bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study of ocular surface discomfort and corneal nerve dysfunction after paclitaxel treatment for cancer
Authors: Chiang Jeremy Chung Bo , Goldstein David , Trinh Terry , Au Kimberley , Park Susanna B. , Krishnan Arun V. , Markoulli Maria 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOcular surface dysfunction is common in patients receiving anti-cancer drug treatment. The effects of paclitaxel, a neurotoxic chemotherapeutic drug, on ocular surface discomfort associated with dry eye disease was investigated. Patients with cancer who had completed paclitaxel treatment between 3 and 24 months prior to assessment (n = 29) and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (n = 29) were recruited and assessed with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) to measure ocular surface discomfort. In-vivo corneal confocal microscopy was used to evaluate corneal nerve parameters in the right eye. Peripheral neurotoxicity was assessed using patient-reported outcomes and clinical grading scales. The paclitaxel group had significantly worse OSDI total scores compared with controls (Median, Md = 19.3 and Md = 0, p = 0.007, respectively). Corneal nerve fiber and inferior whorl lengths were reduced in the paclitaxel group compared with controls (14.2 ± 4.0 and 14.4 ± 4.0 mm/mm2 vs. 16.4 ± 4.0 and 16.9 ± 4.9 mm/mm2, respectively, p = 0.04). When analyzed by presence of peripheral neuropathy, paclitaxel-treated patients with neuropathy showed worse OSDI total scores compared to those without peripheral neuropathy post-treatment (p = 0.001) and healthy controls (p < 0.001). More severe ocular discomfort and worse visual function was associated with greater peripheral neurotoxicity symptoms (r = 0.60, p = 0.001) and neuropathy severity (r = 0.49, p = 0.008), respectively. Patients who have been treated with paclitaxel have a higher risk of ocular surface discomfort associated with dry eye disease, particularly those with peripheral neuropathy. Future longitudinal studies should investigate the clinical impact of corneal nerve reduction in dry eye disease.
Magnetic flux noise in superconducting qubits and the gap states continuum
Authors: Szczęśniak Dominik , Kais Sabre 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the present study we investigate the selected local aspects of the metal-induced gap states (MIGSs) at the disordered metal–insulator interface, that were previously proposed to produce magnetic moments responsible for the magnetic flux noise in some of the superconducting qubit modalities. Our analysis attempts to supplement the available studies and provide new theoretical contribution toward their validation. In particular, we explicitly discuss the behavior of the MIGSs in the momentum space as a function of the onsite energy deviation, that mimics random potential disorder at the interface in the local approximation. It is found, that when the difference between the characteristic electronic potentials in the insulator increases, the corresponding MIGSs become more localized. This effect is associated with the increasing degree of the potential disorder that was earlier observed to produce highly localized MIGSs in the superconducting qubits. At the same time, the presented findings show that the disorder-induced localization of the MIGSs can be related directly to the decay characteristics of these states as well as to the bulk electronic properties of the insulator. As a result, our study reinforces plausibility of the previous corresponding investigations on the origin of the flux noise, but also allows to draw future directions toward their better verification.
