bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dry Eye and Dry Skin - Is There a Connection?
Authors: Petriček Igor , Pauk Sania Vidas , Tomić Martina , Tomislav Bulum 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aim: To enquire whether patients with dry eye symptoms also report dry skin, whether their perception could be corroborated with objective measurement, and whether dry eye disease might be suspected based on patients' anamnesis.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 subjects (25 with and 25 without dry eye symptoms). Schein questionnaire was used to determine the severity of dry eye symptoms. Ocular signs were assessed by conjunctival hyperemia, ocular surface staining, Meibomian gland expression, tear film lipid layer thickness, tear break-up time, lid parallel conjunctival folds, Schirmer test, and meibometry. Skin dryness was assessed by patients' perception of their facial skin dryness and measured by sebumeter.Results: Subjects without dry eye symptoms had self-reported oilier facial skin than those with dry eye symptoms (p<0.001). Sebumetry scores measured on the forehead and cheek were significantly higher in subjects without dry eye symptoms than dry eye subjects (p=0.003). After adjustment for age and gender in a logistic regression analysis, dry eye was independently and significantly associated with dry skin (AOR 0.69, p=0.040), higher LIPCOF score of both eyes (AOR 2.28, p=0.028), lower sebumetry score of the forehead (AOR 0.98, p=0.041) and cheek (AOR 0.98, p=0.041), and shorter TBUT score after gland expression (AOR 0.90, p=0.018). Conclusion: This study showed that ocular dryness was subjectively and objectively positively correlated to facial skin dryness - patients reliably described their skin condition: people with dry facial skin also had drier eyes.
Copenhagen Index versus ROMA in preoperative ovarian malignancy risk stratification: result from the first Vietnamese prospective cohort study
Authors: Tran Doan Tu , Vo Van Khoa , Le Minh Tam , Chuang Linus , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performances of the Copenhagen Index (CPH-I) and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in the preoperative prediction of ovarian cancer.Methods: In a prospective cohort study, data were collected from 475 patients with ovarian masses diagnosed by gynecologic examination / ultrasound who were hospitalized at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital and Hue Central Hospital, Vietnam, between January 2018 and June 2020. ROMA and CPH-I were calculated based on measurements of serum carbohydrate antigen (CA-125) and human epididymis protein (HE4). The final diagnosis was based on clinical features, radiologic and histologic findings, and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2014 stages of ovarian cancer were recorded. Matching the values of ROMA and CPH-I to postoperative histopathology reports resulted in the preoperative prediction values.Results: Among the 475 women, 408 had benign tumors, 5 had borderline tumors and 62 had malignant tumors. The two indices showed similar discriminatory performances with no significant differences (p > 0.05). At an optimal cut-off, the sensitivities/specificities of ROMA and CPH-I for ovarian cancer diagnosis were 74.2% and 91.8%, 87.1% and 78.5%, respectively. The optimal cut-off for CPH-I was 1.89%. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of ROMA and CPH-I were 0.882 (95% CI: 0.849 – 0.909) and 0.898 (95% CI: 0.867 – 0.924), respectively.Conclusions: The introduction of the Copenhagen Index to help stratify the malignancy risk of ovarian tumors, irrespective of menopausal status, might be applied as a simple alternative with a similar efficacy to ROMA in clinical practice.
Process dependent strain behaviour, fractal analysis, and bonding network of nc-Si(SiC) thin films
Authors: Swain Bibhu Prasad 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Nanocrystalline silicon embedded silicon carbide, nc-Si(SiC) thin films were deposited on p-type silicon substrates by using a thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with different process temperatures varied from 700-1000oC. The SEM images reveal the Si particles are embedded with SiC thin films. The estimated lattice-strainof nc-Si(SiC) thin films from Williamson-Hall and Scherer formula was varied from 0.00227 to 0.00469 and 0.000855 to 0.00574 respectively. The Raman signature at the 1346.19 cm− 1, 1491.78 cm− 1 and 1570.94 cm− 1 bonding correspond to D, G-Si and G peaks respectively. The estimated band gap from Tauc’s plot of nc-Si(SiC) thin films are 3.17 to 2.87 eV respectively with increasing of process temperature. The observed crystalline size of nc-Si in nc-Si(SiC) is from 21 nm to 27 nm from 700 to 1000 oC respectively. The possible bonding network of core-orbital of Si(2p), C(1s), and O(1s) in the C: ZnO thin films have been discussed by deconvolution with the Origin 2018.
