bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wnt5a promotes hippocampal postsynaptic development and GluN2B-induced expression via the eIF2α HRI kinase
Authors: Ramos-Fernández Eva , Arrázola Macarena S. , Oliva Carolina A. , Arredondo Sebastián B. , Varela-Nallar Lorena , Inestrosa Nibaldo C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWnt signaling plays a key role in neurodevelopment and neuronal maturation. Specifically, Wnt5a stimulates postsynaptic assemblies, increases glutamatergic neurotransmission and, through calcium signaling, generates nitric oxide (NO). Trying to unveil the molecular pathway triggering these postsynaptic effects, we found that Wnt5a treatment induces a time-dependent increases in the length of the postsynaptic density (PSD), elicits novel synaptic contacts and facilitates F-actin flow both in in vitro and ex vivo models. These effects were partially abolished by the inhibition of the Heme-regulated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (HRI) kinase, a kinase which phosphorylates the initiation translational factor eIF2α. When phosphorylated, eIF2α normally avoids the translation of proteins not needed during stress conditions, in order to avoid unnecessary energetic expenses. However, phosphorylated eIF2α promotes the translation of some proteins with more than one open reading frame in its 5′ untranslated region. One of these proteins targeted by Wnt-HRI-eIF2α mediated translation is the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. The identified increase in GluN2B expression correlated with increased NMDA receptor function. Considering that NMDA receptors are crucial for excitatory synaptic transmission, the molecular pathway described here contributes to the understanding of the fast and plastic translational mechanisms activated during learning and memory processes.
A novel cochlear measurement that predicts inner-ear malformation
Authors: Khurayzi Tawfiq , Almuhawas Fida , Alsanosi Abdulrahman , Abdelsamad Yassin , Doyle Úna , Dhanasingh Anandhan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe A-value used in cochlear duct length (CDL) estimation does not take malformed cochleae into consideration. The objective was to determine the A-value reported in the literature, to assess the accuracy of the A-value measurement and to evaluate a novel cochlear measurement in distinguishing malformed cochlea. High resolution Computer Tomography images in the oblique coronal plane/cochlear view of 74 human temporal bones were analyzed. The A-value and novel C-value measurement were evaluated as predictors of inner ear malformation type. The proximity of the facial nerve to the basal turn was evaluated subjectively. 26 publications report on the A-value; but they do not distinguish normal vs. malformed cochleae. The A-values of the normal cochleae compared to the cochleae with cochlear hypoplasia, incomplete partition (IP) type I, -type II, and -type III were significantly different. The A-value does not predict the C-value. The C-values of the normal cochleae compared to the cochleae with IP type I and IP type III were significantly different. The proximity of the facial nerve to the basal turn did not relate to the type of malformation. The A-value is different in normal vs. malformed cochleae. The novel C-value could be used to predict malformed anatomy, although it does not distinguish all malformation types.
Combining P and Zn fertilization to enhance yield and grain quality in maize grown on Mediterranean soils
Authors: Sánchez-Rodríguez Antonio Rafael , Rey María-Dolores , Nechate-Drif Hasna , Castillejo María Ángeles , Jorrín-Novo Jesús V. , Torrent José , del Campillo María Carmen , Sacristán Daniel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe main aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of individual and joint fertilization with P and Zn on maize plants grown on typical Mediterranean soils with a limited Zn availability. For this purpose, we examined the effects of P and Zn fertilization individually and in combination on growth, yield and grain protein content in maize grown in pots filled with three different Mediterranean soils (LCV, FER and INM). Phosphorus and Zn translocation to grain was impaired, and aboveground dry matter and yield at harvest reduced by 8–85% (LCV and FER), in plants treated with Zn or P alone relative to unfertilized (control) plants. In contrast, joint fertilization with P and Zn enhanced translocation of these nutrients to grain and significantly increased aboveground dry matter (30% in LCV, 50% in FER and 250% in INM) and grain Zn availability in comparison with control plants. Also, joint application of both nutrients significantly increased grain P (LCV) and Zn (LCV and FER) use efficiency relative P and Zn, respectively, alone. Yield was increased between 31% in LCV and 121% in FER relative to control plants, albeit not significantly. Fertilization with P or Zn significantly influenced the abundance of specific proteins affecting grain quality (viz., storage, lys-rich and cell wall proteins), which were more abundant in mature grains from plants fertilized with Zn alone and, to a lesser extent, P + Zn. Sustainable strategies in agriculture should consider P–Zn interactions in maize grown on soils with a limited availability of Zn, where Zn fertilization is crucial to ensure grain quality.
