bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between breathing gas mixtures and retinal vessel regulation
Authors: Klee Sascha , Link Dietmar , Jaeger Uwe 
Published: January 2021

PurposeIt is known that components of oxygen transport pathway communicate with vascular endothelium. However, oxygen‐induced vessel constriction results in a decrease in retinal blood flow. Because the delivery and removal of metabolites and gases is proportional to blood flow, a decrease in blood flow could have deleterious effects. Due to the systemic nature of the endothelium, this should be taken into account wherever breathing gas mixture is changed (anesthesia). This work aims to clarify how the constriction of the retinal vessels is modulated by breathing gas mixtures using dynamic vessel analysis (DVA).MethodsThe baseline diameters of 15 volunteers (9 m, 26.3 ± 3.3 y) were measured using DVA (Imedos Systems GmbH). We investigated four primary vessel segments (superior as well as inferior temporal artery (STa/ITa) and vein (STv/ITv). For each volunteer, the DVA was performed 5 times (each: duration 15 min [1 min baseline, 8 min gas mixture, 6 min recovery], rest period: 10 min) in a randomized order using different gas mixtures (21%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% O2) provided by a ventilator (Bellavista 1000, imtmedical AG). For statistical analysis, the t‐test and the Wilcoxon test for paired samples (Bonferroni corrected) were used.ResultsFor all vessel segments, a stronger constriction could be observed with an increase in the oxygen concentration. The maximum constriction was always measured at the end of the 8 min period. Here, when comparing the constriction values of the 21% O2 concentration, already the 30% O2 concentration showed significant changes (30%/40%/50%/60% STa: p = 0.002/0.001/0.000/0.000, ITa: p = 0.001/0.001/0.001/0.000, STv: p = 0.000/0.000/0.000/0.000, ITv: p = 0.001/0.000/0.000/0.000).ConclusionsThe presented work revealed that even a small change in breathing gas mixture causes a significant change in vessel constriction. These effect is not only to be expected at the retina, but also in the brain as an example. This should be taken into account, amongst others, for longer anesthesia.
Correlation of visual acuity and color discrimination ability with a novel digital color test
Authors: Almaliotis Diamantis , Almpanidou Stavroula , Karamitopoulos Leonidas , Kalliris George , Karampatakis Vasileios 
Published: January 2021

PurposeTo analyze the correlation between visual acuity and color discrimination in various ocular diseases, with the use of a novel digital color vision test.MethodsA total of 120 individuals (174 eyes) were included in the study. 68 females (56.7%) with average age 67.4 (SD = 13.7) and 52 males (43.3%) with average age 68.9 (SD = 18.5). The logMAR visual acuity ranged from 21 to 83 letters. The color testing was performed with the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in each eye separately, with the use of a digital color test. Correlation between the VA scores and color vision scores was performed in relation to each specific ocular disease.ResultsThe visual acuity scores correlated with color discrimination scores in all three examined colors: red (rs = 0.634, p < 0.001), green (rs = 0.652, p < 0.001) and blue color (rs = 0.553, p < 0.001) targets. Additionally, statistically significant correlations were found between the visual acuity and color testing scores: in glaucoma (red: rs = 0.734, p < 0.001, green: rs = 0.735, p < 0.001, blue: rs = 0.549, p = 0.015), in macular diseases (red: rs = 0.725, p < 0.001, green: rs = 0.780, p < 0.001, blue: rs = 0.658, p < 0.001), in diabetic retinopathy (red: rs = 0.494, p = 0.002, green: rs = 0.489, p = 0.002, blue: rs = 0.503, p = 0.001), and in other various ocular diseases (red: rs = 0.677, p < 0.001, green: rs = 0.642, p < 0.001, blue: rs = 0.508, p = 0.005).ConclusionsThis digital color test is easily performed and maybe used even by visually impaired individuals and serve as a useful color monitoring tool for an earlier detection of changes indicative of deterioration in various ocular diseases. This test may also be used for the self‐evaluation of color vision.
