bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships between soil pollution by heavy metals and melanin‐dependent coloration of a fossorial amphisbaenian reptile
Authors: MARTÍN José , RECIO Pablo , RODRÍGUEZ‐RUIZ Gonzalo , BARJA Isabel , GUTIÉRREZ Eduardo , GARCÍA Luis V. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMelanin is the basis of coloration in many animals, and although it is often used in communication, thermoregulation, or camouflage, melanin has many other physiological functions. For example, in polluted habitats, melanin can have a detoxifying function. Melanic coloration would help to sequester in the skin the heavy metal contaminants from inside the body, which will be expelled to the exterior when the skin is sloughed. Moreover, animals should have evolved more melanic colorations in more polluted habitats (“industrial melanism” hypothesis). We examined whether the fossorial amphisbaenian reptile, Trogonophis wiegmanni, is able to eliminate heavy metals, derived from soil pollution by seagull depositions, through sloughing its skin. Our results suggest a covariation between levels of soil pollution by heavy metals and the concentration of heavy metals in the sloughed skins of amphisbaenians. This suggests that amphisbaenians may expel heavy metals from their bodies when they slough the skins. We also tested whether amphisbaenians inhabiting soils with higher levels of heavy metal pollution had darker (melanin‐dependent) body colorations. However, contrary to predictions from the “industrial melanization” hypothesis, we found a negative relationship between soil pollution and proportions of melanic coloration. This contradictory result could, however, be explained because heavy metals have endocrine disruption effects that increase physiological stress, and higher stress levels could result in decreased melanogenesis. We suggest that although amphisbaenians might have some detoxifying mechanism linked to melanin in the skin, this process might be negatively affected by stress and result ineffective under conditions of high soil pollution.
Functional correlates of skull shape in Chiroptera: feeding and echolocation adaptations
Authors: GIACOMINI Giada , HERREL Anthony , CHAVERRI Gloriana , BROWN Richard P. , RUSSO Danilo , SCARAVELLI Dino , MELORO Carlo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMorphological, functional, and behavioral adaptations of bats are among the most diverse within mammals. A strong association between bat skull morphology and feeding behavior has been suggested previously. However, morphological variation related to other drivers of adaptation, in particular echolocation, remains understudied. We assessed variation in skull morphology with respect to ecology (diet and emission type) and function (bite force, masticatory muscles and echolocation characteristics) using geometric morphometrics and comparative methods. Our study suggests that variation in skull shape of 10 bat families is the result of adaptations to broad dietary categories and sound emission types (oral or nasal). Skull shape correlates with echolocation parameters only in a subsample of insectivorous species, possibly because they (almost) entirely rely on this sensory system for locating and capturing prey. Insectivores emitting low frequencies are characterized by a ventrally tilted rostrum, a trait not associated with feeding parameters. This result questions the validity of a trade‐off between feeding and echolocation function. Our study advances understanding of the relationship between skull morphology and specific features of echolocation and suggests that evolutionary constraints due to echolocation may differ between different groups within the Chiroptera.
