bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 infection as a model to study the effect of cinnamaldehyde as adjuvant therapy for viral pneumonia.
Authors: Vezzani Bianca , Perrone Mariasole , Carinci Marianna , Tombolato Alberto , Tombolato Denis , Gentili Valentina , Rizzo Roberta , Campo Gianluca , Morandi Luca , Papi Alberto , Spadaro Savino , Contoli Marco , Pinton Paolo , Giorgi Carlotta , Casolari Paolo , Daminato Claudio 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
The recent pandemic outbursts, due to SARS-CoV-2, has highlighted once more the central role of the inflammatory process in the propagation of viral infection. In fact, the main consequence of COVID-19 is the induction of a diffuse pro-inflammatory state, also defined as cytokine storm, that affects different organs, but mostly the lungs. Therefore, despite the progress in the vaccination campaign, the high mutability of this virus also requires effective pharmaceutical approaches aimed to reduce the inflammatory spread.
Methods
The effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on IL-1β and IL-6 levels was assessed by performing ELISA on patients' serum and stimulated-PBMCs. The therapeutic potential of cinnamaldehyde on COVID-19 was evaluated in vitro, testing the effects on THP-1 macrophages' inflammatory state, and on the viral replication in Calu-3 and Vero6 cells. Moreover, we assessed the effect of cinnamaldehyde also in vivo generating a lung-inflammatory model by intranasal administration of LPS.
Results
In this study we highlight that COVID-19 patients have higher IL-1β and IL-6 plasma levels compared to non-COVID-19 pneumonia patients, showing that human mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are more prone to release pro-inflammatory cytokines upon stimuli. Furthermore, we demonstrated how cinnamaldehyde, a natural compound easily tolerated by the majority of human beings, significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2-related inflammation by inhibiting IL-1β release by macrophages, and viral replication in epithelial cells. In addition, we confirmed the ability of aerosol-administered cinnamaldehyde to in vivo reduce IL-1β release in a lung-inflammatory model.
Conclusion
The obtained results suggest the possible use of cinnamaldehyde suitable as a co-adjuvant preventive treatment for COVID-19 disease together with vaccination, but also as a promising dietary supplement to reduce, more broadly, viral induced inflammation.
Association between the level of concern for COVID-19 and information sources among college students
Authors: Peprah Emmanuel , Amesimeku Etornam , Chherti Himani , Ruan Christina , Fordjuoh Judy , Wang Cong , Patena John , Vieira Dorice , Ryan Nessa , Iloegbu Chukwuemeka , Gyamfi Joyce , Odumegwu Jonathan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective We administered an online survey to 185 college students to assess their level of concern, information sources, and mitigation strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Responses from only students enrolled in college during 2021 were analyzed. We sought to examine their level of concern as defined as utilization of protective measures and/or personal protective equipment and/or social distancing and/or following other public health recommendations from public health sources.
Results College students that participated in our survey used various sources to obtain information about COVID-19 that included social media and other sources (58.92%), followed by mainstream media (27.57%) and email from their university/college (13.51%). Students who learned about the pandemic from social media (65.94%) were concerned; however, only 23.19% and 10.87% of the participants that sourced information from mainstream media and their schools’ email, respectively, were concerned. Furthermore, students who received information from social media and other sources were three times more likely to be concerned about COVID-19 than students who received information from the university via email.
New insights on habitat preferences of the Northern Emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora arctica)
Authors: Cristofaro Luigi , Batty Patricia , Muir Daniele , Law Alan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Odonates are widely considered to be bioindicators of freshwater habitat quality. Somatochlora arctica (Corduliidae) are commonly found across Eurasia, predominantly North and Central Europe, but in the UK, they is listed as near threatened and currently restricted to few areas of Scotland despite a large, potential habitat availability. Across their range their larvae are commonly found in Sphagnum-filled bog pools nearby coniferous woodlands, but detailed data on their habitat preferences are limited which inhibits conservation efforts. We designed a survey targeting 3 known, but geographically distinct, S. arctica locations in Scotland: Abernethy & Loch Garten National Nature Reserve (NNR), Beinn Eighe NNR and Flanders Moss NNR to evaluate how different environmental factors (e.g. water depth and chemistry, bryophyte species and coverage, woodland distance, etc.) affect the presence and abundance of S. arctica. We found pools that were located far from woodlands (i.e. >50m) had a lower presence of S. arctica and that S. arctica was mostly found in pools with high densities of Sphagnum coverage (> 90%). Our results highlight the importance of nearby woodlands and Sphagnum quantity and potentially species type for different life stages of S. arctica. Future conservation projects should consider the proximity of woodland to current and restored S.arctica sites or promoting expansion of surrounding natural woodland patches in order to benefit S.arctica and potentially other odonates.
Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial colonization in patients, carriage by healthcare workers and contamination of hospital environments in Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Esther Eyram Asare , Agyepong Nicholas , Amoako Daniel Gyamfi , Abia Akebe Luther King , Owusu-Ofori Alexander , Essack Sabiha Yusuf 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Patients already colonized with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) on admission to critical care units may be an important source of their transmission in hospitals. We sought to determine the prevalence of MDR GNB colonization in patients, staff, and the ward environment and to assess the risk factors for colonization of patients.
Methods
The study was conducted from April 2021 to July 2021 in a teaching hospital in Ghana. MDR GNB were isolated from rectal and hand swabs of patients on admission and after 48 hours. Swabs from HCW’s hands and the ward environment were also taken. Risk factors for colonization with MDR GNB were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.
Results
MDR GNB rectal colonization rate among patients was 50.62% on admission and 44.44% after 48 hours. MDR GNB were isolated from 6 (5.26%) and 24 (11.54%) of HCW’s hand swabs and environmental swabs, respectively. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most frequently isolated MDR. Previous hospitalization (p-value = 0.021, OR,95% CI = 7.170 (1.345–38.214) was significantly associated with colonization by MDR GNB after 48 hours of admission. Age (21–30 years) (p-value = 0.022, OR, 95% CI = 0.103(0.015–0.716) was significantly identified as a protective factor associated with a reduced risk of rectal MDR GNB colonization.
Conclusions
The high colonization of MDR GNB in patients and carriage of MDR GNB on HCW’s hands and contamination of environments, highlights the need for patient screening, and stringent infection prevention and control practices to prevent the spread of MDR GNB in hospitals.
Dietary thiamine requirement of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Wijemanna Udith , Lee Kyeong-Jun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the dietary thiamine (vitamin B1) requirement of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) for optimal growth performance, feed utilization, and innate immunity. Six test diets were formulated to contain 3.32, 20.8, 38.7, 60.2, 80.7, and 108 mg/kg of graded thiamine levels (designated as T0, T20, T40, T60, T80, and T100, respectively). A total of 360 shrimp (6.03 ± 0.03 g) were randomly assigned into 24 acryl tanks (240 L) to be quadruplicated per treatment, and feeding was done in six equal portions daily for 58 days. The T20 diet fed group exhibited significantly higher growth performance compared to shrimp fed T0 and T100 diets. Feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly different among experimental groups. A significantly higher phenoloxidase activity was exhibited in T20 dietary group than T0 and T100 groups. Lysozyme activity was significantly enhanced in T20, T40, T60, and T80 groups than in T0 group and antiprotease activity was not significantly affected. Antioxidant parameters: superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly elevated in T20 dietary treatment group. Significantly upregulated proPO gene expression was observed in T20 and T40 dietary treatment groups, although penaidine 3a and insulin-like growth factor-1 relative gene expressions were not significantly different. Glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and total protein levels in hemolymph were not significantly different. Intestinal histology observations did not show significant differences in villi heights. A piecewise regression of weight gain percentage (WG%) estimates the optimal dietary thiamine requirement of L. vannamei at 19.7 mg/kg.
Systematic Analysis Of Expression Profiles Of SRSF Family Members For Prognostic Application In DLBCL
Authors: Wang Zanzan , Zhang Jiawei , Yan Xiao , Sheng Lixia , Ouyang Guifang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Serine and arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSF) family is an important splicing regulator and plays vital roles in RNA nuclear transportation and RNA stability. However, the role of the SRSF family in DLBCL is still unknown. The GEPIA database and the Human Protein Atlas were used to investigate the differential expression of SRSF in the DLBCL tissue and corresponding normal tissues. The mRNA expression profiles and clinicopathological data from the GSE10846 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were downloaded to explore the clinical significance, prognostic value, and tumor immune microenvironments in DLBCL. SRSF family expression levels were substantially upregulated in DLBCL compared with normal tissues. Increased SRSF mRNA expression levels were associated with poorer overall survival. We selected 4 SRSF genes (SRSF1, SRSF7, SRSF10, and SRSF12) related to prognosis to conduct a risk model. Additionally, SRSF is strongly associated with MMR genes, DNA methyltransferase, and tumor stemness index. SRSF expression was closely correlated with infiltrating levels of specific types of immune cells in DLBCL, especially B cells naïve and T cell CD4 memory activated. Pathway enrichment analysis indicated that the SRSF family was involved in the upregulation of tumor metabolism and metastasis. Finally, SRSF protein was higher in DLBCL cell lines than in control cells by western blot. SRSF family genes have complicated roles in tumorigenesis, progression, and prognosis in DLBCL.