A comparative epidemiological analysis of epithelioid, spindle cell, and mixed epithelioid‐spindle cell tumor subtypes of uveal melanoma, 1975–2016
Authors: Tadrosse Abanoob , Mikhael Sandra , Tadrosse Marina , Ezzat Bishoy , Tadrosse Mark , Eloy Jean A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeTo compare epidemiological trends of epithelioid (ED), spindle cell (SC), and mixed epithelioid‐spindle cell (MES) tumor subtypes of uveal melanoma (UM) using a population‐based study.MethodsData were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results U.S. cancer database from 1975–2016. Incidence (IR) was estimated in number of cases/million/year. Incidence (IR) trends across the study's timeframe were assessed by measuring the annual percent change (APC). Disease‐specific survival (DSS) data were available only since 1995 and was calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method. Cox regression analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR).ResultsTwo thousand nine hundred thirty‐eight cases were identified: MES‐UM (38%), SC‐UM (49%), ED‐UM (13%). Mean age at diagnosis in years for SC‐UM (58) patients was significantly lower than that for MES‐UM (63) and ED‐UM (63) patients (p < 0.01). Incidence (IR) also statistically differed among subtypes: MES‐UM, 0.8; SC‐UM, 0.7; ED‐UM, 0.2 (p < 0.01). Incidence (IR) significantly declined over the study's time period with APC values of −4.5 (p < 0.01; MES‐UM), −2.8 (p < 0.01; SC‐UM), and −2.7 (p = 0.04; ED‐UM). 5‐year DSS for patients diagnosed during 1995–2000 were 74.6% (MES‐UM), 86.4% (SC‐UM), and 56.2% (ED‐UM). In comparison, 5‐year DSS during 2006–2011 was similar for SC‐UM (91.8%; p = 0.07) and ED‐UM (58.4%; p = 0.35), but significantly declined for MES‐UM (57.6%; p < 0.01). Mixed epithelioid‐spindle cell (MES)‐UM patients aged 30–50 years old exhibited favorable prognosis compared to those of other age groups (HR: 0.53; p = 0.023). Asian and black races portended poor prognoses in ED‐UM (HR: 2.7; p = 0.04) and SC‐UM (HR: 2.9; p = 0.03), respectively. Advanced disease stage at diagnosis was not a survival predictor in MES‐UM patients, but it predicted poor prognosis in ED‐UM (HR: 4.8; p < 0.01) and SC‐UM (HR: 5.7; p < 0.001) patients.ConclusionsAge at diagnosis is youngest for SC‐UM patients. IR for all subtypes has declined. DSS has been stable for SC‐UM and ED‐UM but has substantially worsened for MES‐UM. Age impacts MES‐UM prognosis. Asian and black races are negative prognostic factors for ED‐UM and SC‐UM, respectively. Disease stage is a survival predictor only for ED‐UM and SC‐UM.BibliographySurveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute SEER*Stat software (www.seer.cancer.gov/seerstat) version 8.3.6.1.
The contributions of intelligence and executive function to behaviour problems in school‐age children born very preterm
Authors: Dai Darren W. T. , Franke Nike , Wouldes Trecia A. , Brown Gavin T. L. , Tottman Anna C. , Harding Jane E. ,   PIANO Study Group
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo examine the contributions of specific neurocognitive skills to behaviour problems in children born very preterm.MethodsWe assessed children born <30 weeks’ gestation or <1500 g at age 7 years using subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fourth Edition, performance and questionnaire‐based measures of executive function, and Child Behavior Checklist and Teacher Rating Form. We evaluated the contributions of IQ and executive function to behaviour problems and the moderating effect of sex using multiple regression.ResultsThe 129 children (mean age = 7.2 years) had lower IQ, inferior executive function and increased internalising problems compared with normative samples. Verbal comprehension skills and working memory were associated with total, internalising and externalising problems at school. Performance‐based and questionnaire‐based executive function were associated with total and externalising behaviour problems both at home and school. Sex moderated the relationships between information processing and parent‐reported total problems, and between teacher‐rated executive function and total problems.ConclusionBoth IQ and executive function are related to behaviour problems in children born very preterm, but the relationships are different in boys and girls. Executive function may be a useful target for intervention.