Identification of potential key genes and pathways associated with the Pashmina fiber initiation using RNA-Seq and integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Bhat Basharat , Yaseen Mifftha , Singh Ashutosh , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Ganai Nazir A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPashmina goat (Capra hircus) is an economically important livestock species, which habitats the cold arid desert of the Ladakh region (India), and produces a princely animal fiber called Pashmina. The Pashmina goat has a double coat fleece as an adaptation to the very harsh cold winters the outer long coarse hair (guard hair) produced from primary hair follicles and the inner fine Pashmina fiber produced from secondary hair follicles. Pashmina fiber undergoes a circannual and synchronized growth cycle. In the present study, we analyzed transcriptome profiles from 10 different Pashmina goats during anagen and telogen to delineate genes and signaling pathways regulating active (anagen) and regressive (telogen) phases of the follicle growth. During anagen, 150 genes were expressed at significantly higher levels with log (FC) > 2 and padj < 0.05. The RNA seq results were subjected to qRT-PCR validation. Among the nine genes selected, the expression of HAS1, TRIB2, P2RX1. PRG4, CNR2, and MMP25 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the anagen phase, whereas MC4R, GIPC2, and CDO1 were significantly expressed (p < 0.05) in the telogen phase which supports and validates the gene expression pattern from the RNA-sequencing. Differentially expressed genes revealed that Pashmina fiber initiation is largely controlled by signaling pathways like Wnt, NF-Kappa, JAK-STAT, Hippo, MAPK, Calcium, and PI3K-Akt. Expression of genes from the Integrin family, Cell adhesion molecules, and ECM-receptors were observed to be at much higher levels during anagen. We identified key genes (IL36RN, IGF2, ITGAV, ITGA5, ITCCR7, CXCL5, C3, CCL19, and CXCR3) and a collagen cluster which might be tightly correlated with anagen-induction. The regulatory network suggests the potential role of RUNX3, NR2F1/2, and GATA family transcription factors in anagen-initiation and maintaining fiber quality in Pashmina goats.
Drosophila Hox genes induce melanized pseudo-tumors when misexpressed in hemocytes
Authors: Ponrathnam Titus , Saini Ravina , Banu Sofia , Mishra Rakesh K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHox genes are early determinants of cell identity along the anterior–posterior body axis across bilaterians. Several late non-homeotic functions of Hox genes have emerged in a variety of processes involved in organogenesis in several organisms, including mammals. Several studies have reported the misexpression of Hox genes in a variety of malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia. The Hox genes Dfd, Ubx, abd-A and Abd-B were overexpressed via the UAS-Gal4 system using Cg-Gal4, Lsp2-Gal4, He-Gal4 and HmlD3-Gal4 as specific drivers. Genetic interaction was tested by bringing overexpression lines in heterozygous mutant backgrounds of Polycomb and trithorax group factors. Larvae were visually scored for melanized bodies. Circulating hemocytes were quantified and tested for differentiation. Pupal lethality was assessed. Expression of Dfd, Ubx and abd-A, but not Abd-B in the hematopoietic compartment of Drosophila led to the appearance of circulating melanized bodies, an increase in cell number, cell-autonomous proliferation, and differentiation of hemocytes. Pupal lethality and melanized pseudo-tumors were suppressed in Psc1 and esc2 backgrounds while polycomb group member mutations Pc1 and Su(z)123 and trithorax group member mutation TrlR85 enhanced the phenotype. Dfd, Ubx and abd-A are leukemogenic. Mutations in Polycomb and trithorax group members modulate the leukemogenic phenotype. Our RNAseq of Cg-Gal4 > UAS-abd-A hemocytes may contain genes important to Hox gene induced leukemias.
