bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Color discrimination in low birth weight schoolchildren
Authors: Ferraz Nívea , Sacai Paula , Lapa Maria Cecília , Puccini Rosana 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background/Objectives: To evaluate color discrimination in low birth weight (LBW) healthy schoolchildren.
Subjects/Methods: LBW children aged 5-11 years and school, grade, sex and age matched term (birth weight ≥2500g) controls from 14 randomly selected public schools from a low-income region were tested. Participants underwent the assessment of visual acuity, ocular motility and color discrimination (Farnsworth D-15 test). Color score and interocular color score difference were compared between the groups. The multiple logistic regression model was performed to analyze the association between color deficit and birth weight, adjusting for age range, sex, strabismus and visual acuity.
Results: 291 LBW children (mean±SD age =8.5±1.3 yrs; range 5.7-10.7 yrs; 55.7% females) and 267 controls (mean±SD age=8.5±1.4 yrs; range 5.0-11.8 yrs; 56.1% females) were examined. Dyschromatopsias were detected in 10% of LBW children and 8% of controls, caused mainly by diffuse and tritan defects. Color score was comparable between the groups and color deficit was significantly associated with age (p<0.01) and visual acuity (p<0.01). Interocular color score difference was statistically larger (p<0.05) in LBW group, and also the frequencies of strabismus and amblyopia were higher in this group.
Conclusions: Vast majority of low birth weight schoolchildren presented normal color discrimination, but their interocular color score difference was larger than the controls.
Synergistic effects of nanosecond pulsed plasma and electric field on inactivation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Oshin Edwin A. , Minhas Zobia , Biancatelli Ruben M. L. Colunga , Catravas John D. , Heller Richard , Guo Siqi , Jiang Chunqi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jets (ns-APPJs) produce reactive plasma species, including charged particles and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which can induce oxidative stress in biological cells. Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) has also been found to cause permeabilization of cell membranes and induce apoptosis or cell death. Combining the treatment of ns-APPJ and nsPEF may enhance the effectiveness of cancer cell inactivation with only moderate doses of both treatments. Employing ns-APPJ powered by 9 kV, 200 ns pulses at 2 kHz and 60-nsPEF of 50 kV/cm at 1 Hz, the synergistic effects on pancreatic cancer cells (Pan02) in vitro were evaluated on cell viability and transcellular electrical resistance (TER). It was observed that treatment with ns-APPJ for > 2 min disrupts Pan02 cell stability and resulted in over 30% cell death. Similarly, applying nsPEF alone, > 20 pulses resulted in over 15% cell death. While the inactivation activity from the individual treatment is moderate, combined treatments resulted in 80% cell death, approximately 3-to-5-fold increase compared to the individual treatment. In addition, reactive oxygen species such as OH and O were identified at the plasma-liquid interface. The gas temperature of the plasma and the temperature of the cell solution during treatments were determined to be near room temperature. * Work supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under award number 1R01EB023878-01A1 and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research of the United States of America (AFOSR) under award number FA9550-22-1-0115 and FA9550-22-1-0428. The funders had no role in study design, collection of data, decision to publish, or in preparation of this manuscript. In addition, effort of ZM and SG are supported by the Old Dominion University Multi-disciplinary Biomedical Research Seed Fund.
Cross-modal plasticity in children with cochlear implant: converging evidence from EEG and fNIRS
Authors: Deroche Mickael , Wolfe Jace , Neumann Sara , Manning Jacy , Hanna Lindsay , Towler Will , Wilson Caleb , Bien Alexander , Miller Sharon , Schafer Erin , Gemignani Jessica , Alemi Razieh , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Koirala Nabin , Gracco Vincent 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Over the first years of life, the brain undergoes substantial organization in response to environmental stimulation. In a silent world, it may promote vision by 1) recruiting resources from the auditory cortex and 2) making the visual cortex more efficient. It is unclear when such changes occur and how adaptive they are, questions that children with cochlear implants (CI) can help address. Here, we examined 7 to 18 years old children: 50 had CIs, with delayed or age-appropriate language abilities, and 25 had typical hearing and language. High-density electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) were used to evaluate cortical responses to a low-level visual task. Evidence for aweaker visual cortex response(in EEG) andreduced inhibition of auditory association areas(in EEG and fNIRS) in the CI children with language delays suggests that cross-modal reorganization can be maladaptive and does not necessarily strengthen the dominant visual sense.
