bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Southern California winter precipitation variability revealed by 100-year ocean salinity record
Authors: Byrne Sierra , Merrifield Mark , Carter Melissa , Cayan Dan , Flick Reinhard , Gershunov Alexander , Giddings Sarah 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A century-long daily sea surface salinity (SSS) record from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Pier, La Jolla, CA features short-term (~ 1 week) fresh anomalies (< -0.3 psu) associated with rain events. During the peak wet season (January-March, JFM) the SSS anomaly 10% quantile (SSS10) correlates significantly with nearby river outflow, local and regional measures of precipitation, as well as with a similar SSS10 time series from the Newport Beach Pier (100 km to the north), indicating that the Scripps salinity record provides a measure of year-to-year variations in regional winter precipitation levels and runoff to the coastal ocean. Correlations between SSS10 and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) indices are low; however, negative ENSO (La Niña) and PDO phases correspond consistently with high SSS10/dry winters. In particular, high SSS10 winters tend to cluster during negative decadal phases of the PDO, including a notable three-decade span from 1944–1977 and the current unusually dry period since 2006. Low SSS10/wet winters occur during positive PDO and ENSO phases, although not exclusively, as dry winters are as likely during positive phases. Shifts in Northeast Pacific wind and moisture climatologies, captured in reference to ENSO and PDO phases, help to interpret wet winter variations captured by the salinity record. The long SSS10 time series emphasizes the strong constraint that negative ENSO and PDO phases have on winter drought conditions in southern California, and provides an ocean-based metric for assessing decadal rainfall variations that impact the region.
Implication of glomerular endothelial expression of interferon-stimulated gene 20, an antiviral effector protein, in human kidney inflammation
Authors: Karasawa Takao , Sato Riko , Imaizumi Tadaatsu , Fujita Masashi , Aizawa Tomomi , Tsugawa Koji , Kawaguchi Shogo , Seya Kazuhiko , Tanaka Hiroshi 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Besides regulating the antiviral response, increased expression of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in resident renal cells plays a role in the development of some forms of glomerulonephritis. TLR3 activation leads to the production of type I interferon (IFN), which subsequently induces the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). We previously reported that in glomerular resident cells, ISG20 expression is regulated via TLR3/ IFN-β signaling, however, its detailed implications remain undetermined. Methods: Cultured normal human glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) were treated with polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly-IC), Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), R848, and CpG (TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, and TLR9 agonists). ISG20, CX3CL1/fractalkine and CXCL10/IP-10 mRNA levels were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ISG20 protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. RNA interference (siRNA) was used to knockdown IFN-β and ISG20. CX3CL1 protein levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: In GECs, the expression of ISG20 mRNA and protein was increased by poly-IC but not by LPS, R848, or CpG treatment. siRNA-mediated knockdown of IFN-β inhibited the poly-IC-induced ISG20 expression. Moreover, ISG20 knockdown prevented the poly-IC-induced expression of CX3CL1, a representative chemokine that acts as a strong macrophage chemoattractant, whereas it had no effect on CXCL10 expression. Conclusion: In GECs, ISG20 is regulated via TLR3 but not via TLR4, TLR7, or TLR9 signaling, and ISG20 is involved in regulating CX3CL1 production. Besides regulating antiviral innate immunity, ISG20 may act as a mediator of CX3CL1 production, thereby inducing glomerular inflammation. Thus, modulating ISG20 expression might be a possible therapeutic strategy for glomerulonephritis.
