bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of posterior staphyloma in myopic maculopathy and visual prognosis
Authors: Flores-Moreno Ignacio , Puertas Mariluz , Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Almazán-Alonso Elena , García-Zamora María , Ruiz-Moreno Jose M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Posterior staphyloma is a hallmark of high myopia and its presence associate higher degrees of myopic maculopathy, nevertheless it is still unclear its development, repercussion on visual function and relationship with maculopathy components.
The objective was to analyze the impact of posterior staphyloma on the incidence and severity of myopic maculopathy and its repercussion on visual prognosis.
Subjects/Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 473 consecutive eyes of 259 highly myopic patients examined at Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda University Hospital (Madrid, Spain).
All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), ATN grading and multimodal imaging. Presence of posterior staphyloma, pathologic myopia (PM) and severe PM were determined.
Results: Posterior staphyloma was present in 69.4% of eyes, 73.5% were categorized as primary according to Curtin’s classification. Eyes with posterior staphyloma compared to non-staphyloma were older (p<0.05), had greater AL (p<0.01), worse BCVA (p<0.01) and higher stage in ATN components (p<0.01). Moreover, compound subgroup showed worse BCVA (p<0.01) and greater stage in each of the ATN components (p<0.01). Staphylomas with macular involvement presented worse BCVA (p<0.01), higher AL (p<0.01), and greater ATN (p<0.05). The risk of posterior staphyloma presence in eyes with PM and severe PM eyes was 89.8% and 96.7%, respectively. Posterior staphyloma was the best predictor for BCVA in myopic patients (p<0.01).
Conclusions: Posterior staphyloma presence determines high risk of myopic maculopathy and therefore worse visual prognosis, especially those with macular involvement. Posterior staphyloma represented the best predictor for BCVA in highly myopic patients.
Is particulate organic carbon transported to the deep-ocean increasing with the growing ocean carbon sink
Authors: Tian Detong , Li Xuegang , Song Jinming , Zhong Guorong , Ma Jun , Wang Yanjun , Yuan Huamao , Duan Liqin , Li Ning , Wang Qidong , Xing Jianwei , Qu Baoxiao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In recent years, the ocean carbon sink has been increasing due to the rising atmospheric CO2 concentration, and the oceanic oxygen minimum zone (OMZ, 0-200m) is expanding due to ocean warming and strengthened ocean stratification. So, will the strengthening of ocean carbon sink and the expansion of the OMZ lead to more POC being transported to the deep ocean? On the basis of 16208 POC data in 547 stations obtained from sediment traps since the 1970s worldwide, the POC fluxes in the OMZ increase, however, that in the deep ocean tended to decrease over recent decades, which means that the growing ocean carbon sink and the OMZ expansion didn’t lead to more POC being transported to the deep ocean. In addition, the remineralization of POC in the OMZ consumes large amounts of dissolved oxygen (DO), in turn contributing to the expansion of the OMZ.
The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Rejection Sensitivity and Resilience in Patients with Thalassemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Southeastern Iran
Authors: Ghonchehpour Asma , Forouzi Mansooreh Azizzadeh , Dehghan Mahlagha , Ahmadi Atefeh , Okou Gloria , Tirgari Batool 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Thalassemia is a genetic and chronic congenital disorder composed of physical problems that severely impair patients’ cognitive, psychological and social processes. The rehabilitation of patients is particularly important because they have a high rejection sensitivity and low resilience. The present study aimed to determine the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling on rejection sensitivity and resilience in patients with thalassemia referring to a dedicated disease center in southeastern Iran.
