species delimitation, supported the distinctiveness of Rotylenchus wimbii n. sp. and revealed some mislabeled Rotylenchus brevicaudatus sequences in GenBank.
TOP-Net Prediction Model Using Bidirectional Long Short-term Memory and Medical-Grade Wearable Multisensor System for Tachycardia Onset: Algorithm Development Study
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Liu Tongbo , Zhang Zhengbo , Kuo Po-Chih , Xu Haoran , Yang Zhicheng , Lan Ke , Li Peiyao , Ouyang Zhenchao , Ng Yeuk Lam , Yan Wei , Li Deyu 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundWithout timely diagnosis and treatment, tachycardia, also called tachyarrhythmia, can cause serious complications such as heart failure, cardiac arrest, and even death. The predictive performance of conventional clinical diagnostic procedures needs improvement in order to assist physicians in detecting risk early on.ObjectiveWe aimed to develop a deep tachycardia onset prediction (TOP-Net) model based on deep learning (ie, bidirectional long short-term memory) for early tachycardia diagnosis with easily accessible data.MethodsTOP-Net leverages 2 easily accessible data sources: vital signs, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) acquired continuously by wearable embedded systems, and electronic health records, containing age, gender, admission type, first care unit, and cardiovascular disease history. The model was trained with a large data set from an intensive care unit and then transferred to a real-world scenario in the general ward. In this study, 3 experiments incorporated merging patients’ personal information, temporal memory, and different feature combinations. Six metrics (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1 score, and precision) were used to evaluate predictive performance.ResultsTOP-Net outperformed the baseline models on the large critical care data set (AUROC 0.796, 95% CI 0.768-0.824; sensitivity 0.753, 95% CI 0.663-0.793; specificity 0.720, 95% CI 0.645-0.758; accuracy 0.721; F1 score 0.718; precision 0.686) when predicting tachycardia onset 6 hours in advance. When predicting tachycardia onset 2 hours in advance with data acquired from our hospital using the transferred TOP-Net, the 6 metrics were 0.965, 0.955, 0.881, 0.937, 0.793, and 0.680, respectively. The best performance was achieved using comprehensive vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, and SpO2) statistical information.ConclusionsTOP-Net is an early tachycardia prediction model that uses 8 types of data from wearable sensors and electronic health records. When validated in clinical scenarios, the model achieved a prediction performance that outperformed baseline models 0 to 6 hours before tachycardia onset in the intensive care unit and 2 hours before tachycardia onset in the general ward. Because of the model’s implementation and use of easily accessible data from wearable sensors, the model can assist physicians with early discovery of patients at risk in general wards and houses.
Health Apps for Combating COVID-19: Descriptive Review and Taxonomy
Authors: Almalki Manal , Giannicchi Anna 
Published: February 2021

Background
Mobile phone apps have been leveraged to combat the spread of COVID-19. However, little is known about these technologies’ characteristics, technical features, and various applications in health care when responding to this public health crisis. The lack of understanding has led developers and governments to make poor choices about apps’ designs, which resulted in creating less useful apps that are overall less appealing to consumers due to their technical flaws.

Objective
This review aims to identify, analyze, and categorize health apps related to COVID-19 that are currently available for consumers in app stores; in particular, it focuses on exploring their key technical features and classifying the purposes that these apps were designed to serve.

Methods
A review of health apps was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. The Apple Store and Google Play were searched between April 20 and September 11, 2020. An app was included if it was dedicated for this disease and was listed under the health and medical categories in these app stores. The descriptions of these apps were extracted from the apps’ web pages and thematically analyzed via open coding to identify both their key technical features and overall purpose. The characteristics of the included apps were summarized and presented with descriptive statistics.

Results
Of the 298 health apps that were initially retrieved, 115 met the inclusion criteria. A total of 29 technical features were found in our sample of apps, which were then categorized into five key purposes of apps related to COVID-19. A total of 77 (67%) apps were developed by governments or national authorities and for the purpose of promoting users to track their personal health (9/29, 31%). Other purposes included raising awareness on how to combat COVID-19 (8/29, 27%), managing exposure to COVID-19 (6/29, 20%), monitoring health by health care professionals (5/29, 17%), and conducting research studies (1/29, 3.5%).

Conclusions
This study provides an overview and taxonomy of the health apps currently available in the market to combat COVID-19 based on their differences in basic technical features and purpose. As most of the apps were provided by governments or national authorities, it indicates the essential role these apps have as tools in public health crisis management. By involving most of the population in self-tracking their personal health and providing them with the technology to self-assess, the role of these apps is deemed to be a key driver for a participatory approach to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Further effort is required from researchers to evaluate these apps’ effectiveness and from governmental organizations to increase public awareness of these digital solutions.
Early Insights From a Digitally Enhanced Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program: Single-Arm Nonrandomized Trial
Authors: Wilson-Anumudu Folasade , Quan Ryan , Castro Sweet Cynthia , Cerrada Christian , Juusola Jessie , Turken Michael , Bradner Jasik Carolyn 
Published: February 2021

Background
Translation of diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) into a digital format can improve access, but few digital programs have demonstrated outcomes using rigorous evaluation metrics.

Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a digital DSMES program on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods
A single-arm, nonrandomized trial was performed to evaluate a digital DSMES program that includes remote monitoring and lifestyle change, in addition to comprehensive diabetes education staffed by a diabetes specialist. A sample of 195 participants were recruited using an online research platform (Achievement Studies, Evidation Health Inc). The primary outcome was change in laboratory-tested HbA1c from baseline to 4 months, and secondary outcomes included change in lipids, diabetes distress, and medication adherence.

Results
At baseline, participants had a mean HbA1c of 8.9% (SD 1.9) and mean BMI of 37.5 kg/m2 (SD 8.3). The average age was 45.1 years (SD 8.9), 70% were women, and 67% were White. At 4-month follow up, the HbA1c decreased by 0.8% (P<.001, 95% CI –1.1 to –0.5) for the total population and decreased by 1.4% (P<.001, 95% CI –1.8 to –0.9) for those with an HbA1c of >9.0% at baseline. Diabetes distress and medication adherence were also significantly improved between baseline and follow up.

Conclusions
This study provides early evidence that a digitally enhanced DSMES program improves HbA1c and disease self-management outcomes.