bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New characterization and safety evaluation of human limbal stem cells used in clinical application: fidelity of mitotic process and mitotic spindle morphologies
Authors: Zekušić Marija , Mihica Marina Bujić , Skoko Marija , Vukušić Kruno , Risteski Patrik , Martinčić Jelena , Tolić Iva M. , Bendelja Krešo , Ramić Snježana , Dolenec Tamara , Zimić Ivana Vrgoč , Puljić Dominik , Vicković Ivanka Petric , Iveković Renata , Batarilo Ivanka , Zmrzljak Uršula Prosenc , Hoffmeister Alan , Vučemilo Tiha 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Limbal stem cells(LSCs) are crucial for the regeneration of the corneal epithelium in patients with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Thus, LSCs during cultivation in vitro should be in highly homogeneous amounts, while potency and expression of stemness without tumorigenesis would be desirable. Therefore, further characterization and safety evaluation of engineered limbal grafts is required to provide safe and high-quality therapeutic applications.
Methods
After in vitro expansion, LSCs undergo laboratory characterization in a single-cell suspension, cell culture, and in limbal grafts before transplantation. Through a clinically applicable protocol,the collected data on LSCs at passage 1 were summarized: identity (cell size, morphology); potency (yield, viability, population doubling time, colony-forming efficiency were analyzed by trypan blue staining); expression of putative stem cell markers by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Then, mitotic chromosome stability and normal mitotic outcomes were explored by using live-cell imaging. Finally, impurities, bacterial endotoxins and sterility were determined.
Results
Expression of the stemness marker p63 in single-cell suspension and in cell culture showed high values by different methods. Limbal grafts showed p63-positive cells (78.7 ± 9.4%), Ki67 proliferation (41.7 ± 15.9%), while CK3 was negative. Impurity with 3T3 feeder cells and endotoxins was minimized. We presented mitotic spindles with a length of 11.40 ± 0.54 m and a spindle width of 8.05 ± 0.55 m as new characterization in LSC culture. Additionally, live-cell imaging of LSCs (n=873) was performed, and only a small fraction <2.5% of aberrant interphase cells was observed; 2.12 ± 2.10% of mitotic spindles exhibited a multipolar phenotype during metaphase, and 3.84 ± 3.77% of anaphase cells had a DNA signal present within the spindle midzone, indicating a chromosome bridge or lagging chromosome phenotype.
Conclusion
This manuscript provides, for the first time, detailed characterization of the parameters of fidelity of the mitotic process and mitotic spindle morphologies of LSCs used in a direct clinical application. Our data show that p63-positive CK3-negative LSCs grown in vitro for clinical purposes undergo mitotic processes with extremely high fidelity, suggesting high karyotype stability. This finding confirms LSCs as a high-quality and safe therapy for eye regeneration in humans.
Effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of the clinical imaging workforce at Hamad Medical Corporation
Authors: Jacob *Bamil , Mubarak Aisha Hammam , Sriniva Packialakshmi , Heidous Mahmoud Al , Nair Anirudh Venugopalan , Lenjawi Badriya , Singh Kalpana 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background:
Clinical Radiology Service has borne a substantial chunk of the burden caused by the COVID-19 outbreak to healthcare systems. Our aim is to assess the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic among healthcare professionals in the clinical imaging department.
Methods
Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of questionnaire responses from medical personnel who worked in the respective facilities of clinical imaging department during the pandemic period from January 01 2021 to June 30 2021 was performed. The survey contained standardized questionnaire i.e. – Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale(DASS-21).
Results:
108 participants responded to the email survey. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the DASS-21 Scale for depression, anxiety and stress scores among healthcare workers in the clinical imaging department were 30.6%, 36.98% and 10.3%, respectively. According to the GAD-7 Scale, 41.6% of people showed signs of anxiety. 79.6% of the health care professionals involved in the study has direct exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace. In addition, most healthcare professionals choose individual counseling (37%) over group psychotherapy (15.7%)and media-based mental health resources (21.3%), and 79% of participants were aware of the hospital staff's access to mental health services resources.
