bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of tomosynthesis-guided vacuum assisted breast biopsy of ultrasound occult lesions
Authors: Bohan Suhaila , Ramli Hamid Marlina Tanty , Chan Wai Yee , Vijayananthan Anushya , Ramli Norlisah , Kaur Shaleen , Rahmat Kartini 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of digital breast tomosynthesis-guided vacuum assisted breast biopsy (DBT-VABB) of screening detected suspicious mammographic abnormalities comprising of calcifications, asymmetric densities, architectural distortions and spiculated masses. In this institutionally approved study, a total of 170 (n = 170) DBT-VABB were performed, 153 (90%) were for calcifications, 8 (4.7%) for spiculated mass, 5 (2.9%) for asymmetric density and 4 (2.4%) for architectural distortion. All these lesions were not detected on the corresponding ultrasound. Histopathology results revealed 140 (82.4%) benign, 9 (5.3%) borderline and 21 (12.4%) malignant lesions. The total upgrade rate at surgery was 40% for atypical ductal hyperplasia and 5.9% for ductal carcinoma in-situ. 3.6% discordant benign lesions showed no upgrade. DBT-VABB showed 100% specificity, 91.3% sensitivity and 100% positive predictive value (PPV) for detecting malignant lesions. The negative predictive value (NPV) was 80%. 2 (1.2%) patients had mild complications and 1 (0.6%) had severe pain. Our study showed that DBT-VABB was a safe and reliable method, with high sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV in the diagnosis of non-palpable benign and malignant breast lesions. Our data also confirmed the accuracy of DBT-VABB in detecting malignant lesions and we suggest further surgical excision in borderline lesions for a more accurate diagnostic evaluation.
Elevated radium levels in Nubian Aquifer groundwater of Northeastern Africa
Authors: Sherif Mahmoud I. , Sturchio Neil C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System in Northeast Africa and the Middle East is a huge water resource of inestimable value to the population. However, natural radioactivity impairs groundwater quality throughout the aquifer posing a radiological health risk to millions of people. Here we present measurements of radium isotopes in Nubian Aquifer groundwater from population centers in the Western Desert of Egypt. Groundwater has 226Ra and 228Ra activities ranging from 0.01 to 2.11 and 0.03 to 2.31 Bq/L, respectively. Most activities (combined 226Ra + 228Ra) exceed U.S. EPA drinking water standards. The estimated annual radiation doses associated with ingestion of water having the highest measured Ra activities are up to 138 and 14 times the WHO-recommended maxima for infants and adults, respectively. Dissolved Ra activities are positively correlated with barium and negatively correlated with sulfate, while barite is approximately saturated. In contrast, Ra is uncorrelated with salinity. These observations indicate the dominant geochemical mechanisms controlling dissolved Ra activity may be barite precipitation and sulfate reduction, along with input from alpha-recoil and dissolution of aquifer minerals and loss by radioactive decay. Radium mitigation measures should be adopted for water quality management where Nubian Aquifer groundwater is produced for agricultural and domestic consumption.
Decreasing auditory input induces neurogenesis impairment in the hippocampus
Authors: Kurioka Takaomi , Mogi Sachiyo , Yamashita Taku 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk. Sensorineural hearing loss suppresses hippocampal neurogenesis, resulting in cognitive decline. However, the underlying mechanism of impaired neurogenesis and the role of microglial activation and stress responses related to hearing loss in the hippocampus remains unknown. Using a conductive hearing loss (CHL) model, we investigated whether a decrease in sound level could induce impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis and examined the differences between unilateral CHL (uCHL) and bilateral CHL (bCHL). To establish the CHL mouse model, ears were unilaterally or bilaterally occluded for five weeks by auditory canal ligation. Although hearing thresholds were significantly increased following CHL, CHL mice exhibited no significant loss of spiral ganglion or hippocampal neurons. Hippocampal neurogenesis was significantly and equally decreased in both sides following uCHL. More severe decreases in hippocampal neurogenesis were observed in both sides in bCHL mice compared with that in uCHL mice. Furthermore, microglial invasion significantly increased following CHL. Serum cortisol levels, which indicate stress response, significantly increased following bCHL. Therefore, auditory deprivation could lead to increased microglial invasion and stress responses and might be a risk factor for hippocampal neurogenesis impairment.
