bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Allergen-Specific IgE Concentration Is Important for Optimal Histamine Release From Passively Sensitized Basophils
Authors: Stoffersen Peter , Skov Per S. , Poulsen Lars K. , Jensen Bettina M. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe basophil histamine release (HR) assay can be used for allergy diagnosis in addition to the conventional measurement of allergen-specific IgE (sIgE). Passive sensitization of basophils increases the versatility and allows testing the biological relevance of allergen-induced IgE cross-linking in any serum unbiased by the cellular component. However, not all the patient sera perform equally well and we hypothesized that the absolute level and fraction of sIgE affect the performance. Choosing birch pollen allergy as a model, we investigated the concentration of sIgE needed for successful passive sensitization using soluble- or matrix-fixed Bet v 1.MethodsTwenty-eight sera with Bet v 1 sIgE [7 sera within each allergy class (1: 0.1–0.70 kUA/L, 2: 0.71–3.50 kUA/L, 3: 3.51–17.50 kUA/L, and 4+: &gt;17.50 kUA/L)] and a negative control serum pool were used to passively sensitize donor basophils, obtained from buffy coat blood (n= 3). The cells were incubated (30 min) with a soluble allergen (rBet v 1 from 0.2 to 50 ng/ml), matrix-fixed allergen (ImmunoCAP™ containing recombinant Bet v 1), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin mixture (maximal HR) and released histamine was quantified fluorometrically.ResultsThe lowest level of Bet v 1 sIgE generating a detectable HR (HR &gt; 10% of maximal release) in all the 3 runs was found to be 1.25 kUA/L (corresponding to allergy class 2, 0.71–3.50 kUA/L). Furthermore, sera from allergy classes 3 and 4+ ascertained a significant reproducible HR: 42/42 vs. 5/21 in allergy class 1 and 15/21 in allergy class 2. Using ImmunoCAP™s containing Bet v 1 as a matrix-fixed allergen system, similar results were obtained where the lowest sIgE concentration mediating an HR was 1.68 kUA/L and 7/7 for both allergy classes 3 and 4+.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that the IgE titer is strikingly robust in predicting the ability to sensitize basophils and produce a measurable HR.
Silica Nanoparticle Acute Toxicity on Male Rattus norvegicus Domestica: Ethological Behavior, Hematological Disorders, Biochemical Analyses, Hepato-Renal Function, and Antioxidant-Immune Response
Authors: Almanaa Taghreed N. , Aref Mohamed , Kakakhel Mian Adnan , Elshopakey Gehad E. , Mahboub Heba H. , Abdelazim Aaser Mohamed , Kamel Samar , Belali Tareg M. , Abomughaid Mosleh M. , Alhujaily Muhanad , Fahmy Esraa M. , Ezzat Assayed Mohamed , Mostafa-Hedeab Gomaa , Daoush Walid M. 
Published: April 2022

With extensive production and various applications of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs), there is a controversy regarding the ecotoxicological impacts of SiNPs. Therefore, the current study was aimed to assess the acute toxicity of silica nanoparticles in male Rattus norvegicus domestica after 24 and 96 h. Hematological, serum biochemical, stress biomarker, and immune-antioxidant parameters were addressed. Chemical composition, crystal structure, and the particle shape and morphology of SiNPs were investigated using XRD, FTIR, BET, UV-Vis, and SEM, while TEM was used to estimate the average size distribution of particles. For the exposure experiment, 48 male rats were divided into four groups (12 rat/group) and gavaged daily with different levels of zero (control), 5, 10, and 20 mg of SiNPs corresponding to zero, 31.25, 62.5, and 125 mg per kg of body weight. Sampling was carried out after 24 and 96 h. Relative to the control group, the exposure to SiNPs induced clear behavioral changes such as inactivity, lethargy, aggressiveness, and screaming. In a dose-dependent manner, the behavior scores recorded the highest values. Pairwise comparisons with the control demonstrated a significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in hematological and immunological biomarkers [lysozymes and alternative complement activity (ACH50)] with a concomitant reduction in the antioxidant enzymes [catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] in all exposed groups to SiNPs. On the contrary, there was a noticeable increase in biochemical parameters (glucose, cortisol, creatinine, urea, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), total protein, and albumin) and hepato-renal indicators, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), of all SiNP-exposed groups. It was observed that SiNPs induced acute toxicity, either after 24 h or 96 h, post-exposure of rats to SiNPs evidenced by ethological changes, hepato-renal dysfunction, hyperlipemia, and severe suppression in hematological, protein, stress, and immune-antioxidant biomarkers reflecting an impaired physiological status. The obtained outcomes create a foundation for future research to consider the acute toxicity of nanoparticles to preserve human health and sustain the environment.
