bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Marine Algae for Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution
Authors: Nielsen Søren Achim , Clausen Jørgen 
Published: August 2020

The phytoplankton species Chlorella stigmatophora was used to monitor the effect of lead (as lead chloride). In order to standardise the toxicity assay, initial low concentrations of algae were used during optimal supply with nutrients, to avoid the problem of light shading. The growth rates of control algae were compared during 3–4 doubling periods with those exposed to 98-980nM lead. Since heavy metals may influence enzymic activities, e.g. of selenium-containing glutathione peroxidase by precipitating selenium as selenium selenide, the growth rate was compared with the specific glutathione peroxidase activity. Our data demonstrate that it is possible to monitor for lead toxicity (and other heavy metal toxicity) both by decrease in growth rate and by inhibition of enzymic activity. Since cultivation of unicellular algae is relatively simple, it should be possible to use such systems for ecotoxicological screening.
Quantification of Eye Irritation Based upon In Vitro Changes of Corneal Thickness
Authors: Jacobs Guido A. , Martens Mark A. 
Published: August 2020

Measurement of corneal swelling is an objective assessment of irritation in in vivo tests. The same measurement may be made in in vitro tests using the isolated eye test (IET), which has been recommended by the European Community as an alternative for in vivo eye irritation tests. In order to compare the corneal swelling in vivo and in vitro, tests were performed with 34 substances. The in vitro test results were assessed for their ability to predict eye-irritant potential. The corneal swelling data in vivo after 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours were compared with the in vitro data obtained after 2 and 4 hours. Slight linear correlation was found between the corneal swelling in vivo after 4 hours and the corneal swelling in vitro after 4 hours (r=0.77). The substances tested can be divided into two groups, according to their ability to create opacity in either the epithelial layer or in the stroma. When the substances causing epithelial opacity were omitted from the comparison, a much better linear correlation was obtained between the mean corneal swelling 121 vitro over 2 and 4 hours and the mean corneal swelling calculated in vivo for all animals and over three observation times (24, 48 and 72 hours; r=0.91), the latter being the observation times prescribed by EC legislation (1). A comparison of the mean corneal opacity scores observed in vivo and the mean percentage corneal swelling in vitro gave a satisfactory linear correlation (r=0.89). From this study it can be deduced that a mean corneal swelling of 55%, obtained in isolated eyes over 2 and 4 hours, corresponds with the limit for classification as irritant, to the eye. When this criterion was applied to all substances causing no epithelial opacity (n=28), only one false positive and no false negatives were found.
Defence Mechanisms Protecting Glial Cell Cultures against the Toxicity of Lead
Authors: Grundt Inger K. , Rise Marvelyn , Nyland Harald 
Published: August 2020

— Several defence mechanisms against the toxicity of triethyllead (TEL) in cultures of glial cells have been studied. In contrast to cultures of glioma C6 cells, primary cultures of glial cells generated a resistance to the toxicity of TEL, which increased with the age of the cultures. When the time of exposure of glial cells was extended from 24 hours to 6 days and the cells were exposed to increasing doses of TEL, the activities of several metabolic enzymes were stimulated by concentrations of TEL over 10-7M. Among these were glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase. On the other hand, lactate dehydrogenase activity was not significantly affected under these experimental conditions. When the cultures were exposed to 10 8M TEL, the cellular calcium content increased and the potassium content fell. This indicates that the activation of metabolic enzymes is a response to early events in the toxic process, which include disturbances in calcium metabolism. When glial cells were incubated with lead and selenium simultaneously, the uptake of lead into the cells was reduced, and the cellular calcium content was increased by selenium.
Direct Determination of Glutathione Reductase in Cells Cultured in Microtitre Plates as a Biomarker for Oxidative Stress
Authors: García-Alfonso Concepción , Sanz Pilar , Repetto Guillermo , Repetto Manuel , López-Barea Juan 
Published: August 2020

