bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dornase alfa in Cystic Fibrosis: indications, comparative studies and effects on lung clearance index
Authors: Terlizzi Vito , Castellani Chiara , Taccetti Giovanni , Ferrari Beatrice 
Published: August 2022

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited disease in Caucasian populations, affecting around 50,000 patients in Europe and 30,000 in United States. A mutation in CF trans-membrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene changes a protein (a regulated chloride channel), which is expressed in many tissues. Defective CFTR results in reduced chloride secretion and an overage absorption of sodium across the epithelia, leading to thickened secretions in organs such as pancreas and lung. Gradually, there have been considerable improvements in the survival of people with CF, thanks to substantial changes in specialized CF care and the discovery of new CFTR modulators drugs. Nevertheless, lung disease remains the most common cause of death. For these reasons improvement of sputum clearance is a major therapeutic aim in CF. So far, symptomatic mucolytic therapy is mainly based on inhalation of dornase alfa, hypertonic saline or mannitol, in combination with physiotherapy. The major component of mucus in CF is pus including viscous material such as polymerized DNA derived from degraded neutrophils. Dornase alfa cleaves the DNA released from the neutrophils and reduces mucous viscosity, and further prevent airway infections and damage to the lung parenchyma. In this review we will summarize the current knowledge on dornase alfa in the treatment of CF lung disease, especially highlighting the positive effect on lung clearance index, a sensitive measure of ventilation inhomogeneity.
miR-3934 regulates the apoptosis and secretion of inflammatory cytokines of basophils via targeting RAGE in asthma
Authors: Dou Liyan , Wang Wenyu , Wang Junwei , Zhang Xiaofei , Hu Xiaoman , Zheng Weili , Han Kaiyu , Wang Guangyou 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Several miRNAs are now known to have clear connections to the pathogenesis of asthma. The present study focused on the potential role of miR-3934 during asthma development.

Methods
miR-3934 was detected as a down-regulated miRNA in basophils by sequencing analysis. Next, the expression levels of miR-3934 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 50 asthma patients and 50 healthy volunteers were examined by RT-qPCR methods. The basophils were then treated with AGEs and transfected with miR-3934 mimics. The apoptosis levels were examined by flow cytometry assay; and the expression levels of cytokines were detected using the ELISA kits. Finally, the Western blot was performed to examined the expression of key molecules in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Results
miR-3934 was down-regulated in the basophils of asthmatic patients. The expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 and IL-33 was enhanced in basophils from asthmatic patients, and this effect was partially reversed by transfection of miR-3934 mimics. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that miR-3934 levels can be used to distinguish asthma patients from healthy individuals. miR-3934 partially inhibited advanced glycation end products-induced increases in basophil apoptosis by suppressing expression of RAGE.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that miR-3934 acts to mitigate the pathogenesis of asthma by targeting RAGE and suppressing TGF-β/Smad signaling.
The effect of intra-nasal tetra sodium pyrophosphate on decreasing elevated nasal calcium and improving olfactory function post COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Abdelazim Mohamed H. , Abdelazim Ahmed H. , Moneir Waleed 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Olfactory dysfunction is recognized as a symptom of COVID-19. Reports revealed the nasal calcium increase has adverse effects on olfactory function. Tetra sodium pyrophosphate, a chelating agent, can bind calcium and help improve olfaction.

Methods
Sixty-four patients with olfactory dysfunction persisting for more than 90 days after COVID-19 were recruited. Participants were divided into 2 groups that received either 0.9% sodium chloride or 1% tetra sodium pyrophosphate for topical application. Olfactory function was tested with the Sniffin' Sticks test before treatment and 1 month later. In addition, nasal calcium was determined with an ion-selective electrode.

Results
After topical application of tetra sodium pyrophosphate compared to sodium chloride, improvement from anosmia to hyposmia with decrease in calcium level was demonstrated. As for the results of tetra-sodium pyrophosphate, 81% showed improved olfactory function and 19% did not exhibit olfaction improvement.

Conclusions
Intranasal application of tetra sodium pyrophosphate may be associated with improvement in olfactory function after COVID -19 infection.
Trial registration Ethical Committee of Damietta Faculty of Medicine approved this study on January 2021 (approval number, IRB 00012367-21-03-010).
Appropriateness of radiological diagnostic tests in otolaryngology
Authors: Almodóvar Antonio , Ronda Elena , Flores Raquel , Lumbreras Blanca 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the appropriateness of imaging tests associated with radiation in the field of otolaryngology according to the available recommendations, and to estimate the effective radiation dose associated.

