bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LSPR Sensor Chip Fabricated Based on Au Nanoparticles: Effect of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Ayareh Zohreh , Moradi Mehrdad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Nanoparticles of noble metals are well known to display unique optical properties due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon, making them applicable for use as transducers in various LSPR sensor configurations. In order to develop a sensor chip, Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were decorated onto a transparent glass substrate in the form of a uniform, high-density single layer using a self-assembly monolayer (SAM) process. The glass substrate surface was initially modified with amine functional groups using different concentrations of (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), followed by its optimization to reach a uniform monolayer of AuNPs. The optimized substrate was subsequently prepared by functionalization with APTES, while also being immersed into colloidal AuNPs. A uniform layer of Graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets were coated on the AuNPs thin films using the dip-coating technique. The AuNPs/GO and rGO hybrid films were employed along with an appropriate optical set up acting as a smart sensor chip for detection of different concentrations of biomaterials. The optimum LSPR sensor (%0.5 APTES immersed in colloidal AuNPs for 12 h) resulted in a chip with %29 absorption and sharper plasmon peak. This appropriate condition remained constant after adding rGO, indicating that Glass/AuNPs/rGO chip will be suitable for sensory applications.
Perception Regarding Live Kidney Donation in the General Population of South Korea
Authors: Kang Eunjeong , Lee Jangwook , Park Sehoon , Kim Yaerim , Kim Hyo Jeong , Kim Yong Chul , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Choi Insun , Lee Hajeong 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This study aimed to know how the general population recognizes live kidney donation in Korea. Participants were randomly selected from the general population after proportional allocation by region, sex, and age. Selected participants received a questionnaire that included demographic information, socioeconomic and marital statuses, prior recognition of live donor KT, expected changes after donation, and the need for support after donor nephrectomy. Among the 1,000 participants from the web-based survey, 83.8% answered they fully understood living donor KT, 81.1% knew about them, and 51.1% were willing to donate. Various complications after nephrectomy and deterioration in health after donation were the most significant reasons for those reluctant to donate. Most agreed that the government should provide social and economic support to living kidney donors, especially after exposure to the description of donor nephrectomy. Financial support, including surgery and regular medical check-up costs, was the most preferred government support. The Korean general population seemed aware of the value and safety of kidney donation, although only half of them were willing to donate due to concerns about possible complications. Most participants agreed on social and economic support for living kidney donors, especially surgery-related costs.
Identification of the Dysregulated Pathways and Key Gene in Prostate Cancer by Transcriptome Analysis and Cell Biology Experiments
Authors: Sun Weiliang , Guo Jing , Cheng Zhen , Zhang Yuting , Gao Yanxiang 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer in elderly men with the first increasing new cases and the second leading cause of cancer death, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of prostate cancer remain unclear. Methods: Here we mainly used Weight gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), protein to protein interaction (PPI), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and cell biology experiments to analyze prostate cancer data in GEO and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases and revealed the main dysregulated pathways and key genes in prostate carcinogenesis. Results: We found that the focal adhesion pathway was the main pathway in PCa. FERMT2 was shown to be the key gene for prostate tumorigenesis both in GSE6919 and TCGA datasets. By using WGCNA and GSEA analysis, we found that FERMT2 was related to the focal adhesion pathway and the ECM interaction pathway. Cell biology experiments demonstrated that FERMT2 inhibited tumor cell proliferation and migration. Conclusion: Our findings revel that downregulation of FERMT2 and the focal adhesion pathway are the main characteristics of PCa and FERMT2 might be the potential biomarker or treatment target for PCa.Trial registration: The study is not a clinical trial.
Length-dependent motions of SARS-CoV-2 frameshifting RNA pseudoknot and alternative conformations suggest avenues for frameshifting suppression
Authors: Yan Shuting , Zhu Qiyao , Jain Swati , Schlick Tamar 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Conserved SARS-CoV-2 RNA regions of critical biological functions define excellent targets for anti-viral therapeutics against Covid-19 variants. One such region is the frameshifting element (FSE), responsible for correct translation of viral polyproteins. Here, we analyze molecular-dynamics motions of three FSE conformations, discovered by graph-theory analysis, and associated mutants designed by graph-based inverse folding: two distinct 3-stem H-type pseudoknots and a 3-way junction. We find that the prevalent H-type pseudoknot in literature adopts ring-like conformations, which in combination with 5′ end threading could promote ribosomal pausing. An inherent shape switch from “L” to linear that may help trigger the frameshifting is suppressed in our designed mutant. The alternative conformation trajectories suggest a stable intermediate structure with mixed stem interactions of all three conformations, pointing to a possible transition pathway during ribosomal translation. These observations provide new insights into anti-viral strategies and frameshifting mechanisms.
Helminths' antigens differentially modulate the activation of SARS-CoV-2-reactive helper and cytotoxic T cells in COVID-19 patients and healthy blood donors.
Authors: Adjobimey Tomabu , Meyer Julia , Terkeš Vedrana , Parcina Marijo , Hoerauf Achim 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

