bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum vitamin D levels in relation to metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis of epidemiologic studies
Authors: Hajhashemy Zahra , Shahdadian Farnaz , Moslemi Elham , Mirenayat Fateme Sadat , Saneei Parvane 
Published: April 2021

SummarySeveral epidemiological studies examined the association of serum vitamin D with metabolic syndrome (MetS), but the findings were inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and dose–response meta‐analysis to quantify the association between blood vitamin D levels and MetS in adults. A systematic search up to December 2020 was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), ISI (Web of Science), Scopus, and Google Scholar databases for epidemiological studies that assessed the relation of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (as the exposure) and MetS (as the outcome) in adults. Eligible cross‐sectional studies were restricted to those with representative populations. Finally, 43 studies were included in the analysis (38 cross‐sectional, one nested case–control, and four cohorts studies). Combining 41 effect sizes from 38 cross‐sectional studies included 298,187 general adult population revealed that the highest level of serum vitamin D, compared with the lowest level, was significantly related to a 43% decreased odds of MetS in developed countries (odds ratio [OR]: 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–0.65) and 40% in developing countries (OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.52–0.70). Linear dose–response analysis (including 222,175 healthy individuals and 39,308 MetS patients) revealed that each 25 nmol/L increase in serum vitamin D level was significantly associated with a 15% decreased odds of MetS (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.80–0.91); however, we found no significant nonlinear association. Meta‐analysis of five prospective studies with 11,019 participants revealed no significant relation (relative risk [RR]: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.37–1.32). This meta‐analysis indicated an inverse association between serum vitamin D concentrations and risk of MetS in general adult populations in cross‐sectional studies in a dose–response manner. However, no significant association was found in a small number of cohorts. More prospective studies are needed to confirm the causality of this relationship.
Streptococcus mutans in atherosclerotic plaque: Molecular and immunohistochemical evaluations
Authors: Fernandes Forte Clarissa Pessoa , Oliveira Francisco Artur Forte , Lopes Camile de Barros , Alves Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes , Mota Mário Rogério Lima , de Barros Silva Paulo Goberlânio , Montenegro Raquel Carvalho , Campos Ribeiro dos Santos Ândrea Kely , Lobo Filho José Glauco , Sousa Fabrício Bitu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo verify the presence of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in atherosclerotic plaque (AP) using techniques with different sensitivities, correlating with histological changes in plaque and immunoexpression of inflammatory markers.Materials and MethodsThirteen AP samples were subjected to real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), histopathological analyses, histochemical analysis by Giemsa staining (GS), and immunohistochemical analysis for S. mutans, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α (streptavidin‐biotin‐peroxidase method). Ten necropsy samples of healthy vessels were used as controls.ResultsAll AP samples showed histopathological characteristics of severe atherosclerosis and were positive for S. mutans (100.0%) in qRT‐PCR and immunohistochemical analyses. GS showed that Streptococcus sp. colonized the lipid‐rich core regions and fibrous tissue, while the control group was negative for Streptococcus sp. IL‐1β and TNF‐α were expressed in 100% and 92.3% of the AP tested, respectively. The control samples were positive for S. mutans in qRT‐PCR analysis, but negative for S. mutans, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α in immunohistochemical analyses.ConclusionThe detection of S. mutans in AP and the visualization of Streptococcus sp. suggested a possible association between S. mutans and atherosclerosis. The results obtained from the control samples suggested the presence of DNA fragments or innocuous bacteria that were not associated with tissue alteration. However, future studies are necessary to provide more information.
