bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of nanofibrous mat surrounded hydrogel scaffold as an encapsulation device for encapsulating pancreas β cells
Authors: Seyyedi Mahdiyeh Sadat , Monfared Mohammad , Mirzaei Esmaeil , Azarpira Negar 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe main barriers to cells or organ transplantation such as pancreatic β-cells are the need for lifelong immune suppression and the shortage of donors. It may be overcome via cell encapsulation and transplantation techniques. Hydrogels provide a suitable ECM-like microenvironment for cells to adhere, survive, and function, while weakly performing as an immune barrier. In this study, we aimed to macro-encapsulate islet cells in a dual encapsulation device with collagen hydrogel and PCL nanofiber to provide an immune-isolated environment for cells to function more efficiently, where immune cells are not allowed to enter but oxygen, insulin, and nutrients can pass through. PCL thin mats with the pores diameter of 500 nm were synthesized by electrospinning and characterized by scanning electron microscope, porosity measurement, tensile strength test, and contact angle measurement. Collagen hydrogel was fabricated by extracting collagen fibers from rat tail tendons and solving them in acetic acid. β-cells (CRI-D2 cell line) encapsulated after neutralizing collagen solution (pH ≈ 7.4). Cell-collagen gel complex was poured into the nanofibrous mat packets to fabricate the whole device. Histology evaluation, cell viability, and cell function tests were done in 10 days. Live/dead assay of Cri-D2 cells encapsulated within the device showed that cells have diffuse distribution at the core of the hydrogel and the device. Also, cluster formation was seen and shows these cells can live in groups. To identify cells’ function within the device in these 10 days samples’ supernatant insulin level was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. It just showed a positive result for existing insulin within the medium. Based on our results, this device presents adequate features to be a good immune-isolation device for cell transplanting.
Combining palaeontological and neontological data shows a delayed diversification burst of carcharhiniform sharks likely mediated by environmental change
Authors: Brée Baptiste , Condamine Fabien L. , Guinot Guillaume 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEstimating deep-time species-level diversification processes remains challenging. Both the fossil record and molecular phylogenies allow the estimation of speciation and extinction rates, but each type of data may still provide an incomplete picture of diversification dynamics. Here, we combine species-level palaeontological (fossil occurrences) and neontological (molecular phylogenies) data to estimate deep-time diversity dynamics through process-based birth–death models for Carcharhiniformes, the most speciose shark order today. Despite their abundant fossil record dating back to the Middle Jurassic, only a small fraction of extant carcharhiniform species is recorded as fossils, which impedes relying only on the fossil record to study their recent diversification. Combining fossil and phylogenetic data, we recover a complex evolutionary history for carcharhiniforms, exemplified by several variations in diversification rates with an early low diversity period followed by a Cenozoic radiation. We further reveal a burst of diversification in the last 30 million years, which is partially recorded with fossil data only. We also find that reef expansion and temperature change can explain variations in speciation and extinction through time. These results pinpoint the primordial importance of these environmental variables in the evolution of marine clades. Our study also highlights the benefit of combining the fossil record with phylogenetic data to address macroevolutionary questions.