Conclusion:
The psychological burden experienced by healthcare professionals during the time of pandemic was significant. Collectively these findings can inform change in guidance and policies to improve mental health and prevent burnout among the healthcare professionals.
The water-soluble organic compounds in atmospheric aerosols of BouIsmaïl city in Algeria
Authors: Cherfaoui Brahim , Lemou Abdelkader , Rabhi Lyes , Cherifi Nabila , Ladji Riad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Water-soluble organic compounds (WSOC) are ubiquitous substances usually found in atmospheric particles. In this work, we report the use of nuclear resonance magnetic spectroscopy techniques (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 2D-NMR) in the characterisation of the WSOC in an aerosol sampled from the remote coastal location of Bou-Ismail, Algeria. These techniques, preferentially chosen to be mainly applied in this contribution, allowed us the determination of the functional composition of WSOC aerosol and the evaluation of source signature of organic aerosol. It has been recorded that 4.8–7.8 ppm, the groups were mainly constituted of precursors of the aromatic amino acids tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, which are usually used as herbicides and antibacterial agents in agriculture. Using the HSQC technique, by combining the two regions (6.5–8.5) ppm and (115–150) ppm, revealed the appearance of many peaks in biogenic samples, including biomass burning. Specific NMR spectral allows identification of source of several organic compounds and functional composition, so the surrounding organic aerosol sources can be adjusted. Along this study, the concentrations of PM10 varied between 15.66 and 142.19 µgm− 3.
Tuning the porosity of hypercrosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers for efficient adsorption of rifampicin from aqueous media
Authors: Kirillov Anton , Gorshkov Nikolay , Shevchenko Natalia , Saprykina Natalia , Krasikov Valeriy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this study, hypercrosslinked styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers (HCCPs) designated as HCCP-1DVB, HCCP-2DVB and HCCP-3DVB were obtained by post-crosslinking of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers containing 1, 2 and 3 % of divinylbenzene by chloromethyl methyl ether via the Friedel-Crafts reaction. The chemical structure, porous and morphological characteristics of HCCPs were determined by FT-IR, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption method and SEM, respectively. The synthesized hypercrosslinked copolymers had high surface area values and different micro/mesoporous structures. It was found that mesopore volume increased with a decrease in divinylbenzene content in a copolymer. HCCP-1DVB had the largest mesopore volume (0.53 cm3/g), the highest adsorption capacity for rifampicin (qmax = 183.27 mg/g), and the highest rifampicin adsorption rate. The adsorption equilibrium and kinetic processes were well described by the Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order model. The experimental data indicated that the removal efficiency of rifampicin reached 99.8 % at the dosage of HCCP-1DVB equal to 80 mg/10 mL. After 5 cycles of reuse, the adsorption capacity of HCCP-1DVB decreased only by 7 %, which indicates sufficient stability and reusability of this hypercrosslinked copolymer.
Rapid eye movements in sleep: probe into infant visual brain development in autism
Authors: Hong Charles 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. One in five infant siblings of children with ASD later receive an ASD diagnosis. With the aim of early detection and intervention, the Infant Brain Imaging Study Network conducted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of infant siblings, typically during sleep, and recently cited aberrant visual brain development as a potential MRI marker of ASD. Event-related functional MRI findings showed that rapid eye movements (REMs) in sleep index the processing of endogenous visual information, i.e., hierarchical generation of visual percepts. REM-locked peak activation sites and neural processing overlap extensively with those reported to be atypical in autism. Simply timing REMs may improve the accuracy of early detection, identify markers for stratification of heterogeneous ASD patients, and shed light on the typical and atypical development of visual perception and multisensory-motor integration. The strengths of REMs as a probe in functional brain imaging studies of infants are manifold. REMs serve as a task-free probe useful for studying both infants and animals, who cannot comply with conventional visual activation tasks. The REM-probe controls the level of attention across both the lifespan and typical-atypical neurodevelopment, and allows straightforward comparison of animal and human data.