Dual bio-active factors with adhesion function modified electrospun fibrous scaffold for skin wound and infections therapeutics
Authors: Jiao Jianhang , Peng Chuangang , Li Chen , Qi Zhiping , Zhan Jing , Pan Su 
Published: January 2021

AbstractElectrospun fibrous scaffolds combined with bioactive factors can display impressive performance as an ideal wound dressing, since they can mimic the composition and physicochemical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was to fabricate a new composite biomaterial (IGF1-DA and Os-DA-modified PLGA electrospun fibrous scaffold) for wound healing, using a rat model for experimental evaluation. A small pentapeptide tag composed of DA–Lys–DA–Lys–DA residues was introduced into insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and the antimicrobial peptide Os to prepare IGF1 and Os modified with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DA) (IGF1-DA and Os-DA). The designed chimeric growth factor and antimicrobial peptide could successfully anchor to PLGA electrospun fibrous scaffolds, and the growth factor and antimicrobial peptide could be controllably released from the electrospun fibrous scaffolds. The results showed that the IGF1-DA and Os-DA-modified PLGA electrospun fibrous scaffolds (PLGA/Os-DA/IGF1-DA) exhibited high hydrophilicity and antimicrobial activity; moreover, the porous network of the scaffolds was similar to that of the natural ECM, which can provide a favourable environment for BALB/C 3T3 cells growth. The in vivo application of PLGA/Os-DA/IGF1-DA electrospun fibrous scaffolds in rat skin wounds resulted in improved wound recovery and tissue regeneration rate. The experimental results indicated that the IGF1-DA and Os-DA could effectively bind to PLGA electrospun fibrous scaffolds, promote wound healing and prevent infection in rats, thereby suggesting that PLGA/Os-DA/IGF1-DA electrospun fibrous scaffolds have a wide application value in the field of skin wound repair.
No evidence for basigin/CD147 as a direct SARS-CoV-2 spike binding receptor
Authors: Shilts Jarrod , Crozier Thomas W. M. , Greenwood Edward J. D. , Lehner Paul J. , Wright Gavin J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 is known to enable viral invasion into human cells through direct binding to host receptors including ACE2. An alternate entry receptor for the virus was recently proposed to be basigin/CD147. These early studies have already prompted a clinical trial and multiple published hypotheses speculating on the role of this host receptor in viral infection and pathogenesis. Here, we report that we are unable to find evidence supporting the role of basigin as a putative spike binding receptor. Recombinant forms of the SARS-CoV-2 spike do not interact with basigin expressed on the surface of human cells, and by using specialized assays tailored to detect receptor interactions as weak or weaker than the proposed basigin-spike binding, we report no evidence for a direct interaction between the viral spike protein to either of the two common isoforms of basigin. Finally, removing basigin from the surface of human lung epithelial cells by CRISPR/Cas9 results in no change in their susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the pressing need for clarity on which viral targets may lead to promising therapeutics, we present these findings to allow more informed decisions about the translational relevance of this putative mechanism in the race to understand and treat COVID-19.
False negatives in GBA1 sequencing due to polymerase dependent allelic imbalance
Authors: den Heijer Jonas M. , Schmitz Arnoud , Lansbury Peter , Cullen Valerie C. , Hilt Dana C. , Bonifati Vincenzo , Groeneveld Geert Jan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA variant in theGBA1gene is one of the most common genetic risk factors to develop Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here the serendipitous finding is reported of a polymerase dependent allelic imbalance when using next generation sequencing, potentially resulting in false-negative results when the allele frequency falls below the variant calling threshold (by default commonly at 30%). The fullGBA1gene was sequenced using next generation sequencing on saliva derived DNA from PD patients. Four polymerase chain reaction conditions were varied in twelve samples, to investigate the effect on allelic imbalance: (1) the primers (n = 4); (2) the polymerase enzymes (n = 2); (3) the primer annealing temperature (Ta) specified for the used polymerase; and (4) the amount of DNA input. Initially, 1295 samples were sequenced using Q5 High-Fidelity DNA Polymerase. 112 samples (8.6%) had an exonic variant and an additional 104 samples (8.0%) had an exonic variant that did not pass the variant frequency calling threshold of 30%. After changing the polymerase to TaKaRa LA Taq DNA Polymerase Hot-Start Version: RR042B, all samples had an allele frequency passing the calling threshold. Allele frequency was unaffected by a change in primer, annealing temperature or amount of DNA input. Sequencing of theGBA1gene using next generation sequencing might be susceptible to a polymerase specific allelic imbalance, which can result in a large amount of flase-negative results. This was resolved in our case by changing the polymerase. Regions displaying low variant calling frequencies inGBA1sequencing output in previous and future studies might warrant additional scrutiny.
