bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macular capillary perfusion density and macular vessel density in open‐angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension: a quantitative study using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Schilt‐Catafal Maria del Mar , Pérez‐Torregrosa Vicente T. , Duch‐Samper Antonio M. 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo investigate macular vascular changes in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension, and to correlate these vascular parameters with structural and functional outcomes.MethodsA prospective observational study was performed with 46 open‐angle glaucoma eyes (GE), 35 ocular hypertension eyes (OHE) and 47 gender‐ and age‐matched control eyes (CE). Visual field tests were performed with the Humphrey Field Analyzer 3. Angioplex HD‐OCT Cirrus 5000 was used to capture the macular region using a 6 × 6 mm scan. Macular Capillary Perfusion Density (MPD) and Macular Vessel Density (MVD) were automatically quantified by the owner’s microangiography‐complex algorithm. The statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal‐Wallis Test, Bonferroni Post Hoc analysis and Spearman rank correlation.ResultsMPD and MVD in GE were lower than those in OHE and CE (−37.32% and −37.09%), and the superior and inferior sectors were the most affected. In OHE, MPD and MVD were also lower when compared with CE (p < 0.001 for all pairwise comparisons). However, the FAZ was not significantly different between groups (p = 0.054). Regression analysis showed that MVD was moderately correlated with ganglion cell layer (r = +0.424), visual field mean deviation (r = +0.447) and retinal nerve fiber layer (r = +0.468). MPD had similar correlations (r = +0.431; +0.443 and +0.470, respectively). Superior and nasal sectors were the most correlated (p < 0.001 for all).ConclusionsData showed that in GE, vascular changes took place in the macular area, concretely MPD and MVD measurements were similarly reduced. This finding was not previously described and suggests that the vascular damage of the macular area may occur concurrently among large vessels and smaller capillaries. OHE measurements were also lower compared with CE, and this suggests that, at initial phases of the disease, vascular abnormalities may occur before structural damage can be detected. As MPD and MVD showed to be correlated with traditional glaucoma parameters, OCTA may be useful in the future to monitor glaucoma patients. Nevertheless, further research with larger population is needed to obtain stronger results.
How the tophic problems and the rubbing eye behavior may aggravate the presence of keratoconus in trisomy 21
Authors: Friesacher Anna , Parsa Cameron , Beuschel Ralf , Valmaggia Christophe , Todorova Margarita 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeDown syndrome is a congenital anomaly caused by non‐dislocation of chromosome 21. Ocular features in trisomy 21 patients, such as changes in corneal collagen composition as well as thinning predisposing to keratoconus are well appreciated. We present a case of unilateral acute corneal hydrops in a young adult with trisomy 21, and the management to prevent corneal perforation yielding a successful visual outcome.MethodA 20‐year‐old man presented in our emergency department due to sudden visual loss and severe left ocular pain. Visual acuity was 20/200 in the right eye, and finger counting in the left. Anterior segment examination revealed pigmented endothelial cells and endothelial cell count reduced to 2583 CD/mm2 in the right eye, as well as a very large central corneal leukoma and corneal ectasia in the right eye. Corneal topography confirmed the presence of an acute corneal hydrops in the left eye as well as milder keratoconus in the right.ResultsApart from topical steroid drops, oral acetazolamide and timolol drops were used to reduce the intraocular pressure on a decompensated cornea with reduced endothelial cell count. Penetrating keratoplasty was eventually necessary. Due to intolerance and insufficient patient ability to use form‐stable contact lenses, a cross‐linking procedure was performed to stabilize the right eye. Both surgeries lead to best‐corrected acuity of 20/50 OU without a need for additional contact lens correction. Surface issues related to trisomy 21 were addressed using topical lubricants.ConclusionIn the presented case, preexisting keratoconus, worsened by frequent eye rubbing of abnormal collagen composition corneas, permits transmission of mechanical forces to thinner exposed tissue, leading to acute hydrops. The extensive corneal tissue damage that occurred with stromal scarring left necessitates keratoplasty to successfully restore vision. This case highlights the need for preventive ophthalmic examinations in patients of trisomy 21 to rule out the presence of keratoconus. The timely application of lubricants, as well as anti‐histamines and mast cell stabilizers could reduce the eye rubbing behavior that aggravates corneal anomalies in such mentally handicapped individuals. This may reduce progression and eventual need for surgical interventions.
