bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic prognostic factors associated with retinal detachment and visual outcomes in acute retinal necrosis
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Lee Dong Hyun , Jun Jae Won , Byeon Suk Ho , Kim Sung Soo , Koh Hyoung Jun , Kim Min 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcute retinal necrosis (ARN) is a fulminant necrotizing vaso‐occlusive retinitis associated with a high incidence of vision loss. Prognostic factors associated with the treatment of ARN have not been comprehensively identified. This study aimed to determine therapeutic prognostic factors associated with long‐term clinical outcomes in eyes with ARN.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients with ARN who were treated between 2005 and 2019 in two tertiary ophthalmology departments in Seoul, Korea. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate prognostic factors associated with late‐onset retinal detachment (RD) and vision loss (<20/200).ResultsSixty‐one eyes with ARN with an average follow‐up of 63.5 months were included. Surgical intervention of vitrectomy (odds ratio [OR], 0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.004–0.47) and intraoperative prophylactic laser use (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.02–0.81) were independently associated with a decreased risk of late RD. The factors independently associated with an increased risk of vision loss were worse initial visual acuity (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.50–7.21), zone 1 involvement of necrotic retinitis (OR, 10.84; 95% CI, 1.62–72.41), and late‐onset RD (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 1.92–31.54).ConclusionVitrectomy and/or prophylactic intraoperative laser treatment may be effective treatment options in preventing delayed RD associated with an increased risk of vision loss in eyes with ARN.
Zonular defects in loxl1‐deficient zebrafish
Authors: Zhang Min , Sun Shaoyang , Wang Lei , Wang Xu , Chen Tianhui , Chen Zexu , Jiang Yongxiang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundTo investigate the roles of the lysyl oxidase‐like 1 (loxl1) gene in zebrafish eye development and the potency of loxl1 deficiency in mimicking the ocular manifestations of exfoliation syndrome (XFS).MethodsCRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to generate a frameshift coding deletion in zebrafish loxl1. Expression profiles and ocular manifestations of the wildtype, heterozygous mutant (loxl1+/−) and homozygous mutant (loxl1−/−) zebrafish were analysed in a range of developmental stages from zebrafish larvae to dissected adult zebrafish eyes.ResultsThe loxl1 deficiency caused zonular bundling disorders in juvenile zebrafish and accumulation of pearl‐like particles adhering to the adult zebrafish zonule. The bundles appeared to lack form and were thinner in both loxl1+/− and loxl1−/− zebrafish compared with the wildtype (p < 0.01 for all Bonferroni post‐hoc analyses). The zonule of loxl1−/− zebrafish appeared stretched, ragged and torn, with isolated fibres also detected. The particles in loxl1−/− zebrafish were more numerous (counts: 92.33 ± 10.02/100 μm2 vs. 58.33 ± 5.03/100 μm2, p = 0.006), but smaller in size (diameter: 0.21 ± 0.03 μm vs. 0.43 ± 0.04 μm, p = 0.002) compared with those in loxl1+/−. Transmission electron microscopy revealed thinning or even loss of elastic lamina in loxl1+/− Bruch's membrane (BM) (thickness of elastic lamina: 92.94 ± 18.19 nm in the wildtype vs 35.65 ± 14.76 nm in loxl1+/−, p = 0.003). The breakage of BM was observed in loxl1−/−.ConclusionsThe loxl1−/− zebrafish is a promising animal model of XFS zonular pathology.
