bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexmedetomidine attenuates neuronal injury after spinal cord ischaemia‐reperfusion injury by targeting the CNPY2‐endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling
Authors: Zhao Lina , Zhai Meili , Yang Xu , Guo Hongjie , Cao Ying , Wang Donghui , Li Ping , Liu Chong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDexmedetomidine (Dex) has been proven to exert protective effects on multiple organs in response to ischaemia‐reperfusion injury, but the specific mechanism by which this occurs has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Dex attenuates spinal cord ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (SCIRI) by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Our team established a model of SCIRI and utilized the endoplasmic reticulum agonist thapsigargin. Dex (25 g/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 30 minutes before spinal cord ischaemia. After 45 minutes of ischaemia, the spinal cord was reperfused for 24 hours. To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Dex on SCIRI, neurological function scores were assessed in rats and apoptosis of spinal cord cells was determined by TUNEL staining. To determine whether the endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis pathway CNPY2‐PERK was involved in the neuroprotective mechanism of Dex, the expression levels of related proteins (CNPY2, GRP78, PERK, CHOP, caspase‐12, caspase‐9 and caspase‐3) were detected by western blot analysis and RT‐PCR. We observed that Dex significantly increased the neurological function scores after SCIRI and decreased apoptosis of spinal cord cells. The expression of ERS‐related apoptosis proteins was significantly increased by SCIRI but was significantly decreased in response to Dex administration. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that Dex may attenuate SCIRI by inhibiting the CNPY2‐ERS apoptotic pathway.
Behind the EU's Energy and Climate Policy Conundrum: Erroneous Power Toolbox, Deadlocks and the Way Forward
Authors: Proedrou Filippos 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis article discusses EU energy and climate policy through the prism of multidimensional power. In so doing, it explores the forms of power EU policy draws from and employs. The article argues that through its gas first policy the EU misused its productive power and failed to shift structural power dynamics, while overplaying its institutional and compulsory power to fulfil its energy/climate goals despite the EU's obvious limitations in the former and impotence in the latter. This mismatch between means and goals points to the need for an alternative power toolbox. This consists in the exercise of productive power to signify clean energy as the new normal; the use of coercive structural and market power to shape and regulate clean energy markets and the increased use of institutional power deriving from a comprehensive energy transition. This power toolbox relaxes the shortcomings of the EU's gas first policy, cements EU energy security and supports the global uptake of transitions to renewable energy.
Use of medication for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder and risk of unintentional injuries in children and adolescents with co‐occurring neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Ghirardi Laura , Chen Qi , Chang Zheng , Kuja‐Halkola Ralf , Skoglund Charlotte , Quinn Patrick D. , D'Onofrio Brian M. , Larsson Henrik 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) and with risky behaviors and adverse health outcomes, including injuries. Treatment with ADHD medication has been associated with reduced risk of injuries. However, it is unknown whether the association is present in individuals with co‐occurring NDs. The aim of the present study was to estimate the association between ADHD medication use and unintentional injuries in Sweden in children and adolescents with ADHD, including those with co‐occurring NDs.MethodsUsing a linkage of several national registers via the unique personal identification number, we identified individuals with a diagnosis of ADHD and of other NDs, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, communication disorders, learning disorders and motor disorders. The primary outcome was unintentional injuries. Secondary outcome was traumatic brain injury (TBI). Individuals were followed from January 1st 2006 or their 5th birthday or the date of the first unintentional injury, whichever came last, to December 31st 2013 or their 18th birthday or death, whichever came first. We compared the rate of injuries during periods on‐treatment with the rate of injuries during periods off‐treatment within the same individual using stratified Cox regression to calculate hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsFor children and adolescents with ADHD (N = 9,421) the rate of any unintentional injuries (HR = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.78–0.92) and TBIs (HR = 0.27; 95% CIs = 0.20–0.38) during medicated periods was lower than during non‐medicated periods. Similar results were found among individuals with co‐occurring NDs (N = 2,986), for unintentional injuries (HR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.77–1.01) and for TBIs (HR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.16–0.44).ConclusionsBeneficial effects of ADHD medication may extend beyond reduction of ADHD core symptoms to prevention of unintentional injuries in children and adolescents, including individuals with co‐occurring NDs.
Flat‐Detector CT to Quantify Response to Intra‐Arterial Spasmolytic Therapy for Cerebral Vasospasm
Authors: O'Connor Kyle P. , Milton Camille K. , Strickland Allison , Apple Blair , Bohnstedt Bradley N. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSECerebral vasospasm in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage causes morbidity and mortality due to delayed cerebral ischemia and permanent neurological deficits. Vasospasm treatment includes intra‐arterial injection of a spasmolytic during cerebral angiography. To evaluate effectiveness, neurointerventionalists subjectively examine a posttreatment cerebral angiogram to determine change in vessel diameter or increase in microvascular perfusion. Flat‐detector computed tomography (FDCT) scanner has the ability to quantitatively measure cerebral blood volume (CBV) within the parenchyma and detect a quantitative change following treatment.METHODSThis is a prospective study at a single institution between October 5, 2017 and June 3, 2019 that examines CBV studies from the Artis Q biplane (Siemens). Regions of interest were made in various territories to measure the CBV within the parenchyma before and after treatment with the spasmolytic verapamil. All instances of vasospasm involved vasculature within the left middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery. The Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to determine significance before and after treatment.RESULTSOur cohort consists of 6 patients who underwent Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and FDCT scans for cerebral vasospasm within the left hemisphere. After intra‐arterial injection of 20 mg of verapamil, average increases in blood volume were 59%, 22%, and 24% for the temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes, respectively. P‐values associated were .03. We also observed decrease in the mean arterial blood pressure and transcranial Doppler values after treatment.CONCLUSIONIn conclusion, FDCT could measure the effectiveness of a change in CBV from infusion of verapamil in the setting of cerebral vasospasm. The authors believe quantifying the change allows for reassurance of improvement of cerebral vasospasm.
Adaptation and validation of the health belief model scale for colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Lee Shin‐Young , Lee Eunice E. , Rhee Young Sun , Yang Eun Young , Shin Jeong Ha , Lee Seonah 
Published: October 2019