A comprehensive intervention package improves the linear growth of children under 2-years-old in rural Bangladesh: a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ara Gulshan , Sanin Kazi Istiaque , Khanam Mansura , Sarker Md. Shafiqul Alam , Tofail Fahmida , Nahar Baitun , Chowdhury Imran Ahmed , Boitchi Anika Bushra , Gibson Sarah , Afsana Kaosar , Askari Sufia , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: December 2022

AbstractApproximately one-third of children under the age of five are stunted in developing countries and many of them are micronutrient-deficient. We designed a comprehensive intervention package including egg/milk-based snacks to improve linear growth and dietary diversity among 6 to 12-month-old children in rural Bangladesh. In this 1-year community-based cluster randomized controlled longitudinal experiment, 412 mother–infant pairs were randomly assigned to receive either monthly food vouchers (for eggs, milk, semolina, sugar, and oil) to prepare egg and milk-based snacks for their children, along with multiple micronutrient powder (MNP), counseling on child feeding and handwashing, or regular government health communication alone (control; n = 206, treatment; n = 206). The trial was conducted in 12 clusters (small administrative units of sub-district). The primary inclusion criteria were ultra-poor households with limited resources and having children under 2-years-old. The primary and secondary outcomes were differences in children's length gain and dietary diversity. The effect of intervention on child growth was examined using a mixed effect linear regression model. Mean weight and length of the children did not significantly differ between groups at baseline. Around 90% of the children in both groups were breastfed. After receiving intervention for 12 months, LAZ score increased by 0.37 (CI 0.24, 0.51,p < 0.001) and risk of stunting reduced by 73% (OR: 0.27, CI 0.13, 0.58,p = 0.001). This comprehensive intervention package improved the growth and dietary diversity of children in extremely poor Bangladeshi households. A scaling-up of this intervention in contexts with limited resources should be taken into consideration.Trial registration:This trial registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03641001, 21/8/2018.
Changes in ideal cardiovascular health among Malawian adults from 2009 to 2017
Authors: Ngwasiri Calypse , Samadoulougou Sekou , Cissé Kadari , Aminde Leopold , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIdeal Cardiovascular Health (CVH) is a concept defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as part of its 2020 Impact Goals. Until now, changes in ideal CVH have been poorly evaluated in Sub-Saharan African populations. We aimed to investigate changes in the prevalence of ideal CVH and its components in a population of Malawian adults. Secondary analysis was done on cross-sectional data from 2009 to 2017, obtained from the Malawi STEPS surveys which included 5730 participants aged 25–64 years. CVH metrics categorized into “ideal (6–7 ideal metrics)”, “intermediate (3–5 ideal metrics)” and “poor (0–2 ideal metrics)” were computed using blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), fasting glycaemia, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, smoking, and total cholesterol. Sampling weights were used to account for the sampling design, and all estimates were standardised by age and sex using the direct method. The mean participant age across both periods was 40.1 ± 12.4 years. The prevalence of meeting ≥ 6 ideal CVH metrics increased substantially from 9.4% in 2009 to 33.3% in 2017, whereas having ≤ 2 ideal CVH metrics decreased from 7.6% to 0.5% over this time. For the individual metrics, desirable levels of smoking, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol and fasting glucose all increased during the study period whilst achievable levels of BMI (< 25 kg/m2) declined. From 2009 to 2017, the mean number of ideal CVH metrics was higher in women compared to men (from 2.1% to 5.1% vs 2.0% to 5.0%). However, poor levels of smoking and fruit and vegetable intake were higher in men compared to women (from 27.9% to 23.6% vs. 7.4%% to 1.9% , and from 33.7% to 42.9% vs 30.8% to 34.6%, respectively). Also, whilst achievable levels of BMI rose in men (from 84.4% to 86.2%) the proportion reduced in women (from 72.1% to 67.5% ). Overall, CVH improved in Malawian adults from 2009 to 2017 and was highest in women. However, the prevalence of poor fruit and vegetable intake, and poor smoking remained high in men whilst optimal levels of BMI was declined in women. To improve this situation, individual and population-based strategies that address body mass, smoking and fruit and vegetable intake are warranted for maximal health gains in stemming the development of cardiovascular events.
Estimating hydrogen absorption energy on different metal hydrides using Gaussian process regression approach
Authors: Gheytanzadeh Majedeh , Rajabhasani Fatemeh , Baghban Alireza , Habibzadeh Sajjad , Abida Otman , Esmaeili Amin , Munir Muhammad Tajammal 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHydrogen is a promising alternative energy source due to its significantly high energy density. Also, hydrogen can be transformed into electricity in energy systems such as fuel cells. The transition toward hydrogen-consuming applications requires a hydrogen storage method that comes with pack hydrogen with high density. Among diverse methods, absorbing hydrogen on host metal is applicable at room temperature and pressure, which does not provide any safety concerns. In this regard, AB2 metal hydride with potentially high hydrogen density is selected as an appropriate host. Machine learning techniques have been applied to establish a relationship on the effect of the chemical composition of these hosts on hydrogen storage. For this purpose, a data bank of 314 data point pairs was used. In this assessment, the different A-site and B-site elements were used as the input variables, while the hydrogen absorption energy resulted in the output. A robust Gaussian process regression (GPR) approach with four kernel functions is proposed to predict the hydrogen absorption energy based on the inputs. All the GPR models' performance was quite excellent; notably, GPR with Exponential kernel function showed the highest preciseness with R2, MRE, MSE, RMSE, and STD of 0.969, 2.291%, 3.909, 2.501, and 1.878, respectively. Additionally, the sensitivity of analysis indicated that ZR, Ti, and Cr are the most demining elements in this system.
