bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of high dose intravenous methylprednisolone and visual evoked potential (VEP) in the management of methyl alcohol poisoning: A case series report
Authors: Akhtar Naheed , Khan Nida , Haque Faizul 
Published: October 2021

To study the effectiveness of high dose intravenous methylprednisolone and to discuss the role of visual evoked potential (VEP) as a marker of severity and of improvement in methyl alcohol poisoning.In an outbreak of methanol poisoning, a total of six patients presented to JNMCH, AMU. Meticulous history was taken followed by examination. They were treated with high dose IV methyl prednisolone and later underwent visual evoked potential testing. The patients were examined daily till the time of discharge and then followed up at 1 month.Following treatment with high dose IV methyl prednisolone, 100% of cases showed improvement in vision which was judged on the basis of visual acuity and visual evoked potential assessment at the time of presentation. As recorded by VEP, 4 patients (66.6%) had prolonged P100 latency while no response was recorded in 2 patients (33.3%). In 3 (50%) of the 6 cases, improvement in visual acuity of at least two lines of Snellen chart was observed at 1 month follow-up while two patients (33.3%) improved from doubtful light perception to counting fingers at least 2 metres and one patient (16.6%) improved from perception of light present to counting finger at least 2 metres.Early presentation and timely intervention improves visual outcome in methanol poisoning. High-dose IV methylprednisolone seems to have benefits in the treatment of methanol optic neuropathy. The VEP examination appears to be a sensitive marker for diagnosis and prognosis of even subclinical impairment of the optic system due to methanol poisoning.
Representaciones de género y otredad en la evaluación de solicitudes de asilo en España
Authors: Garcés Amaya Diana Paola 
Published: October 2021

El presente texto propone comprender de qué manera los procedimientos de asilo intervienen en el proceso de construcción de fronteras socio jurídicas y en qué medida estos devienen en dispositivos productores de la subalternización y de diferencia cultural a través de las representaciones racializadas de género y sexualidad. Para desarrollar lo anterior, se llevó a cabo un Análisis Crítico del Discurso con el interés de examinar los casos de mujeres que solicitan asilo en España basándose en persecuciones de género. Me concentré en el análisis de las estrategias discursivas que se ponen en marcha por las autoridades en las sentencias de la Audiencia Nacional y el Tribunal Supremo. Como resultado del análisis, se identificaron cuatro estrategias que refieren a: la construcción de subjetividades sospechosas, las generalizaciones categóricas negativas relacionadas con el lugar de origen, la presencia patológica de las mujeres solicitantes y la hipervisibilización de ciertos tipos de violencia de género como no-europeas. Se concluye que los procesos de categorización de las solicitantes de asilo ponen en juego el género como elemento estructurador de las identidades nacionales, además, ocurren dos procesos simultáneos: el intento de legitimar las prácticas de exclusión y la esencialización de la diferencia cultural, todo ello teniendo como eje común la producción de los lugares de la no-pertenencia.
Neoconservadurismo, contramovimientos y estrategias para posicionar la agenda antifeminista. El caso de VOX en España
Authors: Varela Guinot Helena 
Published: October 2021

En contraste con un discurso “políticamente correcto” que reconoce la igualdad de derechos entre hombres y mujeres, y con los avances logrados en la legislación de los diferentes países, hay sectores en nuestra sociedad que han denostado y desprestigiado el hecho de ser feminista y que han atacado algunas de las principales banderas del movimiento, como es el caso de la violencia de género o la defensa de políticas que promuevan una igualdad sustantiva entre hombres y mujeres.
El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar este tipo de manifestaciones en contra de la agenda feminista como un movimiento de carácter neoconservador, con una lógica y una forma de actuación específica. A partir del concepto de reacción de Susan Faludi y de las propuestas de análisis de los contramovimientos de Meyer y Staggenborg, y Dillard, se analizan los mecanismos con los que las corrientes conservadoras están construyendo un discurso que cuestiona de manera directa las demandas del feminismo.