Researchers in Argentina: Scientific vocation, publication strategies and time‐management tactics
Authors: De Paepe Josefina L. , Reyes M. Fernanda , Piazza María V. , Di Bella Carla E. , García‐Parisi Pablo A. , Straccia Patricio H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe wanted to understand how the competitive scientific system affected researchers in Argentina, whose budget to finance science is noticeably lower than in other countries and historically unstable. The objective was to identify factors that influence scientific vocation, main publication strategies and time‐management tactics. A structured survey was designed and circulated online for 6 months (2018/2019). The 684 valid responses were separated per academic stage: PhD students (41%), postdoc fellows (21%) and senior researchers (38%). National science policies (answer frequency = 0.69) and resources/funding availability (0.62) had a negative influence on scientific vocation. The difficulties to access to scholarships/full‐time positions (0.48) had a negative influence mainly for younger researchers. Peer interaction activities were selected as positive factors for scientific vocation, for example work‐team (0.51), which also stimulated the generation of new ideas together with the collaboration with other groups (0.76) and conference attendance (0.59). The most frequent publishing strategy to become a full‐time researcher was publishing in high impact journals (0.87). However, young researchers mainly chose to make their findings public at conferences (0.57). Time devoted to scientific production was relevant (0.73) and followed by teaching (0.39), although the last was also the least stimulating activity for the generation of new ideas. Three highlights emerge from our results. First, scientific vocation is negatively affected by structural factors related to the scientific system and positively influenced by peer interaction instances. Second, to publish in high impact journals is the most advisable strategy to become a full‐time researcher. Third, the most time‐demanding activities are not those that most stimulate the generation of ideas. Emerging recommendations for National Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry, Universities, and/or research organisms for early‐career Argentine researchers are as follows: increase national science budget, encourage work‐team meetings and stays abroad, keep contact with local communities, stakeholders and decision‐makers.
Intraspecific spination pattern inDiscocyrtus prospicuus(Holmberg, 1876) (Opiliones: Gonyleptidae) reviewed: revalidation of the harvestman genusOpisthoplatus, with two new synonymies and biogeographical notes on their morphs
Authors: Carvalho Rafael N , Kury Adriano B 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA study of several Argentinean/southern Brazilian nominal species currently included in the genusDiscocyrtusHolmberg, 1878 was conducted. We restoreOpisthoplatusHolmberg, 1878 from synonymy ofDiscocyrtusafter almost 140 years to include three species that are redescribed here.Opisthoplatusis referred to the recently described subfamily Neopachylinae Carvalho and Kury, 2020. An emended diagnosis forOpisthoplatusis provided, and interspecific and intraspecific variation among males is assessed. The present study of all available material revealed well‐defined patterns of an uncommon mirror asymmetry in the armature of femur IV of males, which has not been reported previously. Based on those patterns, the following taxonomic changes are proposed: (1)Discocyrtus vegetusCanals, 1939 andDiscocyrtus elegantulusMello‐Leitão, 1939 are newly combined underOpisthoplatus; (2)Discocyrtus nigerrimusRoewer, 1943 is newly considered a junior subjective synonym ofDiscocyrtus elegantulus; and (3)Discocyrtus affinisRoewer, 1913 andDiscocyrtus buckiMello‐Leitão, 1935 are newly considered junior subjective synonyms ofGonyleptes prospicuus. New geographical records are provided for theOpisthoplatusspecies treated here, and several records in the literature are questioned.
The Turbulent Circulation of Rent: Towards a Political Economy of Property and Ownership in Supply Chain Capitalism
Authors: Arboleda Martín , Purcell Thomas F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough recent years have seen an efflorescence of research on rent, the emphasis has tended to be placed in the antagonistic relations ofdistributionthat underlie this category. The ways in which rent relations also mediate the expansion of global networks of production and trade, however, are yet to be deciphered. On the other hand, an emerging scholarly interest in questions of logistics and supply chain capitalism has lacked a systematic theorisation of how increasing functional integration in the world economy shapes—and is also shaped by—rent relations. To bridge this gap, this article explores the complex, convoluted relation between property and the social circulation of capital in and beyond land markets. With this, we place into focus the extent to which the logistics revolution has elevated the importance of property relations—and thereby of the rentier class—in the dynamics of accumulation and political conflict under late‐stage capitalism.