Biosafety and efficacy evaluation of a biodegradable magnesium-based drug-eluting stent in porcine coronary artery
Authors: Zhu Jinzhou , Zhang Xiyuan , Niu Jialin , Shi Yongjuan , Zhu Zhengbin , Dai Daopeng , Chen Chenxin , Pei Jia , Yuan Guangyin , Zhang Ruiyan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough the drug-eluting stent (DES) has become the standard for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-based revascularization, concerns remain regarding the use of DES, mainly due to its permanent rigid constraint to vessels. A drug-eluting bioresorbable stent (BRS) was thus developed as an alternative to DES, which can be absorbed entirely after its therapeutic period. Magnesium (Mg)-based BRSs have attracted a great deal of attention due to their suitable mechanical properties, innovative chemical features, and well-proven biocompatibility. However, the primary disadvantage of Mg-based BRSs is the rapid degradation rate, resulting in the early loss of structural support long before the recovery of vascular function. Recently, a new type of patented Mg–Nd–Zn-Zr alloy (JDBM) was developed at Shanghai Jiao Tong University to reduce the degradation rate compared to commercial Mg alloys. In the present investigation, a poly(d,l-lactic acid)-coated and rapamycin eluting (PDLLA/RAPA) JDBM BRS was prepared, and its biosafety and efficacy for coronary artery stenosis were evaluated via in vitro and in vivo experiments. The degree of smooth muscle cell adhesion to the PDLLA/RAPA coated alloy and the rapamycin pharmacokinetics of JDBM BRS were first assessed in vitro. JDBM BRS and commercial DES FIREHAWK were then implanted in the coronary arteries of a porcine model. Neointimal hyperplasia was evaluated at 30, 90, and 180 days, and re-endothelialization was evaluated at 30 days. Furthermore, Micro-CT and optical coherence tomography (OCT) analyses were performed 180 days after stent implantation to evaluate the technical feasibility, biocompatibility, and degradation characteristics of JDBM BRS in vivo. The results show the ability of a PDLLA/RAPA coated JDBM to inhibit smooth muscle cell adhesion and moderate the drug release rate of JDBM BRS in vitro. In vivo, low local and systemic risks of JDBM BRS were demonstrated in the porcine model, with preserved mechanical integrity after 6 months of implantation. We also showed that this novel BRS was associated with a similar efficacy profile compared with standard DES and high anti-restenosis performance. These findings may confer long term advantages for using this BRS over a traditional DES.
Attenuation of sensory processing in the primary somatosensory cortex during rubber hand illusion
Authors: Sakamoto Masanori , Ifuku Hirotoshi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe neural representation of the body is easily altered by the integration of multiple sensory signals in the brain. The “rubber hand illusion” (RHI) is one of the most popular experimental paradigms to investigate this phenomenon. During this illusion, a feeling of ownership of the rubber hand is created. Some studies have shown that somatosensory processing in the brain is attenuated when RHI occurs. However, it is unknown where attenuation of somatosensory processing occurs. Here, we show that somatosensory processing is attenuated in the primary somatosensory cortex. We found that the earliest response of somatosensory evoked potentials, which is thought to originate from the primary somatosensory cortex, was attenuated during RHI. Furthermore, this attenuation was observed before the occurrence of the illusion. Our results suggest that attenuation of sensory processing in the primary somatosensory cortex is one of the factors influencing the occurrence of the RHI.