AbstractKorea has the second highest incidence of colorectal cancer in the world. Instruments that are culturally and contextually sensitive, as well as valid and reliable, for determining health beliefs regarding colorectal cancer screening are essential for obtaining accurate information. The purpose of this study was to adapt and validate the health belief model scale for Koreans regarding colorectal cancer and fecal occult blood test utilization. Individual and cognitive interviews (also known as cognitive debriefing) with 33 Koreans, expert reviews with seven nursing practitioners and professors, and a pilot test with 18 Koreans were conducted to make the existing health belief model scale culturally and contextually sensitive. Subsequently, a cross‐sectional survey with 728 Koreans aged >50 years was conducted. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the construct validity and internal consistency reliability supported the adapted health belief model scale. The adapted and validated health belief model scale in this study could contribute to the assessment of health beliefs regarding the fecal occult blood test among Koreans with a greater degree of accuracy with respect to Korean culture and context.
PIRIN2 suppresses S‐type lignin accumulation in a noncell‐autonomous manner in Arabidopsis xylem elements
Authors: Zhang Bo , Sztojka Bernadette , Escamez Sacha , Vanholme Ruben , Hedenström Mattias , Wang Yin , Turumtay Halbay , Gorzsás András , Boerjan Wout , Tuominen Hannele 
Published: October 2019

Summary

PIRIN (PRN) genes encode cupin domain‐containing proteins that function as transcriptional co‐regulators in humans but that are poorly described in plants. A previous study in xylogenic cell cultures of Zinnia elegans suggested a role for a PRN protein in lignification. This study aimed to identify the function of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PRN proteins in lignification of xylem tissues.

Chemical composition of the secondary cell walls was analysed in Arabidopsis stems and/or hypocotyls by pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, 2D‐nuclear magnetic resonance and phenolic profiling. Secondary cell walls of individual xylem elements were chemotyped by Fourier transform infrared and Raman microspectroscopy.

