bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hidden influence of large particles on ocean colour
Authors: Davies Emlyn J. , Basedow Sünnje L. , McKee David 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOptical constituents in the ocean are often categorized as water, phytoplankton, sediments and dissolved matter. However, the optical properties of seawater are influenced, to some degree, by scattering and absorption by all particles in the water column. Here we assess the relevant size ranges for determining the optical properties of the ocean. We present a theoretical basis supporting the hypothesis that millimetre-size particles, including zooplankton and fish eggs, can provide a significant contribution to bulk absorption and scattering of seawater and therefore ocean color. Further, we demonstrate that existing in situ instruments are not capable of correctly resolving the impact of such large particles, possibly leading to their optical significance being overlooked. These findings refresh our perspective on the potential of ocean color and invite new applications of remote sensing for monitoring life close to the ocean surface.
Complex precursor structures of cytolytic cupiennins identified in spider venom gland transcriptomes
Authors: Kuhn-Nentwig Lucia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAnalysis of spider venom gland transcriptomes focuses on the identification of possible neurotoxins, proteins and enzymes. Here, the first comprehensive transcriptome analysis of cupiennins, small linear cationic peptides, also known as cytolytic or antimicrobial peptides, is reported from the venom gland transcriptome of Cupiennius salei by 454- and Illumina 3000 sequencing. Four transcript families with complex precursor structures are responsible for the expression of 179 linear peptides. Within the transcript families, after an anionic propeptide, cationic linear peptides are separated by anionic linkers, which are transcript family specific. The C-terminus of the transcript families is characterized by a linear peptide or truncated linkers with unknown function. A new identified posttranslational processing mechanism explains the presence of the two-chain CsTx-16 family in the venom. The high diversity of linear peptides in the venom of a spider and this unique synthesis process is at least genus specific as verified with Cupiennius getazi.
Human NAA30 can rescue yeast mak3∆ mutant growth phenotypes
Authors: Drazic Adrian , Varland Sylvia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
N-terminal acetylation is an irreversible protein modification that primarily occurs co-translationally, and is catalyzed by a highly conserved family of N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). The NatC complex (NAA30–NAA35–NAA38) is a major NAT enzyme, which was first described in yeast and estimated to N-terminally acetylate ∼20% of the proteome. The activity of NatC is crucial for the correct functioning of its substrates, which include translocation to the Golgi apparatus, the inner nuclear membrane as well as proper mitochondrial function. We show in comparative viability and growth assays that yeast cells lacking MAK3/NAA30 grow poorly in non-fermentable carbon sources and other stress conditions. By using two different experimental approaches and two yeast strains, we show that liquid growth assays are the method of choice when analyzing subtle growth defects, keeping loss of information to a minimum. We further demonstrate that human NAA30 can functionally replace yeast MAK3/NAA30. However, this depends on the genetic background of the yeast strain. These findings indicate that the function of MAK3/NAA30 is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human. Our yeast system provides a powerful approach to study potential human NAA30 variants using a high-throughput liquid growth assay with various stress conditions.
Preventive role of probiotic bacteria against gastrointestinal diseases in mice caused by Giardia lamblia
Authors: Al-Megrin Wafa A. , Mohamed Shadia H. , Saleh Moudy M. , Yehia Hany M. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Giardiasis is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal diseases in the world. It is caused by Giardia, Giardia lamblia, a common and opportunistic zoonotic parasite. The aim of our work is to find a natural and safe alternative treatment for giardiasis, specifically, to determine if probiotic bacteria (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus helveticus) can contribute to treatment, and act as preventives. Sixty weanling albino mice, Mus musculus, were divided into control and experimental, probiotic-fed groups. We determined infection intensity, and cure and prevention rates of giardiasis through ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) of stool samples and histopathological comparison of intestinal tissue. In experimental groups, there was a significant reduction in infection intensity (P&lt;0.001) on days 10, 15, and 20, while cure rate reached 87.5%. The control group showed no signs of reduced infection or cure and only the group treated with probiotics prior to infection showed significant prevention rates. In the experimental groups, intestinal changes due to giardiasis appeared 7 days post-infection. However, almost all of these changes disappeared by the 25th day. Our results suggest a beneficial and significant effect of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of giardiasis in mice.