Baseline characteristics of myopic choroidal neovascularization in patients above 50 years old and prognostic factors after intravitreal conbercept treatment
Authors: Wang Hai-Yan , Tao Meng-Zhang , Wang Xi-Xi , Li Man-Hong , Zhang Zi-Feng , Sun Dong-Jie , Zhu Jin-Ting , Wang Yu-Sheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTo investigate the influence of age on the function and morphology of patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) and to evaluate the effect and prognostic factors of recurrence of Conbercept treatment on mCNV patients over 50 years. A total of 64 patients (64 eyes) with mCNV were enrolled in this retrospective study. The differences in baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and morphological features on imaging between the younger group (˂ 50 years) and the older group (≥ 50 years) were analyzed. Of all, 21 eyes of 21 mCNV patients aged over 50 years who received Conbercept injection were further analyzed. Between the younger and the older group, significant differences were shown in mean BCVA (0.58 ± 0.28 vs 0.77 ± 0.31), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (108.17 ± 78.32 μm vs 54.68 ± 39.03 μm) and frequency of vitreoretinal interface abnormalities (VIA) (2 vs 13), respectively (P < 0.05). After treated with Conbercept, the mean BCVA of 21 older mCNV patients increased from 0.83 ± 0.30 at baseline to 0.49 ± 0.24 at one year. Baseline BCVA, external limiting membrane damage, CNV area and CNV location correlated with the visual acuity at the 1-year follow-up. There were 7 (33.3%) recurrent cases during the follow-up and the risk of recurrence in patients with baseline central macular thickness (CMT) ≥ 262.86 μm was 14 times greater than that of patients with CMT < 262.86 μm. The risk of recurrence increased 1.84 times for every 100-μm increment in the CMT. Patients over 50 years with mCNV had a worse BCVA, thinner choroid, and higher risk of VIA than young mCNV patients. The standard Conbercept treatment strategy was safe and effective in mCNV patients over 50 years. As patients over 50 years with a greater CMT have a high risk of recurrence, more attention should be paid on these patients by following them up closely.
The change in plasma D-dimer does not help to guide the timing of reimplantation in two stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Ackmann Thomas , Schwarze Jan , Gosheger Georg , Schmidt-Braekling Tom , Schneider Kristian Nikolaus , Dieckmann Ralf , Klingebiel Sebastian , Moellenbeck Burkhard , Theil Christoph 
Published: April 2021

AbstractD-dimer has been included in the criteria by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society in 2018 as a novel parameter to diagnose prosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, it is unclear how D-dimer levels change in between stages of a two-stage exchange. We prospectively investigated 30 patients who underwent a two-stage exchange using a spacer for PJI. D-Dimer, CRP and IL-6 were collected before first and second stage surgery and the difference (Δ) in between stages was calculated. The levels of plasma D-Dimer did not change from first to second stage surgery (2770 ng/ml (IQR, 1600–3770 ng/ml) versus 2340 ng/ml (IQR, 1270–4100 ng/ml); p = 0.8) while CRP (4.0 mg/dl (IQR, 1.7–5.5 mg/dl) versus 0.6 mg/dl (IQR, 0.5–0.8 mg/dl); p < 0.001) and IL-6 (21 pg/ml (IQR, 10–29 pg/ml) versus 6 pg/ml (4–9 pg/ml); p < 0.001) decreased. The ΔD-dimer between both stages was 300 ng/ml (range: − 2820 to 4280 ng/ml), the median ΔCRP was − 3.4 mg/dl (IQR, − 1.2 to − 4.8 mg/dl) and ΔIL-6 was − 13 pg/ml (IQR, − 4 to − 20 pg/ml). In 15 of 30 cases (50%) the D-dimer level increased between both stages, whereas the level of CRP (93%; 28/30) and IL-6 (96%; 28/29) decreased in most patients. As the level of serum D-dimers varies greatly, lacks a uniform decrease and does not identify persisting infection, surgeons should be cautious when using it at the timing of reimplantation.