Arabidopsis PRN2 suppressed accumulation of S‐type lignin in Arabidopsis stems and hypocotyls. PRN2 promoter activity and PRN2:GFP fusion protein were localised specifically in cells next to the vessel elements, suggesting a role for PRN2 in noncell‐autonomous lignification of xylem vessels. Accordingly, PRN2 modulated lignin chemistry in the secondary cell walls of the neighbouring vessel elements.

These results indicate that PRN2 suppresses S‐type lignin accumulation in the neighbourhood of xylem vessels to bestow G‐type enriched lignin composition on the secondary cell walls of the vessel elements. Gene expression analyses suggested that PRN2 function is mediated by regulation of the expression of the lignin‐biosynthetic genes.
Stress‐adaptive gene discovery by exploiting collective decision‐making of decentralized plant response systems
Authors: Chivasa Stephen , Goodman Heather Louise 
Published: October 2019

SummaryDespite having a network of cytoplasmic interconnections (plasmodesmata) facilitating rapid exchange of metabolites and signal molecules, plant cells use the extracellular matrix as an alternative route for cell–cell communication. The need for extracellular signalling in plasmodesmata‐networked tissues is baffling. A hypothesis is proposed that this phenomenon defines the plant extracellular matrix as a ‘democratic space’ for collective decision‐making in a decentralized system, similar to quorum‐sensing in bacteria. Extracellular communication enables signal integration and coordination across several cell layers through ligand‐activated plasma membrane receptors. Recent results from drought stress‐adaptive responses and light‐mediated signalling in cell death activation show operational utility of this decision‐making process. Opportunities are discussed for new innovations in drought gene discovery using platforms targeting the extracellular matrix.
Achievements and future perspectives of embryo transfer technology in pigs
Authors: Martinez Emilio A. , Martinez Cristina A. , Cambra Josep M. , Maside Carolina , Lucas Xiomara , Vazquez Jose L. , Vazquez Juan Maria , Roca Jordi , Rodriguez‐Martinez Heriberto , Gil Maria Antonia , Parrilla Inmaculada , Cuello Cristina 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCommercial embryo transfer (ET) has unprecedented productive and economic implications for the pig sector. However, pig ET has been considered utopian for decades mainly because of the requirements of surgical techniques for embryo collection and embryo deposition into recipients, alongside challenges to preserve embryos. This situation has drastically changed in the last decade since the current technology allows non‐surgical ET and short‐ and long‐term embryo preservation. Here, we provide a brief review of the improvements in porcine ET achieved by our laboratory in the past 20 years. This review includes several aspects of non‐surgical ET technology and different issues affecting ET programmes and embryo preservation systems. The future perspectives of ET technology are also considered. We will refer only to embryos produced in vivo since they are the only type of embryos with possible short‐term use in pig production.
Alternatives in Donkey semen cryopreservation: Mare vs. Jenny Colostrum
Authors: Álvarez Cristina , González Noelia , Luño Victoria , Martínez Felisa , Gil Lydia 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to test and compare two new components in extenders for freezing donkey semen: mare colostrum and jenny colostrum. Colostrum was obtained from four mares and four jennies right after the foal's birth. Ejaculates were collected from five fertile donkeys. Sperm samples were pooled, diluted and cryopreserved in three different experimental extender groups: lactose supplemented with egg yolk extender (20%) as the control group, lactose supplemented with jenny colostrum extender (20%), and lactose supplemented with mare colostrum extender (20%). After thawing, we evaluated the sperm motility by means of computer‐assisted analysis, viability by SYBR‐14 and propidium iodide (PI), membrane functional by HOS test and acrosome integrity by isothiocyanate conjugated with peanut agglutinin (FITC‐PNA) and PI. The results demonstrated that lactose–jenny colostrum extender displayed significantly higher values (p < .05) in nearly all parameters evaluated – Total Motility, Viability, HOS test, VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, STR and WOB –, compared with mare colostrum and egg yolk extenders after thawing. In conclusion, the extender containing jenny colostrum used for donkey semen cryopreservation improved the donkey sperm quality after the freezing–thawing process.
Is sperm cryopreservation in absence of permeable cryoprotectants suitable for subfertile donkeys?
Authors: Diaz‐Jimenez Maria , Dorado Jesús , Pereira Blasa , Consuegra Cesar , Ortiz Isabel , Hidalgo Manuel 
Published: October 2019