Subtle transcriptomic response of Eurasian perch (Perca fluvatilis) associated with Triaenophorus nodulosus plerocercoid infection
Authors: Taube Konrad , Noreikiene Kristina , Kahar Siim , Gross Riho , Ozerov Mikhail , Vasemägi Anti 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

BackgroundDetermining the physiological effects of parasites and characterizing genes involved in host responses to infections are essential to improving our understanding of host-parasite interactions and their ecological and evolutionary consequences. This task, however, is complicated by high diversity and complex life histories of many parasite species. The use of transcriptomics in the context of wild-caught specimens can help ameliorate this by providing both qualitative and quantitative information on gene expression patterns in response to parasites in specific host organs and tissues. Here, we evaluated the physiological impact of the widespread parasite, the pike tapeworm (Triaenophorus nodulosus),on its second intermediate host, the Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis).MethodsWe used an RNAseq approach to analyse gene expression in the liver, the target organ ofT. nodulosusplerocercoids, and spleen which is one of the main immune organs in teleost fishes. We compared perch collected from multiple lakes with individuals with (n = 8) and without (n = 6)T. nodulosusplerocercoids in the liver.ResultsResults revealed a small number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs, adjusted p-value ≤ 0.05) in both spleen (n = 22) and liver (n = 10). DEGs in spleen consisted of mostly upregulated immune related genes (e.g.,JUN,SIK1,THSB1), while those in the liver were often linked to metabolic functions (e.g.,FABP1,CADM4, CDAB). However, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed lack of functional enrichment among DEGs.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that Eurasian perch displays a subtle response at a gene expression level toT. nodulosus, which together with earlier work, suggests that moderateT. nodulosusplerocercoid infection most likely does not provoke an extensive host immune response and have relatively low physiological costs for the host. Our findings illustrate that not all conspicuous infections have severe effects on host gene regulation.
Natural factors or human disturbance: What shapes the occurrence of black grouse Lyrurus tetrix on the edge of its continuous range?
Authors: Adamowicz Michał , Gortat Tomasz , Czortek Patryk , Chiliński Michał 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The Eurasian black grouse belongs to a group of birds sensitive to environmental changes. A decrease in its numbers may be a signal of the deteriorating habitat condition, making this species an important indicator of shifts the in functioning of ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the impact of a number of predictors on the occurrence of the black grouse in one of its last Central European, mountainous refuge - Polish Tatra Mountains. The aim of the study was to understand the requirements of the species and identify the most important factors for its survival. We found that the existence of black grouse depends on specific proportions between natural factors shaping the local environment – mainly the type of vegetation land cover. Smaller, but important in the context of species protection, is the negative impact of human disturbance. The effect of analyzed factors on the presence of the black grouse occurs not only in the areas inhabited by the birds but also in their surroundings. The presence of black grouse positively correlated with vegetation providing food and lekking sites and land cover by forest in the surrounding. A negative relationship was found with bare rock cover and high tourist pressure around the occurrence sites. Our results indicate that for black grouse protection, it is necessary to maintain natural vegetation cover and open areas, and reduce tourist pressure. It is also important to protect adjacent areas that meet the species’ habitat requirements, in order to avoid fragmentation of the population.
Pre-Marital Sexual Debut and Associated Factors among Unmarried Regular Students of AdigratUniversity, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremariam Guesh , Adhanom Gebre , Hagos Selemun , Berihu Tesfay 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background Premarital sexual debuts are increasing in the globe. It has vital role in spreading sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy among the youths. Even though a single study was conducted among high school students of Adigrat town, there is no published data that describes premarital sex and factor associated among students of Adigrat University.Thus, this study has aimed to assess pre-marital sexual debut and associated factors among unmarried regular studentsof AdigratUniversity, northern Ethiopia. Methods Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted using a facilitator guided self-administered questionnaire among students of Adigrat University. Study participants were recruited using multistage sampling technique. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social science version 22 to determine the association between variables. A p-value < 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval was considered as statistically significant. Result The overall prevalence of premarital debut among the study participants was,22.9%.According to multivariate analysis, peer pressure (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.6, p = 0.002); watching pornographic video (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.3, p = 0.031) and using psychoactive drugs (substance) (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3–3.1, p = 0.001) were statistically significant factors associated with the occurrence of pre-marital sexual debut among the study participants. Conclusion Premarital sexual debut is becoming more prevalent among students. Watching pornographic video, peer pressure and using psychoactive drugs were statistically contributing factors to debut student in premarital sex. Hence, our finding suggests ministry of health and ministry of education should work together giving more attention for designing persistent and effective reproductive health education programme among students of higher education.
