bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency with autologous cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation
Authors: jin yuqi , zhang huicheng , wang huimin , ye yufeng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the feasibility of autologous cultivated oral mucosal epithelial transplantation (COMET) for the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).Methods: Seven eyes from seven different patients with monocular LSCD were included in this study. Autologous oral mucosal epithelial cells were fabricated on ex vivo using amniotic membranes as a substrate. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by the coefficient of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Clinical formation of the conjunctiva and symblepharon was evaluated and graded on a scale from 0 to 3. Clinical safety was evaluated by the presence of persistent epithelial defects, infection, and ocular hypertension.Results: Autologous COMET was successfully performed in all seven patients. The mean follow-up period was 10.7 months, during which time the postoperative formation of the conjunctiva and symblepharon was inhibited. BCVA was improved more than two lines in six eyes (86%) during the follow-up period. Complete reepithelialization of the corneal surfaces occurred in all treated eyes. No persistent epithelial defects, corneal infection, or postoperative ocular hypertension were observed. Conclusions: Autologous COMET offers a viable and safe alternative for the reconstruction of a stable ocular surface and improves vision in patients with LSCD.
A New Choroidal Layer Segmentation Method Based on Graph Theory and Directional Curvelet Transform in OCT Images
Authors: Esmaeili Mahdad , Eghtedar Reza Alizadeh , Peyman Alireza , Akhlaghi Mohammadreza , Rasta Seyed Hossein 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Automatic segmentation of the choroid on Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images helps ophthalmologists in diagnosing eye pathologies. In nature, it is not as exhausting as manual segmentation and does not depend on human errors. In this study, sixty EDI-OCT (Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography) images of both normal and abnormal eyes gathered from Isfahan Feiz Medical Center were used. The data were manually segmented by a retinal ophthalmologist to draw comparison with the proposed automatic segmentation technique.Methods: In this study, curvelet transform based KSVD dictionary learning and Lucy-Richardson algorithm was used to remove speckle noise from OCT images. The Outer / Inner Choroidal Boundaries (O/ICB) were determined utilizing graph theory. The area between ICB and OCB was considered as choroidal region.Results: The method was evaluated on the EDI-OCT images and the average Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) was calculated to be 92.14% ± 3.30% between automatic and manual segmented regions. Moreover, by applying the latest presented open-source algorithm by Mazzaferri et al on our dataset the mean DSC was calculated to be 55.75% ± 14.54%. Conclusions: A significant similarity was observed between automatic and manual segmentations, in both normal and abnormal eyes. Automatic segmentation of the choroidal layer could be also utilized in large-scale quantitative studies of the choroid.
Accuracy of intraocular lens power calculation using Scheimpflug tomography and OKULIX ray tracing software in corneal scarring
Authors: Nabil Karim Mahmoud 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To evaluate the accuracy of intraocular lens power (IOL) calculation using Scheimpflug tomography and OKULIX ray tracing software in corneal scarring. Methods: This study was conducted on 40 consecutive eyes, 20 cases with corneal scarring and coexisting cataract, and 20 controls with clear cornea, which underwent uneventful phacoemulsification and IOL implantation following Scheimpflug tomography and OKULIX ray tracing software and third generation IOL power calculation formulas for IOL power calculation. Accuracy of IOL power calculation was evaluated by subtracting expected and achieved spherical refraction 3 months postoperatively and was recorded as mean absolute error (MAE). Distance uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) for each eye was measured using Snellen chart preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively; visual acuity was scored and converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMar). Results: In cases of corneal scarring, 20 eyes (100 %) yielded a postoperative spherical refraction which differed less than 1 diopter (D) from predicted, in 16 eyes (80 %) the postoperative spherical refraction was within 0.50 D from expected. The MAE was 0.2 D in cases, which did not differ significantly compared to controls (MAE 0.1 D). In corneal scarring cases, distance UCVA showed significant improvement from 1.3 Log Mar (Snellen equivalent 20/400) preoperatively to 0.5 Log Mar (Snellen equivalent 20/60) 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Scheimpflug tomography combined with OKULIX ray tracing software for calculation of IOL power provides accurate results in cases of corneal scarring.
Association between Muscular Strength and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Nursing Freshmen—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ren Zhongyu , Guo Liya , Cao Jianhua , Li Yingke , Yang Guang , Cheng Peng , Liu Bin , Hao Zongji , Yao Hui , Shi Dongzhe , Chen Chang , Peng Li 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Increased physical activity level is related to lower risk of depressive symptoms, and an inverse association between muscular strength and risk of depressive symptoms among the elderly population. However, the association among younger adults is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between muscle strength, using handgrip strength as a representative of skeletal muscle strength, and the risk of depressive symptoms among Chinese female college freshman. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 867 participants aged between 16-23 years. Handgrip strength was measured with a handheld digital Smedley dynamometer, and depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 20-item Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS) with 3 cut-off points to indicate elevated depressive symptoms. We found that 10.7% of participants (17.2% or 29.2%) were classified as having moderate to severe depressive symptoms using 50 as the cut-off point. After adjusting for these potential confounders, the adjusted odds ratios for moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms across tertile of relative handgrip strength were 1.00 (reference) for tertile 1, 0.61 (95% CI: 0.35, 1.04) for tertile 2, and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.39, 0.94) for tertile 3 (P for trend: 0.024). The significant associations remained when other cut-off points (SDS 48 or 45) were used. Interactions between the handgrip strength and potential confounders for depressive symptoms in the final models were insignificant. This study showed that handgrip strength is inversely and independently related to the risk of depressive symptoms among Chinese female college freshman. These results can help with the development of an effective intervention strategy against depression. For future research, it is important to explore the causality of the effects of handgrip strength on the depressive symptoms by intervention study.
Unraveling the genetic basis of drought tolerance in potato
Authors: Tessema Biructawit Bekele , Gebregiorgis Gebremedhin , Visser Richard , Linden C. Gerard van der 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Potato is highly valued as a food security crop but is sensitive to drought stress. A relatively small reduction of the optimum amount of water can already result in a significant reduction in tuber yield. Therefore, unravelling the genetic basis of drought tolerance is important in order to enhance tolerance to drought in potato. We have evaluated a diploid potato backcross mapping population for drought tolerance under field conditions. Water application was withheld at the stage of tuber initiation. At the end of the drought stress period, we collected data on a number of morphological and physiological traits.Results: The potato population showed significant reduction in several growth traits measured, as well as in tuber yield. We applied quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to find genomic regions underlying these drought tolerance traits. We found 60 QTL for several of the traits measured under well-watered and drought stress conditions. From the total number of QTLs identified, 21 were detected under water stress conditions while 39 QTLs were identified under well-watered conditions. Drought specific QTLs for tuber fresh yield was detected on chromosome 7, 9 and 12.Conclusions: There is genetic variation in potato for drought tolerance and QTLs discovered for drought tolerance traits in this study can aid in improving potato for drought tolerance.
Simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) bioaugmentation with Pseudomonas sp. HJ3 inoculated for enhancing phenol and nitrogen removal in coal gasification wastewater
Authors: Ma Weiwei , Han Yuxing , Ma Wencheng , Han Hongjun , Xu Chunyan , Zhu Hao 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
A simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) bioaugmention system with Pseudomonas sp. HJ3 inoculated was established to explore the potential of simultaneous phenol and nitrogen removal in coal gasification wastewater (CGW). When the concentration of influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total phenols (TPh) was 1,765.94 ± 27.43 mg/L and 289.55 ± 10.32 mg/L, the average removal efficiency of COD and TPh at the stable operating stage reached 64.07% ± 0.76% and 74.91% ± 0.33%, respectively. Meanwhile, the average removal efficiency of NH4+-N and total nitrogen (TN) reached 67.96% ± 0.17% and 57.95% ± 0.12%, respectively. The maximum SND efficiency reached 83.51%. Furthermore, SND bioaugmentation performed with good nitrification tolerance of phenol shock load and significantly reduced toxic inhibition of organisms. Additionally, the microbial community analysis indicated that Pseudomonas sp. HJ3 was the predominant bacterium in the SND bioaugmentation system. Moreover, the indigenous nitrogen removal bacteria such as Thauera, Acidovorax and Stenotrophomonas were enriched, which further enhanced the nitrogen removal in the SND bioaugmentation system. The results demonstrated the promising application of SND bioaugmentation for enhancing simultaneous phenol and nitrogen removal in CGW treatment.
Особенности идентичности женщин в кризисные и межкризисные возрастные периоды
Authors: Кузьмин Михаил Ю. , Миронова Елена И. , Осипенок Оксана А. 
Published: December 2019

