bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refractive stability and timing of spectacle prescription following cataract surgery in myopic eyes
Authors: Feng Rui , Wang Mingwei , Tao Shuya , Liang Feiyan , Liu Xialin , He Chang , Fan Shuxin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the post‐operative refractive stabilisation time and provide evidence for the optimal timing of a spectacle prescription in myopic post‐cataract surgery patients.MethodsA total of 116 consecutive myopic cataract patients were recruited from the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center in this prospective study. Post‐operative subjective refraction was assessed after 1 week and 1 month (4–6 weeks), with the interval for the new spectacle acquisition being recorded. Visual Function Index‐14 (VF‐14) questionnaires were used to assess the vision‐related quality of life.ResultsThere was no significant difference in spherical (p = 0.33), cylindrical (p = 0.65) or spherical equivalent refractions (p = 0.45) obtained 1 week and 1 month post‐operatively, indicating that subjects achieved refractive stability within 1 week. In subgroups having differing age and axial lengths, there were also no significant differences between the 1 week and 1 month findings. The spherical equivalent refractive shift between 1 week and 1 month was significantly correlated with the post‐operative prediction error (R = 0.35; p < 0.001). Only five (4.3%) out of 116 patients obtained new spectacles 1 week post‐surgery. The VF‐14 values improved from 85.77 ± 7.24 to 90.45 ± 5.39 after acquiring new spectacles (p < 0.01).ConclusionsThe stabilisation of subjective refraction occurred within 1 week in myopic cataract patients. Shortening the interval before prescribing a new spectacle prescription is recommended for myopic patients following cataract surgery to improve their vision‐related quality of life.
Clinical, immunological, and genetic description of a Mexican cohort of patients with DOCK8 deficiency
Authors: Liquidano‐Perez Eduardo , Maza‐Ramos Gibert , Perez Arias Bethy Alexandra , Lugo Reyes Saul Oswaldo , Barragan Arevalo Tania , Solorzano‐Morales Sara Alejandra , Venegas Montoya Edna , Staines‐Boone Aidé Tamara , Guzmán Cotaya Rogelio , Okada Satoshi , Picard Capucine , Patin Etienne , Ramirez‐Uribe Nideshda , Bustamante‐Ogando Juan Carlos , Scheffler‐Mendoza Selma Cecilia , Yamazaki‐Nakashimada Marco Antonio , Saez‐de‐Ocariz Marimar , Espinosa Padilla Sara Elva , Gonzalez‐Serrano Maria Edith 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to describe the clinical, immunological, and genetic features of patients with DOCK8 deficiency (DOCK8‐Def) in a tertiary care center for children.MethodsRetrospective chart review of patients' clinical, immunological, and genetic characteristics with DOCK8‐Def. Genetic analysis was performed with targeted‐ or whole‐exome sequencing; we also assessed DOCK8 protein expression and a lymphoproliferation assay and analyzed survival by the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsWe described 11 patients from 8 unrelated kindreds. The median age at symptoms' onset was 10 months (range 1–54 months). The median follow‐up time was 53.4 months (4.8–118.8). All patients presented eczema and recurrent sinopulmonary and cutaneous infections. Besides those symptoms, the most frequent manifestations were bronchiectases (8/11), food allergies (6/11), and severe infections (6/11). Infrequent characteristics were detection of CMV in bronchial lavage, C. parvum‐driven sclerosing cholangitis, Takayasu vasculitis, neurological syndromes, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lymphomatoid granulomatosis.ConclusionDOCK8‐Def has a broad spectrum of manifestations, including allergy, autoimmunity, inflammation, infection, and cancer. The hallmark of this inborn error of immunity is IEI‐associated eczema with eosinophilia and increased IgE. Here, we report six new mutations causing human DOCK8 deficiency and symptoms previously unrecognized to occur in DOCK8‐Def. Therefore, an early diagnosis of DOCK8‐Def is essential to facilitate an adequate treatment such as HSCT.
