bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monocular and binocular end‐points after epiretinal membrane surgery and their correlation to patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Krarup Therese , Nisted Ivan , Christensen Ulrik , Kiilgaard Jens Folke , la Cour Morten 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurposeThis study evaluates current available endpoints for epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery and examine their correlation to patient reported outcomes (PRO).MethodsRetrospective study including 38 eyes of 38 patients who underwent cataract extraction and subsequent vitrectomy for idiopathic ERM. The fellow eye was phakic with good visual acuity. The registered outcomes were monocular and binocular visual acuity, stereoacuity, M‐chart metamorphopsia score, aniseikonia and aniseikonia tolerance range (ATR). Two questionnaires were completed: the convergence insufficiency symptom survey and Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ‐39).ResultsMedian total aniseikonia was 11% (range 0–35). There was a statistically significant correlation between the mean total M‐chart score of the study eye and VFQ‐Near (Spearman rho: VFQ‐Near: −0.54, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the project eye, binocular BCVA, stereoacuity, ATR or mean total aniseikonia and PRO (Spearman p‐values > 0.05). There was no correlation between mean total aniseikonia and mean total M‐chart score (Spearman rho: 0.21 p = 0.26). There was a large variation between the mean total M‐chart scores and questionnaire results.ConclusionThe mean total M‐chart score is currently the best end‐points to predict PRO of ERM surgery; however, it is possible to have high M‐chart values and have no visual complaints.
Activated invariant natural killer T cells directly recognize leukemia cells in a CD1d‐independent manner
Authors: Aoki Takahiro , Takami Mariko , Takatani Tomozumi , Motoyoshi Kiwamu , Ishii Ayana , Hara Ayaka , Toyoda Takahide , Okada Reona , Hino Moeko , Koyama‐Nasu Ryo , Kiuchi Masahiro , Hirahara Kiyoshi , Kimura Motoko Y. , Nakayama Toshinori , Shimojo Naoki , Motohashi Shinichiro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInvariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate‐like CD1d‐restricted T cells that express the invariant T cell receptor (TCR) composed of Vα24 and Vβ11 in humans. iNKT cells specifically recognize glycolipid antigens such as α‐galactosylceramide (αGalCer) presented by CD1d. iNKT cells show direct cytotoxicity toward CD1d‐positive tumor cells, especially when CD1d presents glycolipid antigens. However, iNKT cell recognition of CD1d‐negative tumor cells is unknown, and direct cytotoxicity of iNKT cells toward CD1d‐negative tumor cells remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that activated iNKT cells recognize leukemia cells in a CD1d‐independent manner, however still in a TCR‐mediated way. iNKT cells degranulated and released Th1 cytokines toward CD1d‐negative leukemia cells (K562, HL‐60, REH) as well as αGalCer‐loaded CD1d‐positive Jurkat cells. The CD1d‐independent cytotoxicity was enhanced by natural killer cell‐activating receptors such as NKG2D, 2B4, DNAM‐1, LFA‐1 and CD2, but iNKT cells did not depend on these receptors for the recognition of CD1d‐negative leukemia cells. In contrast, TCR was essential for CD1d‐independent recognition and cytotoxicity. iNKT cells degranulated toward patient‐derived leukemia cells independently of CD1d expression. iNKT cells targeted myeloid malignancies more than acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These findings reveal a novel anti–tumor mechanism of iNKT cells in targeting CD1d‐negative tumor cells and indicate the potential of iNKT cells for clinical application to treat leukemia independently of CD1d.