Surf4 facilitates reprogramming by activating the cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Wu Li , He Shengxiang , Ye Wen , Shen Jiacheng , Zhao Kun , Zhang Yanping , Zhang Ran , Wei Junhao , Cao Shuyuan , Chen Kang , Le Rongrong , Xi Chenxiang , Kou Xiaochen , Zhao Yanhong , Wang Hong , Kang Lan , Gao Shaorong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesMaternal factors that are enriched in oocytes have attracted great interest as possible key factors in somatic cell reprogramming. We found that surfeit locus protein 4 (Surf4), a maternal factor, can facilitate the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) previously, but the mechanism remains elusive.Materials and MethodsIn this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of Surf4 in somatic cell reprogramming using a secondary reprogramming system. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining, qPCR and immunofluorescence (IF) staining of expression of related markers were used to evaluate efficiency of iPSCs derived from mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Embryoid body and teratoma formation assays were performed to evaluate the differentiation ability of the iPSC lines. RNA‐seq, qPCR and western blot analysis were applied to validate the downstream targets of Surf4.ResultsSurf4 can significantly facilitate the generation of iPSCs in a proliferation‐independent manner. When co‐expressed with Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c‐Myc (OSKM), Surf4 can activate the response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress at the early stage of reprogramming. We further demonstrated that Hspa5, a major ER chaperone, and the active spliced form of Xbp1 (sXbp1), a major mediator of ER stress, can mimic the effects of Surf4 on somatic cell reprogramming. Concordantly, blocking the unfolded protein response compromises the effect of Surf4 on reprogramming.ConclusionsSurf4 promotes somatic cell reprogramming by activating the response to ER stress.
Challenges and opportunities with social inclusion and community‐based water management in Solomon Islands
Authors: Love Mark William , Beal Cara , Gonzalez Diana , Hagabore Joe , Benjamin Collin , Bugoro Hugo , Panda Nixon , O'oi Jael , Offer Carol , Souter Regina 
Published: September 2021

SummaryMotivationRural water services are poor in Pacific Island countries (PICs); ineffective water management (WM) is one of the key reasons. Greater social inclusion in WM groups is a key goal of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, but there is a lack of data on the make‐up of WM groups and what appropriate and effective inclusivity in WM looks like in the region.PurposeThis article contributes to filling these gaps by examining national community WM policy and the attributes and activities of rural WM groups, in practice, in villages across Solomon Islands. The purpose is to influence government policy and guidance relating to the structure and functionality of rural WM groups.Methods and approachQualitative and quantitative data were gathered from eight rural communities in Solomon Islands between 2018 and 2020 by a team of international and local Solomon Islander researchers. Detailed data from six formalized WM groups along with an analysis of national policy and rural WM guidelines are used to identify strengths and weaknesses in current WM policy and approaches.FindingsWM group inclusivity has improved with regard to women, but they still often remain excluded from decision‐making. Young people are essential to the ongoing operation of water systems yet were rarely formal members of water committees. Intra‐village levels of social cohesion were stronger than village‐wide levels. Most water committees had collapsed in the past, lacked institutional sustainability, and failed community expectations. Factors informing this included the high mean age of committee members, multiple obligations of executives, and often poor intra‐village social and geographical representation.Policy implicationsVillages are not homogenous communities, but include many smaller social units—tribes, extended families, different faith groups—that tend to have stronger social cohesion than “village‐wide” groups or committees. Moreover, many of these groupings are often socio‐spatially demarcated in formalized “zones/areas” of a village. This needs to be reflected in WM group membership and national policy guidelines. At these levels, social cohesion, collective action, and agency are greater than at the village‐wide level, offering opportunities for more inclusive and effective WM outcomes.
Pulmonary valve sarcoma in patient with coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19), mimicking pulmonary thromboembolism, a very rare case
Authors: Jalalian Rozita , Sadraee Javad , Azizi Soheil , Bagheri Babak , Iranian Mohammadreza 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPulmonary artery and pulmonary valve sarcoma are malignant and very rare vascular tumors with aggressive clinical course and very poor outcomes. Patients affected by coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) are at a higher risk for thromboembolism complication. We describe a young woman with a history of coronavirus pneumonia and progressive dyspnea, hemodynamic disturbance, edema with initial evaluation, and clinical diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism. But further imaging study and pathology demonstrated giant sarcoma of pulmonary valve, obstructing pulmonary valve and extending to right ventricular outflow tract and main of pulmonary artery.
Pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate induced cardioprotection in aging associated with up‐expression of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase, 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase, and ATP‐sensitive potassium channels
Authors: Mys Lidiia , Goshovska Yulia , Strutynska Nataliia , Fedichkina Raisa , Korkach Yuliia , Strutynskyi Ruslan , Sagach Vadim 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn the present work, we investigated the cardioprotective potential of pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate (PLP) in old rats as a cofactor of enzymes that synthesize hydrogen sulphide (H2S).Materials and methodsPLP was administered per os in a dose of 0.7 mg per kg daily for 2 weeks. Rats were divided into three groups (adult, old and old +PLP) of 20 animals. The cardiac mRNA levels of genes encoding H2S‐synthesizing enzymes cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE) and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3‐MST), uncoupling proteins (UCP3), subunits of ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels were determined using real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis. We also studied the effect of PLP‐administration on the content of H2S, oxidative stress, the activities of inducible and constitutive NO‐synthase (iNOS, cNOS), arginase and nitrate reductase in the heart homogenates as well as cardiac resistance to ischemia‐reperfusion in Langendorff‐isolated heart model.ResultsIt was shown that PLP restored mRNA levels of CSE, 3‐MST and UCP3 genes, and H2S content and also significantly increased the expression of SUR2 and Kir6.1 (2.2 and 3.3 times, respectively) in the heart of old rats. PLP significantly reduced the formation of superoxide, malondialdehyde, diene conjugates as well as the activity of iNOS and arginase. PLP significantly increased constitutive synthesis of NO and prevented reperfusion disturbances of the heart function after ischemia.ConclusionsThus, PLP‐administration in old rats was associated with up‐expression of CSE, 3‐MST, UCP3 and SUR2 and Kir6.1 subunits of KATP channels, and also increased cNOS activity and reduced oxidative stress and prevented reperfusion dysfunction of the heart in ischemia‐reperfusion.
Non‐aggression commitments and domestic violence margins
Authors: Benegas Maurício , Raimundo Carvalho José , Corrêa Márcio Veras 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDomestic violence is a highly prevalent phenomenon around the world. The emotional behaviour of partners, which often culminates in verbal and physical violence, has emerged as one of the main explanations for its occurrence. The main objective of the present paper was to explain, through a dynamic general equilibrium model, the impact of non‐aggression commitments between intimate partners on reducing domestic violence incidents. More specifically, we theoretically evaluate the impact of a non‐aggression contract composed of sin taxes and participation in cognitive behavioural therapy sessions both in reducing incidents of intimate partner violence and in reducing the dynamics of divorce. We show that non‐aggression commitments lead to a reduction in domestic violence at its intensive margin, with no impact at the extensive margin of intimate partner violence. Therefore, this contractual mechanism needs to be combined with other policies to be effective.
Infant repetition effects and change detection: Are they related to adaptive skills?
Authors: López‐Arango Gabriela , Deguire Florence , Côté Valérie , Barlaam Fanny , Agbogba Kristian , Knoth Inga S. , Lippé Sarah 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRepetition effects and change detection response have been proposed as neuro‐electrophysiological correlates of fundamental learning processes. As such, they could be a good predictor of brain maturation and cognitive development. We recorded high density EEG in 71 healthy infants (32 females) aged between 3 and 9 months, while they listened to vowel sequences (standard /a/a/a/i/ [80%] and deviant /a/a/a/a/ [20%]). Adaptive skills, a surrogate of cognitive development, were measured via the parent form of the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System Second Edition (ABAS‐II). Cortical auditory‐evoked potentials (CAEPs) analyses, time‐frequency analyses and a statistical approach using linear mixed models (LMMs) and linear regression models were performed. Age and adaptive skills were tested as predictors. Age modulation of repetition effects and change detection response was observed in theta (3–5 Hz), alpha (5–10 Hz) and high gamma (80–90 Hz) oscillations and in all CAEPs. Moreover, adaptive skills modulation of repetition effects was evidenced in theta (3–5 Hz), high gamma oscillations (80–90 Hz), N250/P350 peak‐to‐peak amplitude and P350 latency. Finally, adaptive skills modulation of change detection response was observed in the N250/P350 peak‐to‐peak amplitude. Our results confirm that repetition effects and change detection response evolve with age. Moreover, our results suggest that repetition effects and change detection response vary according to adaptive skills displayed by infants during the first year of life, demonstrating their predictive value for neurodevelopment.
