bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between frequency-doubling technology perimetry and standard automated perimetry in early glaucoma
Authors: Kim Seong Ah , Park Chan Kee , Park Hae-Young Lopilly 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to find out the significance of the difference between frequency-doubling technology perimetry (FDT) and standard automated perimetry (SAP) in terms of the detected visual field (VF) damage, and evaluate associated factors to SAP–FDT difference in early glaucoma. Glaucoma patients in early stage (MD better than − 6.0 decibel, 96 eyes) were included in this cross-sectional study. We subtracted mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) of FDT from those of SAP, respectively. Additionally, we counted significantly depressed points of P < 5% and P < 1% on the pattern deviation probability plot of both FDT and SAP and defined eyes with significant SAP–FDT difference when the number of abnormal points were greater than 4 points on FDT. We measured lamina cribrosa depth (LCD) and lamina cribrosa curvature index (LCCI) for structural parameters of the optic nerve head from images using enhanced depth imaging of the optical coherence tomography (OCT). Peripapillary vessel density (VD) and presence of microvasculature dropout (MvD), the complete loss of choriocapillaris in localized regions of parapapillary atrophy, was evaluated using deep layer map of OCT angiography (OCT-A) for vascular parameters. Peripheral nasal step (PNS) group had an isolated glaucomatous VF defect within nasal periphery outside 10° of fixation. Parafoveal scotoma (PFS) group had an isolated glaucomatous VF defect within 12 points of a central 10˚ radius. Eyes with significant SAP–FDT difference showed higher detection of MvD on deep layer map of OCT-A, greater LCD, and greater LCCI (all P < 0.05, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, frequent presence of MvD, less presence of disc hemorrhage, and greater LCD were significantly associated with significant SAP–FDT difference. Sub-analysis was performed in eyes with PNS (50 eyes) and PFS (46 eyes). SAP–FDT difference of MD value showed positive association with peripapillary VD on deep layer of OCT-A, which was significant in eyes with PFS compared to eyes with PNS. SAP–FDT difference of PSD value showed negative association with LCCI and LCD, which was significant in eyes with PNS compared to eyes with PFS. Glaucomatous eyes classified by the difference of the detected VF damage on FDT versus SAP showed different clinical features. Greater SAP–FDT difference was significantly associated with structural parameters such as LCD and LCCI. Less SAP–FDT difference was associated with presence of disc hemorrhage and lower deep layer peripepillary VD. There is possibility to use the difference of SAP and FDT to identify associated risk factors in glaucoma patients.
In-vitro antiproliferative efficacy of Abrus precatorius seed extracts on cervical carcinoma
Authors: Kaur Amritpal , Sharma Yash , Kumar Anoop , Ghosh Madhumita P. , Bala Kumud 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAbrus precatorius is a tropical medicinal plant with multiple medicinal benefits whose seeds have not yet been studied against cervical cancer. Herein, we have assessed the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of seed extracts (ethyl acetate and 70% ethanol) prepared from Soxhlet and Maceration extraction methods against Hep2C and HeLa Cells. We observed that the APE (Sox) extract had a significantly higher total flavonoid content, APA (Mac) extract had a high total phenolic content, and APA (Sox) extract had a high total tannin content. Further, HPLC analysis of extracts revealed the presence of tannic acid and rutin. Moreover, APA (Sox) exhibited the highest free radical scavenging activity. APE (Mac) had the best antiproliferative activity against Hep2C cells, while APA (Sox) had the best antiproliferative activity against HeLa cells. In Hep2C cells, APE (Mac) extract revealed the highest SOD, catalase activity, GSH content, and the lowest MDA content, whereas APA (Mac) extract demonstrated the highest GST activity. In HeLa cells, APA (Sox) extract showed the highest SOD, GST activity, GSH content, and the least MDA content, whereas APA (Mac) extract showed the highest catalase activity. Lastly, docking results suggested maximum binding affinity of tannic acid with HER2 and GCR receptors. This study provides evidence that A. precatorius seed extracts possess promising bioactive compounds with probable anticancer and antioxidant properties against cervical cancer for restricting tumor growth.