Pleistocene climatic fluctuations promoted alternative evolutionary histories in Phytelephas aequatorialis, an endemic palm from western Ecuador
Authors: Escobar Sebastián , Helmstetter Andrew J. , Jarvie Scott , Montúfar Rommel , Balslev Henrik , Couvreur Thomas L.P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimPleistocene (2.58 Ma–11.7 ka) climatic fluctuations have shaped intraspecific genetic patterns worldwide; however, their impact on species in many regions remains unknown. In order to determine the impact of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations on the tropical rain forests of western Ecuador, we explored the evolutionary history of the endemic palm Phytelephas aequatorialis.LocationWestern Ecuador, north‐western South America.TaxonPhytelephas aequatorialis (Arecaceae).MethodsOne hundred and seventy‐six nuclear genes were sequenced in 91 individuals for phylogenomic and population structure analyses. The time of divergence between identified genetic lineages was estimated using a coalescent phylogenomic analysis. Palaeoecological niche modelling analyses were performed to determine areas of historical climatic suitability since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; 22 ka) that potentially acted as forest refugia during the Pleistocene. A Wilcoxon test and Pearson correlations were used to explore how current levels of genetic diversity, in terms of expected heterozygosity (Hs), have been shaped by several palaeoclimatic and geographic factors.ResultsPhylogenomic and population structure analyses revealed two main genetic lineages with a north–south distribution, which diverged 1.14 Ma during the Pleistocene. Two potential Pleistocene refugia were identified, one along the Pacific coast of Ecuador and one in the Andean foothills of south‐western Ecuador. The location of these refugia agrees with the spatial location of the two genetic lineages. Within the Andean foothills, Hs was lower for the southern lineage than for the northern lineage. Hs significantly increased with decreasing latitude across the species as a whole.Main conclusionsPleistocene climatic fluctuations promoted intraspecific divergence in P. aequatorialis within the rain forests of western Ecuador. The Andean foothills of south‐western Ecuador could be an important area for rain forest evolution because they potentially remained climatically suitable throughout the Pleistocene. Lower genetic diversity in the southern lineage, which apparently remained isolated in the Andean foothills during glacial cycles, adds evidence to the presence of a forest refugium in south‐western Ecuador. The geographic pattern in genetic diversity suggests that P. aequatorialis colonized western Ecuador from the north. This study supports the role of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations in promoting intraspecific divergence, and for the first time, we show their impact west of the Andes.
Insulin resistance is independently associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Liu Yingshan , Peng Yu , Jin Jing , Chen Yanshan , Chen Chuna , Chen Zhenguo , Huang Haishan , Xu Lingling 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionDiabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) seriously threatens the prognosis and quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, associated with increased mortality. The present study aimed to investigate the relevant risk factors of DCAN.Materials and MethodsThe present study enrolled a total of 109 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. DCAN was defined as a score of at least 2 points in Ewing tests. The updated homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2‐IR) based on fasting C‐peptide was calculated to reflect insulin resistance. Logistic regression analysis, interaction and stratified analyses were used to investigate the relationship between HOMA2‐IR or other indicators and DCAN. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was carried out to estimate the discriminative value of the variables independently associated with DCAN and to determine the optimal cut‐off point of these models to screen DCAN.ResultsThe HOMA2‐IR levels were significantly higher in patients with DCAN, and tended to be worsened with the progression of the DCAN. Logistic regression analysis showed an independent association between HOMA2‐IR (odds ratio 39.30, 95% confidence interval 7.17–215.47) and DCAN. HOMA2‐IR (area under the curve 0.878, 95% confidence interval 0.810–0.946; cut‐off value 1.735) individually predicted DCAN significantly higher than the other independent risk factors individually used, whereas models combining HOMA2‐IR and other risk factors did not significantly boost the diagnostic power.ConclusionsInsulin resistance is independently associated with DCAN. HOMA2‐IR presents to be a highly accurate and parsimonious indicator for DCAN screening. Patients with HOMA2‐IR >1.735 are at a high risk of DCAN; thus, priority diagnostic tests should be carried out for these patients for timely integrated intervention.
