bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central Retinal Thickness and Visual Acuity Outcomes After Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane With and Without Internal Limiting Membrane Peel
Authors: Burckhard Braden A. , Mathews Nathan R. , Altaweel Michael M. , Chang Jonathan S. , Ip Michael S. , Gottlieb Justin L. 
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This work compares best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) outcome measures following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with and without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel for epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 114 eyes of 114 patients with visually significant ERM undergoing PPV with membrane peel (PPV/MP) at a single institution. CRT measurements were collected from Heidelberg and Zeiss spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging units. Results compared preoperative and postoperative CRT and BCVA among patients with at least 60 days of follow-up. Results: A total of 114 eyes with ERM met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-one eyes (71%) underwent PPV/MP with ILM peel and 33 eyes (29%) underwent PPV/MP without ILM peel. There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative CRT between the 2 study groups ( P = .95). The mean follow-up time of eyes undergoing PPV/MP without ILM peel and with ILM peel was 391 days and 319 days, respectively. There was no statistical difference in the mean reduction of CRT between the 2 groups ( P = .470). Both groups had improvement of BCVA following surgery and there was no statistical difference in final logMAR visual acuity when comparing the 2 groups ( P = .738). Conclusions: There was an overall improvement of CRT and BCVA among patients undergoing PPV/MP for ERM with or without ILM peel. There was no statistically significant difference in the final BCVA or CRT between the 2 groups.
Role of S100β Glial Protein as a Serological Marker for Analysis of Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Buddharaju Kiran , Javali Mahendra , Mehta Anish , Srinivasa R , Acharya Purushottam 
Published: May 2021

Background: Stroke is a major cause of neurological disability, which can be often predicted with serological markers. Glial-derived S100β protein is a potential biomarker for cerebral ischemia and may be helpful in predicting the severity, outcome, and recovery of stroke. Aim: This study aimed to study the role of S100β glial protein as a serological marker in predicting the severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), outcome, and functional recovery after 1 month. Methods: A hospital-based prospective case control study included 43 consecutive patients, >18 years old, who were admitted with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts within 72 h of onset of neurological deficits. Control group comprised of 43 age-matched asymptomatic volunteers. Independent t-test and chi square test were used to compare the means and evaluate the association between protein level and various parameters. P ≤ .05 was statistically significant. Results: S100β protein level in AIS patients was significantly higher compared to controls ( P < .05). Elevated serum S100β protein level was found to be associated with larger infarct volumes, higher National Institute Health Stroke Scale scores, and higher modified Rankin Scale scores at admission ( P < .05). Patients with higher S100β protein levels at admission had poor recovery at 1 month compared to patients having normal S100β protein levels. Conclusion: S100β protein levels at admission after an acute MCA territory infarct may be used as a reliable serological tool in predicting the severity, outcome, and functional recovery in stroke.
Hyperemesis gravidarum induced refeeding syndrome causes blood cell destruction: a case report and literature review
Authors: Pan Xiyu , Chu Ran , Meng Jinyu , Wang Qiannan , Zhang Yue , Song Kun , Yang Xingsheng , Kong Beihua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a common complication during pregnancy, however, HG associated simultaneous onset of blood cell destruction due to electrolyte abnormalities is rare. In this case, a woman with refeeding syndrome (RFS) secondary to electrolyte abnormalities caused by severe HG was diagnosed and managed in our hospital.

Case presentation
A 29-year old woman was sent to the local hospitals because of severe HG with appetite loss, weight reduction, general fatigue, and she was identified to have severe electrolyte abnormalities. However, the electrolyte abnormalities were not corrected promptly, and then she had the symptoms of stillbirth, altered mental status, visual hallucination, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. After transferred to our hospital, we continued to correct the electrolyte abnormalities and the labor induction was performed as soon as possible. The symptoms of blood cell destruction were relieved obviously, and the patient discharged four days later. The electrolyte disturbances and physio-metabolic abnormalities caused by HG helped us diagnose this case as RFS.