Rapid and Facile Preparation of Giant Vesicles by the Droplet Transfer Method for Artificial Cell Construction
Authors: Shimane Yasuhiro , Kuruma Yutetsu 
Published: April 2022

Giant vesicles have been widely used for the bottom-up construction of artificial (or synthetic) cells and the physicochemical analysis of lipid membranes. Although methods for the formation of giant vesicles and the encapsulation of molecules within them have been established, a standardized protocol has not been shared among researchers including non-experts. Here we proposed a rapid and facile protocol that allows the formation of giant vesicles within 30 min. The quality of the giant vesicles encapsulating a cell-free protein expression system was comparable to that of the ones formed using a conventional method, in terms of the synthesis of both soluble and membrane proteins. We also performed protein synthesis in artificial cells using a lyophilized cell-free mixture and showed an equivalent level of protein synthesis. Our method could become a standard method for giant vesicle formation suited for artificial cell research.
Whole Body Vibration Attenuates Brain Damage and Neuroinflammation Following Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Chen Tao , Liu Wen-Bo , Ren Xu , Li Yun-Fei , Li Wei , Hang Chun-Hua , Wang Yu-Hai 
Published: April 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is still a major public health problem worldwide, and the research of neuroprotective drugs has encountered great difficulties. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a safe and powerful rehabilitative intervention in various clinical settings, but its effect on neurological diseases is not well documented. In this study, we investigated the effects of WBV pretreatment on brain damage following experimental TBI mimicked by controlled cortical impact (CCI) in mice. C57BL/6 J male mice were expose to WBV at 30 Hz twice per day for 20 days and injured by CCI. WBV had no effect on animal body weight, but significantly reduced the TBI-induced brain edema in the cortex. The results of immunostaining showed that the activation of microglia and astrocytes induced by TBI in brain sections was attenuated by WBV. In consistent, WBV markedly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10). In addition, WBV pretreatment alleviated neuronal apoptosis in the cortex and suppressed the cleavage of the apoptotic executive molecule caspase-1. The neurological dysfunction following TBI was determined by open field test and Morris Water Maze (MWM) assay. The results showed that motor activity, learning and memory ability were preserved by WBV compared to TBI-injured mice. In summary, our present data identified WBV as a clinically potent strategy with which to attenuate TBI-related brain damage through regulating neuroinflammation.
The Quantitation of Squalene and Squalane in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cowan Elizabeth A. , Tran Hang , Watson Clifford H. , Blount Benjamin C. , Valentín-Blasini Liza 
Published: April 2022

Chemicals of unknown inhalational toxicity are present in electronic cigarette and vaping products. E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine and other relatively hydrophilic chemicals while vaping products typically contain cannabinoids and other hydrophobic chemicals. For example, vaping products can include hydrophobic terpenes such as squalane (SQA) and squalene (SQE). However, little is known about the SQA and SQE transmission from liquid to aerosol. SQA and SQE are used in commercial products that are applied dermally and ingested orally, but limited information is available on their inhalational exposure and toxicity. We developed and validated a quantitative method to measure SQE and SQA in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to assess if these chemicals accumulate in lung epithelial lining fluid after inhalation. Calibration curves spanned a range of 0.50–30.0 µg analyte per mL bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Recoveries were found to be 97–105% for SQE and 81–106% for SQA. Limits of detection were 0.50 μg/ml for both SQE and SQA. The method was applied to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples of patients from the 2019 outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) and a comparison group. Neither SQA nor SQE was detected above the method LOD for any samples analyzed; conversely, SQA or SQE were reproducibly measured in spiked quality control BAL fluids (relative standards deviations &lt;15% for both analytes). Further applications of this method may help to evaluate the potential toxicity of SQA and SQE chronically inhaled from EVPs.
