bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alteration of the aggregation and spatial organization of the vector of Chagas disease, Triatoma infestans, by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Depickère Stéphanie , Ramírez-Ávila Gonzalo Marcelo , Deneubourg Jean-Louis 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTriatominae insects are vectors of the parasiteTrypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease affecting millions of people in Latin America. Some species, such asTriatoma infestans, live in the human neighborhood, aggregating in walls or roof cracks during the day and going out to feed blood at night. The comprehension of how sex andT. cruziinfection affect their aggregation and geotaxis is essential for understanding their spatial organization and the parasite dispersion. Experiments in laboratory-controlled conditions were carried out with groups of ten adults ofT. infestansable to explore and aggregate on a vertical surface. The influence of the sex (male vs. female) and the proportion of infected insects in the group were tested (100% of infected insects vs. a small proportion of infected insects, named infected and potentially weakly infected groups, respectively). Therefore, four distinct groups of insects were tested: infected males, infected females, potentially weakly infected males, and potentially weakly infected females, with 12, 9, 15, and 16 replicates, respectively. The insects presented a high negative geotaxis and a strong aggregation behavior whatever the sex or their infection. After an exploration phase, these behaviors were stable in time. The insects exhibited a preferential vertical position, head toward the top of the setup. Males had a higher negative geotaxis and a higher aggregation level than females. Both behaviors were enhanced in groups of 100% infected insects, the difference between sexes being maintained. According to a comparison between experimental and theoretical results, geotaxis favors the aggregation that mainly results from the inter-attraction between individuals.
The effect of immersive virtual reality on proximal and conditioned threat
Authors: Rosén Jörgen , Kastrati Granit , Reppling Aksel , Bergkvist Klas , Åhs Fredrik 
Published: November 2019

AbstractVirtual reality lets the user be immersed in a 3-dimensional environment, which can enhance certain emotional responses to stimuli relative to experiencing them on a flat computer screen. We here tested whether displaying two different types of threats in immersive virtual reality enhanced threat related autonomic responses measured by skin conductance responses (SCRs). We studied innate and learned threat responses because these types of threats have been shown to depend on different neural circuits in animals. Therefore, it is possible that immersive virtual reality may modulate one of these threats but not the other. Innate threat responses were provoked by the sudden appearance of characters at proximal egocentric distance, which were compared to the sudden appearance of distant characters (proximal threat). Learned threat responses were studied by conditioning two of the characters to an electric shock (conditioned threat) and contrasting SCRs to these characters with SCRs to two other characters that were never paired with shock. We found that displaying stimuli in immersive virtual reality enhanced proximal threat responses but not conditioned threat responses. Findings show that immersive virtual reality can enhance an innate type of threat responses without affecting a learned threat response, suggesting that separate neural pathways serve these threat responses.
Exploring novel secondary metabolites from natural products using pre-processed mass spectral data
Authors: Kim Hyun Woo , Choi Seong Yeon , Jang Hyeon Seok , Ryu Byeol , Sung Sang Hyun , Yang Heejung 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMany natural product chemists are working to identify a wide variety of novel secondary metabolites from natural materials and are eager to avoid repeatedly discovering known compounds. Here, we developed liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) data-processing protocols for assessing high-throughput spectral data from natural sources and scoring the novelty of unknown metabolites from natural products. This approach automatically produces representative MS spectra (RMSs) corresponding to single secondary metabolites in natural sources. In this study, we used the RMSs of Agrimonia pilosa roots and aerial parts as models to reveal the structural similarities of their secondary metabolites and identify novel compounds, as well as isolation of three types of nine new compounds including three pilosanidin- and four pilosanol-type molecules and two 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-conjugated chromones. Furthermore, we devised a new scoring system, the Fresh Compound Index (FCI), which grades the novelty of single secondary metabolites from a natural material using an in-house database constructed from 466 representative medicinal plants from East Asian countries. We expect that the FCIs of RMSs in a sample will help natural product chemists to discover other compounds of interest with similar chemical scaffolds or novel compounds and will provide insights relevant to the structural diversity and novelty of secondary metabolites in natural products.