Introduction. This paper examines the characteristics of identities in women of various ages and ethnic groups in crisis and inter-crisis age periods. The novelty of the research lies in studying the identities of women of Russian, Buryat, and mixed ethnic groups in crisis periods regardless of their age.
Methods. The study used the following techniques: (a) the Twenty Statements Test developed by M. Kuhn and T. MacPartland, (b) the Life Line technique developed by A. Kronik, and (c) the SEI test by developed E. L. Soldatova.
Results. Regardless of the periodization of crisis and inter-crisis periods in adulthood, the level of achieved identity is higher in the crisis periods. Meanwhile, the level of diffused identity is higher in the inter-crisis periods. Differences in identity statuses are mainly inherent to women of Russian ethnic group. The SEI test results showed no significant differences in women identifying themselves with Buryat ethnic group or those of the mixed ethnic group. Certain age periods are characterized by greatest differences in identity statuses. Differences in the achieved identity statuses refer to the period between the 35th and 46th year of age. Women older than 46 years of age demonstrate differences in the diffused identity statuses. During inter-crisis periods, women represent a great number of events that may happen to them in the future, as well as in the period of life that they subjectively refer to the future. During crisis periods, women with the status of achieved identity are characterized by a more detailed representation of their future. During crisis periods, women of Russian ethnic group plan their future in terms of their unique identities. Women of Buryat ethnic group plan their future being guided by social roles attributed to them.
Discussion. The empirical results obtained in this study are compared to those from previous studies in this field. The differences in the results are analyzed in terms of differences in the study samples, cultural aspects, and approaches to studying identity development.
Трехкомпонентная модель злоупотребления в межличностной коммуникации
Authors: Чуганский Сергей А. 
Published: December 2019

