bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of GABRG2 C588T polymorphism in genetic epilepsy and evaluation of GABRG2 in drug treatment
Authors: Wang Shitao , Zhang Xianjun , Zhou Liang , Wu Qian , Han Yanbing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEpilepsy is a common disorder with complex inheritance, and its treatment is very unsatisfactory. An association between the GABRG2 C588T polymorphism and genetic generalized epilepsy has been studied by several genetic association studies. However, these results were inconsistent, and the role of GABRG2 in epilepsy treatment remains unknown. To evaluate the role of GABRG2 in epilepsy, we performed meta‐analysis, expression quantitative trait loci analysis, protein–protein interaction analysis, and drug–gene interaction analysis. The combined results indicated that the GABRG2 C588T polymorphism was associated with genetic generalized epilepsy risk under dominant and allelic models (odds ratio [OR] = 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02–1.54, p = 0.03, I2 = 0% and OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03–1.42, p = 0.02, I2 = 20%, respectively). In the Asian population, we also found similar results under dominant and allelic models (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.18–3.16, p = 0.009, I2 = 0% and OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.20–2.37, p = 0.003, I2 = 11%, respectively). We first found that the GABRG2 C588T polymorphism regulates GABRG2 expression in human brain tissues and that the protein encoded by GABRG2 interacts with targets of approved antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Interestingly, we also found that GABRG2 itself interacts with approved AEDs. Taken together, the results indicate that the C588T polymorphism might alter the GABAA receptor by modulating GABRG2 gene expression, resulting in increased risk for epilepsy, and that GABRG2 may be a potential therapeutic target for epilepsy.
Prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of population‐based studies
Authors: Alva‐Díaz Carlos , Navarro‐Flores Alba , Rivera‐Torrejon Oscar , Huerta‐Rosario Andrely , Molina Roberto A. , Velásquez‐Rimachi Victor , Morán‐Mariños Cristian , Farroñay Chandel , Pacheco‐Mendoza Josmel , Metcalf Tatiana , Burneo Jorge G. , Pacheco‐Barrios Kevin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to perform an updated systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), describing trends over time, and exploring potential clinical and epidemiological factors explaining the heterogeneity in the region.MethodsObservational studies assessing the incidence or prevalence of epilepsy in LAC countries up to March 2020 were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. Meta‐analyses and cumulative analyses were performed using random‐effects models. We assessed between‐study heterogeneity with sensitivity, subgroup, and meta‐regression analyses. Moreover, the quality of the included studies and the certainty of evidence were evaluated using the GRADE (grading of recommendation, assessment, development, and evaluation) approach.ResultsOverall, 40 studies (from 42 records) were included, 37 for prevalence analyses and six for incidence (312 387 inhabitants; 410 178 person‐years). The lifetime prevalence was 14.09 per 1000 inhabitants (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.72–16.67), for active epilepsy prevalence was 9.06 per 1000 individuals (95% CI = 6.94–11.44), and the incidence rate was 1.11 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI = .65–1.70). These high estimates have been constant in the region since 1990. However, substantial statistical heterogeneity between studies and publication bias were found. The overall certainty of evidence was low. Methodological aspects (sample size) and countries’ epidemiological characteristics such as access to sanitation services and child and adult mortality rates explained the high heterogeneity. Finally, the prevalence of epilepsy associated with neurocysticercosis (NCC) in the general population was high, and the proportion of NCC diagnosis among people living with epilepsy was 17.37%.SignificanceThe epilepsy prevalence and incidence in LAC are higher than worldwide estimates, being constant since 1990 and strongly influenced by NCC. We identified high between‐study heterogeneity and significant methodological limitations (e.g., heterogeneous definitions, lack of longitudinal studies). The region needs upgraded research using standardized definitions and diagnostic methods, and urgent action against preventable causes.
