bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive measurement of choroid plexus apparent blood flow with arterial spin labeling
Authors: Zhao Li , Taso Manuel , Dai Weiying , Press Daniel Z. , Alsop David C.
Published: September 2020

Background

The choroid plexus is a major contributor to the generation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the maintenance of its electrolyte and metabolite balance. Here, we sought to characterize the blood flow dynamics of the choroid plexus using arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI to establish ASL as a non-invasive tool for choroid plexus function and disease studies.

Methods

Seven healthy volunteers were imaged on a 3T MR scanner. ASL images were acquired with 12 labeling durations and post labeling delays. Regions of the choroid plexus were manually segmented on high-resolution T1 weighted images. Choroid plexus perfusion was characterized with a dynamic ASL perfusion model. Cerebral gray matter perfusion was also quantified for comparison.

Results

Kinetics of the ASL signal were clearly different in the choroid plexus than in gray matter. The choroid plexus has a significantly longer T1 than the gray matter (2.33 ± 0.30 s vs. 1.85 ± 0.10 s, p < 0.02). The arterial transit time was 1.24 ± 0.20 s at the choroid plexus. The apparent blood flow to the choroid plexus was measured to be 39.5 ± 10.1 ml/100 g/min and 0.80 ± 0.31 ml/min integrated over the posterior lateral ventricles in both hemispheres. Correction with the choroid plexus weight yielded a blood flow of 80 ml/100 g/min.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ASL can provide a clinically feasible option to quantify the dynamic characteristics of choroid plexus blood flow. It also provides useful reference values of the choroid plexus perfusion. The long T1 of the choroid plexus may suggest the transport of water from arterial blood to the CSF, potentially providing a method to quantify CSF generation.
A cross-sectional study on metabolic similarities and differences between inpatients with schizophrenia and those with mood disorders
Authors: Uju Yoriyasu , Kanzaki Tetsuto , Yamasaki Yuki , Kondo Tadayuki , Nanasawa Hideki , Takeuchi Yu , Yanagisawa Yuta , Kusanishi Shun , Nakano Chieko , Enomoto Tetsuro , Sako Akahito , Yanai Hidekazu , Mishima Shunichi , Mimori Seisuke , Igarashi Kazuei , Takizawa Tsuyoshi , Hayakawa Tatsuro
Published: September 2020

Background

One of the main causes of death in psychiatric patients is cardiovascular diseases which are closely related with lifestyle-related diseases. Psychiatric disorders include schizophrenia and mood disorders, whose symptoms and treatment medicines are different, suggesting that they might have different metabolic disorders. Thus, we studied the differences of lifestyle-related diseases between schizophrenia and mood disorders in Japan.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed from 2015 to 2017. Study participants were 189 Japanese hospitalized patients (144 schizophrenia group, 45 mood disorders group) in the department of psychiatry at Kohnodai hospital. We examined physical disorders, metabolic status of glucose and lipid, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and brain magnetic resonance imaging. We compared these data between schizophrenia and mood disorders groups using analysis of covariance or logistic regression analysis. In comparisons between inpatients with schizophrenia or mood disorders group and the standard, we quoted ‘The National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan 2015’ by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare as the standard.

Results

eGFR and prevalence of smoking were significantly lower in patients with mood disorder group than those with schizophrenia group by adjustment for age. In comparisons between patients with schizophrenia group or mood disorders group and each standard, the ratio of silent brain infarction (SBI) and cerebral infarction were significantly high in both groups. Schizophrenia group showed significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolemia, metabolic syndrome and smoking than the standard. Mood disorders group had significantly high prevalence of low HDL-cholesterolemia compared with the standard. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c were significantly higher in schizophrenia group and female mood disorders group than the standard. Female mood disorders group had significantly decreased eGFR with increased ratio of eGFR < 60 ml/min than the standard.

Conclusions

Participants of both groups had increased ratio of SBI and cerebral infarction, accompanied with glucose and lipid disorders. Compared with schizophrenia group, mood disorders group showed significantly low eGFR and prevalence of smoking.
Neuroimaging advances regarding subjective cognitive decline in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Huang Weijie , Su Li , Xing Yue , Jessen Frank , Sun Yu , Shu Ni , Han Ying
Published: September 2020