European Road Transport Policy Assessment: A case study for Germany
Authors: Schulthoff Michael , Kaltschmitt Martin , Balzer Christoph , Wilbrand Karsten , Pomrehn Michael 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In the EU, the transport sector is the only sector with increasing GHG emissions compared to 1990. While harmful emissions have decreased due to successful regulation, transport performance, fossil fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions have continued to increase, despite powertrain efficiency improvements. Meaningful regulation, which can be market-based (MBI) and non-market-based (NMBI) by nature, is needed to meet climate targets. To understand the mechanisms, effects and limitations of MBI and NMBI, this study investigates and evaluates selected regulations in the German road transportation sector until 2020. Therefore, this study identifies, describes, and categorizes environmental policy instrument types. Based on this step, selected instruments in the road transportation sector are identified by their type and implemented policies are described and assessed. Furthermore, an assessment methodology is developed to evaluate and score target achievement, cost-efficiency and practical feasibility by linking the outcomes of instruments to its goals. Based on the findings of this assessment, conclusions and recommendations are developed and discussed. Finally, results and general properties of policies and their type of instruments are extrapolated, and general statements about market and non-market-based instruments in a broader context for future regulation and market designs are projected.The study discovers that fuel producers and distributors, vehicle manufacturers and sellers are directly regulated by non-marked-based instruments, despite the EU ETS. On the customer side, primarily market-based implemented except for low-emission zones, which are direct regulations.The study finds that holistic representation and realistic internalization of external effects in a market is complex and will never be complete. Still, sufficient representation can be enough to drive transformation in the transport sector. The CO2 price itself is not sufficiently representing the consequential costs of climate change induced by road transport, and it helps to make low-carbon alternatives economically viable. Overall, the study finds that most implemented regulations in the German road transport sector were successful in relation to their goals.
Presentation and outcome of central serous chorioretinopathy with and without pachychoroid
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sampurna , Saurabh Kumar , Das Sudipta , Gorhe Sukanya , Dsouza Zubin , Roy Rupak 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
BackgroundPresent study compared clinical features and outcome of Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) with and without pachychoroid.MethodsIt was a retrospective, longitudinal, record-based study which included eyes with CSC. Patients underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography and differentiated between pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid groups.Results250 eyes of 250 patients were divided into pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid with 125 eyes in each group. Mean age of patients in pachychoroid and non-pachychoroid groups were 45.7 ± 9.4 years and 47.4 ± 10.2 years respectively. Mean initial best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) was 0.40 ± 0.42 in pachychoroid and 0.39 ± 0.38 in non-pachychoroid group(p = 0.9). Mean final BCVA was 0.37 ± 0.9 in pachychoroid and 0.21 ± 0.33 in non-pachychoroidgroup(p = 0.04).36(28.8%) eyes in pachychoroid and 60(48%) eyes in non-pachychoroid group had spontaneous resoluti on of CSC (p = 0.007). A total of 39(31.2%) eyes in pachychoroid and 13(10.4%) in non-pachychoroid group had recurrent CSC at the end of follow up.ConclusionCSC eyes with pachychoroid had more recurrent episodes and less spontaneous resolution compared to CSC eyes in non-pachychoroid group. Final visual acuity was worse in eyes with CSC and pachychoroid. These findings need to be validated in a larger sample size with prospective study design.
Biodegradation potential of polypropylene by jellyfish nematocyst protein
Authors: Sharma Amreen Nisa , Raguraman Vasantharaja , Subrahmanian Supriya , Dhinakarasamy Inbakandan , Gopal Dharani , Kasivelu Govindaraju 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of the major global problems and a serious anthropogenic concern in coastal and marine ecosystems. Increased accumulation of plastics into the aquatic environment by anthropogenic sources results in disruption of the aquatic ecosystem and functions. Several variables impact biodegradation, ranging from microbe species to polymer type, physicochemical qualities, and environmental circumstances. In the present study, the nematocyst protein was isolated and extracted from the lyophilized nematocyst samples using three different mediums such as distilled water, PBS, and seawater. The total protein content of venom proteins was 39 mg/mL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the interaction of venom protein with polypropylene and had the ability to breakdown potential was studied using ATR-IR, phase contrast bright-dark field microscopic, and scanning electron microscopy studies. Results suggest that the jellyfish nematocysts protein has the ability to break down potential polypropylene material without any external physicochemical process.
