bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistent Helicobacter pylori infection for more than 3 years leads to elevated serum homocysteine concentration: A retrospective cohort study based on a healthy Chinese population
Authors: Chen Yahong , Xu Chunli , Xu Hongfang , Chen Weiling , Wang Huihong , Wang Zhongtai , Zhang Jinshun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThe relationship between the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and homocysteine is unclear. We evaluated the effect of H. pylori on serum homocysteine in a healthy Chinese population.MethodsA total of 21 184 individuals aged over 18 years underwent 13C/14C urease breath test (13C/14C‐UBT) and blood tests and 5042 individuals with follow‐up intervals greater than 6 months. Homocysteine levels are classified according to the Chinese expert consensus.ResultsThe rates of H. pylori infection of normal level, mild level, moderate level, and severe level were 40.9%, 43.8%, 45.8%, and 46.6%, respectively (P = 0.000). H. pylori infection increased the risk of higher homocysteine concentration (OR = 1.406, P = 0.000). In the case–control study, the rates of persistent negative, new infection, persistent infection, and eradication infection were 43.6%, 11.2%, 22.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. The percentage of changes in serum homocysteine levels varied significantly among the different H. pylori infection statuses only in mild level (P = 0.024). Mean changed homocysteine values were higher in the subgroup of persistent infection than in the persistent negative subgroup (P = 0.004) and the eradication infection subgroup (P = 0.034). Serum homocysteine values were elevated only in the subgroup with over 3 years interval time and persistent infection (n = 107, mean paired differences = 1.1 ± 4.6 μmol/L, P = 0.014).ConclusionsThere is a relationship between H. pylori and serum homocysteine, and persistent infection leads to elevation of the latter.
Ocean frontier assemblages: Critical insights from Canada's industrial salmon sector
Authors: Knott Christine , Mather Charles 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe ocean frontier has become central to a range of new and emerging strategies aimed at realizing the potential of the ocean economy. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the configuration of the ocean as a frontier and its role in transforming marine spaces through the case of salmon aquaculture in Canada. To this end, we engage with ‘frontier assemblage’, an analytic that is developed from scholarship on agrarian and extractive resource frontiers in Asia. We use this approach to identify and extend three interrelated conceptual sensibilities. First, we use ‘frontierization’ to suggest that ocean frontier spaces are not only articulated at leading edges. Instead, frontierization happens at indeterminate sites, including those that have undergone earlier rounds of capitalist resource extraction. Second, we explore how ocean frontier resource extraction is assembled in ways that are indeterminate, but not radically open. Using the case of salmon aquaculture in Newfoundland, we show how resource extraction could have been ‘otherwise’. Third, we critically assess the promissory politics that are key to the ocean frontier. We argue that the frontier assemblage analytic—and the sensibilities we use—provides an approach to critically assess strategies aimed at realizing the ‘untapped’ resources of the ocean frontier.
MMP‐1 (519 A/G) and TIMP‐1 (372 T/C) genes polymorphism in an Egyptian sample of Acne vulgaris patients
Authors: Mohammed Shimaa Moustafa Ali , Sabry Hanan Hassan , Ameen Seham Gouda , Salem Rehab Mohammed 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundDifferent Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) family members may be implicated in acne vulgaris development. However, there are no published data about the role of MMP‐1 and TIMP‐1 gene polymorphisms in acne vulgaris development.AimsTo evaluate the association between MMP‐1 (519 A/G) and TIMP‐1 (372 T/C) gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing acne vulgaris among a sample of Egyptian acne patients.Patients/MethodsThis case‐control study included 100 acne vulgaris patients and 120 apparently healthy control subjects. Acne severity was assessed according to Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). MMP‐1 (519 A/G) and TIMP‐1 (372 T/C) gene polymorphisms were investigated using RFLP‐PCR technique.ResultsThe MMP‐1 (519 A/G) AG and GG genotypes and G allele increase the risk of acne vulgaris~2–3 folds. In female patients, TIMP‐1 (372 C/T) TT genotype and T allele showed significantly higher frequency in cases compared with the control group (p = 0.004, 0.001 respectively) with a higher risk to develop acne. On the other hand, in male patients, there was insignificant difference between the frequency of alleles in patients and control subjects. TIMP‐1 (372C/T) TT genotype has been shown to be significantly detected in the studied female patients associated with the positive family history of the disease, and it increases the risk of back affection, severe acne grade development, and the liability to postacne scar formation.ConclusionMMP‐1 (519 A/G) and TIMP‐1 (372 T/C) gene polymorphisms may be related to acne vulgaris development.