Conclusions
This case emphasizes that patients with RFS should be diagnosed appropriately and intervened promptly in order to prevent electrolyte imbalance induced blood cell destruction.
In vitro study on the effect of cornin on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Zhang Qun , Qu Zengqiang , Zhou Yanqing , Zhou Jin , Yang Junwei , Li Shengjian , Xu Qiuping , Zhou Xuedong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCornin is a commonly used herb in cardiology for its cardioprotective effect. The effect of herbs on the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450s) can induce adverse drug-drug interaction even treatment failure. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the effect of cornin on the activity of CYP450s, which can provide more guidance for the clinical application of cornin.MethodsCornin (100 μM) was incubated with eight isoforms of CYP450s, including CYP1A2, 2A6, 3A4, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 2E1, in pooled human liver microsomes. The inhibition model and corresponding parameters were also investigated.ResultsCornin exerted significant inhibitory effect on the activity of CYP3A4, 2C9, and 2E1 in a dose-dependent manner with the IC50values of 9.20, 22.91, and 14.28 μM, respectively (p < 0.05). Cornin inhibited the activity of CYP3A4 non-competitively with theKivalue of 4.69 μM, while the inhibition of CYP2C9 and 2E1 by cornin was competitive with theKivalue of 11.31 and 6.54 μM, respectively. Additionally, the inhibition of CYP3A4 by cornin was found to be time-dependent with theKI/Kinactvalue of 6.40/0.055 min− 1·μM− 1.ConclusionsThe inhibitory effect of cornin on the activity of CYP3A4, 2C9, and 2E1 indicated the potential drug-drug interaction between cornin and drugs metabolized by these CYP450s, which needs further investigation and validation.
Natural abundance isotope ratios to differentiate sources of carbon used during tumor growth in vivo
Authors: Holland Petter , Hagopian William M. , Jahren A. Hope , Rusten Tor Erik 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Radioactive or stable isotopic labeling of metabolites is a strategy that is routinely used to map the cellular fate of a selected labeled metabolite after it is added to cell culture or to the circulation of an animal. However, a labeled metabolite can be enzymatically changed in cellular metabolism, complicating the use of this experimental strategy to understand how a labeled metabolite moves between organs. These methods are also technically demanding, expensive and potentially toxic. To allow quantification of the bulk movement of metabolites between organs, we have developed a novel application of stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS).

Results
We exploit natural differences in 13C/12C ratios of plant nutrients for a low-cost and non-toxic carbon labeling, allowing a measurement of bulk carbon transfer between organs in vivo. IRMS measurements were found to be sufficiently sensitive to measure organs from individual Drosophila melanogaster larvae, giving robust measurements down to 2.5 μg per sample. We apply the method to determine if carbon incorporated into a growing solid tumor is ultimately derived from food or host tissues.