Contrary to the predictions, prevalence and mortality due to COVID-19 have remained moderate on the African continent. Several factors, including age, genetics, vaccines, and co-infections, might impact the course of the pandemic in Africa. Helminths are highly endemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and are renowned for their ability to modulate their host immune reactions.
Methods

Here we analyzed in vitro the impact of major helminth antigens on the immune reactivity to SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients using flow cytometry and Luminex.
Results:

We observed that helminth antigens significantly reduced the frequency of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD4+ T helper cells. In contrast, the expression of SARS-CoV-2-reactive CD8+ T cells was not affected. In addition, stimulation with helminth antigens was associated with increased IL-10 and a reduction of IFNγ and TNFα.
Conclusion:

Our data offer a plausible explanation for the moderate incidence of COVID-19 in Africa and support the hypothesis that helper T cell-mediated immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 are mitigated in the presence of helminth antigens, while virus-specific cytotoxic T cell responses are maintained.
Oscillating paramagnetic Meissner effect and Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ monolayer
Authors: Wang S. Y. , Yu Yijun , Hao Jinxiang , Feng Yang , Zhu Jinjiang , Lin Yishi , Xiang Bingke , Ru Hao , Pan Yinping , Gu Genda , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Qi Yang , Zhang Yuanbo , Wang Yihua 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Monolayers of a prototypical cuprate high transition-temperature (TC) superconductor Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8+δ (Bi2212) was recently found to show TC and other electronic properties similar to those of the bulk. The robustness of superconductivity in an ideal two-dimensional (2D) system was an intriguing fact that defied the Mermin-Wagner theorem. Here, we took advantage of the high sensitivity of scanning SQUID susceptometry to image the phase stiffness throughout the phase transition of Bi2212 in the 2D limit. We found susceptibility oscillated with flux between diamagnetism and paramagnetism in a Fraunhofer-like pattern up till TC. The temperature and sample size-dependence of the modulation period agreed well with our Coulomb gas analogy of a finite 2D system based on Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless (BKT) transition. In the multilayers, the susceptibility oscillation differed in a small temperature regime below TC in consistent with a dimensional-crossover led by interlayer coupling. Serving as strong evidence of BKT transition in the bulk, there appeared a sharp superfluid density jump at zero-field and paramagnetism at small fields just below TC. These results unified the phase transitions from the monolayer Bi2212 to the bulk as BKT transition with finite interlayer coupling. This elucidating picture favored the pre-formed pairs scenario for the underdoped cuprates regardless of lattice dimensionality.
Structural Equation Model for Evaluating Factors Affecting Health-related Quality of Life in Adolescents With Moyamoya Disease: Based on Salutogenesis Theory
Authors: Oh Won-oak , Yeom Insun , Lim Sung-Hyun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
BackgroundMoyamoya disease is a cerebrovascular disorder and a significant chronic health concern requiring regular monitoring to control the disease and its related complications.ObjectiveTo develop a structural model based on the salutogenesis theory, and to identify how social support, sense of coherence, and stress contribute to health behaviors, subjective health status, and quality of life in adolescents with moyamoya disease.MethodsWe examined a hypothetical model by integrating the concepts of a structural health-related quality-of-life model based on the salutogenesis theory among 239 adolescents with moyamoya disease in Korea. Data on health-related quality of life of adolescents with moyamoya disease were collected using the following scales: social support rating scale, sense of coherence scale, stress scale, health behavior scale, subjective health status scale, and quality-of-life scale. A structural equation model was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe final model demonstrated goodness-of-fit. A sense of coherence directly influenced quality of life (β = 0.504, p < 0.01) and indirectly influenced quality of life (β = 0.299, p < 0.05) through health behavior. Stress (β = -0.414, p < 0.001) and health behavior (β = -0.085, p < 0.01) directly influenced quality of life. Social support directly influenced health behavior (β = 0.321, p < 0.01) and subjective health status (β = 0.112, p < 0.01).DiscussionSince moyamoya disease, a chronic disease, is progressive, it is very important to identify factors for health promotion.This study found that sense of coherence and social support were significant factors contributing to lower stress, improved health, and quality of life in adolescents with moyamoya disease. This paper is intended to help health experts to develop an intervention strategy based on theory as an approach for chronic disease management.
SIMBA: SIngle-cell eMBedding Along with features
Authors: Chen Huidong , Ryu Jayoung , Vinyard Michael , Lerer Adam , Pinello Luca 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Recent advances in single-cell omics technologies enable the individual and joint profiling of cellular measurements including gene expression, epigenetic features, chromatin structure and DNA sequences. Currently, most single-cell analysis pipelines are cluster-centric, i.e., they first cluster cells into non-overlapping cellular states and then extract their defining genomic features. These approaches assume that discrete clusters correspond to biologically relevant subpopulations and do not explicitly model the interactions between different feature types. In addition, single-cell methods are generally designed for a particular task as distinct single-cell problems are formulated differently. To address these current shortcomings, we present SIMBA, a graph embedding method that jointly embeds single cells and their defining features, such as genes, chromatin accessible regions, and transcription factor binding sequences into a common latent space. By leveraging the co-embedding of cells and features, SIMBA allows for the study of cellular heterogeneity, clustering-free marker discovery, gene regulation inference, batch effect removal, and omics data integration. SIMBA has been extensively applied to scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, and dual-omics data. We show that SIMBA provides a single framework that allows diverse single-cell analysis problems to be formulated in a unified way and thus simplifies the development of new analyses and integration of other single-cell modalities.
The STress-And-coping suppoRT Intervention (START) for Chinese Women Undergoing Abortion: a Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
Authors: Wang Na , Gamble Jenny , Zhang Qiuxiang , Elder Elizabeth , Allen Jyai , Lu Hong , Zhu Xiu , Creedy Debra 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background:Undergoing an abortion is stressful. This protocol aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and primary effects of a complex intervention to promote positive coping behaviors and alleviating depression symptoms among Chinese women undergo abortion.Methods:A two-arm randomized controlled trial design will be used. Participants will be recruited at their first appointment with the abortion clinic, those who consent to participate will be randomly allocated to receive either the START intervention (in addition to standard abortion care) or standard care only. All participants will receive survey follow-up until six weeks post-abortion. Ethical has been granted by local and university ethics committees. This research was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship Discussion:Results will assist refinement and further evaluations of the START intervention, contribute to improved abortion care practices in China, and enrich the literature evidence on improving women’s psychological well-being following abortion in ChinaTrial registration: Registered at the Chinese Clinical Trials.gov: ChiCTR2100046101. Date of registration: May 4, 2021
Prevalence of Major Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients with Hypertension in a Primary Care Clinic in Hong Kong
Authors: Tin Yuen Ying , Chan Lit Ping , Sung Jonathan Gabriel , Leung Shuk Yun , Hui Eric Ming Tung , Leung Maria Kwan Wa 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background