The contraceptive efficacy of a self‐assembling intra‐uterine device in domestic mares
Authors: Joonè CJ , Gradil CM , Picard JA , Taylor JD , de Tonnerre D , Cavalieri J 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the contraceptive efficacy of a self‐assembling uterine device (iUPOD™) in the mare. In addition, the effects of iUPODs on oestrous cyclicity, uterine health and circulating concentrations of cortisol were evaluated.MethodsDomestic mares underwent oestrous monitoring and artificial insemination. After subsequent ovulation, mares underwent either placement (n = 7) or sham placement (n = 7; controls) of an iUPOD device. Devices were left in place for at least 3 months. Pregnancy diagnoses were carried out 14 days post‐ovulation, with any pregnancies terminated at 28 days post‐ovulation. All mares underwent weekly blood sampling with or without reproductive examinations throughout the study. Towards the end of the study, multiple serum samples collected over three consecutive days were analysed for concentrations of cortisol. Endometrial biopsies were collected before artificial insemination and during the subsequent breeding season. Endometrial cytology and bacterial cultures were performed before device removal (iUPOD mares) or at the end of the study (control mares).ResultsPregnancies were diagnosed in 0 of 7 iUPOD mares versus 7 of 7 control mares. Placement of iUPODs was associated with extended luteal phases and variable accumulations of intra‐uterine fluid. Bacterial culture results suggested that the mild endometritis associated with iUPODs was sterile in six of seven mares. Short‐term placement of iUPODs had no detrimental effects on endometrial architecture. Mean serum cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in iUPOD mares than control mares.ConclusioniUPODs represent a promising means of fertility control in the mare.
Keratinocytes: innate immune cells in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chieosilapatham P , Kiatsurayanon C , Umehara Y , Trujillo-Paez J V , Peng G , Yue H , Nguyen L T H , Niyonsaba F 
Published: January 2021

Summary
The skin is a unique immune organ that constitutes a complex network of physical, chemical and microbiological barriers against external insults. Keratinocytes are the most abundant cell type in the epidermis. These cells form the physical skin barrier and represent the first line of the host defense system by sensing pathogens via innate immune receptors, initiating anti-microbial responses and producing various cytokines, chemokines and anti-microbial peptides, which are important events in immunity. A damaged epidermal barrier in atopic dermatitis allows the penetration of potential allergens and pathogens to activate keratinocytes. Among the dysregulation of immune responses in atopic dermatitis, activated keratinocytes play a role in several biological processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the innate immune functions of keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, with a special emphasis on skin-derived anti-microbial peptides and atopic dermatitis-related cytokines and chemokines in keratinocytes. An improved understanding of the innate immunity mediated by keratinocytes can provide helpful insight into the pathophysiological processes of atopic dermatitis and support new therapeutic efforts.
Atypical phenotype and response of B cells in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rincón-Arévalo H , Rojas M , Vanegas-García A , Muñoz-Vahos C , Orejuela-Erazo J , Vásquez G , Castaño D 
Published: January 2021

Summary
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be classified as seropositive or seronegative according to the presence of autoantibodies. An abnormal B cell phenotype and function could be one of the main components of the immunopathology of seropositive patients; however, there is little information regarding B cell defects in these patients. This study shows a broad characterization of the B cell phenotype and function in patients with seropositive RA. We focused mainly on the evaluation of subsets, the expression of modulatory molecules of cell activation (CD22, FcɣRIIb and FcµR), calcium mobilization, global tyrosine phosphorylation, expression of activation markers, cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig) production, proliferation and the in-vitro generation of plasma cells. Increased frequency of CD27−IgM−IgD− and CD21− B cells was observed in patients with seropositive RA compared with healthy donors (HD). Decreased expression of CD22 was primarily found in memory B cells of patients with RA regardless of seropositivity. B cells from seropositive patients exhibited normal proliferation, calcium mobilization kinetics and global tyrosine phosphorylation, but showed an increased frequency of CD86+ B cells compared with HD. B cells of seropositive patients secrete less interleukin-10 after in-vitro activation and showed a decreased frequency of plasma cell differentiation and IgM production compared with HD. Our data indicate that patients with seropositive RA have an increased frequency of atypical B cell populations previously associated with chronic activation and antigen exposure. This may result in the observed low responsiveness of these cells in vitro.