Long-distance air pressure differences correlate with European rain
Authors: Müller-Plath Gisela , Lüdecke Horst-Joachim , Lüning Sebastian 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPrecipitation in Europe shows natural fluctuations that differ considerably between seasons and geographical regions. A number of studies have linked local or seasonal rainfall variability to various long-distance air pressure differences in north–south or west–east direction. This paper presents the first continent-wide analysis of European rainfall variability on a month-by-month and country-by-country basis. We calculated Pearson r values for unsmoothed monthly rainfall data of 39 European countries over the period 1950–2019 with five potential climatic drivers, namely the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), the Arctic Oscillation (AO), the North Sea Caspian Pattern (NCP), and two indices of Mediterranean Oscillation (MOI2, WeMOI). For a variety of countries and months we found substantial and statistically significant r values of up to r = 0.7 and more. The dynamic temporal-spatial evolution of the Pearson correlations was mapped out across the continent, tracking the gradual or abrupt expansion, displacement and subsequent waning of the various effects over the course of the year. The correlation analysis was complemented by best subset multiple regression, controlling for intercorrelation of the potential drivers. Our results may help to improve short- to midterm rainfall prognoses in Europe and provide important calibration data for the further refinement of climate models.
FAM111A is dispensable for electrolyte homeostasis in mice
Authors: Ilenwabor Barnabas P. , Schigt Heidi , Kompatscher Andreas , Bos Caro , Zuidscherwoude Malou , van der Eerden Bram C. J. , Hoenderop Joost G. J. , de Baaij Jeroen H. F. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAutosomal dominant mutations in FAM111A are causative for Kenny-Caffey syndrome type 2. Patients with Kenny-Caffey syndrome suffer from severe growth retardation, skeletal dysplasia, hypoparathyroidism, hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hypomagnesaemia. While recent studies have reported FAM111A to function in antiviral response and DNA replication, its role in regulating electrolyte homeostasis remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the role of FAM111A in the regulation of serum electrolyte balance using a Fam111a knockout (Fam111a−/−) C57BL/6 N mouse model. Fam111a−/− mice displayed normal weight and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration and exhibited unaltered magnesium, calcium and phosphate levels in serum and 24-hour urine. Expression of calciotropic (including Cabp28k, Trpv5, Klotho and Cyp24a1), magnesiotropic (including Trpm6, Trpm7, Cnnm2 and Cnnm4) and phosphotropic (Slc20a1, Slc20a2, Slc34a1 and Slc34a3) genes in the kidneys, duodenum and colon were not affected by Fam111a depletion. Only Slc34a2 expression was significantly upregulated in the duodenum, but not in the colon. Analysis of femurs showed unaffected bone morphology and density in Fam111a−/− mice. Kidney and parathyroid histology were also normal in Fam111a−/− mice. In conclusion, our study is the first to characterise the function of FAM111A in vivo and we report that mice lacking FAM111A exhibit normal electrolyte homeostasis on a standard diet.
Daily mother-infant skin-to-skin contact and maternal mental health and postpartum healing: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cooijmans Kelly H. M. , Beijers Roseriet , Brett Bonnie E. , de Weerth Carolina 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis randomized controlled trial examined the effects of a daily hour of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (SSC) during the first five postnatal weeks, compared to care-as-usual, on maternal depressive (primary outcome), anxiety, stress, fatigue, pain, and delivery-related post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). Prenatal symptom severity and touch discomfort were examined as moderators. Mothers and full-term infants were randomly allocated to SSC or care-as-usual conditions and followed during the first postnatal year. For the total group (intention-to-treat analyses), care-as-usual mothers showed an increase of anxiety symptoms from week 2 to 12, while SSC mothers displayed a stability of anxiety symptoms. Also, care-as-usual mothers showed an initial decrease in fatigue followed by an increase, while SSC mothers showed a decrease from week 2 to 12. In per-protocol analyses, including only the SSC dyads who adhered to SSC guidelines, findings on anxiety, but not fatigue, were replicated. No SSC effects were found for depressive, stress, and pain symptoms. No moderator, dose–response, or 52-week follow-up effects were found. PTSS were low with little variation; consequently, analyses were discontinued. Daily SSC in healthy mother-infant dyads may reduce anxiety and fatigue symptoms, but not depressive, stress, and pain symptoms, during the early postpartum period. Replication studies are recommended.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization among medicine and health science students, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuriya Ermiyas , Manilal Aseer , Aklilu Addis , Woldemariam Melat , Hailu Tadiwos , Wasihun Biresaw 
Published: June 2022