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is regarded as the first clinical manifestation in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum. Investigating populations with SCD is important for understanding the early pathological mechanisms of AD and identifying SCD-related biomarkers, which are critical for the early detection of AD. With the advent of advanced neuroimaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), accumulating evidence has revealed structural and functional brain alterations related to the symptoms of SCD. In this review, we summarize the main imaging features and key findings regarding SCD related to AD, from local and regional data to connectivity-based imaging measures, with the aim of delineating a multimodal imaging signature of SCD due to AD. Additionally, the interaction of SCD with other risk factors for dementia due to AD, such as age and theApolipoprotein E(ApoE) ɛ4 status, has also been described. Finally, the possible explanations for the inconsistent and heterogeneous neuroimaging findings observed in individuals with SCD are discussed, along with future directions. Overall, the literature reveals a preferential vulnerability of AD signature regions in SCD in the context of AD, supporting the notion that individuals with SCD share a similar pattern of brain alterations with patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia due to AD. We conclude that these neuroimaging techniques, particularly multimodal neuroimaging techniques, have great potential for identifying the underlying pathological alterations associated with SCD. More longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes combined with more advanced imaging modeling approaches such as artificial intelligence are still warranted to establish their clinical utility.
Whole-exome sequencing in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency: early detection and early intervention
Authors: Liu Hongli , Wei Xiaoli , Sha Yanwei , Liu Wensheng , Gao Haijie , Lin Jin , Li Youzhu , Tang Yaling , Wang Yifeng , Wang Yanlong , Su Zhiying
Published: September 2020

Background

The loss of ovarian function in women, referred to as premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), is associated with a series of concomitant diseases. POI is genetically heterogeneous, and in most cases, the etiology is unknown.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on DNA samples obtained from patients with POI, and Sanger sequencing was used to validate the detected potentially pathogenic variants. An in silico analysis was carried out to predict the pathogenicity of the variants.

Results

We recruited 24 patients with POI and identified variants in POI-related genes in 14 patients, including bi-allelic mutations in DNAH6, HFM1, EIF2B2, BNC, and LRPPRC and heterozygous variants in BNC1, EIF2B4, FOXL2, MCM9, FANCA, ATM, EIF2B3, and GHR. No variants in the above genes were detected in the WES data obtained from 29 women in a control group without POI. Determining a clear genetic etiology could significantly increase patient compliance with appropriate intervention strategies.

Conclusions

Our study confirmed that POI is a genetically heterogeneous condition and that whole-exome sequencing is a powerful tool for determining its genetic etiology. The results of this study will aid researchers and clinicians in genetic counseling and suggests the potential of WES for the detection of POI and thus early interventions for patients with POI.
Treatment of spinal cord injury with mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Liau Ling Ling , Looi Qi Hao , Chia Wui Chuen , Subramaniam Thayaalini , Ng Min Hwei , Law Jia Xian
Published: September 2020

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the damage to the spinal cord that can lead to temporary or permanent loss of function due to injury to the nerve. The SCI patients are often associated with poor quality of life.

Results

This review discusses the current status of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for SCI, criteria to considering for the application of MSC therapy and novel biological therapies that can be applied together with MSCs to enhance its efficacy. Bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs), umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) and adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) have been trialed for the treatment of SCI. Application of MSCs may minimize secondary injury to the spinal cord and protect the neural elements that survived the initial mechanical insult by suppressing the inflammation. Additionally, MSCs have been shown to differentiate into neuron-like cells and stimulate neural stem cell proliferation to rebuild the damaged nerve tissue.

Conclusion

These characteristics are crucial for the restoration of spinal cord function upon SCI as damaged cord has limited regenerative capacity and it is also something that cannot be achieved by pharmacological and physiotherapy interventions. New biological therapies including stem cell secretome therapy, immunotherapy and scaffolds can be combined with MSC therapy to enhance its therapeutic effects.
A mass-conservative higher-order ADI method for solving unsteady convection–diffusion equations
Authors: Wongsaijai Ben , Sukantamala Nattakorn , Poochinapan Kanyuta
Published: September 2020

In the paper, a high-order alternating direction implicit (ADI) algorithm is presented to solve problems of unsteady convection and diffusion. The method is fourth- and second-order accurate in space and time, respectively. The resulting matrix at each ADI computation can be obtained by repeatedly solving a penta-diagonal system which produces a computationally cost-effective solver. We prove that the proposed scheme is mass-conserved and unconditionally stable by means of discrete Fourier analysis. Numerical experiments are performed to validate the mass conservation and illustrate that the proposed scheme is accurate and reliable for convection-dominated problems.
K-Correspondences, USCOs, and fixed point problems arising in discounted stochastic games
Authors: Page Frank H. , Fu Jing
Published: September 2020

We establish a fixed point theorem for the composition of nonconvex, measurable selection valued correspondences with Banach space valued selections. We show that if the underlying probability space of states is nonatomic and if the selection correspondences in the composition are K-correspondences (meaning correspondences having graphs that contain their Komlos limits), then the induced measurable selection valued composition correspondence takes contractible values and therefore has fixed points. As an application we use our fixed point result to show that all nonatomic uncountable-compact discounted stochastic games have stationary Markov perfect equilibria – thus resolving a long-standing open question in game theory.
Women’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of breast self- examination in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Udoh Roseline H. , Tahiru Mohammed , Ansu-Mensah Monica , Bawontuo Vitalis , Danquah Frederick Inkum , Kuupiel Desmond
Published: September 2020

Background

Breast cancer (BC) is a non-communicable disease with increased morbidity and mortality. Early detection of BC contributes to prompt linkage to care and reduction of complications associated with BC. Breast self-examination (BSE) is useful for detecting breast abnormalities particularly in settings with poor access to healthcare for clinical breast examination and mammography. Therefore, we mapped evidence on women’s knowledge, attitude, and practice of BSE in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA).

