bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac biomarkers in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jayasimhan Dilip , Foster Simon , Chang Catherina L. , Hancox Robert J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit. Biochemical markers of cardiac dysfunction are associated with high mortality in many respiratory conditions. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the link between elevated biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction in ARDS and mortality.

Methods
A systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases was performed. We included studies of adult intensive care patients with ARDS that reported the risk of death in relation to a measured biomarker of cardiac dysfunction. The primary outcome of interest was mortality up to 60 days. A random-effects model was used for pooled estimates. Funnel-plot inspection was done to evaluate publication bias; Cochrane chi-square tests and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity.

Results
Twenty-two studies were included in the systematic review and 18 in the meta-analysis. Biomarkers of cardiac stretch included NT-ProBNP (nine studies) and BNP (six studies). Biomarkers of cardiac injury included Troponin-T (two studies), Troponin-I (one study) and High-Sensitivity-Troponin-I (three studies). Three studies assessed multiple cardiac biomarkers. High levels of NT-proBNP and BNP were associated with a higher risk of death up to 60 days (unadjusted OR 8.98; CI 4.15-19.43; p<0.00001). This association persisted after adjustment for age and illness severity. Biomarkers of cardiac injury were also associated with higher mortality, but this association was not statistically significant (unadjusted OR 2.21; CI 0.94-5.16; p= 0.07).

Conclusion
Biomarkers of cardiac stretch are associated with increased mortality in ARDS.
Reducing self-shading effects in Botryococcus braunii cultures: effect of Mg2+ deficiency on optical and biochemical properties, photosynthesis and lipidomic profile
Authors: Giraldo Néstor David , Correa Sandra Marcela , Arbeláez Andrés , Figueroa Felix L. , Ríos-Estepa Rigoberto , Atehortúa Lucía 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMicroalgae biomass exploitation as a carbon–neutral energy source is currently limited by several factors, productivity being one of the most relevant. Due to the high absorption properties of light-harvesting antenna, photosynthetic cells tend to capture an excessive amount of energy that cannot be entirely channeled through the electron transfer chain that ends up dissipated as heat and fluorescence, reducing the overall light use efficiency. Aiming to minimize this hurdle, in this work we studied the effect of decreasing concentrations of Magnesium (Mg2+) on the chlorophyllacontent, photosynthetic performance, biomass and lipid production of autotrophic cultures ofBotryococcus brauniiLB 572. We also performed, for the first time, a comparative lipidomic analysis to identify the influence of limited Mg2+supply on the lipid profile of this algae. The results indicated that a level of 0.0037 g L−1MgSO4caused a significant decline on chlorophyllacontent with a concomitant 2.3-fold reduction in the biomass absorption coefficient. In addition, the Mg2+limitation caused a decrease in the total carbohydrate content and triggered lipid accumulation, achieving levels of up to 53% DCW, whereas the biomass productivity remained similar for all tested conditions. The lipidome analysis revealed that the lowest Mg2+concentrations also caused a differential lipid profile distribution, with an enrichment of neutral lipids and an increase of structural lipids. In that sense, we showed that Mg2+limitation represents an alternative optimization approach that not only enhances accumulation of neutral lipids inB. brauniicells but also may potentially lead to a better areal biomass productivity due to the reduction in the cellular light absorption properties of the cells.
Exploratory field study on the effects of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) sow vaccination at different physiological stages mimicking blanket vaccination
Authors: Pleguezuelos Patricia , Sibila Marina , Cuadrado Raúl , López-Jiménez Rosa , Pérez Diego , Huerta Eva , Llorens Anna M. , Núñez José Ignacio , Segalés Joaquim , López-Soria Sergio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The objective of the present study was to explore the benefits of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) blanket vaccination in a sow herd on productive parameters, PCV-2 infection and immune status in sows and their progeny. For this purpose, 288 sows were distributed among four balanced experimental groups. One group remained as negative control group and the other three received 1 mL of PCV-2 Ingelvac Circoflex® intramuscularly at different productive cycle moments: before mating, mid gestation (42–49 days post-insemination) or late gestation (86–93 days post-insemination); phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as negative control item. Reproductive parameters from sows during gestation and body weight of their progeny from birth to weaning were recorded. Additionally, blood was collected from sows at each vaccination time and piglets at 3 weeks of age. Moreover, up to 4 placental umbilical cords (PUC) per sow were taken at peri-partum. Sera from sows and piglets were analysed for PCV-2 antibody detection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from sows and PUC were tested to quantify viraemia using a real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay.