Etomidate protects retinal ganglion cells from H 2 O 2 - induced injured via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Fan Degang , Zhang XinChao , You Siwei , Kuang Fang , Wu Mingmei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Our previous research provided an experimental basis for etomidate (ET) to treat optic nerve (ON) injuries. However, the mechanism of ET action in anti-oxidative stress remains unclear and requires further investigation. This study aimed to determine whether ET has a protective effect on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) injured by H2O2 and to explore ET's possible anti-oxidative stress mechanism.
Methods
Cultured RGCs were identified using the double immunofluorescent labeling of Thy1.1 and Microtubule association protein-2. An H2O2-induced RGCs oxidative stress injury model was established in vitro. Cells were pretreated with different concentrations of ET (1, 5, and 10 µmol/L) for 4 hours, followed by further exposure to H2O2 at 1000 µmol/L. CCK-8 and Annexin V/PI assay were applied to detect the RGCs viability and apoptosis rate at 12, 24, and 48 hours after H2O2 stimulation. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in culture media were measured at these time points. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to observe the effects of ET on the mRNA and protein expressions of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1) and acrolein in RGCs at 12, 24, and 48 hours after H2O2 stimulation and in the retina at 12 hours after optic nerve transection (ONT).
Results
The viability of RGCs was increased significantly with 5 and 10 µM of ET. The qRT-PCR showed that iNOS expression was decreased and Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were increased in RGCs and retinas with ET. The Western blot showed that the expressions of iNOS and acrolein were decreased, and the expressions of Nrf2 and HO-1 were increased in RGCs with ET at 12, 24, and 48 hours after H2O2 stimulation and in the retina with ET at 12 hours after ONT.
Conclusion
ET has a neuroprotective effect in primary cultured RGCs injured by H2O2. The effect of ET was dose-dependent being greatest at 10 µM. ET plays an antioxidant role by inhibiting iNOS, up-regulating Nrf2/HO-1, decreasing the production of acrolein, and increasing acrolein scavenging.
Uptake of biocrust nitrogen by tree crops in a sandy soil agroecosystem
Authors: Nevins Clayton J. , Strauss Sarah L. , Inglett Patrick W. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widespread in dryland ecosystems worldwide and were only recently discovered in agroecosystems. Agroecosystem biocrusts complete biological nitrogen (N) fixation, therefore, this research investigated if biocrust N could be released to biocrust subsoil and assimilated by a perennial tree crop. Biocrust was pulse labeled with 15NH4Cl (15N) in the greenhouse for eight weeks prior to application in a citrus (Citrus spp.) orchard in Southwest Florida, USA. Patches of labeled biocrust were applied to twelve citrus trees in September, with twelve trees in the same orchard not receiving biocrust (controls). The 15N in the biocrust, subsoil, crop fibrous roots, and crop leaves was quantified at seven dates leading up to fruit harvest 158 days after application. Sampling dates overlapped with citrus root (September-October) and shoot (March) flush periods. Isotopically labeled biocrust N was present in subsoil and crop roots one day after biocrust application and in leaves after three days. Results revealed that N was released from biocrust at a rate of 0.63% 15N released per day leading up to fruit harvest when 91.7% of 15N had been released. The amount of biocrust 15N in the fibrous roots increased during a root flush period (September-October) until 28 days after biocrust application and then decreased leading up to a leaf flush period and fruit harvest. Approximately 23.8% of total biocrust 15N was in the crop tissue at fruit harvest. Overall, these results indicate agroecosystem biocrusts have the potential to support tree crop growth during N demanding growth stages.