Ddhd1 knockout mouse as a model of locomotive and physiological abnormality in familial spastic paraplegia
Authors: Morikawa Takuya , Ohishi Hiroaki , Kosaka Kengo , Shimojo Tomofumi , Nagano Akihiro , Taniguchi Itsuki , Fujioka Ryuta , Moriyama Kosei , Unoki Motoko , Takahashi Masatomo , Nakao Motonao , Izumi Yoshihiro , Bamba Takeshi , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Miura Shiroh , Shibata Hiroki 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We have previously reported a novel homozygous 4-bp deletion in DDHD1 as the responsible variant for spastic paraplegia type 28 (SPG28; OMIM#609340). The variant causes a frameshift, resulting in a functionally null allele in the patient. DDHD1 encodes phospholipase A1 (PLA1) catalyzing phosphatidylinositol to lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI). To clarify the pathogenic mechanism of SPG28, we established Ddhd1 knockout mice (Ddhd1[−/−]) carrying a 5-bp deletion in Ddhd1, resulting in a premature termination of translation at a position similar to that of the patient. We observed a significant decrease in foot–base angle (FBA) in aged Ddhd1(−/−) (24 months of age) and a significant decrease in LPI 20:4 (sn-2) in Ddhd1(−/−) cerebra (26 months of age). These changes in FBA were not observed in 14 months of age. We also observed significant changes of expression levels of 22 genes in the Ddhd1(−/−) cerebra (26 months of age). Gene Ontology (GO) terms relating to the nervous system and cell–cell communications were significantly enriched. We conclude that the reduced signaling of LPI 20:4 (sn-2) by PLA1 dysfunction is responsible for the locomotive abnormality in SPG28, further suggesting that the reduction of downstream signaling such as GPR55 which is agonized by LPI is involved in the pathogenesis of SPG28.
Generation of APOE knock-down SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells using CRISPR/Cas9: a novel cellular model relevant to Alzheimer’s disease research
Authors: Muñoz Sonia Sanz , Garner Brett , Ooi Lezanne 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
APOE ε4 is the major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A precise role for apolipoprotein E (apoE) in the pathogenesis of the disease remains unclear in part due to its expression in multiple cell types of the brain. APOE is highly expressed in astrocytes and microglia, however its expression can also be induced in neurons under various conditions. The neuron-like cell line SK-N-SH is a useful model in the study of the cellular and molecular effects of apoE as it can be differentiated with retinoic acid to express and secrete high levels of apoE and it also shows the same apoE fragmentation patterns observed in the human brain. We previously found that apoE is cleaved into a 25-kDa fragment by high temperature-requirement serine protease A1 (HtrA1) in SK-N-SH cells. To further understand the endogenous functions of apoE, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to generate SK-N-SH cell lines with APOE expression knocked-down (KD). APOE KD cells showed lower APOE and HTRA1 expression than parental SK-N-SH cells but no overt differences in neuritogenesis or cell proliferation compared with the CRISPR/Cas9 control cells. This research shows that the loss of apoE and HtrA1 has a negligible effect on neuritogenesis and cell survival in SK-N-SH neuron-like cells.
Effect of mesenchymal stem cells on cytochrome-c release and inflammation in colon cancer induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Alkhuriji Afrah F. , Alsaiari Seham G. , Alomar Suliman Y. , Alnafjan Alaa A. , Alobaid Hussah , El-Khadragy Manal F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Colon cancer is one of the most common causes of deaths by cancer worldwide. Stem cells have immunosuppressive properties that promote tumor targeting and circumvent obstacles currently in gene therapy. Bone marrow stem cells are believed to have anticancer potential. The transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a type of bone marrow stem cells, has been considered a potential therapy for patients with solid tumors due to their capability to enhance the immune response; MSC transplantation has received renewed interest in recent years. The present study aimed to evaluate the antiapoptotic effects of the MSCs on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced inflammation in the rat model of colorectal cancer. The rats were randomly allocated into four groups: control, treated with MSCs, induced by DMH, and induced by DMH and treated with MSCs. The MSCs were intra-rectally injected, and DMH was subcutaneously injected at 20 mg/kg body weight once a week for 15 weeks. The administration of MSCs into rats starting from day 0 of the DMH injection was found to enhance the histopathological picture. The MSC treatment resulted in fewer inflammatory cells than in the DMH group. Therefore, our findings suggest that BMCs have antitumor effects by modulating the cellular redox status and down-regulating the pro-inflammatory genes. Thus, BMCs may provide therapeutic value for colon cancer treatment.
