bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Suggested role of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) gene in female infertility: A cross‐sectional study in Pakistan
Authors: Alam Faiza , Rehman Rehana , Fatima Syeda Sadia , Ashraf Mussarat , Khan Taseer Ahmed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAim & ObjectiveSilent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) gene stimulates the expression of antioxidants and repairs damaged cells. It affects the mitochondrial activity within the oocytes to overcome the oxidant stress. We aimed to assess an association of SIRT1 polymorphism (Tag SNPs rs10509291 and rs12778366) with fertility, and assess serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, progesterone, manganese superoxide (MnSOD) and SIRT1.Material and MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 207 fertile and 135 infertile subjects between the ages of 18‐45 years were recruited. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed; products were electrophoresed in a 2% agarose gel. Descriptive analysis of continuous variables was expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Mann‐Whitney test was performed for comparison of groups, P value <.001 was considered significant. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) data were analysed by applying chi‐squared statistics.ResultsAll subjects were age matched (P = .896). SIRT1 levels were significantly lower in infertile females when compared with fertile subjects (P < .001). AA (rs10509291) and CC (rs12778366) variant frequency was higher in the infertile than fertile subjects (P < .01). Similarly, the frequency of A allele (rs10509291) and C allele (rs12778366) was higher in infertile subjects (P < .001). Infertile females (29%) showed existence of SNP rs10509291 while 49% demonstrated genetic variation of rs12778366. MnSOD and SIRT1 levels were found to be lower in these subjects.ConclusionThe presence of SIRT1 genetic variants (rs10509291 and rs12778366) apparently disturbs the expression of SIRT1 deteriorating mitochondrial antioxidant function within the oocytes, instigating oxidative stress within. Their probable effect on modulating oocyte maturation may be the cause of infertility in females.
The relationship between gestational week and QT dispersion in cesarean section patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia: A prospective study
Authors: Karahan Mahmut Alp , Büyükfırat Evren , Altay Nuray , Binici Orhan , Uyanıkoğlu Hacer , Beşli Feyzullah , Demir Mustafa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPregnancy affects the cardiovascular system, particularly the cardiac conduction system, thereby increasing the susceptibility of patients towards arrhythmia. QT interval results in ventricular arrhythmias, predominantly polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. The present study was planned to investigate the relationship between a gestational week and QT dispersion in cesarean section patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia.MethodsThe study included 40 patients between the ages of 18 and 45 who had no symptoms of anaemia and undergoing elective cesarean section. The patients were separated into two groups based on the gestational week as Group I <39 weeks and Group II ≥39 weeks. The patient was given a sitting position and the puncture site was cleansed with 10% povidone‐iodine antiseptic solution. After placing a sterile drape on the patient, the subarachnoid space was punctured through an appropriate vertebral space (L3‐L4 or L4‐L5) using a pencil‐point 25G spinal needle, followed by intrathecal injection of 12.5 mg (2.5 mL) 5% hyperbaric bupivacaine hydrochloride. Electrocardiographic (ECG) records were obtained both preoperatively and at 1, 5, and 10 minutes after spinal block, and the QT, QTc, QTd, and corrected QTd (QTcd) intervals were estimated using Bazett's formula.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups within the QT and QTc intervals. QTcd measured after post‐operative was significantly higher in Group II (P = .007).ConclusionThe results indicated that spinal anaesthesia may prolong the QTdc interval in patients with a gestational week of ≥39 weeks undergoing cesarean section.