Gelsolin inhibits malignant phenotype of glioblastoma and is regulated by miR‐654‐5p and miR‐450b‐5p
Authors: Zhang Jiakang , Furuta Takuya , Sabit Hemragul , Tamai Sho , Jiapaer Shabierjiang , Dong Yu , Kinoshita Masashi , Uchida Yasuo , Ohtsuki Sumio , Terasaki Tetsuya , Zhao Shiguang , Nakada Mitsutoshi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe have previously shown that gelsolin (GSN) levels are significantly lower in the blood of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) than in healthy controls. Here, we analyzed the function of GSN in GBM and examined its clinical significance. Furthermore, microRNAs involved in GSN expression were also identified. The expression of GSN was determined using western blot analysis and found to be significantly lower in GBM samples than normal ones. Gelsolin was mainly localized in normal astrocytes, shown using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Higher expression of GSN was correlated with more prolonged progression‐free survival and overall survival. Gelsolin knockdown using siRNA and shRNA markedly accelerated cell proliferation and invasion in GBM in vitro and in vivo. The inactive form of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β was dephosphorylated by GSN knockdown. In GBM tissues, the expression of GSN and microRNA (miR)‐654‐5p and miR‐450b‐5p showed an inverse correlation. The miR‐654‐5p and miR‐450b‐5p inhibitors enhanced GSN expression, resulting in reduced proliferation and invasion. In conclusion, GSN, which inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, is suppressed by miR‐654‐5p and miR‐450b‐5p in GBM, suggesting that these miRNAs can be targets for treating GBM.
Combination of RERG and ZNF671 methylation rates in circulating cell‐free DNA: A novel biomarker for screening of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Xu Yifei , Zhao Weilin , Mo Yingxi , Ma Ning , Midorikawa Kaoru , Kobayashi Hatasu , Hiraku Yusuke , Oikawa Shinji , Zhang Zhe , Huang Guangwu , Takeuchi Kazuhiko , Murata Mariko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent malignancy in Southeast Asia, hence, identifying easily detectable biomarkers for NPC screening is essential for better diagnosis and prognosis. Using genome‐wide and targeted analyses based on next‐generation sequencing approaches, we previously showed that gene promoters are hypermethylated in NPC tissues. To confirm whether DNA methylation rates of genes could be used as biomarkers for NPC screening, 79 histologically diagnosed NPC patients and 29 noncancer patients were recruited. A convenient quantitative analysis of DNA methylation using real‐time PCR (qAMP) was carried out, involving pretreatment of tissue DNA, and circulating cell‐free DNA (ccfDNA) from nonhemolytic plasma, with methylation‐sensitive and/or methylation‐dependent restriction enzymes. The qAMP analyses revealed that methylation rates of RERG, ZNF671, ITGA4, and SHISA3 were significantly higher in NPC primary tumor tissues compared to noncancerous tissues, with sufficient diagnostic accuracy of the area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). Interestingly, higher methylation rates of RERG in ccfDNA were statistically significant and yielded a very good AUC; however, those of ZNF671, ITGA4, and SHISA3 were not significant. Furthermore, the combination of methylation rates of RERG and ZNF671 in ccfDNA showed higher diagnostic accuracy than either of them individually. In conclusion, the methylation rates of specific genes in ccfDNA can serve as novel biomarkers for early detection and screening of NPC.
Regulating without controlling: Children's food and self‐management in the U.S. middle class
Authors: Patico Jennifer 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis ethnography examines how adults in an Atlanta community approached the challenges involved in children's food socialisation and emotional socialisation at large. In both realms, self‐management was the ultimate goal. For parents, striking a balance between conscientious attentiveness and offensively controlling behaviours was key. Ultimately, the realm of children's food revealed emotional tensions inherent in middle‐class models of selfhood, where both children and adults come under scrutiny for their comportment and tastes, and where careful regulation is deemed both necessary and problematic in ways that work to deflect attention from the compensatory labour of parents in a neoliberal economy.
Economic thoughts on COVID‐19 for Canadian food processors
Authors: Hailu Getu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this paper, I explore the potential effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on Canadian food processors. First, COVID‐19 may have an impact on food processing economic activities because of supply and demand shocks. Second, the impact of COVID‐19 on food processing may depend on the type of products and the size of the processors. The effects of measures taken by the government to flatten the epidemiological curve on the economic activities of the food processing sector are uncertain.