AbstractIndividuals with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonized nasal cavities were at greater risk of developing the infection and can serve as potential reservoirs of transmission. Aim of this study is to determine the extent of nasal carriage and associated factors linked to MRSA in medical and health science students of Arba Minch University (AMU), Ethiopia, who are much prone. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at AMU from 01st August through 30th November, 2020 by means of a systematic sampling technique using a structured questionnaire. Nasal swabs samples were collected and S. aureus were identified following standard microbiological methods. Methicillin resistance was tested using cefoxitin disk and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion. Biofilm forming ability was phenotypically detected by micro-titer plate assay. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were done by Statistical Package for Social Service (SPSS) version 25. The overall prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA were 27.1% (70/258) and 7.4% (19/258) respectively. Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus carriage were higher among medical interns, 16.9% (11/65). Isolates in general were co-resistant to antibiotics, such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (63.2%) and tetracycline (48.4%). Multidrug resistance (MDR) were observed among 52.6% (10/19) of the isolates. Besides, 31.4% (6/19) of MRSA were biofilm producers and all of them were MDR. Multivariable analysis showed that mean exposure for > 2 years to hospital settings [p = 0.048, AOR: 4.99, 95% CI 1.01–24.66] and the habit of sharing clothing and sports equipment [p = 0.017, AOR: 5.43, 95% CI 1.35–21.83] were statistically significant. The overall prevalence of nasal colonized MRSA among students were comparatively lower than that observed in other studies done in Ethiopia itself. An alarming factor is that, 60% of MDR-MRSA were biofilm producers.
Mid-pregnancy poly(I:C) viral mimic disrupts placental ABC transporter expression and leads to long-term offspring motor and cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Monteiro V. R. S. , Andrade C. B. V. , Gomes H. R. , Reginatto M. W. , Império G. E. , Fontes K. N. , Spiess D. A. , Rangel-Junior W. S. , Nascimento V. M. O. , Lima C. O. S. , Sousa R. P. C. , Bloise F. F. , Matthews S. G. , Bloise E. , Pimentel-Coelho P. M. , Ortiga-Carvalho T. M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLimited information is available about the effect of mid-pregnancy viral infections on the placental expression of efflux transporters and offspring behavior. We hypothesized that maternal exposure to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a synthetic double-stranded RNA viral mimic, would impair placental cell turnover, the expression of selected ABC transporters and adult offspring behavior. C57BL/6 mice were administered poly(I:C) (10 mg/Kg;ip) or vehicle at gestational day (GD) 13.5 (mid-pregnancy). Dams were euthanized for blood collection 4 h after injection, fetal and placental collection at GD18.5 or allowed to deliver spontaneously at term. At GD 13.5, poly(I:C) induced an acute pro-inflammatory response characterized by an increase in maternal plasma levels of IL-6, CXCL-1 and CCL-2/MCP-1. At GD 18.5, poly(I:C) decreased cell proliferation/death in the labyrinthine and increased cell death in the junctional zones, characterizing a disruption of placental cell turnover. Abca1 and Abcg1 immunolabelling was decreased in the labyrinthine zone, whereas Abca1, Abcg1 and breast cancer resistance transporter (Bcrp) expression increased in the junctional zone. Moreover, adult offspring showed motor and cognitive impairments in the Rotarod and T-water maze tests. These results indicate that viral infection during mid-pregnancy may disrupt relevant placental efflux transporters, as well as placental cell turnover and offspring behavior in adult life.
Comparative study of oral versus parenteral crocin in mitigating acrolein-induced lung injury in albino rats
Authors: Rashad Walaa Abdelhaliem , Sakr Samar , Domouky Ayat M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAcrolein (Ac) is the second most commonly inhaled toxin, produced in smoke of fires, tobacco smoke, overheated oils, and fried foods; and usually associated with lung toxicity. Crocin (Cr) is a natural carotenoid with a direct antioxidant capacity. Yet, oral administration of crocin as a natural rout is doubtful, because of poor absorbability. Therefore, the current study aimed to compare the potential protective effect of oral versus intraperitoneal (ip) crocin in mitigating Ac-induced lung toxicity. 50 Adult rats were randomly divided into 5 equal groups; Control (oral-saline and ip-saline) group, Cr (oral-Cr and ip-Cr) group, Ac group, oral-Cr/Ac group, and ip-Cr/Ac group; for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations. Results indicated increased oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in lungs of Ac-treated group. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed lung edema, infiltration, fibrosis, and altered expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers. Compared to oral-Cr/Ac group, the ip-Cr/Ac group demonstrated remarkable improvement in the oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic biomarkers, as well as the histopathological alterations. In conclusion, intraperitoneal crocin exerts a more protective effect on acrolein-induced lung toxicity than the orally administered crocin.
