bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The haplotypes of various TNF related genes associated with scleritis in Chinese Han
Authors: Gao Yingnan , Du Liping , Li Fuzhen , Ding Jiadong , Li Geng , Cao Qingfeng , Li Na , Su Guannan , Kijlstra Aize , Yang Peizeng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Several studies have stated that TNF-α participates in the pathogenesis of scleritis, but also in several systemic autoimmune diseases and vasculitis, of which some are associated with scleritis. Earlier GWAS and SNP studies have confirmed that multiple SNPs of TNF related genes are associated with many immune-mediated disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of TNF related gene polymorphisms with scleritis in Chinese Han. A case-control study was carried out in 556 non-infectious scleritis cases and 742 normal controls. A total of 28 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by the iPLEXGold genotyping assay.

Results
No significant correlations were seen between the individual SNPs in the TNF related genes and scleritis. Haplotype analysis showed a significantly decreased frequency of a TNFAIP3 TGT haplotype (order of SNPs: rs9494885, rs3799491, rs2230926) (Pc = 0.021, OR = 0.717, 95% CI = 0.563–0.913) and a significantly increased frequency of a TNFSF4 GT haplotype (order of SNPs: rs3850641, rs704840) (Pc = 0.004, OR = 1.691, 95% CI = 1.205–2.372) and TNFSF15 CCC haplotype (order of SNPs: rs6478106, rs3810936, rs7865494) (Pc = 0.012, OR = 1.662, 95% CI = 1.168–2.363) in patients with scleritis as compared with healthy volunteers.