Präklinische und klinische Versorgungskonzepte in der Katastrophenmedizin
Authors: Kippnich Maximilian , Meybohm Patrick , Wurmb Thomas 
Published: February 2021

ZusammenfassungDie Katastrophenmedizin steht komplexen Anforderungen gegenüber und wird künftig eine zunehmende Rolle spielen. Sie ist dominiert durch ein phasenweises Ungleichgewicht von vorhandenen und benötigten Ressourcen. Oberste Ziele sind die prioritätenorientierte Versorgung möglichst vieler Patienten und die zügige Rückkehr zur Individualmedizin. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt wichtige Prinzipien der katastrophenmedizinischen Einsatzplanung und Bewältigung.
Extrakorporale Behandlungsstrategien der Sepsis: die Rolle der Plasmapherese
Authors: Stahl Klaus , Bode Christian , David Sascha 
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die Mortalität bei Sepsis bleibt hoch. Verschiedene Techniken zur extrakorporalen Zytokinelimination wurden als zusätzliche therapeutische Maßnahmen bei Sepsis und septischem Schock untersucht.
Ziele Zusammenfassung einer Auswahl extrakorporaler Blutreinigungstechniken und der aktuellen Erkenntnisse in der klinischen Anwendung mit besonderem Schwerpunkt auf dem therapeutischen Plasmaaustausch.
Methoden Nicht systematische Literaturrecherche.
Ergebnisse Verschiedene extrakorporale Blutreinigungstechniken mit unterschiedlichen Evidenzniveaus hinsichtlich Zytokinelimination, Verbesserung der Hämodynamik und Verringerung der Mortalität werden derzeit klinisch eingesetzt. Die am ausführlichsten untersuchten Modalitäten umfassen die hochvolumige Hämofiltration/Dialyse mit und ohne High-Cut-off-Filter sowie Hämoadsorptionstechniken (einschließlich CytoSorb- und Polymyxin-B-Filter). Trotz teilweise ermutigender Beobachtungen bezüglich der Entfernung proinflammatorischer Zytokine und verbesserten Hämodynamik zeigten randomisierte Studien bislang keinen positiven Einfluss auf das Überleben. Aufgrund der Verwendung von Spenderplasma als Substitutionsflüssigkeit stellt der therapeutische Plasmaaustausch das einzige Verfahren dar, das zusätzlich verbrauchte protektive Faktoren ersetzen kann.
Schlussfolgerungen Die Anwendung extrakorporaler Blutreinigungsmethoden kann für Sepsispatienten außerhalb klinischer Studien bisher nicht empfohlen werden, da derzeit keine Beweise für ihre Wirksamkeit vorliegen. Zukünftige Untersuchungen sollten darauf abzielen, das untersuchte Patientenkollektiv hinsichtlich des klinischen Schweregrads, des Zeitpunkts der Intervention und verschiedener inflammatorischer (Sub-)Phänotypen zu homogenisieren.
Assessment of Right Heart Functions in Children with Mild Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Guliyeva Aynur , Cakir Erkan , Yazan Hakan , AlShadfan Lina , Sharifov Rasul , Temur Hafize Otcu , Karaarslan Utku , Yozgat Can Yilmaz , Erenberk Ufuk , Yakut Kahraman , Yozgat Yilmaz 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic disease that prevalently involves the lungs. Hypoxemia occurs due to the existing of progressive damage to the pulmonary parenchyma and pulmonary vessels. The condition may cause systolic and diastolic dysfunction to the right ventricle due to the effects of high pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). The study aimed to determine echocardiographic alterations in PASP, right ventricle (RV) anatomy, and functions in mild CF children.
Materials and Methods RV anatomy, systolic, and diastolic functions were evaluated with conventional echocardiographic measurements. Estimated PASP was used measured with new echocardiographic modalities, including pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT), right ventricular ejection time (RVET), and their ratio (PAAT/RVET). The obtained echocardiographic data were statistically compared between the patient group and the control group.
