bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iron and iron-related proteins in COVID-19
Authors: Suriawinata Erin , Mehta Kosha J. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCOVID-19 can cause detrimental effects on health. Vaccines have helped in reducing disease severity and transmission but their long-term effects on health and effectiveness against future viral variants remain unknown. COVID-19 pathogenesis involves alteration in iron homeostasis. Thus, a contextual understanding of iron-related parameters would be very valuable for disease prognosis and therapeutics.Accordingly, we reviewed the status of iron and iron-related proteins in COVID-19. Iron-associated alterations in COVID-19 reported hitherto include anemia of inflammation, low levels of serum iron (hypoferremia), transferrin and transferrin saturation, and high levels of serum ferritin (hyperferritinemia), hepcidin, lipocalin-2, catalytic iron, and soluble transferrin receptor (in ICU patients). Hemoglobin levels can be low or normal, and compromised hemoglobin function has been proposed. Membrane-bound transferrin receptor may facilitate viral entry, so it acts as a potential target for antiviral therapy. Lactoferrin can provide natural defense by preventing viral entry and/or inhibiting viral replication. Serum iron and ferritin levels can predict COVID-19-related hospitalization, severity, and mortality. Serum hepcidin and ferritin/transferrin ratio can predict COVID-19 severity. Here, serum levels of these iron-related parameters are provided, caveats of iron chelation for therapy are discussed and the interplay of these iron-related parameters in COVID-19 is explained.This synopsis is crucial as it clearly presents the iron picture of COVID-19. The information may assist in disease prognosis and/or in formulating iron-related adjunctive strategies that can help reduce infection/inflammation and better manage COVID-19 caused by future variants. Indeed, the current picture will augment as more is revealed about these iron-related parameters in COVID-19.
Cognitive enrichment in a social setting: assessing the use of a novel food maze in sanctuary-housed chimpanzees
Authors: Padrell Maria , Amici Federica , Córdoba Maria Pau , Llorente Miquel 
Published: July 2022

AbstractForaging devices are effective enrichment tools for non-human primates, as they provide both cognitive and manipulative stimulation that may enhance these animals’ welfare. We assessed the behavioral effects of a novel tool-based enrichment on 14 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed at Fundació Mona (Girona, Spain). The device consisted of a vertical maze filled with food rewards, which chimpanzees could extract by using tools. We conducted behavioral observations in two conditions over an approximately 2.5-month period: when the food maze was loaded (12 enrichment days), and when it was empty (12 baseline days). Data were collected using 2-min scan sampling and untimed-event focal sampling during two daily sessions of 80 min each. We expected that the chimpanzees’ interest in the enrichment would decrease over time, but that its use would be linked to an increase in the occurrence of species-typical behaviors, a reduction in negative indicators of welfare, and changes in social behaviors. We found that participation widely varied among subjects, being higher in females and decreasing through time. Furthermore, participation was linked to an increase in tool use and a decrease in inactivity, but also to an increase in aggression-related behaviors. In contrast, participation had no effect on the occurrence of abnormal behaviors, social proximity or affiliation-related behaviors. Finally, we detected an increase in self-directed behaviors only when subjects actively interacted with the device. We conclude that, in future studies, these types of devices should be evaluated for longer periods of time and more attention should be paid to individuals’ preferences and abilities.
Recent advances in bacterial cellulose: a low-cost effective production media, optimization strategies and applications
Authors: El-Gendi Hamada , Taha Tarek H. , Ray Julie Basu , Saleh Ahmed K. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBacterial cellulose (BC), a promising polysaccharide of microbial origin, is usually produced through synthetic (chemically defined) or natural media comprising of various environmental wastes (with exact composition unknown), through low-cost and readily available means. Various agricultural, industrial, and food processing wastes have been explored for sustainable BC production. Both conventional (using one variable at a time) and statistical approaches have been used for BC optimization, either during the static fermentation to obtain BC membranes (pellicle) or agitated fermentation that yields suspended fibers (pellets). Multiple studies have addressed BC production, however, the strategies applied in utilizing various wastes for BC production have not been fully covered. The present study reviews the nutritional requirements for maximal BC production including different optimization strategies for the cultivation conditions. Furthermore, commonly-used applications of BC, in various fields, including recent developments, and our current understanding have also been summarized.
Moduli space of non-negative sectional or positive Ricci curvature metrics on sphere bundles over spheres and their quotients
Authors: Wermelinger Jonathan 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe show that the moduli space of positive Ricci curvature metrics on all the total spaces of $$S^7$$