Introduction. One of the most relevant issues in practical psychology is the topic of abuse – manipulation, violence, and violation of personal boundaries of any kind. The purpose of this study is to provide a concise, structured view of communication abuse, expressed in a three-component model. The communication of abuse contains three components: asymmetry, variability, and purpose. The following hypotheses were verified: 1) the detection of abuse by the person in situations of interpersonal communication occurs with the simultaneous presence of all three components; 2) abuse communication can be identified more frequently (successfully) in case of a higher level of psychological competence.
Methods. To verify the hypotheses of the study, we created a questionnaire entitled Experimental Test for the Detection of Abuse. The sample of the study was comprised of 74 respondents aged 20 to 58 years, 34 of whom were professional psychologists (the group of ‘psychologists’) and 40 of whom were specialists of other professions (the group of ‘non-psychologists’). The gender composition was as follows: 24 males and 50 females.
Results. The hypotheses verification showed the following results: 1) the empirical distribution of answers for the whole sample, as well as for the “psychologists” and “non-psychologists”, does not differ from the theoretical one; 2) the results for the group of “psychologists” are significantly different from those obtained in the group of “non-psychologists”.
Discussion. Both hypotheses of the study were confirmed: 1) the detection of abuse takes place in accordance with the proposed three-component abuse model; 2) psychological competence and other kinds of psychological activities reliably contribute to a more successful recognition of abuse.
Conclusion. In the article we formulated the conclusions about the correctness of the three-component abuse model and the influence of the level of psychological competence on the ability to determine abuse in social contacts. The presented model may become a method of analyzing communications of abuse and be used to correct them.
Preparation of Palladium(II) Complexes of 1-substituted-3-phospholene Ligands and their Evaluation as Catalysts in Hydroalkoxycarbonylation
Authors: Bagi Péter , Herbay Réka , Györke Gábor , Pongrácz Péter , Kollár László , Timári István , Drahos László , Keglevich György 
Published: December 2019