Cytonuclear interactions modulate the plasticity of photosynthetic rhythmicity and growth in wild barley
Authors: Tiwari Lalit Dev , Bdolach Eyal , Prusty Manas Ranjan , Bodenheimer Schewach , Be'ery Avital , Faigenboim‐Doron Adi , Yamamoto Eiji , Panzarová Klára , Kashkush Khalil , Shental Noam , Fridman Eyal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn plants, the contribution of the plasmotype (mitochondria and chloroplast) in controlling the circadian clock plasticity and possible consequences on cytonuclear genetic makeup have yet to be fully elucidated. A genome‐wide association study in the wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) B1K collection identified overlap with our previously mapped DRIVERS OF CLOCKS (DOCs) loci in wild‐cultivated interspecific population. Moreover, we identified non‐random segregation and epistatic interactions between nuclear DOCs loci and the chloroplastic RpoC1 gene, indicating an adaptive value for specific cytonuclear gene combinations. Furthermore, we show that DOC1.1, which harbours the candidate SIGMA FACTOR‐B (SIG‐B) gene, is linked with the differential expression of SIG‐B and CCA1 genes and contributes to the circadian gating response to heat. High‐resolution temporal growth and photosynthesis measurements of B1K also link the DOCs loci to differential growth, Chl content and quantum yield. To validate the involvement of the Plastid encoded polymerase (PEP) complex, we over‐expressed the two barley chloroplastic RpoC1 alleles in Arabidopsis and identified significant differential plasticity under elevated temperatures. Finally, enhanced clock plasticity of de novo ENU (N‐Ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea) ‐induced barley rpoB1 mutant further implicates the PEP complex as a key player in regulating the circadian clock output. Overall, this study highlights the contribution of specific cytonuclear interaction between rpoC1 (PEP gene) and SIG‐B with distinct circadian timing regulation under heat, and their pleiotropic effects on growth implicate an adaptive value.
Assessing inter‐intraspecific variability of leaf vulnerability to embolism for 10 alpine Rhododendron species growing in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Xi‐Min , Xia Ying , Li Jie‐Ting , Shi Xiao‐Qian , Liu Lun‐Xian , Tang Ming , Tang Jing , Sun Wei , Wen Zhi‐Rui , Yi Yin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlpine Rhododendron species are prominent constituents and renowned ornamental plants in alpine ecosystems. Consequently, evaluating the genetic variation in embolism resistance within the genus Rhododendron and predicting their adaptability to future climate change is important. Nevertheless, the assessment of embolism resistance in Rhododendron species remains limited. This investigation aimed to examine leaf vulnerability to embolism across ten alpine Rhododendron species, which are frequently employed as ornamental species in Rhododendron forests in Southwest China. The study analyzed the correlation between embolism resistance and various morphological traits, while also conducting water control experiments to evaluate the relationship between embolism resistance and drought resistance. The outcomes indicated pronounced variations in leaf vulnerability to embolism among species, as reflected by the water potential at 50% of embolized pixels (P50). Furthermore, the leaf P50 exhibited a significant positive correlation with vessel diameter (D) (R2 = 0.44, P = 0.03) and vessel wall span (b) (R2 = 0.64, P = 0.005), while displaying a significant negative correlation with vessel reinforcement ((t/b)2) (R2 = 0.67, P = 0.004). These findings underscore the reliability of selecting species based on embolism vulnerability to preserve the diversity of alpine ecosystems and foster resilience to climate change.
A comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic data for comparison of cold tolerance in two Brassica napus genotypes
Authors: Waseem Muhammad , Peng Jiantao , Basharat Sana , Peng Qiqi , Li Yun , Yang Guangsheng , Cheng Shanhan , Liu Pingwu 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBrassica napus is an important oil crop and cold stress severely limits its productivity. To date, several studies have reported the regulatory genes and pathways involved in cold‐stress responses in B. napus. However, transcriptome‐scale identification of the regulatory genes is still lacking. In this study, we performed comparative transcriptome analysis of cold‐tolerant C18 (CT – C18) and cold‐sensitive C6 (CS – C6) Brassica napus genotypes under cold stress for 7 days, with the primary purpose of identifying cold‐responsive transcription in B. napus. A total of 6061 TFs belonging to 58 families were annotated in the B. napus genome, of which 3870 were expressed under cold stress in both genotypes. Among these, 451 TFs were differentially expressed (DE), with 21 TF genes expressed in both genotypes. Most TF members of the MYB (26), bHLH (23), and NAC (17) families were significantly expressed in the CT – C18 genotype compared with the CS – C6 B. napus genotype. GO classification showed a significant role in transcription regulation, DNA‐binding transcription factor activity, response to chitin, and the ethylene‐activated signaling pathway. KEGG pathway annotation revealed these TFs are involved in regulating more pathways, resulting in more tolerance. In conclusion, the results provide insights into the molecular regulation mechanisms of B. napus in response to freezing treatment, expanding our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms in plants' response to freezing stress.
The role of programmed death receptor (PD‐)1/PD‐ligand (L)1 in periodontitis and cancer
Authors: Groeger Sabine , Meyle Joerg 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe programmed‐death‐ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) is an immune‐modulating molecule that is constitutively expressed on various immune cells, different epithelial cells and a multitude of cancer cells. It is a costimulatory molecule that may impair T‐cell mediated immune response. Ligation to the programmed‐death‐receptor (PD)‐1, on activated T‐cells and further triggering of the related signaling pathways can induce T‐cells apoptosis or anergy. The upregulation of PD‐L1 in various cancer types, including oral squamous cell carcinomas, was demonstrated and has been linked to immune escape of tumors and poor prognosis. A bidirectional relationship exists between the increased PD‐L1 expression and periodontitis as well as the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process of interconversion of epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells that may induce immune escape of tumors. Interaction between exosomal PD‐L1 and PD‐1 on T‐cells may cause immunosuppression by blocking the activation and proliferation of T‐cells. The efficacy and importance of treatment with PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint inhibitors and their prognostic influence on human cancers was demonstrated. Regarding PD‐1/PD‐L1 checkpoint inhibitors, resistances exist or may develop, basing on various factors. Further investigations of the underlying mechanisms will help to overcome the therapeutic limitations that result from resistances and to develop new strategies for the treatment of cancer.
Prevalence and risk factors of cognitive frailty among pre‐frail and frail older adults in nursing homes
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Min‐rui , Chen Xin , Deng Yong‐ping , Lin Yuan‐hong , Luo Yuan‐xia , Gao Yu‐lin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this research was to stratify the level of frailty to examine the risk factors associated with reversible cognitive frailty (RCF) and potentially reversible cognitive frailty (PRCF) in nursing homes to provide a basis for hierarchical management in different stages of frailty.MethodsThe study was a cross‐sectional study conducted from September to November 2022; 504 people were selected by stratified random sampling after convenience selection from the Home for the Aged Guangzhou. The structured questionnaire survey was conducted through face‐to‐face interviews using the general data questionnaire, Fried Frailty Phenotype, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale.ResultsIn total, 452 individuals were included for analysis. A total of 229 cases (50.7%) were PRCF, 70 (15.5%) were RCF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that in pre‐frailty, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS‐15) score (odds ratio (OR) 1.802; 95% CI 1.308–2.483), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale (IADL) score (0.352; 0.135–0.918) and energy (0.288; 0.110–0.755) were influencing factors of RCF. GDS‐15 score (1.805; 1.320–2.468), IADL score (0.268; 0.105–0.682), energy (0.377; 0.150–0.947), lack of intellectual activity (6.118; 1.067–35.070), admission time(>3 years) (9.969; 1.893–52.495) and low education (3.465; 1.211–9.912) were influencing factors of PRCF. However, RCF with frailty was associated with the Short‐Form Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA‐SF) score (0.301; 0.123–0.739) and low education time (0 ~ 12 years) (0.021; 0.001–0.826). PRCF with frailty was associated with age (1.327; 1.081–1.629) and weekly exercise time (0.987; 0.979–0.995).ConclusionsThe prevalence of RCF and PRCF was high among pre‐frail and frail older adults in nursing homes. Different levels of frailty had different influencing factors for RCF and PRCF. Depression, daily living ability, energy, intellectual activity, admission time, education level, nutrition status, age and exercise time were associated with RCF and PRCF. Hierarchical management and intervention should be implemented for different stages of frailty to prevent or delay the progression of cognitive frailty.