— A new method was developed for the direct determination of glutathione reductase (GOR) activity in Vero cells cultured in microtitre plates, avoiding cell-free extract preparation. The cells in each well were washed twice with phosphate-buffered saline, lysed with Triton X-100, and assayed in 0.1M potassium phosphate, pH 7.0. After subtracting oxidase activity, which increased with NADPH concentration, the net GOR activity was similar at different oxidised glutathione (GSSG) and NADPH concentrations, thus confirming enzyme saturation. The optimised GOR assay used 2.5mM GSSG and 0.12mM NADPH; 5mM EDTA was also added to prevent the enzyme from redox inactivation. The GOR activity was directly proportional to the number of cells per well for a wide range of cell densities, thus supporting the assay's validity for use with cultured cells. The effects on GOR activity of three chemicals which induce oxidative stress, namely, paraquat, iron (II) chloride and iron (III) chloride, were examined to validate the assay under experimental conditions. The specific enzymatic activity increased to 357% of untreated control activity in 5mM paraquat-treated cells, and to 407% of control activity in cells exposed to 7.5mM iron (II) chloride. By contrast, activity decreased to 56% of control activity in cells exposed to 5mM iron (III) chloride. In conclusion, the changes in GOR activity detected in Vero cells confirm that the new assay is suitable for routine in vitro screening of toxicants capable of inducing oxidative stress.
Risk factors for surgical site infection after major oral oncological surgery: the experience of a tertiary referral hospital in China
Authors: Shi Menghan , Han Zhengxue , Qin Lizheng , Su Ming , Liu Yanbin , Li Man , Cheng Long , Huang Xin , Sun Zheng 
Published: August 2020

Objective To identify risk factors associated with surgical site infection (SSI) after major oral oncological surgery. Methods This retrospective study reviewed data from patients that underwent major surgery for oral cancer at a tertiary referral hospital in China between January 2005 and July 2016. SSI was diagnosed within 30 days. Demographic, cancer-related, preoperative, perioperative and postoperative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk factors for SSI. Results A total of 786 patients were enrolled, of whom 125 had SSI (15.9%), which were all incisional. Independent risk factors for SSI, identified by multivariate analysis, were diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 2.147, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.240, 3.642), prior radiotherapy (OR 4.595, 95% CI 1.293, 17.317) and oral–neck communication (OR 2.838, 95% CI 1.263, 7.604); and factors reflecting large extent resections were tracheostomy (OR 2.235, 95% CI 1.435, 3.525), anterolateral thigh flap (OR 1.971, 95% CI 1.103, 3.448) and latissimus dorsi flap (OR 4.178, 95% CI 1.325, 13.189). Conclusions Multiple risk factors were associated with SSI after major oral oncological surgery. To minimize SSI risk, surgeons managing oral cancer patients should have a better understanding of the risk factors, including diabetes mellitus, prior radiotherapy, tracheostomy, oral–neck communication and flap reconstruction.
Identification of differentially expressed genes between mucinous adenocarcinoma and other adenocarcinoma of colorectal cancer using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Xue , Zuo Jing , Wang Long , Han Jing , Feng Li , Wang Yudong , Fan Zhisong 
Published: August 2020

