bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-throughput transcriptome sequencing reveals the key stages of cardiovascular development in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Zhou Chune , Zhao Wei , Zhang Shuqiang , Ma Junguo , Sultan Yousef , Li Xiaoyu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: The cardiovascular developmental process is a tightly regulated network involving multiple genes. The current understanding of the molecular mechanism behind cardiovascular development is insufficient and requires further research. Results: Transcriptome sequencing of three developmental stages in zebrafish embryos was performed and revealed three key cardiovascular developmental stages. Then, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in cardiovascular development were screened out. The three developmental stages were 18hpf (T1), 24hpf (T2), and 48hpf (T3), and the three stages were confirmed by detecting differences in expression between cardiomyocyte and endothelial marker genes (cmlc, fli1) using in situ hybridization, which represents the characteristics of cardiovascular development. Thousands of DEGs were identified using transcriptome analysis. Of them, 2650 DEGs were in T1-vs-T2, including 2003 up-regulated and 602 down-regulated genes, 6446 DEGs were in T1-vs-T3, consisting of 4608 up-regulated and 1838 down-regulated genes, and 3275 DEGs were in T2-vs-T3, including 2420 up-regulated and 655 down-regulated genes. There were 644 common DEGs and 167 common five-fold higher differentially expressed genes (HDEGs) identified, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Significant differences was observed in the levels of gene expression among different developmental stages in multiple GO terms and KEGG pathways, such as cell migration to the midline involved in heart development, cardiovascular system development, circulatory system process for biological processes of GO terms; and cardiac muscle contraction, adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes for KEGG pathways. These results demonstrated that these three stages were important period for the development of the cardiovascular system. Lastly, we used quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to validate the reliability of RNA-sequencing by selecting 21 DEGs. Conclusion: These results demonstrated that these three stages represented an important period for cardiovascular system development and promoted a better understanding of the mechanism behind the development of the cardiovascular system and provided a solid foundation for additional functional studies of the DEGs.
Safety and Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Advanced Cancer patients with Autoimmune Disease: a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Peng , Cai Qi , Huo Gengwei , Zhu Fuyi , Yue Ping , Yuan Dongqi 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Cancer patients with autoimmune disease (AID) usually have been excluded from the clinical trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The safety and effectiveness of ICIs for these patients remain uncertainty.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in available electronic database. We collected the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) from included studies.Results: 11 studies including 5489 participants were incorporated in our meta-analysis. The pooled risk ratio (RR) for any grade and grade ≥3 irAEs were 1.79 (95% CI: 1.31-2.45) and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.06-2.36), respectively. When irAEs were from the same system as AID, we called the irAEs as AID-homogeneous irAEs, otherwise as AID-heterogeneous irAEs. Subgroup analysis found that the higher risk of AID-homogeneous irAEs contributed to the higher risk of overall irAEs of AID patients. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for PFS and OS were 1.09 (95% CI: 0.96–1.25) and 1.10 (95% CI: 0.68–1.77), respectively. The results of subgroup analyses for PFS and OS matched the overall results well.Conclusion: AID patients were significantly associated with a higher risk of irAEs in any grade and ≥3 grade under ICIs therapy. Specifically, AID-homogeneous irAEs but AID-heterogeneous irAEs were higher in AID patients than without AID patients. No statistically significant difference in PFS and OS were observed in patients with and without AID.