WITHDRAWN: Bio-hardening of in vitro raised plants of Geneva (G.) series clonal rootstocks of apple (Malus X domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Manzoor Ikra , Sultan Rania Mohammad Sabri , Kumar Amit , Abidi Ishfaq. A. , Mir M. A. , Lone Showkat A , Iesa Mohamed A. M. , Tarique Mohammed , Nazim Naveena , Dar Showket Ahmad , Youssef Rawa 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background:The success of tissue culture-raised plantlets lies in their transfer from in vitro to in vivo phase as the step of hardening helps to improve the adaptive behavior of in vitro grown plantlets to the natural environment. But the overall success rates are quite low.
ResultsThe present research has been done through bio-inoculation of two apple clonal rootstocks viz., G.41 and G.214 during hardening with Phosphate Solubilizing bacteria(B1) containing Azotobacter chroococcum and Bacillus polymyxawith four concentrations prepared by dissolving 1.0 ml,2.0ml,3.0ml and 4.0ml liquid formulation of Phosphate Solubilizing bacteria solution separately in 10.0 ml distilled water and adding that mixture to ellepot medium with cocopeat moss and Vascular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (B2) containing mycorrhizal propagules @ 60 spores/g with four concentrations prepared by dissolving 1.0 mg,2.0mg,3.0mg and 4.0mg powdered formulation of Vascular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza separately in 10.0 ml distilled water and adding that mixture to ellepot medium with cocopeat moss.
Conclusion: After comparing two different bio-inoculants on two different rootstocks, it was found that out of the two rootstocks,G.41 showed maximum hardening with 4.0 ml of Phosphate Solubilizing bacteria than G.214.Meanwhile, G.214 depicted maximum hardening rates with 2.0 mg of Vascular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza than G.214.Thus, a protocol has been standardized for improving the hardening success under in vivo conditions for commercial purposes in both rootstocks.
circ_0000515 promotes invasion and migration of breast cancer by attenuating MDM2-mediated FUS ubiquitination and degradation
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Chen Wenyan , Qi Yu , Zhu Yongqian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the second lethal cancer with the highest and rising morbidity in females. Emerging evidences have illustrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play essential roles in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of BC. However, the specific functions and underlying mechanistic involvement of circ_0000515 in BC have not yet been explored.
Methods: Three BC datasets (GES101123, GES165884, and GES182471) from the NCBI GEO database were screened to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs). Then transwell and wound healing assays were performed to determinethe function of circ_0000515 in BC. The identification of downstream targets of circ_0000515 was performed using bioinformatics methods. RNA-pulldown assays, RIP assay, and CO-IP were further employed to identify the critical signaling pathway regulated by circ_0000515. Finally, rescue experiments were employed to confirm the connection between circ_0000515 and FUS in BC metastasis.
Results: Circ_0000515 of a total of 49 DEcircRNAs was identified in BC datasets. Interestingly, the abundance of circ_0000515 was significantly increased in BC cells. Loss-of-functional experiments in vitro showed silencing circ_0000515 inhibited the invasion, migration and EMT process of BC. Mechanically, circ_0000515 stabilized the expression of FUS by impeding the interplay between FUS and MDM2, thereby protecting FUS from proteasomal degradation. Interestingly, we identified that FUS knockdown dramatically alleviated the promotive effect of circ_0000515 on BC metastasis.
Conclusion: Circ_0000515 promoted invasion and migration of BC by attenuating MDM2-mediated FUS ubiquitination and degradation, and might function as a biomarker and therapeutic target for BC.