Impacts of climate change on the Bay of Seine ecosystem: Forcing a spatio‐temporal trophic model with predictions from an ecological niche model
Authors: Bourdaud Pierre , Ben Rais Lasram Frida , Araignous Emma , Champagnat Juliette , Grusd Samantha , Halouani Ghassen , Hattab Tarek , Leroy Boris , Noguès Quentin , Raoux Aurore , Safi Georges , Niquil Nathalie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClimate change is already known to cause irreversible impacts on ecosystems that are difficult to accurately predict due to the multiple scales at which it will interact. Predictions at the community level are mainly focused on the future distribution of marine species biomass using ecological niche modelling, which requires extensive efforts concerning the effects that trophic interactions could have on the realized species dynamics. In this study, a set of species distribution models predictions were used to force the spatially‐explicit trophic model Ecospace in order to evaluate the potentials impacts that two 2,100 climate scenarios, RCP2.6 and RCP8.5, could have on a highly exploited ecosystem, the Bay of Seine (France). Simulations demonstrated that both scenarios would influence the community of the Bay of Seine ecosystem: as expected, more intense changes were predicted with the extreme scenario RCP8.5 than with the RCP2.6 scenario. Under both scenarios, a majority of species underwent a decrease of biomass, although some increased. However, in both cases the stability of the majority of species dynamics was lowered, the sustainability of the fishery. Differences between niche modelling predictions and those obtained through the forcing in Ecospace highlighted the paramount importance of considering trophic interactions in climate change simulations. These results illustrate the requirement of multiplying novel approaches for efficiently forecasting potential impacts of climate change.
Efficacy of bismuth added to standard triple therapy as the first‐line eradication regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Kim Yeon‐Ji , Chung Woo Chul , Kim Dae Bum 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAddressing the increasing antibiotic resistance, including clarithromycin resistance, which affects Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy, is a challenge for clinicians. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of bismuth added to standard triple therapy as a first‐line treatment regimen for Helicobacter pylori infection. The secondary outcome was the treatment efficacy for clarithromycin‐resistant strains.Material and MethodsA prospective study was undertaken from January to December 2019. A total of 107 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection were enrolled and received Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy with bismuth added to standard triple therapy for 14 days. We also evaluated the clarithromycin resistance rate by dual‐priming oligonucleotide‐based multiplex PCR and treatment efficacy.ResultsA total of 104 patients completed standard triple therapy with bismuth added for Helicobacter pylori eradication. The eradication rates in the intention to treat and per‐protocol analyses were 87.9% and 90.4%, respectively. The frequency of clarithromycin resistance was 33.6% (35/104), and the eradication rate was 77.1% in resistant strains (27/35).ConclusionBismuth added to standard triple therapy could be acceptable as a first‐line treatment regimen for Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with clarithromycin‐resistant strains. In particular, in areas with high clarithromycin tolerance, it is advisable to consider bismuth add‐on therapy as the first‐line treatment regimen.
The role of a rosette‐shaped plant (Eryngium horridum, Apiaceae) on grassland spiders along a grazing intensity gradient
Authors: da Silva Bomfim Leoni , Bitencourt JoÃo Anacleto Gomez , Rodrigues Everton Nei Lopes , Podgaiski Luciana Regina 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Rosette‐shaped plants can amplify the diversity of predator arthropods and act as potential shelters for these animals in grassland ecosystems under grazing effect.
Here we evaluated the contribution of a vertical rosette‐shaped plant (Eryngium horridum) to patterns of spider diversity and functional traits in subtropical grasslands under different grazing intensities. We used a common sub‐shrub (Baccharis crispa) and the herbaceous vegetation as reference microhabitats.
Sampling was conducted in 23 plots described according to grazing intensity based on environmental co‐variables. Spiders were sampled with D‐Vac suction within patches of E. horridum, B. crispa, and the herbaceous vegetation.
Compared to the reference microhabitats, E. horridum harboured distinct community composition with a subset of exclusive species, and morphologically adapted spiders.
Spider richness increased in Eryngium plants as grazing pressure increased and the grassland became more simplified. Abundance of runners and space web‐builders responded in a similar fashion, while orb‐web builders were more abundant in E. horridum regardless of grazing intensity.