S
7

-bundles over $$S^8$$

S
8

which are rational homology spheres has infinitely many path components. Furthermore, we carry out the diffeomorphism classification of quotients of Milnor spheres by a certain involution and show that the moduli space of metrics of non-negative sectional curvature on them has infinitely many path components. Finally, a diffeomorphism finiteness result is obtained on quotients of Shimada spheres by the same type of involution and we show that for the types that can be expressed by an infinite family of manifolds, the moduli space of positive Ricci curvature metrics has infinitely many path components.
Characterization of a cotton-wool like composite bone graft material
Authors: Rohr Nadja , Brunner Claudia , Bellon Benjamin , Fischer Jens , de Wild Michael 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBone graft materials are applied in patients to augment bone defects and enable the insertion of an implant in its ideal position. However, the currently available augmentation materials do not meet the requirements of being completely resorbed and replaced by new bone within 3 to 6 months. A novel electrospun cotton-wool like material (Bonewool®, Zurich Biomaterials LLC, Zurich, Switzerland) consisting of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) fibers with incorporated amorphous ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) nanoparticles has been compared to a frequently used bovine derived hydroxyapatite (Bio-Oss®, Geistlich Pharma, Wolhusen, Switzerland) in vitro. The material composition was determined and the degradation behavior (calcium release and pH in different solutions) as well as bioactivity has been measured. Degradation behavior of PLGA/ß-TCP was generally more progressive than for Bio-Oss®, indicating that this material is potentially completely resorbable.
Polybenzoxazine/carbon nanotube nanocomposites as a polymeric sensing material for volatile organic compounds
Authors: Elmesallamy Salwa M. , Fekry Mohmed , Hussein Labiba I. , Abdelwahab Mohamed A. , Bakry Ahmed 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have hazardous effects on humans and the environment, and hence they should be detected and reduced. In this study, polybenzoxazine (PBZ) and amine-functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites were synthesized as a sensor for VOCs. MWCNT were functionalized with two types of diamines, namely, 1,6-hexanediamine (HDA) and phenylenediamine (PDA). HDA or PDA treated MWCNTs were loaded into the benzoxazine matrix with different weight percentages (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1%). FTIR analysis confirmed the chemical attachment of the two types of diamines on MWCNT. XRD diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the nanofillers morphology and clarify the differences between pristine and amine-functionalized MWCNT. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the composites’ thermal stability and degradation behavior. It was found that, in contrast to neat PBZ, the major degradation temperature of PBZ/0.5%MWCNT-PDA nanocomposites were enhanced by 10%. The electrical conductivity of PBZ was 6.32 × 10–9, which was enhanced to 6.11 × 10–7in the composites with 1% MWCNT-PDA. This material was tested as a VOCs sensor for methanol, acetone, and toluene and showed that PBZ/1% MWCNT-PDA composite responded to all the vapors.
A Model Peptide Reveals Insights into the Interaction of Human Hemopexin with Heme
Authors: Hopp Marie-T. , Paul George Ajay A. , Ramoji Anuradha , Pepanian Anna , Detzel Milena S. , Neugebauer Ute , Imhof Diana 
Published: July 2022