Visualizing the Unseen: 3D Cell Microscopy Through Virtual Reality
Authors: Gaona Jheyson , Quevedo Sebastian , Villota Wellington , Cabrera Augusto 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This research presents an immersive virtual laboratory for cellular study and microscopy utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. This project entails a thorough examination of the operation of a real-world microscope, followed by replicating its functionalities within a virtual environment. We strive to create an engaging and pedagogically sound learning experience by incorporating multi-modal cues and interactive activities. Our developed virtual laboratory exhibits a variety of cell types—including human, animal, and plant cells—enabling learners to visualize and manipulate these cells. Our research highlights the effectiveness of user-friendly, intuitive interfaces in enhancing cellular visualization.Additionally, the system features interactive educational activities, such as puzzles and games, designed to promote a deeper understanding and long-term retention of cellular components. We also implemented strategies to mitigate VR-induced side effects, like motion sickness, ensuring a smooth learning experience. The resulting immersive laboratory protects students from the risk of damaging physical equipment and promotes a robust understanding of the subject matter. This paper offers valuable insights into the development of a practical virtual laboratory, acting as a helpful guide for future educational VR applications.
Effect of COVID-19 lock down on teenage pregnancies in Northern Uganda: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Alunyo Jimmy Patrick , Mukunya David , Napyo Agnes , Matovu Joseph , Okia David , Benon Wanume , Okello Francis , Tuwa Ally Hassan , Wenani Daniel , Omara Godfrey , Okibure Ambrose , Olupot-Olupot Peter 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death among girls aged 15–19 years globally, with LMICs accounting for 99% of global maternal deaths of women aged 15–49 years (2). Despite teenage pregnancies decline in many developing countries in recent years, the COVID-19 period intensified the problem and altered the trend for most countries, we determine the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on teenage pregnancies trend in Pakwach district Uganda.
Methods: Using the Interrupted time series analysis (ITS), sometimes known as quasi-experimental time series analysis, which is a method of statistical analysis that involve tracking a long-term period before and after a point of intervention. We constructed a time series of first ANC service utilization records for girls aged 10-19 years in Pakwach district and conducted an interrupted series analysis to determine the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on teenage pregnancy in Pakwach district, northern Uganda. We compared the two periods of March 2019 to March 2020 and March 2020 t0 March 2021.
Results: Teenage pregnancy trend before the lockdown was decreasing by -0.203 pregnancies per month, but in the first month after the institution of the lockdown (March 20th 2020), there was an increase in the teenage pregnancy rate of 13.9 pregnancies: 95%CI (-33.6 to 61.5) which corresponds to an increase in the monthly trend in teenage pregnancies (relative to the period before COVID-19 lockdown trend) of 1.53 girls per month. Therefore, our finding showed that in this population of Pakwach, the COVID-19 lockdown contributed an 8% increase in teenage pregnancies although the findings were imprecise.
Conclusion: Teenage pregnancies increased during the lockdown, and for our study area Pakwach, there was an 8% increase. This slight increase depicted the impact of the pandemic on the teenage pregnancy trend associated with COVID-19 outbreak. The government needs to focus on intervention on reducing this trend to avoid any further increase.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of a one-stage lateral Sinus lift using Sticky Bone: A 4 years retrospective study.
Authors: Albash Ziad , Khalil Ali , Yousef Charl 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of using sticky bone in lateral sinus lift procedures with simultaneously dental implants placement, and to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between perforated group and non-perforated group.
Methods
This retrospective study was carried out on patients who had reported to department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Tishreen university between September 2018 and September 2022. The sample consisted of patients who had lateral sinus lift with simultaneous dental implants placement. Lateral sinus floor elevation procedures were performed using sticky bone (injectable platelet rich fibrin mixed with bovine graft material). Bone height were analyzed using CBCT scan that were taken preoperatively and 9 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis were performed to assess initial bone height (IBH), bone height after 9 months, intra-sinus bone gain (IBG). Intra-sinus bone gain outcomes were compared between perforated and non-perforated groups with unpaired t-test.
Results
A total of 21 implants were placed and 15 lateral sinus augmentation were performed using sticky bone in 15 patients were included in the study. four membrane perforations were observed Of 15 procedures (26.6%). The survival rate for all implants was 100%. The main of intra-sinus bone gain was 5.54 ± 0.74 mm. No statistically significant difference in intra-sinus bone gain between perforation group and non-perforation group (P > 0.001).