Our results indicate that these rosette plants positively affect top invertebrate predators, with a special role for sites with high grazing intensities where it promotes microhabitat complexity and aggregates more individuals and species. Thus, grassland management that alter Eryngium's occurrence must be conducted cautiously.
An automated treatment planning strategy for highly noncoplanar radiotherapy arc trajectories
Authors: Carrasqueira P. , Rocha H. , Dias J. M. , Ventura T. , Ferreira B. C. , Lopes M. C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRadiation therapy is a technology‐driven cancer treatment modality that has experienced significant advances over the last decades, due to multidisciplinary contributions that include engineering and computing. Recent technological developments allow the use of noncoplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), one of the most recent photon treatment techniques, in clinical practice. In this work, an automated noncoplanar arc trajectory optimization framework designed in two modular phases is presented. First, a noncoplanar beam angle optimization algorithm is used to obtain a set of noncoplanar irradiation directions. Then, anchored in these directions, an optimization strategy is proposed to compute an optimal arc trajectory. The computational experiments considered a pool of twelve difficult head‐and‐neck tumor cases. It was possible to observe that, for some of these cases, the optimized noncoplanar arc trajectories led to significant treatment planning quality improvements, when compared with coplanar VMAT treatment plans. Although these experiments were done in a research environment treatment planning software (matRad), the conclusions can be of interest for a clinical setting: automated procedures can simplify the current treatment workflow, produce high‐quality treatment plans, making better use of human resources and allowing for unbiased comparisons between different treatment techniques.
Studying cuticle shedding in three species of leeches (Hirudinea, Annelida)
Authors: Vortsepneva Elena , Lavrov Andrey 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe renewal and shedding of hard ectodermal structures are widespread in invertebrates. The most impressive example of these processes in Trochozoa is the cuticle shedding observed in Hirudo medicinalis, originally studied over a century ago. Here we investigate cuticle shedding across three leech species: Hirudo sp., Haemopis cf. sanguisuga, and Erpobdella cf. octoculata. According to the ultrastructural data, all three species have a typical leech cuticle, consisting of basi‐ and epicuticles. Using in vivo observations and morphological investigations, we confirm cuticle shedding in Hirudo sp., and for the first time, report this process in Haemopis cf. sanguisuga. The successive stages of shedding of the old cuticle and formation of the new cuticle are ultrastructurally described for both species. Interestingly, individuals of Erpobdella cf. octoculata did not shed their cuticle during the entire observation period, neither as adults nor as juveniles. The semi‐terrestrial lifestyle and the consumption of large food volumes may possibly be a prerequisite driving the development of regular cuticle shedding in Hirudo sp. and Haemopis cf. sanguisuga.
Ce3+/Tb3+‐coactived NaMgBO3 phosphors toward versatile applications in white LED, FED, and optical anti‐counterfeiting
Authors: Xue Junpeng , Yu Zhongkai , Noh Hyeon Mi , Jeong Jung Hyun , Choi Byung Chun , Park Sung Heum , Lee Bo Ram , Du Peng , Song Mingjun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCe3+/Tb3+ co‐doped NaMgBO3 phosphors were successfully synthesized by solid‐state method. Under 381 nm excitation, the cyan emission owing to the 5d → 4f of Ce3+ ions and green emissions arising from the 5D4 → 7FJ (J = 6, 5, 4, and 3) transitions of Tb3+ ions were seen in all the phosphors. Through theoretical analysis, one knows that the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ ions with high efficiency of 83.74% was contributed by dipole–dipole transition. Furthermore, the internal quantum efficiency of NaMgBO3:0.01Ce3+,0.03Tb3+ phosphor was 54.28%. Compared with that of at 303 K, the emission intensity of the developed products at 423 K still kept 73%, revealing the splendid thermal stability of the studied phosphors. Through utilizing the resultant phosphors as cyan‐green components, the fabricated white‐LED device exhibited an excellent correlated color temperature of 2785 K, high color‐rendering index of 85.73, suitable luminance efficiency of 25.00 lm/W, and appropriate color coordinate of (0.4279, 0.3617). Aside from the superior photoluminescence, the synthesized phosphors also exhibited excellent cathode‐luminescence properties which were sensitive to the current and accelerating voltage. Furthermore, the NaMgBO3:0.01Ce3+,0.03Tb3+ phosphors with multi‐mode emissions were promising candidates for optical anti‐counterfeiting. All the results indicated that the Ce3+/Tb3+ co‐doped NaMgBO3 phosphors were potential multi‐platforms toward white‐LED, field emission displays, and optical anti‐counterfeiting applications.