Child Fostering and Family Size Preferences in Uganda
Authors: Cotton Cassandra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMothers who exceed their ideal family size (IFS) may find themselves caring for more children than desired. In the absence of reliable and desirable prenatal controls of family size, mothers may foster‐out children to reduce burdens of childrearing, particularly in contexts where fostering is common. Using six rounds of Demographic and Health Surveys collected in Uganda between 1988 and 2016, I explore the relationship between exceeding IFS and child out‐fostering, proposing that fostering‐out may serve to manage excess fertility and that this relationship may change as actual and desired fertility declines. Models are run separately for mothers and children aged 0–17 to explore mothers’ overall out‐fostering behavior versus out‐fostering strategies for children. Results at the mother level suggest a strong positive relationship between exceeding IFS and out‐fostering that remains relatively stable over time, but results at the child level indicate children's age explains the relationship between mothers’ exceeding IFS and being fostered‐out, demonstrating the nuances of how family size preferences might impact family life in practice. Though mothers report a desire for smaller families over time, childbearing and childrearing behaviors, including high fertility and child out‐fostering, remain consistent over the course of Uganda's fertility transition, signifying the central role out‐fostering plays in Ugandan families.
Markedly upregulated serum semaphorin 4A as a novel activity marker of myasthenia gravis
Authors: Uzawa Akiyuki , Yasuda Manato , Akamine Hiroyuki , Onishi Yosuke , Handa Hideo , Ogaya Etsuko , Ozawa Yukiko , Masuda Hiroki , Mori Masahiro , Kuwabara Satoshi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMyasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody‐mediated disease of the neuromuscular junction. Semaphorin 4A (Sema4A) is involved in the activation of T cells in various inflammatory disorders. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Sema4A is involved in the pathogenesis of MG. We measured serum Sema4A concentrations in 30 treatment‐naïve MG patients with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, 7 with muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies and 21 normal controls. As a result, serum Sema4A levels were significantly higher in patients with AChR antibody‐positive MG and MuSK antibody‐positive MG than in controls (p ≤ 0.0001 for both MG groups). Serum Sema4A levels were correlated with AChR antibody levels (Spearman's ρ = 0.39, p = 0.03) and MG Foundation of America clinical classification classes (Spearman's ρ = 0.38, p = 0.04) in patients with AChR antibody‐positive MG. In conclusion, high serum Sema4A levels may reflect T‐cell activation, and this molecule could be a potential marker of disease activity in MG.
Oxidized low‐density lipoproteins impair the pro‐atherosclerotic effect of granulocyte‐macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor‐producing T helper cells on macrophages
Authors: Xiong Xiaofang , Yan Zheng , Yan Long , Yang Xuexue , Li Dongsheng , Lin Guizhen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractT cells contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. However, the presence and function of granulocyte‐macrophage‐colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF)‐producing T helper (ThGM) cells in atherosclerosis development is unknown. This study aims to characterize the phenotype and function of ThGM cells in experimental atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was induced by feeding apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice with a high‐fat diet. Aortic ThGM cells were detected and sorted by flow cytometry. The effect of oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) on ThGM cells and the impact of ThGM cells on macrophages were evaluated by flow cytometry, quantitative RT‐PCR, oxLDL binding/uptake assay, immunoblotting and foam cell formation assay. We found that GM‐CSF+IFN‐γ− ThGM cells existed in atherosclerotic aortas. Live ThGM cells were enriched in aortic CD4+CCR6−CCR8−CXCR3−CCR10+ T cells. Aortic ThGM cells triggered the expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) in macrophages. Besides, aortic ThGM cells expressed higher CD69 than other T cells and bound to oxLDL. oxLDL suppressed the cytokine expression in ThGM cells probably via inhibiting the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) signalling. Furthermore, oxLDL alleviated the effect of ThGM cells on inducing macrophages to produce pro‐inflammatory cytokines and generate foam cells. The nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A (NR4A) members NR4A1 and NR4A2 were involved in the suppressive effect of oxLDL on ThGM cells. Collectively, oxLDL suppressed the supportive effect of ThGM cells on pro‐atherosclerotic macrophages.