New cassava germplasm for food and nutritional security in Central Africa
Authors: Tize Isaac , Fotso Apollin Kuate , Nukenine Elias Nchiwan , Masso Cargele , Ngome Francis Ajebesone , Suh Christopher , Lendzemo Venasius Wirnkar , Nchoutnji Ibrahim , Manga Gabriel , Parkes Elisabeth , Kulakow Peter , Kouebou Christiant , Fiaboe Komi K. M. , Hanna Rachid 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCassava is a key food security crop in Central Africa, but its production depends largely on the use of local farmers’ varieties characterized by inherently low yield which is compounded by generally high susceptibility to various growth and yield-limiting pests and diseases. Improved cassava genotypes have demonstrated the potential to substantially improve cassava’s contribution to food security and the development of the cassava industry and the improvement of nutrition status elsewhere in Western Africa. Eleven improved cassava genotypes were compared with a local landrace (LMR) used as a check under field conditions over two years in eight locations, grouped in four agro-ecologies in Cameroon. Pest and disease abundance/incidence and damage severity were evaluated. At harvest, root yield and carotenoid content were measured. Best linear unbiased predictors showed the lowest breeding value for LMR with the cassava mosaic virus disease (+ 66.40 ± 2.42) compared with 1.00 ± 0.02% for the most susceptible improved genotype. Two genotypes (I010040-27 and I011797) stood out for having higher predicted fresh root yield means which were at least 16 times greater compared with LMR. Predicted total carotenoid content was the highest (+ 5.04 ± 0.17) for improved genotype I070593 compared with LMR which showed the lowest (− 3.90 ± 0.06%) and could contribute to the alleviation of vitamin A deficiency from cassava-based food systems. Diffusion of high-yielding and nutritious genotypes could alleviate food and nutritional security in Central Africa.
Uric acid shown to contribute to increased oxidative stress level independent of xanthine oxidoreductase activity in MedCity21 health examination registry
Authors: Kurajoh Masafumi , Fukumoto Shinya , Yoshida Shio , Akari Seigo , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Ishii Haruka , Yoshida Hisako , Nagata Yuki , Morioka Tomoaki , Mori Katsuhito , Imanishi Yasuo , Hirata Kazuto , Emoto Masanori 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUric acid has both antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties in vitro by scavenging and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).This cross-sectional study examined whether uric acid possesses effects on oxidative stress under physiological conditions independent of xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), which is involved in uric acid and ROS production. Serum uric acid level was measured, while plasma XOR activity was determined using our high-sensitive assay in 192 participants (91 males, 101 females) who underwent health examinations and were not taking an antihyperuricemic agent. For antioxidant potential and oxidative stress level, biological antioxidant potential (BAP) and derivative of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) in serum, respectively, were measured. Median uric acid level and plasma XOR activity were 5.6 mg/dL and 26.1 pmol/h/mL, respectively, and BAP and d-ROMs levels were 2112.8 μmol/L and 305.5 Carr U, respectively. Multivariable regression analyses revealed no significant association of serum uric acid level with BAP level, whereas serum uric acid level showed a significant association with d-ROMs level independent of plasma XOR activity (p = 0.045), which was prominent in females (p = 0.036;pfor interaction = 0.148). Uric acid might contribute to increased oxidative stress independent of XOR activity by increasing ROS production, without affecting ROS scavenging, especially in females.
Text Messaging Real-Time COVID-19 Clinical Guidance to Hospital Employees
Authors: Williams Cheyenne , Rao Aditi , Ziemba Justin B. , Myers Jennifer S. , Patel Neha 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background During the initial days of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospital-wide practices rapidly evolved, and hospital employees became a critical population for receiving consistent and timely communication about these changes.
Objectives We aimed to rapidly implement enterprise text messaging as a crisis communication intervention to deliver key COVID-related safety and practice information directly to hospital employees.
Methods Utilizing a secure text-messaging platform already routinely used in direct patient care, we sent 140-character messages containing targeted pandemic-related updates to on-duty hospital employees three times per week for 13 weeks. This innovation was evaluated through the analysis of aggregate “read” receipts from each message. Effectiveness was assessed by rates of occupational exposures to COVID-19 and by two cross-sectional attitudinal surveys administered to all text-message recipients.
Results On average, each enterprise text message was sent to 1,997 on-duty employees. Analysis of “read” receipts revealed that on average, 60% of messages were consistently read within 24 hours of delivery, 34% were read in 2 hours, and 16% were read in 10 minutes. Readership peaked and fell in the first week of messaging but remained consistent throughout the remainder of the intervention. A survey administered after 2 weeks revealed that 163 (79%) users found enterprise texts “valuable,” 152 (73%) users would recommend these texts to their colleagues, and 114 (55%) users preferred texts to email. A second survey at 9 weeks revealed that 109 (80%) users continued to find texts “valuable.” Enterprise messaging, in conjunction with the system's larger communication strategy, was associated with a decrease in median daily occupational exposure events (nine events per day premessaging versus one event per day during messaging).
