bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-molecule 3D imaging of HIV cellular entry by liquid-phase electron tomography
Authors: Kong Lingli , Liu Jianfang , Zhang Meng , Lu Zhuoyang , Ren Amy , Liu Jiankang , Li Jinping , Ren Gang (Gary) 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Enveloped viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and SARS-CoV-2, target cells through membrane fusion process. The detailed understanding of the process is sought after for vaccine development but remains elusive due to current technique limitations for direct three-dimensional (3D) imaging of an individual virus during its viral entry. Recently, we developed a simple specimen preparation method for real-time imaging of metal dynamic liquid-vaper interface at nanometer resolution by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Here, we extended this method to study biology sample through snapshot 3D structure of a single HIV (pseudo-typed with the envelope glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus, VSV-G) at its intermediate stage of viral entry to HeLa cells in a liquid-phase environment. By individual-particle electron tomography (IPET), we found the viral surface release excess lipids with unbound viral spike proteins forming ~50-nm nanoparticles instead of merging cell membrane. Moreover, the spherical-shape shell formed by matrix proteins underneath the viral envelope does not disassemble into a cone shape right after fusion. The snapshot 3D imaging of a single virus provides us a direct structure-based understanding of the viral entry mechanism, which can be used to examine other viruses to support the development of vaccines combatting the current ongoing pandemic.
Identification of Function LncRNAs Associated With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaolei , Fang Jun , Wang An , Zhu Wuhui 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract. New diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed for HCC. To investigate potential pathogenic and prognostic long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with HCC, we conduct this study. Material and Methods: Gene expression matrix were obtained from TCGA and GEO databases. The overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TCGA and GEO databases were analyzed using the limma package. Then we constructed mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA network. In the end, Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis and survival analysis were performed to find hub lncRNAs related to diagnosis and prognosis of HCC. Results: In total, 299 DEGs including 10 lncRNAs and 289 mRNAs were acquired. The mRNA-lncRNA-miRNA network comprised of four lncRNAs (GSEC, LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG), 49 miRNAs and 25 mRNAs. GO and KEGG analysis shown that four lncRNAs were mainly enriched in cell cycle. In addition, survival analysis demonstrated that there is a significant correlation between GSEC and overall survival rate. Finally, the expression of LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG were down-regulated in HCC tissues, and GSEC was up-regulated. Conclusion: In summary, four lncRNAs including GSEC, LINC00844, LINC01146 and MIR99AHG may play an important part in the development of HCC. The function of these lncRNAs may have a great effect to the overall survival rate of HCC.
The Landscape of Facial Processing Applications in the Context of the European AI Act and the Development of Trustworthy Systems
Authors: Hupont Isabelle , Tolan Songül , Gunes Hatice , Gómez Emilia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This work focuses on facial processing, which refers to artificial intelligence (AI) systems that take facial images or videos as input data and perform some AI-driven processing to obtain higher-level information (e.g. a person’s identity, emotions, demographic attributes) or newly generated imagery (e.g. with modified facial attributes). Facial processing tasks, such as face detection, face identification, facial expression recognition or facial attribute manipulation, are generally studied as separate research fields and without considering a particular scenario, context of use or intended purpose. This paper studies the field of facial processing in a holistic manner. It establishes the landscape of key computational tasks, applications and industrial players in the field in order to identify the 60 most relevant applications adopted for real-world usages. These applications are analysed in the context of the new European AI Act and the 7 requirements for Trustworthy AI defined by the European High Level Expert Group on AI. More particularly, we assess the risk level conveyed by each application according to the AI Act and reflect on current research, technical and societal challenges towards trustworthy facial processing systems.