Association of exercise capacity and endothelial function in patients with severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kabbach Erika Zavaglia , Heubel Alessandro Domingues , da Luz Goulart Cassia , Di Lorenzo Valéria Amorim Pires , Phillips Shane A. , Borghi-Silva Audrey , Mendes Renata Gonçalves 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSevere acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are associated with significant poor outcomes including an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and exercise intolerance. Endothelial dysfunction might contribute to an impaired vascular homeostasis and consequently to CV events and exercise capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the association between exercise capacity and endothelial function in patients with severe AECOPD. Forty-five COPD patients diagnosed with severe AECOPD and admitted to the University Hospital of São Carlos from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled in this observational clinical study. Endothelial Function was assessed by brachial artery ultrasonography (M-Turbo, Sonosite, Bottle, WA, USA) and Flow Mediated Dilatation (FMD) technique in absolute (mm) and percentage values (%). Walking distance (6MWD) obtained by six-minute walk test was considered to characterize the exercise capacity. Pearson’s correlation analysis and linear regression model were applied and a significance level of 5%. There was a significant positive correlation between exercise capacity and endothelial function. Pearson correlation coefficient were 0.36 (p = 0.02) and 0.40 (p = 0.01) between 6MWD and FMD in mm and %, respectively. Linear regression model revealed 6MWD (p = 0.007), accounting for 15% of FMD (%) variance (R2 adjusted). FMD (%) = 2.11 + (0.0081*6MWD). Exercise capacity is associated with endothelial function in patients with severe AECOPD. FMD was found to be increasing with increasing walked distance. Further research is needed to provide evidence of effectiveness of rehabilitation on exercise capacity and endothelial function in these patients and its prognostic value.
Structure-function analysis of TOPBP1’s role in ATR signaling using the DSB-mediated ATR activation in Xenopus egg extracts (DMAX) system
Authors: Montales Katrina , Kim Ahhyun , Ruis Kenna , Michael W. Matthew 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe protein kinase ATR is activated at sites of DNA double-strand breaks where it plays important roles in promoting DNA end resection and regulating cell cycle progression. TOPBP1 is a multi BRCT repeat containing protein that activates ATR at DSBs. Here we have developed an experimental tool, the DMAX system, to study the biochemical mechanism for TOPBP1-mediated ATR signalling. DMAX combines simple, linear dsDNA molecules with Xenopus egg extracts and results in a physiologically relevant, DSB-induced activation of ATR. We find that DNAs of 5000 nucleotides, at femtomolar concentration, potently activate ATR in this system. By combining immunodepletion and add-back of TOPBP1 point mutants we use DMAX to determine which of TOPBP1’s nine BRCT domains are required for recruitment of TOPBP1 to DSBs and which domains are needed for ATR-mediated phosphorylation of CHK1. We find that BRCT1 and BRCT7 are important for recruitment and that BRCT5 functions downstream of recruitment to promote ATR-mediated phosphorylation of CHK1. We also show that BRCT7 plays a second role, independent of recruitment, in promoting ATR signalling. These findings supply a new research tool for, and new insights into, ATR biology.
