bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Dose Rate Radiation Regulates M2-like Macrophages in an Allergic Airway Inflammation Mouse Model
Authors: Jo Wol Soon , Kang Sohi , Jeong Soo Kyung , Bae Min Ji , Lee Chang Geun , Son Yeonghoon , Lee Hae-June , Jeong Min Ho , Kim Sung Ho , Moon Chongjong , Shin In Sik , Kim Joong Sun 
Published: August 2022

We investigated the effects of low dose rate radiation (LDR) on M1 and M2 macrophages in an ovalbumin-induced mouse model of allergic airway inflammation and asthma. After exposure to LDR (1 Gy, 1.818 mGy/h) for 24 days, mice were euthanized and the changes in the number of M1 and M2 macrophages in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung, and M2-associated cytokine levels, were assessed. LDR treatment not only restored the M2-rich microenvironment but also ameliorated asthma-related progression in a macrophage-dependent manner. In an ovalbumin-induced mouse model, LDR treatment significantly inhibited M2, but not M1, macrophage infiltration. M2-specific changes in macrophage polarization during chronic lung disease reversed the positive effects of LDR. Moreover, the levels of cytokines, including chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 24, CCL17, transforming growth factor beta 1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9, decreased in ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged mice upon exposure to LDR. Collectively, our results indicate that LDR exposure suppressed asthmatic progression, including mucin accumulation, inflammation, and Type 2 T helper (Th2) cytokine (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13) production. In conclusion, LDR exposure decreased Th2 cytokine secretion in M2 macrophages, resulting in a reduction in eosinophilic inflammation in ovalbumin-sensitized/challenged mice.
Wool Wax Extraction From Washing Effluent and Effect on Olea europea Germination and Growth
Authors: Aissani Nadhem , Ghidaoui Makrem , Sebai Hichem 
Published: August 2022

Effluents from textile industry using wool pose serious environmental nuisances in Tunisia that are mainly due to their pollutant load and the release of unpleasant odors. In order to minimize these hazards and to take advantage of these wastes for the sake of our environment, the present work consists on valuating wool wax from washing effluent on olive ( Olea europea), germination and growth. Extraction was made in water at 70°C or hexane using sonication followed by concentration of the extracts in soxhlet apparatus. Results showed that this waste is characterized by its richness in total lipid content with extraction yields of 60.7 and 95.6%, respectively. GC-MS analysis of wax showed its richness on fatty acids. Six saturated fatty acids ranking from 15 to 27 carbon atoms were characterized. Furthermore, diluted wax at a dose of 1.25 mg/g significantly improves germination of olive seeds by germination index calculation, to reach a maximum of 150 ± 17%. In fertigation experiment, the use of the same dose of diluted wax promotes plant length to reach 45.7 ± 2.52 cm. GC-MS analysis after derivatization showed significant enhancement of auxin production in plants treated with 1.25 mg of wax/g of soil compared to control with a concentration of 1.1 ± .1 and .7 ± .2 ng/mg, respectively. This leads us to valuate wool wax as environmental friendly natural product in agricultural and fertigation practice of olive plant.
A Comparison of Leximancer Semi-automated Content Analysis to Manual Content Analysis: A Healthcare Exemplar Using Emotive Transcripts of COVID-19 Hospital Staff Interactive Webcasts
Authors: Engstrom Teyl , Strong Jenny , Sullivan Clair , Pole Jason D. 
Published: August 2022

