bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyelectrolyte Complexes of Ciprofloxacin and Lidocaine Improve Wound Healing in Deep Second Degree Burns and Reduce in Vitro Ciprofloxacin Cytotoxicity in Fibroblasts
Authors: Sanchez María Florencia , Guzman María Laura , Flores-Martín Jesica , Puerto Mariano Cruz Del , Laino Carlos , Soria Elio Andres , Genti-Raimondi Susana , Olivera María Eugenia 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The development of new treatments capable of controlling infections and pain related to burns continues to be a challenge. Antimicrobials are necessary tools, but these can be cytotoxic for regenerating cells.In this study, antibiotic-anesthetic smart systems obtained by ionic complexation of polyelectrolytes with ciprofloxacin and lidocaine were obtained as film and hydrogel. The complexation of ciprofloxacin with natural polyelectrolytes efficiently contributed to increasing biocompatibility in a primary culture of isolated fibroblasts. In addition, the relative levels of the proteins integrin β1 and p-FAK involved in cell migration were increased with no modifications in cell mobility. Their evaluation in a deep second-degree burn model revealed fast reepithelization, with appendage conservation and complete dermis organization. Encouragingly, we found that both the film and the hydrogel showed a significantly superior performance compared to the reference treatment of silver sulfadiazine cream. This work highlights the great potential of this smart system as an attractive dressing for burns, which surpasses currently available treatments.
Functional interdependence of the actin regulators CAP1 and cofilin1 in control of dendritic spine morphology
Authors: Heinze Anika , Schuldt Cara , Khudayberdiev Sharof , Bommel Bas van , Hacker Daniela , Schulz Toni , Stringhi Ramona , Marcello Elena , Mikhaylova Marina , Rust Marco 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The vast majority of excitatory synapses are formed on small dendritic protrusions termed dendritic spines. Dendritic spines vary in size and density that are both crucial determinants of excitatory synaptic transmission. Aberrations in spine morphogenesis can compromise brain function and have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Because actin filaments (F-actin) are the major structural component in spines, actin-binding proteins (ABP) that control F-actin dis-/assembly moved into the focus as critical regulators of brain function. Indeed, mouse studies identified the ABP cofilin1 as a key regulator of spine morphology, synaptic transmission and behavior. These studies emphasized the necessity for a tight control of cofilin1 to ensure proper brain function. We report spine enrichment of cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1), a conserved multidomain protein with largely unknown physiological functions. Super-resolution microscopy and live cell imaging of CAP1-deficient hippocampal neurons revealed impaired synaptic F-actin organization and dynamics associated with alterations in spine morphology. Mechanistically, we found that CAP1 cooperated with cofilin1 in spines and that its helical folded domain mediated this interaction. Moreover, our data proved functional interdependence of CAP1 and cofilin1 in control of spine morphology. In summary, we identified CAP1 as a novel regulator of the postsynaptic actin cytoskeleton that was essential for synaptic cofilin1 activity.