Method
Cross-sectional epidemiological study of the totality of the imaging test requests carried out by two Spanish hospitals (n = 1931). We collected the following information: patient demographic data, type of imaging test, imaging tests referred in the previous 12 months, referrer department and diagnostic suspicion. In accordance with the available guidelines, we considered the requests: (a) Appropriate; (b) Inappropriate; (c) Not adequately justified; (d) Not included in the guidelines. We calculated the prevalence of each category and their variation according to the different variables. Collective and per capita effective dose were calculated for each category.

Results
Of the 538 requests, 42% were considered appropriate, 34.4% inappropriate, 11.9% not adequately justified and 11.7% not included in the guidelines. Imaging tests requested by general partitioners (aOR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06–0.50) and clinical departments (aOR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.11–0.60) were less likely to be considered appropriate than those requested by the Otolaryngology department. Patients with a diagnosis suspicion of tumour pathology were more likely to have a requested imaging test classified as appropriate (aOR: 7.12; 95% CI: 3.25–15.61). The cumulative effective dose was 877.8 mSv, of which 40% corresponded to tests classified as inappropriate.

Conclusions
A high percentage of imaging tests are considered as inappropriate in the field of otolaryngology, with a relevant frequency of associated effective radiation dose. Type of department, the diagnostic suspicion and the type of imaging tests were variables associated to the inappropriateness of the test.
Integrating concept of pharmacophore with graph neural networks for chemical property prediction and interpretation
Authors: Kong Yue , Zhao Xiaoman , Liu Ruizi , Yang Zhenwu , Yin Hongyan , Zhao Bowen , Wang Jinling , Qin Bingjie , Yan Aixia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractRecently, graph neural networks (GNNs) have revolutionized the field of chemical property prediction and achieved state-of-the-art results on benchmark data sets. Compared with the traditional descriptor- and fingerprint-based QSAR models, GNNs can learn task related representations, which completely gets rid of the rules defined by experts. However, due to the lack of useful prior knowledge, the prediction performance and interpretability of the GNNs may be affected. In this study, we introduced a new GNN model called RG-MPNN for chemical property prediction that integrated pharmacophore information hierarchically into message-passing neural network (MPNN) architecture, specifically, in the way of pharmacophore-based reduced-graph (RG) pooling. RG-MPNN absorbed not only the information of atoms and bonds from the atom-level message-passing phase, but also the information of pharmacophores from the RG-level message-passing phase. Our experimental results on eleven benchmark and ten kinase data sets showed that our model consistently matched or outperformed other existing GNN models. Furthermore, we demonstrated that applying pharmacophore-based RG pooling to MPNN architecture can generally help GNN models improve the predictive power. The cluster analysis of RG-MPNN representations and the importance analysis of pharmacophore nodes will help chemists gain insights for hit discovery and lead optimization.
Graphical Abstract
Prevalence and associates of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Saveh, Iran
Authors: Armoon Bahram , Griffiths Mark D. , Bayani Azadeh , Mohammadi Rasool , Ahounbar Elaheh 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
As a public health issue, non-fatal overdose (NFOD) is highly prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID). This can lead to an elevated risk of future overdose, causing various harms including possible death. It is essential to improve knowledge concerning this problem and its associated risk factors to inform overdose prevention and assistance programs. The primary aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of NFOD and associated risk factors among PWID in Saveh, Iran.

Methods
In the present cross-sectional study, 272 PWID living in Saveh, Iran were interviewed face-to-face using a structured survey. Data concerning socio-demographics, substance use, risky behaviors, and services utilization data were collected. The outcome variable (i.e., NFOD) was assessed by answering “Yes” to the question: “In the past three months, have you ever overdosed (at least once) by accident?”

Results
The prevalence of NFOD among PWID in the past three months was 54%. The characteristics and behaviors that were associated with an increased risk of experiencing NFOD in the past three months were being of older age (AOR = 5.2, p < 0.05), drug use initiation under the age of 22 years (AOR = 7.8, p < 0.05), being an alcohol user (AOR = 3.0, p < 0.05), and being a simultaneous multiple drug user (AOR = 5.8, p < 0.05). Also, more recent initiates to injecting (< 2 years) had an increased risk of experiencing a non-fatal overdose in the past three months. Findings also indicated that those who (i) attended a needle and syringe program (AOR: 0.3, p < 0.05), (ii) were visited by a general practitioner (AOR: 0.03, p < 0.05), and (iii) received a psychosocial intervention (AOR: 0.1, p < 0.05) were 0.3, 0.03 and 0.1 times less likely to report non-fatal overdosing than other participants, respectively.