NCAA Division I American football players with sickle cell trait have altered hematological responses and hydration status
Authors: Wang Haoyan , Martone Matt , Owens Michael E. , Lemoine Nathan P. , Marucci Jack , Calvert Derek , Mullenix Shelly , Church Timothy S. , Rood Jennifer , Harrell Brian , Irving Brian A. , Spielmann Guillaume , Johannsen Neil M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSickle cell trait (SCT) is a risk factor of collapse and sudden death in athletes. We conducted a longitudinal study to determine the hematological responses and hydration status in NCAA Division I American football players with SCT. The study took place over 2 years with 6 SCT and 6 position-matched controls (CON) in year 1; and 4 SCT and 4 CON in year 2. In year 2, three of the four SCT players were recruited and re-enrolled with new position-matched controls (total sample data = 10 SCT and 10 CON). Blood samples were taken at three visits: pre-camp, post-camp, and post-season to examine hemoglobin variants, complete blood counts, and chemistry panel 26. Hydration status was assessed by measuring body weight change, urine specific gravity, and urine and sweat electrolyte concentrations during the pre-season training camp. All SCT players were confirmed to have SCT (HbS = 37.9 ± 2.4%) and had greater red cell distribution width (RDW) compared to CON across all visits. Serum uric acid was higher in SCT (7.3 ± 1.0 mg/dL) compared to CON (6.1 ± 0.6 mg/dL; p = 0.001). Furthermore, serum creatine kinase levels were greater in SCT (1617.0 ± 1034.8 IU/L) at pre-camp compared to CON (1037.4 ± 602.8 IU/L; p = 0.03). SCT players exhibited lower pre- and post-practice urine electrolytes and urine specific gravity (SCT pre: 1.019 ± 0.005 vs. CON pre: 1.026 ± 0.008 p < 0.001; SCT post: 1.020 ± 0.005 vs. CON post: 1.030 ± 0.008 p < 0.01), whereas sweat sodium concentrations were higher in SCT players (55.4 ± 13.6 mmol/L) compared to CON (45.5 ± 10.6 mmol/L; p < 0.001). Given the evidence, greater uric acid and CPK levels in SCT players compared to CON may be an early indicator of altered kidney function and muscle damage, which could be added into NCAA guidelines for surveillance among SCT players. Consistent education and reinforcement of the importance of adequate fluid balance during exercise are critical for both SCT and CON players.
Elevated inflammatory gene expression in intervertebral disc tissues in mice with ADAM8 inactivated
Authors: Zhang Yejia , Tian Zuozhen , Gerard David , Yao Lutian , Shofer Frances S. , Cs-Szabo Gabriella , Qin Ling , Pacifici Maurizio , Enomoto-Iwamoto Motomi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe found ADAM8 enzymatic activity elevated in degenerative human intervertebral disc (IVD). Here, we examined the discs in ADAM8-inactivation mice that carry a mutation preventing self-activation of the enzyme. Surprisingly, elevated gene expression for inflammatory markers (Cxcl1,IL6) was observed in injured discs of ADAM8 mutant mice, along with elevated expression of type 2 collagen gene (Col2a1), compared with wild type controls. Injured annulus fibrosus of mutant and wild type mice contained a higher proportion of large collagen fibers compared with intact discs, as documented by microscopic examination under circular polarized light. In the intact IVDs,Adam8EQmouse AF contained lower proportion of yellow (intermediate) fiber than WT mice. This suggests that ADAM8 may regulate inflammation and collagen fiber assembly. The seemingly contradictory findings of elevated inflammatory markers in mutant mice and excessive ADAM8 activity in human degenerative discs suggest that ADAM8 may interact with other enzymatic and pro-inflammatory processes needed for tissue maintenance and repair. As a future therapeutic intervention to retard intervertebral disc degeneration, partial inhibition of ADAM8 proteolysis may be more desirable than complete inactivation of this enzyme.
The effect of anxiety and depression on progression of glaucoma
Authors: Shin Da Young , Jung Kyoung In , Park Hae Young Lopilly , Park Chan Kee 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGlaucoma is considered a chronic disease that requires lifelong management. Chronic diseases are known to be highly associated with psychological disturbances such as depression and anxiety. There have also been many studies on association between anxiety or depression and glaucoma. The majority of these studies explained that the glaucoma diagnosis causes anxiety or depression. However, It is also necessary to evaluate whether the psychological disturbance itself affect glaucoma. Therefore, we investigated the association of anxiety and depression with glaucoma progression, and elucidate mechanisms underlying that. We included 251 eyes with open angle glaucoma who were followed up for at least 2 years in this retrospective case–control study. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depressive Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used to assess anxiety and depression in glaucoma patients. Patients were classified into groups (high-anxiety group; HA-G, low-anxiety group; LA-G, high-depression group; HD-G, low-depression group; LD-G) according to their score on the BAI or BDI-II (separately). In logistic regression analysis, disc hemorrhage, peak intraocular pressure (IOP) and RNFL thickness loss rate were significantly associated with high anxiety (p = 0.017,p = 0.046,p = 0.026). RNFL thinning rate and disc hemorrhage were significant factors associated with anxiety in multivariate models (p = 0.015,p = 0.019). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the rate of RNFL thickness loss and BAI score (B = 0.058; 95% confidential interval = 0.020–0.097;p = 0.003), and RNFL loss and IOP fluctuation (B = 0.092; 95% confidential interval = 0.030–0.154;p = 0.004). For the depression scale, visual field mean deviation and heart rate variability were significantly associated with high depression in multivariate logistic regression analysis (p = 0.003,p = 0.006). We suggest that anxiety increase the risk of glaucoma progression and they are also associated with IOP profile and disc hemorrhage.