Functionalized Nanosilica for Vulcanization Efficiency and Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites
Authors: Padmanabhan Dileep , Jacob Sinto , Chandra C.S. Julie , C.D Midhun Dominic , P Poornima M , Narayanankutty Sunil K. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Accelerator functional character was introduced on nanosilica by the chemical reaction of sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIPX) with nanosilica (NS). Functional characteristics of nanosilica were confirmed by the Elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. This SIPX functionalized nanosilica (SIPX-NS) incorporated natural rubber (NR) compounds were used to evaluate the dispersion of silica in rubber and also the interaction between rubber and filler. The finely dispersed SIPX-NS particles in the NR matrix are revealed from the morphological analysis. Subtle changes in surface chemistry of silica had a profound influence on the dispersibility in NR matrix. NR 4SIPX-NS composite exhibited improved cure time, tensile strength, flex crack resistance and aging resistance relative to those of NR NS composite. This simple, efficient and cost-effective surface modification of silica improved the vulcanization efficiency and mechanical performance of NR composites and has great potential in the fabrication of high-performance polymer composites.
Genetic identification and characterization of chromosomal regions for kernel length and width increase from tetraploid wheat
Authors: Zhou Jieguang , Li Cong , You Jianing , Tang Huaping , Mu Yang , Jiang Qiantao , Liu Yaxi , Chen Guoyue , Wang Jirui , Qi Pengfei , Ma Jun , Gao Yutian , Habib Ahsan , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin , Ma Jian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Improvement of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield could relieve global food shortages. Kernel size, as an important component of 1000-kernel weight (TKW), is always a significant consideration to improve yield for wheat breeders. Wheat related species possesses numerous elite genes that can be introduced into wheat breeding. It is thus vital to explore, identify, and introduce new genetic resources for kernel size from wheat wild relatives to increase wheat yield.Results: In the present study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel length (KL) and width (KW) were detected in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between a wild emmer accession 'LM001' and a Sichuan endemic tetraploid wheat 'Ailanmai' using the Wheat 55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array-based constructed linkage map and phenotype from six different environments. We identified eleven QTL for KL and KW including two major ones QKL.sicau-AM-3B and QKW.sicau-AM-4B, the positive alleles of which were from LM001 and Ailanmai, respectively. They explained 17.57% to 44.28% and 13.91% to 39.01% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. For these two major QTL, Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed and used to successfully validate their effects in three F3 populations and two natural populations containing a panel of 272 Chinese wheat landraces and that of 300 Chinese wheat cultivars, respectively. QKL.sicau-AM-3B was located at 666.2-685.9 Mb on chromosome arm 3BL. QKW.sicau-AM-4B was located at 639.7-696.4 Mb on chromosome arm 4BL. Comparison with previous studies suggested that these two major QTL were likely new loci. Further analysis indicated that the positive alleles of QKL.sicau-AM-3B and QKW.sicau-AM-4B had a great additive effect increasing TKW by 6.40%. Correlation analysis between KL and other agronomic traits showed that KL was significantly correlated to spike length, length of uppermost internode, TKW, and flag leaf length. KW was also significantly correlated with TKW. Four genes, TRIDC3BG062390, TRIDC3BG062400, TRIDC4BG037810, and TRIDC4BG037830, associated with kernel development were predicted in physical intervals harboring these two major QTL on wild emmer and Chinese Spring reference genomes.Conclusions: Two stable and major QTL for KL and KW across six environments were detected and verified in three biparental populations and two natural populations. Significant relationships between kernel size and yield-related traits were identified. KASP markers tightly linked the two major QTL could contribute greatly to subsequent fine mapping. These results suggested the application potential of wheat related species in wheat genetic improvement.