Spatial heterogeneity in population change of the globally threatened European turtle dove in Spain: The role of environmental favourability and land use
Authors: Moreno‐Zarate Lara , Estrada Alba , Peach Will , Arroyo Beatriz 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimTo describe the population trend for European turtle doves in Spain. To identify favourable and unfavourable areas for the species and to test whether favourability or land use explain spatial variation in abundance change.LocationMainland Spain.MethodsWe used generalized linear models with extensive abundance data to describe population change for the European turtle dove across Spain. We used breeding distribution (presence/absence) data at 100 km2 resolution to model environmental favourability in relation to topo‐climatic and land use variables. Finally, we tested whether land use and favourability explained spatial variation in abundance trends.ResultsThe large Spanish turtle dove population declined by 37% between 1996 and 2018. Favourability was highest in the south, east and north–west of Spain and lowest in the north and at higher altitudes. Abundance trends were more negative in areas of lower environmental favourability and in localities dominated by arboreal habitats such as forests, “dehesas” (open agro‐forestry landscapes with scattered Quercus trees), transitional woodland shrubs or sclerophyllous vegetation (a mixture of sclerophyllous shrubs with some scattered trees). Trends were more positive in localities dominated by complex cultivation (small parcels of mixed crop types, including woody permanent crops like olive, or almond trees or vineyards).Main conclusionsOur study highlights a substantial recent decline in the numerically important turtle dove breeding population in Spain. Declines in abundance were more strongly associated with arboreal (forest and shrub areas) rather than agricultural habitats, highlighting an urgent need for further research into the ecology of this important quarry species in arboreal breeding habitats in southern Europe.
Severe aortic regurgitation with intimal intussusception secondary to Debakey type I aortic dissection
Authors: Nakamura Ryo , Honda Kentaro , Yuzaki Mitsuru , Nishimura Yoshiharu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAortic regurgitation (AR) with intimal intussusception, secondary to aortic dissection, is relatively rare and the images are interesting findings. We report a typical case of severe AR with intimal intussusception, secondary to DeBakey type I aortic dissection, detected by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Since there are three types of aortic regurgitation with aortic dissection, it is imperative to consider the most appropriate intervention for AR. The combination of CECT, TEE, and surgical findings may play an important role in determining the optimum surgical procedure for AR with aortic dissection.
Hanoverian F/W‐line contributes to segregation of Warmblood fragile foal syndrome type 1 variant PLOD1:c.2032G>A in Warmblood horses
Authors: Metzger Julia , Kreft Oliver , Sieme Harald , Martinsson Gunilla , Reineking Wencke , Hewicker‐Trautwein Marion , Distl Ottmar 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundWarmblood fragile foal syndrome (WFFS) is a lethal condition detected in Warmblood horses. Its origin and association with performance traits and fertility among horse populations is unknown.ObjectivesTo validate the previously identified WFFS type 1 (WFFST1)‐associated missense variant PLOD1:c.2032G>A and to investigate its distribution among various horses with particular focus on Hanoverian breed, as well as its pathomorphological picture. The study aimed at identifying the origin of the mutant allele and its correlation with performance and fertility traits in Warmblood horses.Study designRetrospective case‐control and association study.MethodsWFFST1 variant was validated using whole genome sequencing (WGS) in 78 equids. In an affected foal with a homozygous mutant genotype, necropsy was performed. Skin samples were examined using histology and transmission electron microscopy. Pathway analysis was performed to trace back 81 genetic carriers to the most common recent ancestor. Furthermore, generalised linear model analysis was employed to test estimated breeding values (EBVs) for differences in performance and fertility traits among different genotypes in Hanoverian horses.ResultsWFFST1 variant had the lowest minor allele frequency among all variants detected in WGS data in the region of PLOD1. Further genotyping of this variant revealed allele frequencies of 0.14 in Hanoverian horses. Histological investigations of the WFFST1‐affected foal showed loosely arranged collagen fibres in the dermis. Ultrastructurally, multifocal areas with degraded collagen fibrils and fibrillar plaques were detected. Further pathway analysis revealed a stallion from the Hanoverian sire F/W line as the most common recent ancestor of all tested genetic carriers. Furthermore, WFFST1 variant was found to be correlated with EBVs for gait‐related traits as well as conformation and dressage.Main limitationsStudy evaluated carriers and cases only from Europe.ConclusionsThis study provides a comprehensive evaluation of WFFST1 variant and traces it back to its potential origin.