Efficient optical plasmonic tweezer-controlled single-molecule SERS characterization of pH-dependent amylin species in aqueous milieus
Authors: Fu Wenhao , Chi Huanyu , Dai Xin , Zhu Hongni , Mesias Vince St. , Liu Wei , Huang Jinqing 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
It is challenging to characterize single or a few biomolecules in physiological milieus without excluding the influences of surrounding molecules and micro-environments. Here we utilize optical plasmonic trapping to construct a dynamic nanocavity, which reduces the diffraction-limited detection volume and provides reproducible electromagnetic field enhancements for high-throughput single-molecule surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) characterizations in crowded aqueous environments. Specifically, we study human Islet Amyloid Polypeptide (amylin, hIAPP) under different physiological pH, where two types of low-populated transient species of hIAPP are characterized as β-sheet-containing structures among its predominant helix-coil monomers, driving irreversible amyloid developments even after a post-adjustment of pH. Our results might provide profound mechanistic insight into the pH-regulated amyloidogenesis and open a new door to investigate complex biological processes at the single-molecule level.
Are best practice followed in manufacturer labels of medicines used in Sri Lankan state hospitals?
Authors: Janani Tharmalinga Sharma Jegath , Senadheera Savini Gunitha , Samaranayake Nithushi Rajitha 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Labelling of medicines can greatly impact the quality and safety of medicine use. Regulatory requirements of labelling must be met in a country.Aim: This study assessed the availability of vital information, and adherence to local regulatory guidelines as specified by the Guidelines on Labelling of Medicines (GLM) V1.0 of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA), Sri Lanka in primary and secondary labels of medicines used in a selected state hospital. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 300 medicine labels using an online random number generator and considering the annual estimation list for state hospitals as total population (1032 medicines). As procurement of medicines to state sector hospitals are done through a central unit, medicines used at the study hospital represented medicines used in all state sector hospitals in the country. A checklist was developed based on NMRA guidelines, selected medicine labels were obtained from the study hospital and were reviewed against the checklist. Results: Among 300 labels assessed, 171(57%) were orals, 108(36%) were injectables, and 21(7%) were external preparations or local applications. Almost 40% were substandard medicine labels which did not include at least one of the essential information required by the regulations, and the strength was not indicated in the primary display panel of 5.3% of medicines. Further, 5.0% of labels of different strengths of the same medicine or different medicines of same manufacturer looked alike. However, 89.6% complied with the recommended format of the generic name followed by its pharmaceutical form and strength, and 84.0% specified its pharmacopeial monograph. Conclusion: Although most labels contained basic medicines information, majority did not completely fulfil the regulatory requirements specified in GLM V1.0 which could challenge both quality and safety of medicine use. Divergence from the specified standards was observed throughout the study, which challenges the safe and quality use of medicines.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Revealed the Potential Role of lncRNA Ftx in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Sun Xiangfei , Jiang Ying , Li Qingbao , Tan Qi , Dong Mingliang , Cai Bi’e , Zhang Di , Zhao Qi 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Objective
This study aims to decode the proteomic signature of cardiomyocytes in response to lncRNA Ftx knockdown and overexpression via proteomic analysis, and to study the biological role of lncRNA Ftx in cardiomyocytes.
Methods
The expression level of the lncRNA Ftx in cardiomyocytes cultured in vitro was intervened, and the changes in protein levels in cardiomyocytes were quantitatively detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The key molecules and pathways of the lncRNA-Ftx response were further examined by GO, KEGG, and protein interaction analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 2828 proteins are quantified. With a 1.5-fold change threshold, 32 upregulated proteins and 49 downregulated proteins are identified in the lncRNA Ftx overexpression group, while 67 up-regulated proteins and 54 down-regulated proteins are identified in the lncRNA Ftx knockdown group. Functional clustering analysis of differential genes revealed that the lncRNA Ftx is involved in regulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis and improving cellular energy metabolism. In addition, Hub genes such as ITGB1, HMGA2, STAT3, GSS, and LPCAT3 are regulated downstream by lncRNA Ftx.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that lncRNA Ftx plays a vital role in cardiomyocytes and may be involved in the occurrence and development of various myocardial diseases. It provides a potential target for clinical protection of the myocardium and reversal of myocardial fibrosis.