Objective As a unique histological subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC), mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC) has a poor prognosis and responds poorly to treatment. Genes and markers related to MC have not been reported. Methods To identify biomarkers involved in development of MC compared with other common adenocarcinoma (AC) subtypes, four datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using GEO2R. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed. Functional annotation for DEGs was performed via DAVID, Metascape, and BiNGO. Significant modules and hub genes were identified using Cytoscape, and expression of hub genes and relationships between hub genes and MC were analyzed. Results The DEGs were mainly enriched in negative regulation of cell proliferation, bicarbonate transport, response to peptide hormone, cell–cell signaling, cell proliferation, and positive regulation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. The Venn diagram revealed eight significant hub genes: CXCL9, IDO1, MET, SNAI2, and ZEB2 were highly expressed in MC compared with AC, whereas AREG, TWIST1, and ZEB1 were expressed at a low level. AREG and MET might be significant biomarkers for MC. Conclusion The identified DEGs might help elucidate the pathogenesis of MC, identify potential targets, and improve treatment for CRC.
Treatment of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome With Medication: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hasan Bashar , Almasri Jehad , Marwa Bilal , Klaas Kelsey M. , Fischer Philip R. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome has been recognized for decades, but treatment is largely based on anecdotal experience and expert opinion. Pharmacologic treatment is inconsistent and unstandardized. We did a systematic review to identify controlled studies from which informed treatment decisions can be made. Method: Through a standard systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we identified all English-language studies of a medication treatment for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome that included a comparison or control group and followed outcomes for at least 1 week of treatment. Results: A total of 626 studies were identified by the search criteria, and 8, involving a total of 499 patients, met the criteria. No studies were adequately similar to allow for meta-analysis. Of the identified 8 studies, 2 were randomized controlled trials and 4 had been subjected to peer review. In individual studies, there was some favorable effect with fludrocortisone, beta blockers, midodrine, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Conclusion: There is a paucity of high-quality data about effectiveness of medication in the treatment of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Nonetheless, 2 randomized trials and 6 other reports show some favorable effects of medication.
Investigation of the Shedding of Selected Respiratory Pathogens in Healthy Horses Presented for Routine Dental Care
Authors: Pusterla Nicola , Rice Molly , Henry Travis , Barnum Samantha , James Kaitlyn 
Published: August 2020

The main objective of the study was to determine the frequency of detection of selected infectious respiratory viruses and bacteria in healthy horses presented over a 12-month period for routine dental care at 2 veterinary hospitals. Nasal secretions were collected from 579 horses and tested for equine herpesviruses (EHV-1, EHV-2, EHV-4, EHV-5), equine influenza virus (EIV), equine rhinitis A and B viruses (ERAV, ERBV), Streptococcus equi subspecies equi ( S equi), S equi subspecies zooepidemicus ( S zooepidemicus), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using routine diagnostic quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. True respiratory pathogens (EHV-1, EHV-4, EIV, ERBV, and MRSA) were detected in 129 (22%) of the horses. Commensal respiratory pathogens (EHV-2, EHV-5, and S zooepidemicus) were detected in 515 (89%) of the study horses. ERAV and S equi were not detected in any of the study horses. The horses showed statistical differences between the 2 veterinary hospitals in regard to breed, age, presence of nasal discharge, rectal temperature, and detection of true and commensal respiratory pathogens. The data generated from the present study supports the risk for the transmission of true and commensal respiratory pathogens from subclinical shedders to susceptible horses. Equine veterinarians performing routine dental care should engage in routine biosecurity practices, with the goal to reduce disease spread.
Laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in systemic lupus erythematosus: Risk profiling and short-term mortality
Authors: Wang Man , Zhang Huijuan , Yang Xiaopei , Li Wei , Li Tianfang , Liu Shengyun 
Published: August 2020

Objectives To delineate laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBI), analyze risk factors for its occurrence and predictors for its short-term mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods A single center, retrospective, case-controlled study was performed in 159 SLE patients (2013–2019) to identify risk factors of LCBI by comparing patients with LCBI (n = 39) to those without infection (n = 120). The predictors associated with 30-day mortality in LCBI patients were also analyzed. Results Altogether 40 bacteria strains were isolated in 39 LCBI patients with a predominance of the gram-negative bacilli (24 strains, 60.0%). Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the leading Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms, respectively. Occurrence of LCBI was independently predicted by: SLE disease duration >4 years, SLEDAI score >4 points, glucocorticoids dose >7.5 mg/d and the previous or concomitant occurrence of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Based on the identified risk factors, we developed a matrix model for the risk of future LCBI. The 30-day mortality (39 cases) was 23.1% and healthcare-associated LCBI was a predictor for 30-day mortality in SLE patients compared with community-acquired LCBI. Conclusion Longer duration, higher disease activity and glucocorticoids dose, and occurrence of AIHA or TMA were risk factors of LCBI in SLE and its poor short-term prognosis may attribute to healthcare-associated LCBI.
The risk of hospitalized infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Sakai Ryoko , Honda Suguru , Tanaka Eiichi , Majima Masako , Konda Naoko , Takada Hideto , Harigai Masayoshi 
Published: August 2020

