bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Histopathological Profile of Orbito-ocular Lesions at Tertiary Hospital in Northern Malawi
Authors: Sinyiza Frank Watson , Kayira Alfred , Chisale Master R.O. , Chimbatata Chikondi Sharon , Kaseka Paul Uchizi , Kamudumuli Pocha Samuel , Wu Tsung-Shu Joseph , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
BackgroundOrbito-ocular lesions are common cause of morbidity and mortality in our population yet, there is paucity of data on their pattern which is crucial for developing an effective strategy for prevention, timely detection and management. This study sought to describe the burden and histopathological pattern of orbito-ocular lesions at Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH) over a period of five years (July 2013 to June 2018). MethodsA retrospective review of the clinicopathological profile of orbito-ocular lesions diagnosed at MCH was done. Demographic, clinical and histopathological data was obtained from original histology reports. Data analysis was conducted using Stata, version 13.0 (Stata Corp. LP, College Station, TX, United States of America). Descriptive analyses were performed to summarize patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and histopathological analysis results.ResultsTwo hundred and fourteen (214) patients’ records of orbito-ocular lesions were reviewed. Patients were predominantly females 60.3%. The overall mean age was 34.81± 15.93 years. Conjunctiva was the most common site of orbito-ocular lesion accounting for 65.0% of the cases. This was followed by lid and adnexa (16.4 %) and intraocular lesions (9.3 %). Malignant lesions were the most prevalent (39.3%), followed by degenerative conditions (25.2%), other benign lesions (15.0%), Conjunctival Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) (8.4%), pyogenic and inflammatory conditions (8.4 %). The burden of cancer among males was 45.9% while in female was 34.9%. Malignant lesions were common in HIV infected patients 64.1%. There was bimodal distribution of orbito-ocular malignancies, one in the first decade of life and the other in third and fourth decade of life. Among cancers cases (84), squamous cell carcinoma, retinoblastoma, Kaposi Sarcoma and lymphoma contributed to 82.1%, 8.3%, 2.4% and 1.2% respectively. Kaposi sarcoma was found only in patient with HIV infection.ConclusionCancer constituted a substantial proportion of orbito-ocular lesions in our study population with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common malignancy in adults and retinoblastoma in children. Degenerative disease contributed a high proportion of non-malignant lesions. Therefore, there is need for appropriate strategies to improve preventive, diagnostic and management capacity for orbito-ocular lesions at MCH.
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging in Peripheral Ulcerative Keratitis. A Corneal Structural Description
Authors: BONNET Clemence , Debillon Louis , Al-Hashimi Saba , Hoogewoud Florence , Monnet Dominique , Bourges Jean-Louis , Brézin Antoine 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is an important tool, helpful to diagnose and manage many corneal conditions, but has not been reported in cases of peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK). The aim of this study is to describe AS-OCT findingsin cases of PUK.Methods: Retrospective observational case series of six eyes with a PUK with proven systemic vasculitis. Clinical course, slit-lamp photographs, and AS-OCT findings were the main outcomes.Results: The AS-OCT findings were found to correlate with the ocular disease’s level of activity. In the acute stage, an absence of corneal epithelium, a scrambled appearance of the anterior stroma and a heterogeneous stromal reflectivity were observed. During the reduction of disease level activity, an irregular hyporeflective epithelium, a smoother anterior stroma, and a homogenous hyperreflective stroma were seen. At the healed stage, a filling of the corneal defect by a hyporeflective thick epithelium, the persistence of the hyperreflective underlying stroma, and a demarcation line were observed.Conclusions: AS-OCT provides an assessment of structural changes occurring in PUK, useful for its diagnosis and monitoring.
Low doses of Bisphenol S affect post-translational modifications of sperm proteins in male mice
Authors: Řimnáčová Hedvika , Štiavnická Miriam , Moravec Jiří , Chemek Marouane , Kolinko Yaroslav , García-Álvarez Olga , Mouton Peter R. , Trejo Azalia Mariel Carranza , Fenclová Tereza , Eretová Nikola , Hošek Petr , Klein Pavel , Králíčková Milena , Petr Jaroslav , Nevoral Jan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Bisphenol S (BPS) is increasingly used as a replacement for bisphenol A in the manufacture of products containing polycarbonates and epoxy resins. However, further studies of BPS exposure are needed for the assessment of health risks to humans. In this study we assessed the potential harmfulness of low-dose BPS on reproduction in male mice.Methods: To simulate human exposure under experimental conditions, 8-week-old outbred ICR male mice received 8 weeks of drinking water containing a broad range of BPS doses [0.001, 1.0, or 100 µg/kg body weight (bw)/day, BPS1-3] or vehicle control. Mice were sacrificed and testicular tissue taken for histological analysis and protein identification by nano-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) and sperm collected for immunodetection of acetylated lysine and phosphorylated tyrosine followed by protein characterisation using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF MS).Results: The results indicate that compared to vehicle, 100 µg/kg/day exposure (BPS3) leads to 1) significant histopathology in testicular tissue; and, 2) higher levels of the histone protein γH2AX, a reliable marker of DNA damage. There were fewer mature spermatozoa in the germ layer in the experimental group treated with 1 µg/kg bw (BPS2). Finally, Western blot and MALDI-TOF MS studies showed significant alterations in the sperm acetylome and phosphorylome in mice treated with the lowest (BPS1) exposure (0.001 µg/kg/day).Conclusions: In summary, this range of qualitative and quantitative findings in young male mice raise the possibility that relatively low doses of BPS may impair mammalian reproduction through epigenetic modifications of sperm proteins.
