bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative clinical factors and visual outcomes following orbital decompression with dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Authors: Tagami Mizuki , Honda Shigeru , Azumi Atsushi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate preoperative clinical factors and visual outcomes of Japanese patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) after urgent orbital decompression.
Methods: This retrospective, observational case series study investigated 44 patients who exhibited several preoperative clinical factors that might be associated with the need for urgent orbital decompression due to DON. Additionally, the visual acuity of DON patients was compared between the patients preoperatively and at 1 and 6 months postoperatively.
Results: All 44 patients received steroid and with or without radiation therapy, with 27 patients able to avoid undergoing urgent surgery. However, the remaining 17 patients required urgent orbital decompression following a lack of response to the therapy. None of the patients who initially avoided surgery required additional surgery for DON. Factors significantly associated with the need for urgent orbital decompression surgery included: female gender, older age, long disease duration, unilateral significant DON, history of resistance to pulsed steroid therapy, unstable thyroid function, high TRAb(Thyrotrophin receptor antibody )value, poor visual acuity, presence of central diplopia, and presence of corneal problems ( P <0.05 each). The results also showed that postoperative visual outcomes of surgery for DON were acceptable.
Conclusion: This study revealed several preoperative clinical factors for DON that appear to be associated with the need for urgent orbital decompression surgery in Japanese patients.
Factor structure and measurement invariance of the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire-Short Version across gender in Chinese adolescents and young adults
Authors: Wang YingYing , Long Jiang , Liu YueHeng , Liu TieQiao , Billieux Joël 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) has become an international public health issue, particularly in adolescents and young adults. The Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire-Short Version (PMPUQ-SV) is a validated instrument that measures multiple aspects of PMPU. The current study aimed to test the psychometric characteristics of a Chinese adaption of the PMPUQ-SV and examine its measurement invariance across gender. Methods A total of 2086 participants were recruited form nine schools (six undergraduate colleges and three vocational colleges) through an online platform. Measures included socio-demographic variables, patterns of mobile phone use, the Chinese version of the PMPUQ-SV (C-PMPUQ-SV), the Chinese version of the Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21. Results Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses conducted in two independent subsamples confirmed that the postulated dimensions fit the data well. Four items, judged as either outdated or not adapted to the Chinese context, performed poorly and were removed, resulting in a shorter 11-item scale. Convergent validity was established through meaningful correlations between emotional symptoms and the C-PMPUQ-SV and addictive smartphone use. Additional measurement invariance analyses showed that the scale performed largely similarly in male and female participants. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that the C-PMPUQ-SV is an adequate instrument to study various types of PMPU in Chinese adolescents and young adults. The updated 11-item scale shortens the evaluation time and is adapted to assess contemporary smartphone use.
Distinct Actions of the Fermented Beverage Kefir on Host Behaviour, Immunity and Microbiome Gut-Brain Modules in the Mouse
Authors: de Wouw Marcel van , Walsh Aaron M. , Crispie Fiona , Leuven Lucas van , Lyte Joshua M. , Boehme Marcus , Clarke Gerard , Dinan Timothy G. , Cotter Paul D. , Cryan John 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Mounting evidence suggests a role for the gut microbiota in modulating brain physiology and behaviour through bi-directional communication along the gut-brain axis. As such, the gut microbiota represents a potential therapeutic target for influencing centrally-mediated events and host behaviour. It is thus notable that the fermented milk beverage kefir has recently been shown to modulate the composition of the gut microbiota in mice. It is unclear whether kefirs have differential effects on microbiota-gut-brain axis and whether they can modulate host behaviour per se.Methods To address this, two distinct kefirs (Fr1 and UK4) or unfermented milk control were administered to mice that underwent a battery of tests to characterise their behavioural phenotype. In addition, shotgun metagenomic sequencing of ileal, cecal and faecal matter was performed, as was faecal metabolome analysis. Finally, systemic immunity measures and gut serotonin levels were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA followed by Dunnett's post hoc test or Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U test.Results Fr1 ameliorated the stress-induced decrease in serotonergic signalling in the colon and reward-seeking behaviour in the saccharin preference test. On the other hand, UK4 decreased repetitive behaviour and ameliorated stress-induced deficits in reward-seeking behaviour. Furthermore, UK4 impaired long-term spatial learning, yet increased fear-dependent contextual memory. In the peripheral immune system, UK4 increased the prevalence of Treg cells and interleukin 10 levels, whereas Fr1 ameliorated the milk gavage stress-induced elevation in neutrophil levels and CXCL1 levels. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that both kefirs significantly changed the composition and functional capacity of the host microbiota, where specific bacterial species were changed in a kefir-dependent manner. Furthermore, both kefirs increased the capacity of the gut microbiota to produce GABA, which was linked to an increased prevalence in Lactobacillus reuteri.Conclusions Altogether, these data show that kefir can signal through the microbiota-gut-immune-brain axis and modulate host behaviour. In addition, different kefirs may direct the microbiota toward distinct immunological and behavioural modulatory effects. These results indicate that kefir can positively modulate the microbiota-gut-brain axis and support the broadening of the definition of psychobiotic to include fermented foods such as kefir.
