bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of environmental and spatial factors in the assembly of aquatic insect communities in southern Brazilian temporary ponds
Authors: Bacca Roberta Cozer , Pires Mateus Marques , Moreira Leonardo Felipe Bairos , Stenert Cristina , Maltchik Leonardo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMetacommunity organisation in temporary ponds is assembled by spatiotemporally varying processes that are also contingent on the species’ dispersal ability and scale of observation. Aquatic insects are useful models to study the relative contribution of environmental and spatial factors to community assembly in view of the differing dispersal ability existing in the species from this group. We assessed the metacommunity organisation of aquatic insects and subsets of strong‐ and weak‐flying insects in relation to environmental (habitat structure; water chemistry; climate) and spatial factors in temporary ponds ranging along a latitudinal gradient in southern Brazil. Local and climate environmental factors (water chemistry and temperature) along with fine‐scale spatial factors were the main drivers of the total insect community, although their relative importance shifted between subsets of weak‐ and strong‐flying insects. The composition of strong‐flying insects was structured by climate and fine‐scale spatial factors, while weak‐flying insects, by local (water chemistry) and spatially structured climate. This suggests that strong‐flying insects showed stronger signatures of mass effects at finer scales, while weak‐flying insects were more strongly affected by species sorting coupled to local environmental factors and regional climate. In summary, our results indicate that the relative importance of assembly processes for metacommunity organisation of aquatic insects in temporary ponds is contingent on dispersal ability.
Evaluation of cytogenetic response in CML patients with variant Philadelphia translocation
Authors: Shetty Dhanlaxmi , Talker Elizabeth , Jain Hemani , Talker Judith , Patkar Nikhil , Subramanian Papagudi , Jain Hasmukh , Bonda Avinash , Punatar Sachin , Gokarn Anant , Bagal Bhausaheb , Sengar Manju , Khattry Navin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and aimMolecular mechanism of translocation and outcome in variant chronic myeloid leukaemia (vCML) has been a topic of debate. While several cytogenetic studies suggest a low response to Imatinib Mesylate, others demonstrate a similar disease course in both classical and vCML. Besides, many studies comprehensively also link tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations with aggressive clinical outcome. Thus, we aim to study the molecular mechanism of translocation, identify the third partner chromosomes and comment on the disease course and clinical outcome.MethodWe cytogenetically characterised 25 vCML cases to determine the third partner chromosome, mechanism of translocation and prognostic outcome. We also compared vCML cases with and without TKD mutation to most appropriately outline the clinical consequence and ascertain the potent cause of unresponsiveness to treatment.ResultsThird partner chromosome in variant translocation was defined by conventional and molecular cytogenetics. Although in our study most cases showed inadequate clinical response attributable to TKD mutation rather than variant translocation, we observed an inferior outcome in cases involving chromosome 5 as the third partner.ConclusionThus, we conclude that characterising and reporting new cases of variant translocations, involving various different chromosomes as third partner (with different breakpoints) by cytogenetics, will lead to a better understanding of the disease. To the best of our knowledge, this kind of delineate study has not been applied to precisely comment on the prospects of cytogenetically characterised vCML.
The national trend of the gastric cancer burden in Iran from 1990 to 2017
Authors: Fattahi Nima , Moghaddam Sahar Saeedi , Rezaei Negar , Rezaei Nazila , Fattahi Eghbal , Moradveisi Borhan , Roshani Shahin , Farzi Yosef , Zakaryaei Farima , Miraki Afsoon , Moradi‐Lakeh Maziar , Mokdad Ali H. , Naghavi Mohsen , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionGastric cancer (GC), the leading cause of cancer mortality, is the third most common cancer in Iran. To our knowledge, there have been few accurate estimates on the burden of GC in Iran. Therefore, as part of the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2017 (GBD 2017), we aimed to study and illustrate the burden of GC and to compare rates by sex and age groups at the national level in Iran from 1990 to 2017.MethodsWe extracted data related to the 1990‐2017 period from the GBD study. To report the burden of GC, we used disability adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality, incidence, and prevalence rates in different sex and age groups in Iran during the 1990‐2017 period. Decomposition analysis was also performed to evaluate the roots change in incident cases.ResultsAt a national level, the age‐standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and age‐standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) in 2017 were 22.9 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 22.1‐23.9), 14.6 (14.1‐15.2), 14.9 (14.4‐15.4), and 296.8 (286.3‐308.7) per 100,000 population, respectively. Over the 1990‐2017 period, the average annual percent changes in all of the studied age‐standardized rates were negative. Moreover, the male to female sex ratios of all estimates were greater than one. The incidence rate, prevalence rate, and mortality rate slowly began to increase at the age of 50 and reached its highest level among people aged 80 years and over.ConclusionThe GC age‐standardized rates revealed a downward trend from 1990 to 2017. The current study provides comprehensive knowledge about the GC burden in Iran. Therefore, it can help the appropriate allocation of resources for GC to expand preventive programs by reducing exposure to risk factors and Helicobacter pylori infection and by recommending increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Also, expanding GC screening programs with laboratory tests or endoscopy can be an important step towards the reduction of the GC burden.