MicroRNA-339-5p inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced rat mesangial cells by regulating the Syk/Ras/c-Fos pathway
Authors: Gao Jia Rong , shi miao miao , Jiang Hui , Zhu Xiao Li , Wei Liang Bing , Qin Xiu Juan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a disease that occurs in the glomeruli. The mechanism of CGN is thought to be involved in a range of inflammatory responses. MicroRNA-339-5p (miR-339-5p) has been reported to be involved in inflammatory responses in many diseases. However, the role of miR -339-5p in CGN remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-339-5p in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced nephritis injury in vitro. Methods: The RNA expression of miR-339-5p and Syk/Ras/c-Fos pathway was detected by qRT-PCR, the protein expression and localization of Syk/Ras/c-Fos pathway was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence (IF), and the targeted binding of miR-339-5p to Syk was detected by double luciferase. Cell viability and cell cycle were detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry. The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: LPS increased HBZY-1 cell viability, decreased G2 phase, promoted cell proliferation and inflammatory cytokine release. Overexpression of miR-339-5p can inhibit HBZY-1 cell viability, decreased the expression of Syk/Ras/c-Fos signaling pathway, down-regulate the expression level of inflammatory cytokines, increase G2 phase, and inhibit cell proliferation.Conclusion: miR-339-5p inhibits the proliferation and inflammation of rat mesangial cell through Syk/Ras/c-Fos signal pathway.
Exploring the Perioperative Infection Control Practices &amp; Incidence of Surgical Site Infections in Rural India
Authors: Nayan Anveshi , Sarang Bhakti , Khajanchi Monty , Roy Nobhojit , Jesudian Gnanaraj , Menon Nandakumar , Patil Mulki , Kataria Raman , Manoharan Ravikumar , Tongaonkar Rajesh , Dev YA , Gadgil Anita 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) affect around a third of patients undergoing surgeries worldwide, annually. It is heterogeneously distributed with a higher burden in low and middle-income countries. Although rural and semi-urban hospitals cater to 60-70% of the Indian population, scarce data regarding SSI rates are available from such hospitals. The study aimed to determine the prevalent SSI control practices and existing SSI rates in the smaller rural and semi-urban hospitals in India. Methods: This is a prospective study performed in two phases involving surgeons and their hospitals from Indian rural and semi-urban regions. In the first phase, a questionnaire was administered to surgeons enquiring into the perioperative SSI prevention practices and five interested centres were recruited for phase two which documented the rate of SSIs and factors affecting them, Results: There was full compliance towards appropriate perioperative sterilisation practices and postoperative mop count practice at the represented healthcare setups. But prophylactic antimicrobials were continued in the postoperative period in more than 80% of the setups. The second phase of our study documented an overall SSI rate of 7.0%. The SSI rates were influenced by the surgical wound class with dirty wounds recording six times higher rate of infection than clean cases. Conclusions: SSI prevention practices and protocols were in place in all the less-resourced healthcare sets up surveyed. The SSI rates are comparable or lower than other LMIC settings. However, this is accompanied by poor implementation of the antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.
Enhanced Macroporous Cationic Chitosan Hydrogel by Freezing and Thawing Method with Superadsorption Capacity for Anionic Dyes
Authors: Athab Zahraa H. , Halbus Ahmed F. , Abbas Ahmed S. , Salman Jasim M. , Atiyah Abbas J. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In this work, we have developed a simple method to prepare cationic chitosan hydrogel with interconnected porous structure using freeze–thaw process and the obtained hydrogel was named FCS hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging revealed that the synthesized hydrogel demonstrated interconnected porous structure in the range of 5–20 µm. We also showed that the FCS hydrogel exhibits pH responsiveness behavior, and demonstrated reversible swelling and de-swelling behaviors maintaining their mechanical stability. We demonstrate that the FCS hydrogel swelling capacity decreased at alkaline pH and increased with a decrease in the pH value. Besides, the FCS hydrogel presented specific surface area of 78.25 ±8.75 m2g−1, due to the cryogenic treatment of glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan hydrogel could increase the surface area and permeability of composite hydrogel and then strongly increasing the adsorption capacity. Subsequently, the FCS monolithic hydrogel tested dyes removal, which provides a high removal efficiency towards anionic dyes including congo red (CR) and sodium fluorescein (SFL) dyes. Significantly, we show that the FCS hydrogel could be regenerated and reused as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment without significant loss of pollutants removal efficiency over a number of adsorption and washing cycles. This study offers a promising environmental friendly and sustainable interconnected porous hydrogel for anionic dye removal from wastewater.