Conclusion
Measuring tumor growth in a D. melanogaster larvae tumor model reveals that these tumors derive a majority of carbon from host sources. We believe the low cost and non-toxic nature of this methodology gives it broad applicability to study carbon flows between organs also in other animals and for a range of other biological questions.
Osimertinib alone as second-line treatment for brain metastases (BM) control may be more limited than for non-BM in advanced NSCLC patients with an acquired EGFR T790M mutation
Authors: Li Changhui , Nie Wei , Guo Jingdong , Xiong Anning , Zhong Hua , Chu Tianqing , Zhong Runbo , Xu Jianlin , Lu Jun , Zheng Xiaoxuan , Zhang Bo , Shen Yinchen , Pan Feng , Han Baohui , Zhang Xueyan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to investigate the difference between brain metastases (BM) and non-brain metastases (non-BM) treated by osimertinib in advanced patients with an acquired EGFR T790M mutation after obtaining first-generation EGFR-TKI resistance.MethodsA total number of 135 first-generation EGFR-TKI-resistant patients with an acquired EGFR T790M mutation were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into BM and non-BM groups. According to the type of treatment (whether brain radiotherapy), the BM patients were divided into an osimertinib combined with brain radiotherapy group and an osimertinib without brain radiotherapy group. In addition, according to the type of BM (the sequence between BM and osimertinib), the BM patients were subdivided into an osimertinib after BM group (initial BM developed after obtaining first-generation EGFR-TKI resistance) and an osimertinib before BM group (first-generation EGFR-TKI resistance then osimertinib administration performed; initial BM was not developed until osimertinib resistance). The progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. The primary endpoint was OS between BM and no-BM patients. The secondary endpoints were PFS of osimertinib, and OS between brain radiotherapy and non-brain radiotherapy patients.ResultsA total of 135 patients were eligible and the median follow-up time of all patients was 50 months. The patients with BM (n = 54) had inferior OS than those without BM (n = 81) (45 months vs. 55 months,P = 0.004). And in BM group, the OS was longer in patients that received osimertinib combined with brain radiotherapy than in those without brain radiotherapy (53 months vs. 40 months,P = 0.014). In addition, the PFS was analysed according to whether developed BM after osimertinib resistance. The PFS of the patients that developed BM after acquiring osimertinib resistance was shorter than that without BM development, whether patients developed initial BM after first-generation EGFR-TKI resistance (7 months vs. 13 months,P = 0.003), or developed non-BM after first-generation EGFR-TKI resistance (13 months vs. 17 months,P < 0.001).ConclusionsIn advanced patients with an acquired EGFR T790M mutation after obtaining first-generation EGFR-TKI resistance, osimertinib may be more limited in its control in BM than in non-BM. Also, osimertinib combined with brain radiotherapy may improve the survival time of BM patients.
Inhibition of stromal biglycan promotes normalization of the tumor microenvironment and enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy
Authors: Cong Li , Maishi Nako , Annan Dorcas A. , Young Marian F. , Morimoto Hirofumi , Morimoto Masahiro , Nam Jin-Min , Hida Yasuhiro , Hida Kyoko 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Biglycan is a proteoglycan found in the extracellular matrix. We have previously shown that biglycan is secreted from tumor endothelial cells and induces tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. However, the function of stroma biglycan in breast cancer is still unclear.

Methods
Biglycan gene analysis and its prognostic values in human breast cancers were based on TCGA data. E0771 breast cancer cells were injected into WT and Bgn KO mice, respectively.