Identifying differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in Kawasaki disease by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Cai Yanliang , Hu Weitao 
Published: December 2022

AbstractKawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic immune vasculitis caused by infection, and its etiology and underlying mechanisms are not completely clear. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with diagnostic and treatment potential for KD using bioinformatics analysis. In this study, three KD datasets (GSE68004, GSE73461, GSE18606) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Identification of DEGs between normal and KD whole blood was performed using the GEO2R online tool. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was undertaken with Metascape. Analysis and visualization of protein–protein interaction networks (PPI) were carried out with STRING and Cytoscape. Lastly, miRNA-genes regulatory networks were built by Cytoscape to predict the underlying microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with DEGs. Overall, 269 DEGs were identified, including 230 up-regulated and 39 down-regulated genes. The enrichment functions and pathways of DEGs involve regulation of defense response, inflammatory response, response to bacterium, and T cell differentiation. KEGG analysis indicates that the genes were significantly enriched in Neutrophil extracellular trap formation, TNF signaling pathway, Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and Primary immunodeficiency. After combining the results of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and CytoHubba, 9 hub genes were selected, includingTLR8, ITGAX, HCK, LILRB2, IL1B, FCGR2A, S100A12, SPI1,andCD8A. Based on the DEGs-miRNAs network construction, 3 miRNAs including mir-126-3p, mir-375 and mir-146a-5p were determined to be potential key miRNAs. To summarize, a total of 269 DEGs, 9 hub genes and 3 miRNAs were identified, which could be considered as KD biomarkers. However, further studies are needed to clarify the biological roles of these genes in KD.
Water-soluble ions and source apportionment of PM2.5 depending on synoptic weather patterns in an urban environment in spring dust season
Authors: Cheng Bowen , Ma Yuxia , Li Heping , Feng Fengliu , Zhang Yifan , Qin Pengpeng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEmission sources and meteorological conditions are key factors affecting the intensity and duration of air pollution events. In the current study, using the daily concentrations of PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 2.5 μm) and the water-soluble ions thereof in Lanzhou from March 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021, we investigated the contributions of emission sources and locations of potential sources through positive matrix factorization and potential source contribution function analysis. In addition, synoptic weather patterns affecting pollution were typed using T-model principal component analysis. The results revealed that the average concentrations of PM2.5 for the entire spring, dust storm days, and normal days were 54.3, 158.1 and 33.0 μg/m3, respectively. During dust storm days, sulfate produced from primary emissions was mainly present in the form of K2SO4, Na2SO4, MgSO4, and CaSO4, and nitrate was mainly produced through secondary conversion and took the form of NH4NO3. Dust, industrial entities, biomass combustion, metal smelting, secondary aerosol, and sea salt contributed to 32.0, 29.8, 13.4, 11.2, 10.8 and 2.7% of the spring PM2.5, respectively, in Lanzhou. The main potential sources of PM2.5 during the normal days were in the western parts of Lanzhou. Dust storms entered Lanzhou through the Hexi Corridor from several dust sources: southeastern Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Kurbantungut Desert, and the Badain Jaran Desert. The northwest high-pressure; northern strong high-pressure and southwest low-pressure; northwest high-pressure and southwest high-pressure synoptic weather circulation types were prone to dust storms. Our results may provide a basis for local environmental governance.