AbstractUnder hemolytic conditions, toxic heme is scavenged by hemopexin. Recently, the heme-binding properties of hemopexin have been reassessed, which revealed a KD of ~ 0.32 nM as well as a stoichiometry of one to two heme molecules binding to hemopexin. A 66mer hemopexin-derived peptide that spans over three heme-binding motifs was used to verify the earlier suggested heme-recruiting mechanism. Herein, we employed spectroscopic and computational methods to substantiate the hypothesis of more than one heme molecule binding to hemopexin and to analyze the heme-binding mode. Both, hemopexin and the 66mer peptide, were found to bind heme in mixed penta- and hexacoordinated states, which strongly indicates that heme binding follows distinct criteria and increases rigidity of the peptide-heme complex. Additional in silico molecular dynamics simulations support these experimental findings and, thus, contribute to our understanding of the molecular basis of the heme-hemopexin interaction. This analysis provides further details for consideration of hemopexin in biomedical applications.
Health Limitations, Regional Care Infrastructure and Wellbeing in Later Life: A Multilevel Analysis of 96 European Regions
Authors: Schmitz Alina , Brandt Martina 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
In light of rapid population ageing across Europe, maintaining a high level of wellbeing in old age is a priority for social policy. Research on macro-level influences on wellbeing in the older population is rare, especially regarding heterogeneous effects within different groups, such as persons with and without health limitations.

Objective
The purpose of this study is to shed light on the following questions: Is the regional availability of care infrastructure crucial for the wellbeing in later life? If so, does the relevance of care infrastructure differ depending on an individual’s health status?

Methods
Data were drawn from wave 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) matched with data on the number of long-term care (LTC) beds on the regional level. We estimated multilevel regression models, including a cross-level interaction between individual health needs and regional LTC beds.

Results
Our analyses show that the number of LTC beds is related to the wellbeing, as measured by overall life satisfaction, in the population aged 50 + years. The association is more pronounced for individuals with health limitations who might be in need of such infrastructure.

Conclusions
Communities and local governments should ensure the necessary infrastructure for older individuals in need of care and help across different regions. The availability of formal care services may be perceived a “safety net” and thus improve wellbeing, but future studies need to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Effectiveness and Tolerability of a Two-Week Hypocaloric Protein-Rich Diet Prior to Obesity Surgery with Two Different Diet Interventions: a Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Lange Undine Gabriele , Moulla Yusef , Schütz Tatjana , Blüher Matthias , Peter Veronika , Shang Edward , Dietrich Arne 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Preoperative very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) have been shown to reduce liver volume and improve bariatric surgery safety. Here, we compare two VLCD that differ in macronutrient composition.

Material/Methods
Ninety patients awaiting obesity surgery were included in a prospective, open-label, randomized mono-centre trial comparing the effects of 2-week preoperative VLCDs: BCM Diät™ (diet 1) versus Optifast™ (diet 2).

Results
Data from 33 patients in diet 1 and 36 in diet 2 could be analysed. There was no significant difference between the two diet intervention arms on outcome parameters. Overall, both VLCD strategies led to a mean weight reduction of 5.24 [4.72–5.76] kg (p < 0.001), mean excess weight loss was 8.2 [7.4–9.1] % (p < 0.001). BMI reduction was 1.81 [1.63–1.99] kg/m2 (p < 0.001). Over all patients, the liver volume was reduced by 397 [329–466] ml (p < 0.001), which corresponds to 14.6 [12.4; 16.8] %. Liver fat content was significantly reduced by 18.35 [8.98–27.71] %. Reduction of body weight correlates with liver volume loss.
In addition, hip/waist circumferences, body fat and fat-free mass decreased significantly. We found an increase of ALAT/ASAT and a significant decrease of triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HbA1c. Parameters of inflammatory were significantly reduced upon VLCD.

Conclusion
Independently of the macronutrient composition, VLCD leads to a significant decrease of body weight, reduction of liver volume and improved parameters of inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism. Preoperative diets are widely used in conditioning; however, VLCD should be considered as option for patients with obesity undergoing other abdominal surgeries.