Methods

We conducted a systematic scoping review using Arskey and O’Malleys’ framework as a guide. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases for relevant studies on women’s knowledge, attitude and practice on BSE. Studies included in the review were from SSA countries as defined by the World Health Organization published from 2008 to May 2019. Two reviewers independently screened the articles at the abstract and full-text screening guided by inclusion and exclusion criteria. All relevant data were extracted, and a thematic analysis conducted. The themes were collated, and a narrative summary of the findings reported.

Results

Of the 264 potentially eligible articles identified from 595,144, only 21 met the inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. These included studies were conducted in 7 countries of which 11 were conducted in Nigeria; two each in Ethiopia, Ghana, Cameroon, and Uganda; and one each in Kenya and Sudan. Of the 21 included studies, 18 studies reported evidence on BSE knowledge and practice; two on only knowledge; one on only practice only; and six presented evidence on women’s attitude towards BSE. The study findings suggest varying knowledge levels on BSE among women in SSA countries. The study findings also suggest that BSE practice is still a challenge in SSA.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of published literature on women’s knowledge, practice, and attitude of BSE in SSA. Hence, this study recommends further studies on knowledge, practice, and attitude of BSE, to identify contextual challenges and provide evidence-based solutions to improve women’s knowledge, practice, and attitude of BSE in SSA.
Sex differences in glucose metabolism of streptozotocin-induced diabetes inbred mice (C57BL/6J)
Authors: Kim Boyoung , Kim Yoo Yeon , Nguyen Phuong Thi-Thanh , Nam Hajin , Suh Jun Gyo
Published: September 2020

Considering that sex differences in glucose metabolism are observed in mice, researchers unconsciously use male mice to reduce variations by an estrogen cycle in female mice. In this study, we investigated the sex differences in glucose homeostasis in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes inbred mice (C57BL/6J). The C57BL/6J male and female mice were injected with or without STZ (40 mg/kg) for 5 consecutive days. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), lipid profiles, oral glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance were measured at 3 and 6 weeks after STZ treatment. The FBG level in the STZ-induced male (M-STZ) group was significantly higher than that in the STZ-induced female (F-STZ) group during the entire experimental period. Furthermore, HbA1C and glucose tolerance levels in the M-STZ group were significantly higher than those in the F-STZ group at 3 and 6 weeks after STZ treatment. The glucagon/insulin ratio in the M-STZ group was significantly higher than that in the F-STZ group. Values of the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance, an indicator of β-cell function and insulin resistance, significantly increased in both the M-STZ and F-STZ groups at 3 weeks after STZ treatment. However, insulin resistance was observed in the M-STZ group, but not in the F-STZ group, at 6 weeks after STZ treatment. Taken together, our results indicate that glucose metabolism in the M-STZ group was worse than that in the F-STZ group, indicating that estrogen may have an important role in glucose metabolism by STZ treatment.
“Since his birth, I’ve always been old” the experience of being parents to children displaying disruptive behavior problems: a qualitative study
Authors: Ljungström Britt-Marie , Kenne Sarenmalm Elisabeth , Axberg Ulf
Published: September 2020

Background

Being parents of children who display disruptive behavior problems (DBP) can pose several challenges. Interventions for children with DBP are primarily outpatient group parent training (PT) programs. The purpose of this study was to explore how parents of children with disruptive behavior problems, diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), describe the difficulties they face in their family and parenting situations.

Methods

Nineteen parents of children aged 3 to 8 years who had searched for help and signed up for a parent training program provided by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service participated in the study. Semi-structured diagnostic interviews and a modified background interview adapted for the purpose of the study were conducted before parents entered the program. All children included in the study met the DSM criteria for ODD. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to examine, identify, and report patterns of meaning in the data. The analysis was conducted inductively using a contextual approach.

Results

Parents described their own vulnerability, how they were affected by the parent-child interaction, and the challenges they perceived in their parenting practices. The study contributes to an understanding of the complexity that parents of children with ODD perceive in everyday life.