Repeated dosing improves oncolytic rhabdovirus therapy in mice via interactions with intravascular monocytes
Authors: Naumenko Victor , Rajwani Jahanara , Turk Madison , Zhang Chunfen , Tse Mandy , Davis Rachelle P. , Kim Daesun , Rakic Andrea , Dastidar Himika , Van Shinia , Mah Laura K. , Kaul Esha K. , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Mahoney Douglas J. , Jenne Craig N. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThere is debate in the field of oncolytic virus (OV) therapy, whether a single viral dose, or multiple administrations, is better for tumor control. Using intravital microscopy, we describe the fate of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) delivered systemically as a first or a second dose. Following primary administration, VSV binds to the endothelium, initiates tumor infection and activates a proinflammatory response. This initial OV dose induces neutrophil migration into the tumor and limits viral replication. OV administered as a second dose fails to infect the tumor and is captured by intravascular monocytes. Despite a lack of direct infection, this second viral dose, in a monocyte-dependent fashion, enhances and sustains infection by the first viral dose, promotes CD8 T cell recruitment, delays tumor growth and improves survival in multi-dosing OV therapy. Thus, repeated VSV dosing engages monocytes to post-condition the tumor microenvironment for improved infection and anticancer T cell responses. Understanding the complex interactions between the subsequent viral doses is crucial for improving the efficiency of OV therapy and virus-based vaccines.
Cell-type-specific aging clocks to quantify aging and rejuvenation in neurogenic regions of the brain
Authors: Buckley Matthew T. , Sun Eric D. , George Benson M. , Liu Ling , Schaum Nicholas , Xu Lucy , Reyes Jaime M. , Goodell Margaret A. , Weissman Irving L. , Wyss-Coray Tony , Rando Thomas A. , Brunet Anne 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe diversity of cell types is a challenge for quantifying aging and its reversal. Here we develop ‘aging clocks’ based on single-cell transcriptomics to characterize cell-type-specific aging and rejuvenation. We generated single-cell transcriptomes from the subventricular zone neurogenic region of 28 mice, tiling ages from young to old. We trained single-cell-based regression models to predict chronological age and biological age (neural stem cell proliferation capacity). These aging clocks are generalizable to independent cohorts of mice, other regions of the brains, and other species. To determine if these aging clocks could quantify transcriptomic rejuvenation, we generated single-cell transcriptomic datasets of neurogenic regions for two interventions—heterochronic parabiosis and exercise. Aging clocks revealed that heterochronic parabiosis and exercise reverse transcriptomic aging in neurogenic regions, but in different ways. This study represents the first development of high-resolution aging clocks from single-cell transcriptomic data and demonstrates their application to quantify transcriptomic rejuvenation.
Effect of speech therapy on quality of life in patients with spinocerebelar ataxia type 3
Authors: Diaféria Giovana , Bommarito Silvana , Braga Neto Pedro , Park Sung Woo , Padovani Marina , Haddad Fernanda , Haddad Leonardo , Voos Mariana Callil , Chien Hsin Fen , Pedroso José Luiz , Barsottini Orlando 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background Individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) present communication and swallowing disorders, and consequent deterioration in quality of life (QOL).
Objective To evaluate the impact of a speech therapy rehabilitation program on the QOL of patients with SCA3.
Methods All participants were randomly assigned to two groups, an intervention group receiving speech therapy (STG) and a control group (CG). The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale scores were 32.4 ± 20.2, and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia scores were 11.8 ± 8.0. The intervention consisted of a 12-session speech therapy rehabilitation program with oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal strengthening exercises—the so-called ATAXIA–Myofunctional Orofacial and Vocal Therapy (A-MOVT). They all were submitted to pre- and postintervention evaluations using the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment, as well as the Living with Dysarthria (LwD), Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL), and Food Assessment Tool (EAT-10).