Objective To compare the risk of hospitalized infection (HI) between users and non-users of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Using claims data, patients were defined as SLE cases by the following criteria: 1) they had at least one SLE diagnostic code; 2) they had a prescription for specific drugs, including corticosteroids, steroid pulse therapy, and immunosuppressive drugs; and 3) they were at least 16 years old between September 2015 and July 2017 (n = 17,483). The SLE cases with at least one prescription for HCQ were defined as the HCQ group (n = 1,431), while the others were defined as the non-HCQ group. Among the SLE cases, propensity score-matched cases were observed for 1 year (n = 1,095 in each group). Results The median age and proportion of female patients in both groups were about 42 years and 88%, respectively. The proportions of cases with HIs were similar (HCQ group, 4.5%; non-HCQ group, 5.6%; p = 0.240, McNemar test). The hazard ratio of the HCQ group for HIs after adjusting for patients’ characteristics was not significant at 0.9 (0.6–1.3). Conclusion The use of HCQ was not associated with a risk of HIs in patients with SLE.
Trends in mortality from lupus in Spain from 1980 to 2018
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Durán-Romero Antonio Jose , Muñoz-Jiménez Alejandro , Conejo-Mir Julian , Pereyra-Rodríguez Jose Juan 
Published: August 2020

Background Recent studies suggest that Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) mortality rates in Spain are decreasing. However, SLE mortality in Spain has been poorly studied. The purpose of study is to assess the temporal trends of mortality rates in the Spanish population with SLE from 1980 to 2018. Methods Death records and mid-year population data were collected from the National Statistics Institute. Age-standardized mortality rates were calculated for overall population and for each sex and age group. Significant changes in mortality trends were identified by Joinpoint regressions. Also, an Age-period-cohort (APC) and Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL) analysis was carried out to know the burden of SLE disease. Results The overall SLE mortality rates in Spain has experimented an increased through the last 39 years. Mortality rates from the period 1980–1984 was 0.83 per 1.000.000 inhabitants, reaching the value to 1.77 cases per 1.000.000 from the period 2014–2018. A decreasing trend has been observed since 1999. Conclusions SLE mortality rate has increased in Spain between 1980 and 1999, with a sustained decrease up to our days.
Neonatal Pig Sertoli Cells Survive Xenotransplantation by Creating an Immune Modulatory Environment Involving CD4 and CD8 Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Kaur Gurvinder , Wright Kandis , Mital Payal , Hibler Taylor , Miranda Jonathan M. , Thompson Lea Ann , Halley Katelyn , Dufour Jannette M. 
Published: August 2020

The acute cell-mediated immune response presents a significant barrier to xenotransplantation. Immune-privileged Sertoli cells (SC) can prolong the survival of co-transplanted cells including xenogeneic islets, hepatocytes, and neurons by protecting them from immune rejection. Additionally, SC survive as allo- and xenografts without the use of any immunosuppressive drugs suggesting elucidating the survival mechanism(s) of SC could be used to improve survival of xenografts. In this study, the survival and immune response generated toward neonatal pig SC (NPSC) or neonatal pig islets (NPI), nonimmune-privileged controls, was compared after xenotransplantation into naïve Lewis rats without immune suppression. The NPSC survived throughout the study, while NPI were rejected within 9 days. Analysis of the grafts revealed that macrophages and T cells were the main immune cells infiltrating the NPSC and NPI grafts. Further characterization of the T cells within the grafts indicated that the NPSC grafts contained significantly more cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) and cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) regulatory T cells (Tregs) at early time points than the NPI grafts. Additionally, the presence of increased amounts of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor (TGF) β and decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and apoptosis in the NPSC grafts compared to NPI grafts suggests the presence of regulatory immune cells in the NPSC grafts. The NPSC expressed several immunoregulatory factors such as TGFβ, thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase, and galectin-1, which could promote the recruitment of these regulatory immune cells to the NPSC grafts. In contrast, NPI grafts had fewer Tregs and increased apoptosis and inflammation (increased TNFα, decreased IL-10 and TGFβ) suggestive of cytotoxic immune cells that contribute to their early rejection. Collectively, our data suggest that a regulatory graft environment with regulatory immune cells including CD4 and CD8 Tregs in NPSC grafts could be attributed to the prolonged survival of the NPSC xenografts.
Breast cancer overdiagnosis in stop-screen trials: More uncertainty than previously reported
Authors: Baker Stuart G , Prorok Philip C 
Published: August 2020