Materials and methods
We conducted this randomized controlled trial study on 66 patients with thalassemia referring to the Kerman Thalassemia Center in southeastern Iran in 2022. Using convenience sampling and the stratified block randomization method, we divided the samples into two intervention (N = 33) and control (N = 33) groups. Patients in the intervention group received eight 60-minute online mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling sessions (one session per week) and completed the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Adult Version (A-RSQ) and the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale before and after the intervention. We collected data using the SPSS 25 trial and descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation), Chi-Square test, Independent-samples t-test, Fisher's exact test, Paired t-test, the Wilcoxon U test and Mann Whitney. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results
We found no significant difference in the mean scores of rejection sensitivity and resilience between the intervention (8.75 ± 4.86) and control (9.87 ± 5.16) groups before the intervention. Mean scores for rejection sensitivity and resilience were 10.23 ± 4.94 in the control group and 7.11 ± 4.13 in the intervention group after the intervention, showing a 1.56-point reduction in the rejection sensitivity score of the intervention group and a 0.37-point increase in the rejection sensitivity score of the control group, but the scores were not significantly different (p = 0.08). The mean resilience score in the control group was 63.69 ± 19.43, while it was 67.72 ± 17.98 in the intervention group before the intervention, but the mean resilience scores in the control and intervention groups were 58.06 ± 22.81 and 74.18 ± 17.46 after the intervention, respectively. The resilience score had a 6.64-point increase in the intervention group, while it had a 5.48-point reduction in the control group, so a significant difference was available between the two groups (p = 0.01).
Conclusion
Our results showed that in addition to other physical treatments, mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling was effective in increasing the resilience of patients with thalassemia.
Perception Versus Reality: Analysis of Time Spent on Bedside Rounds in an Academic ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
Authors: Ahmed Haroon , King Austin B. , Mohamed Nada , Mokaya Erica , Chapman Kyle , Leonard Rachel 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Despite its importance, teaching at the bedside is declining over time. This purported decline has not been quantified. Quantifying bedside teaching is challenging, and we found only one study quantifying bedside teaching on a hospitalist service.
Objective: We conducted a study to understand the prevalence of bedside teaching in our medical intensive care unit.
Methods: We conducted a single-center single-unit study in the medical intensive care unit of an academic tertiary care institution. We useda survey tool to assess perceived time spent on bedside teaching, quality of teaching, and total rounding time. In parallel, independent observers objectively measured time spent on rounds and on bedside teaching. Residents were asked to complete the survey once a week. Independent observers collected data daily and weekly averages were obtained.
Results: 43 responses were collected over a 4-month period. Most respondents (73%) reported a total rounding time of either 90-120 min or greater than 120 min. Median reported bedside teaching time was 16-20 min with 16 respondents (37%) reporting less than 15 min and 27 respondents (63%) reporting 16 min or more. The amount of time spent on bedside teaching was reported as adequate or more than adequate by 77% (33) of respondents with 58% (25) reporting that bedside teaching was very or extremely effective in helping them learn.
Mean census reported by the independent observers was 12.75 patients per team. Bedside teaching represented an average of 12% of total rounding time, 16.85 minutes per day. While total rounding time increased with increasing census, there was no decline in bedside teaching time.
Conclusion: It is reported that bedside teaching has decreased over time. Our study has demonstrated that bedside teaching occurs in our Medical ICU, and though it represents a minority of the time spent on rounds, residents still reported teaching in the ICU to be adequate.
Exploring discrimination and dental academic career progression in the UK and Ireland: “How many minority ethnic deans are there?” - free text comments from a survey of dental academics
Authors: Penlington Chris , Freeman Zoe , Fathi Hawa , Shazada Khaleel , Waterhouse Paula 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Diversity is known to be important but diversity of dental school academics in the UK and Ireland is low in comparison with the dental profession and the overall population. The aims were to explore whether UK and Ireland dental school academics are satisfied with their career progression, whether they believe that there are barriers to career progression in dental schools based on protected characteristics, and experience of discrimination at work.
Methods: An online survey, including four free-text questions related to the study aims, was circulated by Dental Schools Council to dental academics at all UK and Ireland dental schools. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse free-text comments.
Results and discussion: There were 192 responses from 20 dental schools. Five data categories were constructed which highlight the impact of discrimination in dental academia, the importance of opportunities and support, different perspectives of diversity and discrimination, and academic and institutional culture.