:
A series of palladium(II) complexes incorporating 1-substituted-3-methyl-3-
phospholenes as the P-ligands were prepared from phospholene oxides by deoxygenation
followed by complexation with PdCl2(PhCN)2. The two 1-substituted-3-methyl-3-
phospholene ligands were trans position to each other in the Pd(II)-complexes. As the
ligands contain a P-stereogenic center, the Pd-complexes were obtained as a 1:1 mixture
of two stereoisomers, the homochiral (R,R and S,S) and the meso (R,S) forms, when racemic
starting materials were used. An optically active Pd-complex containing (R)-1-propyl-
3-phospholene ligand was also prepared. Catalytic activity of an aryl- and an alkyl-3-
phospholene-palladium(II)-complex was evaluated in hydroalkoxycarbonylation of
styrene. The alkyl-derivative showed higher activity and selectivity towards the formation
of the esters of 3-phenylpropionic acid. However, the overall activity of these PdCl2(phospholene)2-type
complexes was low.
RPS24c Isoform Facilitates Tumor Angiogenesis Via Promoting the Stability of MVIH in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Yue , Wu Youjun , Xiao Kun , Zhao Yingjie , Lv Gang , Xu Shiyan , Wu Fuquan 
Published: December 2019

Background:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of death
worldwide, and distant metastasis is responsible for the poor prognosis in patients with
advanced-stage CRC. RPS24 (ribosomal protein S24) as a ribosomal protein, multiple
transcript variant encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. Our
previous studies have demonstrated that RPS24 is overexpressed in CRC. However,
the mechanisms underlying the role of RPS24 in tumor development have not been fully
defined.

Methods:
Expression of RPS24 isoforms and lncRNA MVIH in CRC tissues and cell
lines were quantified by real-time PCR or western blotting assay. Endothelial tube
formation assay was performed to determine the effect of RPS24 on tumor
angiogenesis. The cell viability of HUVEC was determined by MTT assay, and the
migration and invasion ability of HUVEC were detected by transwell assay. PGK1
secretion was tested with a specific ELISA kit.

Results:
Here, we found that RPS24c isoform was a major contributor to tumor
angiogenesis, a vital process in tumor growth and metastasis. Real-time PCR revealed
that RPS24c isoform was highly expressed in CRC tissues, while other isoforms are
present in both normal and CRC tissues with no statistical difference. Moreover the
change of RPS24 protein level is mainly due to the fluctuation of RPS24c. Furthermore,
we observed that silencing RPS24c could decrease angiogenesis by inhibiting tubule
formation, HUVEC cell proliferation and migration. Additionally, we investigated the
molecular mechanisms and demonstrated that RPS24c mRNA interacted with lncRNA
MVIH, the binding-interaction enhanced the stability of each other, thereby activated
angiogenesis by inhibiting the secretion of PGK1.

Conclusion:
RPS24c facilitates tumor angiogenesis via the RPS24c/MVIH/PGK1
pathway in CRC. RPS24c inhibition may be a novel option for anti-vascular treatment in
CRC.
Discovery of 2-aminopyridine Derivatives with Antichagasic and Antileishmanial Activity Using Phenotypic Assays
Authors: Tezuka Daiane Yukie , de Albuquerque Sergio , Montanari Carlos Alberto , Leitão Andrei 
Published: December 2019

Background:
Compounds previously studied as anticancer were screened against
trypomastigotes to access the bioactivity. The epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi Y strain and
the promastigote form of Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum were used in this work.

Methods:
Cell-based assays were performed to access the bioactivity of the compounds using MTT
and the flow cytometry methods.

Results:
Neq0438, Neq0474 and Neq0440 had the highest potency, with EC50 of 39 μM (L.
amazonensis), 52 μM (T. cruzi) and 81 μM (T. cruzi), respectively. These molecules were inactive
for Balb/C fibroblast cell line at concentrations above 250 μM, showing selectivity for the parasites.