Para ello se parte de la propuesta de acción planteada en el Manifiesto del grupo Agenda Europa y se examina el caso de VOX en España. Se hace un análisis del discurso que se ha articulado desde el partido (con el protagonismo de una de sus representantes más emblemáticas, Rocío Monasterio, presidenta de Vox Madrid), para ejemplificar las estrategias adoptadas y la manera en que se ha conformado un contramovimiento, con una agenda antifeminista, que ha logrado calar en sectores importantes de la sociedad española.
Mining the Vavilov wheat diversity panel for new sources of adult plant resistance to stripe rust
Authors: Jambuthenne Dilani , Riaz Adnan , Athiyannan Naveenkumar , Alahmad Samir , Ng Wei Ling , Ziems Laura , Afanasenko Olga , Periyannan Sambasivam , Aitken Elizabeth , Platz Greg , Godwin Ian , Voss-Fels Kai , Dinglasan Eric , Hickey Lee 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Wheat stripe rust (YR) caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), poses a significant threat to global food security. Resistance genes commonly found in many wheat varieties have been rendered ineffective due to the rapid evolution of the pathogen. To identify novel sources of adult plant resistance (APR), 292 accessions from the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, Saint Petersburg, Russia, were screened for known APR genes (i.e. Yr18, Yr29, Yr46, Yr33, Yr39 and Yr59) using linked polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular markers. Accessions were evaluated against Pst (pathotype 134 E16 A+ Yr17+Yr27) at seedling and adult plant stages across multiple years (2014, 2015 and 2016) in Australia. Phenotypic analyses identified 132 lines that potentially carry novel sources of APR to YR. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified 68 significant marker-trait associations (P<0.001) for YR resistance, representing 47 independent quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions. Fourteen genomic regions overlapped with previously reported Yr genes, including Yr29, Yr56, Yr5, Yr43, Yr57, Yr30, Yr46, Yr47, Yr35, Yr36, Yrxy1, Yr59, Yr52 and YrYL. In total, seven QTL (positioned on chromosomes 1D, 2A, 3A, 3D, 5D, 7B and 7D) did not collocate with previously reported genes or QTLs, indicating the presence of promising novel resistance factors. Overall, the Vavilov diversity panel provides a rich source of new alleles which could be used to broaden the genetic bases of YR resistance in modern wheat varieties.
Effects of exogenous melatonin on plant growth, root hormones and photosynthetic characteristics of trifoliate orange subjected to salt stress
Authors: Hu Ceng-hong , Zheng Ying , Sun Rong-hui , Zheng Jian-hao , Li Mei , zhang dejian 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Soil salinity has negative effects on crop growth and production, and melatonin (MT) plays an important role in regulating the salt stress of plants. However, it is not clear whether exogenous melatonin mitigates the negative effect on citrus plants subjected to salt stress. This study was to explore the response of exogenous melatonin (0, 50, 100, 150 µmol/L) on plant growth, root hormone levels and photosynthetic system of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) seedlings exposed to 0, 150 mmol/L NaCl for 4 weeks. The 150 mmol/L NaCl treatment significantly increased root zeatin riboside and gibberellin levels, while dramatically inhibited plant height, root auxin level, leaf photosynthesis and fluorescence indexes of seedlings. However, melatonin seedlings represented greater growth performance and dry matter quality under non-salt and salt stress. Furthermore, the effects of NaCl stress on the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, maximum photochemical efficiency, PSII effective photon yied, photochemical quenching and other indicators of seedlings leaves were effectively alleviated and the damage of NaCl stress was also reduced when seedlings were treated with melatonin. It suggests that exogenous melatonin had positive effects on enhancing salt tolerance of trifoliate orange seedlings, which is involved in greater plant growth, higher auxin level, and stronger photosynthetic physiology, and 100 µmol/L melatonin concentration has the best result.