Conclusion: Staff perceived and experienced barriers to career progression. Many were satisfied with their career progression, but a proportion of staff expressed dissatisfaction and attributed this to discrimination based upon protected characteristics. The culture in dental schools is beginning to change to address factors contributing to inequality in dental academia.
The clinical utility of genetic technologies in prenatally diagnosed cleft lip and or palate – a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Degang , Lu Jian , Yin Aihua , Tan Haowen , Lu Jiaqi , Ji Xueqi , Ding Hongke , Liu Qian , Tang Hui , Wang Limin , Huang Yanlin , Zhang Victor Wei , Wang Chunli , Liu Fenghua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
When a fetus was found has cleft lip palate (CL/P) by prenatal anatomical ultrasound assessment, it is difficult to determine the CL/P is isolated or companied with other animalities such as intellectual disability. We preformed comprehensive genetic test to support prenatal genetic counselling for CL/P fetus which is detected by ultrasound screening.
Methods
105 unrelated fetuses with CL/P were enrolled. After excluding aneuploidy cases, SNP array and clinical exome sequencing (CES) were preformed simultaneously. All the fetuses were followed-up.
Results
Fetuses with CL/P were divided into two groups, cleft lip (CL)and cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP/CLP). The detection rate was 12.4% (13/105) of the cases, in which SNP array contributed 3.8% (4/105) while CES added 8.6% yields. The positive rate of the CL group was lower than that of the CP/CLP group (0% (0/23) versus 15.9% (13/82), P = 0.067). CP/CLP with additional anomalies has higher positive rate than that of the apparently isolated CP/CLP (53.3% (8/15) versus 7.5% (5/67), P < 0.001). Furthermore, midline or bilateral CP/CLP had different yields in subgroups of CP/CLP. The rate of termination of pregnancy in positive group is much higher than that of the negative group (84.6% (11/13) versus 36.9% (31/84)).
Conclusion
Prenatal diagnosis with SNP array companied with CES was helpful for etiology analysis of fetuses with CL/P. Genetic etiology analysis was more valuable for CP/CLP than for CL. Moreover, SNP array companied with CES could change the clinical outcome for prenatal CL/P fetuses and reduce the residual risk for negative cases.
Synthetic cell-penetrating RAS-binding peptide for the treatment of KRAS-mutated cancer
Authors: Park Yoon Jeong , Yoon Gookjin , Suh Jinsook , Jo Beom Soo , Lee Dong Woo , Kim Deogil , Choi Moonsil , Jeong Eui Kyun , Lee Hoo Cheol , Lee Jue-Yeon , Chung Chong Pyung , Park Yoon Shin 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The RAS-RAF-ERK1/2 pathway is a crucial target for anticancer drug development because of the high prevalence of ERK activation in human cancers. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are pivotal intracellular cascade molecules critical in all eukaryotic cells for the recognition of and response to external stimuli. RAS plays an important role with respect to cell proliferation. MDA-MB-231 is a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line carrying a G13D KRAS mutant; hence, it is resistant to drugs. Herein, the authors evaluated a synthetic cell-penetrating peptide that binds to RAS with high affinity (termed RAS-binding peptide, RBP) for the treatment of MDA-MB-231 cancer. In this study, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited reduced proliferation since RBP inhibited the interaction between RAS and RAF. Moreover, a decrease in RBP-treated MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion were observed. The expression of phosphorylatedERK1/2 and RAF-bound RAS was reduced by RBP treatment. In chicken egg xenografts, RBP inhibited tumor growth and metastatic invasion. Infiltration of immune cells was evaluated via histopathological analysis, and reduction in the level of Ki-67, a proliferation marker in human tumor cells, was evident through immunohistochemical (IHC). Taken together, the peptide RBP was suggested to be a new therapeutic target in RAS-mutated cancer.