Prevalence of Overweight And Obesity And Associated Factors Among People Living With Hiv Attending A Tertiary Care Clinic In Uganda
Authors: Nalugga Esther Alice , Laker Eva , Nabaggala Maria Sarah , Ddungu Ahmed , Batte Charles , Piloya Theresa , Bongomin Felix 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Overweight and obesity are significantly increasing among people living with HIV (PLWH), contributing to the risk of major adverse cardio-metabolic events. However, little is known on its prevalence among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we report the prevalence and factors associated with overweight and obesity among PLWH in a large tertiary HIV clinic in Kampala, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective review of electronic database of all PLWH that attended the Adult Infectious Diseases Institute clinic between November 2018 and April 2019 was conducted. Demographic, body mass index (BMI) [kg/m2] and clinical variables were extracted. Based on BMI, nutritional status was classified as undernutrition (< 18.5kg/m2), normal (≥18.5 < 25kg/m2), overweight (≥25 < 30kg/m2) and obesity (≥ 30kg/m2). Poisson regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with overweight and obesity.Results: Overall, 7,818 participants were included in the analysis, 64% (n=4,976) were female, with a median age of 44 years (interquartile range (IQR): 36 — 51) and a median BMI of 24.2 (IQR: 21.2 — 28.1). The prevalence of overweight and obesity combined was 46% (55% female versus 30% male), obesity 18.2% (24.6% female versus 7.1% male) and overweight 27.8% (30.4% female versus 22.9% male). Factors associated with overweight and obesity were: Female sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1. 8, 95%CI:1.69 — 1.87), age category 25—59 years (aPR: 1.9, 95%CI: 1.63 — 2.24) and ≥ 60 years (aPR: 1.8, 95%CI:1.49 — 2.12); duration on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 6—10 years (aPR: 1.1, 95%CI:1.08 — 1.18), CD4 count ≥500 (aPR:1.3, 95%CI:1.21 — 1.30) and having at least one noncommunicable disease (NCD) (aPR: 1.1, 95%CI:1.07 — 1.18). Conclusions: There is a high burden of overweight and obesity among PLWH in Uganda. Nutrition and weight management programs particularly targeting high risk groups such as female and persons with underlying NCDs should be integrated into HIV care.
Switching Control of Latex Balloon Expansion by using Switching Valve mediated with the Coanda Effect
Authors: Kaneko Keita , Takemura Kenjiro 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Soft robots have advantages in terms of safety, softness, and compliance compared to traditional robotic systems. However, fluid-driven soft actuators, often employed in soft robots, require a corresponding number of bulky pressure supplies/valves to drive. Here, we consider a valve that can control the flow without mechanical moving parts for simplifying the driving system of soft actuators. We developed a system comprising a pump, a switching valve, and two latex balloons to demonstrate the feasibility of introducing a fluid valve into soft robotics. As the valve, which makes use of the Coanda effect, can switch the flow between two outlets when the pressure difference between the outlets is 3 kPa, we employed a latex balloon connected to each outlet. The system can control the expansion of each balloon by switching the flow from the pump. The experimental results proved that the system could actuate each balloon.
Reliability, Validity, and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Tayside Children's Sleep Questionnaire
Authors: Rizi Farid Rajaee , Asgarian Fatemeh Sadat 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Tayside children's sleep questionnaire (TCSQ) is a simple tool for screening the Disorders of Initiating and Maintaining Sleep among children aged between one and five years. In this study, we aimed to translate TCSQ into Persian and evaluate the validity and reliability of TCSQ among Persian speakers.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 children aged 1-5 years in Isfahan. After permission, the forward-backward translation method is used to develop the Persian version. Finally, 311 children participated in this survey, and 30 were repeated for a second time. Google Form, SPSS16, and STATA14 were used for data collection, descriptive statics, and factor analysis. BEARS questionnaire is used for convergent validity. Three expert opinions were used for content validity.Results: In this study, 404 mothers of children in Isfahan volunteered to participate in the survey, of which 311 remained. The mean and standard deviation age of their children was 3.47±1.91 years. Cronbach Alpha of the Persian version of TCSQ was 0.76 CI (0.78-0.66). The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.67 CI (0.60-0.74). The content validity index was 0.88, and three factors (Disturbance, nighttime, parents) with a specific value greater than 0.4 is determined by factor analysis.Conclusions: The current study results indicate that TCSQ has good reliability and validity among Persian speakers.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Heterogeneity Among Adult Mouse, Primate and Human Kidney Cells
Authors: Chen Shuai , Liao Jinling , Chen Yang , Lv Yufang , Song Qiong , Wang Lihui , Huang Chao , Yang Xin , Du Kechen , Mo Zengnan , Zou Chunlin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Multiple studies have been performed to map the kidney landscape of human and rodent, along with the development of sequencing technique. Although rodent disease models have been widely applied, many disadvantages also exist. Non-human primates (NHPs) are considered as the closest experimental animals to humans and show great advantages in the construction of animal models of human disease. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity and homogeneity between human and multiple animal kidney cells is important for further establishing animal models of human renal disease. Here, we generated the first single-cell transcriptome data of normal adult cynomolgus monkey kidney using 10x Genomics scRNA-seq platform. Then, we further performed an in-depth comparison across species at the single-cell level, and our analysis indicated that the gene expression of adult primate kidney cells showed a better correlation with human kidney than mouse kidney. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that the cellular localization of GWAS-identified renal disease genes showed differences across species. The cellular localization of blood pressure associated genes in human displayed similarity to cynomolgus monkey. This study provided a reliable reference for further studies associated with renal diseases on NHPs. In addition, our results also provided a novel insight into the choice of renal disease animal model and a detailed explanation for close genetic relationship between NHPs and human at a single cell level.