Which parameters predict the beneficial effect of GnRHa treatment on height in girls with central precocious puberty?
Authors: Vuralli Dogus , Gonc Nazli E. , Ozon Zeynep Alev , Kandemir Nurgun , Alikasifoglu Ayfer 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveData about GnRHa on adult height in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) have shown variable results, ranging from improvement of growth prognosis to lack of any benefit. This study was designed to delineate the criteria to decide which girls with idiopathic CPP (iCPP) will have a height benefit from GnRHa treatment.DesignRetrospectivePatients102 girls with iCPP who had reached final height (FH) were included.MeasurementsAuxological, hormonal and radiological findings at treatment onset, and FHs were extracted from records.ResultsMost important factor affecting height gain was chronological age (CA) at treatment onset. All the girls treated ≤6.4 years of age achieved a height gain of ≥1SDS, while none of the girls treated ≥8.3 years of age made the target. 75.6% of patients who started GnRHa between the ages of 6.4 and 8.3 years had a height gain of ≥1SDS. Most important factors affecting height gain in those treated 6.4‐8.3 years were advanced bone age (BA), basal estradiol (E2) and pubertal stage (r2: 0.906; P < .001). All individuals with BA advancement of ≥2.6 years or E2 of ≥32.6 pg/ml or pubertal stage of ≥3 had significant height gain, and none of the cases with BA advancement of <2 years or E2 of <21.5 pg/ml or pubertal stage of <2 had a height gain of ≥1SDS.ConclusionsTreatment with GnRHa is unquestionably beneficial to improve FH in girls with iCPP when initiated ≤6.4 years of age. GnRHa treatment after 8.3 years of age may not improve FH. Girls between the ages of 6.4 and 8.3 years at presentation can have a better height gain if BA (≥2.6 years over CA) and pubertal findings (pubertal stage ≥3 or E2 ≥32.6 pg/ml) are well‐advanced.
Risk pooling cooperative games in contract farming
Authors: Shi Zhanwen , Cao Erbao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractContract farming can be an effective measure to deal with agricultural production risks. This study provides a two‐stage stochastic programming model to analyze farmers’ cooperation in the context of contract farming under uncertainty. It provides a fair cost allocation policy for a coalition of farmers using a stochastic linear duality approach. A fair cost allocation implies that no subset of farmers has an incentive to leave the coalition. Thus, a fair allocation policy ensures the stability of a coalition. Meanwhile, the risk pooling game is shown to have population monotonicity, which means that, every time a coalition adds a new member, each farmer within the coalition will incur a smaller cost. Hence, the population monotonicity gives an incentive for coalition expansion. Our results not only provide a simple way to design fair cost allocation policies for collaboration strategies in contract farming, but also play an important role in the sustainable development of farmers’ coalitions.
Formin homology domains of Daam1 bind to Fascin and collaboratively promote pseudopodia formation and cell migration in breast cancer
Authors: Hao Leiyu , Liu Yan , Yu Xinqian , Zhu Yuerong , Zhu Yichao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesCancer cell migration to secondary organs remains an essential cause of death among breast cancer (BrCa) patients. Cell motility mainly relies on actin dynamics. Our previous reports verified that dishevelled‐associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) regulates invadopodia extension and BrCa cell motility. However, how Daam1 is involved in actin filament assembly and promotes pseudopodia formation in BrCa cells remains unclear.Materials and methodsOne hundred human BrCa samples were collected at Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to examine Daam1 and Fascin expression. Wound healing and Boyden chamber assays were used to explore cell migration and pseudopodia extension of BrCa cells. Co‐IP/pull down and Western blotting were performed to study the physical interaction between Daam1 and Fascin. Immunofluorescence assays were performed to observe whether Daam1 and Fascin were colocalized and mediated actin filament assembly.ResultsFascin was upregulated in BrCa tissues compared with that in paracarcinoma tissues. The downregulation of Fascin caused a decline in pseudopodia formation and cell motility. Moreover, we found that Daam1 interacted with Fascin via formin homology (FH) domains, especially the FH2 domain. Immunofluorescence assays showed that Daam1 and Fascin partially colocalized to actin filaments, and the knockdown of Daam1 or Fascin failed to colocalize to short and curved actin filaments.ConclusionsDaam1 specifically binds to Fascin via FH domains and cooperatively facilitates pseudopodia formation and cell migration by promoting actin filament assembly in BrCa.