Effects of CuO content in the glass on the interfacial reaction for the NiCuZn ferrites‐FeSiCr alloy composites
Authors: Hsiang Hsing‐I , Yang Sheng‐Mao , Chen Chih‐Cheng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe effects of CuO content in Bi‐B‐Si‐Zn glass on the interfacial reaction between the glasses and FeSiCr alloy powder and NiCuZn ferrites, microstructure, and adhesion strength were investigated. For the FeSiCr alloy and glass interface, the iron in FeSiCr alloy dissolves into the glass and is oxidized into Fe3+ during heating. The copper ions in the glass are reduced to elemental copper near the interface to maintain charge neutrality. This leads to chemical bonding between the FeSiCr alloy and glass at 750°C under air atmosphere. The CuO in the glass increases the wettability and adhesion between the FeSiCr alloy and glass. The redox reaction inhibits crack propagation from Vickers indentations in the spherical copper‐rich precipitates near the interface, but the presence of pores in the glass layer would decrease the adhesion strength. In the FeSiCr alloy/glass/NiCuZn ferrites/glass/FeSiCr alloy structure, glass with 5 wt% CuO exhibited higher pulling strength. Moreover, the amount of elemental copper precipitates increased as the heat‐treatment temperature was increased to 800 and 850°C, leading to an increase in the glass and FeSiCr alloy adhesion strength.
Impact of CBCT image quality on the confidence of furcation measurements
Authors: Rinne Carin Aime , Dagassan‐Berndt Dorothea C. , Connert Thomas , Müller‐Gerbl Magdalena , Weiger Roland , Walter Clemens 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the impact of scanning parameter in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) images on accuracy and confidence with measurements of furcation involvement (FI) in maxillary molars.Material and methodsSix half cadaver heads with present maxillary molars (n = 10) were available. CBCT scans with the fixed‐parameter field of view (4 × 4 cm, 12 × 17 cm) amperage and voltage (4 mA, 90 kV) and with varying scan modes (SM), that is images/scan (IS), voxel sizes (VZ) and rotation (R), were performed using one CBCT apparatus. The images were analysed by two calibrated investigators. Horizontal FI's were measured in mm or a “through and through” destruction (FI degree III) was recorded. Each rater scored the FI measurements performed in each scan as “confident” or as “not confident”. Data were statistically analysed using chi‐square tests.ResultsThe agreement between CBCT FI measurements and intra‐surgical FI measurements varied according to SM (SM HiSp 180°, 0.08: kappa 0.538, CI; 95%: 0.362–0.714; SM Std. 360°, 0.25: kappa 0.698, CI; 95%: 0.534–0.861). The number of measurements scored as “confident” varied according to SM (SM Std. 360°, 0.08:52 out of 60 measurements; SM Std. 360°, 0.25:16 out of 60 measurements;p < .001).ConclusionsSM of CBCT significantly affect the confidence with FI measurements in maxillary molars.
Entomopathogenic nematodes control Plum Sawflies (Hoplocampa minuta and H. flava)
Authors: Nježić Branimir , Ehlers Ralf‐Udo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPlum sawflies are among the most damaging pests of European plum. Current control strategy implies insecticide application. Three species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Steinernema feltiae Filipjev, S. carpocapsae Weiser and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar were tested under laboratory and field conditions to assess effectiveness against larval and adult stages. Laboratory tests resulted in up to 100% mortality of last instar larvae before construction of a cocoon. However, the nematodes were not able to penetrate the cocoon. Foliar application did not result in plum sawflies larvae infestation by EPNs. Under field conditions, the nematodes reduced the number of emerging adults by application against sawfly larvae in the previous year before migration into the soil for overwintering by 62%–92%. Application of the nematodes against adults just before their anticipated emergence resulted in reduction of fruit infestation up to 100%. Mean results of 5 trials using caged trees were 47.8% with S. feltiae, 56.3% with S. carpocapsae and 62.9% with H. bacteriophora. In open field trails, control of adults obtained with S. feltiae at 0.5 million nematodes/m2 was 98.2 and 67.8% and at 0.25 million m−2 41.7 and 41.2%. Forecasting adult emergence and optimal soil moisture conditions are essential for success of the nematode application.