Graphical abstract
Epigenetic restoration and activation of ERβ: an inspiring approach for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Salahuddin Ahmad , Ghanem Heba , Omran Gamal A. , Helmy Maged Wasfy 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer. TNBC lacks targeted therapy receptors, rendering endocrine and HER2-targeted therapies ineffective. TNBC is typically treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy followed by surgery. Targeting epigenetic modifications could potentially be a new effective TNBC target therapy. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of epigenetic drugs, decitabine as DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (DNMTI) and vorinostat as histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI), and the ERβ agonist DPN on ERα and ERβ re-expressions in the MDA-MB-231 cells as a model of TNBC.

Methods
Using MTT assay, the IC50 of decitabine, vorinostat, and DPN on MDA-MB-231 cells were determined. The effects of all drugs alone or in combinations on MDA-MB-231 cells were evaluated. qRT-PCR was used to determine ERα & ERβ gene expression. Caspase-3 activity and the protein expression levels of VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IGF-1 were assessed.

Results
Both ERα and ERβ mRNA were re-expressed in different high levels in all treated groups, especially in the triple therapy group compared with control. Significantly, the triple drugs therapy showed the lowest levels of VEGF, Cyclin D1, and IGF-1 and the highest level of Caspase-3 activity, indicating a possible antitumor effect of ERβ activation through decreasing proliferation and angiogenesis and increasing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Conclusions
The antiproliferative effect of ERβ could be retained when co-expressed with Erα using a powerful epigenetic combination of Decitabine and vorinostat with DPN.
Visions of Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Science Fiction: a computational analysis
Authors: Osawa Hirotaka , Miyamoto Dohjin , Hase Satoshi , Saijo Reina , Fukuchi Kentaro , Miyake Yoichiro 
Published: July 2022

AbstractDriven by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and anthropomorphic robotic systems, the various possibilities and risks of such technologies have become a topic of urgent discussion. Although science fiction (SF) works are often cited as references for visions of future developments, this framework of discourse may not be appropriate for serious discussions owing to technical inaccuracies resulting from its reliance on entertainment media. However, these science fiction works could help researchers understand how people might react to new AI and robotic systems. Hence, classifying depictions of artificial intelligence in science fiction may be expected to help researchers to communicate more clearly by identifying science fiction elements to which their works may be similar or dissimilar. In this study, we analyzed depictions of artificial intelligence in SF together with expert critics and writers. First, 115 AI systems described in SF were selected based on three criteria, including diversity of intelligence, social aspects, and extension of human intelligence. Nine elements representing their characteristics were analyzed using clustering and principal component analysis. The results suggest the prevalence of four distinctive categories, including human-like characters, intelligent machines, helpers such as vehicles and equipment, and infrastructure, which may be mapped to a two-dimensional space with axes representing intelligence and humanity. This research contributes to the public relations of AI and robotic technologies by analyzing shared imaginative visions of AI in society based on SF works.
Could Repeated Cardio-Renal Injury Trigger Late Cardiovascular Sequelae in Extreme Endurance Athletes?
Authors: Burtscher Johannes , Vanderriele Paul-Emmanuel , Legrand Matthieu , Predel Hans-Georg , Niebauer Josef , O’Keefe James H. , Millet Grégoire P. , Burtscher Martin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractRegular exercise confers multifaceted and well-established health benefits. Yet, transient and asymptomatic increases in markers of cardio-renal injury are commonly observed in ultra-endurance athletes during and after competition. This has raised concerns that chronic recurring insults could cause long-term cardiac and/or renal damage. Indeed, extreme endurance exercise (EEE) over decades has sometimes been linked with untoward cardiac effects, but a causal relation with acute injury markers has not yet been established. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on markers of cardiac and/or renal injury in EEE athletes, outline the possible interplay between cardiac and kidney damage, and explore the roles of various factors in the development of potential exercise-related cardiac damage, including underlying diseases, medication, sex, training, competition, regeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In conclusion, despite the undisputed health benefits of regular exercise, we speculate, based on the intimate link between heart and kidney diseases, that in rare cases excessive endurance sport may induce adverse cardio-renal interactions that under specific, hitherto undefined conditions could result in persistent cardiac damage. We highlight future research priorities and provide decision support for athletes and clinical consultants who are seeking safe strategies for participation in EEE training and competition.
Trends in the publication of experimental economics articles
Authors: Reuben Ernesto , Li Sherry Xin , Suetens Sigrid , Svorenčík Andrej , Turocy Theodore , Kotsidis Vasileios 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe report data on the experimental articles published from 2000 to 2021 in seven leading general-interest economics journals. We also look at time trends in the characteristics of the published experimental articles, including citations and the nationality of the authors. We find an overall increasing trend in the publication of non-lab experiments in all journals. By contrast, the share of lab experiments has more than halved in the AER and remained low in other Top five journals. The diverging trends for non-lab and lab experiments are not universal as the shares of both have increased in two other high-ranking economics journals (JEEA and EJ). We also observe some heterogeneities in publication, citations, rankings, and locations of authors' affiliations across journals and types of experiments.
Epidemics and policy: the dismal trade-offs
Authors: Russo Francesco Flaviano 
Published: July 2022