Self-regulated nursing care scale (SRNCS): a study of development, reliability and validity
Authors: Akeren Zahide , Akeren İhsan , Isik Hafsa Kubra 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Having self-regulated learning skills of nurses can support them to provide effective and quality care. This research is a scale development research aiming to measure nurses' self-regulated care skills.
Methods
A survey study using a researcher-designed quantitative questionnaire. Self-regulated learning models developed by reviewing the literature were determined and based on Zimmerman's Self-Regulated Learning Model, an item pool was created in line with the content validity, and the opinions of the relevant field experts were taken. Explanatory Factor Analysis of the scale was conducted with data collected from 201 nurses and Confirmatory Factor Analysis from 239 nurses.
Results
Exploratory Factor Analysis was carried out in line with the construct validity, and a three-dimensional (planning, implementation and evaluation) structure that explains 70.7% of the total variance was discovered. This three-dimensional structure was confirmed by the data collected from different nurse groups (239 participants) by Confirmatory Factor Analysis. In order to ensure criterion-based validity, correlation analysis was performed by taking the current scale CNS as criterion, and criterion validity was ensured. In the reliability analysis, the Cronbach Alpha coefficient of internal consistency was calculated as .95 for the overall scale, .81 for the planning dimension, .87 for the implementation dimension, .93 for the evaluation dimension, .91 for the split-half reliability coefficient, and .77 for the test-retest reliability coefficient.
Conclusions
According to the results obtained, it can be said that the scale is a valid and reliable tool in measuring nurses' self-regulated care skills.
Force transmission by retrograde actin flow-induced dynamic molecular stretching of Talin
Authors: Yamashiro Sawako , Rutkowski David , Lynch Kelli , Liu Ying , Vavylonis Dimitrios , Watanabe Naoki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Force transmission at integrin-based adhesions is important for cell migration and mechanosensing. Talin is an essential focal adhesion (FA) protein that links F-actin to integrins. F-actin constantly moves on FAs, yet how Talin simultaneously maintains the connection to F-actin and transmits forces to integrins remains unclear. Here we show a critical role of dynamic Talin unfolding in force transmission. Using single-molecule speckle microscopy, we found that the majority of Talin are bound only to either F-actin or the substrate, whereas 4.1% of Talin is linked to both structures via elastic transient clutch. By reconstituting Talin knockdown cells with Talin chimeric mutants, in which the Talin rod subdomains are replaced with the stretchable β-spectrin repeats, we show that the stretchable property is critical for force transmission. Simulations suggest that unfolding of the Talin rod subdomains increases in the linkage duration and work at FAs. This study reveals a new mode of force transmission, in which stochastic molecular stretching bridges two cellular structures moving at different speeds.
Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers before and after COVID-19 vaccination in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Warsaw: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kasztelewicz Beata , Skrok Katarzyna , Burzyńska Julia , Migdał Marek , Dzierżanowska-Fangrat Katarzyna 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A retrospective observational study was conducted among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary paediatric hospital. The study covered the period before and after implementation of the vaccination programme and evaluated the incidence of new SARS-CoV-2 infections in both periods. Risk factors of the new SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness was also assessed in a real-world setting. The overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections among HCWs in the study period was 19.4% with a high proportion of asymptomatic individuals (45.1%). The incidence before vaccination was 16.6% and nurses had a higher risk of infection, while physicians had a reduced risk (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.29–2.52; and OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30–0.68). Within two months of implementation, the programme achieved a high (88.9%) vaccination coverage in our cohort, although some disparities in vaccination rates were observed. In particular, older individuals, physicians, those working in clinical settings, and those previously uninfected were more likely to be vaccinated. The overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination deployment was 6.3% (40.0% in unvaccinated individuals and 3.2% in individuals vaccinated with at least one dose). The estimated vaccine efficacy was high (95.0%) in fully vaccinated HCWs and similar to those observed previously in clinical trials and real-world settings.