Identification of specific role of SNX family in gastric cancer prognosis evaluation
Authors: Hu Beibei , Yin Guohui , Sun Xuren 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe here perform a systematic bioinformatic analysis to uncover the role of sorting nexin (SNX) family in clinical outcome of gastric cancer (GC). Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis were realized with online tools such as TCGA, GEO, String, Timer, cBioportal and Kaplan–Meier Plotter. Statistical analysis was conducted with R language or Perl, and artificial neural network (ANN) model was established using Python. Our analysis demonstrated that SNX4/5/6/7/8/10/13/14/15/16/20/22/25/27/30 were higher expressed in GC, whereas SNX1/17/21/24/33 were in the opposite expression profiles. GSE66229 was employed as verification of the differential expression analysis based on TCGA. Clustering results gave the relative transcriptional levels of 30 SNXs in tumor, and it was totally consistent to the inner relevance of SNXs at mRNA level. Protein–Protein Interaction map showed closely and complex connection among 33 SNXs. Tumor immune infiltration analysis asserted that SNX1/3/9/18/19/21/29/33, SNX1/17/18/20/21/29/31/33, SNX1/2/3/6/10/18/29/33, and SNX1/2/6/10/17/18/20/29 were strongly correlated with four kinds of survival related tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including cancer associated fibroblast, endothelial cells, macrophages and Tregs. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis based on GEO presented more satisfactory results than that based on TCGA-STAD did, and all the 29 SNXs were statistically significant, SNX23/26/28 excluded. SNXs alteration contributed to microsatellite instability (MSI) or higher level of MSI-H (hyper-mutated MSI or high level of MSI), and other malignancy encompassing mutation of TP53 and ARID1A, as well as methylation of MLH1.The multivariate cox model, visualized as a nomogram, performed excellently in patients risk classification, for those with higher risk-score suffered from shorter overall survival (OS). Compared to previous researches, our ANN models showed a predictive power at a middle-upper level, with AUC of 0.87/0.72, 0.84/0.72, 0.90/0.71 (GSE84437), 0.98/0.66, 0.86/0.70, 0.98/0.71 (GSE66229), 0.94/0.66, 0.83/0.71, 0.88/0.72 (GSE26253) corresponding to one-, three- and five-year OS and recurrence free survival (RFS) estimation, especially ANN model built with GSE66229 including exclusively SNXs as input data. The SNX family shows great value in postoperative survival evaluation of GC, and ANN models constructed using SNXs transcriptional data manifesting excellent predictive power in both OS and RFS prediction works as convincing verification to that.
Genomic and morphological data shed light on the complexities of shared ancestry between closely related duck species
Authors: Brown Joshua I. , Hernández Flor , Engilis Andrew , Hernández-Baños Blanca E. , Collins Dan , Lavretsky Philip 
Published: June 2022

AbstractCauses for genomic and morphological similarities among recently radiated species are often multifaceted and are further convoluted among species that readily interbreed. Here, we couple genomic and morphological trait comparisons to test the extent that ancestry and gene flow explain the retention of mallard-like traits within a sister species, the Mexican duck. First, we confirm that these taxa remain genetically structured, and that Mexican ducks exhibit an isolation-by-distance pattern. Despite the assumption of wide-spread hybridization, we found only a few late-stage hybrids, all from the southwestern USA. Next, assessing 23 morphological traits, we developed a genetically-vetted morphological key that is > 97% accurate in distinguishing across sex-age cohorts of Mexican ducks, mallards, and hybrids. During key development, we determined that 25% of genetically pure, immature male Mexican ducks of the northern population naturally displayed mallard-like traits in their formative plumage. In fact, applying this key to 55 museum specimens, we identified that only four of the 14 specimens originally classified as phenotypic hybrids were truly hybrids. We discuss how genomic and morphological comparisons shed light into the mechanism(s) underlying the evolution of complex phenotypic traits in recent radiations, and how misunderstanding the true morphological diversity within Mexican ducks resulted in taxonomic revisions that hindered conservation efforts.