Parkia biglobosa aqueous extract ameliorates risk markers of cardiometabolic diseases in spironolactone treated and high-salt fed Sprague-Dawley male rat
Authors: Oyabambi Adewumi , Akinnuga Akinjide , Echibiri Success , Imam-Fulani Aminat , Abdulsalam Abdulbasit , Oluranti Olufemi 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The numbers of people with salt-sensitive hypertension and cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) are increasing due to high-salt diet (HSD) consumption globally. Parkia biglobosa (PB), an African locust bean tree, has been reported to have several cardiovascular protective properties but its ameliorative effects on CMD are scarcely reported. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the effects of PB stem bark aqueous extract on some risk markers of CMD in weanling male rats subjected to HSD and Spironolactone (Sp) treatment.Twenty-five weanling male rats (95-105 g) were divided into 5 groups: Group 1 (Control); Group 2 (untreated HSD) fed on normal chow and HSD (8% NaCl); Group 3 (HSD+Sp); Group 4 (HSD+PB); Group 5 (HSD+Sp+PB) fed on HSD (8% NaCl) and received either 80 mg/kg of Sp or 400 mg/kg of PB and both as treatment, respectively. After 6 weeks of treatment, blood samples and heart were collected from each animal for biochemical analysis.Results: Administration of both PB and Sp or only PB, significantly decreased the plasma or cardiac adenosine deaminase, xanthine oxidase, C-reactive protein, lipids (except high density lipoprotein), uric acid, sodium, and potassium concentrations. Contrarily, the plasma as well as cardiac nitric oxide and endothelial nitric oxide synthase increased significantly by the same treatment.Conclusion: Parkia biglobosa or its administration with Spironolactone ameliorates associated-risk markers of cardiometabolic disease which are triggered by high salt diet.
Salt Tolerant Gossypium hirsutum L. Cultivars are Mostly Long-Staple Length Cultivars
Authors: Predeepa Rachel , Kumar Ranjith , Abraham George C. , Subramanian T. S. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Cotton is a major cash crop in the global and, in particular, the Indian markets, playing an important economic role in the textile and oil industries. The cotton plant is one of the highly bred plants that is highly sensitive to salt stress. As cotton is a non-food crop, the availability of non-saline terrain and water for the cultivation of cotton plants is only next to other food crops, thereby posing a need to better understand the salt tolerance of this plant. Gossypium hirsutum L. cultivars MCU 5, LRA 5166, and SVPR 2 were selected based on exomorphic traits like staple length and cropping season so that the genotypic responses to salt stress and salt shock can be compared for interpreting the effects of salinity on in vitro germination. Thus, this study aims to establish genotypic dependence on salinity tolerance. Results: The results affirmed genotypic variation in salinity tolerance, with MCU 5 tolerating salt stress better than LRA 5166 and SVPR 2 in all the observed stages of growth of the plant and the parameters measured. Further salt-tolerant cotton varieties were observed to be long-staple length varieties; staple length is the fiber character of the cotton lint. Moreover, salt tolerance in the vegetative growth stage of cotton plants is not independent of the germination stage of the plant.Conclusion: Nevertheless, the correlation of genotypic dependence to morphological characteristics, in particular, staple length (and cropping season), is of agronomic and commercial significance. Further research by screening and investigating a greater number of cultivars using biochemical and molecular techniques will provide a better understanding of this observed phenotypical relationship to the genotypes of cotton cultivars under salt stress.
