bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tracing timing of growth in cultured molluscs using strontium spiking
Authors: de Winter Niels J. , van Sikkeleras Sterre , Goudsmit-Harzevoort Barbara , Boer Wim , de Nooijer Lennart , Reichart Gert-Jan , Claeys Philippe , Witbaard Rob 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionGrowth experiments present a powerful tool for determining the effect of environmental parameters on growth and carbonate composition in biogenic calcifiers. For successful proxy calibration and biomineralization studies, it is vital to identify volumes of carbonate precipitated by these organisms at precise intervals during the experiment. Here, we investigate the use of strontium labelling in mollusc growth experiments.MethodsThree bivalve species (Cerastoderma edule, Mytilus edulis and Ostrea edulis) were grown under monitored field conditions. The bivalves were regularly exposed to seawater with elevated concentrations of dissolved strontium chloride (SrCl2). In addition, the size of their shells was determined at various stages during the experiment using calliper measurements and digital photography. Trace element profiles were measured in cross sections through the shells of these molluscs using laser ablation ICPMS and XRF techniques.ResultsOur results show that doses of dissolved strontium equivalent to 7-8 times the background marine value (~0.6 mmol/L) are sufficient to cause reproducible peaks in shell-incorporated strontium in C. edule and M. edulis shells. No negative effects were observed on shell calcification rates. Lower doses (3-5 times background values) resulted in less clearly identifiable peaks, especially in M. edulis. Strontium spiking labels in shells of O. edulis are more difficult to detect, likely due to their irregular growth.DiscussionStrontium spiking is a useful technique for creating time marks in cultured shells and a reproducible way to monitor shell size during the growing season while limiting physical disturbance of the animals. However, accurate reconstructions of growth rates at high temporal resolution require frequent spiking with high doses of strontium.
Alterations of the intestinal microbiota in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Tianyu , Wan Zhongqi , Bai Jianhao , Xue Yawen , Dai Rushun , Wang Minli , Peng Qing 
Published: April 2023

PurposeAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in those over the age of 50. Recently, intestinal microbiota has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of ocular diseases. The purpose of this study was to discover more about the involvement of the intestinal microbiota in AMD patients.MethodsFecal samples from 30 patients with AMD (AMD group) and 17 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (control group) without any fundus disease were collected. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the samples were performed to identify intestinal microbial alterations. Further, we used BugBase for phenotypic prediction and PICRUSt2 for KEGG Orthology (KO) as well as metabolic feature prediction.ResultsThe intestinal microbiota was found to be significantly altered in the AMD group. The AMD group had a significantly lower level of Firmicutes and relatively higher levels of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota compared to those in the control group. At the genus level, the AMD patient group showed a considerably higher proportion of Escherichia-Shigella and lower proportions of Blautia and Anaerostipes compared with those in the control group. Phenotypic prediction revealed obvious differences in the four phenotypes between the two groups. PICRUSt2 analysis revealed KOs and pathways associated with altered intestinal microbiota. The abundance of the top eight KOs in the AMD group was higher than that in the control group. These KOs were mainly involved in lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicated that AMD patients had different gut microbiota compared with healthy controls, and that AMD pathophysiology might be linked to changes in gut-related metabolic pathways. Therefore, intestinal microbiota might serve as non-invasive indicators for AMD clinical diagnosis and possibly also as AMD treatment targets.
TRAF2 as a key candidate gene in clinical hepatitis B-associated liver fibrosis
Authors: Wu Cichun , Zhang Jian , Wang Huiwen , Zhang Wei , Liu Jingqing , Zhou Nianqi , Chen Keyu , Wang Ying , Peng Shifang , Fu Lei 
Published: April 2023

Objectives: Approximately 240 million individuals are infected with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. HBV infection can develop into liver fibrosis. The mechanism of HBV-related liver fibrosis has not been fully understood, and there are few effective treatment options. The goal of this study was to use transcriptomics in conjunction with experimental validation to identify new targets to treat HBV-related liver fibrosis.Methods: To identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), five liver tissues were collected from both healthy individuals and patients with chronic hepatitis B. NovoMagic and Java GSEA were used to screen DEGs and key genes, respectively. Immunocell infiltration analysis of RNA-seq data was, and the results were confirmed by Western blotting (WB), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry.Results: We evaluated 1,105 genes with differential expression, and 462 and 643 genes showed down- and upregulation, respectively. The essential genes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor-2 (TRAF2), were screened out of DEGs. TRAF2 expression was abnormally high in hepatic fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B compared with healthy controls. The degree of hepatic fibrosis and serum levels of glutamate transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) were positively linked with TRAF2 expression. TRAF2 may be crucial in controlling T lymphocyte-mediated liver fibrosis.Conclusion: Our findings imply that TRAF2 is essential for HBV-induced liver fibrosis progression, and it may potentially be a promising target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis B.