AN OVERVIEW OF DYNAMIC MODEL AVERAGING TECHNIQUES IN TIME‐SERIES ECONOMETRICS
Authors: Nonejad Nima 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDynamic model averaging (DMA) has become a widely used estimation technique in macroeconomic applications. Since its introduction in econom(etr)ics by Gary Koop and Dimitris Korobilis in 2009, applications of DMA have increased in unimaginable ways. Besides applying the original (univariate) framework suggested by Koop and Korobilis on the data of interest, for example, the inflation rate of the country of choice or return on the rate of equity, practitioners have been able to use DMA‐based techniques to extend current models, thereby further improving out‐of‐sample forecast accuracy, overcome computational bottlenecks, and even help improve our understanding of economic phenomena by introducing new models. These include using Google search data in combination with the predictive likelihood to govern switching between different predictive regressions in the model set or specifying large time‐varying parameter vector autoregressions that can be estimated without resorting to simulation‐based techniques. This study provides an overview of DMA techniques and the ways in which they have evolved since the contribution of Koop and Korobilis.
Telomere length is heritable and genetically correlated with lifespan in a wild bird
Authors: Vedder Oscar , Moiron Maria , Bichet Coraline , Bauch Christina , Verhulst Simon , Becker Peter H. , Bouwhuis Sandra 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTelomeres are protective caps at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes that shorten with age and in response to stressful or resource‐demanding conditions. Their length predicts individual health and lifespan across a wide range of animals, but whether the observed positive association between telomere length and lifespan is environmentally induced, or set at conception due to a shared genetic basis, has not been tested in wild animals. We applied quantitative genetic “animal models” to longitudinal telomere measurements collected over a 10‐year period from individuals of a wild seabird (common tern; Sterna hirundo) with known pedigree. We found no variation in telomere shortening with age among individuals at the phenotypic and genetic level, and only a small permanent environmental effect on adult telomere length. Instead, we found telomere length to be highly heritable and strongly positively genetically correlated with lifespan. Such heritable differences between individuals that are set at conception may present a hitherto underappreciated component of variation in somatic state.
Genetic relatedness in social groups of the emerald coral goby Paragobiodon xanthosoma creates potential for weak kin selection
Authors: Rueger Theresa , Buston Peter M. , Bogdanowicz Steven M. , Wong Marian Y. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAnimals forming social groups that include breeders and nonbreeders present evolutionary paradoxes; why do breeders tolerate nonbreeders? And why do nonbreeders tolerate their situation? Both paradoxes are often explained with kin selection. Kin selection is, however, assumed to play little or no role in social group formation of marine organisms with dispersive larval phases. Yet, in some marine organisms, recent evidence suggests small‐scale patterns of relatedness, meaning that this assumption must always be tested. Here, we investigated the genetic relatedness of social groups of the emerald coral goby, Paragobiodon xanthosoma. We genotyped 73 individuals from 16 groups in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea, at 20 microsatellite loci and estimated pairwise relatedness among all individuals. We found that estimated pairwise relatedness among individuals within groups was significantly higher than the pairwise relatedness among individuals from the same reef, and pairwise relatedness among individuals from the same reef was significantly higher than the pairwise relatedness among individuals from different reefs. This spatial signature suggests that there may be very limited dispersal in this species. The slightly positive relatedness within groups creates the potential for weak kin selection, which may help to resolve the paradox of why breeders tolerate subordinates in P. xanthosoma. The other paradox, why nonbreeders tolerate their situation, is better explained by alternative hypotheses such as territory inheritance, and ecological and social constraints. We show that even in marine animals with dispersive larval phases, kin selection needs to be considered to explain the evolution of complex social groups.
