bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Layered vulnerability and researchers’ responsibilities: Learning from research involving Kenyan adolescents living with perinatal HIV infection
Authors: Kimani Mary , Molyneux Sassy , Charo Anderson , Zakayo Scholastica , Sanga Gladys , Njeru Rita , Davies Alun , Kelley Maureen , Abubakar Amina , Marsh Vicki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Carefully planned research is critical to building policies and interventions to counter the physical, psychological and social challenges young people living with HIV/AIDS regularly face, without increasing burdens. Through embedded social science research in an ongoing longitudinal cohort study on neurobehavioural outcomes in Adolescents Living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya, we develop an account of researchers’ responsibilities towards young people involved in research, drawing on concepts of vulnerability and agency in the literature as ‘interacting layers’.
Methods
Using qualitative research methods of in-depth interviews, group discussions, observations and a participatory workshop, we explored key stakeholders’ views and experiences of vulnerability and resilience for young people living with HIV/AIDS. Our enquiry included domains of home and community, school, health clinic and research participation in Kilifi County in Kenya. The study involved 62 policy, provider, research and community-based stakeholders, including 27 young people living with HIV/AIDS and participating in research. Three linked research phases supported an iterative process of learning and enquiry, drawing on Framework Analysis.
Results
Young people faced many forms of vulnerability related to risks of stigmatisation across health clinics, schools and in homes. Sources of vulnerability were interrelated and cross sectoral with varying experiences of vulnerability and capacity for resilience that were importantly underpinned by access to social and economic resources. Interacting layers of vulnerability acted to progressively undermine wellbeing, leading to clusters of increasingly serious physical and mental health, social, educational and economic outcomes. Such vicious circles of vulnerability, or cascades, could be reversed, with positive inputs within and across sectors building resilience and leading to positive outcomes. Experiences of research participation reflected a potential to increase forms of vulnerability but importantly also to promote resilience for many young people.
Conclusions
The potential for experiences of research participation to exacerbate vulnerability and strengthen resilience for young people living with HIV/AIDS, through contributing to positive or negative cascades, has important implications for research planning. We argue that researchers’ responsibilities include addressing structural causes of vulnerability for research participants living with HIV, giving examples of strategies, and for the importance of embedded empirical ethics research to identify context-specific risks and opportunities.
Microplastic extraction from agricultural soils using canola oil and unsaturated sodium chloride solution
Authors: Kononov Andrei , Hishida Motoya , Suzuki Kazuki , Harada Naoki 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs) has become a global problem, but little is known about MPs in soils. This is because MP extraction methods from soils have not yet been standardized. In this study, we tried to establish a simple and economical method to extract soil MPs using the buoyancy of canola oil and the density separation process using sodium chloride (NaCl). First, the ability and suitability of seven different oils to extract MP from soil were investigated and canola oil was selected. Then, the spiking and recovery test was performed with canola oil and NaCl solution for low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylchloride (PVC) as follows: 1) soil and MP mixtures were prepared, 2) 5 g L− 1 NaCl and canola oil were added and shaken thoroughly, 3) the oil phase containing MPs were separated after sedimentation, 4) the extracted MPs were rinsed with 99.5% ethanol, and 5) the organic adherents to the extracted MPs were digested with hydrogen peroxide. After drying and incineration, the substantial recovery rates were calculated. In the spiking and recovery test for MP particles (< 1 mm) from five typical Japanese agricultural soils, the recoveries of LDPE, PP, and PVC were 95.2–98.3%, 95.2.7–98.7%, and 76.0-80.5%, respectively, higher than those obtained by the density separation using saturated NaCl solution. In conclusion, the method is effective for extracting MPs, especially LDPE and PP, from soils and is less sensitive to soil type, texture, and physicochemical properties.