Sarcopenia is an Independent Risk Factor for Postoperative Blood Transfusion in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective, Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang Doohyun , Han Hyuk-Soo , Lee Myung Chul , Ro Du Hyun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: Sarcopenia, an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is correlated with adverse outcomes after some surgeries. This study examined the incidence and characteristics of sarcopenic patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and identified sarcopenia as an independent risk factor for postoperative TKA complications.Methods: A retrospective cohort study examined 452 patients who underwent TKA. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was obtained via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), along with demographics, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and medication, laboratory and operative data for 2018–2021. Patients were categorized into non-sarcopenia (n = 417) and sarcopenia (n = 35) groups using the SMI cut-off suggested by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (males, < 7.0 kg/m2; females, < 5.7 kg/m2). Three postoperative complications were analyzed: blood transfusion, delirium, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Baseline characteristics were propensity score-matched to address potential bias and confounding factors.Results: The incidence of sarcopenia in primary TKA was 7.7% (35/452). The sarcopenia group had a lower preoperative hemoglobin (12.18±1.20 vs. 13.04±1.73 g/dL, p=0.004) and total protein (6.73±0.42 vs. 7.06±0.44 mg/dL, p=0.001). Propensity scoring matching and logistic regression showed that more patients in the sarcopenia group received postoperative blood transfusions (OR = 6.60, 95% CI: 1.57–45.5, p=0.021); there was no significant difference in AKI or delirium. Univariate receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the propensity-matched group, to determine the predictive value of SMI for postoperative transfusion, gave an AUC of 0.797 (0.633–0.96) and SMI cut-off of 5.6 kg/m2.Conclusions: Sarcopenia determined by BIA was an independent risk factor for postoperative transfusion in TKA. Multifrequency BIA can serve as a screening tool for sarcopenia. Orthopedic surgeons should be aware of this, as it could influence the decision-making process or treatment plan of patients with sarcopenia undergoing primary TKA.Level of evidence: III, retrospective cohort study
Recombinant Fusion Protein Vaccine Containing FliC and FliD Protects Mice Against Clostridioides Difficile Infection
Authors: Wang Shaohui , Ju Xianghong , Zhang Keshan , Duan Zhibian , Patabendige Hiran Malinda Lamabadu Warnakulasuriya , Zhao Song , Sun Xingmin 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Bacterial flagella are involved in infection through their roles in host-cell adhesion, cell invasion, auto-agglutination, colonization, and formation of biofilms, as well as in the regulation and secretion of non-flagellar bacterial proteins involved in the virulence process. In this study, we constructed a fusion protein vaccine (FliCD) containing Clostridiodes difficile flagellar proteins FliC and FliD. Immunization of mice with FliCD induce potent IgG antibody responses against FliCD and protected mice against C. difficile infection and decrease C. difficile spores and toxin levels in the feces after infection. Furthermore, we found anti-FliCD serum protected mice against CDI and decreased C. difficile spores and toxin levels in the feces after C. difficile infection. Finally, we found that anti-FliCD serum inhibited the binding of C. difficile vegetative cells to HCT8 cells. These results imply that FliCD fusion protein may represent an effective vaccine candidate for the prevention from C. difficile infection (CDI).
Single Particle Hopping as an Indicator for Evaluating Electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Jungang , Zhang Linjuan , Xie Jing , Li Di 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Design and screening electrocatalysts for gas evolution reactions suffer from scanty understanding of multi-phase processes at the electrode-electrolyte interface. Due to the complexity of multi-phase interface, it is still a great challenge to capture gas evolution dynamics under operando condition to precisely portray the intrinsic catalytic performance of interface. Here, we establish a single particle imaging method to real time monitor a potential-dependent vertical motion or hopping of electrocatalysts induced by electrogenerated gas nanobubbles. The hopping feature of single particle is closely correlated with intrinsic activities of electrocatalysts, thus is developed to be an indicator to evaluate gas evolution performance of various electrocatalysts. This optical indicator diminishes interferences from heterogeneous morphologies, non-Faradaic processes and parasitic side reactions that are unavoidable in conventional electrochemical measurements, therefore enables precise evaluation and high-throughput screening of catalysts for gas evolution systems.
