bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Profile of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy at A Tertiary Institute in North-East India
Authors: Das Dipankar , Kuri Ganesh Chandra , Deshmukh Saurabh , Bhattacharjee Harsha , Barman Manab Jyoti , Bharali Gayatri , Deka Apurba 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To study the clinical profile on non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and review of literature at a tertiary institute of northeast IndiaMethods: Retrospective analysis the records of all 61 patients diagnosed with NAION between September 2016 and December 2018. All the patients were dealt on an outpatient basis. Standard clinical details and findings were consistent with NAION. Visual field with 30-2 was done and in selected cases. All patient with optic neuritis, arteritic optic neuropathy, trauma, underlying malignancies were excluded from the studyResults: Of the 61 patients in the study, 41 (67.2%) were males and 20 (32.8%) were females. The mean age was 56 years. Duration of reporting to the institute less than 14 days was seen in 7cases (11.47%). Of the 61 patients, the right eye was affected in 30 (49.1%), left eye in 25 (41%) and both eyes in six (9.8%) patients. In this study we found that 18 (29.5%) patients had diabetes, 24 (39.3%) had hypertension, hypercholesterolemia in 13 (21.3%) cases and 18 (29.5%) cases gave a history of smoking. Two (3.27%) cases gave a history of using sildenafil. Associated macular oedema was seen in seven patients (11.47%)Conclusion: Early reporting (< 2weeks) of NAAION cases in a tertiary institute of northeast India was found to be low in the study. Macular edema in isolated cases was important where additional treatment was required. Lifestyle modifications of avoiding smoking and tobacco can be suggested in substance abuse cases.
Development and Validation of a 90-day Mortality Prediction Nomogram for AMI Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Rui , Ma Wen , Huang Tao , Zhang Lu-Ming , Han Di-Di , Zheng Shuai , Dai Zhi-Jun , Lyu Jun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing the 90-day mortality of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients, and to establish a prognostic model for these patients based on the MIMIC-III database.Methods: Retrospective study methods were used to collect AMI patient data that met the inclusion criteria from the MIMIC-III database. Variable importance selection was determined using the random forest algorithm. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine AMI-related risk factors, with the results represented as a nomogram.Results: The baseline scores for the training and validation groups were very flat, and indicators for developing risk-model nomograms were obtained after random forest and multiple logistic regression. The AUC of the risk model was the highest (0.826 and 0.818 in the training and validation groups, respectively) . The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and standard curve both produced very consistent results. Both the NRI and IDI values indicated that the risk model had significant predictive power, and DCA results indicated that the risk model had good net benefits for clinical application.Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that age, troponinT, VT, VFI, MI_his, APS-III, bypass, and PCI were risk factors for 90-day mortality in AMI patients. Interactive nomograms could provide intuitive and concise personalized 90-day mortality predictions for AMI patients.
Socio-economic Characteristics Associated with Increased Suicide Risk Across 1887 Municipalities in Japan, 2009-2017.
Authors: Yoshioka Eiji , Hanley Sharon J.B. , Sato Yukihiro , Saijo Yasuaki 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that spatial variation in suicide mortality is associated with area-specific socio-economic characteristics, such as socio-economic deprivation and social fragmentation. However, most of these studies have been conducted in the West and findings from Asian countries are limited. This study aims to investigate associations between socio-economic characteristics and suicide mortality rates across 1887 municipalities in Japan between 2009 and 2017. Socio-economic characteristics were extracted from the 2010 census. We used single-person households and unmarried adults as indicators of social fragmentation, unemployment rate and educational attainment as indicators of socio-economic deprivation, and population density as an indicator of rurality. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to examine associations between socio-economic characteristics and suicide risk. Higher levels of both fragmentation and deprivation were significantly associated with higher rates of area-specific suicide risk. The strongest association was seen with educational attainment as an indicator of deprivation. Socio-economic status and suicide risk varied considerably by gender and age. Our results show that there are clear geographic and socio-economic inequalities associated with risk of suicide in Japan, which vary by gender and age. Suicide prevention in Japan should particularly focus on areas with high levels of deprivation.