Volk eye check ocular measurement device for objective periorbital measurements: A prospective study
Authors: Naik Milind N. , Tiwari Arundhati , Gattu Naresh , Ali Mohammad Hasnat 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundVolk Eye Check (VEC) is a portable digital ocular measurement device that automatically captures clinical photographs with facial measurements in real time (Volk Optical Inc), claiming to reduce measurement errors. The accuracy and repeatability of this ocular measurement device in the periorbital region has not been reported.AimTo report the reproducibility and repeatability of periocular biometric measurements using Volk Eye Check Ocular measurement device.MethodsProspective, single blind, comparative study. Two experts performed digital photography of 100 volunteers using the standard photography technique using Oculoplasty module of the Volk Eye Check ocular measurement device. Each expert photographed the volunteer twice, to obtain two sets of automated printouts of 13 periorbital biometrics that were measured automatically by the ocular measurement device. Bland Altman plot and multiple comparisons of means from linear mixed‐effects model fit by REML using simultaneous contrasts with p values reported by Bonferroni method were used as statistical tests to analyze following parameters: MRD1 (margin reflex distance‐1), MRD2 (margin reflex distance‐2), PFH (palpebral fissure height), HVID (horizontal visible iris diameter), ALL (aperture length at lateral limbus), and ALM (aperture length at medial limbus).ResultsThe mean inter‐observer difference in measurement (mm) was as follows: MRD1 (0.04), MRD2 (0.02), HVID (0.01), PFH (0.03), ALL (0.05), ALM (0.08). The mean intra‐observer difference in measurement (mm) was as follows: MRD1 (0.02), MRD2 (0.09), HVID (0.0), PFH (0.09), ALL (0.06), ALM (0.05).ConclusionPeriorbital biometric measurements using Volk Eye Check ocular measurement devices are highly reproducible and repeatable. The oculoplasty module of Volk Eye Check ocular measurement device can provide reliable periorbital measurements for routine clinical use and for objective clinical studies.
Could acne be a risk factor for developing eating disorders? Acne vulgaris and eating disorders
Authors: Öner Ümran , Hacınecipoğlu Fatmanur 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionSkin findings such as acne, hypertrichosis, and hyperpigmentation may be a clue for the diagnosis of eating disorders. There are studies on skin findings in eating disorders, but there is no study evaluating eating disorders in acne patients. We aimed to investigate eating disorders in acne patients and evaluate the effect of acne severity, quality of life, and body mass index (BMI) on eating disorders.MethodsTwo hundred thirty‐two acne patients and 314 healthy controls were enrolled. Acne severity was detected according to Grading Acne Severity Scale (GAGS) by the dermatologists. Eating Attitude Test‐40 (EAT) and Acne Quality of Life Scale (AQLS) were filled out by patients. The controls filled out EAT. Individuals scoring EAT≥30 points were considered at risk for eating disorders.ResultsThe median EAT score (15 vs. 13) and the number of patients scoring EAT ≥30 (14.2% vs. 2.2%) were found to be significantly higher in the patients’ group compared with control group (p: 0.005, p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between EAT score and AQLS score but no significant relationship between acne severity and EAT score. A significant positive correlation was found between EAT scores and BMI.ConclusionEating disorders and acne are mostly seen in adolescence, and both have high biopsychosocial morbidity. Also eating disorders can even be mortal sometimes. There are common psychopathological mechanisms in eating disorders and acne.