Results
Globally, results indicated that vaccinated sows showed heavier piglets at birth and at weaning, less cross-fostered piglets, lower viral load at farrowing as well as in PUC, and higher antibody levels at farrowing, compared to non-vaccinated ones. When all groups were compared among them, sows vaccinated at mid or late gestation had heavier piglets at birth than non-vaccinated sows, and lower proportion of PCV-2 positive PUC. Also, cross-fostering was less frequently practiced in sows vaccinated at pre-mating or mid gestation compared to non-vaccinated ones.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the present study points out that PCV-2 sow vaccination at different time points of their physiological status (mimicking blanket vaccination) offers benefits at production and serological and virological levels.
Facial nerve regeneration using silicone conduits filled with ammonia-functionalized graphene oxide and frankincense-embedded hydrogel
Authors: Aghajanian Sepehr , Taghi Doulabi Aliasghar , Akhbari Masoume , Shams Alireza 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Silicone tube (ST) conduits have been accepted as a therapeutic alternative to direct nerve suturing in the treatment of nerve injuries; however, the search for optimal adjuncts to maximize the outcomes is still ongoing. Frankincense (Fr) and graphene oxide (GO) have both been cited as neuroregenerative compounds in the literature. This study assesses the efficacy of these materials using a ST conduit in a rat facial nerve motor neuron axotomy model, distal to the stylomastoid foramen.

Methods
Ammonia-functionalized graphene oxide (NH2-GO) and/or Fr extract were embedded in a collagen-chitosan hydrogel and were injected inside a ST. The ST was inserted in the gap between the axotomized nerve stumps. Return of function in eye closure, blinking reflex, and vibrissae movements were assessed and compared to control groups through 30 days following axotomy. To assess the histological properties of regenerated nerves, biopsies were harvested distal to the axotomy site and were visualized through light and fluorescence microscopy using LFB and anti-MBP marker, respectively.

Results
There was no significant difference in behavioral test results between groups. Histological analysis of the nerve sections revealed increased number of regenerating axons and mean axon diameter in NH2-GO group and decreased myelin surface area in Fr group. Using both NH2-GO and Fr resulted in increased number of regenerated axons and myelin thickness compared to the hydrogel group.

Conclusions
The findings suggest a synergistic effect of the substances above in axon regrowth, notably in myelin regeneration, where Fr supposedly decreases myelin synthesis.
Hope, Burnout, and Life Satisfaction: An Intriguing Trinity Among Investigators of the SWOG Cancer Research Network
Authors: Feldman David B. , O'Rourke Mark A. , Bakitas Marie A. , Krouse Robert S. , Deininger Heidi E. , Hudson Matthew F. , Corn Benjamin W. 
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE: Although hope has been explored in patients, few studies have investigated hopefulness in health care professionals. We surveyed oncology professionals within the SWOG Cancer Research Network, exploring relationships among personal hopefulness, social support, work stress, burnout, and life satisfaction. We hypothesized that hope would mediate the relationships between these other variables and life satisfaction. METHODS: SWOG members were randomly selected for an online survey containing measures of hope, social support, work stress, burnout, and satisfaction with life. Of 1,000 invitees, 226 responded. RESULTS: We tested a multiple mediational model using Hayes' bootstrapping approach (ie, PROCESS v3.4). As hypothesized, hope partially mediated the relationships between burnout and life satisfaction as well as between social support and life satisfaction. In particular, hopefulness was associated with lower burnout (−0.23; P = .005), greater social support (0.23; P = .005), and greater life satisfaction (0.50; P < .001). Work stress was associated with greater burnout (0.57; P < .001) but was not associated with general life satisfaction. Finally, social support was associated with lower burnout (−0.16; P = .005) and greater life satisfaction (0.24; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that hope may mitigate the effects of burnout. The combination of hope and social support may prove helpful for reducing burnout and improving life satisfaction. Single-session hope-enhancement interventions incorporating both hope and social support have previously been shown to increase hope and well-being in non–health care professionals. Such interventions for health care providers warrant further study.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism Reduces Systemic Oxidative Stress, as Measured by Markers of RNA and DNA Damage
Authors: Larsen Camilla B , Riis Kamilla R , Winther Kristian H , Larsen Emil L , Ellervik Christina , Hegedüs Laszlo , Brix Thomas H , Poulsen Henrik E , Bonnema Steen J 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Background
Whole-body oxidative stress can be estimated by the urine excretion of oxidized guanosine species, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), derived from RNA and DNA, respectively. These oxidative stress markers are not well explored in thyroid disorders.