Outcome of cataract surgery in eyes with diabetic retinopathy: a Swedish national cataract register report
Authors: Ridderskär Lucas , Montan Per , Kugelberg Maria , Nilsson Ingela , Lundström Mats , Behndig Anders , Zetterberg Madeleine 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeTo analyse if patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) subjected to cataract surgery differ in outcome compared to patients without DR with regard to best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), deviation from target refraction, intraoperative difficulties and risk of complications.MethodsA register‐based study from the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR) during the years 2015–2017 including 358 040 cataract procedures. Patients with other ocular pathology than cataract and DR were omitted from outcome analyses.ResultsDiabetic retinopathy was reported in 13 724 of all eyes (3.8%). Preoperative BCVA was significantly worse in DR patients than in patients without DR, 0.54 ± 0.33 compared to 0.40 ± 0.27 (logMAR, mean ± SD, p < 0.001). The same was evident for postoperative BCVA, 0.15 ± 0.25 for DR patients versus 0.06 ± 0.13 (p < 0.001). The improvement in BCVA was slightly better in DR than in non‐DR, −0.40 ± 0.32 (logMAR; mean ± SD) versus −0.35 ± 0.27, p < 0.001. The absolute mean biometry prediction error was 0.42 ± 0.50 diopters (D) in DR and 0.43 ± 0.71 D in non‐DR patients, p = 0.768. One or more intraoperative difficulties, including mechanical pupil dilation, capsular stain, hooks at capsulorhexis margin or capsular tension ring, had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61–1.90, p < 0.001) in DR versus non‐DR cases and the rate of posterior capsular tears (PCR) had an adjusted OR of 1.76 (95% CI 1.40–2.20, p < 0.001).ConclusionEyes with DR have inferior pre‐ and postoperative BCVA compared to non‐DR eyes. There is little difference in improvement of BCVA and no difference in absolute mean biometry prediction error. Importantly, intraoperative difficulties and PCRs are almost twice as common in DR patients, strongly indicating that these patients should be managed by experienced surgeons.
Delta‐globin gene expression improves sickle cell disease in a humanised mouse model
Authors: Porcu Susanna , Simbula Michela , Marongiu Maria F. , Perra Andrea , Poddie Daniela , Perseu Lucia , Kowalik Marta A. , Littera Roberto , Barella Susanna , Caria Cristian A. , Demartis Franca R. , Ristaldi Maria S. 
Published: May 2021

SummarySickle cell disease (SCD) is a widespread genetic disease associated with severe disability and multi‐organ damage, resulting in a reduced life expectancy. None of the existing clinical treatments provide a solution for all patients. Gene therapy and fetal haemoglobin (HbF) reactivation through genetic approaches have obtained promising, but early, results in patients. Furthermore, the search for active molecules to increase HbF is still ongoing. The delta‐globin gene produces the delta‐globin of haemoglobin A2 (HbA2). Although expressed at a low level, HbA2 is fully functional and could be a valid anti‐sickling agent in SCD. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of a strategy aimed to over‐express the delta‐globin gene in vivo, we crossed transgenic mice carrying a single copy of the delta‐globin gene, genetically modified to be expressed at a higher level (activated), with a humanised mouse model of SCD. The activated delta‐globin gene gives rise to a consistent production of HbA2, effectively improving the SCD phenotype. For the first time in vivo, these results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of delta‐globin, which could lead to novel approaches to the cure of SCD.
Phosphorylation‐mediated signalling in flowering: prospects and retrospects of phosphoproteomics in crops
Authors: Arefian Mohammad , Bhagya N. , Prasad T. S. Keshava 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTProtein phosphorylation is a major post‐translational modification, regulating protein function, stability, and subcellular localization. To date, annotated phosphorylation data are available mainly for model organisms and humans, despite the economic importance of crop species and their large kinomes. Our understanding of the phospho‐regulation of flowering in relation to the biology and interaction between the pollen and pistil is still significantly lagging, limiting our knowledge on kinase signalling and its potential applications to crop production. To address this gap, we bring together relevant literature that were previously disconnected to present an overview of the roles of phosphoproteomic signalling pathways in modulating molecular and cellular regulation within specific tissues at different morphological stages of flowering. This review is intended to stimulate research, with the potential to increase crop productivity by providing a platform for novel molecular tools.