Troxerutin-mediated C9 inhibition is a disease-modifying treatment for inflammatory arthritis.
Authors: Sahu Debasis , Bishwal Subasa , Malik Md. Zubbair , Sahu Sukanya , Kaushik Sandeep , Sharma Shikha , Saini Ekta , Arya Rakesh , Rastogi Archana , Sharma Sandeep , Sen Shanta , Singh R.K , Nanda Ranjan , Panda Amulya 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Troxerutin (TXR) is a phytochemical reported to possess anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to exploit anti-arthritic properties of TXR using an adjuvant induced arthritic (AIA) rat model. AIA induced rats showed highest arthritis score at disease onset and by oral administration of TXR (50, 100, 200 mg/kg body weight), reduced to basal level in a dose dependent manner. Isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitative (iTRAQ) proteomics tool was employed to identify deregulated joint homogenate proteins in AIA and TXR treated rats to decipher probable mechanism of the TXR action in arthritis. iTRAQ analysis identified a set of 434 joint homogenate proteins with 65 deregulated proteins (log2 case/control ≥ 1.5) in AIA. Expressions of a set of important proteins (AAT, T-kininogen, vimentin, desmin, and nucleophosmin) that could classify AIA from healthy were validated using Western blot analysis. Western blot data corroborated proteomics findings. In silico protein-protein interaction study of joint homogenate proteome revealed that complement component 9 (C9), the major building blocks of the membrane attack complex (MAC) responsible for sterile inflammation, gets perturbed in AIA. Our dosimetry study suggests that a TXR dose of 200 mg/kg body weight for 15 days is sufficient to bring the arthritis score to basal levels in AIA rats. We have shown the importance of TXR as an anti-arthritis agent in AIA model and after additional investigation its arthritis ameliorating properties could be exploited for clinical usability.
MSC secreted extracellular vesicles carrying TGF-beta upregulate Smad 6 expression and promote the regrowth of neurons in spinal cord injured rats
Authors: Han Tianyu , Song Peiwen , Wu Zuomeng , Xia Xiang , Wang Ying , Fang Huang , Niu Yang , Shen Cailiang 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising therapy for spinal cord injury (SCI) as they can provide a favorable environment for the regrowth of neurons and axons by inhibiting receptor-regulated Smads (R-Smads) in endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs). However, their mechanism of action and effect on the expression of inhibitory Smads (I-Smads) remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from MSCs were able to upregulate the Smad 6 expression by carrying TGF-β. Smad 6 knockdown in NSCs partly weakened the BMSC-EVs-induced effect on neural differentiation. In spinal cord injured rats, we found that in the acute phase of injury, the Smad 6 expression was not reduced by the treatment of TGF-β type I receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542, indicating that the Smad 6 expression was not only mediated TGF-β, the inflammatory factors and BMPs were also involved. However, in the later phase of SCI, the Smad 6 expression was reduced by the addition of SB 431542, suggesting in this phase, TGF-β played a key role on the mediation of Smad 6 expression. In addition, by immunohistochemistry staining, Hematoxylin-eosin staining and BBB scores, we revealed that the early inhibition of TGF-β did not increase the regrowth of neurons. Instead, it increased the volume of cavity and the Caspase-3 expression at 24h post-injury, leading to a wore functional outcome. In contrast the later treatment of the TGF-β inhibitor promoted the regrowth of neurons around the cavity, resulting into a better neurological outcome. Together all these results indicated that Smad 6 acts as a feedback regulator to prevents over-differentiation of NSCs to astrocytes and BMSC-EVs can upregulate Smad 6 expression by the carring TGF-β.
Tandem use of Anti-TNF Agents in Patients with IBD who Fail First Line Anti-TNF Therapy: Real Life Lessons from a National Database.