Silencing the alarm: an insect salivary enzyme closes plant stomata and inhibits volatile release
Authors: Lin Po‐An , Chen Yintong , Chaverra‐Rodriguez Duverney , Heu Chan Chin , Zainuddin Nursyafiqi Bin , Sidhu Jagdeep Singh , Peiffer Michelle , Tan Ching‐Wen , Helms Anjel , Kim Donghun , Ali Jared , Rasgon Jason L. , Lynch Jonathan , Anderson Charles T. , Felton Gary W. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryHerbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are widely recognized as an ecologically important defensive response of plants against herbivory. Although the induction of this ‘cry for help’ has been well documented, only a few studies have investigated the inhibition of HIPVs by herbivores and little is known about whether herbivores have evolved mechanisms to inhibit the release of HIPVs.To examine the role of herbivore effectors in modulating HIPVs and stomatal dynamics, we conducted series of experiments combining pharmacological, surgical, genetic (CRISPR‐Cas9) and chemical (GC‐MS analysis) approaches.We show that the salivary enzyme, glucose oxidase (GOX), secreted by the caterpillarHelicoverpa zeaon leaves, causes stomatal closure in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) within 5 min, and in both tomato and soybean (Glycine max) for at least 48 h. GOX also inhibits the emission of several HIPVs during feeding byH. zea, including (Z)‐3‐hexenol, (Z)‐jasmone and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, which are important airborne signals in plant defenses.Our findings highlight a potential adaptive strategy where an insect herbivore inhibits plant airborne defenses during feeding by exploiting the association between stomatal dynamics and HIPV emission.
A meta‐review of systematic reviews of lifestyle interventions for reducing gestational weight gain in women with overweight or obesity
Authors: Fair Frankie , Soltani Hora 
Published: January 2021

SummaryWomen with overweight or obesity are twice as likely to gain excessive gestational weight than women of normal weight. Identifying effective interventions to support this group achieve healthy gestational weight gain is important. An overview of systematic reviews regarding the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions on gestational weight gain in women with overweight or obesity was undertaken, including searching eight electronic databases. Quality of included reviews was assessed by two independent researchers. A narrative data synthesis was undertaken, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses by type of intervention and quality of the included reviews. A total of 15 systematic reviews were included within this meta‐review. A small reduction in gestational weight gain of between 0.3 and 2.4 kg was noted with lifestyle interventions compared with standard care. There was some evidence that dietary only or physical activity only interventions may reduce the odds of gestational diabetes. No differences were noted in the odds of other maternal or infant health outcomes. Although lifestyle interventions appeared to decrease gestational weight gain, current evidence does not show a clear benefit on maternal and infant outcomes from the small nature of the reduction in gestational weight gain produced by lifestyle interventions in women with overweight or obesity.
Association between the serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy and postpartum depression
Authors: Adachi Sho , Tokuda Narumi , Kobayashi Yoshiko , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Sawai Hideaki , Shibahara Hiroaki , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Shima Masayuki ,   the Japan Environment and Children's Study Group
Published: January 2021

AimPatients with major depression present with an increased serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) concentration. However, the longitudinal relationship between serum IGF‐1 levels and depression development remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between the serum IGF‐1 concentration in the first trimester of pregnancy and postpartum depression development using data obtained from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).MethodsThe JECS included 97 415 pregnant women; among them, 8791 were enrolled in this study. Data regarding depression in the first trimester, postpartum depression development at 1 month after childbirth, and other covariates were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire. Serum IGF‐1 levels were measured in the first trimester of pregnancy. The participants were divided into four groups according to the serum IGF‐1 level.ResultsIn the first trimester, serum IGF‐1 levels were not significantly associated with psychological distress in pregnant women. In the longitudinal analyses, however, postpartum depression development in mothers within the highest quartile for serum IGF‐1 concentration in the first trimester was significantly less common than in those within the lowest quartile (odds ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.30–0.79).ConclusionPregnant women with a high serum IGF‐1 concentration in the first trimester were less likely to develop postpartum depression than those with a low concentration. A high serum IGF‐1 concentration during pregnancy may help to protect against postpartum depression development.