The role of new technologies in myeloproliferative neoplasms: Application of next‐generation sequencing in myelofibrosis
Authors: Navrátilová Jana , Palová Miroslava , Szotkowski Tomáš , Hluší Antonín , Katrincsáková Beáta , Papajík Tomáš , Indrák Karel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionDriver mutations in Philadelphia chromosome‐negative myeloproliferative neoplasms are well known. In the past, whole‐genome sequencing identified nondriver mutations in other genes, potentially contributing to evolution of malignant clones.MethodsNext‐generation sequencing was used to assess the presence of any mutations in 14 candidate genes at the point of diagnosis and the resultant impact on the clinical course of the disease.ResultsThe study analysed 63 patients with myelofibrosis (MF). Nondriver mutations were detected in 44% of them. The most frequently affected genes were ASXL1 (27%), TET2 (11%) and SF3B1 (6%). The frequency of such mutations was highest in primary MF (59%) and lowest in the prefibrotic phase of primary MF (21%). Patients with prognostically unfavourable sequence variants in genes had significantly worse overall survival (53 vs 71 months; HR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.17‐6.56; P = .017).ConclusionIn our study, multivariate analysis proved DIPSS to be the only significant factor to predict patient survival. DIPSS contains all of the important clinical and laboratory factors except genetic changes. Stratification of patients according to DIPSS is still beneficial although there are newer and improved scoring systems like GIPSS or MIPSS70. Assessing subclonal mutations in candidate genes during diagnosis may aid in the identification of high‐risk MF patients and is therefore relevant for making a prediction for overall survival more accurate.
Effectiveness of biofeedback relaxation and audio‐visual distraction on dental anxiety among 7‐ to 12‐year‐old children while administering local anaesthesia: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Padminee Krishnan , Hemalatha R , Shankar Paulindraraj , Senthil D , Jayakaran Trophimus Gnanabagyan , Kabita Sahoo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundLocal anaesthesia (LA) administration provokes dental anxiety in children. BrightHearts is a biofeedback relaxation application designed to reduce anxiety in children during painful procedural interventions.AimTo compare the effectiveness of biofeedback relaxation (BR) and audio‐visual (AV) distraction on dental anxiety among 7‐ to 12‐year‐old children while administering LA.DesignA total of 70 children requiring dental treatment under LA for three visits were recruited for this single‐blinded randomized control trial. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A received BR and Group B received AV distraction during LA delivery in the first two visits, and both groups did not receive any intervention during LA in third visit. Outcomes were measured using heart rate and a cartoon‐based anxiety measuring scale (Chotta Bheem‐Chutki (CBC) scale).ResultsAV group had statistically significant higher mean heart rates than BR group (P < .001) during needle penetration and post‐intervention, respectively. CBC scale showed no statistical differences between the groups.ConclusionBoth the interventions are effective in reducing dental anxiety during LA administration. Based on objective measures, BR is found to be better than AV distraction. Subjective scores, however, show no differences between the two.
Deletion of Smad3 protects against diabetic myocardiopathy in db/db mice
Authors: Dong Li , Li Jian‐Chun , Hu Zhong‐Jing , Huang Xiao‐Ru , Wang Li , Wang Hong‐Lian , Ma Ronald C. W. , Lan Hui‐Yao , Yang Si‐Jin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDiabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common diabetic complication characterized by diastolic relaxation abnormalities, myocardial fibrosis and chronic heart failure. Although TGF‐β/Smad3 signalling has been shown to play a critical role in chronic heart disease, the role and mechanisms of Smad3 in DCM remain unclear. We reported here the potential role of Smad3 in the development of DCM by genetically deleting the Smad3 gene from db/db mice. At the age of 32 weeks, Smad3WT‐db/db mice developed moderate to severe DCM as demonstrated by a marked increase in the left ventricular (LV) mass, a significant fall in the LV ejection fraction (EF) and LV fractional shortening (FS), and progressive myocardial fibrosis and inflammation. In contrast, db/db mice lacking Smad3 (Smad3KO‐db/db) were protected against the development of DCM with normal cardiac function and undetectable myocardial inflammation and fibrosis. Interestingly, db/db mice with deleting one copy of Smad3 (Smad3 ± db/db) did not show any cardioprotective effects. Mechanistically, we found that deletion of Smad3 from db/db mice largely protected cardiac Smad7 from Smurf2‐mediated ubiquitin proteasome degradation, thereby inducing IBα to suppress NF‐kB‐driven cardiac inflammation. In addition, deletion of Smad3 also altered Smad3‐dependent miRNAs by up‐regulating cardiac miR‐29b while suppressing miR‐21 to exhibit the cardioprotective effect on Smad3KO‐db/db mice. In conclusion, results from this study reveal that Smad3 is a key mediator in the pathogenesis of DCM. Targeting Smad3 may be a novel therapy for DCM.