ContentsSperm from fertile donkeys have been successfully frozen in absence of permeable cryoprotectants. The aim of this study was to determine whether this cryopreservation method is suitable for subfertile donkeys in comparison to conventional sperm freezing with glycerol. Ejaculates were collected from four Andalusian Donkeys: three fertile and one subfertile. Semen was frozen with an extender containing glycerol (GLY), or adding instead sucrose 0.25 molar and 1% bovine serum albumin (SUC) as non‐permeable cryoprotectants. After thawing, samples were assessed for total (TM, %) and progressive (PM, %) sperm motility by CASA, plasma membrane integrity (PMI, %) by epifluorescence microscopy and DNA integrity (DFI, %) by SCSA. Results (mean ± SD) were compared between extenders in fertile and subfertile donkeys using the Student's t test. No differences between GLY and SUC treatments were found in the fertile group for the sperm parameters assessed. In subfertile donkey ejaculates, GLY resulted in significantly higher values than SUC for TM (25.5 ± 3.1 vs. 19.6 ± 1.9) and PM (13.3 ± 5.1 vs. 4.0 ± 1.2), respectively. In conclusion, considering all the sperm parameters assessed, sperm freezing in absence of permeable cryoprotectants may not be still an option for cryopreservation of subfertile donkey sperm.
Pregnancy‐induced changes in the transcript levels of prolactin receptor and its suppressor in the ovine hypothalamus and adenohypophysis
Authors: Szczesna Malgorzata , Kirsz Katarzyna , Misztal Tomasz , Zieba Dorota A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyse changes in the abundance of prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) and suppressor of cytokine signalling‐3 (SOCS‐3) mRNA in the ventro‐/dorsomedial nucleus (VMH/DMH) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus as well as in the median eminence (ME) and adenohypophysis (AP) in sheep at 30, 60, 90 and 120 d of pregnancy compared to non‐pregnant animals. In the VMH/DMH, PRLR transcripts were detected only in non‐pregnant ewes. In the ARC, the abundances of PRLR mRNA were higher in pregnant sheep on days 30 (p < .01), 90 (p < .01) and 120 (p < .05) than in non‐pregnant sheep. In contrast, the expression of PRLR mRNA in the ME was lower (p < .01) in pregnant ewes at days 30 and 60 than in non‐pregnant ewes and was undetectable at later stages of gestation. In all studied stages of pregnancy except day 60, the abundance of PRLR mRNA was higher (p < .01) in the ARC than in the AP, while in non‐pregnant sheep, there were no differences (p ≥ .05) in the transcript levels between these two tissues. In non‐pregnant ewes, the abundance of SOCS‐3 mRNA in the AP was lower than that in any other studied tissue (p < .05‐p < .01). In conclusion, the observed changes in PRLR and SOCS‐3 mRNA abundance in the hypothalamus and AP during pregnancy may be important components of the mechanisms regulating the action of PRL in energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine interactions within the hypothalamic–pituitary axis.
Effectiveness of tigecycline in the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria in pediatric liver transplant recipients: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Fang , Shen Chuan , Pang Xiaoyun , Zhang Zaili , Deng Yuxiao , Han Longzhi , Chen Xiaosong , Zhang Jianjun , Xia Qiang , Qian Yongbing 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIntroductionTigecycline (TGC) is effective for the infections caused by carbapenem‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria (CRGNB) in adults, but it is not investigated systematically in children because of concern about adverse effects. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of TGC in treating CRGNB infections in children after receiving liver transplant.MethodsThe subjects in this retrospective study were pediatric liver transplant recipients treated with TGC for at least 3 days to fight microbiologically verified CRGNB infection after initial antibiotic failure during the period from January 2014 to May 2018. Clinical and microbiological outcomes were reviewed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TGC.ResultsOf the 1177 pediatric liver transplant recipients, 13 patients were eligible for inclusion in this analysis. All the patients received TGC at dose of 2 mg/kg every 12 hours for a duration of 10.1 ± 5.1 days on average to treat CRGNB infections, including complicated intra‐abdominal infection, ventilator‐associated pneumonia, and bloodstream infection. The isolates included Klebsiella pneumoniae (69.2%, 9/13) and Acinetobacter baumannii (30.8%, 4/13). Clinical efficacy was achieved in 84.6% (11/13) and pathogen eradicated in 69.2% (9/13) of the patients. The overall mortality rate was 15.4% (2/13). No TGC‐related serious adverse event was reported.ConclusionTigecycline can be considered in combination antimicrobial regimen for treating CRGNB‐related infections in pediatric liver transplant recipients.
Natural genetic variation in photosynthesis: an untapped resource to increase crop yield potential?
Authors: Faralli Michele , Lawson Tracy 
Published: October 2019