Inhibitory effect of toothbrush monofilament containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler on Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Matayoshi Saaya , Nomura Ryota , Kitamura Takahiro , Okawa Rena , Nakano Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe oral environment affects not only oral health, but also general health, and the importance of oral self-care has recently been recognised. Although toothbrushes are the most important self-care product, there are few toothbrushes that have an inhibitory effect on oral bacteria. In the present study, monofilaments used for toothbrushes containing surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler (a component recently applied to various dental materials) were developed. Among nylon and polyester monofilaments commonly used for toothbrushes, nylon monofilaments can accommodate more S-PRG filler than polyester monofilaments, resulting in greater release of ions from the S-PRG filler. These monofilaments containing S-PRG filler formed less biofilm containing Streptococcus mutans, a major pathogen of dental caries, than monofilaments without S-PRG filler. Moreover, S. mutans adhering to monofilaments containing S-PRG filler were more easily exfoliated and eliminated than those adhering to monofilaments without S-PRG filler. Such inhibitory effects on S. mutans were more marked in nylon monofilaments than in polyester monofilaments. These findings that monofilaments containing S-PRG filler can release ions and have an inhibitory effect on S. mutans suggest that they may be an effective material for toothbrushes.
Increase maize productivity and water use efficiency through application of potassium silicate under water stress
Authors: Gomaa M. A. , Kandil Essam E. , El-Dein Atef A. M. Zen , Abou-Donia Mamdouh E. M. , Ali Hayssam M. , Abdelsalam Nader R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn Egypt, water shortage has become a key limiting factor for agriculture. Water-deficit stress causes different morphological, physiological, and biochemical impacts on plants. Two field experiments were carried out at Etay El-Baroud Station, El-Beheira Governorate, Agriculture Research Center (ARC), Egypt, to evaluate the effect of potassium silicate (K-silicate) of maize productivity and water use efficiency (WUE). A split-plot system in the four replications was used under three irrigation intervals during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Whereas 10, 15, and 20 days irrigation intervals were allocated in main plots, while the three foliar application treatments of K-silicate (one spray at 40 days after sowing; two sprays at 40 and 60 days; and three sprays at 40, 60, and 80 days, and a control (water spray) were distributed in the subplots. All the treatments were distributed in 4 replicates. The results indicated that irrigation every 15 days gave the highest yield in both components and quality. The highly significant of (WUE) under irrigation every 20 days. Foliar spraying of K-silicate three times resulted in the highest yield. Even under water-deficit stress, irrigation every fifteen days combined with foliar application of K-silicate three times achieved the highest values of grain yield and its components. These results show that K-silicate treatment can increase WUE and produce high grain yield requiring less irrigation.
Relationship between individual chamber and whole shell Mg/Ca ratios in Trilobatus sacculifer and implications for individual foraminifera palaeoceanographic reconstructions
Authors: Rustic Gerald T. , Polissar Pratigya J. , Ravelo Ana Christina , DeMenocal Peter 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPrecisely targeted measurements of trace elements using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) reveal inter-chamber heterogeneities in specimens of the planktic foraminifer Trilobatus (Globigerinoides) sacculifer. We find that Mg/Ca ratios in the final growth chamber are generally lower compared to previous growth chambers, but final chamber Mg/Ca is elevated in one of thirteen sample intervals. Differences in distributions of Mg/Ca values from separate growth chambers are observed, occurring most often at lower Mg/Ca values, suggesting that single-chamber measurements may not be reflective of the specimen’s integrated Mg/Ca. We compared LA-ICPMS Mg/Ca values to paired, same-individual Mg/Ca measured via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to assess their correspondence. Paired LA-ICPMS and ICP-OES Mg/Ca show a maximum correlation coefficient of R = 0.92 (p < 0.05) achieved by applying a weighted average of the last and penultimate growth chambers. Population distributions of paired Mg/Ca values are identical under this weighting. These findings demonstrate that multi-chamber LA-ICPMS measurements can approximate entire specimen Mg/Ca, and is thus representative of the integrated conditions experienced during the specimen’s lifespan. This correspondence between LA-ICPMS and ICP-OES data links these methods and demonstrates that both generate Mg/Ca values suitable for individual foraminifera palaeoceanographic reconstructions.