Objective
We aimed to determine whether treatment of hyperthyroid patients affects the levels of these oxidative stress markers.

Methods
Urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG was measured in 51 hyperthyroid patients (toxic nodular goiter [TNG], n = 30; Graves disease [GD], n = 21) before or shortly after initiation of therapy and when stable euthyroidism had been achieved for at least 12 months.

Results
Adjusting for age, the baseline urinary excretion of oxidative stress markers correlated positively with plasma thyroxine (8-oxoGuo, P = 0.002; 8-oxodG, P = 0.021) and was significantly higher in GD than in TNG patients (P = 0.001 for both oxidative stress markers). Restoration of euthyroidism significantly affected the excretion of the oxidative stress markers. In TNG, 8-oxoGuo decreased from geometric mean 2.11 nmol/mmol creatinine (95% CI, 1.85-2.39) to 1.91 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.67-2.19; P = 0.001), while 8-oxodG decreased from 1.65 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.41-1.93) to 1.48 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.27-1.74; P = 0.026). In GD, 8-oxoGuo decreased from 2.25 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.95-2.59) to 1.79 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.63-1.97; P = 0.0003), while 8-oxodG decreased from 2.02 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.73-2.38) to 1.54 nmol/mmol (95% CI, 1.31-1.81; P = 0.001). In the euthyroid state, there were no differences between groups.