First report of signs of infection by Coccomyxa‐like algae in wild blue mussels, Mytilus spp., in the Gulf of Maine (USA, Maine)
Authors: Zuykov Michael , Allam Bassem , Gosselin Michel , Archambault Philippe , Spiers Graeme , Schindler Michael 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn August 2019, visual inspection of intertidal zones of the Gulf of Maine (ME, USA) revealed young and adult wild blue mussels, Mytilus spp., in Alley Bay (Jonesport area) with the distinctive L‐shaped shell deformity (LSSD) and green spots (GS) in the mantle and adductor muscle. LSSD is a characteristic sign of current or previous mussel infection by photosynthetic unicellular alga from the group Coccomyxa, while GS are algal colonies. Based on these findings, this study represents the first report of infection signs by pathogenic Coccomyxa‐like algae in mussels from the coastal waters of the Northeastern United States, providing a base for future large scale monitoring of the alga in the region.
Development of sago (Metroxylon sagu)‐based colorimetric indicator incorporated with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) anthocyanin for intelligent food packaging
Authors: Ahmad Afiqah Nabihah , Abdullah Lim Syazana , Navaranjan Namasivayam 
Published: April 2020

AbstractInnovation in colorimetric sensors to detect early signs of food spoilage is a growing interest in food safety and quality control. Currently available chemical dyes for sensor applications have concern because of their possible migration into food packaging and food in contact. In this study, a colorimetric indicator was developed using natural butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) anthocyanin with Sago (Metroxylon sagu) as polymeric film. The principle was based on pH shift due to chemical processes produced by microorganism causing anthocyanin color to change. The film was fabricated by solvent casting method and characterized by color change at different pH values, total water solubility, swelling rate, and morphological structure. Trials on chicken breast samples in various conditions exhibited that the film indicator responded well according to pH variation enabling a real‐time monitoring due to spoilage. Thus, our natural pH indicator with visible color variation allows for simple, economic and safe monitoring of perishable foods.
Melatonin attenuates choroidal neovascularization by regulating macrophage/microglia polarization via inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Yue , Cui Kaixuan , Li Jia , Tang Xiaoyu , Lin Jianqiang , Lu Xi , Huang Rong , Yang Boyu , Shi Yuxun , Ye Dan , Huang Jingjing , Yu Shanshan , Liang Xiaoling 
Published: April 2020

AbstractChoroidal neovascularization (CNV) is an important characteristic of advanced wet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and leads to severe visual impairment among elderly patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that melatonin induces several biological effects related to antioxidation, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐angiogenesis. However, the role of melatonin in CNV, and its underlying mechanisms, has not been investigated thus far. In this study, we found that melatonin administration significantly reduced the scale and volume of CNV lesions, suppressed vascular leakage, and inhibited the capacity of vascular proliferation in the laser‐induced mouse CNV model. Additionally, the results also show that the melatonin‐treated retinal microglia in the laser‐induced mice exhibited enhanced expression of M1‐type markers, such as iNOS, CCL‐3, CCL‐5, and TNF‐α, as well as decreased production of M2‐type markers, such as Arg‐1, Fizz‐1, IL‐10, YM‐1, and CD206, indicating that melatonin switched the macrophage/microglia polarization from pro‐angiogenic M2 phenotype to anti‐angiogenic M1 phenotype. Furthermore, the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway was activated during CNV formation, yet was suppressed after an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin. In conclusion, melatonin attenuated CNV, reduced vascular leakage, and inhibited vascular proliferation by switching the macrophage/microglia polarization from M2 phenotype to M1 phenotype via inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in CNV. This suggests that melatonin could be a novel agent for the treatment of AMD.