Validation of the AUDIT scale and factors associated with alcohol use disorder in adolescents: results of a national Lebanese study
Authors: Hallit Jennyfer , Salameh Pascale , Haddad Chadia , Sacre Hala , Soufia Michel , Akel Marwan , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Rabih , Hallit Souheil 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background This study objective was to evaluate the prevalence as well as factors (smoking, internet addiction, social phobia, depression, child abuse and bullying) associated with alcohol use disorder among a representative sample of Lebanese young people, in addition to validating and confirming psychometric properties of the AUDIT scale. Methods A cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2019, enrolled 1810 adolescents aged between 14 and 17. Alcohol dependence was defined as a high AUDIT score. A principal component analysis technique to confirm the validity of the construct of the AUDIT scale score was done and a confirmatory analysis to assess the structure of the instrument was conducted. Results The mean AUDIT score was 6.46 ± 8.44 and high risk of hazardous alcohol drinking was found in 28% of adolescents. One factor solution of the AUDIT scale had been found after running the factor analysis and the confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that the χ2/df=2.4, the Steiger-Lind RMSEA was 0.10 [0.084-0.155] and the Joreskog GFI equaled 0.91 and AGFI equaled 0.92. Higher cigarette (Beta=0.372) and waterpipe (Beta=0.319) dependence, higher child sexual (Beta=0.581) and neglect (Beta=0.106) abuse, higher internet addiction (Beta=0.088), separated parents compared to living together (Beta=3.202) and higher bullying victimization (Beta=0.143) were significantly associated with higher AUDIT scores. Conclusion Alcohol dependence seems to be influenced by several risk factors among the Lebanese adolescents such as cigarette and waterpipe dependence, higher internet addiction, bullying, and child sexual and neglect abuse. Parents and healthcare professionals could use this data to influence intervention efforts.
Invasive growth of&nbsp;Aspergillus oryzae&nbsp;in rice&nbsp;koji&nbsp;and increase of nuclear number
Authors: Yasui Mizuki , Oda Ken , Masuo Shunsuke , Katayama Takuya , Maruyama Jun-ichi , Takaya Naoki , Takeshita Norio 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
‘Rice koji ’ is a solid culture of Aspergillus oryzae on steamed rice grains. Multiple parallel fermentation, wherein saccharification of rice by A. oryzae and alcohol fermentation by the budding yeast occur simultaneously, lead to the formation of a variety of ingredients of Japanese sake. In sake brewing, the degree of mycelial invasive growth into the steamed rice, called ‘haze-komi’, highly correlates with the digestibility and quality of rice koji, since the hyphae growing into the rice secrete amylases and digest starch of rice. In this study, we investigated mycelial distribution of GFP-tagged A. oryzae in rice koji made with different types of rice, such as sake rice and eating rice, with 50 or 90% polishing rate to remove abundant proteins and lipids near the surface. In addition, we compared transcriptomes of A. oryzae in the different types of rice koji. Finally, we found that A. oryzae increases the nuclear number and hyphal width in the course of 1-3 days cultivation. That characteristic could be corelated with the secretory capacity of several enzymes, and be an important selectively acquired characteristic during the breeding in long history.
Molecular characterization of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase: do single nucleotide polymorphisms affect hematological parameters in HIV positive patients?