Predictors for adoption of e-learning among health professional students during the COVID-19 lockdown in a Private University in Uganda
Authors: Komuhangi Alimah , Mpirirwe Hilda , Robert Lubanga , Githinji Florence Wamuyu , Nanyonga Rose Clarke 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background. Universities have come to terms with the fact that education, as we have traditionally delivered it, cannot be sustained under the current circumstances imposed on us by the Coronavirus diseases 2019 pandemic. Adoption of e-learning is one obvious way to foster continuity of learning. During the lockdown in Uganda, it was not known whether health professional students were willing to adopt e-learning as a way to foster continuity of learning. We therefore adopted a Technology Acceptance Model to determine the predictors for adoption of e-learning using learner and information technology variables. Methods. A cross-sectional study among 109 health professional student’s ≥18 years at Clarke International University was conducted. Adoption of e-learning was measured as self-report. Data were obtained using a smart survey and descriptively summarized. The differences in the study outcome were compared using the chi-square test. The factors that independently influenced adoption of e-learning were determined using binary logistic regression and reported as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the 109 respondents, 71 (65.1%) adopted e-learning. Our data showed low odds of adoption of e-learning among participants in first year (aOR, 0.34: 95%CI, 0.14-0.79), low e-learning expectations (aOR, 0.01: 95%CI, 0.01-0.34), no confidence in using IT devices (aOR, 0.16: 95%CI, 0.00-0.77), no prior experience in e-learning (aOR, 0.11: 95%CI, 0.02-0.68), not considering e-learning flexible (aOR, 0.25:95%CI, 0.08-0.86) and high cost of internet (aOR, 0.13: 95%CI, 0.02-0.84). Conclusion: We identified predictors of e-learning adoption which include: having completed at least one year of study, high e-learning expectations, and confidence in using IT devices, prior experience in e-learning, considering e-learning to be flexible and internet access. This information can be used by universities to enhance infrastructure and prepare potential e-learners. Keywords: E-learning adoption, health professional students, Coronavirus diseases 2019 lockdown
Planar thermal Hall effect of topological bosons in the Kitaev magnet α-RuCl3
Authors: Czajka Peter , Gao Tong , Hirschberger Max , Lampen-Kelley Paula , Banerjee Arnab , Quirk Nicholas , Mandrus David , Nagler Stephen , Ong N. Phuan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In the field of quantum spin liquids [1-3], the honeycomb magnet α-RuCl3 has attracted considerable interest because it is proximate to the Kitaev Hamiltonian HK [4-12]. In 2006, Kitaev [13] published the exact solution for the ground state of HK, and found that the excitations are Majoranas and vortices. The thermal Hall conductivity κxy of Majorana fermions is predicted to be half-quantized [13]. This effect has been reported in α-RuCl3 [17,18], but this observation has proven difficult to reproduce [19,20] and remains highly controversial. We report detailed measurements of the Onsager-like planar thermal Hall conductivity κxy in α-RuCl3, a spin-liquid candidate of topical interest. With the thermal current JQ and magnetic field B||a (zigzag axis), the observed κxy/T varies strongly with temperature T (1-10 K). Using a novel fitting procedure, we show that this temperature dependence matches the distinct form expected for topological bosonic modes in a Chern insulator-like model. Our analysis yields band energies that are in agreement with earlier experiments and that the excitations evolve into increasingly magnon-like modes at high B with a Chern number ≈ 1. The bosonic character is incompatible with half-quantization of κxy/T.
Mendelian Randomization of Circulating Proteome Identifies Actionable Targets in Heart Failure
Authors: Moncla Louis-Hippolyte Minvielle , Mathieu Samuel , Bossé Yohan , Thériault Sébastien , Arsenault Benoit , Mathieu Patrick 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent cause of mortality and morbidity. The molecular drivers of HF are still largely unknown.
Results
We aimed to identify circulating proteins causally associated with HF by leveraging genome-wide genetic association data for HF including 47,309 cases and 930,014 controls. We performed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) with multiple cis instruments as well as network and enrichment analysis using data from blood protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) (2,965 blood proteins) measured in 3,301 individuals. 19 blood proteins were causally associated with HF and were enriched in ligand-receptor and glycosylation. Network pathway analysis of the blood proteins showed enrichment in NF-kappa B, TGF beta, lipid in atherosclerosis and fluid shear stress. Cross-phenotype analysis of HF identified genetic overlap with cardiovascular drugs, myocardial infarction, parental longevity and low-density cholesterol. Multi-trait MR identified causal associations between HF-associated blood proteins and cardiovascular outcomes. Multivariable MR showed that association of BAG3, MIF and APOA5 with HF were mediated by the blood pressure and coronary artery disease. According to the directional effect and biological action, 7 blood proteins are targets of existing drugs or are tractable for the development of novel therapeutics. Among the pathways, sialyl Lewis x and the activin type II receptor are potential druggable candidates.
Conclusions
Integrative MR analyses of the blood proteins identified causally-associated proteins with HF and revealed pleiotropy of the blood proteome with cardiovascular risk factors. Some of the proteins or pathway related mechanisms could be targeted as novel treatment approach in HF.
Factors Associated with Depression in Preclinical Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Thai Medical School
Authors: Wisanuyothin Tattiya , Sawee Chinnawudh , Saisavoey Nattha , Thongchot Lakkana , Dangprapai Yodying 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses that decrease quality of life. Medical students worldwide are increasingly affected by depression. This article focuses on depression in the preclinical medical students whose learning environment is different from medical students in clinical years. The aim of this study is to determine: (1) the prevalence of depression in Thai preclinical medical students; and (2) the factors associated with depression. This study will contribute to more specific and proper interventions concerning depression in Thai preclinical medical students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at the Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Thai version was applied to explore prevalence of depression. The selected associated factors, including interpersonal relationships, mindfulness, and self-esteem were determined using peer-relationship questionnaire, family-relationship questionnaire, Thai version of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS) and Thai version of Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale respectively. Analysis was done using risk estimation by applying a contingency table and univariate logistic regression.Results: Among 275 preclinical medical students participating in this study, 71 (25.8%, 95%CI[ 0.207,0.310]) had a PHQ-9 score of 9 or more. Four associated factors were significantly correlated with lower PHQ-9 scores. These protective factors included (1) a personal counselor or peer support; (2) a good family relationship; (3) a higher score in the Thai version of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale (PHLMS); and (4) autonomy in the medical student’s decision to study medicine.Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among Thai preclinical medical students was found to be higher than that of the general population (18.4%). Several factors were associated with a lower PHQ-9 score, including having a personal counselor or peer support, the participant’s own decision to study at medical school, having a good family relationship, and having mindful thoughts.