Low pericardial fluid glucose concentration combined with computed tomography evaluation as a malignancy-related marker in symptomatic patients undergoing pericardiocentesis: a retrospective study
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Okune Mana , Yasuda Masakazu , Watanabe Heitaro , Ueno Masafumi , Yamaji Kenji , Mizutani Kazuki , Kurita Takashi , Nakazawa Gaku 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: We evaluated malignancy according to the characteristics of pericardial fluid in symptomatic Japanese patients undergoing pericardiocentesis and computed tomography (CT).Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study of 125 symptomatic patients undergoing pericardiocentesis. The patients were classified into two groups: a malignancy group and a non-malignancy group, according to the primary disease and cytology of the pericardial effusion (PE). We compared the pericardial fluid sample and CT measurements between both groups.Results: All patients were diagnosed as having exudative PE by Light’s criteria. PE with malignant cells was demonstrated in 76.8% of the malignancy group patients. A ratio of pericardial to serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >0.6 as one of Light’s criteria, and lower serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP: 126.9±89.8 pg/ml vs 409.2±97.7 pg/ml, malignancy vs non-malignancy groups, respectively; p = 0.037) were associated with malignancy (both, p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in pericardial fluid glucose level between the malignancy and non-malignancy groups (pericardial fluid glucose: 78.25±48.29 mg/dl vs 98.41±44.85, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover, CT attenuation values (Hounsfield units (HU)) tended to be higher in the malignancy group vs the non-malignancy group (22.7 [interquartile range (IQR), 17.4–26.0] vs 17.4 [IQR, 13.7–26.4], respectively; p = 0.08). Pericardial fluid glucose level ≤70 mg/dl and CT attenuation values >20 HU were strongly associated with malignancy.Conclusions: Lower pericardial fluid glucose level with higher CT attenuation values may suggest malignancy-related PE.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Targeted Mutagenesis in Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don)
Authors: Nanasato Yoshihiko , Mikami Masafumi , Futamura Norihiro , Endo Masaki , Nishiguchi Mitsuru , Ohmiya Yasunori , Konagaya Ken-ichi , Taniguchi Toru 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar or sugi) is one of the most important coniferous tree species in Japan and breeding programs for this species have been launched since 1950s. Genome editing technology can be used to shorten the breeding period. In this study, we performed targeted mutagenesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in C. japonica. First, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was tested using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing transgenic embryogenic tissue lines. Knock-out efficiency of GFP ranged from 3.1–41.4% depending on U6 promoters and target sequences. The GFP knock-out region was mottled in many lines, indicating genome editing in individual cells. However, in 102 of 103 mutated individuals (> 99%) from 6 GFP knock-out lines, embryos had a single mutation pattern. Next, we knocked out endogenous C. japonica magnesium chelatase subunit I (CjChlI) using two guide RNA targets. Green, pale green, and albino phenotypes were obtained in genome-edited cell lines. Sequence analysis revealed random deletions, insertions, and replacements in the target region. Thus, targeted mutagenesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to modify the C. japonica genome.