Relationship between placental weight and late‐onset circulatory collapse
Authors: Nakamura Chizuko , Miyosawa Yukihide , Motoki Noriko , Yanagisawa Toshimitsu , Hirabayashi Kanae , Ishida Takefumi , Nakazawa Yozo , Nakamura Tomohiko 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLate‐onset circulatory collapse (LCC) is a serious complication in preterm infants and is increasing in Japan. The underlying pathophysiology is thought to be relative adrenal insufficiency and it is more likely to develop at a young gestational age (GA) and in low birthweight (BW) infants. BW to placental weight ratio (BPR) is an index of pregnancy outcomes and early neonatal morbidity. We aimed to analyze the relationship between LCC and potential predicting factors including BPR.MethodsThis retrospective study included 261 singletons born before 32 weeks of gestation between 2007 and 2017. Perinatal data, including the placental weight and BPR, were collected from medical records and were assessed for their relationship with LCC. Propensity score analysis was performed and matched factors were GA and BW.ResultsSixty‐seven infants (25.7%) had LCC (median GA 27.4 weeks). GA and BW differed significantly between the LCC and non‐LCC groups (P < 0.001, respectively). The placental weight and BPR of the LCC group were significantly lower than those of the non‐LCC group, while Z‐score of BPR did not differ significantly between the groups. After propensity score matching, there was a significant difference in the incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (grades III–IV; P = 0.042), but no differences in BPR and Z‐score of BPR between the groups.ConclusionIn the propensity score analysis matched for GA and BW, there was no significant difference in perinatal factors including BPR between the LCC and non‐LCC groups, except for incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage.
Self‐rated physical fitness and measured cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and body composition
Authors: Petersen Christina B. , Eriksen Louise , Dahl‐Petersen Inger K. , Aadahl Mette , Tolstrup Janne S. 
Published: January 2021

The purpose was to examine the correlation and association between a single‐item question of self‐rated physical fitness and objective measures of fitness and cardiometabolic risk factors in a large population‐based study. Participants were 3441 men and women aged 18‐85 years who filled in a questionnaire and participated in a clinical health examination in the Danish Health Examination Survey 2007‐2008. Cardiorespiratory fitness was estimated by an indirect maximal exercise test. Muscle strength was measured by (a) sit‐to‐stand test, (b) handgrip strength, and (c) bent arm strength. Body mass index and fat percentage were used as measures for body composition. Associations were derived from regression analyses, correlations were calculated using Spearman's correlation test, and agreement was tested by kappa statistics. Within categories of self‐rated physical fitness moving from lowest to highest, objectively measured cardiorespiratory fitness increased. Self‐rated physical fitness was strongly correlated to cardiorespiratory fitness (rmen = 0.69 and rwomen = 0.65) and moderately correlated to the sit‐to‐stand test (rmen = 0.49 and rwomen = 0.48), bent arm strength (r = 0.45) and fat percentage (r = 0.46) among men, and handgrip strength among women (r =0.41). Mutually adjusted analysis showed a significant association between self‐reported physical fitness and cardiorespiratory fitness for men and women and bent arm strength for women. The single‐item question of physical fitness was correlated to cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition. However, this study suggests that it mainly captures cardiorespiratory fitness. At the population level, the single‐item question could be a useful tool to identify and monitor variation in fitness levels.