Effects of Robot Viscous Forces on Arm Movements in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Crossover Study
Authors: Majeed Yazan Abdel , Awadalla Saria , Patton James 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Our previous work showed that speed is linked to the ability to recover in chronic stroke survivors. Patients moving faster on the first day of a three-week study had greater improvements on the Wolf Motor Function Test. Methods We examined the effects of three candidate speed-modifying fields in a crossover design: negative viscosity, positive viscosity, and a "breakthrough" force that vanishes after speed exceeds an individualized threshold. Results Negative viscosity resulted in a significant speed increase when it was on. No lasting after effects on movement speed were observed from any of these treatments, however, training with negative viscosity led to significant improvements in movement accuracy and smoothness. Conclusions Our results suggest that negative viscosity could be used as a treatment to augment the training process while still allowing patients to make their own volitional motions in practice. Trial registration This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Northwestern University (STU00206579) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (2018-1251).
The neuron pioneering the ventral nerve cord does not follow the common pathway of neurogenesis in the polychaete Malacoceros fuliginosus
Authors: Kumar Suman , Tumu Sharat Chandra , Helm Conrad , Hausen Harald 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Nervous system development is an interplay of many processes: the formation of individual neurons which depends on whole-body and local patterning processes and the coordinated growth of neurites and synapse formation. While knowledge of neural patterning in several animal groups is increasing, data on pioneer neurons that create the early axonal scaffold are scarce. Here we studied the early steps of nervous system development in the annelid Malacoceros fuliginosus.Results: We find that the first pioneer neurons are already in place in the anterior and posterior pole when broad neurogenesis is just starting. They do not express serotonin or FMRFamide which are commonly used markers in studies on nervous system architecture. A single posterior neuron prefigures the main course of the ventral nerve cord and this mode is probably ancestral for majority of annelids. Notably, none of the studied sox and proneural genes, which are commonly involved in the generation of neurons, is expressed by this important neuron. The only transcription factor we found expressed is Brn3, which likely acts on a low hierarchical level.Conclusions: We propose that the annelid ventral nerve cord pioneer neuron follows a highly divergent course of neurogenesis. The lack of Sox and proneural transcription factors, which are usually under control of patterning cell-extrinsic factors suggest a major influence of inherited cell-intrinsic properties on the development of this cell. Though cell-autonomous specification is generally an important pathway in the early development of spirally cleaving animals, its relevance for nervous system development is poorly understood. Our data suggest that closer investigation of the specification of pioneer neurons in animals featuring spiral cleavage will be highly informative to obtain a better understanding of how nervous systems form and evolve.
The puzzling mitochondrial phylogeography of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), the commercially most important insect protein species
Authors: Ståhls Gunilla , Meier Rudolf , Sandrock Christoph , Hauser Martin , Zorić Ljiljana Šašić , Laiho Elina , Aracil Andrea , Doderović Jovana , Badenhorst Rozane , Unadirekkul Phira , Adom Nur Arina Binte Mohd , Wein Leo , Richards Cameron , Tomberlin Jeffery K. , Rojo Santos , Veselić Sanja , Parviainen Tuure 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae, Hermetia illucens) is renowned for bioconversion ability of organic waste, and is the worldwide most widely used source of insect protein. Despite varying extensively in morphology, it is widely assumed that all black soldier flies belong to the same species, Hermetia illucens. We here use genetic data of 424 rearing culture and wild caught fly samples from 38 countries and six biogeographic regions to test this assumption based on data for three genes (mitochondrial COI, nuclear ITS2 & 28S rDNA). Results Our study reveals a surprisingly high level of intraspecific genetic diversity for the mitochondrial COI gene (divergences up to 4.9%). This level of variability is often associated with the presence of multiple species, but tested nuclear ITS2 and 28S rDNA markers are invariant and fly strain hybridization experiments under laboratory conditions revealed reproductive compatibility. COI haplotype diversity is not only very high in all biogeographic regions (54 distinct haplotypes in total), but also in breeding facilities and research centers from six continents (10 haplotypes: divergences up to 4.3%). The high genetic diversity in fly-breeding facilities is mostly likely explained by many independent acquisitions of cultures via sharing and/or establishing new colonies from wild-caught flies. However, explaining the observed high diversity in most biogeographic regions is difficult. The origin of the species is considered to be New World (32 distinct haplotypes) and one would expect severely reduced genetic diversity in the putatively non-native populations in the remaining biogeographic regions. But distinct, private haplotypes are also known from the Australasian (N=2), Oriental (N=4), and the Palearctic (N=5) populations. We review museum specimen records and conclude that the evidence for introductions is strong for the Western Palearctic and the Afrotropical regions which lack distinct, private haplotypes. Conclusions Based on the results of this paper, we urge the black soldier fly community to apply molecular characterization (genotyping) of the fly strains used in artificial fly-breeding and to share this data in research publications and when sharing cultures. In addition, fast-evolving nuclear markers should be used to reconstruct the recent invasion history of the species.