Conclusion
Restoration of euthyroidism in patients with hyperthyroidism significantly decreased the systemic oxidative stress load by 10% to 25%. Our findings may help to explain the higher morbidity and mortality linked to hyperthyroid diseases, as shown in observational studies.
Cortical Changes in Acipenserid Eggs during Fertilization and Artificial Activation
Authors: Dettlaff T. A. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTIn the complex chain of interrelated processes which make up the early changes in the egg during activation (see Tyler, 1941, 1955; Runnström, 1952; Rothschild, 1956; T. Yamamoto, 1956; Allen, 1958) many phenomena are still unclear : for example, the problem of the fertilization impulse, the rate of its spread, and its relationship with the other changes in the egg; the problem of the origin of the perivitelline space colloid and of its relation to the material of the cortical granules (Runnström, 1952; Rothschild, 1956; Allen, 1958). The main objects of investigation have hitherto been the eggs of sea urchins and, to a lesser extent, of teleost fishes, so that a danger exists that the sequence of phenomena characteristic of these eggs may be supposed to hold generally. Acipenserid eggs, because of certain peculiarities of their structure and development, are a suitable object for studies of this kind.
Transection of the Spinal Cord in DevelopingXenopus Laevis
Authors: Sims R. T. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTThe spinal cord of X. laevis larvae at stage 56 of development was completely transected between the fifth and sixth neural arch. Observations were made on 33 larvae which survived the operation and a suitable group of normal control animals. They were fixed at intervals up to 6 months after the operation. Sections were prepared and either stained with cresyl violet or silvered by Bodian’s protargol method. Normal larvae exhibited movements associated with locomotion, posture, and respiration. A knock on the side of their bowl evoked an avoiding reaction in which they darted through the water. During the first 15 days after the operation the locomotory movement was performed only by the region of the experimental animals cranial to the lesion and the postural movement was performed only by the region caudal to the lesion. On the sixteenth postoperative day functional co-ordination across the lesion had returned in all the experimental animals. The response to a knock on the side of their container never returned to the region of these animals caudal to the site of transection. The first axons to regenerate across the lesion were found on the seventh postoperative day—8 days before the return of functional co-ordination. The only change at the site of transection after this was an increase in the number of axons. The Mauthner axons and the large axons of primary motor neurones did not regenerate. Perikarya of primary motor neurones showing chromatolytic changes were found for two segments cranial and half a segment caudal to the site of transection in the operated animals. It was concluded that the movements associated with locomotion are mediated by a different central system to that mediating the postural movements of these animals. It is suggested that the Mauthner axons of these animals are the central motor pathway for the avoiding response stimulated by a knock on the side of their container. The evidence is consistent with the hypothesis that regeneration of axons after transection of the spinal cord is not limited by local changes consequent to the lesion.
Morphogenetic Interactions before Gastrulation in the Amphibian,Xenopus laevis—the Cortical Field
Authors: Curtis A. S. G. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTAlthough the main visible forms of morphogenesis commence at gastrulation it is of great interest to discover whether they are preceded by a series of preparatory changes just as essential to development, although they have no immediately visible effects. When Dalcq & Pasteels (1937) proposed the hypothesis that the cortex and yolk respectively contained morphogenetic factors which determine the main structural features of the embryo, they did not suggest when or how these factors act. I have described a method (Curtis, 1960) for grafting portions of the cortex of the Xenopus egg from one egg to another, and by its use was able to confirm that parts at least of the cortex contain a morphogenetic factor. In the present work this technique has been used to make grafts between the cortex of embryonic cells of varying ages in order to discover whether the cortex alters its morphogenetic properties as development proceeds. A related question is whether the cortex brings its morphogenetic factors into action only when gastrulation begins or does it act at an earlier stage.
Nature and distribution of the morphogen DIF in theDictyosteliumslug
Authors: Brookman Jenny J. , Jermyn Keith A. , Kay Robert R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Dictyostelium slug contains a simple anterior-posterior pattern of prestalk and prespore cells. It is likely that DIF, the morphogen which induces stalk cells, is involved in establishing this pattern. Previous work has shown that a number of distinct species of DIF are released by developing cells and that cell-associated DIF activity increases rapidly during the slug stage of development. In this paper we describe a comparison of the DIF extracted from slugs with the DIF released into the medium. Analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using different solvent systems shows that the major species of DIF activity extracted from slugs coelutes with DIF-1, the major species of released DIF and is similarly sensitive to sodium borohydride reduction.Since DIF specifically induces the differentiation of prestalk cells, the anterior cells of the slug, it could be anticipated that DIF is localized in the prestalk region. We have therefore determined the distribution of DIF within the slug. Migrating slugs from strain V12M2 were manually dissected into anterior one-third and posterior two-third fragments and the DIF activity extracted. Surprisingly, we found that DIF was not restricted to the prestalk fragment. Instead there appears to be a reverse gradient of DIF in the slug with at least twice the specific activity of total DIF in the prespore region than in the prestalk region.