Authors: Danquah Kwabena Owusu , Mensah Kofi , Nkansah Charles , Appiah Samuel Kwasi , Noagbe Mark , Hardy Yasmine , Ntiamoah David O. , Boateng Lillian Antwi , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Owiredu Eddie-Williams , Debrah Alexander Yaw , Addai-Mensah Otchere 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objectives: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of G6PD deficiency, the 376A → G, 202G → A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among HIV patients attending care at a teaching hospital in Ghana and determine if the SNPs are associated with a deranged hematological profile. Results: Out of the 200 participants, 13.0% (26/200) were G6PD deficient based on the methemoglobin reductase technique, with 1.5% (3/200) and 11.5% (23/200) presenting with partial and full enzyme defect, respectively. Among the 13.0% participants with G6PD deficiency, 19.2% (5/26), 30.8% (8/26), and 19.2% (5/26) presented with 376A → G only [Enzyme activity (EA): 1.19 U/g Hb], 202G → A only [EA: 1.41 U/g Hb], and G202/A376 SNPs [EA: 1.14 U/g Hb], respectively. Having the 376A → G mutation was associated with lower red blood cell (RBC) count [3.38 x106/µL (3.16-3.46) vs 3.95 x106/µL (3.53-4.41), p=0.010], but higher mean cell volume (MCV) [102.90 (99.40-113.0) vs 91.10 fL (84.65-98.98), p=0.041] and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) [33.70 pg (32.70-38.50) vs 30.75 pg (28.50-33.35), p=0.038] whereas possessing the 202G → A mutation was associated with higher MCV only [98.90 fL (90.95-102.35) vs 91.10 fL (84.65-98.98), p=0.041] compared to G6PD non-deficient participants.
Efficacy and safety of HX 110-A and HX 110-B in promoting respiratory health: An 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lee Jung-Kyu , Oh Bumjo , Yoon Seo-Young , Park Tae Yun , Heo Eun Young , Kim Deog Kyeom 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background HX110-A and HX110-B are compound extracts based on radix adenophorae and rhizoma dioscoreae, respectively, which have anti-inflammatory activity. There are limited data on whether they may help improve respiratory conditions including lung function. Therefore, in this trial, we will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of HX110-A and HX110-B for the treatment of respiratory health in adults with mild respiratory symptoms. Methods/design This will be an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial with three arms. Adults more than 40 years old with persistent respiratory symptoms will be enrolled. Patients with definite respiratory disease or with a history of recent intake of antioxidants or anti-inflammatory agents will be excluded. Study subjects will be assigned at a 1:1:1 ratio into the following three arms: controls, experimental group 1 (HX110-A), and experimental group 2 (HX110-B). Control or experimental foods will be administered for 8 weeks, and follow-up will be up to 12 weeks. The primary outcome will be total antioxidant capacity. Secondary outcomes will be inflammatory indexes, respiratory symptoms, lung function, quality of life, and fatigue level. Safety outcomes will be assessed by monitoring adverse events and vital signs, and through clinical pathology tests. Conclusion We hope that this trial will reveal the effectiveness and safety of HX110-A and/or HX110-B for medical purposes in adults with respiratory symptoms. The results should clarify if active intake of specific foods with these functional compounds may promote respiratory health in adults without definite respiratory disease.
Help seeking, trust and gender-based violence: social connections amongst displaced and non-displaced Yezidi women and men in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq
Authors: Strang Alison , O’Brien Oonagh , Sandilands Maggie , Horn Rebecca 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Conflict and displacement impact the social fabric of communities through both the disruption of social connections and the erosion of trust. Targeted humanitarian assistance requires understanding the continuing forms of social capital that shape patterns of help seeking in these circumstances. This is especially pertinent with issues such as gender-based violence (GBV) where trust and knowledge of support are major influences on accessing assistance. Methods A novel social mapping methodology was adopted amongst a Yezidi population displaced by ISIS 1 occupation and a neighbouring settled Yezidi population in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq in late 2016. Six participatory workshops were conducted to identify available resources. Subsequently, 51 individual interviews were conducted (segmented by gender and settlement status) to identify connectedness to, and trust in, the resources identified with respect to particular issues, including GBV. Results 90% of participants independently reported God as a key source of help in the previous six months, representing the most widely cited resource. Otherwise, familial and community resources were reported for all groups as the most accessed and trusted, with NGO (non-governmental organisation) provision being the least. Women drew more strongly upon familial resources than men ( Χ 2 =5.73, df=1, p=.017). There was an overall trend for reduced trust in resources in relation to the issue of gender-based violence. However, settled Yezidi women were 1.6 times more likely to trust community members and government services and 3.7 times more likely to trust NGOs on this issue than displaced women. Conclusions Mapping of social connections and trust provides valuable insight into the social capital available to support help seeking in populations of humanitarian concern. For these Yezidi populations, family, religious and community resources were the most widely utilised and trusted, although trust predominantly focused in the former two domains with respect to gender-based violence. Lack of trust appeared to be a major barrier to stronger engagement with available NGO provision, particularly amongst displaced women. The role of faith and religious resources for this population is clearly significant, and warrants an explicitly faith-sensitive approach to humanitarian assistance.