Effective consumer centred healthcare incorporates consumer and clinician perspectives into decision making, in addition to traditional quantitative measures. This information is usually captured in qualitative data that requires manual analysis. Healthcare systems often lack resources to systematically incorporate qualitative feedback into decision making. Semi-automated content analysis tools, such as Leximancer, provide an efficient and objective alternative to time consuming manual content analysis (MCA). Literature on the validity of Leximancer in healthcare is sparse. This study seeks to validate Leximancer against MCA on a broad emotive conversational dataset gathered in a healthcare setting. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a large Australian hospital and health service conducted interactive webcasts with staff to provide updates and answer questions. A manual thematic analysis and a Leximancer content analysis were conducted independently on 20 webcast transcripts. The findings were compared, along with the time required to the complete each analysis. The Leximancer analysis identified nine concepts, while the manual analysis identified 12 concepts. The Leximancer concepts mapped to five of the concepts identified in the manual analysis, which accounted for 74% of mentions tagged in the text through the manual analysis. Leximancer missed concepts which required an emotional or contextual interpretation. The Leximancer analysis took 21 hours (excluding time to learn the program), compared to 73 hours for the manual analysis. Semi-automated content analysis provides an efficient alternative to manual qualitative data analysis, shifting it from a small-scale research activity to a more routine operational activity, albeit with some limitations. This is critical to be able to utilise at scale the rich narratives from consumers and clinicians in healthcare decision making.
Perceptions on Barn Owls and Their Use in Rodent Control: A Case Study of Hwange District
Authors: Sebele Lovelater , Mundy Peter , Fritz Hervé , Guerbois Chloé 
Published: August 2022

Background and Research Aims: Myths and beliefs shape the relationships that people have with different species. They lead to the protection of revered species and the persecution of negatively viewed species. In some instances, people fear these species resulting in a failure to tap into their benefits. This study investigates the possibility of using Barn Owls, a species largely linked to traditional beliefs, as a biological control for rodent pests. Methods: Data was collected through a questionnaire survey. Chi-square tests were used to assess the links between socio-demographic variables and the people’s attitude towards the use of owls in rodent control. A Generalised Linear Model was used to investigate the influence of the distance of the homestead from a protected area on their perceptions of owls. Results: Although most respondents acknowledged that they had a rodent problem, 41% would not use owls for their control. More females than males did not want to use owls for fear of being labelled as witches, whilst males felt owls were good for rodent control and ecosystem balance. Level of education and age did not influence people’s perceptions. People living closer to a protected area embraced the use of owls in rodent control and village of origin influenced perception of owls. Most teenagers displayed the same attitude towards owls as their mothers. Conclusion: Gender and parental influence play a role in influencing the perceptions of the community on owls. There is need to further investigate the factors within a village which influence perceptions on owls. Implications for Conservation Cultural beliefs should be considered in conservation as the belief in witchcraft transcends age and education. There is need for conservation efforts to focus on improving ecological literacy of target groups to improve the conservation of feared species.
Co-Registration of pre- and post-Operative images after cochlear Implantation: A proposed technique to Improve cochlear visualization and localization of cochlear electrodes
Authors: Benson John C , Nassiri Ashley M , Saoji Aniket A , Carlson Matthew L , Lane John I 
Published: August 2022

Background and Purpose After cochlear implantation, metallic artifact can obscure nearby structures on CT images, which is problematic in patients with facial nerve stimulation (FNS). This study evaluated the usefulness of co-registered pre- and post-operative examinations to evaluate the cochlear implant and adjacent structures. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was completed of consecutive patients that underwent CT imaging of the temporal bone before and after placement of a cochlear implant. Two blinded neuroradiologists independently reviewed all available examinations. All examinations were assessed for the presence or absence of dehiscence of the osseous ridge between the cochlea and facial nerve canal (FNC). Pre-operative and fused pre- and post-operative examinations were compared in their ability to visualize the osseous ridge using a 5-point Likert scale (ranging from 1 = unfused images were substantially superior to 5 = fused images were substantially superior). The electrode closest to the FNC were noted. Results Of 34 included patients, 13 (38.2%) were female and 21 (61.8%) were male; average age was 72.2. Seven patients (20.6%) had frank dehiscence between the cochlea and FNC. Fused images were superior to the post-operative study alone for assessing the integrity of the osseous partition between the cochlea and FNC and for reducing artifact from the electrode array (average Likert scores for both reviewers were 4.4 and 4.7). There was good agreement between reviewers in noting electrode closest to the FNC (concordance correlation coefficient=0.82). Conclusions Following cochlear implantation, co-registered pre- and post-operative CT images are superior to conventional images in assessing the anatomic relationship between the cochlea and FNC.
Preoperative Multifidus Muscle Quality is Associated With Patient Reported Outcomes After Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Zavras Athan G. , Sullivan T. Barrett , Federico Vincent P. , Nolte Michael T. , Munim Mohammed A. , Phillips Frank M. , Colman Matthew W. 
Published: August 2022

