bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The protein phosphatase PC1 dephosphorylates and deactivates CatC to negatively regulate H2O2 homeostasis and salt tolerance in rice
Authors: Liu Cong , Lin Jian-Zhong , Wang Yan , Tian Ye , Zheng He-Ping , Zhou Zheng-Kun , Zhou Yan-Biao , Tang Xiao-Dan , Zhao Xin-Hui , Wu Ting , Xu Shi-Long , Tang Dong-Ying , Zuo Ze-Cheng , He Hang , Bai Lian-Yang , Yang Yuan-Zhu , Liu Xuan-Ming 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Catalase (CAT) is often phosphorylated and activated by protein kinases to maintain hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) homeostasis and protect cells against stresses, but whether and how CAT is switched off by protein phosphatases remains inconclusive. Here, we identified a manganese (Mn2+)–dependent protein phosphatase, which we named PHOSPHATASE OF CATALASE 1 (PC1), from rice (Oryza sativa L.) that negatively regulates salt and oxidative stress tolerance. PC1 specifically dephosphorylates CatC at Ser-9 to inhibit its tetramerization and thus activity in the peroxisome. PC1 overexpressing lines exhibited hypersensitivity to salt and oxidative stresses with a lower phospho-serine level of CATs. Phosphatase activity and seminal root growth assays indicated that PC1 promotes growth and plays a vital role during the transition from salt stress to normal growth conditions. Our findings demonstrate that PC1 acts as a molecular switch to dephosphorylate and deactivate CatC and negatively regulate H2O2 homeostasis and salt tolerance in rice. Moreover, knockout of PC1 not only improved H2O2-scavenging capacity and salt tolerance but also limited rice grain yield loss under salt stress conditions. Together, these results shed light on the mechanisms that switch off CAT and provide a strategy for breeding highly salt-tolerant rice.
IL-8 and IL-12p70 are associated with pelvic pain among infertile women with endometriosis
Authors: Rahmawati Nanda Yuli , Ahsan Fadhil , Santoso Budi , Mufid Alfin Firasy , Sa’adi Ashon , Dwiningsih Sri Ratna , Tunjungseto Arif , Widyanugraha Muhammad Yohanes Ardianta 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid in women related to infertility and pelvic pain.

Methods
Eighty-seven women were diagnosed with endometriosis or cases related to infertility. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pain assessment was evaluated by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score.

Results
Serum IL-6 and IL-12p70 levels increased in women with endometriosis compared to the control group. Serum and peritoneal IL-8 and IL-12p70 levels correlated with VAS scores in infertile women. A positive correlation was also found between peritoneal IL-1β and IL-6 with VAS score. A significant difference in peritoneal IL-1β levels was associated with menstrual pelvic pain, while peritoneal IL-8 levels were related to dyspareunia, menstrual, and post-menstrual pelvic pain in infertile women.

Conclusions
An association of IL-8 and IL-12p70 levels were related to pain in endometriosis, as well as a relationship between cytokine expression and VAS score. Further studies should be addressed to investigate the precise mechanism of cytokine-related pain in endometriosis.
CCCTC-binding factor: the specific transcription factor of β-galactoside α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 that upregulates the sialylation of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhao Heping , Wang Hao , Qin Yang , Ling Sunwang , Zhai Haige , Jin Jiayi , Fang Ling , Cao Zelin , Jin Shengwei , Yang Xinyu , Wang Jianguang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objective
Sialylation of the crystallizable fragment (Fc) of ACPAs, which is catalysed by β-galactoside α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GAL1) could attenuate inflammation of RA. In this study, we screened the transcription factor of ST6GAL1 and elucidated the mechanism of transcriptionally upregulating sialylation of ACPAs in B cells to explore its role in the progression of RA.

Methods
Transcription factors interacting with the P2 promoter of ST6GAL1 were screened by DNA pull-down and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), dual luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The function of the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) on the expression of ST6GAL1 and the inflammatory effect of ACPAs were verified by knocking down and overexpressing CTCF in B cells. The CIA model was constructed from B cell–specific CTCF knockout mice to explore the effect of CTCF on arthritis progression.