Sentinel lymph node mapping using ICG fluorescence or cone beam CT - a rabbit model feasibility study
Authors: Muhanna Nidal , Chan Harley HL , Douglas Catriona , Daly Mike , Jaidka Atul , Bernstein Jonathan , Townson Jason L , Irish Jonathan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Current sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) techniques, including use of radioisotopes, have disadvantages including the use of a radioactive tracer. Indocyanine green (ICG) based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and cone beam CT (CBCT) have advantages for intraoperative use. However, limited literature exists regarding their use in head and neck cancer SLNB.Methods This was a prospective, non-randomized study using a rabbit oral cavity VX2 squamous cell carcinoma model which develops lymph node metastasis. Pre-operatively, images were acquired by MicroCT and DCE-MRI. CBCT and NIR fluorescence imaging of ICG was used to map and guide the SLNB resection.Results Intraoperative use of ICG to guide fluorescence resection resulted in identification of all lymph nodes identified by pre-operative CT. CBCT was useful for near real time intraoperative imaging and 3D reconstruction.Conclusions This pre-clinical study further demonstrates the technical feasibility, limitations and advantages of intraoperative NIR-guided ICG imaging for SLN identification as a complementary method during head and neck surgery.
Diversity of MSDIN family members in amanitin-producing mushrooms and the phylogeny of the MSDIN and prolyl oligopeptidase genes
Authors: He Zhengmi , Long Pan , Fang Fang , Li Sainan , Zhang Ping , Chen Zuohong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Amanitin-producing mushrooms, mainly distributed in the genera Amanita , Galerina and Lepiota , possess MSDIN gene family for the biosynthesis of many cyclopeptides catalyzed by prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). Recently, transcriptome sequencing has proven to be a efficient way to mine MSDIN and POP genes in these lethal mushrooms. Until now, only A . palloides and A. bisporigera from North America and A . exitialis from Asia have been studied based on transcriptome analysis. However, MSDIN and POP genes of many amanitin-producing mushrooms in China remain unstudied, and hence the transcriptomes of these speices deserve to be analysed. Results In this study, the MSDIN and POP genes from ten Amanita species, two Galerina species and Lepiota venenata were studied and the phylogenetic relationships of their MSDIN and POP genes were analyzed. Through transcriptome sequencing and PCR cloning, 19 POP genes and 151 MSDIN genes predicted to encode 98 non-duplicated cyclopeptides, including α-amanitin, β-amanitin, phallacidin, phalloidin and 94 unknown peptides, were found in these species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that toxin peptide genes were clustered depending on the chemical substance within genus while depending on the taxonomy between genus and that the POPA genes of Amanita , Galerina and Lepiota were clustered and separated in three different groups, but the POPB genes of the three distinct genera were clustered in a highly monophyletic group. Conclusions These results above indicate that lethal Amanita species have the genetic capacity to produce numerous cyclopeptides, most of which are unknown, while lethal Galerina and Lepiota species seem to only have the genetic capacity to produce α-amanitin. Additionally, the POPB phylogeny of Amanita , Galerina and Lepiota conflicts with the taxonomic status of the three genera, suggesting that horizontal gene transfer might occur among the three genera.
Natural variation in the expression of a transmembrane protein influences cell growth in Arabidopsis thaliana petals by altering auxin availability
Authors: Miller Charlotte N. , Dumenil Jack , Lu Fu Hao , Smith Caroline , McKenzie Neil , Chapman Volodymyr , Ball Joshua , Box Mathew , Bevan Michael Webster 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The same species of plant can exhibit highly diverse sizes and shapes of organs that are genetically determined. Characterising genetic variation underlying this morphological diversity is an important objective in evolutionary studies and it also helps identify the functions of genes influencing plant growth and development. Extensive screens of mutagenised Arabidopsis populations have identified multiple genes and mechanisms affecting organ size and shape, but relatively few studies have exploited the rich diversity of natural populations to identify genes involved in growth control. Results We screened a relatively well characterised collection of Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes for variation in petal size. Association analyses identified sequence and gene expression variation on chromosome 4 that made a substantial contribution to differences in petal area. Variation in the expression of a previously uncharacterised gene At4g16850 (named as KSK ) had a substantial role on variation in organ size by influencing cell size. Over-expression of KSK led to larger petals with larger cells and promoted the formation of stamenoid features. The expression of auxin-responsive genes known to limit cell growth was reduced in response to KSK over-expression. ANT expression was also reduced in KSK over-expression lines, consistent with altered floral identities. Auxin availability was reduced in KSK over-expressing cells, consistent with changes in auxin-responsive gene expression. KSK may therefore influence auxin availability during petal development. Conclusions Understanding how genetic variation influences plant growth is important for both evolutionary and mechanistic studies. We used natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana to identify sequence variation in a promoter region of Arabidopsis ecotypes that mediated differences in the expression of a previously undescribed membrane protein. This variation contributed to altered auxin availability and cell size during petal growth.