Tapentadol and oxycodone affect resting‐state functional brain connectivity: A randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Croosu Suganthiya S. , Frøkjær Jens B. , Drewes Asbjørn M. , Hansen Tine M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe changes in functional brain connectivity induced by treatment with analgesics are poorly investigated. Unfortunately, results from clinical studies investigating treatments in patients with pain are often confounded by co‐medication and comorbidity. Thalamus is central in sensory processing, and we hypothesized that functional connectivity between thalamus and other brain areas in healthy volunteers was different in treatment with oxycodone, representing a pure opioid, compared to treatment with tapentadol, which has a dual effect on the opioidergic and adrenergic systems.MethodsTwenty‐one healthy male volunteers were included in a randomized, double‐blind, three‐armed, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study. All received tapentadol (50 mg extended release), oxycodone (10 mg extended release), or placebo twice daily for 14 days. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained before and after treatment. Seed‐based functional connectivity analyses were performed between thalamus and other brain regions.ResultsCompared to placebo, tapentadol increased functional connectivity between left thalamus and precentral cortex (P = .048), whereas oxycodone decreased functional connectivity between bilateral thalamus and the anterior cingulate cortex (P ≤ .005).ConclusionsThis study has shown that the functional connectivity between thalamus and other brain areas central in pain processing was different for the tapentadol and oxycodone treatments compared to placebo. This supports that the two treatments exert different mechanism of action. Further studies with larger sample sizes need to be carried out in order to validate this.
The cost of investigating weight‐related comorbidities in children and adolescents in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: Karalus Miriam A , Sullivan Trudy A , Wild Cervantée E , Cave Tami L , O'Sullivan Niamh A , Hofman Paul L , Edwards Elizabeth A , Mouat Stephen , Wong William , Anderson Yvonne C 
Published: July 2021

AimExpert recommendations for child/adolescent obesity include extensive investigation for weight‐related comorbidities, based on body mass index (BMI) percentile cut‐offs. This study aimed to estimate the cost of initial investigations for weight‐related comorbidities in children/adolescents with obesity, according to international expert guidelines.MethodsThe annual mean cost of investigations for weight‐related comorbidities in children/adolescents was calculated from a health‐funder perspective using 2019 cost data obtained from three New Zealand District Health Boards. Prevalence data for child/adolescent obesity (aged 2–14 years) were obtained from the New Zealand Health Survey (2017/2018), and prevalence of weight‐related comorbidities requiring further investigation were obtained from a previous New Zealand study of a cohort of children with obesity.ResultsThe cost of initial laboratory screening for weight‐related comorbidities per child was NZD 28.36. Based on national prevalence data from 2018/2019 for children with BMI greater than the 98th percentile (obesity cut‐off), the total annual cost for initial laboratory screening for weight‐related comorbidities in children/adolescents aged 2–14 years with obesity was estimated at NZD 2,665,840. The cost of further investigation in the presence of risk factors was estimated at NZD 2,972,934.ConclusionsInvestigating weight‐related comorbidities in New Zealand according to international expert guidelines is resource‐intensive. Ways to further determine who warrants investigation with an individualised approach are required.
Efficacy of topical steroid treatment in children with severe phimosis in China: A long‐term single centre prospective study
Authors: Zhou Guanglun , Jiang Man , Yang Zhilin , Xu Wanhua , Li Shoulin 
Published: July 2021

AimTo evaluate the efficacy of topical steroid (0.1% mometasone furoate) therapy and factors affecting long‐term outcome of paediatric severe phimosis in China.MethodsA total of 1550 patients with severe phimosis classified by Kikiros system were prospectively enrolled in the study from January 2016 to February 2020. They were prescribed with 0.1% mometasone furoate twice a day for 4 weeks. Patients were re‐evaluated at the end of weeks 2, 4, 8 and 6 months follow‐up.ResultsA total of 1499 patients completed the treatment, 71.1% responded at the end of week 4. The long‐term success rate was 66.0% over a mean follow‐up of 26.9 months. The success rate of grade 4 phimosis was significantly higher than that of grade 5 at 4, 8 weeks and 6 months (P = 0.005, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients with balanoposthitis had a poorer outcome compared with patients without symptoms and patients symptoms by prepuce ballooning or urinary tract infections (P < 0.001). Initial grade of 5 phimosis and symptom with balanoposthitis were independent risk factors for recurrence. All patients had no systemic side effects, 23 cases developed local erythema or burning sensation.ConclusionTopical steroid (0.1% mometasone furoate) is an effective treatment for severe phimosis in children. The recurrence was related to the grade or symptoms of severe phimosis.