Cry1Ac toxin and protoxin affect intestinal barrier function by altering zonula occludens-1 and activating mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in a Caco-2 cell monolayer model of the human intestinal mucosa
Authors: Bautista-Jacobo Itzel Sarai , Ilhuicatzi-Alvarado Damaris , Schnoor Michael , Moreno-Fierros Leticia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Cry proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis are widely used as bioinsecticides to control crop plagues; they have been considered innocuous for vertebrates. Currently, distinct truncated forms of the genes encoding Cry toxins are expressed in genetically transformed crops that are used for animal and human consumption. Cry1Ac is one of these proteins to which humans are exposed. Our group has demonstrated that Cry1Ac protoxin and toxin are mucosal and systemic immunogens that can activate macrophages via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, while the protoxin is also a promising adjuvant that can improve tumour immunity and provide protection in different mouse infection models. Moreover, the intragastric administration of Cry1Ac toxin provokes moderate allergenicity and lymphoid hyperplasia in the large intestine. Therefore, we characterised the intestinal epithelial effects after stimulation with Cry1Ac. We used an in vitro model with the Caco-2 C2BBe1 cell line that mimics a gut monolayer with brush border proteins and well established expression of tight junction proteins. We evaluated whether Cry1Ac toxin and protoxin could activate MAPK signalling pathways and whether this activation modified the expression of zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), a tight junction protein. Cry1Ac activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); upregulated IL-8; altered permeability; and dyregulated ZO-1. Finally, we identified several Cry1Ac binding proteins in the intestinal epithelium that could be involved in these effects.
New Wave of Internal Armed Conflict in Developing Countries: Does Inequality of Opportunity Matter?
Authors: ALENE Luis Jacinto ELA , NKOA Bruno Emmanuel ONGO 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The aim of our study is to analyze the effects of inequality of opportunity on internal armed conflicts in developing countries. In a panel of 69 developing countries, over the period 2000–2020 and using the Logit model, we find a positive and significant relationship between inequality of opportunity and the risk of internal armed conflict. The effects are higher in Asia than in Africa. As our results are validated by changing the dependent variable and the estimation technique, and by adding new variables, we recommend, on the one hand, increasing spending on social sectors by promoting decentralization to improve their efficiency. On the other hand, job creation at local level and infrastructure improvements designed to make developing countries more attractive to foreign direct investment.
Parkinson’s Disease and Epilepsy: A bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Aryaee Armin , Azeditehrani Fereshteh , Ketabforoush Arsh Haj Mohamad Ebrahim , Rad Nooshin Ahmadi , Golab Fereshteh 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Previous studies have indicated epilepsy as a risk factor for PD, and a growing body of evidence links neurodegenerative disease markers to increased neuronal excitability before seizures. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this correlation could provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between PD and epilepsy.
Method: Microarray data were gathered and processed from PD and epilepsy patients. Using the weighted coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) method, gene modules correlated with both PD and epilepsy were identified, revealing genetic links between the disorders. Functional enrichment analysis explored the roles of selected genes in crucial biological processes. Employing LASSO analysis, key hub genes significantly involved in both PD and epilepsy were identified.
Result: Analyses revealed specific gene modules correlated with PD and epilepsy, suggesting shared genetic components. Functional enrichment indicated the involvement of selected genes in neurodegenerative pathways and essential synaptic processes, further supporting the PD-epilepsy connection. LASSO analysis identified 19 hub genes strongly associated with both diseases, including GSK3β and SRA1. Gene expression analysis showed significant downregulation of GSK3β, SRA1, LINC00889, SLC35F1, AGK, and SPG11, and upregulation of ADCY8, KLHL32, KAT2B, and CIAPIN1.
Conclusion: This study highlights potential mechanisms linking PD and epilepsy, such as dendritic spines and synaptic vesicle recycling. Common hub genes and cellular pathways offer promising targets for future therapies. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms and develop effective treatments for these complex neurological disorders.