Somatic alterations of TP53 and MDM2 associated with response to enfortumab vedotin in patients with advanced urothelial cancer
Authors: Jindal Tanya , Zhu Xiaolin , Bose Rohit , Kumar Vipul , Maldonado Edward , Deshmukh Prianka , Shipp Chase , Feng Stephanie , Johnson Michelle S. , Angelidakis Austin , Kwon Daniel , Borno Hala T. , de Kouchkovsky Ivan , Desai Arpita , Aggarwal Rahul , Fong Lawrence , Small Eric J. , Wong Anthony , Porten Sima , Chou Jonathan , Friedlander Terence , Koshkin Vadim S. 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundEnfortumab vedotin (EV) is an antibody-drug conjugate approved for patients with treatment-refractory advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC), however data on biomarkers of response is lacking.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all aUC patients at our institution who received EV monotherapy and had next-generation sequencing (NGS) data available. Patients were considered responders if they had a complete response or partial response on restaging scans during treatment. Observed response rate (ORR) was evaluated by local investigator and compared between responders and non-responders using Chi-squared test. A univariable analysis was conducted using the Cox proportional hazard test to assess for associations between baseline characteristics and most common somatic alterations (in ≥10% of patients) with patient survival outcomes [progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)]. Somatic alterations were then individually evaluated in separate multivariate models while accounting for patient and clinical characteristics using Cox regression models.ResultsAmong 29 patients treated with EV monotherapy, 27 had available NGS data. Median age was 70, 24 (83%) were men, 19 (62%) were Caucasian, 15 (52%) had pure urothelial histology and 22 (76%) had primary tumor in the bladder. ORR was 41%, and PFS and OS for the overall cohort were 5.1 months and 10.2 months. Responders were enriched among patients with TP53, KDM6A and MDM2 alterations. Patients with these alterations, as well as those with composite TP53/MDM2 alterations (alterations in either TP53 or MDM2), also had increased ORR with EV treatment compared to patients without these alterations. In the univariable analysis, baseline albumin level ≥ 3.0g/dL and presence of composite TP53/MDM2 alterations were associated with a prolonged OS. Baseline ECOG 0/1, TP53 alterations and TP53/MDM2 alterations were associated with a prolonged PFS. In the multivariable analysis, TP53 and TP53/MDM2 alterations were genomic markers predictive of improved PFS after accounting for the relevant clinical characteristics.ConclusionIn this single-center retrospective analysis of aUC patients treated with EV, presence of TP53 or MDM2 somatic alterations, lower ECOG PS scores (ECOG 0 or 1) and higher albumin levels (≥3 g/dL) were associated with improved outcomes with EV treatment. Prospective and external validation of these findings in larger cohorts is warranted.
Hyperpolarization electrical signals induced by local action of moderate heating influence photosynthetic light reactions in wheat plants
Authors: Yudina Lyubov , Sukhova Ekaterina , Popova Alyona , Zolin Yuriy , Abasheva Karina , Grebneva Kseniya , Sukhov Vladimir 
Published: April 2023

Local action of stressors induces fast changes in physiological processes in intact parts of plants including photosynthetic inactivation. This response is mediated by generation and propagation of depolarization electrical signals (action potentials and variation potentials) and participates in increasing plant tolerance to action of adverse factors. Earlier, we showed that a local action of physiological stimuli (moderate heating and blue light), which can be observed under environmental conditions, induces hyperpolarization electrical signals (system potentials) in wheat plants. It potentially means that these signals can play a key role in induction of fast physiological changes under the local action of environmental stressors. The current work was devoted to investigation of influence of hyperpolarization electrical signals induced by the local action of the moderate heating and blue light on parameters of photosynthetic light reactions. A quantum yield of photosystem II (ФPSII) and a non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence (NPQ) in wheat plants were investigated. It was shown that combination of the moderate heating (40°C) and blue light (540 µmol m-2s-1) decreased ФPSII and increased NPQ; these changes were observed in 3-5 cm from border of the irritated zone and dependent on intensity of actinic light. The moderate soil drought (7 days) increased magnitude of photosynthetic changes and shifted their localization which were observed on 5-7 cm from the irritated zone; in contrast, the strong soil drought (14 days) suppressed these changes. The local moderate heating decreased ФPSII and increased NPQ without action of the blue light; in contrast, the local blue light action without heating weakly influenced these parameters. It meant that just local heating was mechanism of induction of the photosynthetic changes. Finally, propagation of hyperpolarization electrical signals (system potentials) was necessary for decreasing ФPSII and increasing NPQ. Thus, our results show that hyperpolarization electrical signals induced by the local action of the moderate heating inactivates photosynthetic light reactions; this response is similar with photosynthetic changes induced by depolarization electrical signals. The soil drought and actinic light intensity can influence parameters of these photosynthetic changes.