Arginine promotes testicular development in boars through nitric oxide and putrescine
Authors: Wei Dongqin , Wu De , Zeng Wenxian , Che Lianqiang , Xu Shengyu , Fang Zhengfeng , Feng Bin , Li Jian , Zhuo Yong , Wu Caimei , Zhang Junjie , Lin Yan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present work aimed to explore the influence and underlying mechanisms involving arginine in testicular development in boars. To this end, thirty 30‐day‐old male Duroc piglets (7.00 ± 0.30 kg) were randomly sorted into two groups, maintained on either a basal diet (CON, n = 15) or a diet supplemented with 0.8% arginine (ARG, n = 15). Blood and testicular samples were collected during the experimental period to analyse amino acid composition and arginine metabolite levels. The results showed that dietary supplementation with arginine increased number of spermatogonia and height of the seminiferous epithelium (p < 0.05). Sperm density, total number and effective number of sperm of the boars in the ARG group increased significantly compared with those in the CON group (p < 0.05). Although arginine supplementation did not affect plasma amino acid levels, testicular arginine levels in 150‐day‐old boars exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05). The level of serum nitric oxide (NO) and activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) also increased in 150‐day‐old boars in the ARG group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, dietary supplementation with arginine increased testicular levels of putrescine in 150‐day‐old boars (p < 0.05). These results indicated that arginine supplementation increased serum NO levels and testicular arginine and putrescine abundance, thereby improving testicular development and semen quality in boars.
Factors explaining the composition and diversity of vascular plant understories along a transcontinental gradient in the Canadian boreal forest
Authors: Crispo Maude , Jean Mélanie , Fenton Nicole J. , Leduc Alain , Bergeron Yves 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimImpacts of longitudinal gradients on species distributions have received less attention than latitudinal gradients. In Canada, precipitation varies longitudinally, with direct effects on plant growth and fire regimes. Despite the geographical extent of Canadian boreal forests, vascular plant diversity is relatively limited, with just under 300 species. Understorey communities comprise most of this diversity and play key roles in forests, affecting succession, nutrient cycling and wildlife habitat. Our objective was to evaluate the relative impacts of local and regional environmental conditions on vascular plant community composition and diversity in the boreal forest.LocationSampling took place in 33 trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) stands along a transcontinental gradient in precipitation and fire regimes in boreal Canada.MethodsWe measured community composition and vegetation diversity indices of the vascular understorey in 400‐m2plots and measured environmental variables at the local (drainage, nutrient and light availability, site heterogeneity) and regional (annual temperature and precipitation, fire weather index, landscape heterogeneity) scales. Multivariate analyses and hierarchical model selection were used to analyze patterns.ResultsSpecies composition varied longitudinally, with western and eastern species pools. Western indicator species tended to be fire‐adapted pioneer species, while indicator species at eastern sites were fire avoiders and late‐successional species. Species richness and intra‐site beta diversity seemed primarily driven by local variables and did not vary across the country. Species evenness, however, was slightly higher in the western region and decreased under higher precipitation, colder temperatures, and higher landscape‐level heterogeneity.ConclusionOur results suggested that even for similar canopy composition environmental variables play a key role in the establishment of plant communities and structure local plant assemblages by selecting or eliminating species from the regional pool, which was also controlled by fire regimes.