Interactions of fungal entomopathogens with synthetic insecticides for the control of Kuschelorhynchusmacadamiae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Khun Kim Khuy , Ash Gavin J. , Stevens Mark M. , Huwer Ruth K. , Wilson Bree A. L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the interactions between insecticides (acephate and indoxacarb) and fungal entomopathogens (Beauveria bassiana [Bals.‐Criv.] Vuill. strain B27, Metarhizium anisopliae [Metschn.] Sorokin strain ECS1, and a commercial B. bassiana product, Velifer® Biological Insecticide) for controlling the macadamia seed weevil, Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae Jennings and Oberprieler, in the laboratory and glasshouse. In the laboratory, additive interactions between insecticides at their full field concentrations (776 mg AI/L of acephate and 75 mg AI/L of indoxacarb) and fungal entomopathogens at 107 conidia/ml (ECS1 and B27) or at full field concentration (0.5 ml of Velifer®/L) were seen at 6 days and 12 days post‐application. Under the same experimental conditions, synergistic interactions against K. macadamiae were observed 6 days post‐application when fungal entomopathogens at 2.5 × 106 conidia/ml or at 25% of full field concentration (Velifer®) were co‐applied with insecticides at 25% of their full field concentrations, whilst additive interactions were again observed at 12 days post‐application. In the glasshouse, additive interactions between insecticides (at full field concentrations) and fungal entomopathogens (at 107 conidia/ml, or at full field concentration for Velifer®) were obtained at 6 days and 12 days post‐application. The results from this study suggest that acephate and indoxacarb have both synergistic and additive effects against K. macadamiae when deployed together with fungal entomopathogens, depending on the initial concentrations of mixture components. Combined application of entomopathogens with compatible insecticides promises to provide more effective management of K. macadamiae than individual chemical applications.
Indirect predator effects influence behaviour but not morphology of juvenile coral reefAmbon damselfishPomacentrus amboinensis
Authors: Arvizu Brittany , Allan Bridie J. M. , Rizzari Justin R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA 6‐week laboratory experiment exposed juvenile Ambon damselfishPomacentrus amboinensisto visual and chemical cues of either a predator, a herbivore or a null control (sea water) and found no effect of predator cues on prey morphology (proportion of ocellus to eye diameter, body depth, standard length and fin area). Nonetheless, behaviour was significantly affected by predator presence, with prey less active and taking half as many feeding strikes when exposed to predators compared to fish from the null control. The presence of a herbivore also affected prey behaviour similar to that of the predator, suggesting that the presence of a non‐predator may have important effects on development.
Clinical impact of compound sarcopenia in hospitalized older adult patients with heart failure
Authors: Attaway Amy , Bellar Annette , Dieye Faty , Wajda Douglas , Welch Nicole , Dasarathy Srinivasan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesSkeletal muscle loss or sarcopenia is a frequent complication in heart failure (HF) and contributes to adverse clinical outcomes. We evaluated if age (primary) and chronic disease (secondary) related sarcopenia, that we refer to as compound sarcopenia, impacts clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with HF.DesignCross‐sectional study using hospitalized patient data.SettingData from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality through the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP).ParticipantsHospitalized adult patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis of HF (n = 64,476) and a concurrent random 2% sample of general medical population (GMP; n = 322,217) stratified by age (<50 years of age [y], 51‐65y, >65y) from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (years 2010–2014).MeasurementsIn‐hospital mortality, length of stay (LoS), cost of hospitalization per admission (CoH), comorbidities and discharge disposition, with and without muscle loss phenotype, were analyzed. Muscle loss phenotype was defined using a comprehensive code set from international classification of diseases‐9 (ICD‐9).ResultsMuscle loss phenotype was observed in 8673 (13.5%) patients with HF compared to 5213 (1.6%) GMP across all age strata. In patients with HF, muscle loss phenotype was associated with higher mortality, LoS, and CoH. Patients with HF (>65y) and muscle loss phenotype had higher mortality (adjusted OR: 1.81; 95% CI 1.56–2.10), CoH (adjusted OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.44–1.1.52), and LoS (adjusted OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.37–1.43) compared to >65y GMP with muscle loss phenotype.ConclusionMuscle loss phenotype is more commonly associated with increasing age in hospitalized patients with HF. Clinical outcomes were significantly worse in patients with HF aged >65y compared to younger patients with HF and all age strata in GMP with and without a muscle loss phenotype.