Conclusions
This study reveals that a TGT haplotype in TNFAIP3 may be a protective factor for the development of scleritis and that a GT haplotype in TNFSF4 and a CCC haplotype in TNFSF15 may be risk factors for scleritis in Chinese Han.
Retinal ganglion cell degeneration correlates with hippocampal spine loss in experimental Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Bevan Ryan J. , Hughes Tim R. , Williams Pete A. , Good Mark A. , Morgan B. Paul , Morgan James E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNeuronal dendritic and synaptic pruning are early features of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to brain pathology, amyloid plaque deposition, microglial activation, and cell loss occur in the retinas of human patients and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. Retinal ganglion cells, the output neurons of the retina, are vulnerable to damage in neurodegenerative diseases and are a potential opportunity for non-invasive clinical diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer’s progression. However, the extent of retinal involvement in Alzheimer’s models and how well this reflects brain pathology is unclear. Here we have quantified changes in retinal ganglion cells dendritic structure and hippocampal dendritic spines in three well-studied Alzheimer’s mouse models, Tg2576, 3xTg-AD and APPNL-G-F. Dendritic complexity of DiOlistically labelled retinal ganglion cells from retinal explants was reduced in all three models in an age-, gender-, and receptive field-dependent manner. DiOlistically labelled hippocampal slices showed spine loss in CA1 apical dendrites in all three Alzheimer’s models, mirroring the early stages of neurodegeneration as seen in the retina. Morphological classification showed that loss of thin spines predominated in all. The demonstration that retinal ganglion cells dendritic field reduction occurs in parallel with hippocampal dendritic spine loss in all three Alzheimer’s models provide compelling support for the use of retinal neurodegeneration. As retinal dendritic changes are within the optical range of current clinical imaging systems (for example optical coherence tomography), our study makes a case for imaging the retina as a non-invasive way to diagnose disease and monitor progression in Alzheimer’s disease.
Influence of APOE genotype in primary age-related tauopathy
Authors: Robinson Andrew C. , Davidson Yvonne S. , Roncaroli Federico , Minshull James , Tinkler Phillip , Horan Michael A. , Payton Antony , Pendleton Neil , Mann David M. A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe term “Primary age-related tauopathy” (PART) was coined in 2014 to describe the common neuropathological observation of neurofibrillary tangles without associated beta-amyloid (Aβ) pathology. It is possible for PART pathology to be present in both cognitively normal and cognitively impaired individuals. Genetically, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 has been shown to occur less commonly in PART than in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we investigate the relationships between PART, AD and those pathologically normal for age, with an emphasis on APOE and cognition, using 152 selected participants from The University of Manchester Longitudinal Study of Cognition in Normal Healthy Old Age and the Manchester arm of the Brains for Dementia Research cohort. APOE genotype differed between PART and AD with APOE ε2 more common in the former and APOE ε4 more common in the latter. Individuals with definite PART were less likely to be cognitively impaired than those with AD and those with pathology considered pathologically normal for age. We postulate that the lack of Aβ in definite PART cases may be due either to an increased frequency of APOE ε2 or decreased frequency of APOE ε4 as their resulting protein isoforms have differing binding properties in relation to Aβ. Similarly, an increased frequency of APOE ε2 or decreased frequency of APOE ε4 may lead to decreased levels of cognitive impairment, which raises questions regarding the impact of Aβ pathology on overall cognition in elderly subjects. We suggest that it may be possible to use the increased frequency of APOE ε2 in definite PART to assist neuropathological diagnosis.
Socioeconomic status and beyond: a multilevel analysis of TIMSS mathematics achievement given student and school context in Turkey
Authors: Ersan Ozge , Rodriguez Michael C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSocioeconomic status (SES) is considered a major predictor of student and school achievement. In most cases, SES is not malleable or available for manipulation to improve students’ learning and achievement. Therefore, we explored other student and school-related factors that may be malleable to reduce achievement differences between students and schools in Turkey. We used the TIMSS 2015 fourth-grade mathematics data and analyzed it using hierarchical linear modeling. We found that SES at both student and school levels is a dominant factor related to mathematics achievement and a much stronger predictor at the school level. Early literacy and numeracy activities, preschool education, intrinsic motivation, and engagement in instruction were found to be significantly and positively associated with higher achievement within schools. Similarly, among the school-level variables, we found significant and positive associations between schools’ mathematics scores and instruction quality and school readiness, in the presence of SES. We recommend that preschool education and early literacy and numeracy activities at home should be promoted. Additionally, although the findings of this study indicate possible SES-based school segregation; parents, teachers, and school leaders, as well as students, should work toward a more positive school climate to reduce achievement disparities due to SES.
Occupancy of avian foraging guilds in soybean fields and borders in Entre Ríos, Argentina: responses to vegetation structure and prey resources
Authors: Goijman Andrea P. , Conroy Michael J. , Varni Vanina D. , Thompson Jeffrey J. , Zaccagnini María Elena 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundReconciling agriculture and biodiversity conservation is a challenge given the growing demand for agricultural products. In recent decades, Argentina has witnessed agricultural expansion and intensification affecting biodiversity and associated ecosystem services. Within agroecosystems, the level of habitat quality is critical for birds, and may depend on vegetation structure, availability of invertebrate prey, and the use of pesticides. Although the relationship between vegetation structure and avian occurrence has been widely studied, to our knowledge, there are no studies that also incorporate prey availability throughout the cycle of soybean crops in Argentina. We estimated and predicted the effects of land cover and temporal variation on the occurrence of avian foraging guilds in Entre Ríos, Argentina, in order to guide management related to potential ecosystem services provided by birds. We also estimated temporal effects of vegetation structure and insecticides on the main arthropod orders consumed by birds to evaluate prey availability.MethodsWe conducted bird and arthropod surveys for 2 years along transects located in 20 randomly selected soybean fields (N = 60) and their adjacent borders (N = 78) throughout the crop growing season, in four seasons. We estimated avian occupancy, accounting for imperfect detection, and arthropod counts fitting generalized linear mixed models.ResultsThe number of native trees in field borders positively influenced the occurrence of most bird species, mainly insectivores. Granivore foliage gleaners, also were positively affected by grass height. Salliers and aerial foragers were weakly affected by distance to forest and native trees. In general, the availability of invertebrates to birds was highest during the third season. Arthropod counts in borders were greater during the last three crop stages than during the pre-sowing period.ConclusionsWe found that with 10 to 15 native tree species in borders, coupled with a complex vegetation structure with shrubs and grasses, we could conserve a wide spectrum of insectivorous birds, and may contribute to the invertebrate pest control service. Vegetated field borders function as a refuge for arthropods, especially agriculturally beneficial taxa such as Hymenopterans. Finally, several groups of birds use the interior of the fields and could help control pests.
Impact of the dosimetry approach on the resulting 90Y radioembolization planned absorbed doses based on 99mTc-MAA SPECT-CT: is there agreement between dosimetry methods?
Authors: Morán Verónica , Prieto Elena , Sancho Lidia , Rodríguez-Fraile Macarena , Soria Leticia , Zubiria Arantxa , Martí-Climent Josep M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Prior radioembolization, a simulation using 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin as 90Y-microspheres surrogate is performed. Gamma scintigraphy images (planar, SPECT, or SPECT-CT) are acquired to evaluate intrahepatic 90Y-microspheres distribution and detect possible extrahepatic and lung shunting. These images may be used for pre-treatment dosimetry evaluation to calculate the 90Y activity that would get an optimal tumor response while sparing healthy tissues.
Several dosimetry methods are available, but there is still no consensus on the best methodology to calculate absorbed doses. The goal of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the impact of using different dosimetry approaches on the resulting 90Y-radioembolization pre-treatment absorbed dose evaluation based on 99mTc-MAA images.