Convolutional Neural Network-based Reconstruction for Positronium Annihilation Localization
Authors: Jegal Jin , Jeong Dongwoo , Seo Eun-Suk , Park HyeoungWoo , Kim Hongjoo 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
A hermetic novel detector composed of 200 Bismuth germanium oxide crystal scintillators and 393 channel silicon photomultipliers has been developed for positronium (Ps) annihilation study. This compact 4π detector is capable of simultaneously detecting γ-ray decay in all directions, enabling not only the study of visible and invisible exotic decay processes but also tumor localization in positron emission tomography for small animals. In this study, we investigate the use of a convolutional neural network (CNN) for the localization of the Ps annihilation synonymous with tumor localization. The 2-γ decay systems of the Ps annihilation from the 22Na and 18F radioactive sources are simulated using GEANT4. The simulated data sets are preprocessed by applying energy cuts. The spatial error in the XY plane from CNN is compared to that from the classical centroiding, weighted k-means algorithm. The feasibility of the CNN-based Ps an-nihilation reconstruction with tumor localization is discussed.
Urban Noise and Surrounding City Morphology Influence Green Space Occupancy by Native Birds in a Mediterranean-type South American Metropolis
Authors: Arévalo Constanza , Amaya-Espinel Juan David , Henríquez Cristian , Ibarra José Tomás , Bonacic Cristián 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Urban green spaces provide natural habitat for birds in urban landscapes, yet the effects of noise and surrounding urban morphology on bird community structure and distribution are not well understood in Latin America, the second most urbanized region in the world. Santiago of Chile is the single city belonging to the Mediterranean ecosystem in South America and is subject to extensive urbanization as seen throughout Latin America. We examined the role of 65 urban green spaces (6 large: PAR and 59 small: SGS) in harboring native birds during winter 2019, analyzing the quality of green areas in terms of vegetation (i.e. NDVI, native vegetation, and tree cover), exotic bird species, noise levels, and surrounding urban matrix (i.e. building height and cover). Significantly higher noise levels were detected in SGS, along with significantly greater exotic bird (n=4) richness and abundance than PAR, which possessed significantly greater native bird (n=25) richness and abundance. Native birds were more abundant than exotic birds in green spaces with average noise levels < 52 dB and average NDVI > 0.5. Occupancy models indicate that green space occupancy by 50% of modeled native bird species was influenced by maximum noise levels, playing a larger role than vegetation (30%) and the urban matrix (0%). We stress the importance of developing networks of large green spaces in rapidly urbanizing regions, with abundant tree cover, surrounded by smaller urban morphology, and regulating noise levels to ensure the conservation of native bird communities in cities, particularly those that are threatened.
The Applicability of eVTOLs in Emergency Medical Care in Japan
Authors: Nakamoto Aki , Mihara Yusuke , Motomura Tomokazu , Matsumoto Hisashi , Nakano Masaru 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background: The present study aims to elucidate the applicability of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that dispatch only a doctor to provide a solution to the operational challenges of utilizing a helicopter to transport a doctor to the patient/s, with such physician-staffed emergency medical helicopters being known as doctor heli (DH), in Japan.Methods: This study conducted interviews with 17 parties related to DHs in five prefectures in Japan to depict challenges of DHs and eVTOL requirements. Subsequently, this study analyzed the Hokusoh DH flight data, as an example, in terms of cases for which flight doctors consider condition assessment and initial treatment provision by a doctor would be particularly effective, to assess the hypothesis that a two-seater is applicable for emergency medical care (EMS) and that eVTOLs help reduce duplicate dispatch requests for DHs as well as the percentage and delayed dispatch time of duplicate requests.Results: Challenges of DHs and eVTOL requirements were identified and classified into six major categories. Data analysis results indicated that two-seater eVTOLs would be particularly effective for trauma, cardiac disease, brain disease cases, and pediatric patient cases and help solve duplicate requests.Conclusions: Two-seater eVTOLs are likely applicable in EMS in Japan.