Myopia and glaucoma progression among patients with juvenile onset open angle glaucoma: A retrospective follow up study
Authors: Gupta Shikha , Singh Abhishek , Mahalingam Karthikeyan , Selvan Harathy , Gupta Prasad , Pandey Shivam , Somarajan Bindu I , Gupta Viney 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the risk factors for glaucoma progression, especially the association with myopia, among treated juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG) patients.MethodsGlaucomatous progression was analysed in the eyes of JOAG patients with at least 5‐years of follow up in this retrospective study. Baseline variables such as age, inheritance pattern, baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), baseline central corneal thickness, visual acuity, baseline refractive error, spherical equivalent (SE) and duration of follow‐up were noted. Stereoparametric global trend analysis and Moorfields Regression Analysis on confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy were used to detect progression. Variables associated with glaucoma progression, with respect to progressors (PG) and non‐progressors (NPG) were analysed. Since both eyes of a patient were taken for analysis, a generalised estimating equation method was used to correct the bias.ResultsAmong 74 eyes (37 subjects), glaucoma progression was noted in 11 eyes (14.9%) of 8 patients, with a median time to progression of 7.4 years (range 5–15.5 years). For myopes (SE ≤ −1.00 D), glaucoma progression was 18 times more likely than mild and no myopes (>‐1DS) (p = 0.03, 95% CI: 1.14, 217.44). The prevalence of myopia in the JOAG, PG and NPG cohorts was 70.3%, 87.5%, and 65.5%, respectively. Myopia progression was noted at follow up in 70% patients. One‐unit increase in baseline vertical cup disc ratio, 1 mmHg increase in IOP fluctuations and 1 dB year−1 depression of visual field were associated with 0.44, 0.06 and 0.07 D year−1 increases in the rate of myopia progression, respectively.ConclusionsJOAG progressors had a greater baseline myopic refraction and a faster myopia development over time. The development of myopia in JOAG eyes could be an indicator of glaucoma progression, and hence progressing myopic (≤−1 D) JOAG patients should be followed up more rigorously.
Outcomes of manual versus remote magnetic navigation for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia: a systematic review and updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Blandino Alessandro , Bianchi Francesca , Sibona Masi Andrea , Mazzanti Andrea , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Grossi Stefano , Musumeci Giuseppe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeVentricular tachycardia (VT) ablation is a complex procedure that requires remarkable catheter manipulation skill, great mapping accuracy and catheter stability, and can expose patients to serious complications. Magnetic navigation system (RMN)‐guided ablation and contact force‐sensing (CFS) catheters have the potential to overcome these obstacles. We performed a systematic review and updated meta‐analysis of all available studies evaluating the outcomes of VT ablation by using RMN‐guided compared to manual navigation (MAN)‐guided, with and without CFS catheters.MethodsMEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) or observational studies with multivariate adjustment comparing RMN‐guided versus MAN‐guided VT ablation.ResultsThirteen studies enrolling 1348 patients (656 RMN‐guided vs. 692 MAN‐guided) were included. CFS catheter were used in 14% of MAN‐guided patients. In comparison to MAN‐guided and CFS‐guided, RMN‐guided VT ablation was associated with a significant higher acute ablation success (OR 2.32, 1.66–3.23 and OR 2.91, 1.29–6.53, respectively) but similar results in term of long‐term VT recurrence (OR 0.75, 0.56–1.01 and OR 0.79, 0.27–2.36, respectively). RMN‐guided showed a better safety profile (for all complications, OR 0.52, 0.34–0.81) and allowed a significant x‐ray reduction compared to MAN‐guided (OR 0.21, 0.14–0.32) and CFS‐guided VT ablation (OR 0.23, 0.11–0.52, all 95% CI).ConclusionsRMN‐guided was superior to MAN‐guided and CFS‐guided VT ablation in term of acute ablation success, all complications endpoint, and reduction of fluoroscopy exposure, but did not reduce long‐term VT recurrence. Large prospective multicenter randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings.