Individual and mutual effects of elevated carbon dioxide and temperature on salt and cadmium uptake and translocation by rice seedlings
Authors: Feng Yu-Xi , Tian Peng , Li Cheng-Zhi , Zhang Qing , Trapp Stefan , Yu Xiao-Zhang 
Published: April 2023

Plant kingdoms are facing increasingly harsh environmental challenges marked by the coexposure of salinity and pollution in the pedosphere and elevated CO2 and temperature in the atmosphere due to the rapid acceleration of industrialization and global climate change. In this study, we deployed a hydroponics-based experiment to explore the individual and mutual effects of different temperatures (low temperature, T1: 23°C; high temperature, T2: 27°C) and CO2 concentrations (ambient CO2: 360 ppm; medium CO2: 450 ppm; high CO2: 700 ppm) on the uptake and translocation of sodium chloride (NaCl, 0.0, 0.2, 0.6, and 1.1 g Na/L) and cadmium nitrate (Cd(NO3)2·4H2O, 0.0, 0.2, 1.8, and 5.4 mg Cd/L) by rice seedlings. The results indicated that Cd and Na exposure significantly (P&lt; 0.05) inhibited plant growth, but T2 and medium/high CO2 alleviated the effects of Cd and Na on plant growth. Neither significant synergistic nor antagonistic effects of Cd and Na were observed, particularly not at T1 or high CO2. At increasing temperatures, relative growth rates increased despite higher concentrations of Cd and Na in both rice roots and shoots. Similarly, higher CO2 stimulated the growth rate but resulted in significantly lower concentrations of Na, while the Cd concentration was highest at medium CO2. Coexposure experiments suggested that the concentration of Cd in roots slightly declined with additional Na and more at T2. Overall, our preliminary study suggested that global climate change may alter the distribution of mineral and toxic elements in rice plants as well as the tolerance of the plants.
Time trends in cardiovascular disease mortality attributable to non-optimal temperatures in China: An age-period-cohort analysis using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Wei Jiehua , Wang Peiwen , Xia Fan , Miao Junxiang , Zhou Xuan , Yang Ziqi , Gong Ziqiang , Chen Lizhang , Wang Tingting 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundAssociations between non-optimal temperatures and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality risk have been previously reported, yet the trends of CVD mortality attributable to non-optimal temperatures remain unclear in China. We analyzed trends in CVD mortality attributable to non-optimal temperatures and associations with age, period, and birth cohort.MethodsData were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to calculate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC) from 1990 to 2019. We used the age-period-cohort model to analyze age, period, and cohort effects in CVD mortality attributable to non-optimal temperatures between 1990 and 2019.ResultsThe age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of CVD attributable to non-optimal temperature generally declined in China from 1990 to 2019, whereas ischemic heart disease (IHD) increased slightly. Low temperatures have a greater death burden than high temperatures, but the death burden from high temperatures showed steady increases. Joinpoint regression analysis showed that CVD mortality decreased in all age groups except for IHD, and the decreases were greater in females than in males. The mortality of CVD attributable to non-optimal temperatures of males was higher than females. The mortality rate showed an upwards trend with age across all CVD categories. Period risks were generally found in unfavorable trends. The cohort effects showed a progressive downward trend during the entire period.ConclusionAlthough there have been reductions in CVD mortality attributable to non-optimum temperatures, the mortality of IHD has increased and the burden from non-optimal temperatures remains high in China. In the context of global climate change, our results call for more attention and strategies to address climate change that protect human health from non-optimal temperatures.
The SNABB ADHD treatment scale—An easy-to-use scale on treatment monitoring in childhood ADHD: A pilot study
Authors: Nylander Elin , Hermansson Jonas , Nygren Gudrun 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionInformation from parents and teachers are essential in the treatment monitoring of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Rating scales are infrequently used in the treatment monitoring, and clinicians are signalling logistic barriers in the administration of rating scales in clinical settings. Here, we aimed to try out a new easy-to-use scale to facilitate information sharing between parents, teachers, and medical staff, in the treatment of childhood ADHD.MethodsWe examined the SNABB scale in a clinical sample of 27 child- and adolescent patients with any type of ADHD, in a routine clinical setting. We compared the outcome of the new SNABB scale with the commonly used Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Teacher and Parent ADHD rating scale—version IV (SNAP-IV).ResultsThe SNABB questions concerning ADHD cardinal symptoms hyperactivity and impulsivity were associated with the concurrent SNAP-IV subscale, with moderate to strong correlations. The SNABB inattention question failed all associations with the concurrent SNAP-IV inattention subscale. A secondary finding was that the SNABB mood regulation question correlated with the SNAP-IV ODD-subscale at all three measure points.ConclusionPresent pilot study brings promising results for the possibility to carry out larger scale studies concerning the psychometric properties of the SNABB scale.