Results
Breast cancer patients with high biglycan expression had worse distant metastasis-free survival. Furthermore, biglycan expression was higher in the tumor stromal compartment compared to the epithelial compartment. Knockout of biglycan in the stroma (Bgn KO) in E0771 tumor-bearing mice inhibited metastasis to the lung. Bgn KO also impaired tumor angiogenesis and normalized tumor vasculature by repressing tumor necrosis factor-ɑ/angiopoietin 2 signaling. Moreover, fibrosis was suppressed and CD8+ T cell infiltration was increased in tumor-bearing Bgn KO mice. Furthermore, chemotherapy drug delivery and efficacy were improved in vivo in Bgn KO mice.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that targeting stromal biglycan may yield a potent and superior anticancer effect in breast cancer.
Economic benefits of livestock management in Ghana
Authors: Adams Faizal , Ohene-Yankyera Kwasi , Aidoo Robert , Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe traditional system of producing small ruminants (sheep and goats) contributes significantly to the socioeconomic wellbeing of farm households in northern Ghana. Besides serving as an important source of income, sheep and goats also offer important non-pecuniary benefits such as the provision of manure, savings, insurance, farm portfolio diversification, and strong social relations. However, technical evaluation of traditional small ruminant systems places much emphasis on financial gains to farmers and abstracts on the non-conventional utilities derived from the livestock system. The main purpose of this study, therefore, is to estimate the overall economic benefits associated with traditional small ruminant systems by accounting for both market and non-market values in two agro-ecological zones (Guinea and Sudan savannah) of northern Ghana. Using a multistage sampling technique, we collected cross-sectional data from 249 small ruminant farmers for empirical analysis. The results show that at least 60% of the net benefits from sheep and goat production in northern Ghana are in non-marketable (non-cash) forms. The study demonstrates that the traditional free-range system of managing sheep and goats is economically viable when the non-market value derived from the system is incorporated in the economic analysis. The findings have practical implications in improving the traditional small ruminant system for higher meat productivity and income generation in northern Ghana and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Potential and expression of carbohydrate utilization by marine fungi in the global ocean
Authors: Baltar Federico , Zhao Zihao , Herndl Gerhard J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMost of the research on the cycling of carbon in the open-ocean has focused on heterotrophic prokaryotes and eukaryotic phytoplankton, but the role of pelagic fungi remains largely enigmatic.MethodsHere, we performed a global-ocean multi-omics analysis of all pelagic fungal carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), key enzymes in the carbon cycling. We studied the occurrence, expression, diversity, functional classification, and taxonomic affiliation of the genes encoding all pelagic fungal CAZymes from the epi- and mesopelagic realm.ResultsPelagic fungi are active in carbohydrate degradation as indicated by a high ratio of CAZymes transcripts per gene. Dothideomycetes in epipelagic and the Leotiomycetes in mesopelagic waters (both from the phylum Ascomycota) are the main pelagic fungi responsible for carbohydrate degradation in the ocean. The abundance, expression, and diversity of fungal CAZymes were higher in the mesopelagic than in the epipelagic waters, in contrast to the distribution pattern of prokaryotic CAZymes.ConclusionsOur results reveal a widespread utilization of different types of CAZymes by pelagic fungi, uncovering an active and hitherto largely unexplored participation of fungi in the pelagic C cycling, where pelagic prokaryotes and fungi occupy different ecological niches, and fungi becoming relatively more important with depth.
Identification of a novel MICU1 nonsense variant causes myopathy with extrapyramidal signs in an Iranian consanguineous family
Authors: Bitarafan Fatemeh , Khodaeian Mehrnoosh , Amjadi Sardehaei Elham , Darvishi Fatemeh Zahra , Almadani Navid , Nilipour Yalda , Garshasbi Masoud 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Ca2+ as a universal second messenger regulates basic biological functions including cell cycle, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Lack of the protein mitochondrial calcium uptake1 (MICU1), which has been regarded as a gatekeeper of Ca ions, leads to the abnormal mitochondrial Ca2+ handling, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased cell death. Mutations in MICU1 gene causes a very rare neuromuscular disease, myopathy with extrapyramidal signs (MPXPS), due to primary alterations in mitochondrial calcium signaling which demonstrates the key role of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. To date, 13 variants have been reported in MICU1 gene in 44 patients presented with the vast spectrum of symptoms.

Case presentation
Here, we report a 44-year-old Iranian patient presented with learning disability, muscle weakness, easy fatigability, reduced tendon reflexes, ataxia, gait disturbance, elevated hepatic transaminases, elevated serum creatine kinase (CK), and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). We identified a novel nonsense variant c.385C>T; p.(R129*) in MICU1 gene by whole exome sequencing (WES) and segregation analysis.

Conclusions
Our finding along with previous studies provides more evidence on the clinical presentation of the disease caused by pathogenic mutations in MICU1. Finding more variants and expanding the spectrum of the disease increases the diagnostic rate of molecular testing in screening of this kind of diseases and in turn improves the quality of counseling for at risk couples and helps them to minimize the risks of having affected children.
Effect of wearing a helmet on the occurrence of head injuries in motorcycle riders in Benin: a case-control study
Authors: Hounkpe Dos Santos Bella , Glele Ahanhanzo Yolaine , Kpozehouen Alphonse , Daddah Donatien , Lagarde Emmanuel , Coppieters Yves 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
In Benin, motorcycles are the main means of transport for road users and are involved in more than half of crashes. This study aims to determine the effect of wearing a helmet on reducing head injuries in road crashes in Benin.