Methods
Absorbed doses within volumes of interest resulting from partition model (PM) and 3D voxel dosimetry methods (3D-VDM) (dose-point kernel convolution and local deposition method) were evaluated. Additionally, a new “Multi-tumor Partition Model” (MTPM) was developed. The differences among dosimetry approaches were evaluated in terms of mean absorbed dose and dose volume histograms within the volumes of interest.

Results
Differences in mean absorbed dose among dosimetry methods are higher in tumor volumes than in non-tumoral ones. The differences between MTPM and both 3D-VDM were substantially lower than those observed between PM and any 3D-VDM. A poor correlation and concordance were found between PM and the other studied dosimetry approaches.
DVH obtained from either 3D-VDM are pretty similar in both healthy liver and individual tumors. Although no relevant global differences, in terms of absorbed dose in Gy, between both 3D-VDM were found, important voxel-by-voxel differences have been observed.

Conclusions
Significant differences among the studied dosimetry approaches for 90Y-radioembolization treatments exist. Differences do not yield a substantial impact in treatment planning for healthy tissue but they do for tumoral liver.
An individual segmentation and evaluation of the tumors is essential. In patients with multiple tumors, the application of PM is not optimal and the 3D-VDM or the new MTPM are suggested instead. If a 3D-VDM method is not available, MTPM is the best option. Furthermore, both 3D-VDM approaches may be indistinctly used.
Cell adhesion molecules’ altered profile in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. The paradigm of beta4-integrin, desmoglein-2, ICAM-1 and CD44s
Authors: Andreadis Dimitrios , Poulopoulos Athanasios , Epivatianos Apostolos , Nomikos Alexandros , Parlitsis Dimitrios , Christidis Konstantinos , Barbatis Calypso , Kavvadas Dimitrios , Toskas Alexandros , Papamitsou Theodora , Antoniades Dimitrios 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Alterations in intercellular and cell-extracellular matrix connections contribute to tumour development. This study investigates the expression of specific cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in salivary gland tumors (SGTs).

Methods
Formalin–fixed, paraffin– embedded tissue specimens of different types of 34 benign and 31 malignant SGTs and normal salivary glands were studied using Envision/HRP immunohistochemical technique for Desmoglein-2 (Dsg-2), beta4-integrin, CD44s and ICAM-1. Intensity of staining was evaluated in a semi-quantitative manner. Results were analyzed using Kendall’s τ and Spearman’s ρ as correlation criteria.