Results
We observed that the levels of ST6GAL1 and ACPAs sialylation decreased in the serum of RA patients and were negatively correlated with DAS28 scores. Subsequently, CTCF was screened and verified as the transcription factor interacting with the P2 promoter of ST6GAL1, which enhances the sialylation of ACPAs, thus weakening the inflammatory activity of ACPAs. Furthermore, the above results were also verified in the CIA model constructed from B cell–specific CTCF knockout mice.

Conclusion
CCCTC-binding factor is the specific transcription factor of β-galactoside α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 in B cells that upregulates the sialylation of ACPAs in RA and attenuates the disease progression.
An economic sociology perspective on informal domestic work relations: a study of domestic workers and their employers in Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Shehryar , Syed Jawad 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The scholarship on informal domestic work remains heavily dominated by the marginalization discourse, describing this form of work as being an exploitative and abusive endeavour. In contrast, drawing on the relational work perspective from economic sociology, we conceive of informal domestic work as embedded in a relational infrastructure of social ties and reciprocal favours. In doing so, our article addresses the following overarching question: to what extent are the informal domestic work relations reciprocal instead of [or in addition to] being only exploitative and abusive? Drawing on in-depth interviews with 90 paid domestic workers and their employers, our findings reveal that while these domestic workers typically operate within the constrained opportunity structures, their work relations comprise a tacit sociological element of reciprocal benefits. However, we also conclude that by infusing these work relations with reciprocal elements, the domestic workers indeed gain something but also ultimately reinforce their unequal position.
Role of Nrf2 in 1,2-dichloropropane-induced cell proliferation and DNA damage in the mouse liver
Authors: Kimura Yusuke , Ekuban Frederick Adams , Zong Cai , Sugie Shigeyuki , Zhang Xiao , Itoh Ken , Yamamoto Masayuki , Ichihara Sahoko , Ohsako Seiichiroh , Ichihara Gaku 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
1,2-Dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) is recognized as the causative chemical of occupational cholangiocarcinoma in printing workers in Japan. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of 1,2-DCP-induced carcinogenesis remains elusive. The present study investigated cellular proliferation, DNA damage, apoptosis, and expression of antioxidant and proinflammatory genes in the liver of mice exposed daily to 1,2-DCP for 5 weeks, and the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in these responses. Wild-type and Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2−/−) mice were administered 1,2-DCP by gastric gavage, and then the livers were collected for analysis. Immunohistochemistry for BrdU or Ki67 and TUNEL assay revealed that exposure to 1,2-DCP dose-dependently increased proliferative cholangiocytes, whereas decreased apoptotic cholangiocytes in wild-type mice but not in Nrf2−/− mice. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR showed that exposure to 1,2-DCP increased the levels of DNA double-strand break marker γ-H2AX and mRNA expression levels of NQO1, xCT, GSTM1, and G6PD in the livers of wild-type mice in a dose-dependent manner, but no such changes were noted in Nrf2−/− mice. 1,2-DCP increased glutathione levels in the liver of both the wild-type and Nrf2−/− mice, suggesting that an Nrf2-independent mechanism contributes to 1,2-DCP-induced increase in glutathione level. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that exposure to 1,2-DCP induced proliferation but reduced apoptosis in cholangiocytes, and induced double-strand DNA breaks and upregulation of antioxidant genes in the liver in an Nrf2-dependent manner. The study suggests a role of Nrf2 in 1,2-DCP-induced cell proliferation, antiapoptotic effect, and DNA damage, which are recognized as key characteristics of carcinogens.
Systemic Diclofenac Sodium Reduces Post-Operative rhBMP-2 Induced Neuroinflammation - a Rodent Model Study
Authors: Liau Zi Qiang Glen , Liu Jiani Sherry , Lam Wing Moon Raymond , Weng Jiayi , Hua Lucius Ho Kang , Kok Louise , Husain Syeda Fabeha , Liu Ling , Khanna Sanjay , Wong Hee Kit 
Published: June 2023

Study Design:
This is a basic science, animal research study.