Results The study sample consisted of 48 patients with SCA3 (STG = 25; CG = 23), mean age was 47.1 ± 11.4 years; mean age at symptom onset was 36.9 ± 11.3 years; disease duration was 11.9 ± 13.3 years. After the 3-month intervention, there were significant changes in the QOL in the STG compared with the CG, when assessed by the LwD (179.12 ± 62.55 vs. 129.88 ± 51.42, p < 0.001), SWAL-QOL (869.43 ± 153.63 vs. 911.60 ± 130.90, p = 0.010), and EAT-10 (5.16 ± 7.55 vs. 2.08 ± 3.85, p = 0.018).
Conclusions Patients with SCA3 should receive continuous speech therapy as part of the A-MOVT program, because therapy helps to improve difficulty swallowing and dysarthria.
The M-CHooSe pilot: the acceptability and utilisation of the nurse-led, general practice clinic co-located ‘Mater CALD Healthcare Coordinator Service’ for patients from multicultural backgrounds
Authors: Chua David , Sackey Donata , Jones Meryl , Smith Michelle , Ball Lauren , Johnson Tracey 
Published: December 2022

Background Patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds often have unmet healthcare coordination needs. We aimed to evaluate the acceptability, utilisation and perceived benefits of the Mater CALD Health Coordinator Service (M-CHooSe), a pilot, nurse-led, general practice co-located, healthcare coordination service for patients from CALD backgrounds. Methods M-CHooSe began in March 2020 at five Brisbane (Queensland) sites. Process and service user data were collected over 12 months at one site. A survey evaluated primary healthcare professionals’ perceived benefits of the service. Another survey of M-CHooSe nurses examined indicators of service complexity. Results In total, 206 individuals accessed M-CHooSe over the 12-month period. Commonly delivered services included health service advocacy, chart reviews and health system navigation, including addressing social determinants. M-CHooSe nurses reported frequently performing tasks such as following up with external health services and performing health and social care system coordination. M-CHooSe benefits reported by primary healthcare professionals included better patient access to external health services and improved patient understanding of their conditions and treatments. Conclusion Patients were accepting of referrals to M-CHooSE. Primary healthcare professionals also reported a variety of benefits to themselves and their patients because of M-CHooSe. M-ChooSe highlights the potential of a healthcare coordination service for multicultural patients to improve healthcare equity, accessibility, and system efficiency. This project demonstrates the potential value of coordination services to increase patient access and uptake of existing health and social care services for modern Australian communities, thus improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our health system. Further investigations, including user experience, opinions and cost analyses, will be required to confirm the promising benefits of embedding M-CHooSe into usual care.
A novel stem-applied herbicide-capsule methodology for control of the invasive cactus Cereus uruguayanus
Authors: Bradburn Leisa , Campbell Shane , Mellor Vincent , Galea Victor 
Published: December 2022

Cereus uruguayanus R.Kiesling is a naturalised, non-opuntioid cactus that has formed large and dense infestations at several locations in the northern Australian rangelands. Of the Cactoideae subfamily, it typically grows into a large, spiny, single- or multi-stemmed candelabra-shaped cactus. While not classified as a Weed of National Significance (WONS) in Australia, it is causing increasing concern, with some local governments declaring it under their local laws. Recent research has identified several herbicides that control C. uruguayanus by using a range of techniques, including basal-bark, cut-stump, foliar, and stem injection applications. Of these, stem injection is one of the recommended options where weeds grow among desirable vegetation because the risk of non-target damage is minimised. This study evaluated C. uruguayanus control using a range of encapsulated dry-formulation herbicides from BioHerbicides Australia (BHA Pty Ltd), using their novel stem-implantation system (Injecta®). In May 2018, an experiment was established in central Queensland to compare the efficacy of six encapsulated herbicides (aminopyralid + metsulfuron-methyl, clopyralid, glyphosate, hexazinone, metsulfuron-methyl, triclopyr + picloram) against an untreated control. Glyphosate was the fastest-acting herbicide, followed by aminopyralid + metsulfuron-methyl and metsulfuron-methyl, with triclopyr + picloram much slower to act. Nevertheless, all four herbicides eventually caused high mortality (≥85%). In contrast, clopyralid and hexazinone were ineffective at the applied rates. Future research is recommended to compare the cost effectiveness of this system against other techniques, particularly those used for stem-injection applications.