Conclusions
The results indicate that intervention and prevention initiatives seeking to reduce NFOD among PWID should not only be focused on the primary drug used but also the use of alcohol and polysubstance use. Specific and tailored psychological interventions combined with pharmacotherapy may be highly beneficial for PWID who experience more severe types of substance use, including alcohol use disorders and/or polysubstance abuse.
Investigation of the Deformation and Failure Characteristics of High-Strength Concrete in Dynamic Splitting Tests
Authors: Chen Xudong , Wu Jin , Shang Kai , Ning Yingjie , Bai Lihui 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe dynamic response properties of concrete have been of interest during the use of buildings due to seismic, impact, and explosion events. The splitting Hopkinson lever is a classical device for testing the dynamic mechanical properties of materials. In this paper, dynamic splitting tests on concrete were conducted using it, and a time series predictive computational model for the incident, reflected and transmitted pulses of high-strength concrete specimens at high strain rates was developed, and the extension mechanism of splitting tensile cracks in high-strength concrete was detected and analyzed based on the DIC technique. The results show that: the peak strength of C60 specimens and C80 specimens increased by about 60% and 90%, respectively, from 0.05 MPa to 0.09 MPa in impact strength; the triangular damaged area at the end of the contact surface of the specimen and the rod subjected to high impact pressure increased significantly, the dynamic energy dissipation increased, and the damage degree of the specimens increased; under the action of high strain rate, the brittleness of the concrete specimens with higher strength increased, the damage rate The higher strength concrete specimens have increased brittleness, faster damage rate and higher crack extension under high strain rate. The results of the paper can provide important references for the design of buildings under impact loading.
Gardnerella vaginalis alters cervicovaginal epithelial cell function through microbe-specific immune responses
Authors: Anton Lauren , Ferguson Briana , Friedman Elliot S. , Gerson Kristin D. , Brown Amy G. , Elovitz Michal A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe cervicovaginal (CV) microbiome is highly associated with vaginal health and disease in both pregnant and nonpregnant individuals. An overabundance ofGardnerella vaginalis(G. vaginalis) in the CV space is commonly associated with adverse reproductive outcomes including bacterial vaginosis (BV), sexually transmitted diseases, and preterm birth, while the presence ofLactobacillusspp. is often associated with reproductive health. While host-microbial interactions are hypothesized to contribute to CV health and disease, the mechanisms by which these interactions regulate CV epithelial function remain largely unknown.ResultsUsing an in vitro co-culture model, we assessed the effects ofLactobacillus crispatus(L. crispatus) andG. vaginalison the CV epithelial barrier, the immune mediators that could be contributing to decreased barrier integrity and the immune signaling pathways regulating the immune response.G. vaginalis, but notL. crispatus, significantly increased epithelial cell death and decreased epithelial barrier integrity in an epithelial cell-specific manner. AG. vaginalis-mediated epithelial immune response including NF-κB activation and proinflammatory cytokine release was initiated partially through TLR2-dependent signaling pathways. Additionally, investigation of the cytokine immune profile in human CV fluid showed distinctive clustering of cytokines byGardnerellaspp. abundance and birth outcome.ConclusionsThe results of this study show microbe-specific effects on CV epithelial function. Altered epithelial barrier function through cell death and immune-mediated mechanisms byG. vaginalis, but notL. crispatus, indicates that host epithelial cells respond to bacteria-associated signals, resulting in altered epithelial function and ultimately CV disease. Additionally, distinct immune signatures associated withGardnerellaspp. or birth outcome provide further evidence that host-microbial interactions may contribute significantly to the biological mechanisms regulating reproductive outcomes.
Determining the spatial distribution of environmental and socio-economic suitability for human leptospirosis in the face of limited epidemiological data
Authors: Cristaldi Maximiliano A. , Catry Thibault , Pottier Auréa , Herbreteau Vincent , Roux Emmanuel , Jacob Paulina , Previtali M. Andrea 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundLeptospirosis is among the leading zoonotic causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Knowledge about spatial patterns of diseases and their underlying processes have the potential to guide intervention efforts. However, leptospirosis is often an underreported and misdiagnosed disease and consequently, spatial patterns of the disease remain unclear. In the absence of accurate epidemiological data in the urban agglomeration of Santa Fe, we used a knowledge-based index and cluster analysis to identify spatial patterns of environmental and socioeconomic suitability for the disease and potential underlying processes that shape them.MethodsWe geocoded human leptospirosis cases derived from the Argentinian surveillance system during the period 2010 to 2019. Environmental and socioeconomic databases were obtained from satellite images and publicly available platforms on the web. Two sets of human leptospirosis determinants were considered according to the level of their support by the literature and expert knowledge. We used the Zonation algorithm to build a knowledge-based index and a clustering approach to identify distinct potential sets