Objective According to the Independent UK Panel on Breast Cancer Screening, the most reliable estimates of overdiagnosis for breast cancer screening come from stop-screen trials Canada 1, Canada 2, and Malmo. The screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction is the fraction of cancers in a screening program that are overdiagnosed. We used the cumulative incidence method to estimate screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction. Our goal was to derive confidence intervals for estimated screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction and adjust for refusers in these trials. Methods We first show that the UK Panel’s use of a 95% binomial confidence interval for estimated screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction was incorrect. We then derive a correct 95% binomial-Poisson confidence interval. We also use the method of latent-class instrumental variables to adjust for refusers. Results For the Canada 1 trial, the estimated screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction was 0.23 with a 95% binomial confidence interval of (0.18, 0.27) and a 95% binomial-Poisson confidence interval of (0.04, 0.41). For the Canada 2 trial, the estimated screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction was 0.16 with a 95% binomial confidence interval of (0.12, 0.19) and a 95% binomial-Poisson confidence interval of (−0.01, 0.32). For the Malmo trial, the estimated screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction was 0.19 with a 95% binomial confidence interval of (0.15, 0.22). Adjusting for refusers, the estimated screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction was 0.26 with a 95% binomial-Poisson confidence interval of (0.03, 0.50). Conclusion The correct 95% binomial-Poisson confidence interval s for the estimated screen-interval overdiagnosis fraction based on the Canada 1, Canada 2, and Malmo stop-screen trials are much wider than the previously reported incorrect 95% binomial confidence intervals. The 95% binomial-Poisson confidence intervals widen as follow-up time increases, an unappreciated downside of longer follow-up in stop-screen trials.
Comparative Study of Presurgical Infant Orthopedics by Modified Grayson Method and Dynacleft With Nasal Elevators in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate—A Clinical Prospective Study
Authors: Abhinav B. A. , Batra Puneet , Chander Sood Sundereshwer , Sharma Karan , Srivastava Amit , Raghavan Sreevatsan 
Published: August 2020

Objective: To compare the effects of presurgical infant orthopedics using 2 different methods, that is, the Dynacleft with Nasal elevator system versus the modified Grayson’s technique in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate. Design: Prospective comparative cohort study. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients were divided into 2 groups, that is, Group A consisting of 14 patients who underwent correction with DynaCleft with Nasal elevator system and Group B consisting of 14 patients undergoing correction using the modified Grayson technique. Maxillary cast measurements were taken at 2-time intervals (pre- and posttreatment) to assess various parameters using a laser scanning machine (C500 Solutionix) and 3D software (GOM Inspect). Similarly, standardized anterior–posterior and worm’s-eye view photographs using a custom box were taken and imported to Adobe Photoshop CS6 for measurements. Paired t test and independent t test were used to compare intra- and intergroup changes, respectively. Results: The analysis of cast (primary outcome) and photographic (secondary outcome) measurements showed improved nasal asymmetry and alveolar correction in both groups which showed no significant intergroup difference when assessed using the independent t test ( P > .05). Group A showed higher chances (42.8%) of causing a T-shaped defect (due to excessive mesial-inward rotation of the minor segment) when compared to the Group B possibly due to a more controlled molding vector ( P < .05). Conclusion: Both methods proved effective in improving the nasal asymmetry, reducing the alveolar cleft gap, and approximating the lips together; but care must be taken when applying the alveolar molding vector in the Dynacleft system.