Functional specificity and neural integration in the aesthetic appreciation of artworks with implied motion
Authors: Bara Ionela , Darda Kohinoor Monish , Kurz Andrew Solomon , Ramsey Richard 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlthough there is growing interest in the neural foundations of aesthetic experience, it remains unclear how particular mental subsystems (e.g. perceptual, affective and cognitive) are involved in different types of aesthetic judgements. Here, we use fMRI to investigate the involvement of different neural networks during aesthetic judgements of visual artworks with implied motion cues. First, a behavioural experiment (N = 45) confirmed a preference for paintings with implied motion over static cues. Subsequently, in a preregistered fMRI experiment (N = 27), participants made aesthetic and motion judgements towards paintings representing human bodies in dynamic and static postures. Using functional region‐of‐interest and Bayesian multilevel modelling approaches, we provide no compelling evidence for unique sensitivity within or between neural systems associated with body perception, motion and affective processing during the aesthetic evaluation of paintings with implied motion. However, we show suggestive evidence that motion and body‐selective systems may integrate signals via functional connections with a separate neural network in dorsal parietal cortex, which may act as a relay or integration site. Our findings clarify the roles of basic visual and affective brain circuitry in evaluating a central aesthetic feature—implied motion—while also pointing towards promising future research directions, which involve modelling aesthetic preferences as hierarchical interplay between visual and affective circuits and integration processes in frontoparietal cortex.
On the prediction of fatigue crack growth based on weight functions in residual stress fields induced by laser shock peening and laser heating
Authors: Kashaev Nikolai , Keller Sören , Staron Peter , Maawad Emad , Huber Norbert 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study deals with fatigue crack growth prediction for thin sheet AA2024 specimens with residual stresses introduced through laser shock peening and laser heating treatments. Different weight functions are used to calculate the stress intensity factor due to the presence of residual stresses. A superposition principle is used by calculating the total stress intensity factor considering the applied loads and residual stresses. The fatigue crack growth is predicted using the Paris' law based on the effective stress intensity factor range, in that the effect of residual stresses is considered by changing the total stress intensity factor ratio. It is concluded, that weight functions are a powerful tool to predict fatigue crack growth in AA2024 containing residual stress fields, as long as the gradient in the loading direction, as induced by laser shock peening and laser heating, is moderate.
Examining community mental health providers' delivery of structured weight loss intervention to youth with serious emotional disturbance: An application of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Wykes Thomas L. , Worth Andrea S. , Richardson Kathryn A. , Woods Tonja , Longstreth Morgan , McKibbin Christine L. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundRates of overweight and obesity are disproportionately high among youth with serious emotional disturbance (SED). Little is known about community mental health providers' delivery of weight loss interventions to this vulnerable population.ObjectiveThis study examined attitudinal predictors of their providers' intentions to deliver weight loss interventions to youth with SED using the theory of planned behaviour.DesignThis study used a cross‐sectional, single‐time‐point design to examine the relationship of the theory of planned behaviour constructs with behavioural intention.Setting and ParticipantsCommunity mental health providers (n = 101) serving youth with SED in the United States completed online clinical practice and theory of planned behaviour surveys.Main Variables StudiedWe examined the relationship of direct attitude constructs (i.e., attitude towards the behaviour, social norms and perceived behavioural control), role beliefs and moral norms with behavioural intention. Analyses included a confirmatory factor analysis and two‐step linear regression.ResultsThe structure of the model and the reliability of the questionnaire were supported. Direct attitude constructs, role beliefs and moral norms predicted behavioural intention to deliver weight loss interventions.DiscussionWhile there is debate about the usefulness of the theory of planned behaviour, our results showed that traditional and newer attitudinal constructs appear to influence provider intentions to deliver weight loss interventions to youth with SED. Findings suggest preliminary strategies to increase provider intentions.Public ContributionThis study was designed and the results were interpreted as part of a larger, community‐based participatory research effort that included input from youth, families, providers, administrators and researchers. Collaborative discussions with community mental health providers and administrators particularly contributed to the study question asked as well as interpretation of results.