Ethical Considerations in Public Health Practice: Addressing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Authors: Gaidhane Abhay , Choudhari Sonali , Gaidhane Shilpa , Khatib Mahalaqua Nazli , Zahiruddin Quazi Syed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Public health is a government responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of community. Implementing public health functions like surveillance and contact tracing can raise ethical concerns about individual rights and autonomy. This paper discusses public health professionals' ethical challenges and explores potential solutions. The study utilized interviews, focus group discussions, and published literature that presented various ethical frameworks from different sources. These frameworks offer guidance for ethical decision-making and can assist policymakers and practitioners in navigating complex ethical dilemmas in public health. Public health programs face ethical challenges concerning stigmatized diseases, resource distribution, autonomy versus public good, and community involvement. Professionals stress the need for ethical training to effectively make informed decisions and evaluate policies. Integrating ethical considerations into public health initiatives can improve healthcare delivery and community well-being. The framework can aid professionals in evaluating public health programs ethically, ensuring that public health practices are just and respectful.
Anti-apoptotic treatment of warm ischemic male rat livers in machine perfusion improves symptoms of ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Mojoudi Mohammadreza , Taggart McLean S. , Kharga Anil , Chen Huyun , Dinicu Antonia T. , Wilks Benjamin T. , Markmann James F. , Toner Mehmet , Tessier Shannon N. , Yeh Heidi , Uygun Korkut 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Liver donation after cardiac death (DCD) makes up a small percentage of the donor pool and poses a higher risk of graft loss compared to donation after brain death (DBD); this is a result of ischemia reperfusion for which the exact injury mechanisms are currently not fully understood. However, reperfusion injury has been shown to lead to necrosis as well as apoptosis at the cellular level. In this work, we propose that use of the pro-survival, anti-apoptotic CEPT cocktail in post-ischemia normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) may improve recovery in rat livers subjected to extended durations of warm ischemia. Livers procured from male lewis rats were subjected to 90 minutes of warm ischemia, followed by 6 hours of NMP where they were treated with the survival-enhancing anti-apoptotic cocktail (CEPT), the vehicle (DMSO) or the base media with no additives. The CEPT-treated group exhibited lower expression of hepatic injury biomarkers, and improvement in a range of hepatocellular functions associated with the hepatic parenchyma, biliary epithelium and especially the sinusoidal endothelium. This study’s findings provide useful insight for further investigation of the extent of apoptotic contribution to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI).
Quantifying sediment complexity and its implications in the Yanhe watershed using refined composite multiscale fuzzy entropy
Authors: Liu Xintong , Zhao Hongrui 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Yanhe watershed, located in the Loess Plateau of China, is a representative loess hilly-gully and ecologically fragile region, posing a critical challenge for sustainable sediment management. Regarding the watershed as a vibrant complex system, this study investigated sediment concentration dynamics in the Yanhe watershed from the perspectives of multiscale entropy and complexity. The refined composite multiscale fuzzy entropy (RCMFE) method was employed to quantify the sediment complexity and explore its variations and driving mechanisms. Three characteristics of the RCMFE curve were evaluated: local maxima, local minima, and volatility. The results revealed significant increases in sediment instability during 2000–2004 and after 2008, and the richness of variation information and complexity of sediment in the past two decades have notably decreased compared to the baseline period before 1970. Although complexity decline has been controlled since 2005, it remained at a low level. The notable decrease in the multi-scale structure and function will weaken the watershed's resistance to external interference and environmental changes, highlighting the need for widespread attention. Major factors contributing to complexity changes are China's Grain for Green Program (GFGP) and vegetation restoration, alongside the growing impact of erratic precipitation in the past decade. This research contributes to a multiscale understanding of sediment concentration dynamics, and provides new insights into sediment processes and sustainable strategies on the Loess Plateau under the GFGP and climate change.