SummaryRaising crop yield potential is a major goal to ensure food security for the growing global population. Photosynthesis is the primary determinant of crop productivity and any gain in photosynthetic CO2 assimilation per unit of leaf area (A) has the potential to increase yield. Significant intraspecific variation in A is known to exist in various autotrophic organs that represent an unexploited target for crop improvement. However, the large number of factors that influence photosynthetic rates often makes it difficult to measure or estimate A under dynamic field conditions (i.e. fluctuating light intensities or temperatures). This complexity often results in photosynthetic capacity, rather than realized photosynthetic rates being used to assess natural variation in photosynthesis. Here we review the work on natural variation in A, the different factors determining A and their interaction in yield formation. A series of drawbacks and perspectives are presented for the most common analyses generally used to estimate A. The different yield components and their determination based on different photosynthetic organs are discussed with a major focus on potential exploitation of various traits for crop improvement. To conclude, an example of different possibilities to increase yield in wheat through enhancing A is illustrated.
Tissue‐specific inactivation by cytosine deaminase/uracil phosphoribosyl transferase as a tool to study plant biology
Authors: Leonhardt Nathalie , Divol Fanchon , Chiarenza Serge , Deschamps Sabrina , Renaud Jeanne , Giacalone Cécile , Nussaume Laurent , Berthomé Richard , Péret Benjamin 
Published: October 2019

SummaryRecent advances in the study of plant developmental and physiological responses have benefited from tissue‐specific approaches, revealing the role of some cell types in these processes. Such approaches have relied on the inactivation of target cells using either toxic compounds or deleterious genes; however, both tissue‐specific and truly inducible tools are lacking in order to precisely target a developmental window or specific growth response. We engineered the yeast fluorocytosine deaminase (FCY1) gene by creating a fusion with the bacterial uracil phosphoribosyl transferase (UPP) gene. The recombinant protein converts the precursor 5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC) into 5‐fluorouracyl, a drug used in the treatment of a range of cancers, which triggers DNA and RNA damage. We expressed the FCY‐UPP gene construct in specific cell types using enhancer trap lines and promoters, demonstrating that this marker acts in a cell‐autonomous manner. We also showed that it can inactivate slow developmental processes like lateral root formation by targeting pericycle cells. It also revealed a role for the lateral root cap and the epidermis in controlling root growth, a faster response. The 5‐FC precursor acts systemically, as demonstrated by its ability to inhibit stomatal movements when supplied to the roots in combination with a guard cell‐specific promoter. Finally, we demonstrate that the tissular inactivation is reversible, and can therefore be used to synchronize plant responses or to determine cell type‐specific functions during different developmental stages. This tool will greatly enhance our capacity to understand the respective role of each cell type in plant physiology and development.