Effect of Prebiotics from Mannan Oligosaccharides and Fructo-oligosaccharides on Physio-biochemical Indices, Antioxidant and Oxidative Stability of Broiler Chicken Meat
Authors: Biswas Avishek , Mohan Namit , Dev Kapil , Mir N A , Tiwari Ashok Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Antibiotics have revolutionized the intensive poultry production system as a feed additive by promoting growth, production and meat quality through improving gut health and reduction of sub-clinical infections during last five decades. However, currently, the usage of antibiotics in poultry production is under severe scientific and public scrutiny, because antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) has been linked to the possible development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which may pose a threat to human health. After European Union ban on in feed antibiotics as growth promoter in poultry, since 2006, prebiotics offer a potential substitute to in feed antibiotics. In this effort, the objective of this present study was to investigate the potentiality of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharides-MOS and fructo-oligosaccharides-FOS) in replacement of antibiotic growth promoter and their relationship with physio-biochemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass traits of broiler chickens meat. 240 day-old broiler chicks (1 d) of uniform body weight were divided into 30 replicate groups having 8 birds in each. Six corn based dietary treatments were formulated viz. T1 (control diet), T2 (T1 + Bacitracin methylene di-salicylate @ 20 mg/kg diet), T3 (T1 + 0.1% MOS), T4 (T1 + 0.2% MOS), T5 (T1 + 0.1% FOS), and T6 (T1 + 0.2% FOS). Significant (P<0.05) increase in cut up part yields (%) and reduction in cholesterol and fat content in T4 (0.2 % MOS) group. The water holding capacity (WHC) and extract release volume (ERV) were increase (P<0.05) in 0.1 or 0.2 % MOS supplemented group. DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy) was higher (P<0.05) and lipid oxidation (free fatty acid and thio-barbituric acid reactive substances) was lower (P<0.05) in T4 group. The standard plate count (SPC), staphylococcus and coliform counts were decreased (P<0.05) in T3 or T4 group. Thus, it can be concluded that mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) may be incorporated at 0.2% level in diet for improved physio-biochemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens meat and it may be suitable replacer of antibiotic growth promoter.
Reduced free asparagine in wheat grain resulting from a natural deletion of TaASN-B2: investigating and exploiting diversity in the asparagine synthetase gene family to improve wheat quality
Authors: Oddy Joseph , Alárcon-Reverte Rocio , Wilkinson Mark , Ravet Karl , Raffan Sarah , Minter Andrea , Mead Andrew , Elmore J. Stephen , Almeida Isabel Moreira , Cryer Nicholas C. , Halford Nigel G. , Pearce Stephen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Understanding the determinants of free asparagine concentration in wheat grain is necessary to reduce levels of the processing contaminant acrylamide in baked and toasted wheat products. Although crop management strategies can help reduce asparagine levels, breeders have limited options to select for genetic variation underlying this trait. Asparagine synthetase enzymes catalyse a critical step in asparagine biosynthesis in plants and, in wheat, are encoded by five homeologous gene triads that exhibit distinct expression profiles. Within this family, TaASN2 genes are highly expressed during grain development but TaASN-B2 is absent in some varieties. Results: Natural genetic diversity in the asparagine synthetase gene family was assessed in different wheat varieties revealing instances of presence/absence variation and other polymorphisms, including some predicted to affect the function of the encoded protein. The presence and absence of TaASN-B2 was determined across a range of UK and global common wheat varieties and related species, showing that the deletion encompassing this gene was already present in some wild emmer wheat genotypes. Expression profiling confirmed that TaASN2 transcripts were only detectable in the grain, while TaASN3.1 genes were highly expressed during the early stages of grain development. TaASN-A2 was the most highly expressed TaASN2 homeologue in most assayed wheat varieties. TaASN-B2 and TaASN-D2 were expressed at similar, lower levels in varieties possessing TaASN-B2. Expression of TaASN-A2 and TaASN-D2 did not increase to compensate for the absence of TaASN-B2, so total TaASN2 expression was lower in varieties lacking TaASN-B2. Consequently, free asparagine levels in field-produced grain were, on average, lower in varieties lacking TaASN-B2, although the effect was lost when free asparagine accumulated to very high levels as a result of sulphur deficiency.Conclusions: Selecting wheat genotypes lacking the TaASN-B2 gene may be a simple and rapid way for breeders to reduce free asparagine levels in commercial wheat grain.