The clinical meaning of levodopa equivalent daily dose in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Julien Charlotte , Hache Guillaume , Dulac Morgane , Dubrou Cléa , Castelnovo Giovanni , Giordana Caroline , Azulay Jean‐Philippe , Fluchère Frédérique 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLevodopa (L‐dopa) remains the basis of pharmacological treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, L‐dopa therapy is associated with the development of complications and presents major challenges in the long‐term treatment. Thus, other medications may be suggested to delay and/or reduce the doses of L‐dopa in order to prevent complications. The interpretation of treatment evolution reported in clinical trials on PD may be tricky, especially due to some variability in medications and dose regimens. Some authors have suggested a conversion factor to generate a total L‐dopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD), calculated as a sum of each parkinsonian medication. Therefore, LEDD provides an artificial summary of the total daily medication a patient is receiving, and to date, there is no report focusing on the clinical interpretation of this parameter. Thus, based on a 3‐year, multi‐center retrospective study assessing the impact of second‐line therapy initiation on LEDD in PD patients, the aim of our article was to discuss LEDD as a quantitative outcome to estimate the impact of second‐line therapies on medication regimens; and in the second part of the discussion, to provide a narrative review of the clinical outcomes associated with LEDD in the literature.
Human stabilization of river flows is linked with fish invasions across the USA
Authors: Comte Lise , Grantham Theodore , Ruhi Albert 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimRiver flow regimes are changing globally as a consequence of human use of freshwater resources. Additionally, rivers are among the most invaded ecosystems. Invasion biology predicts that the establishment and spread of non‐native species might be favoured both by new environmental regimes (niche opportunities) and by human‐mediated dispersal (propagule pressure). Here, we expand on past research by asking whether these two mechanisms act in isolation or whether they interact to facilitate the spread of non‐natives.LocationConterminous USA.Time period1987–2016.Major taxa studiedFreshwater fishes.MethodsFirst, we examined the geography of riverine fish invasions across 1,148 watersheds spanning the conterminous USA. We focused on species richness and the life‐history strategies of non‐native (both translocated and exotic) relative to native species pools. Second, we quantified flow regime alteration as the deviation between observed and expected contemporary flow regimes, using a combination of spectral analyses on long‐term discharge data and random forest models. We focused on two biologically relevant facets of the flow regime: flow variability and flow seasonality. We also estimated metrics of propagule pressure: recreational fishing pressure and socioeconomic activity. We then compared the strength of evidence associating riverine fish invasions with flow alteration, propagule pressure, and interactions between the two mechanisms.ResultsWe found that alteration of flow variability and seasonality is widespread across the conterminous U.S. rivers, and has favoured invasions by filtering specific life‐history strategies. Importantly, high levels of flow stabilization and propagule pressure interacted: where co‐occurring, these two drivers were associated with higher fish invadedness levels than expected based on their individual effects.Main conclusionsOur results underscore the need to consider different drivers of invasion concurrently. Otherwise, important synergistic interactions might be missed that could explain (and guide management strategies to mitigate) the high levels of invasion in fresh waters.
Internal and external constraints of the Cuban production sector
Authors: Palacios Cívico Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to explain the growth of the Cuban production sector between 1975 and 2014 by considering both demand and supply factors simultaneously. The research provides new empirical data on this topic through the application of a simultaneous equation model that considered the effect on the product of internal and external constraints most relevant to the Cuban economy, and the impacts of these over time. Its results confirm that the growth of the Cuban production sector was primarily limited by two factors: On the one hand, an overly centralized regulatory framework that reduces the global efficiency of the Cuban economy; and, on the other hand, a foreign exchange deficit that restricts its import capacity and the sustained growth of the Cuban capital stock. Therefore, the Cuban production sector's growth could be fostered by both a greater decentralization of its regulatory framework and the implementation of industrial and commercial policies geared to make Cuban exports more competitive.