Photoperiodic regulation of dopamine signaling regulates seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity in mice
Authors: Okimura Kousuke , Nakane Yusuke , Nishiwaki-Ohkawa Taeko , Yoshimura Takashi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAt high latitudes, approximately 10% of people suffer from depression during the winter season, a phenomenon known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Shortened photoperiod and/or light intensity during winter season are risk factors for SAD, and bright light therapy is an effective treatment. Interestingly, reduced retinal photosensitivity along with the mood is observed in SAD patients in winter. However, the molecular basis underlying seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity remains unclear, and pharmacological intervention is required. Here we show photoperiodic regulation of dopamine signaling and improvement of short day–attenuated photosensitivity by its pharmacological intervention in mice. Electroretinograms revealed dynamic seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity. Transcriptome analysis identified short day-mediated suppression of the Th gene, which encodes tyrosine hydroxylase, a rate-limiting enzyme for dopamine biosynthesis. Furthermore, pharmacological intervention in dopamine signaling through activation of the cAMP signaling pathway rescued short day–attenuated photosensitivity, whereas dopamine receptor antagonists decreased photosensitivity under long-day conditions. Our results reveal molecular basis of seasonal changes in retinal photosensitivity in mammals. In addition, our findings provide important insights into the pathogenesis of SAD and offer potential therapeutic interventions.
LRIG proteins regulate lipid metabolism via BMP signaling and affect the risk of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Herdenberg Carl , Mutie Pascal M. , Billing Ola , Abdullah Ahmad , Strawbridge Rona J. , Dahlman Ingrid , Tuck Simon , Holmlund Camilla , Arner Peter , Henriksson Roger , Franks Paul W. , Hedman Håkan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLeucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-like domains (LRIG) proteins have been implicated as regulators of growth factor signaling; however, the possible redundancy among mammalian LRIG1, LRIG2, and LRIG3 has hindered detailed elucidation of their physiological functions. Here, we show that Lrig-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) are deficient in adipogenesis and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. In contrast, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling appeared unaltered in Lrig-null cells. The BMP signaling defect was rescued by ectopic expression of LRIG1 or LRIG3 but not by expression of LRIG2. Caenorhabditis elegans with mutant LRIG/sma-10 variants also exhibited a lipid storage defect. Human LRIG1 variants were strongly associated with increased body mass index (BMI) yet protected against type 2 diabetes; these effects were likely mediated by altered adipocyte morphology. These results demonstrate that LRIG proteins function as evolutionarily conserved regulators of lipid metabolism and BMP signaling and have implications for human disease.
Large field-of-view nanometer-sectioning microscopy by using metal-induced energy transfer and biexponential lifetime analysis
Authors: Hwang Wonsang , Seo Jinwon , Kim DongEun , Lee Chang Jun , Choi In-Hong , Yoo Kyung-Hwa , Kim Dug Young 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTotal internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, which has about 100-nm axial excitation depth, is the method of choice for nanometer-sectioning imaging for decades. Lately, several new imaging techniques, such as variable angle TIRF microscopy, supercritical-angle fluorescence microscopy, and metal-induced energy transfer imaging, have been proposed to enhance the axial resolution of TIRF. However, all of these methods use high numerical aperture (NA) objectives, and measured images inevitably have small field-of-views (FOVs). Small-FOV can be a serious limitation when multiple cells need to be observed. We propose large-FOV nanometer-sectioning microscopy, which breaks the complementary relations between the depth of focus and axial sectioning by using MIET. Large-FOV imaging is achieved with a low-magnification objective, while nanometer-sectioning is realized utilizing metal-induced energy transfer and biexponential fluorescence lifetime analysis. The feasibility of our proposed method was demonstrated by imaging nanometer-scale distances between the basal membrane of human aortic endothelial cells and a substrate.