Additive Manufacturing of Hierarchically Porous Silicon-based Ceramics
Authors: Gupta Vipul , Norouzi Ahmad , Paull Brett 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Hierarchically porous silicon-based ceramics present unique opportunities for new health, energy, aerospace, and defence applications. However, their manufacturing has always been challenging, limiting their wider adoption and demonstrating their true potential. Manufacturing these materials through conventional templating and etching processes has been impractical, and modern additive manufacturing of hierarchically porous silicon-based ceramics has not been realised. Here we show a new resin system to allow 3D printing of controlled porosity silicon-based ceramics using low-cost and high-resolution photo-polymerisation-based printing methods. The method has enabled printing of three-dimensional complex micro-structures, such as microneedle arrays, and the intimate mimicking of leaves and insect wings, with controlled unimodal, bimodal, and trimodal porosity black glass. It has also been used to develop high-resolution multi-material structures with different porosities integrated into a unibody design using the standard single-material digital light projection-based printers. The approach can be extended to other binary, tertiary, or quaternary silicon-based ceramics. This work allows the production of bespoke macrostructures with three-dimensionally controlled microfeatures, incorporating an hierarchical series of pores, from a few micrometres to sub-nanometre-sized, delivering unique structure and function relationships and paving the way for the next generation of nature-inspired energy generators, photonic crystals, catalytic reactors, sorbents, filters, and medical implants.
All-p ZVLL Inverter with Bootstrapping based on a ditch OTFT
Authors: Gupta Sakshi , Mittal Poornima , Juneja Pradeep 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

This research manifests the characteristics both static and dynamic, of a bootstrapped all-p ZVLL inverter using a single gate BGBC organic transistor with extra p + doping near the source and drain electrodes and a 40 nm ditch incorporated in the pentacene organic semiconductor layer. Several topologies of the inverter were experimented with and compared in terms of their performance pre and post the application of the bootstrap technique. Bootstrapping proved to be a befitting choice for obtaining the maximum efficient results in terms of noise margin, delay in propagation, transient time, and gain. Upon comparison it was observed that the bootstrapped inverter showed considerably better voltage transfer characteristics in terms of high and low noise margins. A surge of 18.46% and 22.25% is noticed in noise margins of the bootstrapped device as compared to the device without bootstrapping. Also, the dynamic response of DLL and ZVLL topology devices exhibit a hike in the voltage swing by 24% and 13% respectively. Furthermore, contrast to DLL, the average delay of the ZVLL inverter decreases by 54.5 µs after the application of bootstrapping technique, whereas the value of average propagation delay decreases by a mere 10 µs. Pertaining to the results attained, ZVLL proves to be a more responsive circuit, leading to an inverter that is apparently more robust, better noise margins, attenuated power leakage and improved sensitivity.
Atypical phenotypes and novel OCRL variations in Southern Chinese patients with Lowe syndrome
Authors: Du Rong , Lin Yunting , Li Tong , Xu Aijing , Huang Yonglan , Mei Huifen , Huang Xiaoli , Tan Dongdong , Zheng Ruidan , Liang Cuili , Cai Yanna , Shao Yongxian , Zhang Wen , Liu Li , Zeng Chunhua 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:Lowe syndrome is an uncommon genetic disorder that follows an X-linked recessive inheritance pattern. It is defined by the occurrence of congenital cataracts, psychomotor retardation, and dysfunctional proximal renal tubules. This study examined the clinical and genetic features of eight children diagnosed with Lowe syndrome in Southern China.Methods:Whole-exome sequencing was performed on eight Lowe syndrome patients from three medical institutes in Southern China, and clinical and genetic data were collected and analyzed retrospectively.Results:In our cohort, the clinical symptoms of the eight Lowe syndrome individuals varied. One patient was diagnosed with Lowe syndrome but did not have congenital cataracts. All patients had psychomotor retardation, short stature, low molecular weight proteinuria, and albuminuria. The clinical characteristics also included elevated creatine kinase (CK)/ aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (87.5%), cryptorchidism (66.7%), renal rickets (37.5%), renal tubular acidosis (37.5%), phosphaturia (37.5%), hypercalciuria (37.5%), nephrocalcinosis (25%) and glycosuria (25%). Eight variations inOCRLwere identified in all eight patients with Lowe syndrome, involving three known and five novel variations. All variations are located in exons 8-23 and occur in functional domains. Three novel nonsense variations were classified as pathogenic. Two patients with novel missense variations classified as uncertain significance showed typical severe phenotypes.Conclusion:This study describes the first case of an atypical Lowe syndrome patient without congenital cataracts in China and identifies novelOCRLgene variants, which broadens the genetic and symptomatic range for Lowe syndrome.