Conclusions

The parents in the study highlight the need to address parents’ own mental health problems, parental alliance, capacity for emotion regulation, perceived helplessness as parents, lack of parental strategies, sense of isolation, and absence of supportive social networks. All these factors could be important when tailoring interventions aimed to help and support parents of children who display DBP, and specifically ODD.
Pharmacists’ perceived barriers towards delivering their emergency roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived policymakers’ responsibilities
Authors: Basheti Iman A. , Nassar Razan , Barakat Muna , Alqudah Rajaa , Farha Rana Abu , Muqatash Tareq , Thiab Samar , Saini Bandana
Published: September 2020

Rational

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus infectious disease as a pandemic referred to as COVID-19. As an essential service, community pharmacists have been enacting a key role in patient counseling and supply of essential medicines and protective equipment.

Objectives

To investigate pharmacists’ perspectives of the role of educational institutes and professional pharmacy organizations in supporting them to take on roles during COVID-19 pandemic and to identify barriers to be able to support themselves and their patients.

Methods

This descriptive mixed-method study was conducted via a cross-sectional online survey distributed to pharmacists/pharmacy students in Jordan during the COVID-19 outbreak (15–30 March 2020) using an online questionnaire, followed by an online focus group. Questionnaire items related to participants’ perspectives in being prepared for and supported in their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic, and items were tested for face validity. Data were descriptively analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and triangulated with focus group findings.

Results

Considering that fear and anxiety are a consequence of mass social distancing/quarantine, study participants (n = 726, age = 26.9 (SD = 8.0) years, 71.9% females), reported needing training on mental healthcare to be able to support themselves and people during pandemics (90.2%). Most respondents agreed/strongly agreed (59.7%) with the statement around pharmacy educators/educational institutes having a key role in preparing pharmacists for practice during epidemics/pandemics and agreed that their faculties should add a course regarding pandemic preparedness in their curriculum (89.9%). Results were similar regarding roles for the pharmaceutical associations. Focus group findings (n = 7) mirrored the survey findings to a large extent.

Conclusions

Most participants believed that pharmacy educators and pharmaceutical associations have a role in preparing them to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic through online educational workshops/webinars. Online education on mental healthcare is specifically needed.
The utility of pharmacological and radiological interventions to optimize diagnostic information from PET/CT
Authors: Dudoignon David , Pattison David A. , Legallois Damien , Hicks Rodney J. , Aide Nicolas
Published: September 2020

Background

Positron Emission Tomography with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is widely used in the assessment of many diseases, particularly including cancer. However, many factors can affect image quality and diagnostic performance of PET scans using FDG or other PET probes.

Main body

The aim of this pictorial essay is to review PET/CT protocols that can be useful to overcome these confounding factors in routine clinical situations, with a particular focus on pharmacological interventions and problem-oriented CT acquisition protocols.

Conclusion

Imaging protocols and representative cases will be discussed, in addition to potential contraindications and precautions to be taken.
Mood, Activity Participation, and Leisure Engagement Satisfaction (MAPLES): a randomised controlled pilot feasibility trial for low mood in acquired brain injury
Authors: Kusec Andrea , Murphy Fionnuala C. , Peers Polly V. , Lawrence Cara , Cameron Emma , Morton Claire , Bateman Andrew , Watson Peter , Manly Tom
Published: September 2020

Background

Acquired brain injury (ABI) affects approximately 79.3 million individuals annually and is linked with elevated rates of depression and low mood. Existing methods for treating depression in ABI have shown mixed efficacy. Behavioural activation (BA) is a potentially promising intervention. Its premise is that individuals with low mood avoid planning and engaging in activities due to low expectations of a positive outcome. Consequently, their exposure to positive reinforcement is reduced, exacerbating low mood. BA aims to break this cycle by encouraging activity planning and engagement. It is unknown whether cognitive demands of traditional BA may undermine efficacy in ABI. Here, we assess the feasibility and acceptability of two groups designed to increase activity engagement. In the activity planning group (traditional BA), the importance of meaningful and positive activity will be discussed and participants encouraged to plan/engage in activities in everyday life. The activity engagement group (experiential BA) instead focuses on engagement in positive experiences (crafts, games, discussion) within the group. The primary aims are to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the two groups in ABI. A secondary aim is to explore relative efficacy of the groups compared to an equivalent period of waitlist controls.

Method

This study outlines a parallel-arm pilot feasibility trial for individuals with low mood and ABI that compares a traditional vs experiential BA group vs waitlist controls. Adults (≥ 18 years) will be recruited from local ABI services and randomised to condition. Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed via recruitment, retention, attendance and participant feedback. Groups will be compared (pre- and post-intervention and 1 month follow-up) by assessing self-reported activity engagement. Secondary outcomes include self-report measures of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress related to the ABI, motivation, participation and sense of control over one’s life.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has been approved by the Health Research Authority of the NHS in the UK (East of England—Cambridge Central, REF 18/EE/0305). Results will inform future research on interventions for mood in ABI and be disseminated broadly via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and social media.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03874650 pre-results. Protocol version 2.1, March 5, 2019
Correction to: Suitable methods for isolation, culture, storage and identification of wheat blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum pathotype
Authors: Gupta Dipali Rani , Surovy Musrat Zahan , Mahmud Nur Uddin , Chakraborty Moutoshi , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Hossain Md. Shaid , Bhattacharjee Pallab , Mehebub Md. Shabab , Rani Kanistha , Yeasmin Rumana , Rahman Mahfuzur , Islam Md Tofazzal
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A near-shore clastic-carbonate mixing mode in a continental rift basin (early Oligocene, eastern Shijiutuo Uplift, Bohai Bay Basin, China): sedimentology, reservoir characteristics and exploration practice
Authors: Du Xiao-Feng , Liu Hao , Huang Xiao-Bo , Song Zhang-Qiang , Xu Wei , Zhang Can
Published: September 2020