Study Design Retrospective cohort Objective Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) commonly involves a transpsoas approach. Despite the association between LLIF, postoperative iliopsoas weakness, and iatrogenic neuropraxia, no study has yet examined the effect of psoas or multifidus muscle quality on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods This study retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent LLIF with 1-year minimum follow-up. Psoas and multifidus muscle qualities were graded on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging using two validated classification systems for muscle atrophy. Average muscle quality was calculated as the mean score from all levels (L1-2 through L5-S1). Univariate and multivariate statistics were utilized to investigate the relationship between psoas/multifidus muscle quality and preoperative, 6-weeks postoperative, and final postoperative PROs. Results 74 patients (110 levels) with a mean follow-up of 18.71 ± 8.02 months were included for analysis. Greater multifidus atrophy was associated with less improvement on ODI, SF12, and VR12 ( P < .05) on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, worse multifidus atrophy predicted less improvement on SF12 and VR12 ( P < .05). Conclusion Despite the direct manipulation of the psoas muscle inherent to LLIF, preoperative psoas muscle quality did not affect postoperative outcomes. Rather, the extent of preoperative multifidus fatty infiltration and atrophy was more likely to predict postoperative pain and disability. These findings suggest that multifidus atrophy may be more pertinent than psoas atrophy in its association with patient-reported outcome measures after LLIF.
Marchettiite, (NH4)C5H3N4O3, a new organic mineral from Mount Cervandone, Devero Valley, Western–Central Alps, Italy
Authors: Guastoni Alessandro , Nestola Fabrizio , Zorzi Federico , Lanza Arianna , Ernst Michelle , Gentile Paolo , Andò Sergio , Lorenzetti Alessandra 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACTThe new mineral marchettiite (IMA2017-066) is the natural equivalent of ammonium hydrogen urate. It has a simple molecular formula C5H7N5O3and can be alternatively written as (NH4)C5H3N4O3. Marchettiite was found in a cleft at Mount Cervandone, Devero Valley, Piedmont, Italy, where it occurs as aggregates of opaque pale pink to white, platy prismatic crystals. This mineral has a white streak, dull and opaque lustre, it is not fluorescent and has a hardness of 2–2.5 (Mohs’ scale). The tenacity is brittle and crystals have a good cleavage parallel to {001}. The calculated density is 1.69 g/cm3. Marchettiite is biaxial (–) with 2V of 47.24°; the optical properties of marchettiite were determined by periodic-DFT methods providing the following values: α = 1.372, β = 1.681 and γ = 1.768. No twinning was observed. Electron microprobe analyses gave the following chemical formula: C4.99H6.97N4.91O3.00. Although the small crystal size did not allow refinement of structural data by single-crystal diffraction, we were able to refine the structure by powder micro X-ray diffraction. Marchettiite has space groupP$\bar{1}$and the following unit-cell parameters:a= 3.6533(2) Å,b= 10.2046(7) Å,c= 10.5837(7) Å, α = 113.809(5)°, β = 91.313(8)°, γ = 92.44(1)° andV= 360.312 Å3. The strongest lines in the powder diffraction pattern [din Å (I)(hkl)] are: 9.784(50)(001); 8.663(80)(01$\bar{1}$); 5.659(100)(011); 3.443(100)(10$\bar{1}$); 3.241(70)(003) and 3.158(100)(1$\bar{1}\bar{1})$. Marchettiite is named after Gianfranco Marchetti, the mineral collector who found this mineral.
HbS promotes TLR4-mediated monocyte activation and proinflammatory cytokine production in sickle cell disease
Authors: Allali Slimane , Rignault-Bricard Rachel , de Montalembert Mariane , Taylor Melissa , Bouceba Tahar , Hermine Olivier , Maciel Thiago Trovati 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Monocytes are considered crucial actors of inflammation in sickle cell disease (SCD), being responsible for an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6. Although a role of free heme released by intravascular hemolysis has been suspected, the mechanisms underlying monocyte activation in patients with SCD remain unknown. Using purified human hemoglobin (Hb), we demonstrate herein, that cell-free HbS, unlike HbA or heme, is responsible for a major enhancement in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by human monocytes. This effect was found mediated by direct interaction with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (MD-2) complex, resulting in the activation of both the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and type I interferon pathways. In Townes SCD mice, injection of HbS, unlike HbA, was responsible for an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, which was prevented by the TLR4 inhibitor, TAK-242. Our results reveal a novel mechanism of monocyte activation and systemic inflammation in SCD, which opens new promising therapeutic perspectives targeting the HbS-TLR4 interaction.
The current landscape of microRNAs (miRNAs) in bacterial pneumonia: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Yunxin , Ding Junying 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs), which were initially discovered inCaenorhabditis elegans, can regulate gene expression by recognizing cognate sequences and interfering with the transcriptional or translational machinery. The application of bioinformatics tools for structural analysis and target prediction has largely driven the investigation of certain miRNAs. Notably, it has been found that certain miRNAs which are widely involved in the inflammatory response and immune regulation are closely associated with the occurrence, development, and outcome of bacterial pneumonia. It has been shown that certain miRNA techniques can be used to identify related targets and explore associated signal transduction pathways. This enhances the understanding of bacterial pneumonia, notably for “refractory” or drug-resistant bacterial pneumonia. Although these miRNA-based methods may provide a basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease, they still face various challenges, such as low sensitivity, poor specificity, low silencing efficiency, off-target effects, and toxic reactions. The opportunities and challenges of these methods have been completely reviewed, notably in bacterial pneumonia. With the continuous improvement of the current technology, the miRNA-based methods may surmount the aforementioned limitations, providing promising support for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of “refractory” or drug-resistant bacterial pneumonia.
Anabolic steroids abuse and male infertility
Authors: El Osta Rabih , Almont Thierry , Diligent Catherine , Hubert Nicolas , Eschwège Pascal , Hubert Jacques 
Published: August 2022