Prevalence of Major Digestive and Respiratory Helminths in Dogs and Cats in France: Results of a Multicentric Study.
Authors: Bourgoin Gilles , Callait-Cardinal Marie-Pierre , Bouhsira Emilie , Polack Bruno , Bourdeau Patrick , Ariza Clarisse Roussel , Carassou Lisa , Lienard Emmanuel , Drake Jason 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The real local distribution of helminths in dogs and cats and the evaluation of risk of contamination may represent an important challenge for veterinarians due to their effects on animal health and their potential zoonotic risk. The overall goal of this study was to estimate the current apparent prevalence of the digestive and respiratory helminths infecting in client-owned dogs and cats in France.Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 414 dogs and 425 household dogs and cats, respectively, in 2017 - 2018 in 20 study sites and analysed by coproscopy. The sampling included specimens of both genders, various breeds, ages and varieties of living environments, lifestyles, and feeding regimes. Associations between parasitic infection and qualitative factors were explored. Results: Overall, 125 (14.9%) samples (15.2% in dogs and 14.6% in cats) were positive for at least one of the nine species of helminths identified. Infection rates were the highest for Toxocara canis and T. cati (8.5% and 11.3%, respectively), while Toxascaris leonina was found only in one cat (0.2%). The prevalence of Ancylostoma caninum and U. stenocephala in dogs were 1.7% and 4.3%, respectively. No hookworms were found in cats. Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) were identified in 2.7% of the dogs. Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taeniidae) were rarely found (<1% in dogs and <3% in cats). The prevalence of lungworms (Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in cats) was below 1%. Significantly higher infection rates were identified in young individuals and in animals with outdoor access, living in countryside, and in intact animals (especially in cats). In addition, cats not fed exclusively with commercial diets and living with other animals (dogs and/or cats) were at higher risk of parasites. For dogs, hunting/herding and walking off-leash are additional risk factors. Furthermore, pets never dewormed had significantly more frequently parasites than pets dewormed 1-2 times per year.Conclusions: The overall prevalence of helminths (some of which being zoonotic), the risk factors and the current low deworming frequencies reported in this study (20.5% animals never dewormed), 26.4% dewormed ≥3 times/year) illustrate the need for improving pet owners’ adherence to anthelmintic guidelines in France.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effect of Poly-Gallic Acid (PGAL) in an in vitro Model of Synovitis Induced by Monosodium Urate Crystals
Authors: Zamudio-Cuevas Yessica , Martínez-López Valentín , Luján-Juárez Iván Alejandro , Montaño-Armendariz Nathalie , Martínez-Flores Karina , Fernández-Torres Javier , Gimeno Miquel , Sánchez-Sánchez Roberto 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Gout is a chronic and degenerative disease that affects the joints and soft tissues because of the crystalline deposit of monosodium urate. The interaction between monosodium urate crystals (MSU) and synoviocytes generates oxidative and inflammatory states. These physiological characteristics have promoted the study of Poly-gallic acid (PGAL), a poly-oxidized form of gallic acid reported to be effective in in vitro models of inflammation. The effect of PGAL in an in vitro model of oxidation and synovial inflammation induced by MSU was evaluated after 24h of stimulation through the morphological changes, the determination of oxidative stress (OS), IL-1β and the phagocytosis of the MSU. A 20% reduction in synovial viability and the generation of vesicles were observed when they were exposed to MSU. When PGAL was used at 100 and 200 µg/ml, cell death was reduced by 30% and 17%, respectively. PGAL both doses reduce the vesicles generated by MSU. OS generation in synoviocytes exposed to 100 µg/ml and 200 µg/ml PGAL decreased by 1.28 and 1.46 arbitrary fluorescence units (AFU), respectively, compared to the OS in synoviocytes exposed to MSU (1.9 AFU). PGAL at 200 µg/ml inhibited IL-1β by 100%, while PGAL at 100 µg/ml inhibited IL-1β by 66%. The intracellular MSU decreased in synoviocytes stimulated with 100 µg/ml PGAL. The PGAL has a cytoprotective effect against damage caused by MSU in synoviocytes and can counteract the oxidative and inflammatory response induced by the crystals probably because it exerts actions at the membrane level that prevent phagocytosis of the crystals.