The association of multimorbidity to mortality in older adults after permanent pacemaker placement
Authors: Krishnaswami Ashok , Liu Taylor I. , Harris Jessica , Prentice Heather A. , Paxton Elizabeth W. , Masoudi Frederick A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn the United States 2018 bradycardia guideline, the current class III recommendation that patients with permanent pacemaker (PPM) indications and high multimorbidity burden may not have meaningful clinical benefit from PPM therapy is based on limited data.MethodsObservational study (January 1, 2008–December 31, 2015) of adults ≥65 years (N = 16,678) who underwent PPM implantation. Exposure variable: Elixhauser comorbidity number (ECN, 29 well‐validated conditions). Primary outcome: ≤1‐year mortality; secondary outcome: > 1‐year mortality.ResultsThose who died ≤1‐year were older, had a lower body mass index (BMI), and higher ECN (p < .001). Cumulative survival at 1‐year was 92.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91.9–92.7). One‐year survival decreased by increasing ECN—with a difference at 1‐year between lowest and highest ECN category of 17.3% (ECN 0–1: 97.1% [95% CI: 96.3–97.7]; ECN ≥8: 79.8% [95% CI: 77.9–81.5]). For those who survived the first year, cumulative survival at 8‐years was 51.2% (95% CI = 49.8–52.6) with a difference between ECN 0–1 and ≥8 of 43.4%. Increasing ECN was associated equally with ≤1‐year (HR 1.28 [95% CI: 1.25–1.30]) and >1‐year (HR 1.19 [95% CI: 1.17–1.20]) mortality. A predictive model including age, sex, BMI, PPM type, race, and ECN had greater discriminative ability (p < .0001) than a bedside model (age, sex) for the primary outcome.ConclusionAcross the heterogeneity of indications for PPM placement, multimorbidity is increasingly common. The association of multimorbidity to mortality (≤1‐year, >1‐year) should be routinely discussed during the shared decision‐making process as an important prognostic geriatric domain variable.
The Contribution of Diffusion to the Fertility Transition in Belgium (1887–1934)
Authors: Costa Rafael , Bocquier Philippe , Eggerickx Thierry 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate whether diffusion contributed to the geography and the speed of the fertility transition. To this end, we assembled a new and unique dataset from historical sources in Belgium containing yearly information on fertility at the municipality level and a range of structural and cultural indicators over 47 years (1887–1934). We use this dataset in diffusion models based on multilevel event‐history analysis. We find that diffusion between neighboring places influenced the geography of the fertility transition only in its early stages; and diffusion accelerated the speed at which municipalities initiated fertility decline at the onset of the transition. We argue that, in the early stages of the transition, the bulk of people's interactions was confined to their own communities and neighboring places and, as such, new ideas, attitudes, and information about fertility would spread among adjacent areas. Later on, since the turn of the twentieth century, the way people interacted in space was transformed by the growing urbanization, the development of transportation infrastructure and labor migration. In this new context, opportunities for social learning were less constrained by space.
Association between autistic tendency and mental health for studying abroad
Authors: Takeuchi Jiro , Sakagami Yu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo identify the association between autistic tendencies and mental health among universitystudents who study abroad.MethodsWe conducted a historical cohort study at a Japanese university, targeting students who went overseas from 2012 to 2014 as part of study abroad program. We administered questionnaires to students before and after they completed the overseas study program. These questionnaires included items about sex, age, academic degrees, department affiliations, past experience of studying abroad, type of overseas program, and schedule of departures and returns. To determine students' mental health problems, we considered cross‐cultural maladaptation while studying abroad as the outcome by two reviewers. We also administered the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient, Japanese version (AQ), and the General Health Questionnaire 60 Japanese version. We utilized the logistic regression model after adjusting for the General Health Questionnaire and country or region with programs to estimate odds ratios (OR) for considering outcomes.ResultsOf the 585 who participated in this study excluding two students for cancellations, 352 (60.2%) completed to following‐up. The prevalence of mental health problems was 6.0% (21/406) and categorized when studying abroad. The mean AQ score was 19.3 (standard deviation = ±7.12). High AQ (a score of 33 and more) was prevalent among 3.7% (18/486). Students with high AQ had more mental health problems compared to those without high AQ (adjusted ORs 5.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–27.9, P = 0.03).ConclusionsWe clarified the association between autistic tendencies and mental health for students studying abroad.