Australian Aboriginal Otitis-Prone Children Produce High-Quality Serum IgG to Putative Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Vaccine Antigens at Lower Titres Compared to Non-Aboriginal Children
Authors: Clark Sharon L. , Seppanen Elke J. , Kirkham Lea-Ann S. , Novotny Laura A. , Bakaletz Lauren O. , Cripps Allan W. , Corscadden Karli , Coates Harvey , Vijayasekaran Shyan , Richmond Peter C. , Thornton Ruth B. 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundNontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is the most common bacterial otopathogen associated with otitis media (OM). NTHi persists in biofilms within the middle ears of children with chronic and recurrent OM. Australian Aboriginal children suffer exceptionally high rates of chronic and recurrent OM compared to non-Aboriginal children. NTHi protein vaccines comprised of antigens associated with both adhesion and persistence in a biofilm are under development and could be beneficial for children with chronic and recurrent OM. Understanding the ontogeny of natural antibody development to these antigens provides insight into the value of vaccinating with particular antigens.MethodsAn in-house multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay was used to measure serum IgG titres and avidity for three putative vaccine antigens: recombinant soluble PilA (rsPilA), ChimV4, and outer membrane protein 26 (OMP26) in sera from Australian Aboriginal otitis-prone children (n=77), non-Aboriginal otitis-prone children (n=70) and non-otitis-prone children (n=36). Serum IgG titres were adjusted for age, and geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) were compared between groups using a univariate analysis model. Antibody avidity was calculated as a relative avidity index and compared between groups using ANOVA.ResultsAustralian Aboriginal otitis-prone children had lower serum IgG titres to rsPilA and ChimV4 than non-Aboriginal otitis-prone children (p&lt;0.001), and non-otitis-prone children (p&lt;0.020). No differences were observed between serum IgG titres from non-Aboriginal otitis-prone children and non-otitis-prone children. There were also no differences in the proportion of high avidity IgG specific for these antigens between these groups. Serum IgG titres to OMP26 were similar between all groups (p&gt;0.670) although otitis-prone children had a higher proportion of high avidity antibodies to this antigen.ConclusionsAustralian Aboriginal otitis-prone children had lower serum IgG titres to 2/3 major NTHi vaccine candidate antigens, suggesting these children are unable to develop persistent IgG responses due to repeated NTHi exposure. These reduced IgG titres may relate to earlier and more frequent exposure to diverse NTHi strains in Aboriginal children through carriage or infection. These data suggest that Aboriginal children may benefit from immunisation with vaccines containing these antigens to increase titres of protective antibodies.