Conclusions
According to the result of this Study, sticky bone as a graft material can be utilized to achieve bone graft survival and sinus augmentation success in lateral sinus lift procedures with simultaneous dental implants placement, even following small and medium Schneiderian membrane perforations (< 10 mm).
Classification of likely functional state for ligand binding sites identified from fragment screening
Authors: Utgés Javier S. , MacGowan Stuart A. , Ives Callum M. , Barton Geoffrey J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Fragment screening data from 37 experiments, and 1,309 protein structures binding to 1,601 ligands were analysed. A new method to group ligands by binding sites was developed and sites clustered according to profiles of relative solvent accessibility. This identified 293 unique ligand binding sites, which are grouped into four clusters (C1-4). C1 presents larger, more buried, conserved, and missense-depleted sites, and is enriched in known functional sites. C4 comprises smaller highly accessible, more divergent, missense-enriched sites, and is depleted in functional sites. A site in C1 is 28 times more likely to be functional than a site in C4. 17 novel sites in 13 proteins are identified as likely to be functionally important with examples from human tenascin and 5-aminolevulinate synthase discussed in more detail. An artificial neural network, and a K-nearest neighbours model are presented to predict cluster labels for new ligand binding sites with an accuracy of 96% and 100%, respectively so allowing functional classification of sites for proteins not in this set. Our findings will be of interest to those studying protein-ligand interactions and developing new drugs or function modulators.
The RISES System: An Innovative and Activity-Based Closed-Loop Platform for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery
Authors: Madarshahian Shirin , Guerrero Tatiana , Aung Phyo Thuta , Gustafson Kristin , Harrop James S. , Johnson Dana R. , Khantan Mehdi , Lee Yunsoo , Matias Caio , McCurdy Michael , Mulcahey MaryJane , Napoli Alessandro , Vaccaro Alex , Serruya Mijail 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
As spinal cord injury disrupts the communication between neural circuitry, electrical stimulation of the spinal cord may improve the rewiring and recovery of the affected pathways. Although significant recovery was initially observed in invasive implantable epidural stimulation settings, recent advancements in non-invasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation have shown the potential for significant improvements in individuals living with Spinal Cord Injury. In this study, we introduce the Reynolds Innovative Spinal Electrical Stimulation (RISES) technology which is an innovative person-tailored and task-specific stimulation system intended to optimize stimulation parameters in real-time with its multi-data acquisition and closed-loop capabilities. We aimed to pilot the safety and feasibility of the RISES system by implementing the developed technology as part of an intervention modeled on clinical rehabilitation. The results confirmed that the technology was able to establish a framework for achieving safe and feasible neurological recovery evident in enhancements of muscle activation for proximal muscles, and without any indication of physiological adverse effects.
Task-dependent pitch auditory feedback control in cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Hilger Allison , Cole Jennifer , Larson Chuck 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate how ataxia affects the task-dependent role of pitch auditory feedback control in speech. In previous research, individuals with ataxia produced over-corrected, hypermetric compensatory responses to unexpected pitch and formant frequency perturbations in auditory feedback in sustained vowels and single words (Houde et al., 2019; Li et al., 2019; Parrell et al., 2017). In this study, we investigated whether ataxia would also affect the task-dependent role of the auditory feedback control system, measuring whether pitch-shift responses would be mediated by speech task or semantic focus pattern as they are in neurologically healthy speakers.
Methods
Twenty-two adults with ataxia and 29 age- and sex-matched control participants produced sustained vowels and sentences with and without corrective focus while their auditory feedback was briefly and unexpectedly perturbed in pitch by +/−200 cents. The magnitude and latency of the reflexive pitch-shift responses were measured as a reflection of auditory feedback control.
Results
Individuals with ataxia produced larger reflexive pitch-shift responses in both the sustained-vowel and sentence-production tasks than the control participants. Additionally, a differential response magnitude was observed by task and sentence focus pattern for both groups.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that even though accuracy of auditory feedback control correction is affected by cerebellar damage, as evidenced by the hypermetric responses, the system still retains efficiency in utilizing the task-dependent role of auditory feedback.