AbstractFor several decades, testosterone and its synthetic derivatives have been used with anabolic and androgenic purposes. These substances were first restricted to professional bodybuilders, but become more and more popular among recreational athletes. Up to date, 3,000,000 anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) users have been reported in the United States with an increasing prevalence, making AAS consumption a major public health growing concern. Infertility is defined by the WHO as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse and a male factor is present in up to 50 % of all infertile couples. Several conditions may be related to male infertility.Substance abuse, including AAS, is commonly associated to transient or persistent impairment on male reproductive function, through different pathways. Herein, a brief overview on AAS is offered. Steroids biochemistry, patterns of use, physiological and clinical issues are enlightened. A further review about fertility outcomes among male AAS abusers is also presented, including the classic reports on transient anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism (ASIH), and the more recent experimental reports on structural and genetic sperm damage.
Ultrastructural localization and distribution of Nardilysin in mammalian male germ cells
Authors: Segretain D. , Gilleron J. , Bacro J. N. , Di Marco M. , Carette D. , Pointis G. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
NRD convertase, also termed Nardilysin, is a Zn++ metalloendopeptidase that specifically cleaves the N-terminus of arginine and lysine residues into dibasic moieties. Although this enzyme was found located within the testis, its function in male reproduction is largely unknown. In addition, the precise distribution of this enzyme within germ cells remains to be determined.

Methods
To answer these questions, we developed an immuno-gold electron microscopy analysis to detect Nardilysin at ultrastructural level in mice. In addition, we performed a quantitative analysis of these gold particles to statistically estimate the distribution of Nardilysin in the different subcellular compartments of differentiating late spermatids/spermatozoa.