A comprehensive sedimentary and reservoir analysis was conducted based on seismic, well logging, core and relative test data, taking Members 1 and 2 of Shahejie Formation of the early Oligocene in the steep slope belt, eastern Shijiutuo Uplift (STU), Bohai Bay Basin (BBB) as a case. The study indicates that a near-shore mixed fan deposit formed in the study area and developed characteristics and pattern of a high-quality reservoir. The mixed clastic-carbonate rocks constitute Members 1 and 2 of Shahejie Formation which developed along the steep slope belt and is named as a near-shore mixed fan. The mixed fan of the study area is mainly composed of microfacies of proximal channel, mixed deposited channel, mixed clastic beach, mixed bioclastic (grain) beach, with vertical multi-stage superimposition feature, and basically a similar shape as modern near-shore fans. It constitutes a new depositional type developing in the steep slope belt of a characteristic and complex lacustrine rift basin in the study area. This mixed fan in the steep slope of eastern STU is controlled by comprehensive factors including tectonics, clastic material supply, climate, palaeogeomorphology and hydrodynamic conditions. The reservoir quality of Members 1 and 2 of Shahejie Formation of eastern STU is, however, actually controlled by the sedimentary environment and diagenesis processes. Coarse-grained mixed rocks of near-shore fans, rich in bioclastics, can form excellent reservoirs, characterized by resistance to compaction, easy to dissolution, little influenced by burial depth and high production of oil and gas, which enable them become key exploration targets of medium-deep strata of BBB. Analyses of high-quality reservoir, its controlling factors and the oil and gas exploration implications of the near-shore mixed fan developing in the study area give a deeper insight into discussions of the same type of mixed rocks of other lacustrine rift basins worldwide.
Performance and evaluation of energy optimization techniques for wireless body area networks
Authors: Bilandi Naveen , Verma Harsh Kumar , Dhir Renu
Published: September 2020

Background

Wireless body area networks are created to retrieve and transmit human health information by using sensors on the human body. Energy efficiency is considered a foremost challenge to increase the lifetime of a network. To deal with energy efficiency, one of the important mechanisms is selecting the relay node, which can be modeled as an optimization problem. These days nature-inspired algorithms are being widely used to solve various optimization problems. With regard to this, this paper aims to compare the performance of the three most recent nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms for solving the relay node selection problem.

Results

It has been found that the total energy consumption calculated using grey wolf optimization decreased by 23% as compared to particle swarm optimization and 16% compared to ant lion optimization.

Conclusions

The results suggest that grey wolf optimization is better than the other two techniques due to its social hierarchy and hunting behavior. The findings showed that, compared to well-known heuristics such as particle swarm optimization and ant lion optimization, grey wolf optimization was able to deliver extremely competitive results.

Graphical Abstract
Organophosphate Flame Retardants Excite Arcuate Melanocortin Circuitry and Increase Neuronal Sensitivity to Ghrelin in Adult Mice
Authors: Vail Gwyndolin M , Roepke Troy A
Published: September 2020

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are a class of chemicals that have become near ubiquitous in the modern environment. While OPFRs provide valuable protection against flammability of household items, they are increasingly implicated as an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC). We previously reported that exposure to a mixture of OPFRs causes sex-dependent disruptions of energy homeostasis through alterations in ingestive behavior and activity in adult mice. Because feeding behavior and energy expenditure are largely coordinated by the hypothalamus, we hypothesized that OPFR disruption of energy homeostasis may occur through EDC action on melanocortin circuitry within the arcuate nucleus. To this end, we exposed male and female transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein in either neuropeptide Y (NPY) or proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to a common mixture of OPFRs (triphenyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate; each 1 mg/kg bodyweight/day) for 4 weeks. We then electrophysiologically examined neuronal properties using whole-cell patch clamp technique. OPFR exposure depolarized the resting membrane of NPY neurons and dampened a hyperpolarizing K+ current known as the M-current within the same neurons from female mice. These neurons were further demonstrated to have increased sensitivity to ghrelin excitation, which more potently reduced the M-current in OPFR-exposed females. POMC neurons from female mice exhibited elevated baseline excitability and are indicated in receiving greater excitatory synaptic input when exposed to OPFRs. Together, these data support a sex-selective effect of OPFRs to increase neuronal output from the melanocortin circuitry governing feeding behavior and energy expenditure, and give reason for further examination of OPFR impact on human health.
BPA Differentially Regulates NPY Expression in Hypothalamic Neurons Through a Mechanism Involving Oxidative Stress
Authors: Loganathan Neruja , McIlwraith Emma K , Belsham Denise D
Published: September 2020

Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous endocrine-disrupting chemical, interferes with reproduction and is also considered an obesogen. The neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons of the hypothalamus control both food intake and reproduction and have emerged as potential targets of BPA. These functionally diverse subpopulations of NPY neurons are differentially regulated by peripheral signals, such as estrogen and leptin. Whether BPA also differentially alters Npy expression in subpopulations of NPY neurons, contributing to BPA-induced endocrine dysfunction is unclear. We investigated the response of 6 immortalized hypothalamic NPY-expressing cell lines to BPA treatment. BPA upregulated Npy mRNA expression in 4 cell lines (mHypoA-59, mHypoE-41, mHypoA-2/12, mHypoE-42), and downregulated Npy in 2 lines (mHypoE-46, mHypoE-44). This differential expression of Npy occurred concurrently with differential expression of estrogen receptor mRNA levels. Inhibition of G-protein coupled estrogen receptor GPR30 or estrogen receptor β prevented the BPA-mediated decrease in Npy, whereas inhibition of energy sensor 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) with compound C prevented BPA-induced increase in Npy. BPA also altered neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress markers in both mHypoA-59 and mHypoE-46 cell lines despite the differential regulation of Npy. Remarkably, treatment with BPA in an antioxidant-rich media, Neurobasal A (NBA), or with reactive oxygen species scavenger tauroursodeoxycholic acid mitigated the BPA-induced increase and decrease in Npy. Furthermore, 2 antioxidant species from NBA—N-acetylcysteine and vitamin B6—diminished the induction of Npy in the mHypoA-59 cells, demonstrating these supplements can counteract BPA-induced dysregulation in certain subpopulations. Overall, these results illustrate the differential regulation of Npy by BPA in neuronal subpopulations, and point to oxidative stress as a pathway that can be targeted to block BPA-induced Npy dysregulation in hypothalamic neurons.
Temporal Pole Responds to Subtle Changes in Local Thyroid Hormone Signaling
Authors: Marcelino Cícera P , McAninch Elizabeth A , Fernandes Gustavo W , Bocco Barbara M L C , Ribeiro Miriam O , Bianco Antonio C
Published: September 2020

To study thyroid hormone (TH) signaling in the human brain, we analyzed published microarray data sets of the temporal pole (Brodmann area 38) of 19 deceased donors. An index of TH signaling built on the expression of 19 well known TH-responsive genes in mouse brains (T3S+) varied from 0.92 to 1.1. After Factor analysis, T3S+ correlated independently with the expression of TH transporters (MCT8, LAT2), TH receptor (TR) beta and TR coregulators (CARM1, MED1, KAT2B, SRC2, SRC3, NCOR2a). Unexpectedly, no correlation was found between T3S+ vs DIO2, DIO3, SRC1, or TRα. An unbiased systematic analysis of the entire transcriptome identified a set of 1649 genes (set #1) with strong positive correlation with T3S+ (r > 0.75). Factor analysis of set #1 identified 2 sets of genes that correlated independently with T3S+, sets #2 (329 genes) and #3 (191 genes). When processed through the Molecular Signatures Data Base (MSigDB), both sets #2 and #3 were enriched with Gene Ontology (GO)-sets related to synaptic transmission and metabolic processes. Ranking individual human brain donors according to their T3S+ led us to identify 1262 genes (set #4) with >1.3-fold higher expression in the top half. The analysis of the overlapped genes between sets #1 and #4 resulted in 769 genes (set #5), which have a very similar MSigDB signature as sets #2 and #3. In conclusion, gene expression in the human temporal pole can be assessed through T3S+ and fluctuates with subtle variations in local TH signaling.
The  and  Alternation in the History of English
Authors: Grund Peter J. , Peikola Matti , Rastas Johanna , Xin Wen
Published: September 2020

In the Early Modern English period (roughly 1500s–1700s), the use of the letters  and  went through a change from a positionally constrained system (i.e., initial , medial ) to a system based on phonetic value, with  marking vowels and  consonants. The exact dynamics of this transition have received little attention, however, and the standard account is exclusively based on printed sources. Using a data set of 3,801 examples from 107 handwritten legal documents from the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 and 1693, this study indicates that the current narrative is oversimplified and that behind the transition from one system to another lies a complex process of experimentation and variation. The study charts the  and  usage in the handwriting of nineteen recorders who subscribe to various “mixed” systems that conform neither to the positional nor the phonetic system. In addition to the positional and phonetic constraints, a range of other linguistic and extralinguistic factors appears to have influenced the recorders’ alternation between  and , from lexical item and graphotactics to textual history.
Bless your heart
Authors: Defibaugh Staci , Taylor Karen
Published: September 2020