Transient Absorption of Warm Dense Matter Created by an X-Ray Free-Electron Laser
Authors: Mercadier Laurent , Benediktovitch Andrei , Krusic Spela , Schlappa J. , Agåker Marcus , Carley Robert , Fazio Giuseppe , Gerasimova Natalia , Kim Young Yong , Guyader Loïc Le , Mercurio Giuseppe , Parchenko Sergii , Rubensson Jan-Erik , Serkez Svitozar , Stransky Michal , Teichmann Martin , Yin Zhong , Žitnik Matjaz , Scherz Andreas , Ziaja-Motyka Beata , Rohringer Nina 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Warm dense matter (WDM) is a ubiquitous state of matter encountered in various high energy density environments, at the frontier between a plasma and a condensed phase. It is key to astrophysics, planetary science and inertial confinement fusion research, but its electronic and ionic structure and dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, an intense and ultrafast X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) pulse is used to simultaneously create and characterize warm dense copper via L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The rich electron dynamics occurring within the 15-femtosecond pulse duration are revealed over a large irradiation intensity range. Below 1015 W cm-2, an absorption peak below the L-edge appears, originating from the depletion of the 3d band, and shows a distinct energy redshift with increasing intensity. This shift is a possible signature of ionization potential depression and electronic bond hardening. At higher intensities, massive ionization and collisions lead to the transition from reverse saturable absorption (opening absorption channels) to saturable absorption (material bleaching) of the XFEL pulse, an effect that holds promise for X-ray pulse shaping. The presented method is applicable to a wide range of materials and constitutes a robust benchmark for non-equilibrium models of electron dynamics in WDM.
Vascular dysfunction caused by loss of Brn-3b/POU4F2 transcription factor in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells is linked to deregulation of calcium signaling pathways.
Authors: Yogendran Vaishaali , Mele Laura , Prysyazhna Oleksandra , Ponticos Markella , Budhram-Mahadeo Vishwanie 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Phenotypic and functional changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) but factors driving early adverse vascular changes are poorly understood. We report on novel and important roles for the Brn-3b/POU4F2 (Brn-3b) transcription factor (TF) in controlling VSMC integrity and function. Brn-3b protein is expressed in mouse aorta with localisation to VSMCs. Male Brn-3b KO aortas displayed extensive remodelling with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, elastin fiber disruption and aortic coarctation. RNA sequencing analysis showed that these effects were linked to deregulation of genes required for calcium (Ca2+) signaling, vascular contractility, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (S/ER) stress responses and immune function in Brn-3b KO aortas and validation studies confirmed changes in Ca2+ signalling genes linked to increased intracellular Ca2+ and S/ER Ca2+ depletion [e.g. increased, Cacna1d Ca2+ channels; ryanodine receptor 2, (RyR2) and phospholamban (PLN) but reduced ATP2a1, encoding SERCA1 pump and chaperone proteins, Hspb1, HspA8, DnaJa1 linked to increased S/ER stress, which also contributes to contractile dysfunction. Accordingly, vascular rings from Brn-3b KO aortas displayed attenuated contractility in response to KCl or phenylephrine (PE) while Brn-3b KO-derived VSMC displayed abnormal Ca2+ signalling following ATP stimulation. This data suggests that Brn-3b target genes are necessary to maintain vascular integrity and contractile function and deregulation upon loss of Brn-3b will contribute to contractile dysfunction and CVD.
Plastid genome data provide new insights into the phylogeny and evolution of the Subtribe Swertiinae
Authors: Yang Lucun , Deng Shengxue , Zhu Yongqing , Da Qiling 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Subtribe Swertiinae, belonging to Gentianaceae, is one of the most taxonomically difficult representatives. The intergeneric and infrageneric classification and phylogenetic relationships within Subtribe Swertiinae are controversial and unresolved.
Methods
With the aim of clarifying the circumscription of taxa within the Subtribe Swertiinae, comparative and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using 34 Subtribe Swertiinae chloroplast genomes (4 newly sequenced) representing 9 genera.