Selection shapes synonymous stop codon use in mammals
Authors: Seoighe Cathal , Kiniry Stephen J. , Peters Andrew , Baranov Pavel V. , Yang Haixuan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Phylogenetic models of the evolution of protein-coding sequences can provide insights into the selection pressures that have shaped them. In the application of these models synonymous nucleotide substitutions, which do not alter the encoded amino acid, are often assumed to have limited functional consequences and used as a proxy for the neutral rate of evolution. The ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rates is then used to categorize the selective regime that applies to the protein (e.g. purifying selection, neutral evolution, diversifying selection). Here, we extend the Muse \& Gaut model of codon evolution to explore the extent of purifying selection acting on substitutions between synonymous stop codons.
Using a large collection of coding sequence alignments we estimate that a high proportion (approximately 57%) of mammalian genes are affected by selection acting on stop codon preference. This proportion varies substantially by codon, with UGA stop codons far more likely to be conserved. Genes with evidence of selection acting on synonymous stop codons have distinctive characteristics, compared to unconserved genes with the same stop codon, including longer 3' UTRs and shorter mRNA half-life. The coding regions of these genes are also much more likely to be under strong purifying selection pressure.
Our results suggest that the preference for UGA stop codons found in many multicellular eukaryotes is selective rather than mutational in origin.
Sex-specific Prevalence of coronary heart disease among Tehranian adult population across different glycemic status: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study, 2008-2011
Authors: Moazzeni Seyyed Saeed , Ghafelehbashi Hamidreza , Hasheminia Mitra , Parizadeh Donna , Ghanbarian Arash , Azizi Freidoun , Hadaegh Farzad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most common causes of deaths and alarmingly Iranian populations had a high rank of CHD worldwide. The object of the current study is to assess the prevalence of CHD, including clinical CHD and silent myocardial infarction (MI) across different glycemic categories.Methods: This study was conducted on 7,368 Tehranian participants (Men=3312), aged ≥ 30 years from 2008 to 2011. Clinical CHD was defined as hospital records which approved by an outcome committee. Using Minnesota Code ECG classifications, silent MI was defined by appearance of major abnormal Q/QS waves (MC 1.1 or MC 1.2), or minor abnormal Q/QS waves (MC 1.3) plus major abnormal ST-T (MC 4.1, MC 4.2, MC 5.1 or MC 5.2.)Results: Among the total population, the age-standardized prevalence of CHD was 12.82% [confidence interval (CI) 95%:12.11-13.53]. The age-standardized prevalences of total CHD, clinical CHD and silent MI were 13.42% (12.33-14.5), 9.69% (8.81-10.56) and 3.73% (3.04-4.43) for men and were 12.70% (11.73-13.66), 8.56% (7.79-9.33) and 4.14% (3.50-4.78) for women, respectively. Moreover, 17.67% (13.90-21.44) of the male and 18.94% (14.59-23.30) of the female diabetic population had CHD. Specifically, the prevalence of total CHD among known and newly diagnosed diabetic populations and those with combined impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were 19.53% (15.22-23.84), 16.12% (12.29-19.94) and 16.84% (11.85-21.83), respectively. Compared to other glycemic categories, the prevalence of silent MI was higher among those with combined IFG and IGT (6.80 (2.84-10.76)), although it didn’t reach a significant level.Conclusion: The high prevalence of CHD, especially among those suffering from both IFG and IGT and diabetic populations, necessitates urgent implementation behavioral interventions among Tehranian populations, evidence based on guidelines for clinical management of diabetic patients.