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) perturbs nitrogen metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Goh Corinna Jie Hui , Cui Liang , Wong Jin Huei , Lewis Jacqueline , Goh Megan , Kong Kiat Whye , Yang Lay Kien , Alfatah Mohammad , Kanagasundaram Yoganathan , Hoon Shawn , Arumugam Prakash 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPhthalates are ubiquitously used as plasticizers in various consumer care products. Diethyl phthalate (DEP), one of the main phthalates, elicits developmental and reproductive toxicities but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Chemogenomic profiling of DEP in S. cerevisiae revealed that two transcription factors Stp1 and Dal81 involved in the Ssy1-Ptr5-Ssy5 (SPS) amino acid-sensing pathway provide resistance to DEP. Growth inhibition of yeast cells by DEP was stronger in poor nitrogen medium in comparison to nitrogen-rich medium. Addition of amino acids to nitrogen-poor medium suppressed DEP toxicity. Catabolism of amino acids via the Ehrlich pathway is required for suppressing DEP toxicity. Targeted metabolite analyses showed that DEP treatment alters the amino acid profile of yeast cells. We propose that DEP inhibits the growth of yeast cells by affecting nitrogen metabolism and discuss the implications of our findings on DEP-mediated toxic effects in humans.
SEM/EDX analysis of stomach contents of a sea slug snacking on a polluted seafloor reveal microplastics as a component of its diet
Authors: Furfaro Giulia , D’Elia Marcella , Mariano Stefania , Trainito Egidio , Solca Michele , Piraino Stefano , Belmonte Genuario 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the impacts of microplastics on living organisms in aquatic habitats is one of the hottest research topics worldwide. Despite increased attention, investigating microplastics in underwater environments remains a problematic task, due to the ubiquitous occurrence of microplastic, its multiple modes of interactions with the biota, and to the diversity of the synthetic organic polymers composing microplastics in the field. Several studies on microplastics focused on marine invertebrates, but to date, the benthic sea slugs (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) were not yet investigated. Sea slugs are known to live on the organisms on which they feed on or to snack while gliding over the sea floor, but also as users of exogenous molecules or materials not only for nutrition. Therefore, they may represent a potential biological model to explore new modes of transformation and/or management of plastic, so far considered to be a non-biodegradable polymer. In this study we analysed the stomachal content ofBursatella leachii,an aplysiid heterobranch living in the Mar Piccolo, a highly polluted coastal basin near Taranto, in the northern part of the Ionian Sea. Microplastics were found in the stomachs of all the six sampled specimens, and SEM/EDX analyses were carried out to characterize the plastic debris. The SEM images and EDX spectra gathered here should be regarded as a baseline reference database for future investigations on marine Heterobranchia and their interactions with microplastics.
Effect of parental supervision of infants at age 4 to 6 months on injuries at age 4 to 12 months
Authors: Lee Won Seok , Lee Kyung Suk , Ha Eun Kyo , Kim Ju Hee , Shim So Min , Lee Seung Won , Han Man Yong 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study analyzed the effect of parental supervision of infants at age 4 to 6 months on injuries at age 4 to 12 months. Among all Korean children born during 2008–2009, 464,326 (50.6%) infant had parents who responded to a questionnaire that surveyed their safety and supervision when infant were 4 to 6 months-old. Based on questionnaire score, infant were divided into “safe” or “unsafe” group. 1:1 propensity score matching was used to balance the groups, and injury diagnosis and treatments were analyzed. After matching, we examined the records of 405,862 infant. The unsafe group had significantly increased risk ratios (RRs) for injury of head/neck (RR: 1.06), trunk/abdominopelvic region (RR: 1.12), upper extremities (RR: 1.04), and from burn and frostbite (RR: 1.10). The risks of a wound and fracture and foreign body injury were significantly greater in infant whose parents sometimes left them alone (RR: 1.15 and 1.06, respectively), and whose parents did not always keep their eyes on them (RR: 1.04 and 1.13, respectively). Infant whose parents had a hot drink when carrying them had an increased risk of burn injuries (RR: 1.21). Injuries were less common in infant whose parents provided more supervision.