Objective:
This study aims to explore, in rodent models, the effectiveness of systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) induced neuro-inflammation.

Summary of Background Data:
rhBMP-2 is increasingly used to augment fusion in lumbar interbody fusion surgeries, although it can cause complications including post-operative radiculitis.

Methods:
Eighteen 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats underwent Hargreaves testing to measure the baseline thermal-withdrawal threshold before undergoing surgical intervention. The L5 nerve root was exposed and wrapped with an Absorbable Collagen Sponge containing rhBMP-2. Rats were randomized into three groups: low dose (LD), high dose (HD) diclofenac, and saline, receiving daily injection treatment. Hargreaves testing was performed post-operatively on Day 5 and 7. Seroma volumes were measured by aspiration and the nerve root was then harvested for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), immunohistochemistry (IHC), Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) staining and RT-qPCR. The Student’s t-test was used to evaluate the statistical significance between groups.

Results:
The intervention groups showed reduced seroma volume, and a general reduction of inflammatory markers (MMP12, MAPK6, GFAP, CD68 and IL18) compared to controls, with the reduction in MMP12 being statistically significant (p = 0.02). H&E and IHC of the nerve roots showed the highest macrophage density in the saline controls and lowest in the HD group. LFB staining showed the greatest extent of demyelination in the LD and saline groups. Lastly, Hargreaves testing, a functional measure of neuroinflammation, of the HD group demonstrated a minimal change in thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). In contrast, TWL of the LD and saline groups showed a statistically significant decrease of 35.2% and 28.0%, respectively (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
This is the first proof-of-concept study indicating that diclofenac is effective in alleviating rhBMP-2 induced neuroinflammation. This can potentially impact clinical management of rhBMP-2 induced radiculitis. It also presents a viable rodent model for evaluating the effectiveness of analgesics in reducing rhBMP-2 induced inflammation.
Fluorescence Imaging to Identify and Preserve Fifth Intercostal Sensory Nerves during Bilateral Nipple-sparing Mastectomies
Authors: Rancati Alberto O. , Angrigiani Claudio , Nahabedian Maurice Y. , Rancati Agustin , White Kevin P. 
Published: June 2023

Summary:
The use of nipple-sparing mastectomies has increased steadily over the past 10–15 years. However, one major source of patient dissatisfaction with both skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies is lost skin and/or nipple sensation postoperatively due to intraoperative, iatrogenic sensory nerve injury. We summarize the case of a 41-year-old woman with BRCA(+) breast cancer who underwent bilateral, risk-reducing nipple-sparing mastectomies, immediately followed by bilateral, direct-to-implant breast reconstruction, in whom a prototype fluorescent imaging camera was used to facilitate sensory nerve identification and preservation. Preoperatively, tactile and thermal quantitative sensory testing were performed using a 30-gauge needle to determine baseline sensory function over both breasts. Then, nipple-sparing mastectomies and direct-to-implant reconstruction were performed. Using a laterally-displaced submammary approach, the anterior intercostal artery perforator neurovascular pedicle was preserved. Then a prototype camera, which emits near-ultraviolet light, was used to detect nerve autofluorescence. Intraoperatively under near-ultraviolet light, both the fifth intercostal nerve and its sensory branches auto-fluoresced clearly, so that surgery was completed without apparent injury to the fifth intercostal nerve or any of its branches. Postoperatively, the patient reported full sensory function throughout both breasts and both nipple–areolar complexes, which was confirmed on both tactile and thermal sensory testing at 3-month follow-up. The patient experienced no complications and rated her overall satisfaction with surgery on both breasts as 10 out of 10. To our knowledge, this is the first time sensory nerve auto-fluorescence has been reported to reduce the likelihood of intraoperative, iatrogenic nerve injury and preserve sensory function.
Guidance on treatment endpoints and study design for clinical trials aiming to achieve cure in chronic hepatitis B and D: Report from the 2022 AASLD-EASL HBV-HDV Treatment Endpoints Conference
Authors: Ghany Marc G. , Buti Maria , Lampertico Pietro , Lee Hannah M. ,   on behalf of the 2022 AASLD-EASL HBV-HDV Treatment Endpoints Conference Faculty
Published: June 2023