Results
Dsg-2 in intercellular space, beta4-integrin in cell-basal membrane, and CD44s in both types of contacts were strongly expressed in normal acinar and ductal cells, whereas ICAM-1 was expressed only at the endothelium and sparse stromal cells and monocytes. Strong correlation was found between Dsg-2 expression in adenomas and controls and between adenocarcinomas and controls. In adenomas, a distinct cytoplasmic presence of Dsg-2 was observed in addition to the usual membranous expression, with decreased expression in comparison with normal tissue. In malignant SGTs, Dsg-2 expression was absent. In most SGTs, beta4-integrin was expressed also with a distinct pattern, involving the cytoplasm and the unpolarised membrane, while CD44 was found only on the membrane. Strong correlation between beta4-integrin expression in adenomas and controls was noted, while CD44 expression was found to be correlated significantly between adenocarcinomas and controls (p < 0.001). Regarding ICAM-1, its expression was found increased in adenomas, with non-specific distribution in malignant SGTs and strong correlation between the histological subtypes and controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The different expression profile of CAMs in SGTs could possibly suggest a role on their pathogenesis, representing a model of how neoplastic cells can take advantage of normal tissue architecture and cell-extracellular matrix interactions.
Long-term survival of two patients with pancreatic cancer after resection of liver and lung oligometastases: a case report
Authors: Hagiwara Kei , Harimoto Norifumi , Araki Kenichiro , Watanabe Akira , Kubo Norio , Nakazawa Seshiru , Yajima Toshiki , Uchida Nobuyuki , Shirabe Ken 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The efficacy of resection of pancreatic cancer metastases has not been established. We here report two patients with long-term survival after resection of lung and liver metastases.

Case presentation
The first patient underwent distal pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. One year later, she underwent partial hepatectomy for a single liver metastasis. She subsequently underwent pulmonary resections 7, 7.5, 9, and 10 years later for pulmonary metastases from pancreatic cancer. Thus, this patient underwent five surgeries for metastases, one for a liver metastasis and four for lung metastases. All of the tumors were pathologically diagnosed as metastatic pancreatic cancer. She is currently alive without new recurrence 10 years after the initial diagnosis. The second patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. Four years later, she underwent a thoracoscopic partial resection for lung metastasis. The tumor was similar to the pancreatic cancer on pathological examination. She is currently alive without new recurrences 6 years after the initial diagnosis.

Conclusion
Long-term survival can be achieved in some patients with pancreatic cancer by resection of metachronous liver or lung metastases.
A pharmacological audit and advancement on the recent trend of research on Ficus benghalensis L. including its in vitro hepatoprotective activity
Authors: Karmakar Shibam , Paul Somnath , Biswas Nripendra Madhab , Khanam Jasmina , Kar Sudip Kumar , Mukherjee Hemanta , Poddar Sourav 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Trend analysis, graphical representation, and summarization of pharmacological research trends were carried out to act as guidance for the future. The main objectives of the research are to find out the complete research trend on the national tree of India so far and to validate its traditional uses along with the pharmacological hepatoprotective activity of Ficus benghalensis L. by developing three in vitro experimental models.

Methods
The fruit of the said plant (F. benghalensis) was extracted with different solvent (petrochemical ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, water) system and the yield value was determined. Phytochemical screening was also done with a different solvent. In an in-vitro study, the liver of freshly slaughtered goat (Capra Capra) was used for various investigational tests, and the hepatotoxicity was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) at a dose of 2 ml/kg, Acetaminophen at a dose of 7 g/kg, and with Erythromycin at a dose of 1.4 g/kg. The ethanol extract of fruits of F. benghalensis at the doses of 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg were used to observe its hepatoprotective effect against drug/chemical-induced in vitro hepatotoxicity as the model developed here with against a standard molecule, Silymarin.

Results
Amongst all solvents, ethanol was considered to be a universal solvent and resulted in a yield of 2.96%, which is maximum. Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of fruit also showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, and glycosides. The protein concentration of liver homogenate based on comparison with standard protein concentration was found to be 1.6 mg/mL as measured at λmax of 750 nm. About the protein concentration, catalase (enzymatic) activity was also measured using the standard curve of H2O2, to calculate the specific activity of different models to compare the study results.

Conclusion
The significant effect of the reduction of hepatotoxicity was found at a dose of 500 mg/kg of fruit extract against Silymarin. Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of fruit in terms of catalase activity with different models flourishing the new research scope to fulfill the shortage of availability of a new, efficient, safe hepatoprotective agent in upcoming days.