Zebrafish U6 promoter driving short‐hairpin RNA expression for PmRab7 knockdown to inhibit yellow head virus infection in shrimp hemocytes
Authors: Thaiprasansup Wilasinee , Pewkliang Yongyut , Kiem Hoa Khanh Tran , Nuntakarn Lalana , Taengchaiyaphum Suparat , Saksmerprome Vanvimon , Panyim Sakol , Flegel Timothy W. , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya , Borwornpinyo Suparerk 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) was investigated as potential antiviral strategy to mitigate losses in shrimp aquaculture. With this aim, an effective short‐hairpin RNA (shRNA) expressed intracellularly from bacterial vectors incorporating eukaryotic promoters offers an alternative to an injected synthetic small‐interfering RNA (siRNA) or long double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). The vector‐based RNAi designed to contain a U6 snRNA polymerase III promoter sequence from zebrafish (Danio rerio) for driving shRNA was previously introduced to shrimp cell extract and was able to express the shRNA. Here, four DNA plasmids containing putative zebrafish U6 promoter to drive shRNA against PmRab7‐specific sequence were used to transfect primary hemocyte culture. The cells were subsequently infected by Yellow head virus (YHV). As results, when analyzed by RT‐PCR at 24 hr post‐transfection, Penaeus monodon Rab7 (PmRab7) mRNA transcription was inhibited most significantly by the pshPmRab7‐2 construct. YHV replication in primary shrimp hemocyte cultures was shown to be inhibited substantially by this PmRab7 gene‐specific hpRNA construct. Transfection of pshPmRab7‐2 construct also reduced YHV replication most effectively when analyzed similarly between 24 hr until 72 hr post‐infection. These results demonstrate a potential application of DNA‐based shRNA construct as effective molecule for antiviral therapy in shrimp.
Molecular mechanisms of stomatal closure in response to rising vapour pressure deficit
Authors: Jalakas Pirko , Takahashi Yohei , Waadt Rainer , Schroeder Julian I. , Merilo Ebe 
Published: July 2021

SummaryVapour pressure deficit (VPD), the difference between the saturation and actual air vapour pressures, indicates the level of atmospheric drought and evaporative pressure on plants. VPD increases during climate change due to changes in air temperature and relative humidity. Rising VPD induces stomatal closure to counteract the VPD‐mediated evaporative water loss from plants. There are important gaps in our understanding of the molecular VPD‐sensing and signalling mechanisms in stomatal guard cells. Here, we discuss recent advances, research directions and open questions with respect to the three components that participate in VPD‐induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis, including: (1) abscisic acid (ABA)‐dependent and (2) ABA‐independent regulation of the protein kinase OPEN STOMATA 1 (OST1), and (3) the passive hydraulic stomatal response. In the ABA‐dependent component, two models are proposed: ABA may be rapidly synthesised or its basal levels may be involved in the stomatal VPD response. Further studies on stomatal VPD signalling should clarify: (1) whether OST1 activation above basal activity is needed for VPD responses, (2) which components are involved in ABA‐independent regulation of OST1, (3) the role of other potential OST1 targets in VPD signalling, and (4) to which extent OST1 contributes to stomatal VPD sensitivity in other plant species.
On the risk of abrupt changes in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre in CMIP6 models
Authors: Swingedouw Didier , Bily Adrien , Esquerdo Claire , Borchert Leonard F. , Sgubin Giovanni , Mignot Juliette , Menary Matthew 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCMIP5 models have been shown to exhibit rapid cooling events in their projections of the North Atlantic subpolar gyre. Here, we analyze the CMIP6 archive, searching for such rapid cooling events in the new generation of models. Four models out of 35 exhibit such instabilities. The climatic impacts of these events are large on decadal timescales, with a substantial effect on surface temperature over Europe, precipitation pattern in the tropics—most notably the Sahel and Amazon regions—and a possible impact on the mean atmospheric circulation. The mechanisms leading to these events are related to the collapse of deep convection in the subpolar gyre, modifying profoundly the oceanic circulation. Analysis of stratification in the subpolar gyre as compared with observations highlights that the biases of the models explain relatively well the spread in their projections of surface temperature trends: models showing the smallest stratification biases over the recent period also show the weakest warming trends. The models exhibiting abrupt cooling rank among the 11 best models for this stratification indicator, leading to a risk of encountering an abrupt cooling event of up to 36.4%, slightly lower than the 45.5% estimated in CMIP5 models.