How the Rain-Gauge Threshold Affects the Precipitation Frequency and Amount
Authors: Camuffo Dario , Becherini Francesca , Valle Antonio della 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
After an overview of the problems concerning the early rain-gauges and their thresholds, a study is made to investigate the impact that the instrumental threshold of a rain-gauge has on the distribution of precipitation frequency and amount. Some tests have been performed using two historic datasets, i.e. the observations by Giovanni Poleni in Padua from 1725 to 1760, and Jacopo Bartolomeo Beccari in Bologna from 1723 to 1765, and two modern rain-gauge records, i.e. taken at the Botanical Garden, Padua, and at the Hydrographic, Bologna, from 1990 to 2019. The tests consisted in applying a filter to the datasets to simulate the action of an instrumental threshold. The result is that the threshold has an enormous impact on the frequency, and a smaller one on the total amount. The study included how the threshold affects the percentile distribution of precipitation amounts. The results provide indications to correct and interpret early records, and to test their quality. Moreover, they are useful in the analysis of long time series composed by datasets derived from different instruments for climate studies.
Geochemical Processes Leading to Variation of Soil Development on Calcareous Toposequence in Semiarid Fields
Authors: Alaboz Pelin , Şenol Hüseyin , Dengiz Orhan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This study was carried out in soils formed in different physiographic units (summit(PI), shoulder(PII), backslope(PIII), footslope(PIV)) on the limestone parent material under the same climatic conditions.The study was assessed clay mineralogy, weathering indices, mass loss/gain states, and physicochemical properties of different profiles with limestone parent material. It is concluded that smectite clay mineral is dominant in the footslope unit (PIV), with differences in clay mineralogies due to physiographic change. The highest aggregate stability (63.74%) was determined in the in situ physiographic summit unit. The soil's field capacity and wilting point contents showed statistically significant changes with the increase in smectite minerals and clay in the PIV profile on the footslope unit (p <0.01). A positive (0.506; p <0.05) correlation was found between the variability in physiographic units (from Summit to footslope) and the available water content (AWC). Bulk density and porosity characteristics varied depending on the particle size distribution and the type of land use. The soils formed in shoulder and backslope units, which are in the Entisol soil class, are classified as "not decomposed" according to the Chemical Alteration Index (CIA), Chemical Weathering Index (CIW), and Plagioclase Alteration Index (PIA) values. In the Inceptisol and Vertisol ordo, it was determined that the basic cations were leached in the PI and PIV profiles in the summit and footslope units, and the separation was more advanced. The highest losses from the soil were obtained from the backslope, while the gains were obtained from the footslope physiographic unit. As a result of this study, it has been revealed that soil formation in the summit and bottom lands (footslope) is more effective than other physiographic units, and physicochemical properties are affected by these processes.
Differential mRNA and Long Noncoding RNA Expression Profiles in Pediatric B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients
Authors: Xia Jing , Wang Mengjie , Zhu Yi , Bu Chaozhi , Li Tianyu 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts longer than 200 nt that are involved in the pathogenesis and development of various cancers including B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B–ALL). To determine whether lncRNAs are involved in B-ALL, we analyzed the expression profile of lncRNAs and mRNAs in B-ALL.MethodsWe performed RNA sequencing of 10 non-leukemic blood disease donors and 10 B-ALL patients for Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Interactions among mRNAs were predicted using the STRING database. Quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to verify the RNA-seq data of lncRNAs and mRNAs. Potential functions of subtype-specific lncRNAs were determined by using coexpression-based analysis on distally (trans-pattern) located protein-coding genes.ResultsA total of 1813 differentially expressed genes (DETs) and 2203 lncRNAs were identified. Moreover, 10 dysregulated lncRNAs and 10 mRNAs were randomly selected, and further assessed by RT-qPCR in vitro. Go and KEGG analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed mRNAs were most closely associated with myeloid leukocyte activation and in transcriptional misregulation in cancer, respectively. In addition, co-expression analysis demonstrated that these lncRNAs, including MSTRG.27994.3, MSTRG.21740.1, ENST00000456341, MSTRG.14224.1 and MSTRG.20153.1, may mediate the pathogenesis and development of B-ALL via lncRNA-mRNA network interactions.ConclusionsThese results showed that several mRNAs and lncRNAs are aberrantly expressed in the bone marrow of B-ALL patients and play potential roles in B-ALL development, and be useful for diagnostic and/or prognostic purposes in pediatric B–ALL.