of determinants. Spatial similarity and correlations between index, clusters, and incidence rates were evaluated.ResultsWe were able to geocode 56.36% of the human leptospirosis cases reported in the national epidemiological database. The knowledge-based index showed the suitability for human leptospirosis in the UA Santa Fe increased from downtown areas of the largest cities towards peri-urban and suburban areas. Cluster analysis revealed downtown areas were characterized by higher levels of socioeconomic conditions. Peri-urban and suburban areas encompassed two clusters which differed in terms of environmental determinants. The highest incidence rates overlapped areas with the highest suitability scores, the strength of association was low though (CScr = 0.21,P < 0.001 and EScr = 0.19,P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe present a method to analyze the environmental and socioeconomic suitability for human leptospirosis based on literature and expert knowledge. The methodology can be thought as an evolutive and perfectible scheme as more studies are performed in the area and novel information regarding determinants of the disease become available. Our approach can be a valuable tool for decision-makers since it can serve as a baseline to plan intervention measures.
Context and content of teaching conversations: exploring how to promote sharing of innovative teaching knowledge between science faculty
Authors: Lane A. Kelly , Earl Brittnee , Feola Stephanie , Lewis Jennifer E. , McAlpin Jacob D. , Mertens Karl , Shadle Susan E. , Skvoretz John , Ziker John P. , Stains Marilyne , Couch Brian A. , Prevost Luanna B. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundChange strategies may leverage interpersonal relationships and conversations to spread teaching innovations among science faculty. Knowledge sharing refers to the process by which individuals transfer information and thereby spread innovative ideas within an organization. We use knowledge sharing as a lens for identifying factors that encourage productive teaching-related conversations between individuals, characterizing the context and content of these discussions, and understanding how peer interactions may shape instructional practices. In this study, we interview 19 science faculty using innovative teaching practices about the teaching-focused conversations they have with different discussion partners.ResultsThis qualitative study describes characteristics of the relationship between discussion partners, what they discuss with respect to teaching, the amount of help-seeking that occurs, and the perceived impacts of these conversations on their teaching. We highlight the role of office location and course overlap in bringing faculty together and characterize the range of topics they discuss, such as course delivery and teaching strategies. We note the tendency of faculty to seek out partners with relevant expertise and describe how faculty perceive their discussion partners to influence their instructional practices and personal affect. Finally, we elaborate on how these themes vary depending on the relationship between discussion partners.ConclusionsThe knowledge sharing framework provides a useful lens for investigating how various factors affect faculty conversations around teaching. Building on this framework, our results lead us to propose two hypotheses for how to promote sharing teaching knowledge among faculty, thereby identifying productive directions for further systematic inquiry. In particular, we propose that productive teaching conversations might be cultivated by fostering collaborative teaching partnerships and developing departmental structures to facilitate sharing of teaching expertise. We further suggest that social network theories and other examinations of faculty behavior can be useful approaches for researching the mechanisms that drive teaching reform.
SmaRT2P: a software for generating and processing smart line recording trajectories for population two-photon calcium imaging
Authors: Moroni Monica , Brondi Marco , Fellin Tommaso , Panzeri Stefano 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTwo-photon fluorescence calcium imaging allows recording the activity of large neural populations with subcellular spatial resolution, but it is typically characterized by low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and poor accuracy in detecting single or few action potentials when large number of neurons are imaged. We recently showed that implementing a smart line scanning approach using trajectories that optimally sample the regions of interest increases both the SNR fluorescence signals and the accuracy of single spike detection in population imaging in vivo. However, smart line scanning requires highly specialised software to design recording trajectories, interface with acquisition hardware, and efficiently process acquired data. Furthermore, smart line scanning needs optimized strategies to cope with movement artefacts and neuropil contamination. Here, we develop and validate SmaRT2P, an open-source, user-friendly and easy-to-interface Matlab-based software environment to perform optimized smart line scanning in two-photon calcium imaging experiments. SmaRT2P is designed to interface with popular acquisition software (e.g., ScanImage) and implements novel strategies to detect motion artefacts, estimate neuropil contamination, and minimize their impact on functional signals extracted from neuronal population imaging. SmaRT2P is structured in a modular way to allow flexibility in the processing pipeline, requiring minimal user intervention in parameter setting. The use of SmaRT2P for smart line scanning has the potential to facilitate the functional investigation of large neuronal populations with increased SNR and accuracy in detecting the discharge of single and few action potentials.