Trichoderma sp. endochitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase impede Rhizoctonia solani growth independently, and their combined use does not enhance impediment
Authors: Kaur Ramanjeet , Kalia Anu , Lore Jagjeet S. , Kaur Ajinder , Yadav Inderjit , Sharma Priti , Sandhu Jagdeep S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRhizoctonia solani causing rice sheath blight is responsible for significant crop yield losses. Trichoderma spp., biological control agents, have been reported to antagonize R. solani through coordinated action of several cell wall‐degrading enzymes including endochitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase. In this study two antifungal genes, encoding endochitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase, isolated from Trichoderma sp. antagonistic to R. solani, were cloned individually in His‐tagged expression vectors and mobilized in Escherichia coli for protein expression. The purified proteins assayed in vitro with R. solani impeded pathogen growth independently by causing hyphal distortions revealed through scanning electron microscopy. The combined use of endochitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase did not enhance the inhibition. The distortions caused by endochitinase were due to catalytic activity of Glu172 and Asp241 residues on glycosidic linkages in chitin polymers, whereas Glu628, Tyr631, and Asp569 in β‐1,3‐glucanase targeted glucan polymers. The distinctions of this study from earlier reports are (a) chitin polymers in the R. solani cell wall are exposed and not embedded within the β‐glucan matrix; (b) chitin and β‐1,3‐glucan are vital polymers in the R. solani cell wall, rather than chitin as the only main polymer; and (c) hyphal tips of R. solani remain unaffected after an antifungal assay with endochitinase and β‐1,3‐glucanase, instead of exhibiting distortion.
Marine microalgae for outdoor biomass production—A laboratory study simulating seasonal light and temperature for the west coast of Sweden
Authors: Cheregi Otilia , Engelbrektsson Johan , Andersson Mats X. , Strömberg Niklas , Ekendahl Susanne , Godhe Anna , Spetea Cornelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAt Nordic latitudes, year‐round outdoor cultivation of microalgae is debatable due to seasonal variations in productivity. Shall the same species/strains be used throughout the year, or shall seasonal‐adapted ones be used? To elucidate this, a laboratory study was performed where two out of 167 marine microalgal strains were selected for intended cultivation at the west coast of Sweden. The two local strains belong to Nannochloropsis granulata (Ng) and Skeletonema marinoi (Sm142). They were cultivated in photobioreactors and compared in conditions simulating variations in light and temperature of a year divided into three growth seasons (spring, summer and winter). The strains grew similarly well in summer (and also in spring), but Ng produced more biomass (0.225 vs. 0.066 g DW L−1 day−1) which was more energy rich (25.0 vs. 16.6 MJ kg−1 DW). In winter, Sm142 grew faster and produced more biomass (0.017 vs. 0.007 g DW L−1 day−1), having similar energy to the other seasons. The higher energy of the Ng biomass is attributed to a higher lipid content (40 vs. 16% in summer). The biomass of both strains was richest in proteins (65%) in spring. In all seasons, Sm142 was more effective in removing phosphorus from the cultivation medium (6.58 vs. 4.14 mg L−1 day−1 in summer), whereas Ng was more effective in removing nitrogen only in summer (55.0 vs. 30.8 mg L−1 day−1). Our results suggest that, depending on the purpose, either the same or different local species can be cultivated, and are relevant when designing outdoor studies.