All-cause mortality and three aspects of social relationships: an eight-year follow-up of older adults from one entire Korean village
Authors: Youm Yoosik , Baldina Ekaterina , Baek Jiwon 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVarious aspects of social relationships have been examined as risk factors for mortality. In particular, most research has focused on either loneliness or social disengagement. We aimed to extend the current research by adding a group-level segregation measure utilizing the whole social network of one entire village in South Korea. The analyses were based on the Korean Social Life, Health and Aging Project data collected over eight years across five waves. Of the 679 old adults who participated throughout the entire project (to wave 5), 63 were confirmed as deceased. All three aspects of social relationships examined, loneliness, social disengagement, and group-level segregation, were associated with mortality in the traditional Cox proportional hazard model without considering health-related time-varying covariates. However, a Cox marginal structural model, a counterfactual statistical measure that is designed to control for censoring bias due to sample attrition over the eight years and time-varying confounding variables, revealed that only group-level segregation was associated with mortality. Our results strongly suggest that more attention is needed on group-level segregation for mortality studies, as well as on well-known individual-level risk factors, including social disengagement and loneliness. All methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.
Short prolactin isoforms are expressed in photoreceptors of canine retinas undergoing retinal degeneration
Authors: Sudharsan Raghavi , Murgiano Leonardo , Tang Hsin-Yao , Olsen Timothy W. , Chavali Venkata R. M. , Aguirre Gustavo D. , Beltran William A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractProlactin (PRL) hormone functions as a pleiotropic cytokine with a protective role in the retina. We recently identified by transcriptome profiling that PRL is one of the most highly upregulated mRNAs in the retinas of mutant rcd1 (PDE6B) and xlpra2 (RPGR) dogs at advanced stages of photoreceptor disease. In the present study, we have identified the expression of a short PRL isoform that lacks exon 1 in canine retinas and analyzed the time-course of expression and localization of this isoform in the retinas of these two models. Using laser capture microdissection to isolate RNA from each of the retinal cellular layers, we found by qPCR that this short PRL isoform is expressed in photoreceptors of degenerating retinas. We confirmed by in situ hybridization that its expression is localized to the outer nuclear layer and begins shortly after the onset of disease at the time of peak photoreceptor cell death in both models. PRL protein was also detected only in mutant dog retinas. Our results call for further investigations into the role of this novel PRL isoform in retinal degeneration.
Any modality of renal replacement therapy can be a treatment option for Joubert syndrome
Authors: Takagi Yoko , Miura Kenichiro , Yabuuchi Tomoo , Kaneko Naoto , Ishizuka Kiyonobu , Takei Mariko , Yajima Chikage , Ikeuchi Yuka , Kobayashi Yasuko , Takizawa Takumi , Hisano Masataka , Tsurusaki Yoshinori , Matsumoto Naomichi , Hattori Motoshi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractJoubert syndrome (JS) is an inherited ciliopathy characterized by a distinctive cerebellar and brain stem malformation which is known as the “molar tooth sign” on axial brain images, hypotonia, and developmental delay. Approximately 25–30% of patients with JS have kidney disease and many of them progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, there are few reports on the outcomes of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with JS and ESKD. In this study, we clarified the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of patients with JS who underwent RRT. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records and clinical characteristics of 11 patients with JS who underwent RRT between June 1994 and July 2019. Data are shown as the median (range). Gene analysis was performed in 8 of the 11 cases, and CEP290 mutations were found in four patients, two had TMEM67 mutations, one had a RPGRIP1L mutation, and one patient showed no mutation with the panel exome analysis. Complications in other organs included hydrocephalus in two cases, retinal degeneration in eight cases, coloboma in one case, liver diseases in four cases, and polydactyly in one case. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was introduced in seven cases, with a median treatment duration of 5.4 (3.4–10.7) years. Hemodialysis was performed using arteriovenous fistula in two cases, and kidney transplantation was performed 9 times in eight cases. Only one of the grafts failed during the observation period of 25.6 (8.2–134.2) months. The glomerular filtration rate at the final observation was 78.1 (41.4–107.7) mL/min/1.73 m2. The median age at the final observation was 13.4 (5.6–25.1) years, and all patients were alive except one who died of hepatic failure while on PD. Any type of RRT modality can be a treatment option for patients with JS and ESKD.