Prevalence and concordance of oral HPV infections with cervical HPV infections in women referred to colposcopy with abnormal cytology
Authors: Tewari Prerna , Banka Prakashini , Kernan Niamh , Reynolds Stephen , White Christine , Pilkington Loretto , O’Toole Sharon , Sharp Linda , D’Arcy Tom , Murphy Cliona , Comiskey Catherine , Martin Cara M. , O’Leary John J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundConsidering the shared aetiology of Human Papillomavirus infections in oropharyngeal and cervical cancers and the possible role for sexual transmission, several key aspects of the relationship between cervical and oral infections merit investigation, including prevalence of concomitant oral HPV infection and type‐specific concordance with concurrent cervical infections.MethodsA cross‐section study was performed on women referred to colposcopy clinics with cytological abnormalities and a cervical HPV infection. An oral rinse sample was taken from the participants at their baseline visit for HPV testing, and a demographic and risk factor questionnaire was also administered. HPV DNA testing was carried out on the Cobas 4800 platform and extended genotyping was carried out with the INNO‐LiPA HPV Genotyping Extra II assay. HPV genotyping was also carried out on the concurrent cervical tissue samples on all women who had a positive oral HPV infection.ResultsThe prevalence of oral HPV infections was 10.0% (95%CI:5.9–13.7) in the study population. HPV18 was the most frequent genotype (7.0%). Concordant oral and cervical HPV infections were detected in 28.6% of women. Age (p = 0.005) and level of education (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with a prevalent oral HPV infection.ConclusionConcomitant oral HPV infections were present in 10.0% of women referred to colposcopy with a pre‐existing cervical HPV infections and cytological abnormalities. Although mild type‐specific concordance was observed between oral and cervical HPV infections, findings suggest that infections at these sites may not be independent of each other.
Descriptive screening and lexicon development of non‐aged artisanal cachaça sensorial profile using principal component analysis and Kohonen artificial neural networks
Authors: Caetano Daniela , Lima Clara M. G. , Sanson Ananda L. , Silva Débora F. , de Souza Hassemer Guilherme , Verruck Silvani , da Silva Gilmare A. , de Cássia Franco Afonso Robson J. , Coutrim Mauricio X. , Gregório Sandra R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCachaça is a distilled spirit made from sugarcane, exclusively produced in Brazil, and appreciated worldwide. This paper seeks to evaluate the sensory characteristics of 24 nonaged artisanal cachaça samples from Salinas (Minas Gerais, Brazil) through descriptive analysis, as well as chemometrically treat the obtained data based on principal components analysis (PCA) and Kohonen's neural network. The attributes (23) were divided between aroma (11) and flavor (12). PCA does not show good differentiation of nonaged cachaça samples. On the other hand, by using Kohonen's neural network it was possible to group samples according to their aroma and flavor characteristics in 9 and 10 distinct groups, respectively. A reduced number of descriptors could be used to describe the flavor of cachaça samples (alcohol, acidic, sweet, bitter, citric, tar, and burning), as significant correlations (R > 0.70, p < .05) exist among them with fruity, bagasse, fermented sugarcane juice, and astringent descriptors. This diminution on descriptors numbers could be able to reduce the workload of the judging panel with no losses to the sample' sensory characterization. The use of Kohonen's network chemometric treatment for treat sensory data showed to be a better alternative that PCA approach in this study.Practical applicationsThe growth in production and the appreciation of cachaça in the domestic and foreign markets have directed the production of the drink in Brazil with a focus on its quality and added value, seeking to obtain international recognition and increase exports. In this sense, the lexicon development and sensory characterization of samples from Salinas‐MG is very important to compare with commercial and artisanal samples from other regions in future studies. This work created a sensory profile for samples from this region, which despite its national and international popularity, does not exist yet. Finally, this is the first study that describes a lexicon development and sensory characterization of cachaças from Salinas‐MG and describes data with artificial neural networks, a potential approach for further studies.