Decidual‐derived RANKL facilitates macrophages accumulation and residence at the maternal‐fetal interface in human early pregnancy
Authors: Liao Hai‐Qiong , Han Mu‐Tian , Cheng Wei , Zhang Ce , Li Hong , Li Ming‐Qing , Zhu Rui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractProblemDuring the first trimester, the accumulation of macrophages, which is the second largest decidual leukocyte population (~20%) at the maternal‐fetal interface, is quite vital for a successful pregnancy, including embryo implantation, trophoblast invasion, and vascular remodeling. The mechanism of the enrichment and redistribution of macrophages in the uterine decidua of early pregnancy is largely unclear.Method of studyA total of 37 women with normal early pregnancies were included. Primary decidual macrophages (dMφs) (n = 37) and primary decidual stromal cells (DSCs) (n = 37) were isolated, and the adhesion molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Adhesive experiment was carried out to evaluate the adhesion capacity by counting cell numbers of dMφs adhered to DSCs in a co‐culture system.ResultsWe found that RANK+ dMφs was the dominating subtype at the maternal‐fetal interface. The expression of adhesion molecules (eg, CD29, CD31, CD54, and CD62L) on the surface of RANK+ dMφs was higher than that of RANK− dMφs. After co‐culture with DSCs, the expression of adhesion molecules on dMφs was up‐regulated in a RANKL‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, dMφs promoted the releasing of RANKL on DSCs after co‐culture. Consistently, dMφs exhibited the lessoned capacity of adhesion to DSCs when blocking the crosstalk of RANKL‐RANK between the DSCs and dMφs in vitro.ConclusionThese results suggest that the interaction of RANKL‐RANK up‐regulates the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of dMφs, contributing to the accumulation and residence of dMφs in human early pregnancy.
Interleukin‐31: The “itchy” cytokine in inflammation and therapy
Authors: Datsi Angeliki , Steinhoff Martin , Ahmad Fareed , Alam Majid , Buddenkotte Joerg 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe cytokine interleukin‐31 has been implicated in the pathophysiology of multiple atopic disorders such as atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis, and airway hyper‐reactivity. In AD, IL‐31 has been identified as one of the main “drivers” of its cardinal symptom, pruritus. Here, we summarize the mechanisms by which IL‐31 modulates inflammatory and allergic diseases. TH2 cells play a central role in AD and release high levels of TH2‐associated cytokines including IL‐31, thereby mediating inflammatory responses, initiating immunoregulatory circuits, stimulating itch, and neuronal outgrowth through activation of the heterodimeric receptor IL‐31 receptor A (IL31RA)/Oncostatin M receptor (OSMRβ). IL31RA expression is found on human and murine dorsal root ganglia neurons, epithelial cells including keratinocytes and various innate immune cells. IL‐31 is a critical cytokine involved in neuroimmune communication, which opens new avenues for cytokine modulation in neuroinflammatory diseases including AD/pruritus, as validated by recent clinical trials using an anti‐IL‐31 antibody. Accordingly, inhibition of IL‐31‐downstream signaling may be a beneficial approach for various inflammatory diseases including prurigo. However, as to whether downstream JAK inhibitors directly block IL‐31‐mediated‐signaling needs to be clarified. Targeting the IL‐31/IL31RA/OSMRβ axis appears to be a promising approach for inflammatory, neuroinflammatory, and pruritic disorders in the future.