Nitro‐oxidative stress induces the formation of roots' cortical aerenchyma in rice under osmotic stress
Authors: Basu Sahana , Kumari Surbhi , Kumar Alok , Shahid Rimsha , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Gautam 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDrought stress induces the formation of cortical aerenchyma in roots, providing drought tolerance by reducing respiration. However, unrestricted aerenchyma formation impedes the radial transport of water through the root's central cylinder; thereby decreasing the water uptake under drought stress. Therefore, exploring the root architectural and anatomical alterations in rice under drought is essential for targeting crop improvement. Drought stress‐induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in the lysigenous aerenchyma development. However, the influence of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the development of lysigenous aerenchyma under drought has never been studied in rice. The present study examined the effect of ROS and RNS, generated by progressive drought stress, on the lysigenous aerenchyma formation in the roots of contrasting rice genotypes of the Eastern Indo‐Gangetic plains (EIGP). As expected, the PEG‐induced drought stress stimulated the expression of NADPH oxidase (NOX), thereby promoting the ROS generation in roots of the rice seedlings. Excessive ROS and RNS accumulations in roots affected the membrane lipids, promoting the tissue‐specific programmed cell death (PCD) in rice. The activation of the antioxidant defense system played a major role in the ROS and RNS detoxification, thereby restricting the root aerenchyma formation in rice under drought stress. The results also displayed that drought tolerance in rice is associated with the formation of the Casparian strip, which limits the apoplastic flow of water in the water‐deficient roots. Overall, our study revealed the association of nitro‐oxidative metabolism with PCD and lysigenous aerenchyma formation in the cortical cells of root under drought stress in rice.
Different abscisic acid‐deficient mutants show unique morphological and hydraulic responses to high air humidity
Authors: Innes Sheona N. , Solhaug Knut Asbjørn , Torre Sissel , Dodd Ian C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHigh relative humidity (RH) perturbs plant growth, stomatal functioning and abscisic acid (ABA) homeostasis, but the role of ABA in this physiological regulation is equivocal. To determine the role(s) of ABA in plant responses to high RH, wild‐type (WT) tomato and barley plants and their respective ABA‐deficient mutants flacca and Az34 (which are mutated in the same locus of the ABA biosynthesis pathway) were grown in contrasting RHs (60% and 90%) to measure biomass partitioning, stomatal traits and water relations. Surprisingly, growth RH did not affect foliar ABA levels in either species. While Az34 showed similar stomatal size and density as WT plants, flacca had larger and more abundant stomata. High RH increased stomatal size in tomato, but decreased it in barley, and decreased stomatal density in tomato, but not in barley. Altered stomatal responses in ABA‐deficient plants to high RH had little effect on tomato photosynthesis, but Az34 barley showed lower photosynthesis. ABA deficiency decreased relative shoot growth rate (RGRSHOOT) in both species, yet this was counteracted by high RH increasing leaf water status in tomato, but not in barley. High RH increased RGRSHOOT in flacca, but not in WT tomatoes, while having no effect on RGRSHOOT in barley, but affecting barley net assimilation rate, leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area in an ABA‐dependent manner. ABA‐RH interaction affected leaf development in tomato only. Thus, different crop species show variable responses to both high RH and ABA deficiency, making it difficult to generalise on the role of ABA in growth regulation at contrasting RHs.
Opportunities for microbiome research to enhance farmed freshwater fish quality and production
Authors: Parata Lara , Sammut Jesmond , Egan Suhelen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFreshwater fish farming is the largest sub‐sector of the global aquaculture industry, with its continued success dependent on the industry’s ability to be productive and sustainable. In recent years, microorganisms have been increasingly recognised for their role in the health and overall performance of aquatic organisms, providing the aquaculture industry with a promising avenue for further success. Here, we review the literature on freshwater fish microbiology to evaluate the potential for microbial research to enhance freshwater aquaculture. A systematic review revealed that the existing freshwater fish microbiology literature incorporates <1% of freshwater fish species, with most studies focussed on Cyprinidae, Salmonidae and to a lesser extent Cichlidae. Using social network analyses, this review identified 25 key research areas commonly addressed in the existing literature highlighting the narrow focus of existing studies. Microbial community structure was the most frequently researched area, followed by environment and diet. These studies often evaluated microbiota changes associated with diadromous migrations, new technologies and advancements in feed formulations. However, research areas, such as the role of microorganisms in fish fecundity, omega‐3 content, sustainability and palatability, were underrepresented in the literature despite their influence on aquaculture success. These underrepresented research areas are examples of where additional investments in microbial research are needed to ensure the continued expansion and success of freshwater aquaculture.