Genome-wide identification and characterization of lectin receptor-like kinase gene family in cucumber and expression profiling analysis under different treatments
Authors: Lv Duo , Wang Gang , Chen Yue , Xiong Liang-Rong , Sun Jing-Xian , Guo Chun-Li , Yu Yao , He Huan-Le , Cai Run , Pan Junsong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are a class of membrane proteins found in plants that are involved in diverse functions, including plant development and stress responses. Although LecRLK families have been identified in a variety of plants, a comprehensive analysis has not yet been undertaken in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.).Results In this study, 46 putative LecRLK genes were identified in cucumber genome, including 23 G-type, 22 L-type and 1 C-type LecRLK genes. They unequally distributed on all 7 chromosomes with a clustering trendency. Most of the genes in the cucumber LecRLK (Cs LecRLK) gene family lacked introns. In addition, there were many regulatory elements associated with phytohormone and stress on these genes’ promoters. Transcriptome data demonstrated that distinct expression patterns of CsLecRLK genes in various tissues. Furthermore, we found that each member of the CsLecRLK family had its own unique expression pattern under hormone and stress treatment by the quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis.Conclusion This study provides a better understanding of the evolution and function of LecRLK gene family in cucumber, and opens the possibility to explore the roles that LecRLK s might play in the life cycle of cucumber.
Factorial structure and short version of the Modified Fresno Test to assess the use of evidence-based practice in physiotherapists.
Authors: Silva Anderson Martins da , Padula Rosimeire Simprini 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The Modified Fresno Test is an adapted version for physiotherapists. So far, none of the versions of the Fresno Test were subjected to analysis of the factorial structure. Objective of the study was describe the exploratory and confirmatory factorial structure of the Modified Fresno Test adapted to the Portuguese-Brazilian and analyze the statistic feasibility for the elaboration of a short version. Methods: The questionnaire was applied in 57 physiotherapists, being 36 professionals (13 of these also professors) and 21 students of the last semester of the physiotherapy course. Exploratory Factor Analysis was performed by the method of principal components. The confirmatory factor analysis was performed by the method of maximum likelihood. The score of the answers in the test and retest was evaluated, totaling 228 observations. Reliability was assessed by means of internal consistency, using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Results: The internal consistency indicated value of 0.81 for the questions of the instrument. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test presented acceptable values (KMO=0.80). The Bartlett’s sphericity test indicated that the correlations were sufficient for the analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of 3 factors (eigenvalues > 1), which explains 60.9% of total variance of the instrument. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the second model which tested a three-factor structure provided a better fit to the data. Conclusion: The analysis showed good factorial validity and adequate internal consistency for the use of the instrument consisting of 13 questions and 3 factors. This model proved to be better than the original model. The short version consisting of 9 questions may be an appropriate alternative for use in the population of interest.
Decreased Angiogenic And Increased Apoptotic Activities Of Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells In Patients With Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteonecrosis Of The Femoral Head
Authors: Yu Huachen , Liu Pei , Zuo Wei , Sun Xiaowei , Liu Hongzhi , Lu Feifan , Guo Wanshou , Zhang Qidong 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is closely associated with the dysfunction of the bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). The present study investigated the angiogenic and apoptotic activity of the BMECs in glucocorticoid-induced ONFH. Methods: This study enrolled a total of 12 patients, six of whom were assigned to the ONFH group whereas the other six served as the control group. The ONFH group was composed of patients with glucocorticoid-induced ONFH while the control group had femoral neck fractures. BMECs were isolated from the subchondral region of the femoral head. Cell proliferation, cell viability, tube formation assay, Transwell assay, TUNEL assay, and Western blot analysis were performed. Results: No significant differences were noticed in BMECs proliferation between the two groups. However, compared to the control, cell viability, tube formation, and migration of BMECs were significantly decreased and the number of TUNEL positive cells was markedly increased in the ONFH group. In the ONFH group, it was also noted that the amount of Bax and cleaved-caspase3 was elevated while that of Bcl-2 was reduced. Conclusion: The findings of our study revealed that BMECs obtained from the glucocorticoid-induced ONFH patients had decreased angiogenic and increased apoptotic activities, which could explain the pathogenesis and progression of glucocorticoid-induced ONFH.
Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery, Metabolism and Toxicity
Authors: Malaviya Pooja , Shukal Dhaval , Vasavada Abhay R. 
Published: January 2020

Background:
Nanoparticles (NPs) are being used extensively owing to their increased surface area, targeted
delivery and enhanced retention. NPs have the potential to be used in many disease conditions. Despite widespread
use, their toxicity and clinical safety still remain a major concern.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore the metabolism and toxicological effects of nanotherapeutics.

Methods:
Comprehensive, time-bound literature search was done covering the period from 2010 till date. The primary
focus was on the metabolism of NP including their adsorption, degradation, clearance, and bio-persistence.
This review also focuses on updated investigations on NPs with respect to their toxic effects on various in vitro and
in vivo experimental models.

Results:
Nanotechnology is a thriving field of biomedical research and an efficient drug delivery system. Further
their applications are under investigation for diagnosis of disease and as medical devices.

Conclusion:
The toxicity of NPs is a major concern in the application of NPs as therapeutics. Studies addressing
metabolism, side-effects and safety of NPs are desirable to gain maximum benefits of nanotherapeutics.