Resumption of interatrial conduction after atrial premature beat in baseline interatrial aberrancy
Authors: Rungpradubvong Voravut 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInteratrial block (IAB) is a delay or blockage of interatrial conduction from the right atrium to the left atrium, causing prolongation of the P‐wave duration on the electrocardiogram. This condition is unfortunately not uncommon in clinical practice, especially among the elderly. It is often overlooked because the P wave is small and abnormalities can be difficult to detect. An isolated IAB does not usually cause any abnormal symptoms and may not require any specific treatment. Nevertheless, a relationship between an IAB and other cardiovascular conditions including left atrial electromechanical dysfunction, atrial remodeling, atrial fibrosis, atrial fibrillation, and stroke has been reported. Early diagnosis of this condition is critical. This case report presents a functional interatrial block or interatrial aberrancy that returned to normal after an atrial premature complex where the interatrial conduction remained normal in subsequent beats.
Complete blood cell count measures in retinal artey occlusions
Authors: Pinna Antonio , Porcu Tiziana , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Dore Stefano , Serra Rita , Boscia Francesco , Carru Ciriaco , Zinellu Angelo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the role of complete blood cell count (CBC) measures in retinal artery occlusion (RAO).MethodsThis was a case–control study, including 73 newly diagnosed RAO patients and 73 sex‐ and age‐matched subjects without RAO. On the same day of RAO diagnosis, a blood sample was collected and CBC was determined using an automatic blood counter. Dimensional CBC indices, such as mean platelet volume (MPV) and red cell distribution width (RDW), and some CBC‐combined indices, including neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR [dNLR = neutrophils/(white blood cells ‐ neutrophils)] and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), were evaluated. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was also measured.ResultsMedian neutrophils, red cell distribution width (RDW), NLR and dNLR were 4.5x109/L (IQR = 3.8–5.8), 13.4% (IQR = 12.7–14.75), 2.47 (IQR = 1.85–3.13) and 1.70 (IQR = 1.26–2.18) in RAO patients and 4x109/L (IQR = 3.18–4.93), 12.9% (IQR = 12–14), 1.86 (IQR = 1.42–2.44) and 1.32 (IQR = 1.02–1.64) in controls. RAO patients had significantly higher values of neutrophils (p = 0.003), RDW (p = 0.0011), NLR (p = 0.0001) and dNLR (p = 0.0001). There were no significant differences between the values of white blood cells, lymphocytes, platelet count, MPV and PLR. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed a statistically significant correlation between RAO and increased RDW (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06–1.73, p = 0.015), NLR (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.34–3.06, p = 0.0009) and dNLR (OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.71–6.75, p = 0.0005).ConclusionResults suggest that RDW, NLR and dNLR may be involved in the pathogenesis of RAO and predict its occurrence. However, high‐quality epidemiologic studies, preferably of cohort design, are warranted to confirm whether, or not, an RDW, NLR and dNLR may be considered potential biomarkers of RAO.