SPASOS 1.1: a program for the inference of ancestral shape ontogenies
Authors: Catalano Santiago Andrés , Segura Valentina , Vera Candioti Florencia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe recently published a method to infer ancestral landmark‐based shape ontogenies that takes into account the possible existence of changes in developmental timing. Here we describe SPASOS, a software to perform that analysis. SPASOS is an open‐source Windows program written in C. Input data include landmark coordinates for each specimen –with the corresponding information about developmental timing– and a phylogenetic tree showing the relationships among the species sampled. As output, the program produces image files for an easy visualization of the results and data files useful for post‐processing. The program incorporates an interpolating function, based on weighting moving averages, which allows analysis of data with scarce information along the ontogenetic trajectory. An empirical evaluation of this function showed its suitability to fill in incomplete ontogenetic trajectories. Finally, we present the results of a reanalysis in SPASOS of a published dataset, where changes in developmental timing were originally inferred by considering PCA scores as shape variables. Both approaches retrieved the same four largest changes in developmental timing, but differed in the ancestral shapes inferred.
The value of cytology in distinguishing malignant mesothelioma: An institutional experience of 210 cases reclassified according to the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (ISRSFC)
Authors: Straccia Patrizia , Magnini Daniele , Trisolini Rocco , Lococo Filippo , Chiappetta Marco , Cancellieri Alessandra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveMalignant mesothelioma (MM) is usually diagnosed by histological examination of tissue samples; however, effusion cytology offers an opportunity to identify a strong possibility for mesothelioma diagnosis at an early stage. We conducted a retrospective analysis of cytological specimens from a large series of histologically proven MM diagnosed over 19 years. The cases were reviewed and reclassified according to the International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytopathology (ISRSFC).MethodsA total of 450 cases were identified. Cytological analysis was present in 210 patients (164 pleural and 46 peritoneal effusions). All cases were reviewed and reclassified according to the proposed ISRSFC scheme. A comparison among the cytomorphological features was made throughout the different diagnostic categories.ResultsThe 210 cases were histologically diagnosed as follows: 192 (91.4%) cases had an epithelioid type and 18 (8.6%) had a sarcomatoid subtype of MM. The cytological cases were reclassified as follows: 2 (0.9%) as non‐diagnostic (ND), 81 (38.6%) as negative for malignancy (NFM), 4 (1.9%) as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), 11 (5.2%) as suspicious for malignancy (SFM), 112 (53.4%) as malignant (MAL). Sarcomatoid cells in the MAL category were characterised cytomorphologically by more pronounced discohesion. In comparison with the epithelioid subtype, the tumour cells appeared solitary with moderate or marked nuclear pleomorphism, and irregular chromatin.ConclusionsIt is important to recognise the cytological characteristics of this aggressive entity to suggest an early and precise possible diagnosis. Morphological features, coupled with clinico‐radiological data may help the clinicians in adequately managing the patients.
Risk of diabetic macular oedema with sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes patients: A multi‐institutional cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Su Yu‐Chen , Shao Shih‐Chieh , Lai Edward Chia‐Cheng , Lee Chaw‐Ning , Hung Ming‐Jui , Lai Chi‐Chun , Hsu Sheng‐Min , Hung Jia‐Horung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate the risk of diabetic macular oedema (DMO) associated with the use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study by analysing a large multi‐institutional electronic medical records database in Taiwan. We included adult patients with T2DM without DMO newly receiving either SGLT2 inhibitors or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) during the period 2016 to 2018. We used propensity scores with inverse probability of treatment weighting to generate comparable groups. The study outcome was incident DMO, determined by clinical diagnosis during outpatient visits or admissions. We followed patients from the index date to either DMO occurrence, last clinical visit, patient death, or December 31, 2020. We performed Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of DMO.ResultsWe included 9986 new users of SGLT2 inhibitors (mean [SD] age 59.6 (12.1) years, median [interquartile range {IQR}] glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] 70 (61‐81)mmol/mol, estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 89.1 [71.4‐108.7] mL/min/1.73 m2 and urine albumin‐creatinine ratio [UACR] 26.1 [9.7‐117.6] mg/g) and 1067 new users of GLP‐1RAs (mean [SD] age 58.4 (41.5) years, median [IQR] HbA1c 73 [64‐84] mmol/mol, eGFR 91.6 [68.6‐114.0] mL/min/1.73 m2 and UACR 37.6 [11.1‐153.2] mg/g) with similar baseline characteristics. Lower DMO risks were observed among patients newly receiving SGLT2 inhibitors (7.9/1000 person‐years), compared to those receiving GLP‐1RAs (10.7/1000 person‐years) with an HR of 0.75 (95% CI 0.64‐0.88).ConclusionsOur findings suggest use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with lower risk of DMO in T2DM patients in clinical practice, compared to use of GLP‐1RAs. Future studies are necessary to confirm this observation.