Authors: Fredericks Ernst , Titus Abigail , Gabriel Shiraaz , De Villiers Willem 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammation of the bowel. Biologic therapy is safe and effective in IBD. Anti-TNF agents were the first biologics introduced for treatment of IBD. As more and more anti-TNF agents joined the market, treating physicians started using ant-TNF agents consecutively when the first agent failed. Data for this treatment choice is scanty and therefore we set out to evaluate tandem use of anti-TNF agents in IBD patients.Method: The South African Gastroenterology Society (SAGES) established a national database for all IBD patients commenced on biologic therapy. We used this registry to evaluate the data for all patients who received consecutive anti-TNF agents. Demographic and clinical details as well as treatment outcomes for all patients were documented. Results: Eight-seven (7.6%) of 1150 patients received consecutive anti-TNF agents. The Crohn’s disease (CD) group had 42 (48%) patients and ulcerative colitis (UC) group 45 (52%). Gender distribution was equal with 45 (52%) male and 42 (48%) female patients. All patients failed the first anti-TNF agent over time, but better remission rates were obtained with consecutive anti-TNF agents. Patients treated with adalimumab during any stage of the study, had a higher rate of dose escalation compared to infliximab prior to switching to next anti-TNF agent. Similarly, side effects were also more significant with adalimumab, although few. Few patients required a switch to a third and further biologic agent. All patients remained in clinical remission over 4 years of the study.Conclusion: It is reasonable to try a second anti-TNF agent when the first agent failed in IBD. Switching between different anti-TNF agents maintained clinical remission and avoided surgery and hospitalisation. This is a cost-effective strategy especially in resource constraint settings. Adalimumab is associated with higher rates of dose escalation and worse side-effect profile
Trigger Videos: A Novel Application of A Tool For Surgical Faculty Development
Authors: Arora Anuj , Hoogenes Jen , Dath Deepak 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background Trigger videos have occasionally been used in medical education; however, their application to surgical faculty development is novel. We assessed whether workshops designed to improve surgeons’ intraoperative teaching (IOT), anchored by trigger videos, were useful and effective in inspiring surgeons to improve their IOT.Methods Surgeons from multiple specialties attended one of six faculty development workshops where IOT trigger videos were shown and discussed during break-out sessions. Participants completed questionnaires to 1) evaluate videos via survey and feedback, and 2) identify adoptable and discardable IOT techniques. Teaching techniques were collated to identify planned IOT changes and survey data and feedback were analyzed.Results A total of 135 surgeons identified 292 adoptable and 202 discardable IOT techniques based on trigger videos and discussions, and 94% of participants reported that the trigger videos were useful and encouraged them to discuss and consider new IOT techniques in their own practice.Conclusions Participants reported that the trigger videos were useful and motivating. Surgeons critically reflected on IOT during the sessions, identifying numerous adoptable and discardable techniques relevant to their own teaching styles. Trigger videos can be a valuable tool for surgical faculty development and can be tailored to other medical specialties.
Association Between Occupational Exposure to Domestic Solid Waste and Dental Caries: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Andrade Mariana , Araujo Nara , Vianna Maria Isabel , Cangussu Maria Cristina , Gomes-Filho Isaac , Ribeiro Daniel , Cury Patricia Ramos , Santos Jean dos 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This cross-sectional study evaluated the dental caries and its associated factors among domestic waste collectors. A total of 301 adult men who worked for a waste collection corporation were included; 171 men worked in direct contact with domestic solid waste and 130 did not. Sociodemographic data, working and medical history were assessed. The decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index was examined. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with dental status with a significance level of 5%. The overall mean DMFT score was 8.36 ± 5.64. The mean DMFT, missing teeth (MT), and filled teeth (FT) were significantly higher in workers who did not have any direct contact with waste (p ≤ 0.04). In the logistic analysis, DMFT ≥ 8 was only associated with older age (OR = 8.41 [95% confidence interval (95%CI), 5.01–14.12], p < 0.001). Decayed teeth (DT) ≥ 2 was associated with no previous oral hygiene instruction (OR = 2.70 [1.50–4.81], p = 0.001) and no daily dental flossing (OR = 4.26 [1.92–9.43], p < 0.001). MT ≥ 9 was associated with lower education level (OR = 3.33 [1.57–7.10], p = 0.002). FT ≥ 3 had a negative association with low income (OR = 0.42 [0.25–0.70], p < 0.001) and no daily flossing (OR = 0.42 [0.23–0.76], p = 0.004). Occupational exposure to domestic solid waste was not associated with poor dental status. Instead, age, education, income level, and oral hygiene were associated with dental health status. Missing teeth constituted the major component of the DMFT index. Therefore, prevention and oral rehabilitation programs are necessary to improve dental health.