Diagnostic accuracy of Quantitative Colour Doppler Flow imaging in distinguishing Persistent Fetal Vasculature from Retinal Detachment
Authors: Chiaroni Pierre‐Marie , Chapron Thibaut , Purcell Yvonne , Zuber Kevin , Savatovsky Julien , Caputo Georges , Gillard Perrine , Elmaleh Monique , Bergès Olivier , Lecler Augustin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeDistinguishing posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) from retinal detachment (RD) may be very challenging clinically and ultrasonographically, as they share common morphological features. However, it is crucial, considering their substantially distinct management and treatment. We aimed to assess the relevance of quantitative colour Doppler flow imaging to distinguish PFV from RD in children.MethodsThis retrospective bi‐centre study included 66 children (30 females and 36 males, mean age: 244 ± 257 days) with a clinically suspected diagnosis of RD or posterior PFV. All children underwent systematic and standardized conventional ultrasonography and colour Doppler flow imaging under general anaesthesia with a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the retrolental tissue’s vascularization. Peak systolic velocity, end‐diastolic velocity and resistive index were recorded for analysis. Whenever available, surgical findings were deemed gold standard for diagnosis. A Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare quantitative colour Doppler flow imaging data.ResultsPeak systolic velocity and end‐diastolic velocity were significantly lower in children with PFV versus RD: 2.7 (IQR: 0.5) versus 5.1 (IQR: 2.8), p < 0.001, and 0.0 (IQR: 0.0) versus 2.0 (IQR: 1.2), p < 0.001, respectively. Resistive index was significantly higher in children with PFV versus RD: 1 (IQR: 0) versus 0.6 (IQR: 0.1), p < 0.001. Area under curves (AUCs) were of 0.94, 0.99 and 1, respectively. No differences between PFV and RD were observed on structural ultrasound or qualitative analysis of colour Doppler.ConclusionQuantitative colour Doppler flow imaging has an excellent accuracy in distinguishing PFV from RD in children. It may help to improve management and treatment.
Changes in peripapillary and macular vascular density after laser selective trabeculoplasty: an optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Gillmann Kevin , Rao Harsha L. , Mansouri Kaweh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the effect of laser trabeculoplasty on peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL), fovea avascular zone (FAZ), peripapillary and macular vessel density (VD) in glaucoma using with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A).MethodsThis was a prospective observational study performed at the Glaucoma Research Centre, Montchoisi Clinic, Lausanne, Switzerland. Thirty‐seven eyes with primary open‐angle glaucoma from 21 patients were included. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) scans were performed before laser trabeculoplasty and at 2 and 6 months after the procedure. AngioVue AngioAnalytic (Optovue Inc, Fremont, CA, USA) software was used to analyse the RNFL, FAZ, peripapillary and macular VD. Changes were analysed using mixed models, controlling for intraocular pressure (IOP) and signal strength index (SSI) variations.ResultsMean IOP decreased from 18.5 (±3.7) mmHg at baseline to 15.6 (±2.7) mmHg after 2 months (−15.3%; p < 0.001). No significant changes in RNFL thickness were noted following laser trabeculoplasty. Changes in peripapillary VD were mostly nonsignificant. Parafoveal (p = 0.001) and perifoveal VD (p = 0.025) significantly increased at 2 months, before reverting to near‐baseline values at 6 months. No significant changes were observed in foveal parameters. Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFL) and VD changes were independent from IOP, but SSI had a significant influence on VD.ConclusionsFollowing laser trabeculoplasty, peripapillary and macular VD temporarily increased before returning to near‐baseline values by 6 months. No correlation was found between microvascular fluctuations and IOP, and no significant effect of laser trabeculoplasty on VD or RNFL was observed at 6 months despite persistent IOP reduction. Further research is warranted to understand its exact causes and clinical relevance.
Retinal microvasculature impairments in patients with coronary artery disease: An optical coherence tomography angiography study
Authors: Zhong Pingting , Li Zhixi , Lin Yingwen , Peng Qingsheng , Huang Manqing , Jiang Lei , Li Cong , Kuang Yu , Cui Shirong , Yu Danqing , Yu Honghua , Yang Xiaohong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the association between retinal microvasculature and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsThe cross‐sectional study was conducted in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, China. Retinal microvasculature parameters were measured by OCTA of the optic disc, including the vessel density (VD) and retinal nerve fibre thickness of the radial peripapillary capillary. In terms of the entire macula, VD of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP) and foveal density (FD‐300) were included. The Gensini score was used to evaluate the severity of coronary artery obstructive lesions in CAD patients.ResultsA total of 410 participants (270 CAD patients and 140 controls) were included. Overall, participants showed significantly greater odds of having CAD in the lower versus higher VD for mean SCP, OR = 2.33 (95% CI 1.49–3.65); in the parafoveal SCP, OR = 2.68 (95% CI 1.70–4.23); and in the perifoveal SCP, OR = 2.36 (95% CI 1.49–3.72). Additionally, participants showed significantly greater odds of having CAD in the lower versus higher VD for mean DCP, OR = 4.04 (95% CI 2.53–6.45); in the parafoveal DCP, OR = 4.08 (95% CI 2.54–6.55); and in the perifoveal DCP, OR = 3.88 (95% CI 2.43–6.19). Among CAD patients, lower VD of DCP was associated with significantly greater adjusted Gensini scores (p = 0.004 for mean DCP; p = 0.035 for parafoveal DCP; p = 0.006 for perifoveal DCP).ConclusionsSCP and DCP were found to be associated with the presence of CAD among the whole population, while DCP was found to be associated with Gensini scores in CAD patients. Retinal microvasculature was associated with the presence and severity of coronary artery stenosis in CAD patients.