GDF11 Alleviates Neointimal Hyperplasia in Rat Artery Injury Model Via Regulating Endothelial NLRP3-Inflammasome Activation and Rapid Re-Endothelialization
Authors: Li Lei , Gao Yan , Liu Zhenchuan , Dong Chenglai , Wang Wenli , Wu Kaiqin , Gu Shaorui , Zhou Yong-Xin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Neointimal hyperplasia induced by interventional surgery can lead to progressive obliteration of the vascular lumen, which has become a major factor affecting prognosis. It is commonly accepted that the rate of re-endothelialization is inversely related to neointima formation. Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is a secreted protein with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Recent reports indicate that GDF11 can improve vascular remodeling by maintaining differentiated phenotypes for vascular smooth muscle cells. However, it is not known whether and how GDF11 acts to promote re-endothelialization in vascular injury. The present study was performed to clarify the influence of GDF11 on re-endothelialization after vascular injury.
Methods
An adult Sprague-Dawley rat model of common-carotid-artery balloon-dilatation injury was surgically established. A recombinant adenovirus carrying GDF11 was delivered into the common carotid artery to overexpress GDF11. Vascular re-endothelialization and neointima formation were carried out on harvested carotid arteries through histomolecular analysis. CCK8 analysis, LDH release and western blotting were performed to investigate the effects of GDF11 on endothelial NLRP3-inflammasome activation and relevant signaling pathways in vitro.
Results
GDF11 significantly enhanced re-endothelialization and reduced neointima formation in rats with balloon-dilatation injury by suppressing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Endoplasmic-reticulum stress (ER stress) inhibitor, 4PBA administration attenuated endothelial NLRP3-inflammasome activation induced by Lysophosphatidylcholine. Besides, up-regulation of LOX1 expression involved elevated endoplasmic-reticulum stress, and could result in endothelial NLRP3-inflammasome activation. Moreover, GDF11 significantly inhibited NLRP3-inflammasome-mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis through the negative regulation of LOX-1-dependent ER stress.
Conclusions
We conclude that GDF11 improves re-endothelialization and can attenuate vascular remodeling by reducing endothelial NLRP3-inflammasome activation. These findings shed light on new treatment strategies to promote re-endothelialization based on GDF11 as a future target.
Occurrence and Risk Assessment of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Surface Water and Sediment of Nahoon River Estuary, South Africa
Authors: Ohoro Chinemerem , Adeniji Abiodun , Semerjian Lucy , Okoh Anthony , Okoh Omobola 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

The concentrations, potential sources, and compositional profile of PBDEs in the surface water and sediment of Nahoon Estuary, East London, South Africa, were investigated with solid-phase extraction and ultra-sonication, respectively, followed by gas-chromatography-electron capture detection. The seasonal range of the contaminants’ concentrations in water and sediment samples in spring season were ƩPBDE 329 ± 48.3 ng/L (25.32–785 ng/L) and ƩPBDE 4.19 ± 0.35 ng/g dw (1.91–6.57 ng/g), but ƩPBDE 62.1 ± 1.50 ng/L (30.1–110 ng/L) and ƩPBDE 65.4 ± 15.9 ng/g dw (1.98–235 ng/g) in summer, respectively. NH1 (first sampling point) was the most contaminated site with PBDE in the Estuary. The potential source of pollution is attributed to the stormwater runoff from a creek emptying directly into the Estuary. This study's dominant PBDE congener is BDE- 17, ranging from below detection limit to 247 ng/L and 0.14–32.1 ng/g in water and sediment samples, respectively. Most commonly detected at all the sites were BDE- 17, 47, 66, and 100. Most BDE- 153 and 183 are found in sediment in agreement with the fact that higher brominated congeners of PBDE adsorb to solid materials. There was no correlation between the congeners and organic carbon and organic matter. However, the human health risk assessment conducted revealed that the PBDE concentration detected in the estuary pose low eco-toxicological risk. Nevertheless, constant monitoring should be ensured to see that the river remains safe for all the users, as it serves as a form of recreation to the public and a catchment to some neighbourhoods around the river.