Results The study consisted of 30 pediatric patients with mild CF and 30 healthy children with similar demographics. In patient group, conventional parameters disclosed differences in RV anatomy, both systolic and diastolic functions of RV compared with the healthy group. We did not compare the patient group with published standard data because of the wide range variability. However, new echocardiographic parameters showed notable increase in pulmonary artery pressure compared with values of control group and published standard data (p<0.001).
Conclusion Elevated PASP, RV failure, and Cor pulmonale usually begin early in children with mild CF. In addition to routine echocardiographic measurements to evaluate RV, we recommend the use of new echocardiographic modalities for routine examinations and in the follow up of children with mild CF.
Risk Stratification in COVID-19 Pneumonia – Determining the Role of Lung Ultrasound
Authors: Tombini Valeria , Di Capua Mirko , Capsoni Nicolò , Lazzati Andrea , Bergamaschi Marta , Gheda Silvia , Ghezzi Leonardo , Cassano Giulio , Albertini Valentina , Porta Lorenzo , Zacchino Massimo , Campanella Carlo , Guarnieri Linda , Cazzola Katia Barbara , Velati Marta , Di Domenico Sandro Luigi , Tonani Michela , Spina Maria Teresa , Paglia Stefano , Bellone Andrea 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLUS patterns of COVID-19 pneumonia have been described and shown to be characteristic. The aim of the study was to predict the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, using a score based on LUS findings.
Materials and Methods An observational, retrospective study was conducted on patients admitted to Niguarda hospital with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia during the period of a month, from March 2nd to April 3rd 2020. Demographics, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings were collected. LUS was performed in all patients. The chest was divided into 12 areas. The LUS report was drafted using a score from 0 to 3 with 0 corresponding to A pattern, 1 corresponding to well separated vertical artifacts (B lines), 2 corresponding to white lung and small consolidations, 3 corresponding to wide consolidations. The total score results from the sum of the scores for each area. The primary outcome was endotracheal intubation, no active further management, or death. The secondary outcome was discharge from the emergency room (ER).
Results 255 patients were enrolled. 93.7 % had a positive LUS. ETI was performed in 43 patients, and 24 received a DNI order. The general mortality rate was 15.7 %. Male sex (OR 3.04, p = 0.014), cardiovascular disease and hypertension (OR 2.75, p = 0.006), P/F (OR 0.99, p < 0.001) and an LUS score > 20 (OR 2.52, p = 0.046) were independent risk factors associated with the primary outcome. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for an LUS score > 20 was performed with an AUC of 0.837. Independent risk factors associated with the secondary outcome were age (OR 0.96, p = 0.073), BMI (OR 0.87, p = 0,13), P/F (OR 1.03, p < 0.001), and LUS score < 10 (OR 20.9, p = 0.006). ROC curve analysis was performed using an LUS score < 10 with an AUC 0.967.
Conclusion The extent of lung abnormalities evaluated by LUS score is a predictor of a worse outcome, ETI, or death. Moreover, the LUS score could be an additional tool for the safe discharge of patient from the ER.
Rettungsdiensteinsätze am Lebensende: erste Ergebnisse eines sektorenübergreifenden Rückmelde- und Kontrollsystems
Authors: Günther Andreas , Swart Enno , Schmid Sybille 
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Informationen über den Verlauf von Rettungsdienstpatienten kann für Fortbildung und Strukturverbesserung nützlich sein.
Patienten/Material und Methoden Eine systematische Verlinkung von Sterberegister- und Rettungsdienstdaten identifiziert Sterbefälle nach ambulantem Kontakt mit dem Rettungsdienst
ohne notärztliche Beteiligung (AKRD) und bietet Anlass für individuelle Einsatznachbesprechungen.
Ergebnisse In den Jahren 2018 und 2019 erfolgten in der Stadt Braunschweig 115 409 Rettungsdiensteinsätze. Es verstarben 7185 Menschen, ihr Alter betrug im Median 78 (0 – 106) Jahre
(Min – Max), 3585 (49,9%) waren weiblich. Am Sterbetag oder am Vortag des Todes erfolgten 1003 Einsätze. Diese Patienten waren 78 (0 – 101) Jahre alt, 468 (46,7%) waren weiblich. Dabei
wurden 8 AKRD identifiziert. Diese Patienten waren 73 (30 – 90) Jahre alt, 2 waren weiblich.