VALD-3 suppresses triple negative breast cancer progression via Caspase 3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis
Authors: Li Hongling , Pan Xuhong , Li Linyu , Song Pengfei , Chen Xin , Ma Weijie , Shao Xiangxiang , Wang Yongying , Zhou Xuan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
yroptosis, an inflammatory form of Programmed cell death (PCD) and so far, the function of Schiff base compounds in pyroptosis cell death has not been reported. Here, we show that VALD3, a Ligand derivative of Schiff base, treated Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells exhibited specific pyroptotic characteristics, including cell swelling, balloon-like bubbling and inflammatory cytokine release through pore formation in the plasma membrane, eventually suppressing the tumor growth of TNBC. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that the cleavage of Gasdermin E (GSDME),was related to the activation of caspase-3 in TNBC cells treated by VALD3. Consistent with this, treatment with zDEVD-FMK,a caspase-3 specific inhibitor,reduces VALD3-induced GSDME–N-terminal fragment cleavage and pyroptosis. Mechanistically, VALD3 elevated the level of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)phosphorylation.NAC,a ROS scavenger,reversed the pyroptosis and JNK phosphorylation in MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 treated by VALD3. Activated JNK recruited Bax to mitochondria to form a heterodimer with Bcl-2, which stimulated the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm, followed by caspase-3 activation and GSDME-depended pyroptosis in TNBC cells. Therefore, in TNBC cells,VALD-3 treatment induces the ROS/JNK/Bax-mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Thereby activating Caspase-3 and inducing cleavage of GSDME to execute pyroptosis. These findings bring an unexpected concept that GSDME-dependent pyroptosis is an unrecognized mechanism by which VALD3 eradicates neoplastic cells, and provide new insights into the clinical application of anticancer therapeutics.
Implementation of Virtual Reality for Teaching Auscultation to 3rd Year Medical Students
Authors: Dotsenko Edward , Sholkava Mariya , Novikova Tatsiana , Dotsenko Konstantin , Marozau Aliaksandr , Makarevich Pavel , Lisavets Aliaksandr 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background.
Auscultation is one of the fundamental skills of a doctor in the physical examination of the patient. Virtual reality (VR) training has been used last several years in medical education. The aim of the project is to compare the effectiveness of lung and heart auscultation training using traditional teaching methods and virtual reality technology.
Methods.
The study was conducted the Belarusian State Medical University. 77 students of 3rd year studying clinical medicine were divided into 2 groups: a group of students who studied in virtual reality (VR protocol, n = 28), and a comparison group - students who studied without using virtual technology (classic scenario, CS protocol, n = 49). VR auscultation was taught using the Oculus Quest 2 headset with software that allows auscultation of the heart and lungs. The study continued throughout the semester.
Results.
When listening to the control records of lung sounds after the end of training, it turned out that VR group students recognized sounds somewhat better than the students of the CS group (54.5 vs 38.3%), p = 0.010. Heart sound recognition in the VR group was slightly better compared to the CS group (44.6% vs 37.0%), p-0.232. At the final control of testing the knowledge retained on auscultation, which was carried out 3 months after the end of the study of auscultation, it turned out that long-term results were better in the VR group. In recognizing lung sounds, students on the CS protocol performed slightly better (41.7% versus 36.9% for the VR protocol). On cardiac auscultation, the situation was reversed: the VR protocol group recognized sounds in 56.1% of cases, versus 25.4% in the CS protocol group. In all, VR group recognized 47.6% respiratory and heart sounds versus 33.4% in C group, p-0.003.
Conclusion.
Our data suggest that VR technologies are quite superior in learning efficiency as compared to traditional teaching methods of auscultation and can be used as a supplementary form of teaching.