Chlorogenic acid improves functional potential of follicles in mouse whole ovarian tissues in vitro
Authors: Abedpour Neda , Javanmard Masoumeh Zirak , Karimipour Mojtaba , Farjah Gholam Hossein 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background: Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the well-known polyphenol compounds involved in several important biological and therapeutic functions. In optimizing a culture system to achieve complete development of follicles, we focus on the effects of CGA supplementation during in vitro culture (IVC) on follicular development, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, developmental gene expression, and functional potential in mouse cultured ovarian tissue.Methods and Results: The collected mouse whole ovaries were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) non-cultured group (control 1): 7-day-old mice ovaries, 2) non-cultured group (control 2): 14-day-old mice ovaries, 3) cultured group (experimental 1): the culture plates contained only the basic culture medium, 4) cultured group (experimental 2): the culture plates contained basic culture medium + CGA (50, 100 and 200 µmol/L CGA). The following evaluations were done for all groups: histological evaluation, biochemical evaluation, the expression of genes related to follicular development and apoptosis by RT-qPCR, and analysis of 17-β-estradiol. The outcomes of the current study showed that supplementation of ovarian tissue culture media using CGA (100 µmol/L) significantly increased the survival, developmental and functional potential of follicles in mouse whole ovarian tissues after 7 days of culture. Furthermore, the result of this study revealed that CGA (100 µmol/L) could suppress oxidative damage and improve the culture system by enhancing the concentration of antioxidant and developmental gene expression. Conclusion: For the first time, results showed that the supplementation of ovarian tissue culture media using CGA could optimize the culture system.
Prenatal exposure to air pollution and the risk of eczema in childhood: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yue Dengyuan , Shen Ting , Mao Jiaqing , Su Qing , Mao Yingying , Ye Xiaoqing , Ye Ding 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
An increasing number of studies investigated the association between air pollution during pregnancy and the risk of eczema in offspring. However, no meta-analysis has confirmed the existence and size of their association to date. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases to select the observational controlled studies published from the inception date to October 16, 2021. Quality evaluation was guided by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Sensitivity analysis was applied to assess the impact of each included study on the combined effects, and publication bias was examined by the Begg’s tests and Egger’s tests. A total of 12 articles involving 69,374 participants met our eligibility criteria. The significant association between the maternal exposure to NO2 (per 10 μg/m3 increased) and childhood eczema was observed, with a pooled risk estimate of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.06-1.19), but no association was observed between exposure to PM10, PM2.5, and SO2 and the risk of eczema in offspring. Besides, the effect of maternal NO2 exposure on childhood eczema was significant in the first and second trimesters, but not in the third trimester. There was notable variability in geographic location (p = 0.037) and air pollutant concentration (p = 0.031) based on meta-regression. Our findings indicated that prenatal exposure to NO2 was a risk factor for elevated risk of eczema in childhood, especially in the first and second trimesters. Further studies with larger sample sizes considering different constituents of air pollution and various exposure windows are needed to validate these associations.
Cadmium Dietary Exposure Assessment in Adult Population and Preschool Children in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Janković Saša , Stošić Milena , Miljaković Evica Antonijević , Ćurčić Marijana , Ćosić Danijela Đukić , Đorđević Aleksandra Buha , Bulat Zorica , Antonijević Biljana 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal, present in all matrices of the environment. Cadmium is a common food contaminant and human exposure to it may elicit many diverse health impairments.The aim of this study was to assess the dietary exposure to Cd for the adult population and preschool children in Serbia using the probabilistic methodology. We have measured Cd content in 11,227 food samples belonging to 50 food groups available on the Serbian market. Cadmium was detected in 90% of the tested food groups, and in 31% of the total samples. Food groups that contributed the most to total dietary Cd intake were potatoes in the adult population, and fruit and vegetable juices in children. Consumption data were taken from the GEMS/Food Consumption Cluster Diets database Calculated HI values showed that 54.4% of the adult population and 84.4% of the population of preschool children were under the unacceptable risk of Cd exposure. The results of this study are based on a worst-case scenario. Thus, they are rather preliminary and should be considered as an indication of the need for further, more refined input data, particularly in terms of consumption database, which would altogether contribute to the more realistic risk assessment as a high priority approach, especially in the case of the vulnerable subpopulations such as children.