Conclusion:
This is the first report that demonstrates antiparasitic activity for the 2-aminopyridine
scaffold, with cross-activity against cancer cells.
Antibacterial Activity of Steroids Isolated from the Madagascar Marine Sponge Biemna laboutei: Δ7 Steroids as New Potential Agents Against Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Ralambondrahety Rahanira , Couzinet-Mossion Aurélie , Rabesaotra Vony , Andriambeloson Onja , Barnathan Gilles , Rakotovao Marcelle , Wielgosz-Collin Gaëtane 
Published: December 2019

Background:
Nowadays, the efficiency of antibiotics is endangered by the development of
resistant bacterial strains. Consequently, novel bioactive agents are intensively searched. Marine sponges
are well-known for being major sources of bioactive compounds, including unusual sterols. Until
now, among sterols, noteworthy antibacterial activity has been reported exclusively for Δ5 sterols.

Objectives:
This study aims to describe the steroid composition of the marine sponge Biemna laboutei
collected in the North coast of Madagascar, and the antibacterial activity of steroid mixture
against human pathogenic strains.

Methods:
Sponge was extracted in CHCl3/MeOH. Free steroids were separated from other lipids by
column chromatography with dichloromethane as specific eluent. Free sterols/steroids and sterol
acetates were analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Antibacterial activity
of steroid fractions was assessed for eight strains using agar diffusion with cellulose disks.

Results:
Neutral lipids were the major lipid class (79.1% of total lipids). The dichloromethane eluted
fraction contained only free steroids giving rise to the identification of eleven compounds. These components
presented exclusively Δ7 unsaturation, including lathosterol as the major one (38.4%) and four
3-oxo-steroids (11.8%). The steroid fraction of B. laboutei has exhibited inhibitory activity against
pathogenic strains but more particularly against gram(+) Bacillus cereus (MIC of 12.5 μg/mL) and
Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 25 μg/mL) strains. This latter bacterium causes several illnesses, some
of those strains being antibiotic-resistant and this becomes a worldwide health problem.

Conclusion:
This is the first report for an antibacterial activity of a mixture of Δ7 steroids against a
resistant strain of S. aureus to many antibiotics.
Design, Development and Optimization of Ramipril Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Using Solvent Emulsification and Evaporation Method
Authors: Vakhariya Rohan R. , Salunkhe Vijay R. , Randive Dheeraj S. , Bhutkar Mangesh A. , Bhinge Somnath D. 
Published: December 2019

Background:
Ramipril, an antihypertensive drug exhibits 28% of oral bioavailability
and is also excreted out quickly through the kidneys. Moreover, numerous side effects of Ramipril
have been reported such as, hypotension (postural), increasing potassium level, and angioedema,
when it is presented as an immediate dosage form. Hence, to conquer the side-effects associated
with the drug and to increase its bioavailability, the present study was undertaken.

Objective:
The objective of the proposed approach was to design, develop and optimize Ramiprilloaded
solid lipid nanoparticles.

Methods:
Solvent emulsification and evaporation method were employed to prepare Ramiprilloaded
solid lipid nanoparticles containing stearic acid and phosphatidylcholine as a lipid and surfactant,
respectively. The prepared formulations were studied for particle size analysis, % entrapment
efficiency, Zeta Potential, SEM, X-ray diffraction study, FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, in vitro
release study and stability study.

Result:
The obtained results were noted to be within the standard limits. No interaction between
Ramipril and other excipients, was confirmed with the FT-IR study of the formulations. Particle
size analysis confirmed that the size of the prepared formulations ranged between 200-350 nm.
The percent entrapment efficiency was observed in the range of 70.61-91.60%. The result of entrapment
and particle size of the nanoparticles from the R5 batch was adjudged. The designed formulation
noted a 70.50% cumulative drug release within a period of 7 h. The designed batch
showed a mean zeta potential of -29.4 mV, exhibiting good stability of the formulation.

Conclusion:
The developed formulation was found to be stable and it represents a promising system
for the sustained and controlled delivery of Ramipril.