The UCHL1 Inhibitor LDN-57444 Promotes the Transdifferentiation of Supporting Cells into Hair Cells by Regulating the mTOR Pathway
Authors: Kim Yeon Ju , Jeong In Hye , Kim Young Sun , Sung Siung , Lee Dong Ha , Jang Jeong Hun , Choung Yun-Hoon 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In mammals, hearing loss is irreversible due to the lack of regenerative capacity of the auditory epithelium. However, the recently identified resident stem/progenitor cell population in mammalian cochleae is a therapeutic targets for hearing regeneration. The ubiquitin proteasome system plays an important role in cochlear development and maintenance. However, the role of deubiquitinating enzymes in hair cell (HC) regeneration, through the transdifferentiation of neighboring supporting cells (SCs) into HCs in the cochlea, remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) in HC differentiation. Using the RNA sequencing database, we found that UCHL1 was highly expressed in the postnatal day 3 (P3) organ of Corti; it is also a top-ranking protein in vestibular HCs with regeneration potential after injury. UCHL1 was extensively observed in the greater and lesser epithelial ridge of the cochlea on embryonic day 17.5 (E17.5). The expression of UCHL1 gradually decreased as HCs developed, and was restricted to inner pillar cells and third-row Deiters’ cells between P2 and P7, suggesting that UCHL1-expressing cells are similar to the cell population with leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein receptor 5-positive progenitors. UCHL1 expression was decreased even under conditions in which supernumerary HCs were generated with a γ-secretase inhibitor and Wnt agonist in the neonatal organ of Corti explants. Moreover, the inhibition of UCHL1 by LDN-57444 led to an increase in HC number. Mechanistically, LDN-57444 increased mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 activity and allowed SCs to transdifferentiate into HCs. This study provides new evidence for a role of UCHL1 in the transdifferentiation of SCs and progenitors into HCs in the neonatal cochlea.
Stuck between medals and participation: an institutional theory perspective on why sport federations struggle to reach Sport-for-All goals
Authors: De Bock Thomas , Scheerder Jeroen , Theeboom Marc , Constandt Bram , Marlier Mathieu , Willem Annick 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Sport-for-All emphasises that every individual has the right to participate in sport. Despite all efforts to deliver Sport-for-All during the past decades, studies indicate that sport participation rates stagnated, whereas social inequalities in sport continue to exist. Our study specifically explores how the dual mission of sport federations, i.e. providing Sport-for-All and high performance sport, affects their Sport-for-All delivery. By applying institutional theory this study sheds light on how the underlying institutional logic of Flemish sport federations affects their Sport-for-All contributions. Method A cross-sectional field study of the sport federations was applied in the study. In particular, the sport federations selected for our study are the 47 Flemish sport federations. Methodologically, qualitative research methods (i.e., document analysis) as quantitative research methods (i.e., a new questionnaire was developed based on institutional theory) were applied in the study. Results Results indicate that sport federations are important partners in support of Sport-for-All projects (n=218), but that there is a discrepancy between the projects of the high performance-oriented and the Sport-for-All-oriented federations. Specifically, the high performance-oriented federations aim on youth participants, whereas Sport-for-all-oriented aim to reach disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, the results indicate that high performance-oriented federations endure more institutional pressure than Sport-for-All-oriented federations.Conclusion This study provides insights in the amount of Sport-for-All projects the Flemish sport federations support and organize. Moreover, the conducted mapping of projects offers findings on which specific target groups the projects aim to reach. Our study indicates that the competitive federations especially aim on target groups like youth and open for all. Remarkable is that their Sport-for-All projects lack a focus on disadvantaged groups.
Years Since Menopause Is Associated With Lipid Profile In Postmenopausal Chinese Women：A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lou Zheng , Huang Yizhou , Lan Yibing , Li Chunming , Chu Ketan , Chen Peiqiong , Xu Wenxian , Ma Linjuan , Zhou Jianhong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have indicated that women with longer time since menopause are at higher risk of CVD. Moreover, Menopause-associated CVD risk is largely attributed to the change towards an atherogenic lipid profile. Few studies concerning association between years since menopause with lipid profile and there has been no consistent conclusion yet. This study was to explore the association of years since menopause with lipid profile in postmenopausal Chinese women.Methods: 633 postmenopausal women were recruited from Zhejiang, China in 2015-2021. Questionnaire-based interview on sociodemographic and reproductive information were obtained from each participant. Anthropometric measures, lipid profile and reproductive hormones were assessed. Based on the time since menopause, subjects were classified into three groups (group 1, 346 women with time since menopause < 2 years; group 2, 215 women with time since menopause 2-5.9 years; group 3, 72 women with time since menopause ≥ 6 years). The differences of lipid profile and reproductive hormones among groups were compared across three groups. Logistic and liner regression were performed to investigated the association of years since menopause with lipid profile.Results: The age (mean ± SD) of 633 subjects was 50.3 ± 6.0 years. HDL-C, LH levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal women with time since menopause ≥ 6 years compared to those with < 2 years, whereas LDL-C levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05 for all). Further adjustment for age, BMI and other confounders, longer time since menopause was independently associated with lower levels of HDL-C (β, -0.059, SE, 0.023, P < 0.01). Compared to women who had been menopause for less than 2 years, those with more than 6 years had lower HDL-C levels after adjustment for age, BMI, and other confounders (β, -0.123, 95% CI, [-0.221, -0.014], P < 0.05).Conclusions: Longer time since menopause was associated with lower levels of HDL-C in postmenopausal Chinese women.