Development and validation in Ecuador of the EPD Questionnaire, a diabetes‐specific patient‐reported experience and outcome measure: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Martin‐Delgado Jimmy , Mula Aurora , Guilabert Mercedes , Solís Carlos , Gómez Lorena , Ramirez Amat Gustavo , Mira José Joaquin ,   EPD Research Group
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe global prevalence of diabetes in 2019 in adults was estimated to be 9.3%. This study developed in Ecuador, for the first time, instruments to assess patient‐reported outcomes and experiences.MethodsThe Experiences of the Person with Diabetes (EPD) Questionnaire is a diabetes‐specific instrument. A mixed‐methods study was conducted. First, a qualitative item development phase that included four focus groups and six semi‐structured interviews with patients was conducted in different rural and urban areas of Ecuador to obtain information on culture, beliefs, demographics, diet and social perspectives. A second quantitative phase for psychometric validation was carried out in primary care settings of rural and urban areas of Ecuador.ResultsForty‐two and four hundred and eighty‐nine participants were included in each phase, respectively. The item development phase resulted in a questionnaire of 44 items (23 for perceived outcomes and 21 for experiences). In the validation study, most participants were women (58%) and from urban areas (57%). Exploratory factor analysis revealed three dimensions for each instrument. Outcomes instrument dimensions were symptoms and burnout, worries and fears and social limitations. Experiences instrument dimensions were information, patient‐centred care and care delivery. Cronbach's α values of the total score and dimensions were high, ranging between .81 and .93 in both instruments. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit of the data.ConclusionThe EPD Questionnaire is probably the first instrument developed to assess patient‐reported experiences and perceived outcomes in a middle‐income country that included patients to capture all dimensions relevant for the intended population. Its psychometric properties are robust and could provide valuable information for clinicians and policymakers in the region.Patient or Public ContributionThe development of these instruments has taken into consideration patients and the public since their conception. A qualitative approach gathered relevant information related to the cultural, social and economic burden of different populations in Ecuador. Before validation, a pilot test was carried out with users of the National Health Services to obtain their perspectives and insights of the developed instrument. Finally, during the data analysis, we have given special consideration to social variables such as rural and urban populations.
A comparative study of AJCC and the modified staging system in pT2/pT3 penile squamous cell carcinoma – a validation on an external data set
Authors: Sali Akash P , Prakash Gagan , de Cássio Zequi Stênio , da Costa Walter H. , Murthy Vedang , Soares Fernando A , Bakshi Ganesh , Guimarães Gustavo C , Joshi Amit , Pal Mahendra , Desai Sangeeta B , Cubilla Antonio L , Menon Santosh 
Published: September 2021

AimsThe recent changes in the American Joint Commission on Cancer, 8th edition (AJCC‐8E) pT2 and pT3 tumour definitions for penile cancer need robust validation studies. A recent study redefined and modified the pT2 and pT3 stages incorporating the histopathological variables (tumour grade, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion) similar to that used in the current AJCC‐8E pT1 stage tumour subclassification. In this study, we validate and compare this proposed staging with the AJCC staging systems on an external data set.Methods and resultsThe data set from a previously published study was obtained. pT2 and pT3 stages were reconstructed as per AJCC 7th edition (AJCC‐7E), AJCC‐8E and the proposed staging. The staging systems were correlated with nodal metastasis, disease‐free survival (DFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). All systems were compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 281 cases formed the study cohort. AJCC‐8E (P = 0.031) and the proposed staging (P = 0.003) correlated with nodal metastasis on adjusted analysis, the latter with a better strength of association (AJCC‐8E, γ = –0.471; proposed, γ = –0.625). On adjusted analysis, all the staging systems had a significant correlation with DFS, while only AJCC‐8E and the proposed staging correlated with CSS and OS. On ROC curve analysis, the proposed staging had the highest area under the curve and was the only staging system to statistically correlate with all the outcome variables.ConclusionsThe proposed staging for pT2/pT3 tumour stages in penile cancer may improve the prognostic and predictive ability.