Graphical abstract
Phytochemical screening and antioxidant, analgesic, and anthelmintic effect of ethanolic extract of Merremia umbellate stems
Authors: Nahar Mst Nazmun , Acharzo Amit Kumar , Rahaman Md Sohanur , Zabeen Iffat Ara , Haque Shariful , Islam Md Amirul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Merremia umbellata subsp. orientalis (Hallier f.), commonly known as Sapussunda in Bengali, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of different diseases such as helminthiasis, rheumatism, fever, wounds, burns, sores, management of pain due to cut etc. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic and anthelmintic activities of ethanolic extract of stems of Merremia umbellate (ESMU).

Methods
Phytochemical investigation was carried by using standard chemical test as described in literatures. In vitro free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract was quantitatively estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals scavenging assay. Total phenolic and tannin content were spectrophotometrically determined by Folin Ciocalteu reagent whereas the flavonoid was determined by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. Acetic acid induced writhing method and hot plate method, using Swiss albino mice, were used to investigate the analgesic effect of ESMU whereas in-vitro anthelmintic activity was evaluated against Haemonchus contortus (Nematode) of cattle.

Results
Phytochemical screening revealed that the ESMU contain reducing sugar, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, gums, steroid, xanthoproteins, glycosides and acidic compound. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the extract showed scavenging potential with IC50 value of 161.81 μg/mL. Total phenolics, tannin and flavonoid content of crude extract were found to be 87.4 mg GAE/gm, 68.2 mg GAE /gm and 64.27 mg QE/gm respectively. Significant (P < 0.001) analgesic effect was observed in acetic acid induced writhing method at both doses 250 and 500 mg/kg. Similar effect was found in hot plate method that measures antinociceptive effect in response to heat stimuli. The ESMU also exhibited significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic activity in a concentration dependent manner. The paralysis time and time for death were recorded as 9.30, 8.62 and 7.65 min and 19.58, 18.82, and 16.43 min respectively at a concentration of 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.

Conclusion
Based on the results obtained in this study clearly strengthen the traditional uses of M. umbellate stems as antioxidant, antinociceptive and anthelmintic. Therefore, this result suggested that the stems of Merremia umbellata might be a potential source of useful bioactive compounds.
Macular and choroidal thicknesses in a healthy Hispanic population evaluated by high-definition spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)
Authors: Cortés Diana A. , Roca Daniela , Navarro Pedro Iván , Rodríguez Francisco J. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose
To report normal values of macular and choroidal thickness obtained from a healthy Hispanic population using Optovue (Optovue Inc, Freemont CA, USA) spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Design
Observational, cross-sectional, correlation study.

Methods
A total of 290 eyes (145 healthy subjects) were included; 69% of subjects were female. The median age was 39 ± 29 years (IQR), with a range between 18 and 89 years. The study sample was stratified into three age groups: Group 1, 18–40 years (50.3%), Group 2, 41–60 years (30.7%), and Group 3, older than 61 years (19%). Central macular, perifoveal (inner quadrants), and parafoveal (outer quadrants) thicknesses were estimated. In addition, central and peripheral choroidal thicknesses were estimated. Data analysis was performed to calculate the standardized mean difference according to the variance (Student’s t-test) and its differences with Epidat 4.1.

Results
Median macular central thickness was 250 ±30 µm (IQR) with Optovue. Median central choroidal thickness was 263 ± 48 µm (IQR). Median central choroidal thickness was greater than mean peripheral thickness. Macular evaluation showed a statistically significant difference in central, perifoveal, and parafoveal thicknesses, with lower values being recorded for the study sample compared with the manufacturer’s data.

Conclusions
SD-OCT has become a useful tool to obtain high-resolution images of the macula and choroid. This method allows precise assessment of the retinal and choroidal layers to diagnose and follow up posterior segment diseases. We are reporting normal cut-off values of macular and choroidal thicknesses in healthy Hispanic subjects evaluated with Optovue SD-OCT as new diagnostic normal parameters for research and clinical activities.