Hypertension is strongly associated with cardiovascular events. Studies have shown that electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities were associated with increased risks for cardiovascular events. However local data is limited. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the prevalence of major electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients with hypertension in primary care in Hong Kong, and (2) to determine the association of major electrocardiographic abnormalities with patients’ socio-economical background, cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Subjects were hypertensive patients aged between 18 to 80 who were enrolled in the Risk Assessment and Management Programme (RAMP) in a general outpatient clinic in Hong Kong. Outcome measures were prevalence of probable ischaemic heart disease (IHD), complete left bundle branch block (LBBB), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with hypertension. The Pearson Chi-square test, independent t-test and Mantel-Haenszel test were used to measure the association between socioeconomic characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors, and ECG abnormalities.
Results

504 hypertensive patients aged 18 to 80 were recruited in a general outpatient clinic. 6.3% had probable IHD, 0.4% had complete LBBB, 4.0% had LVH and 1.0% had AF. Probable IHD was associated with smoking (P = 0.032), hypercholesterolaemia (P = 0.037) and higher 10-year CV risk (P = 0.04). Complete LBBB was associated with smoking (P = 0.021) and hypercholesterolaemia (P = 0.022). LVH was associated with male gender (P = 0.001) and longer duration of hypertension (P = 0.035). AF was not significantly associated with any of the clinical or sociodemographic parameters.
Conclusions