Teaching computational thinking in grade school requires “just right” individual teacher support
Authors: Miller‐Rushing Anica , Brasili Alexandria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn‐service teachers implementing a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum centered on computational thinking (CT) work with unique content and pedagogical experiences. Understanding how curriculum design and teacher professional development affect curriculum implementation can help researchers understand the critical aspects of supporting the teacher in “just right” ways to learn and teach an embedded CT curriculum. We qualitatively analyzed 22 teachers' discourse through a case study approach. We identified how CT is afforded and constrained through curriculum design and teacher professional development support. Teachers expressed that the supports that were critical to their confidence and perceived ability to teach CT were (a) a program that provides “just right” support, (b) a program that provides options and individualization, (c) an internal personal identity that embraces continual innovation and learning, and (d) an educational system that is encouraging and supportive of the effort and creativity it requires to implement innovative and intensive embedded CT programs. These findings can inform how to support teachers to integrate CT within existing STEM curricula as a core scientific and mathematical practice and to foster student interest in computer science.
Global distribution of Leptospira serovar isolations and detections from animal host species: A systematic review and online database
Authors: Hagedoorn Nienke N. , Maze Michael J. , Carugati Manuela , Cash‐Goldwasser Shama , Allan Kathryn J. , Chen Kevin , Cossic Brieuc , Demeter Elena , Gallagher Sarah , German Richard , Galloway Renee L. , Habuš Josipa , Rubach Matthew P. , Shiokawa Kanae , Sulikhan Nadezhda , Crump John A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectivesLeptospira, the spirochaete causing leptospirosis, can be classified into >250 antigenically distinct serovars. Although knowledge of the animal host species and geographic distribution of Leptospira serovars is critical to understand the human and animal epidemiology of leptospirosis, current data are fragmented. We aimed to systematically review, the literature on animal host species and geographic distribution of Leptospira serovars to examine associations between serovars with animal host species and regions and to identify geographic regions in need of study.MethodsNine library databases were searched from inception through 9 March 2023 using keywords including Leptospira, animal, and a list of serovars. We sought reports of detection of Leptospira, from any animal, characterised by cross agglutinin absorption test, monoclonal antibody typing, serum factor analysis, or pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis to identify the serovar.ResultsWe included 409 reports, published from 1927 through 2022, yielding data on 154 Leptospira serovars. The reports included data from 66 (26.5%) of 249 countries. Detections were from 144 animal host species including 135 (93.8%) from the class Mammalia, 5 (3.5%) from Amphibia, 3 (2.1%) from Reptilia, and 1 (0.7%) from Arachnida. Across the animal host species, Leptospira serovars that were detected in the largest number of animal species included Grippotyphosa (n = 39), Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 29), Pomona (n = 28), Australis (n = 25), and Ballum (n = 25). Of serovars, 76 were detected in a single animal host species. We created an online database to identify animal host species for each serovar by country.ConclusionsWe found that many countries have few or no Leptospira serovars detected from animal host species and that many serovars were detected from a single animal species. Our study highlights the importance of efforts to identify animal host species of leptospirosis, especially in places with a high incidence of human leptospirosis. We provide an updated resource for leptospirosis researchers.