Precision and refractive predictability of a new nomogram for femtosecond laser‐assisted corneal arcuate incisions
Authors: Wendelstein Jascha A. , Hoffmann Peter C. , Mariacher Siegfried , Wingert Tina , Hirnschall Nino , Findl Oliver , Bolz Matthias 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeValidating a new nomogram for low to moderate astigmatism (0.75 D to 2.5 D) correction with epithelium‐ and Bowman‐penetrating femtosecond laser‐assisted arcuate incisions.MethodologyProspective, interventional case series at the Augen‐ und Laserklinik, Castrop‐Rauxel, Germany. Cataract patients with low to moderate corneal astigmatism were treated with femtosecond laser‐assisted arcuate incisions. Patients with previous refractive corneal treatment were excluded. Outcome assessment was based on manifest refraction, astigmatic vector analysis and visual acuity.ResultsThe study analysed 43 eyes of 33 patients after three months and 35 eyes of 27 patients after 12 months. After 12 months, 100% of all eyes treated had ≤1.0 D and 97% ≤0.5 D of subjective residual astigmatism. Mean residual astigmatism was 0.27 D. 90% of all eyes were within one line of difference between UDVA and CDVA. SEQ Mean Absolute Error was 0.26 D and SEQ. Mean error was −0.08 ± 0.32 D. CI was 0.98 ± 0.2 D, and Index of Success, 0.20 ± 0.18 D.ConclusionThe Castrop nomogram showed results that are comparable to or better than results presented in the literature for existing nomograms. Our results for astigmatic reduction are comparable to published results for TIOL implantation. It seems to be a predictable and safe measure to reduce manifest astigmatism.
Renal handling of nitrate in women and men with elevated blood pressure
Authors: Sundqvist Michaela L. , Lundberg Jon O. , Weitzberg Eddie , Carlström Mattias 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimThe inorganic anions nitrate and nitrite are oxidation products of nitric oxide (NO) that have often been used as an index of NO generation. More than just being surrogate markers of NO, nitrate/nitrite can recycle to bioactive NO again. Nitrate is predominantly eliminated via the kidneys; however, there is less knowledge regarding tubular handling. The aim of this study, as part of a large randomized controlled trial, was to explore potential sex differences in renal nitrate handling during low and high dietary nitrate intake. We hypothesized that renal clearance and excretion of nitrate are higher in men compared to women.MethodsIn prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals (n = 231), nitrate and nitrite were measured in plasma and urine at low dietary nitrate intake (baseline) and after 5 weeks supplementation with nitrate (300 mg potassium nitrate/day) or placebo (300 mg potassium chloride/day). Twenty‐four hours ambulatory blood pressure recordings and urine collections were conducted.ResultsAt baseline, plasma nitrate and nitrite, as well as the downstream marker of NO signalling cyclic guanosine monophosphate, were similar in women and men. Approximately 80% of filtered nitrate was spared by the kidneys. Urinary nitrate concentration, amount of nitrate excreted, renal nitrate clearance (Cnitrate) and fractional excretion of nitrate (FEnitrate) were lower in women compared to men. No association was observed between plasma nitrate concentrations and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), nor between FEnitrate and GFR in either sex. After 5 weeks of nitrate supplementation plasma nitrate and nitrite increased significantly, but blood pressure remained unchanged. FEnitrate increased significantly and the sex difference observed at baseline disappeared.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate substantial nitrate sparing capacity of the kidneys, which is higher in women compared to men. This suggests higher tubular nitrate reabsorption in women but the underlying mechanism(s) warrants further investigation.