Representatives from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and patient advocacy groups convened under the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in June 2022 with the primary goal of achieving consensus on chronic HBV and HDV treatment endpoints to guide clinical trials aiming to “cure” HBV and HDV. Conference participants reached an agreement on some key points. The preferred primary endpoint for phase II/III trials evaluating finite treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a “functional” cure, defined as sustained HBsAg loss and HBV DNA less than the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) 24 weeks off-treatment. An alternate endpoint would be “partial cure” defined as sustained HBsAg level < 100 IU/mL and HBV DNA < LLOQ 24 weeks off-treatment. Clinical trials should initially focus on patients with HBeAg positive or negative CHB, who are treatment-naive or virally suppressed on nucleos(t)ide analogs. Hepatitis flares may occur during curative therapy and should be promptly investigated and outcomes reported. HBsAg loss would be the preferred endpoint for chronic hepatitis D, but HDV RNA < LLOQ 24 weeks off-treatment is a suitable alternate primary endpoint of phase II/III trials assessing finite strategies. For trials assessing maintenance therapy, the primary endpoint should be HDV RNA < LLOQ assessed at on-treatment week 48. An alternate endpoint would be ≥2 log reduction in HDV RNA combined with normalization of alanine aminotransferase level. Suitable candidates for phase II/III trials would be treatment-naiive or experienced patients with quantifiable HDV RNA. Novel biomarkers (hepatitis B core–related antigen [HBcrAg] and HBV RNA) remain exploratory, while nucleos(t)ide analogs and pegylated interferon still have a role in combination with novel agents. Importantly, patient input is encouraged early on in drug development under the FDA/EMA patient–focused drug development programs.
Innate Immune Cytokine Levels in Eyes With Late Endothelial Keratoplasty Failure
Authors: Price Marianne O. , Marzidovsek Zala Luznik , Price Francis W. , Dana Reza 
Published: June 2023

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to compare aqueous humor cytokine levels in eyes with an initial endothelial keratoplasty (EK) that cleared and later decompensated versus control eyes.

Methods:
In this prospective case–control study, aqueous humor samples were collected under sterile conditions at the start of planned cataract or EK surgery in normal controls (n = 10), Fuchs dystrophy controls with no previous surgery (n = 10) or previous cataract surgery only (n = 10), eyes with Descemet membrane EK (DMEK) endothelial decompensation (n = 5), and eyes with Descemet stripping EK (DSEK) endothelial decompensation (n = 9). Cytokine levels were quantified with the LUNARIS Human 11-Plex Cytokine Kit and compared using the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test and post hoc Wilcoxon pairwise 2-sided multiple comparison test.

Results:
Levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12p70, and tumor necrosis factorα did not differ significantly between groups. However, IL-6 was significantly increased in DSEK regraft eyes versus controls without previous ocular surgery. IL-8 was significantly increased in eyes with previous cataract or EK surgery versus eyes without previous surgery, and IL-8 was significantly increased in DSEK regraft eyes versus eyes with previous cataract surgery.

Conclusions:
The levels of innate immune cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were elevated in the aqueous humor of eyes with failed DSEK, but not with failed DMEK. The differences between DSEK and DMEK may be related to the lower inherent immunogenicity of DMEK grafts and/or the more advanced stage of some of the DSEK graft failures at the time of diagnosis and treatment.
The ophthalmology residency match: a new era
Authors: Lin Benjamin R. , Sridhar Jayanth , Uhler Tara 
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review
The average number of applications per ophthalmology residency applicant continues to rise. The present article reviews the history and negative impacts of this trend, the dearth of effective solutions and the potential promise of preference signalling as an alternative strategy to address this and potentially improve match outcomes.