AbstractI propose a stochastic SIR-Macro model to study the effects of alternative mitigation policies to cope with an epidemic. Lockdowns that force firms to close and that discontinue social activities slow down the progression of the epidemic at the cost of reducing GDP and increasing debt and, on average, decrease mortality. Testing-Tracing-Quarantine policies decrease mortality at a lower cost, but they are effective only if thorough. I find that lockdowns work best in case of a bigger average family size, of a diffused labor market participation and of a bigger average firm size.
Prevalence and associated factors of alcohol intake in the first trimester of pregnancy in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gelagay Abebaw Addis , Worku Abebaw Gebeyehu , Bashah Debrework Tesgera , Tebeje Nigusie Birhan , HailuGebrie Mignote , Yeshita Hedija Yenus , Cherkose Endeshaw Adimasu , Lakew Ayenew Molla , Dachew Berihun Assefa , Tariku Amare , Ayana Birhanu Abera , Bikes Gashaw Andargie , Belew Aysheshim Kassahun 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Now a day, the consumption of alcohol among pregnant women is increasing from time to time, and it has become one of the increasingly serious public health and socio-economic problems. In addition, cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and a range of physical, behavioural, and intellectual disabilities for the baby that can last a lifetime. There is also limited evidence. Therefore, the objective of this study was to prevalence and associated factors of alcohol intake in the first trimester of pregnancy in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the magnitude of alcohol intake within the first three months of pregnancy at the Dabat Demographic and Health Survey Site. A census of pregnant women in Dabat demographic and health survey sites was employed. A total of 579 pregnant women were found and participated in this study. The Data were entered and analyzed using EPI INFO and STATA version 14, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors related to alcohol intake during the first trimester of pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength of the association, and P value < 0.05 was used to confirm the significance of the association.

Results
The prevalence of alcohol intake in the first trimester of pregnancy was 58% (95%CI (54.1, 61.8)). Rural residence (AOR = 6.83, 95% CI, 2.55, 18.32), being married (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.14, 4), being a housewife occupation (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI, 1.54, 3.26) and having a history of stillbirth ((AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.14) were significantly associated with alcohol intake in the first trimester.

Conclusions
The prevalence of alcohol consumption in the first trimester of pregnancy was high in the study area. Pregnant women’s’ sociodemogrphic characteristics and history of stillbirth are associated with alcohol consumption. Therefore, increasing maternal awareness of the negative effects of alcohol consumption among mothers living in rural areas is important to modify higher rates of alcohol intake in the first trimester. Mothers with a history of stillbirth should pay attention.