Exosomes from human urine-derived stem cells combined with hyaluronic acid ameliorate erectile dysfunction in rats of type 2 diabetes by topical administration
Authors: zhuang jingming , Gao Peng , Chen Haoran , Fang Zujun , Zheng Jie , Zhu Daqian , Hou Jiangang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The high prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a challenging clinical problem. Researches on exosomes from urinary-derived stem cells (USC-Exo) have shown that they have significant therapeutic effects in a variety of diseases including ED by injection. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is especially useful for delivering bioactive molecules. This study investigated the effects and related mechanisms of local administration of human USC-Exo combined with HA (USC-Exo-HA) on a rat model of DM2ED.Methods: UCSs were extracted from human urine samples, and identified for preparation of the corresponding USC-Exo. The effects of high glucose and USC-Exo on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were assessed in vitro using a CCK-8 assay to determine cell proliferation and pick the most appropriate concentration for subsequent experiments. Scratch and tube formation assays were performed to assess the function of HUVECs. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of genes such as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX) and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2). HA and USC-Exo-HA were prepared at concentrations and then administered topically to DM2ED rats multiple times. Intracavernous pressure (ICP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured to assess erectile function in rats. Masson, Tunel, Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis were performed to assess the fibrosis and endothelial function in corpus cavernosum, respectively. Results: Compared with the control group, the proliferation, migration ability, and tube-forming ability of HUVECs decreased in high glucose environment, while USC-Exo could optimize the function of HUVECs, reverse the expression of apoptotic genes, and enhance the antioxidant capacity. USC-Exo-HA showed improvement in erectile dysfunction compared to the HA group, and the 10-dose group was better than the 5-dose group. Histologically, the USC-Exo-HA group significantly improved apoptosis, angiogenesis and smooth muscle regeneration in the corpus cavernosum compared to the HA group.Conclusions: The topical application of USC-Exo-HA in the treatment of DM2ED rats has been proved effective. The potential mechanism might to promote the proliferation of endothelial cells and smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum, which leads to the remodeling of erectile function. And multiple dosing at intervals may make the effect more pronounced.
COVID-19 in Tunisia (North Africa): Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of the capital city Tunis
Authors: Bettaieb Jihène , Cherif Ines , Kharroubi Ghassen , Chaabane Sana , Yazidi Rihab , Dellagi Mongi , Snoussi Mohamed Ali , Salem Sadok , Marzouki Soumaya , Rebai Wafa Kammoun , Rourou Samia , Dellagi Koussay , Barbouche Mohamed Ridha , Benabdessalem Chaouki , Ahmed Melika Ben 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background:Monitoring the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is primarily based on Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As this test is mainly applied on persons with symptomatic disease, it may overlook individuals with pauci- or a-symptomatic infection. Seroprevalence studies are thus essential to get an accurate estimate of the actual SARS-CoV-2 diffusion within the populations. We report on the findings of the first serosurvey conducted in the capital city of Tunisia prior to the implementation of mass vaccination and analyzed factors associated with seropositivity. Methods:A cross sectional survey was conducted among households living in two areas of the governorate of Tunis, the capital city of the country. The survey was realized between March and April 2021, spanning the end of the second wave and the beginning of the third wave of COVID-19 and prior to the implementation of mass vaccination in Tunisia. SARS-CoV-2 specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to the spike (S-RBD) or the nucleocapsid (N) proteins were detected using an in-house ELISA test. Results were adjusted for test performance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with SARS-COV-2 seropositivity.Results:The survey included 1676 individuals from 431 households. The mean age and sex ratio were 43.3±20.9 years and 0.6 respectively. The weighted and test-performance adjusted prevalence of IgG antibodies to the N and the S-RBD proteins were 26.6% [22.9-30.8] and 25.1% [22.2-28.4] respectively. The weighted seroprevalence of anti-N and/or anti-S-RBD IgG antibodies was equal to 38.0% [34.6-41.5]. In multivariate analysis, age under 10, no tobacco use, previous diagnosis of COVID-19, a history of COVID-19 related symptoms and contact with a COVID-19 case within the household, were independently associated with higher SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence. Conclusions:After the end of the second epidemic wave, more than one third of people living in Tunis got antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Further studies are needed to monitor changes in these figures as Tunisian population is confronted to the subsequent epidemic waves and to guide the vaccine strategy.