SrZnV2O7: A low‐firing microwave dielectric ceramic with high‐quality factor
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Li Hao , Zhang Pengcheng , Hu Houlin , Tao Yu , Li Gaosheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA low‐firing SrZnV2O7ceramic was synthesized via a traditional solid‐state sintering route. The phase formation, grain morphology, and dielectric performance were studied in detail. Rietveld refinements based on XRD data revealed that SrZnV2O7crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n, which was further confirmed by TEM analysis. The dense SrZnV2O7ceramic with anεrof 11.28, aQfof 56 660 GHz, and aτfof −27.2 ppm/°C was yielded at a low sintering temperature of 740°C for 4 h. Its chemical compatibility with Ag was verified via XRD and SEM‐EDS analysis, which rendered SrZnV2O7a prospective candidate for LTCC technology.
Socio‐ecological perspective on factors influencing acute recovery of younger stroke survivors: A mixed methods study
Authors: Harris Walker Gabrielle , Gonzalez‐Guarda Rosa , Yang Qing , Shah Shreyansh , Prvu Bettger Janet 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsStroke is affecting an increasing number of young and middle‐aged adults. Given the substantial diversion from anticipated life trajectories that younger stroke survivors experience as a result of their stroke deficits, their health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is likely to be negatively impacted during the immediate post‐acute recovery period. The aim of this study was to generate a comprehensive understanding of the influences on HRQOL and acute recovery during the first three months following stroke for younger adults using a socio‐ecological perspective.DesignLongitudinal, convergent mixed methods design.MethodsHRQOL survey data, assessed using the Patient Generated Index (N = 31), and qualitative interview data about survivors’ recovery experiences (N = 20) were collected. Simple linear regression and effect size results were integrated with themes and sub‐themes identified from conventional content analysis using joint data displays.ResultsDepression and fatigue negatively affected recovery at the individual level. At the family and societal level, family functioning, social support including being married, having insurance, working, adequate income and being unemployed post‐stroke all positively impacted recovery. Qualitative findings revealed determination, coping, and accessing healthcare to positively affect recovery though a meta‐inference could not be drawn as no quantitative data addressed these concepts.ConclusionA variety of factors intersecting across socio‐ecological levels were perceived by young stroke survivors to influence acute recovery experiences and outcomes.ImpactThis study identified individual‐, family‐ and societal‐level factors in younger adults’ environments that may affect the acute stroke recovery experience. Findings underscore the need for research and clinical approaches that consider environmental factors at multiple levels of influence when supporting stroke recovery for younger adults.
SIRT1 is involved in adrenocortical cancer growth and motility
Authors: Chimento Adele , De Luca Arianna , Nocito Marta Claudia , Sculco Sara , Avena Paola , La Padula Davide , Zavaglia Lucia , Sirianni Rosa , Casaburi Ivan , Pezzi Vincenzo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAdrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare tumour with unfavourable prognosis, lacking an effective treatment. This tumour is characterized by IGF‐II (insulin‐like growth factor II) overproduction, aromatase and ERα (oestrogen receptor alpha) up‐regulation. Previous reports suggest that ERα expression can be regulated by sirt1 (sirtuin 1), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)‐dependent class III histone deacetylases that modulates activity of several substrates involved in cellular stress, metabolism, proliferation, senescence, protein degradation and apoptosis. Nevertheless, sirt1 can act as a tumour suppressor or oncogenic protein. In this study, we found that in H295R and SW13 cell lines, sirt1 expression is inhibited by sirtinol, a potent inhibitor of sirt1 activity. In addition, sirtinol is able to decrease ACC cell proliferation, colony and spheroids formation and to activate the intrinsic apoptotic mechanism. Particularly, we observed that sirtinol interferes with E2/ERα and IGF1R (insulin growth factor 1 receptor) pathways by decreasing receptors expression. Sirt1 involvement was confirmed by using a specific sirt1 siRNA. More importantly, we observed that sirtinol can synergize with mitotane, a selective adrenolitic drug, in inhibiting adrenocortical cancer cell growth. Collectively, our data reveal an oncogenic role for sirt1 in ACC and its targeting could implement treatment options for this type of cancer.