Toward an integrative model of moral‐value perception
Authors: Young Robert L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMoral‐value perception occurs when sensory perception is directed by cognitive schemas, which selectively sample information in objects and events that represent personally valued means or ends. As a result of the perception of such value representations people experience affect ranging from strongly negative to strongly positive. If one's schemas direct attention to elements of objects or actions that verify schematic expectations, and spark little of no noticeable affect, the new information automatically produces minor alterations of the schema. However, if attention is directed or drawn to information that produces strong affect, and is contradictory of activated schemas, one is likely to engage in conscious assessment, through which the information is re‐conceptualized in a way that preserves schematic integrity. Based on multidisciplinary analysis, this paper (1) addresses the ways in which the perception of things within the natural world are represented in moral‐value perceptions, (2) identifies important cognitive, affective and emotional processes involved in the ongoing experience of such perception, and (3) illustrates some of the ways in which moral‐value perceptions influence moral assessments and judgements.
Does TRIPS (Agreement on Trade‐Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) prevent COVID‐19 vaccines as a global public good?
Authors: Haugen Hans Morten 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe article analyses the global public goods approach to COVID‐19 technologies, embedded in 2020 affirmations by the World Health Assembly (WHA), the UN Human Rights Council and G20 on broad immunization against COVID‐19. After identifying the access to COVID‐19 tools (ACT) Accelerator members, the UN efforts are identified, focusing primarily on the UN human rights bodies, acknowledging how these and the WHA have mutually reinforced each others' efforts. The article finds that the global public goods terminology appeared in UN resolutions in 2020, while wording that included vaccines—on an equal footing as medicines—appeared in 2016, and recognition of generic medicines appeared in 2019. The so‐called Trilateral Cooperation on IP and public health between two UN specialized agencies and the World Trade Organization (WTO) has increased awareness of the flexibilities within WTO's TRIPS Agreement. These flexibilities are explained. With notable exceptions, like India, these flexibilities are not widely applied in domestic legislation. A different emphasis characterizes the millennium development goals era as compared to the sustainable development goals era, and this shift is explained by applying relevant theories. Among pro‐TRIPS developed countries there is an acknowledgment of obstacles created by the IP system, but their overall position has not changed.
Efficient chito‐oligosaccharide utilization requires two TonB‐dependent transporters and one hexosaminidase in Cellvibrio japonicus
Authors: Monge Estela C. , Gardner Jeffrey G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChitin utilization by microbes plays a significant role in biosphere carbon and nitrogen cycling, and studying the microbial approaches used to degrade chitin will facilitate our understanding of bacterial strategies to degrade a broad range of recalcitrant polysaccharides. The early stages of chitin depolymerization by the bacterium Cellvibrio japonicus have been characterized and are dependent on one chitin‐specific lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase and nonredundant glycoside hydrolases from the family GH18 to generate chito‐oligosaccharides for entry into metabolism. Here, we describe the mechanisms for the latter stages of chitin utilization by C. japonicus with an emphasis on the fate of chito‐oligosaccharides. Our systems biology approach combined transcriptomics and bacterial genetics using ecologically relevant substrates to determine the essential mechanisms for chito‐oligosaccharide transport and catabolism in C. japonicus. Using RNAseq analysis we found a coordinated expression of genes that encode polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes. Mutational analysis determined that the hex20B gene product, predicted to encode a hexosaminidase, was required for efficient utilization of chito‐oligosaccharides. Furthermore, two gene loci (CJA_0353 and CJA_1157), which encode putative TonB‐dependent transporters, were also essential for chito‐oligosaccharides utilization. This study further develops our model of C. japonicus chitin metabolism and may be predictive for other environmentally or industrially important bacteria.