Continuous non-locking vs. interrupted suturing techniques for the repair of episiotomy or second-degree perineal tears: A single-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Faal Siahkal Shahla , Abedi Parvin , Iravani Mina , Esfandiarinezhad Parvin , Dastoorpoor Maryam , Bakhtiari Shahla , Najafian Mahin , Sharifipour Foruzan , Mohaghegh Zaynab 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivePerineal trauma is a serious and frequent problem after childbirth which is experienced by millions of women worldwide. The technique used for perineal repair may have an impact on pain and wound healing. The aim of the present study was to compare the continuous non-locking technique with interrupted suturing for the repair of episiotomy or second-degree perineal tears.MethodsA single-blind randomized-controlled trial was conducted from October 2021 to August 2022 in Sina Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. Three hundred women were selected and randomly assigned into control and intervention groups using block randomization technique. The main outcomes included pain and wound healing that were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS), as well as redness, edema, ecchymosis/bruising, discharge, and approximation scale (REEDA). The secondary outcomes were the use of analgesics, duration of perineal repair, material used for suturing, pain during urination and defecation, and resumption of sexual intercourse. The participants were followed up on the first and seventh days and in the 6th week postpartum. Mann-Whitney, Chi-square, and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) model were used for data analysis.ResultsWound healing was significantly better in the continuous non-locking suture technique compared to the interrupted technique (β = −1.98; P &gt; 0.0001). Women also experienced less pain in the continuous non-locking suture technique (β = −2.46; P &gt; 0.0001). There was a reduction in the use of analgesics, the duration of perineal repair, and the material used for suturing in the continuous non-locking suturing technique as opposed to the interrupted method (P &lt; 0.0001).The odds of pain during urination and defecation significantly reduced in women who underwent the continuous non-locking method (P &lt; 0.001). Also, women in the continuous non-locking group resumed their sexual intercourse earlier (P &lt; 0.0001).ConclusionThe findings of this study revealed that use of continuous non-locking technique for suturing was associated with reduced perineal pain and improved wound healing. Furthermore, it was associated with a shorter duration of perineal repair, less suture material used, and less need for analgesics compared with the interrupted method. There is, however, need for more studies to confirm the results of the present study.Iranian registry for randomized controlled trials (Ref. ID: IRCT20190415043283N1).
Performance of Serum Quad Test in Screening for Fetal Down Syndrome in a Large-Scale Unselected Population in a Developing Country
Authors: Chaipongpun Nitchanut , Wanapirak Chanane , Sirichotiyakul Supatra , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Srisupundit Kasemsri , Luewan Suchaya , Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Jatavan Phudit , Sirilert Sirinart , Tongsong Theera 
Published: April 2023

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Quad test in the detection of Down syndrome (DS) in routine practice among a large-scale population and to compare the effectiveness of Quad test based on the Western reference model (WM) and that based on Thai reference model (TM).Methods: Quad test was performed on 42,769 pregnancies at 14–21 weeks. The fetal risk of DS derived from Quad test was automatically computed based on WM and used in evaluating the effectiveness. Also, the fetal risk was calculated based on the TM.Results: Of 39,740 women with complete follow-ups including 74 fetuses with DS, with WM, the detection and false positive rates were 81.1% and 7.2%, respectively, whereas the detection and false positive rates with TM were 87.8%, and 6.8%, respectively. According to ROC curves, the performance of Quad test based on TM was slightly but significantly better than that based on WM (AUC of 0.959 vs. 0.940, p = 0.001).Conclusion: Quad test is highly effective in service settings and suitable for developing countries and the effectiveness is even higher when based on ethnicity-specific reference model.
Análisis de la aplicación metodológica para el desarrollo de proyectos de la agencia de renovación del territorio – ART
Authors: Hernandez Hector Andres , Zarate-Reyes Ruth , Lozano-Londoño José David 
Published: April 2023

Las metodologías aplicadas a diferentes proyectos en el mundo, son analizadas en este artículo cuyo propósito es la identificación de criterios y aspectos que pueden ser aplicados en una metodología propuesta para la Agencia de Renovación del Territorio-ART, en Colombia. Lecciones aprendidas tanto de casos exitosos como otros que promueven una revisión más amplia de los enfoques y procesos aplicados a proyectos, permiten en este artículo una propuesta metodológica, frente a la gestión de involucrados, las fases de los proyectos, un marco regulatorio, un enfoque de bienestar y colaborativo, cuya eventual aplicación en la ART, puedan generar resultados de desarrollo local sostenible.