Lynniagrapsolytican. gen, n. sp. (Ciliophora: Apostomatida: Colliniidae), a Deadly Blood Parasite of Crabs with a Novel Pseudocytopharynx
Authors: Metz Daniel C.G. , Hechinger Ryan F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe describe a new genus and species of blood‐dwelling apostome ciliate,Lynniagrapsolytican. gen., n. sp. (Apostomatida: Colliniidae). A distinct kinety “hook” pattern on the tomite’s posterior ventral face, coupled with its marine habitat and use of a decapod host, readily distinguishes this ciliate from all known colliniids. We detected the parasite in ~12% ofPachygrapsuscrassipes(Brachyura: Grapsidae) crabs in a California estuary and confirmed its presence at a Baja California rocky intertidal site. As existing methods failed to adequately stain this ciliate, we developed a new miniaturized silver carbonate impregnation staining method that produced excellent somatic and nuclear stains in all five observed cell types. A possibly unique trait is the active invagination of the tropho‐tomont’s anterior to form a temporary “pseudocytopharynx,” likely used for feeding. Histological examination revealed that the ciliate invaded and damaged skeletal muscle, the heart, connective tissues, and gonads. Survivorship analysis indicated that infected crabs experienced 2.6 times greater daily mortality than uninfected crabs. Laboratory and field experimental infection attempts failed, suggesting a complex life cycle with outside‐host development. Phylogenetic analysis at the 18S and COI loci confirmed the ciliate's placement in the Colliniidae. We emend the diagnosis of Family Colliniidae.
Optimization of rice bran stabilization by infrared‐vacuum process and storage stability
Authors: Kreungngern Danchai , Kongbangkerd Teeraporn , Ruttarattanamongkol Khanitta 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHydrolytic rancidity seriously reduces the quality and limits the utilization of rice bran (RB) in foods. Thus, stabilization of RB has become of great interest to producers. This study proposes a new stabilization technique using infrared heat in combination with a vacuum (IR‐VC) to inhibit free fatty acids (FFA) and microbial growth as well as to preserve the phytochemical compounds in the RB. Optimization of the IR‐VC process was performed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Central Composite Design (CCD) and found to be 999 W of infrared power, 650 mmHg of vacuum strength, and 562 s of treatment time. This level of IR‐VC treatment successfully reduced FA hydrolysis while still preserving the bran's beneficial components such as tocols, and essential fatty acids. The improved shelf life of thus stabilized rice bran (SRB) was 130 days (30°C), compared to only 35 days for the fresh rice bran. Slow rate increase in FFA was found in SRB over 8 weeks of storage at 35°C in a range from 1.50% to 3.24% with effective microbial growth control (<1 × 104 CFU/g TPC). Nutritional values, tocols and oryzanol in the SRB were well preserved with approximately four times longer shelf life than fresh rice bran.Practical applicationsThe rice bran stabilization process by IR‐VC was optimized by RSM. IR‐VC process effectively inhibited lipase activity in the fresh rice bran by lowering the FFA to <5% suitable for oil extraction and consumption. IR‐VC process enabled the deactivation of undesired chemical changes in the rice bran while still maintaining nutrients and biochemicals such as tocols and oryzanol. The shelf life of stabilized rice bran was extended to ~4 months with acceptable qualities. Further development of a pilot‐scale, continuous stabilization process of rice bran using IR‐VC is carried out to meet the demand of rice bran and RBO manufacturers.