This study showed that a significant proportion of patients with hypertension at the primary care setting in Hong Kong had probable ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy and atrial fibrillation. This finding is consistent with both overseas data and historic data in Hong Kong. The detection of electrocardiographic abnormalities is helpful in hypertension management by improving risk stratification.
Knowledge of Family Planning and Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services by Immigrant Youth in Hillbrow, South Africa: A Cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Obisie-Nmehielle Nkechi C. , Kalule-Sabiti Ishmael , Palamuleni Martin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: For countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially SDG3.7- universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) care services including information and education for family planning, immigrant youth must be ensured access to SRH services. This study examines the determinants of knowledge about family planning (KFP) and access to SRH services by sexually active immigrant youth in Hillbrow, South Africa.Methods: This cross-sectional study of 467 immigrant youth aged 18-34 years used a multistage-sampling technique. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires on socio-demographic, migration, KFP and access to SRH services from government health facilities. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to determine levels of KFP and access to SRH services among 437 sexually active youth. Results: The main sources of information on SRH issues were radio/television (38.7%) and friends (22.8%). Over half of the respondents have adequate KFP, while two out of five indicated a lack of access to SRH services from government health facilities. In the adjusted models, the determinants of having KFP were being a female (AOR= 3.85, CI: 2.33–6.35, belonging to the age groups 25–29 years (AOR=2.13, CI: 1.12–4.04; and 30–34 years (AOR=3.88, CI: 2.00–7.53); belonging to the middle and rich wealth index (AOR=1.84, CI: 1.05–3.20) and (AOR=2.61 (1.34–5.08) respectively. Not having received information about family planning (AOR=0.16, CI=0.09–0.28) and not using a contraceptive at the time of the survey (AOR=0.36, CI: 0.18–0.70) were associated with reduced odds of KFP. The determinants of having access to government health facility for SRH services were being a female (AOR=2.95, CI: 1.87–4.65), being 30–34 years of age (AOR=1.91, CI: 1.08–3.39), and not having received information about family planning (AOR=0.44, CI=0.27–0.73). Conclusion: Majority of the survey respondents lack access to information about family and SRH services provided by government health facilities, which resulted in them depending on unreliable sources of information about SRH issues. There is a need to advocate for universal access to SRH services, inclusive of immigrant youth in South Africa, to curb negative SRH outcomes and to achieve SDG 3.7.
Improving Classification Efficiency of Fake News using Semi-Supervised Method
Authors: Saha Suben Kumer , Hasan Khandaker Tabin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Online News media which is more accessible, cheaper, and faster to consume, is also of questionable quality as there is less moderation. Anybody with a computing device and internet connection can take part in creating, contributing, and spreading news in online portals. Social media has intensified the problem further. Due to the high volume, velocity, and veracity, online news content is beyond traditional moderation, also known as moderation through human experts. So different machine learning method is being tested and used to spot fake news. One of the main challenges for fake-news classification is getting labeled instances for this high volume of real-time data. In this study, we examined how semi-supervised machine learning can help to decrease the need for labeled instances with an acceptable drop of accuracy. The accuracy difference between the supervised classifier and the semi-supervised classifier is around 0.05 while using only five percent of label instances of the supervised classifier. We tested with logistic regression, SVM, and random forest classifier to prove our hypothesis.
Outcomes of Patients With Acute Vogt–koyanagi–harada Disease Treated With Intravenous Corticosteroid Pulse Followed by the Slow Tapering of Oral Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Fushitsu Rui , Ishibazawa Akihiro , Murono Masataka , Kinouchi Reiko 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose We investigated the treatment outcomes of patients with acute Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada (VKH) disease and assessed the differences between patients with no inflammation worsening and those with persistent or worsening inflammation. Potential factors responsible for eyes with low visual outcomes were also investigated.Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with acute VKH disease who first visited us between 2009 and 2018 and were followed up for >300 days. Clinical characteristics, treatments, and posttreatment conditions were assessed. Patients were classified into no inflammation worsening (acute–resolved [AR]) and inflammation worsening (chronic–recurrent [CR]) groups based on conditions after 6 months from disease onset.Results This study assessed 62 eyes from 31 patients (mean age: 52.8 years). One patient was treated with topical treatment alone and showed poor visual outcomes. In total, 30 patients were treated with methylprednisolone pulse followed by the slow tapering of oral prednisolone; 73% of them developed AR and 27% CR. Although the total prednisolone dose was higher in patients with CR disease, no significant difference was noted in the final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Among the patients receiving systemic steroid, five eyes had a final BCVA of ≤0.5 due to anisometropic amblyopia, diabetic maculopathy, pre-existing macular hole, epiretinal membrane, and ellipsoid zone loss. Conclusions Patients with acute VKH disease treated with corticosteroid pulse followed by the slow tapering of prednisolone appear to demonstrate good visual outcomes, including patients with CR; most eyes with low visual outcomes have pre-existing conditions that explain low vision.