A Chinese girl like atypical Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome caused by a novel heterozygous mutation of the EP300 gene
Authors: Bai Zhouxian , Li Gaopan , Kong Xiangdong 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is an extremely rare autosomal dominant inheritable disorder caused by CREBBP and EP300 mutations, while atypical RSTS harbouring variant from the same genes but not obvious resembling RSTS. There are only a few cases of Menke-Hennekam syndrome (MKHK) with variant of exon 30 or 31 of CREBBP or EP300 gene have been reported that not resembling RSTS recent years. Atypical RSTS cannot be accurately classified as MKHK, nor is it easy to identify the obvious classic characteristics of RSTS. The clinical manifestations and genetic variation of atypical RSTS are not fully understood.
Methods
We recruited a Chinese core family with a girl had recurrent respiratory tract infection and developmental delay, the patient was investigated using whole exome sequencing. The detected variation of NGS was verified by PCR-based Sanger sequencing, and the carrying status of candidate variant of her normal parents were also tested. The pathogenity of candidate mutation was predicted by software Mutation Taster, population frequency and sequence conservation of the variation were accounted for, too. Finally, it was evaluated according to standard and guidelines recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. We have made comprehensive analysis of the case through sequencing data and clinical examination information.
Results
The patient with language and motor mild development retardation, she has slight abnormal facial features, mild hirsutism and post-axial hexadactylia of left foot. Her cisterna magna is enlarged to connect with the fourth ventricle, and the ventricular system is enlarged. She has a malacia beside the posterior horn of the left lateral ventricle. The patient has primary low immunoglobulin G and A, but her level of immunoglobulin M content in blood is normal. The patient harbors a novel heterozygous frameshift variant of c.2499dupG in exon 14 of EP300 gene, that it is proved de novo origin. The mutation is judged to be a pathogenic mutation, and it has high-grade pathogenic evidence.
Conclusion
The clinical and genetic evaluation of this case corroborates that clinical features with c.2499dupG in exon 14 of EP300 are less marked than in RSTS2 patient although it is difficult to establish an accurate genotype-phenotype correlation. Our additional case also helps to deepen the clinical and genetic spectrum in this disorder. Our study provides a novel mutation outside exon 30 or 31 of EP300 and enriches the phenotypes related with the gene. We have contributed new variation and disease information for guardians and doctors to broaden the knowledge about EP300-RSTS genotype and phenotype, this may contribute to ameliorate the health management of patients and improve the genetic counseling to the families.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding children with ICU-acquired weakness in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit among Chinese healthcare personnel: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Huang Di , Zhang Weiwei , Peng Weisi , Fan Yi , He Xin , Xing Ruirui , Yan XuDong , Zhou Sijia , Peng YueMing , Luo WeiXiang 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Chinese medical staff regarding critically ill children with intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) and related factors.
Methods
A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Questionnaire regarding critically ill children with ICU-AW was distributed to a stratified sample of 530 pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) healthcare workers. The questionnaire consisted of 31 items—with scores of 45, 40, and 40 for each dimension and a total score of 125.
Results
The mean total score of Chinese PICU healthcare workers for the KAP questionnaire regarding children with ICU-AW was 87.36 ± 14.241 (53–121), with mean total knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores of 30.35 ± 6.317, 30.46 ± 5.632, and 26.54 ± 6.454, respectively. The population distribution indicated that 50.56%, 46.04%, and 3.4% of healthcare workers had poor, average, and good scores, respectively. Multiple linear regression showed that gender, education, and hospital level classification influenced the KAP level of PICU healthcare workers regarding critically ill children with ICU-AW.
Conclusions
Overall, PICU healthcare workers in China have an average KAP level about ICU-AW, and the gender and education level of PICU healthcare workers, as well as the classification of hospitals where they work, predict the KAP status of healthcare workers regarding children with ICU-AW. Therefore, healthcare leaders should plan and develop specific training programs to improve the KAP level of PICU healthcare workers.