LRRK2 is a Candidate Prognostic Biomarker for Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chunxiu , Pang Jingjing , Xu Jian , Pan He , Li Yueying , Zhang Huainian , Liu Huan , Xiao Shu-Yuan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), derived from renal tubular epithelial cells, is the most common malignant tumor of the kidney. The study of key genes related to the pathogenesis of ccRCC has become important for gene target therapy. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were performed to examine the expression pattern and prognostic significance of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) expression and its relationship to clinical parameters. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to verify LRRK2 expression.Results: Bioinformatics analysis showed that LRRK2 expression was up-regulated in ccRCC, which was confirmed in ccRCC tissue immunohistochemically and by protein analysis. The level of expression was related to gender, pathological grade, stage and metastatic status of ccRCC patients. Meanwhile, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high expression of LRRK2 correlates to a better prognosis; protein-protein interaction network analysis showed that LRRK2 interacts with HIF1A and EGFR.Conclusion: We found that LRRK2 may play an important role in the tumorigenesis and progression of ccRCC. Our findings provided a potential predictor and therapeutic target in ccRCC.
Application of BP Neural Network Model Optimized by Particle Swarm Algorithm in Predicting the Risk of Hypertension
Authors: Yan Yan , Chen Rong , Xu Jian , Huang Jialu , Luo Ling , Liu Hao , Chen Weiying , Lin Chunwen , Ding Yuanlin , Kong Danli , Zhang Qiaoli , Yu Haibing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The BP neural network was optimized by particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), and the PSO-BP neural network model was constructed. The prediction effect of the model was evaluated comprehensively by comparing it with BP neural network model and Logistic regression model. Based on PSO-BP model, the mean impact value algorithm (MIV) was used to screen the risk factors of hypertension, and the disease risk prediction model was established. In the evaluation of fitting effect, the root mean square error and determination coefficient of PSO-BP neural network are 0.09 and 0.29, respectively. In the prediction performance comparison, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and area under the ROC curve of PSO-BP neural network were 85.38%, 43.90%, 96.66% and 0.86, respectively. The results show that the BP neural network optimized by particle swarm optimization has the best fitting effect and prediction performance. The MIV algorithm can screen out the risk factors related to hypertension, and then construct the disease prediction model, which can provide a new idea for the analysis of hypertension.
Timing of Initiation of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Pediatric Haploidentical Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide: Effects on Survival, Relapse, and Cytokine Release Syndrome
Authors: Uygun Vedat , Karasu Gulsun , Yalçın Koray , Öztürkmen Seda , Daloglu Hayriye , Çelen Safiye Suna , Hazar Volkan , Yesilipek Akif 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The use of unmanipulated haploidentical stem cell transplantations (haplo-HSCT) with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) in children has emerged as an acceptable alternative to the patients without a matched donor. However, the timing of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) used in combination with PTCY is increasingly becoming a topic of controversy. We evaluated 49 children with acute leukemia who underwent unmanipulated haplo-HSCT with PTCY according to the initiation day of CNIs (pre- or post-CY). There were no significant differences in the overall survival analysis between the two groups. The cumulative incidence of relapse at 2 years was 21.2% in the pre-CY group and 38.9% in the post-CY group (p = 0.33). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed more frequently in the post-CY group. Our study shows that the argument for starting CNI administration after CY is tenuous, and the rationale for not starting CNI before CY needs to be reconsidered.