Clinical Profile and Quality of Life in Climateric Women
Authors: Nogueira Cintia Mikaelle Cunha Santiago , Silva Bárbara Daniely dos Santos , Costa Hosana Mirelle Goes Silva , de Alcantara Jussara Rodrigues , Morais Fátima Raquel Rosado , Barros Renata Janice Morais Lima Ferreira , Rabelo Susy Maria Feitosa de Melo , Pereira Emanuelly Vieira , Cavalcanti José Rodolfo Lopes de Paiva , Fernandes Natália Teixeira , Filho Ana Virginia de Melo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND : Quality of life in climacteric women is intrinsically related to signs and symptoms influenced by estrogen decline, in addition to psychosocial factors linked to the natural aging process, in this context this study aims to outline a sociodemographic, clinical and quality of life profile. life of climacteric women servants of the University of the State of Rio Grande do Norte - UERN.METHODS: this is a research with a descriptive, exploratory and quantitative approach . The population consisted of female workers from UERN, aged between 40 and 65 years. The total sample consisted of 64 women who responded to the forms and only one refused to respond.RESULTS: the age range of the participants can be defined, so that 53.97% (n=34) are aged up to 50 years, 55.56% (n=35) are married or in a stable relationship. Regarding ethnicity, whites and browns had the same percentage of 44.44% (n=28). As for the city in which they reside, the largest number of women resides in Mossoró (RN), representing 82.53% (n=52) . The predominance of poor quality of life in the SF-36 was evidenced in the domains referring to pain, general health status and the domain referring to vitality. As for the SF-36 questionnaire, which represents the level of satisfaction with current health, 4.76% (n=3) stated that they fit the level considered excellent, 44.44% (n=28) very good, 46, 03% (n=29) were good and only 4.77% (n=3) represented a satisfaction with their current health considered bad. The intensity of symptoms related to estrogen deficiency, established by the Kupperman menopause index , was classified as: Mild 55.56% ( n° =35), moderate 41.27% ( n° =26) and severe 3.17% ( No. =2) .CONCLUSIONS: the occurrence of symptoms and perception of menopausal symptoms differ from woman to woman, to a greater or lesser extent. From this, it highlights the need for a qualified and individualized listening to the needs of these women in the health services and, in this way, it is possible to develop applicable solutions for solving problems based on the profile of each woman.
Isolation and Evaluation of Microorganisms from Locally Fermented Foods as Potential Chicken Probiotics
Authors: Jakera Shakera , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Raz Naseha Sakina Md , Ng Charles Wai Chun , Salleh Rabeta Mohd 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Probiotics are living microorganisms that are advantageous to health, particularly in the digestive tract. Probiotics for broilers could promote their growth and protect them from diseases by boosting their immune systems, strengthen their bones, and combat parasites. Antibiotics are commonly used in poultry feed as growth promoters to improve poultry performance. However, antibiotic residues will remain in chicken meat, bones, and organs, which may adversely impact human health. Therefore, this study examined potential chicken probiotics derived from locally fermented foods, such as shrimp paste and soy cake, as substitute to antibiotics. The microbes were cultivated on suitable media after isolating from the previous culture plates. bacteria and yeast were identified as potential probiotics for chickens. The microorganisms underwent in vitro analysis under the conditions mimicking chicken gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions at different pH values of 2.5, 3.5, 5, 6.5, 7, 7.5 and 8, temperature of 37°C and in anaerobic condition. Nine yeast and ten bacteria were selected as samples for this study. Their kinetic growth, survivability and biomass were also calculated. Comparisons were conducted on the remaining microorganisms, namely four yeast strains and three bacterial strains, and demonstrated probiotic potential with high specific growth rate, maximum cell concentration, shorter doubling time and higher survivability percentage at pH range from 2.5 to 8.0. The results of toxicity test revealed that some of the pre-selected probiotic prospective strains had produced several toxic compounds that could be harmful to chickens. Finally, based on the results of the investigation, one bacterium, Staphylococcus hominis, and one yeast, Cutaneotrichosporon arboriforme, were chosen to make probiotics for chickens, which were then evaluated in vivo to see how they impacted chicken growth. It was found that chickens supplied with these 2 probiotics boosted the growth of the chicken. In conclusion, based on their growth in the chicken digestive system environment and impacts on chicken growth rate, microbes isolated from locally fermented foods have promise as chicken probiotics.