Whole genome sequencing of live attenuated bovine adenovirus type 7 vaccine strain TS-GT reveals biomarkers for virulence attenuation
Authors: Kumagai Asuka , Kajikawa Sayo , Miyazaki Ayako , Hatama Shinichi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bovine adenovirus type 7 (BAdV-7) is one of the most important respiratory and enteric pathogens in the cattle industry. Although live attenuated vaccines are used to control the virus in Japan, limited information is available on the genomic regions that determine viral pathogenicity. Here we analyzed the attenuated strain TS-GT after isolation of the virus from the hexavalent bovine respiratory disease vaccine Cattlewin-6 lot #40-1. The complete genome sequence of TS-GT was determined using next-generation sequencing. The genome is 30,052 bp long and contains 45-bp inverted terminal repeats (ITR) and 30 predicted genes. A genome sequence comparison showed that 99.9% of the TS-GT genome is identical to the prototypic and pathogenic BAdV-7 strain Fukuroi; however, the TS-GT genome contains a novel mutation and four indels. A mutation in TS-GT of the minor capsid protein pVI causes an amino acid change, and possibly induces an alteration of its membrane-lytic function; this may underlie the temperature-specific growth characteristic of this strain. A 19-bp insertion in the 3’ ITR may affect its promoter activity and change the expression of downstream coding genes. In this way, the insertion may play important roles in the attenuation of the virus. Although further mutational and functional analyses are required, our results provide insights into the molecular basis of BAdV-7 attenuation and open new avenues for future analyses.
Energy Transition and Challenges of Bakeries' Cooking Choices in Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire
Authors: BERTE Salimata , ADOU Djane Dit Fatogoma 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHeavy dependence on firewood, associated with the demographic factor, logging, agricultural expansion and the repercussions of political instability are presented as factors of deforestation and forest degradation in Côte d'Ivoire. Faced with this situation, the country has been striving for many years to put in place a policy favorable to the protection of the environment through the promotion of alternative energy sources to firewood. However, observations are emerging in the field of bakery activity and call into question the social logic of the choice of baking energy. The bakery sector is presented as one of the main contributors to the erosion in the capital forest of the country because of its propensity to use firewood for cooking. Despite the policy of using butane and the tendency to promote "clean" energy at State level, fuelwood is by far the most widely used fuel in Abidjan. Until now, the social determinants of the continued use of firewood in these bakeries have rarely been considered.MethodThis study used a qualitative approach and the main data collection techniques used were semi-structured interviews, observation, and literature. Different interview guides were sent to two types of actors such as state and non-state actors. At the state level, sampled actors was determined through "snowball" sampling technique. Thematic content analysis was the technique used to analyze the data collected from interview guides.ResultEnergy transition in the subsector of bakery in Abidjan is hindered by the plurality of actors and the lack of clarity in the energy governance led to the higher consumption of firewood and other practices developed around bread production.ConclusionThree elements which structure the adoption of clean energies in bakeries in Abidjan which are the multi-level political willingness of the State and its long-term bilateral and multilateral partners, the immediate social pressure linked to the wood resource and the availability of infrastructures
Deficiency of Klc2 induces Low-Frequency Sensorineural Hearing Loss in C57BL/6J Mice and Human
Authors: Fu Xiaolong , An Yachun , Wang Hongyang , Li Peipei , Lin Jing , Yuan Jia , Yue Rongyu , Jin Yecheng , Gao Jiangang , Chai Renjie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The transport system in cochlear hair cells (HCs) is important for their function, and the kinesin family of proteins transport numerous cellular cargos via the microtubule network in the cytoplasm. Here, we found that Klc2 (kinesin light chain 2), the light chain of kinesin-1 that mediates cargo binding and regulates kinesin-1 motility, is essential for cochlear function. We generated mice lacking Klc2, and they suffered from low-frequency hearing loss as early as 1 month of age. We demonstrated that deficiency of Klc2 resulted in abnormal transport of mitochondria and the down-regulation of the GABAA receptor family. In addition, Whole genome sequencing(WGS) of patient showed KLC2 was related to low-frequency hearing in human. Hence, to explore therapeutic approaches, we developed adeno-associated virus containing the Klc2 wide-type cDNA sequence, and Klc2-null mice delivered virus showed apparent recovery, including decreased ABR threshold and reduced Out Hair Cell (OHC) loss. In summary, we show that the kinesin transport system plays an indispensable and special role in cochlear HC function in mice and human, and that mitochondrial localization is essential for HC survival.
Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (Sglt2) Inhibitors on Major Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetic Patients a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Gargiulo Paola , Paolillo Stefania , Bruzzese Dario , Poccia Alessandra , Napoli Pierfrancesco Di , Dell’Aversana Simona , Esposito Immacolata , Bardi Luca , Diana Gaetano , Ambrosio Antonio , Prastaro Maria , Asile Gaetano , Marciano Caterina , Dellegrotttaglie Santo , Perrone-Filardi Pasquale 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular (CV) events in diabetic patients, with a consistent effect on heart failure (HF) related outcomes. However, the effects on ischemic CV events appear less certain, in particular in patients with history of HF. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate CV benefits of SGLT2i and to assess the effects in patients with and without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with and without HF, and with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < or ³60 ml/min.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, and clinicaltrial.gov databases. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled, cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) of SGLT2i in diabetic patients, assessing the effects of SGLT2i on 3-point major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (CV death, non fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non fatal stroke) and composite of HF hospitalization or CV death.Of 205 articles, 7 CVOTs were included in the meta-analysis. Results: Compared to placebo, SGLT2i significantly reduced by 10% the risk of 3-point MACE (HR 0.90; p=0.025) and the risk of CV death or HF hospitalization by 24% (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.76; p<0.001). SGLT2i significantly reduced HF hospitalization by 30% (HR 0.70; p<0.001), with consistent effects in all subgroups analyzed, CV death by 17% (HR 0.83; p=0.035) and all-cause mortality by 18% (HR 0.82; p=0.024). No significant effects were observed on MI and stroke.Conclusions: SGLT2i significantly reduce CV outcome in diabetic patients. SGLT2i remarkably and consistently reduce HF hospitalization, in patients with and without HF at baseline and independently on the presence of ASCVD.
Energy Efficient Full Swing GDI based Adder Architecture for Arithmetic Applications
Authors: Aggarwal Pratibha , Garg Bharat 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Adders are one of the most important digital components used in any arithmetic applications. Many improvements in past have been made to improve its architecture. In this paper, we present two new symmetric designs for Energy efficient full adder cells featuring GDI (Gate-Diffusion Input) logic. The main design objectives for these adder modules are to operate at Low-Power with reduced area but also provide full-voltage swing. In the first (AEG-FA) design, a new approach of Inverted and Non-Inverted Carry-ins were taken to give complementary Carry-out and Sum with desired performance. These were then applied in different combinations to form higher bit width Adder architecture. This provides a higher degree of design freedom to target a wide range of applications, hence reducing design efforts. The second (PEG-FA) design is based on conventional approach which tries to reduce the critical path delay and lower switching activity in GDI circuit, providing Low-Power and high speed digital component at full voltage swing circuit. Many of the previously reported adders in literature suffered from the problems of low-swing and high noise when operated at low supply voltages. These two new designs successfully operate at low voltage with high signal integrity and driving capability. In order to evaluate the performance of proposed full adders, we incorporated 8-bit ripple carry adders. The studied circuits are optimized for energy efficiency using 45 nm CMOS process technology. The comparison between these novel circuits with standard full adder cells shows improvement in terms of Area, Delay, Power and Power-Delay-Product (PDP), Area-Delay Product (ADP), Area-Power Product (APP). At architecture level proposed adder shows 12.8% over CMOS, 14.8% over hybrid and 11.4% over other GDI logic power savings, by having almost 55% reduction in area.