Results
The results showed that 34 chloroplast genomes of Subtribe Swertiinae were smaller and ranged in size from 149,036 to 154,365 bp, each comprising two inverted repeat regions (size range 25,069 − 26,126 bp) that separated large single-copy (80,432 − 84,153 bp) and small single-copy (17,887 − 18,47 bp) regions, and all chloroplast genomes showed similar gene order, content, and structure. These chloroplast genomes contained 129–134 genes each, including 84–89 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. The chloroplast genomes of Subtribe Swertiinae appeared to lose some genes, such as the rpl33, rpl2 and ycf15 genes. Nineteen hypervariable regions, including trnC-GCA-petN, trnS-GCU-trnR-UCU, ndhC-trnV-UAC, trnC-GCA-petN, psbM-trnD-GUC, trnG-GCC-trnfM-CAU, trnS-GGA-rps4, ndhC-trnV-UAC, accD-psaI, psbH-petB, rpl36-infA, rps15-ycf1, ycf3, petD, ndhF, petL, rpl20, rpl15 and ycf1, were screened, and 36–63 SSRs were identified as potential molecular markers. Positive selection analyses showed that two genes (ccsA and psbB) were proven to have high Ka/Ks ratios, indicating that chloroplast genes may have undergone positive selection in evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 34 Subtribe Swertiinae species formed a monophyletic clade including two evident subbranches, and Swertia was paraphyly with other related genera, which were distributed in different clades.
Conclusion
These results provide valuable information to elucidate the phylogeny, divergence time and evolution process of Subtribe Swertiinae.
Conjunctive use of Drone-mounted Sonar and Water Penetrating Radar for Reservoir Water Resource and Vulnerability
Authors: Ruffell Alastair , O’Keefe Amy 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Mathematical calculation and direct measurement comprise two groups of overlapping methods used in estimating water volume. This work proposes and tests (in four contrasting lakes) a blend of these, using a dual proxy approach of Sonar and Water Penetrating Radar (WPR), both of which can be mounted on, or lowered from a drone (or unmanned aerial vehicle). The two methods can be used to validate each other: used from a drone they provide access to hazardous locations. Data may be further analysed for spatial patterns in GIS and downloaded, then digitised for volume calculation. Commercial fishing Sonar devices and basic drones are now of moderate price, making this method attractive to private landowners and low-income governments and organisations. Radar, whilst more expensive has the advantages of imaging water depths through weed and gas bubbles and assessing sediment thickness/geometry. Sonar has the advantage of cost-effective and easy drone deployment.
Early presence of Homo sapiens by 86-68 kyrs in Southeast Asia at Tam Pà Ling cave, Northern Laos.
Authors: Freidline Sarah , Westaway Kira , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Duringer Philippe , Ponche Jean-Luc , Morley Mike , Hernandez Vito Paolo , McAllister-Hayward Meghan , McColl Hugh , Zanolli Clément , Gunz Philipp , Bergmann Inga , Sichanthongtip Phonephanh , Sihanam Daovee , Boualaphane Souliphane , Luangkhoth Thonglith , Souksavatdy Viengkeo , Dosseto Anthony , Boesch Quentin , Patole-Edoumba Elise , Aubaile Françoise , Crozier Françoise , Suzzoni Eric , Frangeul Sébastien , Bourgon Nicolas , Zachwieja Alexandra , Dunn Tyler , Bacon Anne-Marie , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Shackelford Laura , Demeter Fabrice 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe timing of the first arrival ofHomo sapiensin East Asia from Africa and the degree to which they interbred with or replaced local archaic populations is controversial. Previous discoveries from Tam Pà Ling cave (Laos) identifiedH. sapiensin Southeast Asia by 46 kyr. We report on a new frontal bone (TPL 6) and slightly older tibial fragment (TPL 7) discovered in the deepest layers of TPL. Bayesian modeling of luminescence dating of sediments and U-series and combined U-series-ESR dating of mammalian teeth reveals a depositional sequence spanning ~ 86 kyr. TPL 6 confirms the presence ofH. sapiensby 70 ± 3 kyr, and TPL 7 extends this range to 77 ± 9 kyr, supporting an early dispersal ofH. sapiensinto Southeast Asia. Geometric morphometric analyses of TPL 6 suggest descent from a gracile immigrant population rather than evolution from or admixture with local archaic populations.