Methods
This case-control study took place in 2020 and focused on road trauma victims. The sample, consisting of 242 cases (trauma victims with head injuries) for 484 controls (without head injuries), was drawn from a database of traffic crash victims recruited from five hospitals across the country from July 2019 to January 2020. Four groups of independent variables were studied: socio-demographic and economic variables, history, behavioural variables including helmet use and road-related and environmental variables. To assess the shape of the association between the independent variables and the dependent variable, a descending step-by-step binary logistic regression model was performed using an explanatory approach.

Results
Fewer of the subjects with a head injury were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash 69.8% (95% CI = 63.6–75.6) compared to those without a head injury 90.3% (95% CI = 87.3–92.8). Adjusting for the other variables, subjects not wearing helmets were at greater risk of head injuries (OR = 3.8, 95% CI (2.5–5.7)); the head injury rating was 1.9 (95% CI = 1.2–3.3) times higher in subjects who were fatigued during the crash than among those who were not and 2.0 (95% CI = 1.2–3.3) times higher in subjects with no medical history.

Conclusion
Failure to wear a helmet exposes motorcyclists to the risk of head injuries during crashes. It is important to increase awareness and better target such initiatives at the subjects most at risk.
Tissue adhesives for bacterial inhibition in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulae
Authors: Pearse India , Corley Amanda , Qu Yue , Fraser John 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
One of the most serious complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is ECMO cannulae infection, which can occur at quadruple the rate of central venous catheter infections, and significantly impact morbidity and paediatric mortality. The objective of this in vitro observational study was to assess antimicrobial properties of two n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (TA) formulations for bacterial inhibition at peripheral ECMO cannulae insertion sites.

Methods
Antimicrobial properties were assessed using modified agar disk-diffusion (n = 3) and simulated agar cannulation insertion site (n = 20) models. Both assays used Staphylococcus epidermidis which was seeded at the edge of the TA or dressing. Microorganism inhibition was visually inspected and evidenced by the presence or absence of a TA bacterial inhibition zone at 24 and 72 h.

Results
Both TAs provided effective barriers to bacterial migration under cannula dressings, to cannula insertion sites and down cannula tunnels. Additionally, both TAs demonstrated distinct zones of inhibition produced when left to polymerise onto agar plates seeded with S. epidermidis.

Conclusions
N-Butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate TA appears to inhibit bacterial growth and migration of S. epidermidis. Application of TA to cannulae insertion sites may therefore be a potential bedside strategy for infection prevention in ECMO cannulae, but requires further testing before being used clinically for this purpose.
Effects of photofunctionalization on early osseointegration of titanium dental implants in the maxillary posterior region: a randomized double-blinded clinical trial
Authors: Choi Bada , Lee Ye Chan , Oh Kyung Chul , Lee Jae Hoon 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization on the stability of implants during the early phase in the posterior region of the maxilla. The study was a randomized double-blinded clinical trial. Half of the participants received conventional commercial implants while the other half received UV-irradiated implants. The surgical sites were classified into three bone quality groups (II, III, IV) based on the grayscale value measured on cone-beam computed tomography. The values obtained from resonance frequency analysis were recorded immediately after implant placement and at 4 weeks and at 4 months postoperatively. The marginal bone level of the implants was evaluated using periapical radiographs at 4 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year postoperatively.

Results
Fifty-seven implants placed in 34 participants were analyzed in this study. In group III, significant differences were observed in terms of the differences of resonance frequency analysis values at 4 weeks (p = 0.004) and 4 months (p = 0.017) postoperatively. In group II, the UV-treated group showed significantly lesser bone loss at 4 weeks post-operatively (p = 0.037).

Conclusions
Within the limitation of the present study, we concluded that UV surface treatment on implants may increase the initial stability in the region of the maxilla with poor bone quality.