STAT3 induces fear memory impairment in PTSD rats by regulating Stathmin expression
Authors: Shan Wei , Liu Wenqiang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Stathmin, as a microtubule depolymerization related protein, is involved in human fear and anxiety. In the previous study of our research group, it was found that the expression of Stathmin gene in amygdala of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) model was significantly down regulated, which may regulate fear memory disorder caused by PTSD, but the specific mechanism is not clear. PTSD rat model was established by single-prolonged stress (SPS) method. The rats were randomly divided into 8 groups by random number table method. The experiment was divided into 2 parts: (1) Normal control group (control, n = 15), SPS 7d group (n = 15), Stathmin gene overexpression group (Stathmin-OE, n = 15), Stathmin negative control group (Stathmin-NC, n = 15). (2) Normal control group (control, n = 15), SPS 7d group (n = 15), WP1066 group (WP1066 is a signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, n = 15), WP1066 + Stathmin gene silencing group (WP1066 + Stathmin-KD, n = 15). The state of fear and anxiety was detected by field test and stiff behavior test. The expression of Stathmin, STAT3, p-STAT3, Bax and Bcl-2 in amygdala of PTSD rats was detected by immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting and RT-qPCR. The apoptosis of amygdala cells was detected by TUNEL staining. Experiment 1: after 7 days of SPS, the expression of Stathmin in amygdala of rats decreased significantly, the apoptosis rate increased significantly, and the rats showed fear and anxiety; After overexpression of Stathmin in amygdala, the apoptosis rate decreased significantly, and the fear and anxiety of rats were improved; Experiment 2: after 7 days of SPS, STAT3 in the amygdala of rats was activated, and the apoptosis rate increased significantly, and the rats showed fear and anxiety; After the application of STAT3 inhibitor WP1066 to SPS rats, the apoptosis rate was significantly reduced and the fear and anxiety of rats were improved; When SPS rats were given WP1066, the amygdala was injected with RNAi recombinant adenovirus of Stathmin gene to inhibit the expression of Stathmin. It was found that the protective effect of WP1066 was reversed. SPS regulates the expression of Stathmin gene by activating STAT3 pathway, and then induces apoptosis of amygdala cells, resulting in fear memory impairment in PTSD rats.
Manipulation of Single Cells via a Stereo Acoustic Streaming Tunnel (SteAST)
Authors: Duan Xuexin , Yang Yang , Pang Wei , Zhang Hongxiang , Cui Weiwei , Jin Ke , Sun Chonglin , Wang yanyan , Zhang Lin , Ren Xiubao 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
At the single-cell level, cellular parameters, gene expression and function are assayed on an individual but not population-average basis. Essential to observing and analyzing the heterogeneity and behavior of these cells/clusters is the ability to prepare and manipulate individual. Here, we demonstrate a versatile microsystem, a stereo acoustic streaming tunnel, which is triggered by ultrahigh-frequency bulk acoustic waves and highly confined by a microchannel. We thoroughly analyze the generation and feature of stereo acoustic streaming to develop a virtual tunnel for observation, pretreatment and analysis of cells for different single-cell applications. 3D reconstruction, dissociation of clusters, selective trapping/release, in-situ analysis and pairing of single cells with barcode gel beads were demonstrated. In order to further verify the reliability and robustness of this technology in complex bio-samples, separation of circulating tumor cells based on both physics and immunity from undiluted blood was achieved. With the rich selection of handling modes, the platform has the potential to be a full-process microsystem from pretreatment to analysis and used in numerous fields, such as in vitro diagnosis, high-throughput single-cell sequencing and drug development.
Glycaemic control is associated with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections in vaccinated patients with type 2 diabetes: an observational study
Authors: Marfella Raffaele , Sardu Celestino , D'Onofrio Nunzia , Prattichizzo Francesco , Scisciola Lucia , Messina Vincenzo , Grotta Rosalba La , Balestrieri Maria , Maggi Paolo , Napoli Claudio , Ceriello Antonio , Paolisso Giuseppe 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are characterized by blunted immune responses, which are affected by glycaemic control. Whether glycaemic control influences the response to COVID-19 vaccines and the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections is unknown. To explore the association between glycaemic control and immune responses or breakthrough infections in patients with T2D after mRNA-BNT162b2 vaccination, we conducted a prospective observational study among healthcare and educator workers with T2D receiving the mRNA-BNT162b2 vaccine in Campania (Italy). Patients were followed for one year (5 visits) after one full vaccination cycle to evaluate immune responses and monitor the incidence of breakthrough infections. The one-year mean of HbA1c values and canonical risk factors were used to estimate their association with breakthrough infections through Cox regression models adjusted for multiple variables. Overall, 494 subjects were followed up for 346 ± 49 days and completed the study. Patients with good glycaemic control (HbA1c one-year mean < 7%) showed a higher virus-neutralizing antibody capacity and a better CD4 + T/cytokine response, compared with those with poor control (HbA1c one-year mean ≥ 7%). One-year mean of HbA1c was significantly associated with the incidence of breakthrough infections (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.285; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.106 to 0.768; p = 0.013). Among other factors, only smoking status was associated with the incidence of breakthrough infections (HR = 0.360, CI 0.181–0.716 for non-smokers). In summary, poor glycaemic control, assessed as mean HbA1c in the post-vaccination period, is associated with lower immune responses and an increased incidence of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections in T2D patients vaccinated with mRNA-BNT162b2.