Review: Neural Mechanisms of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis in Acute Drug-Induced Ototoxicity
Authors: Salvi Richard , Radziwon Kelly , Manohar Senthilvelan , Auerbach Ben , Ding Dalian , Liu Xiaopeng , Lau Condon , Chen Yu-Chen , Chen Guang-Di 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTinnitus and hyperacusis are debilitating conditions often associated with age-, noise-, and drug-induced hearing loss. Because of their subjective nature, the neural mechanisms that give rise to tinnitus and hyperacusis are poorly understood. Over the past few decades, considerable progress has been made in deciphering the biological bases for these disorders using animal models.MethodImportant advances in understanding the biological bases of tinnitus and hyperacusis have come from studies in which tinnitus and hyperacusis are consistently induced with a high dose of salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin.ResultsSalicylate induced a transient hearing loss characterized by a reduction in otoacoustic emissions, a moderate cochlear threshold shift, and a large reduction in the neural output of the cochlea. As the weak cochlear neural signals were relayed up the auditory pathway, they were progressively amplified so that the suprathreshold neural responses in the auditory cortex were much larger than normal. Excessive central gain (neural amplification), presumably resulting from diminished inhibition, is believed to contribute to hyperacusis and tinnitus. Salicylate also increased corticosterone stress hormone levels. Functional imaging studies indicated that salicylate increased spontaneous activity and enhanced functional connectivity between structures in the central auditory pathway and regions of the brain associated with arousal (reticular formation), emotion (amygdala), memory/spatial navigation (hippocampus), motor planning (cerebellum), and motor control (caudate/putamen).ConclusionThese results suggest that tinnitus and hyperacusis arise from aberrant neural signaling in a complex neural network that includes both auditory and nonauditory structures.
Teachers' Content Knowledge and Pedagogical Beliefs Regarding the Use of African American English
Authors: Diehm Emily A. , Hendricks Alison Eisel 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
In order to provide appropriate and effective assessment and instructional activities, teachers are encouraged to develop their cultural competency. Although speech-language pathologists (SLPs) receive training on the linguistic features of nonmainstream dialects of English, such as African American English (AAE), less is known about teachers' training, beliefs, and pedagogical knowledge surrounding this topic.

Method

Using stratified random sampling by county population, we invited educators within selected Ohio school districts to complete an online survey (
n
= 17,548). The survey probed teachers' pre- and postservice training, beliefs, and knowledge of linguistic features and terminology relating to AAE. A total of 571 teachers completed at least 50% of the survey items (3.66% response rate).

Results
Few teachers report receiving training on AAE and demonstrated a limited grasp of linguistic terms commonly found in AAE literature; however, many teachers reported feeling confident in their abilities to identify features of AAE in written language tasks. In terms of school culture, teachers reported that they believed AAE to be more appropriate outside (rather than inside) the classroom, and only one third of teachers received resources to enhance their knowledge of the cultural and linguistic features of AAE.

Conclusions
Results suggest that teachers may benefit from increased access to training and materials to further develop their cultural competence. Given SLPs' familiarity with cultural and linguistic variability, SLPs may work to support teachers' cultural competence and encourage culturally appropriate assessment and intervention practices. Additional research is needed to determine how teachers' skills in these areas predict effectiveness/teaching ability and which factors are most important in the provision of culturally relevant instruction.