Schlussfolgerung Sterbefälle nach AKRD waren ähnlich häufig wie international publiziert. Das System bietet verschiedene Nutzungs- und Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten.
Efficient Monofluoroalkylation of Thiophenols or Phenols with α-Bromo-α-Fluoroketones under Mild Conditions
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Wu Fanhong , Li Zhi , Fang Mougui , Liu Yunli , Liu Yecheng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn efficient nucleophilic substitution reaction between α-bromo-α-fluoroketones and thiophenols or phenols is reported for the synthesis of α-fluoro-β-ketosulfides or α-fluoro-β-ketone ethers in yields ranging from 78–93%. This method exhibits good functional group tolerance and a broad scope of nucleophilic substrates, including natural phenolic compounds.
Masses of the Lacrimal Gland: Evaluation and Treatment
Authors: Kim Jane S. , Liss Jason 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLacrimal gland lesions account for approximately 9 to 10% of all biopsied orbital masses. Potential causes include nongranulomatous and granulomatous inflammation, autoimmune disease, lymphoproliferative disorders, benign epithelial proliferation, malignant neoplasia, and metastatic disease. Inflammatory lesions and lymphoproliferative disorders are the most common and may be unilateral or bilateral; they may also be localized to the orbit or associated with systemic disease. Both benign and malignant epithelial lacrimal gland masses tend to be unilateral and involve the orbital lobe, but a more rapid onset of symptoms and periorbital pain strongly suggest malignant disease. On orbital imaging, both inflammatory and lymphoproliferative lesions conform to the globe and surrounding structures, without changes in adjacent bone, whereas epithelial lacrimal gland masses often show scalloping of the lacrimal gland fossa. Malignant epithelial lacrimal gland tumors can also have radiographic evidence of bony invasion and destruction. Masses of the lacrimal gland may be due to a broad range of pathologies, and a good working knowledge of common clinical characteristics and radiographic imaging findings is essential for diagnosis and treatment. All patients with inflammatory, lymphoproliferative, and epithelial neoplastic lesions involving the lacrimal gland require long-term surveillance for disease recurrence and progression.
Application of Polydioxanone Sutures in the Nuss Procedure
Authors: Xie Yimin , Ning Jinbo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background/Purpose The Nuss procedure is the most common surgical repair for pectus excavatum (PE). Surgical steel wires are used in some modifications of the Nuss procedure to attach one or both ends of a support bar to the ribs. During follow-up, wire breakage was found in some cases. Patients with wire breakage may undergo prolonged bar removal surgery and may be exposed to excessive radiation.In this study, we had a series of patients who received polydioxanone suture (PDS) fixations instead of steel wires. This retrospective study was conducted to explore the differences between these two fixation materials in the incidence of related complications and efficacies. Furthermore, we attempted to observe whether the two materials lead to similar surgical efficacy in the Nuss procedure, whether they have divergent effects on the bar removal surgery, and whether PDS can reduce the risks due to steel wire breakage as expected.
Methods We retrospectively studied PDS and surgical steel wires as fixation materials for the Nuss procedure in children with congenital PE and reviewed the outcomes and complications. A total of 75 children who had undergone Nuss procedure repairs and bar removals from January 2013 to December 2019 were recruited to participate in this study. They were divided into three groups: the PDS group, the unbroken wire (UBW) group, and the broken wire (BW) group, according to the fixation materials and whether the wires had broken or not. Moreover, we selected the duration of operation (DO), intraoperative blood loss (BL), bar displacement (BD), postoperative pain score (PPS), and incision infection as the risk indicators and the postrepair Haller index (HI) as the effectiveness indicator. These indicators were statistically compared to determine whether there were differences among the three groups.
Results One BD occurred in the PDS and BW groups while none took place in the UBW group. No incision infection was found in any of the groups. The PDS group had the shortest DO, while the DO in the UBW group was shorter than that in the BW group (p < 0.05). BL in the PDS group was less than that in the other two groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, no difference was observed in BL between the BW and UBW groups (p > 0.05). The PPS of the PDS group was less than that of the BW group (p < 0.05), whereas no differences were found between the other two groups. No statistical difference emerged in HI among the groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion PDS fixation results in a similar repair outcome and shows certain advantages in the DO, BL, and PPS; also, PDSs are safe and effective in the Nuss procedure.
Level of evidence Level III.