Probabilistic Tsunami Hazard Analysis for Western Makran Coasts, Southeast Iran
Authors: Zafarani Hamid , Etemadsaeed Leila , Rahimi Mohammad , Kheirdast Navid , Rashidi Amin , Tsai Yu-Lin , Ansari Anooshiravan , Mokhtari Mohammad , Eskandari-Ghadi Morteza 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Makran subduction zone, along the southern coasts of Iran and Pakistan has a wide potential seismogenic zone and may be capable of generating large magnitude (M~9) tsunamigenic earthquakes. Considering ambiguities exist in tsunamigenic source characterization for subduction megathrusts like Makran, where detailed geologic, seismic, and geodetic data are insufficient, the probabilistic tsunami hazard analysis (PTHA) is the most prevalent approach to handle uncertainties and estimate more reliable tsunami hazard. Here, PTHA is performed for the coastal region of the western Makran, southeastern Iran. Using the logic tree approach, we have considered the uncertainty of maximum seismic magnitude, earthquake occurrence model, continuity of seismic zone, seismic coupling coefficient, depth of rupture, presence or absence of splay faults, fault locations, and fault slip distribution in PTHA calculation for the western Makran region. We have derived uniform tsunami hazard maps for two return periods of 475 and 2475 years for two confidence levels, the mean and the 84th percentile. Ground subsidence effects are also evaluated in a probabilistic manner. According to the PTHA results, Chabahar and Sirik towns are at the highest and lowest tsunami risk, respectively.
Treating Agricultural Runoff With A Mobile Carbon Filtration Unit
Authors: Phillips Bryn M. , McCalla Laura B. , Siegler Katie , Deng Xin , Tjeerdema Ron S. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Several classes of pesticides have been shown to impair water quality in California, including organophosphates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. Vegetative treatment systems (VTS) can reduce pesticide loads and associated toxicity in agricultural runoff, but many water soluble pesticides such as neonicotinoids are not effectively treated by VTS, and VTS installation is not always an option for growers required to remove non-crop vegetation for food safety concerns. Recent studies have shown that biochar filtration can be used to remove soluble contaminants, especially when coupled with other VTS components. We evaluated a mobile carbon filter system consisting of a trailer-mounted tank containing approximately 600L of biochar. Input water from a 1080 acre agricultural drainage was pre-filtered and treated with biochar during two multi-week study periods. Laboratory toxicity tests, and chemical and nutrient analyses were conducted on input and output water. Pesticide concentrations were initially reduced by greater than 99%. Treatment efficacy declined linearly and was expected to remain at least 50% effective for up to 34 weeks. Toxicity was assessed with Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus. Significant input toxicity was reduced to non-toxic levels in 6 of 16 samples. Some input concentrations of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and the pyrethroid cypermethrin exceeded organism-specific toxicity thresholds and benchmarks, but the overall causes of toxicity were complex mixtures of agricultural chemicals. Nutrients were not reduced by the biochar. Results demonstrate the utility of biochar in treating agricultural runoff, and provide measures of the longevity of biochar under field conditions.