Prevalence and follow‐up of subclinical rheumatic heart disease among asymptomatic school children in a north‐western district of India based on the World Heart Federation echocardiographic criteria
Authors: Choudhary Dinesh , Panwar Sadik Raja , Gupta Bal Kishan , Panwar Raja Babu , Gupta Rajeev , Bhaya Maneesha , Beniwal Rajesh , Raja Panwar Vasim , Sharma Arvind , Gupta Jigyasa , Nanda Navin C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe present study is based on the World Heart Federation (WHF) echocardiographic criteria to assess the prevalence of subclinical rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and elucidate evolution of the disease when the cases were placed on appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis and regular follow‐up. The prevalence of subclinical RHD reported by previous active surveillance studies among asymptomatic school children is not comparable to our study because of major differences in screening methods.MethodsA random inclusion strategy was adopted to recruit urban and rural school children of Bikaner district in the state of Rajasthan, India. The diagnosis of RHD was based on the echocardiographic criteria proposed by the WHF. All studies were reported on‐site by a single experienced cardiologist and the digitally preserved studies were reported by a second cardiologist off‐site. The final diagnosis was made by consensus. The second echocardiogram was performed for cases diagnosed with RHD after two years from start of study to document early evolution of the disease with ongoing antibiotic prophylaxis.ResultsA high prevalence of subclinical RHD was observed in the study population. Pathological mitral and/or aortic valve regurgitation was the commonest lesion, and a significant proportion of cases improved while on regular antibiotic prophylaxis. No case showed fixity of leaflets/ stenosis.ConclusionThe prevalence of subclinical RHD is high in the study population, and the disease seems to regress over time in the presence of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis.
Local immune microenvironment of skin may play an important role in the development of pretibial myxedema
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Dong Jiaoyun , Zhang Li , Zhao Xiaoqing , Shi Ruofei , Pan Meng , Zheng Jie 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPretibial myxedema (PTM), characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in dermis is an autoimmune skin disorder, which is almost always associated with Graves’ disease (GD). Although fibroblast stimulated by thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) antibody, cytokines and growth factors have been postulated as target of the autoimmune process in the dermopathy, the pathogenesis of PTM remains unclear. We hypothesize that the local immune microenvironment of the skin including the antigens and antibodies, T cells, B cells, plasma cells and fibroblasts may play an important role in the development of PTM.Results obtained on PTM patients indicate increased thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TRAb) in the blood positively correlate with the dermal thickness of the lesions. Further analysis shows that there were more CD3+ T cells and CD20+ B cells in the skin lesions. These T and B cells are in close contact, indicating that inducible skin‐associated lymphoid tissue (iSALT) may be formed in the area. In addition, we found that the infiltrating plasma cells can secrete TRAb, proving that B cells in the skin other than the thyroid are an additional source of TSHR antibodies. Meanwhile, the T and B cells in the skin or skin homogenate of patients can promote the proliferation of pretibial fibroblasts. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that the local immune microenvironment of the skin may play an important role in the development of PTM.