Nonfixation of Mesh In Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Inguinal Hernia Repair: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Nagata Shigeyuki , Orita Hiroyuki , Korenaga Daisuke 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: In terms of the need for mesh fixation in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TEP), overseas data revealed no significant difference in the recurrence rate between patients with and without fixation. Moreover, there is no information available on this treatment outcome from Japan. We aimed to analyze the outcomes of nonfixation TEP with those of fixation at our institute.Methods: In May 2016, the nonfixation TEP technique was launched. The fixation group (165 patients) was compared to the nonfixation group (195 patients). Bilateral, large, and impaction cases were eliminated from the corrective comparison, and the outcomes for the fixation group (80 patients) and the non-fixation group (111 patients) were compared.Results: One patient in the nonfixation group experienced recurrence. It was a hernia case with a large orifice. In the fixation group, seroma was more prevalent. There was no recurrence and no significance in surgical complications in the correction comparison. The nonfixation group had a shorter operation time and stayed in the hospital for a shorter period after surgery.Conclusions: The nonfixation TEP was deemed adequate, at least for typical hernia cases.
Diagnosing Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) In UK NHS ICUs: The Perceived Value And Role of A Novel Optical Technology
Authors: Jones William Stephen , Suklan Jana , Winter Amanda , Green Kile , Craven Tom , Bruce Annya , Mair Joanne , Dhaliwal Kev , Walsh Tim , Simpson John , Graziadio Sara , Allen Joy 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Diagnosing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in an intensive care unit (ICU) is a complex process. Our aim was to collect, evaluate and represent the information relating to current clinical practice for the diagnosis of VAP in UK NHS ICUs, and to explore the potential value and role of a novel diagnostic for VAP, which uses optical molecular alveoscopy to visualise the alveolar space. Methods: Qualitative study performing semi-structured interviews with clinical experts. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. A flow diagram of the VAP patient pathway was elicited and validated with the expert interviewees. 14 clinicians were interviewed from a range of UK NHS hospitals: 12 ICU consultants, 1 professor of respiratory medicine and 1 professor of critical care. Results: Five themes were identified, relating to: [1] current practice for the diagnosis of VAP; [2] current clinical need in VAP diagnostics; [3] the potential value and role of the technology; [4] the barriers to adoption; and [5] the evidence requirements for the technology, to help facilitate successful adoption. These themes indicated that diagnosis of VAP is extremely difficult, as is the decision to stop antibiotic treatment. The analysis revealed that there is a clinical need for a diagnostic that provides an accurate and timely diagnosis of the causative pathogen, without the long delays associated with return of culture results, and which is not dangerous to the patient. It was determined that the technology would satisfy important aspects of this clinical need for diagnosing VAP (and pneumonia, more generally), but would require further evidence on safety and efficacy in the patient population to facilitate adoption. Conclusions: Care pathway analysis performed in this study was deemed accurate and representative of current practice for diagnosing VAP in a UK ICU as determined by relevant clinical experts, and explored the value and role of a novel diagnostic, which uses optical technology, and could streamline the diagnostic pathway for VAP and other pneumonias.