Language and identity are intricately woven into the personal and public lives of social groups. Words and phrases may originate in a subculture morphing into mainstream culture on the comingled streams of interactions among the masses. These words and phrases have specific meanings within their original contexts in their home cultures, yet they vary and evolve as they travel on the above-mentioned comingled streams of interactions and conversations. In this paper, we explore the typified Southern expression, ‘bless your heart,’ examining the ways in which this phrase is used, understood and reinterpreted as it circulates within the South and outside of it. We examine data from the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA) and substantiate those findings through sociolinguistic interviews focusing on individuals’ experiences with this phrase. We first note that when this phrase is used, it is capable of accomplishing a range of meanings, but positive and negative; however, when it gets spoken about, a singular, negative connotation of the phrase and those who use it emerges, conjuring images of the ‘sassy Southern belle.’ Despite this dichotomy of how the phrase is used and spoken about, a third, and more nuanced, understanding of the phrase was often evoked by the interview participants. Our research highlights the complexity of this phrase for both cultural insiders (i.e. Southerners) and outsiders (i.e. non-Southerners) and the potential negative repercussions of the monolithic representation of white Southern women and the iconic link between this figure of personhood and the seemingly innocuous phrase, ‘bless your heart.’
A systematic review and practical considerations of stereotactic body radiotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , West Nick , Richmond Neil , Kovarik Josef , Gray Isabel , Willis Nick , Morgan David , Yazici Gozde , Cengiz Mustafa , Paleri Vinidh , Kelly Charles
Published: September 2020

Objectives:

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT) is gaining popularity although its use in head and neck cancer (HNC) is not well defined. The primary objective was to review the published evidence regarding the use of stereotactic radiotherapy in HNC.

Methods:

A literature search was performed by using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for eligible studies from 2000 to 2019 and 26 relevant studies were identified.

Results:

Literature demonstrates a heterogeneous use of this technique with regards to patient population, primary or salvage treatment, dose fractionation regimens, outcomes and follow-up protocols. Carotid blow out syndrome is a risk as with other forms of reirradiation but alternative treatment regimens may reduce this risk.

Conclusion:

At present there is a lack of evidence regarding SBRT as a primary treatment option for HNC and definitive answers regarding efficacy and tolerability cannot be provided but there is growing evidence that SBRT reirradiation regimens are safe and effective. In lieu of evidence from large Phase III trials, we define appropriate organ at risk constraints and prescription doses, with accurate plan summation approaches. Prospective randomised trials are warranted to validate improved treatment outcomes and acceptable treatment morbidity.

Advances in knowledge:

This article provides a comprehensive review of evidence of use of stereotactic radiotherapy in HNC site (either as a primary treatment or as reirradiation). We also provide an evidence–based approach to the implementation and practical consideration of stereotactic radiotherapy in HNC.
The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children - A resource for COVID-19 research: Questionnaire data capture May-July 2020
Authors: Northstone Kate , Smith Daniel , Bowring Claire , Wells Nicholas , Crawford Michael , Haworth Simon , Timpson Nicholas J.
Published: September 2020

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) is a prospective population-based cohort study which recruited pregnant women in 1990-1992 and has followed these women, their partners and their offspring ever since. The study reacted rapidly to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, deploying an online questionnaire early on during lockdown (from 9th April to 15th May). In late May 2020, a second questionnaire was developed asking about physical and mental health, lifestyle and behaviours, employment and finances.

The online questionnaire was deployed across the parent and offspring generations between the 26th May and 5th July 2020. 6482 participants completed the questionnaire (2639 original mothers, 1039 original fathers/partners, 2711 offspring (mean age ~28 years) and 93 partners of offspring). 1039 new participants who did not respond to the first questionnaire deployed in April completed the second questionnaire.  A positive COVID-19 test was reported by 36 (0.6%) participants (12 G0 and 24 G1), 91 (1.4%; 35 G0 and 56 G1) reported that they had been told by a doctor they likely had COVID-19 and 838 (13%; 422 G0 and 416 G1) suspected that they have had COVID-19.  