Recent findings
Application inflation adversely impacts applicants and programmes and undermines holistic review. Most recommendations to limit volume have been largely unsuccessful or undesirable. Preference signalling does not restrict applications. Early results from initial pilots in other specialties are promising. Signalling has the potential to facilitate holistic review, reduce interview hoarding and promote equitable distribution of interviews.

Summary
Preliminary data suggest preference signalling could be a useful strategy to address current issues with the Match. Building upon the blueprints and experiences of our colleagues, Ophthalmology should conduct its own investigation and consider a pilot project.
Private equity in ophthalmology: taking the long view
Authors: Zhu Jane M. , Aderman Christopher M. 
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review
Private equity's momentum in eye care remains controversial, even as investment continues to hasten the consolidation of ophthalmology and optometry practices. In this review, we discuss the growing implications of private equity activity in ophthalmology, drawing on updated empirical findings from the literature. We also examine recent legal and policy efforts to address private equity investment in healthcare, with implications for ophthalmologists considering sales to private equity.

Recent findings
Concerns about private equity centres around evidence that some investment entities are not just valuable sources of capital or business expertise, but that they take outright ownership and control of acquired practices in order to drive high returns on investment. Although practices may receive considerable benefits from private equity investment, empirical evidence suggests that private equity's most consistent effect on acquired practices is to increase spending and utilization without commensurate benefits on patient health. Although data on workforce effects are limited, an early study on workforce composition changes in private equity-acquired practices demonstrates that physicians were more likely to enter and exit a given practice than their counterparts in nonacquired practices, suggesting some degree of workforce flux. State and federal oversight of private equity's impact on healthcare may be ramping up in response to these demonstrated changes.

Summary
Private equity will continue to broaden their footprint in eye care, necessitating ophthalmologists to take the long view of private equity's net effects. For practices considering a private equity sale, recent policy developments highlight the importance of identifying and vetting a well aligned investment partner, with safeguards to preserve clinical decision-making and physician autonomy.
Comparative analysis of visual outcomes with 2 enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses
Authors: Corbelli Eleonora , Iuliano Lorenzo , Codenotti Marco , Fasce Francesco , Bandello Francesco 
Published: June 2023

Purpose:
To compare the visual performance, spectacle independence, and subjective visual quality of 2 enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs): Eyhance ICB00 and ZOE Primus-HD.

Setting:
Ophthalmology Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

Design:
Prospective case series.

Methods:
Patients without ocular comorbidities and corneal astigmatism <0.75 diopters (D) undergoing cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of enhanced monofocal Eyhance and ZOE were included. 6 months postoperatively, the following parameters were analyzed: subjective and objective refraction; monocular and binocular corrected (4 m) and uncorrected (UDVA) distance visual acuities; corrected distance, intermediate (66 cm), and near (40 cm) visual acuities, as well as uncorrected intermediate (UIVA) and uncorrected near (UNVA) visual acuities; photopic contrast sensitivity; binocular defocus curve; halo and glare perception; and spectacle independence.

Results:
100 eyes of 50 patients were evaluated (25 patients per IOL group). The 2 IOLs showed superimposable visual performances, without significant differences in terms of refractive and visual outcomes, defocus curves, contrast sensitivity, scores of vision quality, and spectacle independence. Of note, monocular and binocular UDVA was excellent in both groups. The 2 IOL models achieved satisfactory binocular UIVA, with more than 70% of patients reaching a binocular UIVA of ≤0.1 logMAR. Up to 84% of patients eventually declared to feel comfortable frequently while staying at intermediate distance.

Conclusions:
The general visual outcome of the Eyhance ICB00 and the ZOE Primus-HD enhanced monofocal IOLs is similar, with special reference to the satisfactory spectacle independence for intermediate distance.