Multi-Biomarker Points and Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure: Insights From the China PEACE Prospective Heart Failure Study
Authors: He Guangda , Zhang Lihua , Huo Xiqian , Wang Qing , Hu Danli , Huang Xinghe , Ge Jinzhuo , Wu Yongjian , Li Jing 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo quantitatively characterize the pattern of systemic impairment reflected by conventional biomarkers and assess how it relates to clinical outcomes and quality of life among patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF).MethodsPatients hospitalized for HF from 52 hospitals in China were enrolled between 2016 and 2018. They were divided into developing and validating cohorts; the developing cohort was used for calculating the weights of biomarkers and constructing the multi-biomarker panel, while the validating one was used for evaluating the relationship between multi-biomarker points and outcomes. In total, five conventional biomarkers reflecting various pathophysiological processes were included in the panel: N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T, hemoglobin, albumin, and creatinine. The weights of the biomarkers were defined based on their relationship with cardiovascular death, and each patient had a multi-biomarker point ranging from 0 to 12. The primary clinical outcome was cardiovascular death, and the other clinical outcomes included rehospitalization for HF, all-cause death, and all-cause rehospitalization in 1-year. The quality of life was measured using Kansas City Cardiovascular Questionnaire. Multi-variable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risks of clinical outcomes, and generalized linear models were used to evaluate the quality of life.ResultsIn total, 4,693 patients hospitalized for HF were included in this analysis; the median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 67 (57–75) years old and 1,763 (37.6%) were female. The median multi-biomarker point was 5 (IQR, 2–6). There were 18.0% of patients in the low point group (&lt;2), 29.4% in the mid-low point group (2–4), 27.8% in the mid-high point group (5–6), and 24.7% in the high point group (&gt;6). Compared with those in the low point group, the patients in the high point group had a significantly excess risk of cardiovascular death (adjusted hazard ratio: 5.69, 95% CI, 3.33–9.70). Furthermore, patients with higher points were also more prone to worse quality of life.ConclusionSystemic impairment reflected by abnormal conventional biomarker values was common amongst patients hospitalized for HF and had substantially cumulative adverse influence on clinical outcomes and quality of life.
Metabolomics Fingerprint Predicts Risk of Death in Dilated Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure
Authors: Vignoli Alessia , Fornaro Alessandra , Tenori Leonardo , Castelli Gabriele , Cecconi Elisabetta , Olivotto Iacopo , Marchionni Niccolò , Alterini Brunetto , Luchinat Claudio 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Metabolomics may help refine risk assessment and potentially guide HF management, but dedicated studies are few. This study aims at stratifying the long-term risk of death in a cohort of patients affected by HF due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using serum metabolomics via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.MethodsA cohort of 106 patients with HF due to DCM, diagnosed and monitored between 1982 and 2011, were consecutively enrolled between 2010 and 2012, and a serum sample was collected from each participant. Each patient underwent half-yearly clinical assessments, and survival status at the last follow-up visit in 2019 was recorded. The NMR serum metabolomic profiles were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the patient's risk of death. Overall, 26 patients died during the 8-years of the study.ResultsThe metabolomic fingerprint at enrollment was powerful in discriminating patients who died (HR 5.71, p = 0.00002), even when adjusted for potential covariates. The outcome prediction of metabolomics surpassed that of N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (HR 2.97, p = 0.005). Metabolomic fingerprinting was able to sub-stratify the risk of death in patients with both preserved/mid-range and reduced ejection fraction [hazard ratio (HR) 3.46, p = 0.03; HR 6.01, p = 0.004, respectively]. Metabolomics and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), combined in a score, proved to be synergistic in predicting survival (HR 8.09, p = 0.0000004).ConclusionsMetabolomic analysis via NMR enables fast and reproducible characterization of the serum metabolic fingerprint associated with poor prognosis in the HF setting. Our data suggest the importance of integrating several risk parameters to early identify HF patients at high-risk of poor outcomes.
Application of Time-Variable Gravity to Groundwater Storage Fluctuations in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed , Abdelrahman Kamal , Abdelrady Ahmed 
Published: April 2022

In the Middle East, water shortage is becoming more and more serious due to the development of agriculture and industry and the increase in population. Saudi Arabia is one of the most water-consuming countries in the Middle East, and urgent measures are needed. Therefore, we integrated data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), and other relevant data to estimate changes in groundwater storage in Saudi Arabia. The findings are as follows: 1) Average annual precipitation (AAP) was calculated to be 76.4, 90, and 72 mm for the entire period, Period I (April 2002 to March 2006) and Period II (April 2006 to July 2016), respectively. 2) The average TWS variation was estimated to be −7.94 ± 0.22, −1.39 ± 1.35, and −8.38 ± 0.34 mm/yr for the entire period, Period I and Period II, respectively. 3) The average groundwater storage was estimated to be +1.56 ± 1.35 mm/yr during Period I. 4) The higher average groundwater depletion rate was calculated to be −6.05 ± 0.34 mm/yr during Period II. 5) Both soil texture and surface streams in the study area promote lateral flow and carry surface water to the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea. 6) During Period II, average annual recharge rates were estimated to be +9.48 ± 2.37 and +4.20 ± 0.15 km3 for Saudi Arabia and the Saq aquifer, respectively. 7) This integrated approach is an informative and cost-effective technique to assess the variability of groundwater resources in large areas more efficiently.
Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine and Associated Factors Among College Students in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Aklil Mastewal Belayneh , Temesgan Wubedle Zelalem , Gessesse Dereje Nibret , Kassa Bekalu Getnet , Tiguh Agumas Eskezia , Kebede Azmeraw Ambachew , Ayalew Minychil Demelash , Yismaw Ayenew Engida 
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to cause morbidities, mortalities, and economic crises worldwide. College students are among the high-risk groups to acquire the disease for many reasons. Thus, the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective and safe method to control this deadly disease. Although World Health Organization advocates vaccination is the best approach to tackle COVID-19, refusal of vaccination is a global problem. Evidence of reaching out to college students is scarce in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among college students in northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 participants from January 12–26, 2021. Data were collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire, and a multistage sampling technique was used. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7.1.5.2 and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors. The level of significance was determined based on a p-value &lt; 0.05.ResultsIn this study, the student’s willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine was 34.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 30.9–38.1]. Being third-year student [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.27–2.77], being male (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.02–2.09), being married (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.28–3.33), ever watching TV (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.24–0.65), and having a positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.61–3.39) were the factors significantly associated with the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.ConclusionWillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among college students was low. Sensitization of students about COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness before directly giving the vaccine is recommended. Moreover, concerned bodies should provide improved health education to students to bring a favorable attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine.
Chinese Proprietary Medicine Xianling Gubao Capsule for Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Cheng Bai-Ru , Wu Rou-Yan , Gao Qin-Yang , Jiang Kai-Xin , Li Shuang-Sang , Qi Shi-Hao , Yuan Ming-Yi , Liu Jian-Ping 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo assess the benefit and harm of Chinese medicine Xianling Gubao (XLGB) capsule compared to conventional medication or placebo to inform clinical practice.MethodsWe included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with Jadad score ≥3 of XLGB capsule compared to pharmaceutical medication, placebo, or no treatment for primary osteoporosis. We conducted searches in EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (Sino-Med) from their inception till November 13th, 2021. Study selection and data extraction were done by two authors independently. The methodological quality of the RCTs was assessed using Cochrane’s risk of bias tool. The effect size was presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsOur searches identified 2292 records and after exclusions, eight trials involving 846 participants were included. There was no statistically significant difference between conventional medications with or without XLGB on new fracture (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: [0.13, 1.87]). Quality of life by SF-36 questionnaire of XLGB plus calcium carbonate, vitamin D3, and calcitriol was improved than that of without XLGB (MD: 6.72 scores, 95% CI: [2.82, 10.62]). XLGB increased bone mineral density similarly as calcium carbonate plus vitamin D3 (MD: 0.21, 95% CI: [-0.16, 0.58]) or as alendronate sodium, calcium carbonate plus vitamin D3 (MD: 0.00, 95% CI: [-0.10, 0.10]), but it had no additional effect as an add-on treatment to conventional medications (MD: 0.13, 95% CI: [-0.12, 0.37]). XLGB relieved pain via visual analog scale more effectively when combined with medications (MD: -1.55 score, 95% CI: [-2.47, -0.63]). XLGB as monotherapy did not increase adverse events (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: [0.28, 1.41]), or as an add-on treatment (RR: 0.25, 95% CI: [0.03, 2.16]).ConclusionThis systematic review shows that XLGB capsule appears to be safe and has a beneficial effect on the quality of life and pain relief when used alone or in combination with conventional medications in osteoporosis patients. Further large, rigorous trials are warranted to test its long-term benefit.