The observational data from both COVID questionnaires will be complemented with linkage to health records and results of biological testing as they become available. In combination, these data may help us identify true cases. Data has been released as an update to the original dataset released in May 2020. It comprises: 1) a standard dataset containing all participant responses to both questionnaires with key sociodemographic factors and 2) as a composite release coordinating data from the existing resource, thus enabling bespoke research across all areas supported by the study. This data note describes the second questionnaire and the data obtained from it.
FEATURES OF THE INITIAL STAGE OF FORMATION OF FAST CORONAL MASS EJECTION ON FEBRUARY 25, 2014
Authors: Eselevich Viktor , Eselevich Maxim
Published: September 2020

We have analyzed the fast coronal mass ejection (CME) that occurred on February 25, 2014. The analysis is based on images taken in the 131, 211, 304, and 1700 Å UV channels of the SDO/AIA instrument and from observations obtained in the Hα line (6562.8 Å) with the telescopes of the Teide and Big Bear Observatories.

The February 25, 2014 CME is associated with the ejection and subsequent explosive expansion of the magnetic flux rope, which appeared near the solar surface presumably due to the tether-cutting magnetic reconnection.

The impulse of full pressure (thermal plus magnetic) resulting from such an “explosion” acts on the overlying coronal arcades, causing them to merge and form an accelerated moving frontal structure of the CME. This pressure impulse also generates a blast collisional shock wave ahead of the CME, whose velocity decreases rapidly with distance. At large distances R>7R₀ (R₀ is the solar radius) from the center of the Sun in front of the CME, a shock wave of another type is formed — a “piston” collisional shock wave whose velocity varies little with distance.

At R≥15R₀, there is a transition from a collisional to a collisionless shock wave.
MANIFESTATION OF SOLAR ACTIVITY AND DYNAMICS OF THE ATMOSPHERE IN VARIATIONS OF 577.7 AND 630.0 nm ATMOSPHERIC EMISSIONS IN SOLAR CYCLE 24
Authors: Mikhalev Aleksandr
Published: September 2020

In the paper, variations of the night emission intensities in the 557.7 and 630 nm atomic oxygen lines [OI] in 2011–2019 have been analyzed. The analysis is based on data from the ISTP SB RAS Geophysical Observatory. The emission intensities are compared with atmospheric, solar, and geophysical parameters. High correlation coefficients between monthly average and annual average 630.0 nm emission intensities and solar activity indices F10.7 have been obtained. This suggests a key role of solar activity in variations of this emission in the period of interest. Variations of the 557.7 nm emission demonstrate to a greater extent the correlations of the stratospheric zonal wind (QBO.U30 index) with quasi-biennial oscillations. The causes of the weak dependence of the 557.7 nm emission intensity on solar activity in solar cycle 24 are discussed.
Inversion of backscatter ionograms into quasiparabolic ionospheric layer parameters
Authors: Ponomarchuk Sergey , Penzin Maksim
Published: September 2020

We present an inversion scheme of the backscatter signal leading edge into parameters of the quasi-parabolic electron density profile, which is based on the comparison of experimental and calculated minimum delays of scattered signals with corresponding distance to the skip zone border. Input parameters are frequency dependences of minimum group path of signal propagation, derived from processing and interpreting backscatter ionograms. For a fixed sounding frequency, the ionospheric parameter pair — the critical frequency and height of the F2-layer maximum — is defined as the intersection point of two curves representing solutions of minimization problems for discrepancy functionals of the minimum group path and the range to the skip zone border. Determining the ionospheric parameters by this inversion scheme on the sounding frequency grid allows us to construct a two-dimensional distribution of electron density in the direction of backscatter sounding.
Cohort Fertility, Parity Progression, and Family Size in Former Yugoslav Countries
Authors: Čipin Ivan , Zeman Kryštof , Međimurec Petra
Published: September 2020

Yugoslavia was a union of countries at the crossroads of cultures, rich in diversity, bringing together heterogeneous populations with very different demographic transition pathways, particularly with respect to fertility. This paper studies the trends and patterns of cohort fertility in former Yugoslav countries, similarities and differences between the countries, and their possible clustering. Do former Yugoslav countries exhibit persistent diversity to this day, or is there convergence in terms of cohort fertility behaviour? If so, what might account for this homogeneity within Yugoslavia’s heterogeneity? We trace how fertility behaviour changed from the turn of the twentieth century, when Yugoslav countries began their progression from agrarian into industrial capitalist societies. We consider the factors related to a rapid transformation to socialist modernity after 1945 and proceed to investigate the federation’s breakup and the successor states’ transitions to market economies in the early 1990s. Our study thus covers a century of socioeconomic and fertility developments within the region. We analyse census data on children born by means of the completed cohort fertility rate, parity progression ratios, and parity composition. Our results show that while fertility levels decreased in all former Yugoslav republics, this happened at different speeds and taking different paths. Parity progression to higher birth orders was particularly responsible for this development, as well as for the differences and similarities between the respective republics. Former Yugoslav republics are clustered into three groups, where Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia form the low fertility group, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro belong to a higher fertility group. Kosovo remains a special case with exceptionally high fertility in the European context. We conclude that this clustering stems from a complex interplay of historical, political, economic and social factors.