Purified bovine AMH induces a characteristic freemartin effect in fetal rat prospective ovaries exposed to it in vitro
Authors: Vigier Bernard , Watrin Françoise , Magre Solange , Tran Dien , Josso Nathalie 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
To determine whether anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is responsible for the gonadal lesions observed in bovine genetic females united by placental anastomoses to male twins (freemartins), prospective ovaries of fetal rats were exposed to purified bovine AMH in vitro. In cultures initiated at 14 days p.c. and maintained 3 to 10 days, AMH consistently induced a characteristic ‘freemartin effect’, namely reduction of gonadal volume, germ cell depletion and differentiation, in the gonadal blastema, of epithelial cells with large clear cytoplasm linked by interdigitations, resembling rat fetal Sertoli cells. These cells tend to become polarized and form cords, delineated by a continuous basal membrane containing laminin and fibronectin. Such structures, resembling developing seminiferous cords, were not detected in control ovarian cultures. These data strongly suggest that AMH is the testicular factor responsible for triggering the morphological abnormalities of freemartin gonads.
Metallothionein gene regulation in the preimplantation rabbit blastocyst
Authors: Andrews G. K. , Huet Y. M. , Lehman L. D. , Dey S. K. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTExpression of metallothionein (AfT) genes in the preimplantation rabbit blastocyst was analysed by determination of the levels of MT mRNA and relative rates of MT synthesis. MT was found to be constitutively expressed at low levels in the blastocyst. Exposure of the day-6 blastocyst to zinc ions in vitro rapidly increased the level of MT gene expression in a dose-dependent manner, with a ten-fold induction in the relative rate of synthesis at 400μm-Zn2+. Ion-exchange chromatography of pulse-labelled blastocyst protein showed that the relative rates of synthesis of both MT-I and MT-II were markedly increased following zinc treatment, with MT-I being the predominant isometallothionein. Zinc induction of MT synthesis in the blastocyst was also detected on day 4 of gestation just after the morula-torblastocyst transition. In contrast to the zinc effects on MT, in vitro exposure to 10 μM-Cd2+ resulted in a large induction of MT mRNA but only a modest increase in the relative rate of MT synthesis. Cadmium was found to be toxic to the day-6 blastocyst, and 10μM-Cd2+ induced an acute stress response as indicated by a dramatic induction of heat-shock protein (HSP-70) gene expression.
The structure and distribution of proteochondroitin sulphate during the formation of chick embryo feather germs
Authors: Kitamura Kunio 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
The dorsal skin of the chick embryo, in which feather germ forms, was found to synthesize two proteochon-droitin sulphates, PCS-I and PCS-II and a proteo-heparan sulphate, PHS. A monoclonal antibody (I3B9) was prepared against PCS-I, a higher molecular weight proteochondroitin sulphate. Distribution of PCS-I was immunohistochemically studied using I3B9. PCS-I was found in the epidermis, basement membrane and superficial dermis prior to formation of feather rudiments. As the feather rudiments formed, PCS-I was noted in a condensed area of dermal cells and in the basement membrane, while PCS-I decreased remarkably in the epidermal placode. The formation of feather buds resulted in a decrease in PCS-I in the region of dermal condensation and the basement membrane situated above this region. PCS-I was asymmetrically distributed in the feather filaments. The turnover of proteochondroitin sulphate was studied using autoradiography of [3SS]sulphate. Proteochondroitin sulphate in the base-ment membrane and condensed dermis of the feather rudiments showed very slow turnover. On the other hand, the outgrowth of feather buds caused rapid turnover of proteochondroitin sulphate in the region of dermal condensation and basement membrane situated above this region. The mechanism for the uneven distribution of PCS-I during feather germ formation is discussed.
Maternal treatment with cortisone accelerates eyelid closure and other developmental fusion processes in fetal mice
Authors: Juriloff D. M. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
Cortisone acetate administered to pregnant CBA/J and SWV/Bc mice at 30 to 100 mg kg-1 on day 14 of gestation causes accelerated development of eyelid closure, digit fusion and fusion of pinnae to the scalp on day 16 of gestation. Eyelid closure seems to be accelerated more than hindlimb digit fusion.
The results support the hypothesis that the prevention of the open-eye birth defect in lgMI/lgMI mutant mice by cortisone is through a shift of eye closure to an earlier chronological or morphological stage, and that the lgMI mutation causes delay in eyelid development and closure.
Most previous studies of the effects of glucocorticoids on morphological development have focussed on high doses that induce defects, such as cleft palate, and on treatment earlier in gestation. In the studies reported here, lower doses were used and an acceleration of apparently normal development was observed. The results support the possibility that the gene regulatory effects of physiological levels of glucocorticoids are involved in normal morphological development of mammalian fetuses. The regulation of genes is far less well understood for morphological development than for biochemical differentiation. The responses of the four morphological traits described in this paper seem to offer a route to some greater insight into the genetic regulation of morphology.