Results
Expression of Nardilysin in wild-type mice was restricted to germ cells and markedly increased during the last steps of spermiogenesis. In elongated spermatids, we found the enzyme mainly localized in the cytoplasm, more precisely associated with two microtubular structures, the manchette and the axoneme. No labelling was detected over the membranous organelles of the spermatids. To test whether this localization is dependent of the functional microtubules organization of the flagella, we analysed the localization into a specific mouse mutant ebo/ebo (ébouriffé) known to be sterile due to an impairment of the final organization of the flagellum. In the ebo/ebo, the enzyme was still localized over the microtubules of the axoneme and over the isolated cytoplasmic microtubules doublets. Quantification of gold particles in wild-type and mutant flagella revealed the specific association of the enzyme within the microtubular area of the axoneme.

Conclusions
The strong and specific accumulation of Nardilysin in the manchette and axoneme suggests that the enzyme probably contributes either to the establishment of these specific microtubular structures and/or to their functional properties.
Azoospermia in rabbits following an intravas injection of Vasalgel ™
Authors: Waller Donald , Bolick David , Lissner Elaine , Premanandan Christopher , Gamerman Gary 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Vasectomy is currently the only long-acting contraceptive option available for men, despite increasing demand and potentially significant positive impacts on human health of additional male contraceptive options. Vasalgel ™ is a high molecular weight hydrogel polymer being developed as a non-hormonal long-acting reversible male contraceptive. Vasalgel consists of styrene-alt-maleic acid dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, which is distinct from styrene-alt-maleic anhydride materials previously studied.

Methods
The goal of the study was to determine the contraceptive efficacy of two test articles with different levels of styrene maleic acid (100 %, and 80 % acid/20 % anhydride). The test articles were injected bilaterally in the vasa deferentia of mature male rabbits. Post-implantation analyses of semen parameters were completed over a 12 month period and compared to baseline measures of sperm concentration, motility and forward progression.

Results
Both test articles were effective in blocking the passage of spermatozoa through the vasa deferentia in the 12 subjects completing the study. A significant decrease in sperm concentration occurred following implantation of the test material, with no measurable sperm concentration except for a few samples in one animal that were markedly oligospermic. Vasalgel produced a rapid onset of azoospermia, with no sperm in semen samples collected as early as 29–36 days post-implantation, and was durable over a 12 month period.

Conclusion
This study indicated that Vasalgel is an effective non-hormonal long-acting male contraceptive in a rabbit model.
FFP: joint Fast Fourier transform and fractal dimension in amino acid property-aware phylogenetic analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Lina , Qiu Yu , Yuan Yujian , Li Xichun , Meng Zuqiang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
Amino acid property-aware phylogenetic analysis (APPA) refers to the phylogenetic analysis method based on amino acid property encoding, which is used for understanding and inferring evolutionary relationships between species from the molecular perspective. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) and Higuchi’s fractal dimension (HFD) have excellent performance in describing sequences’ structural and complexity information for APPA. However, with the exponential growth of protein sequence data, it is very important to develop a reliable APPA method for protein sequence analysis.

Results
Consequently, we propose a new method named FFP, it joints FFT and HFD. Firstly, FFP is used to encode protein sequences on the basis of the important physicochemical properties of amino acids, the dissociation constant, which determines acidity and basicity of protein molecules. Secondly, FFT and HFD are used to generate the feature vectors of encoded sequences, whereafter, the distance matrix is calculated from the cosine function, which describes the degree of similarity between species. The smaller the distance between them, the more similar they are. Finally, the phylogenetic tree is constructed. When FFP is tested for phylogenetic analysis on four groups of protein sequences, the results are obviously better than other comparisons, with the highest accuracy up to more than 97%.

Conclusion
FFP has higher accuracy in APPA and multi-sequence alignment. It also can measure the protein sequence similarity effectively. And it is hoped to play a role in APPA’s related research.