Conclusion Enterprise text messages sent to hospital-employee smartphones are an efficient and effective strategy for urgent communications. Hospitals may wish to leverage this technology during times of routine operations and crisis management.
Chondrilla juncea (rush skeletonweed).
Authors: Thomas Sarah E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

C. juncea is a herbaceous biennial or perennial plant native to parts of Western Europe, north Africa and central Asia. It was accidentally introduced into a number of regions around the world as a contaminant of plant material, seed and fodder. C. juncea is invasive in Australia, Argentina, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and a number of states in the USA. C. juncea produces a large tap root which can compete with native plant species for nutrients and water. In Australia and Argentina it is a major problem of wheat fields and can reduce yields by 80%. In the USA, C. juncea is one of the invasive species impacting on the threatened species Silene spaldingii. A number of distinct genotypes of C. juncea exist which makes control of this species difficult. In addition to this, C. juncea is resistant to a large number of herbicides.
Melinis repens (natal redtop).
Authors: Kaufman Sylvan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Melinis repens, commonly known as Natal grass, is a short-lived perennial grass native to South Africa, the Arabian peninsula, India, the Seychelles island and Canary Islands. It is already widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions due to its long use as a pasture grass and ornamental plant. Although considered a weed in many countries, it is not currently regulated. Wind disperses the seeds locally and long distance dispersal happens through the plant and seed trade. It mainly occurs in disturbed areas such as along roadsides and railway lines, but it can spread into natural areas interfering with early successional processes. It is mainly considered invasive in natural grasslands and shrublands. Holm et al. (1979) list it as a 'serious' weed in Australia, Brazil and Ghana, and 'principal' in Malaysia and Zambia. The dry biomass of the plant leads to an increase in fire frequencies and its dense growth crowds out native early successional species. Currently the main uses promoted for the plant are for reclaiming mined sites and planting as an ornamental plant.
Anredera baselloides (Madeira vine).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

A. baselloides is an invasive succulent vine capable of smothering and destroying native vegetation. Currently, this species is regarded as an environmental weed in the Dominican Republic and as an agricultural weed in Sri Lanka where it is impacting tea plantations (Ranamukhaarachchi et al., 1997). The species has climbing stems which can totally envelop the canopy layer, reducing light penetration and eventually killing the plants beneath and preventing the germination and regeneration of native plants.
Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus.
Authors: Bashir Muhammad , Zerbini Murilo 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) is a potyvirus capable of infecting many species in the family Fabaceae, and most strains also infect members of the Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Laminaceae, Passifloraceae and Solanaceae. Its main hosts are cowpea and passionfruit, and along with East Asian Passiflora virus and passionfruit woodiness virus it induces passionfruit woodiness in passionfruit. CABMV occurs worldwide but is a particularly major and widespread disease of cowpea in Africa. The nature and severity of the symptoms induced by CABMV are extremely variable, and vary with host cultivars, virus strain and the time of infection. Symptoms can include various mosaics, mottling, interveinal chlorosis and vein-banding. Complete loss of cowpea crops has been reported from Nigeria, and CABMV is one of the main limiting factors to passionfruit yield in South America and Africa.
Dysmicoccus neobrevipes (grey pineapple mealybug).
Authors: Curry Claire 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Dysmicoccus neobrevipes is a mealybug with a pantropical distribution. It is an economically important pest that can feed on and damage dozens of hosts, principally pineapple and the banana Musa × paradisiaca. The main damage caused by D. neobrevipes is due to its role as a vector of mealybug wilt (Plant Health Australia, 2013). Qin et al. (2010) considered it a dangerous alien species with a high risk of invasion in China. Although D. neobrevipes can colonize without the help of associated caretaker ants, most commonly Pheidole and Solenopsis, the ants' presence can help them to invade new areas by providing shelter and protecting them from natural enemies and adverse weather conditions.