Patient-individualized resection planning in liver surgery using 3D print and virtual reality (i-LiVR) – a study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huber Tobias , Hanke Laura Isabel , Boedecker Christian , Vradelis Lukas , Baumgart Janine , Heinrich Stefan , Bartsch Fabian , Mittler Jens , Schulze Alicia , Hansen Christian , Hüttl Florentine , Lang Hauke 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundA multitude of different diseases – benign and malign – can require surgery of the liver. The liver is an especially challenging organ for resection planning due to its unique and interindividually variable anatomy. This demands a high amount of mental imagination from the surgeon in order to plan accordingly - a skill, which takes years of training to acquire and which is difficult to teach. Since the volume of the functional remnant liver is of great importance, parenchyma sparing resections are favoured. 3D reconstructions of computed tomography imaging enable a more precise understanding of anatomy and facilitate resection planning. The modality of presentation of these 3D models ranges from 2D monitors to 3D prints and virtual reality applications.MethodsThe presented trial compares three different modes of demonstration of a 3D reconstruction of CT-scans of the liver, which are 3D print, a demonstration on a regular computer screen or using a head-mounted virtual reality headset, with the current gold standard of viewing the CT-scan on a computer screen. The group size was calculated with n=25 each. Patients with major liver resections in a laparoscopic or open fashion are eligible for inclusion. Main endpoint is the comparison of the quotient between planned resection volume and actual resection volume between these groups. Secondary endpoints include usability for the surgical team as well as patient specifics and perioperative outcome measures and teaching issues.DiscussionThe described study will give insight in systematic planning of liver resections and the comparison of different demonstration modalities of 3D reconstruction of preoperative CT-scans and the preference of technology. Especially teaching of these demanding operations is underrepresented in prior investigations.Trial registrationProspective trials registration at the German Clinical Trials register with the registration number DRKS00027865.
African ancestry genome-wide association study of blood pressure and hypertension identifies 25 novel loci through predicted gene expression
Authors: Hellwege Jacklyn , Liang Jingjing , Giri Ayush , Keaton Jacob , Sun Xiao , Torstenson Eric , Shuey Megan , Wilson Otis , Warren Helen , Arnett Donna , Bis Joshua , Cade Brian , Correa Adolfo , de Vries Paul , Fornage Myriam , Guo Xiuqing , Irvin Marguerite , Kardia Sharon , Kenny Eimear , Kooperberg Charles , Loos Ruth , Manson JoAnn , Morrison Alanna , Phillips Lawrence , Psaty Bruce , Smith Jennifer , Raffield Laura , Redline Susan , Rotter Jerome , Vaidya Dhananjay , Yanek Lisa , Franceschini Nora , Munroe Patricia , Wilson Peter , Kelly Tanika , O'Donnell Christopher , Sun Yan , Hung Adriana , Zhu Xiaofeng , Edwards Todd 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
African Americans (AAs) experience a high burden of hypertension but have been underrepresented in genetic studies of blood pressure. We performed common and rare variant genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, pulse pressure and hypertension in 95,457 AAs from the Million Veteran Program and Continental Origins and Genetic Epidemiology Network (COGENT) consortium with replication in up to 41,014 African-ancestry participants. GWAS meta-analysis confirmed 26 previously reported loci including 15 with SBP, four with DBP, 10 with pulse pressure and five with hypertension. Predicted gene expression analysis identified 25 genes newly associated with blood pressure. We provide validated African-ancestry polygenic scores for SBP and DBP that are strongly associated with hypertension. This work provides evidence for similar genetic architectures of hypertension and blood pressure across racial/ethnic groups and demonstrates the utility of predicted expression analysis in identifying novel genes beyond GWAS alone.