Light-driven activation of mitochondrial proton-motive force improves motor behaviors in a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Imai Yuzuru , Inoshita Tsuyoshi , Meng Hongrui , Shiba-Fukushima Kahori , Hara Kiyotaka Y. , Sawamura Naoya , Hattori Nobutaka 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMitochondrial degeneration is considered one of the major causes of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Improved mitochondrial functions are expected to be a promising therapeutic strategy for PD. In this study, we introduced a light-driven proton transporter, Delta-rhodopsin (dR), to Drosophila mitochondria, where the mitochondrial proton-motive force (Δp) and mitochondrial membrane potential are maintained in a light-dependent manner. The loss of the PD-associated mitochondrial gene CHCHD2 resulted in reduced ATP production, enhanced mitochondrial peroxide production and lower Ca2+-buffering activity in dopaminergic (DA) terminals in flies. These cellular defects were improved by the light-dependent activation of mitochondrion-targeted dR (mito-dR). Moreover, mito-dR reversed the pathology caused by the CHCHD2 deficiency to suppress α-synuclein aggregation, DA neuronal loss, and elevated lipid peroxidation in brain tissue, improving motor behaviors. This study suggests the enhancement of Δp by mito-dR as a therapeutic mechanism that ameliorates neurodegeneration by protecting mitochondrial functions.
Structural analysis identifies an escape route from the adverse lipogenic effects of liver X receptor ligands
Authors: Belorusova Anna Y. , Evertsson Emma , Hovdal Daniel , Sandmark Jenny , Bratt Emma , Maxvall Ingela , Schulman Ira G. , Åkerblad Peter , Lindstedt Eva-Lotte 
Published: November 2019

AbstractLiver X receptors (LXRs) are attractive drug targets for cardiovascular disease treatment due to their role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis and immunity. The anti-atherogenic properties of LXRs have prompted development of synthetic ligands, but these cause major adverse effects—such as increased lipogenesis—which are challenging to dissect from their beneficial activities. Here we show that LXR compounds displaying diverse functional responses in animal models induce distinct receptor conformations. Combination of hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis allowed identification of LXR regions differentially correlating with anti-atherogenic and lipogenic activities of ligands. We show that lipogenic compounds stabilize active states of LXRα and LXRβ while the anti-atherogenic expression of the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 is associated with the ligand-induced stabilization of LXRα helix 3. Our data indicates that avoiding ligand interaction with the activation helix 12 while engaging helix 3 may provide directions for development of ligands with improved therapeutic profiles.
Highly thermostable carboxylic acid reductases generated by ancestral sequence reconstruction
Authors: Thomas Adam , Cutlan Rhys , Finnigan William , van der Giezen Mark , Harmer Nicholas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCarboxylic acid reductases (CARs) are biocatalysts of industrial importance. Their properties, especially their poor stability, render them sub-optimal for use in a bioindustrial pipeline. Here, we employed ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR) – a burgeoning engineering tool that can identify stabilizing but enzymatically neutral mutations throughout a protein. We used a three-algorithm approach to reconstruct functional ancestors of the Mycobacterial and Nocardial CAR1 orthologues. Ancestral CARs (AncCARs) were confirmed to be CAR enzymes with a preference for aromatic carboxylic acids. Ancestors also showed varied tolerances to solvents, pH and in vivo-like salt concentrations. Compared to well-studied extant CARs, AncCARs had a Tm up to 35 °C higher, with half-lives up to nine times longer than the greatest previously observed. Using ancestral reconstruction we have expanded the existing CAR toolbox with three new thermostable CAR enzymes, providing access to the high temperature biosynthesis of aldehydes to drive new applications in biocatalysis.
Microbial biofilm formation and degradation of octocrylene, a UV absorber found in sunscreen
Authors: Suleiman Marcel , Schröder Carola , Kuhn Michael , Simon Andrea , Stahl Alina , Frerichs Heike , Antranikian Garabed 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOctocrylene is a widely used synthetic UV absorber of sunscreens and found in several environments. Ecological consequences of the accumulation of UV filters are widely discussed. This is the first report revealing the microbial potential to transform octocrylene. A microbial community comprising four bacterial species was enriched from a landfill site using octocrylene as carbon source. From these microorganisms Mycobacterium agri and Gordonia cholesterolivorans were identified as most potent applying a new “reverse discovery” approach. This relies on the possibility that efficient strains that are already isolated and deposited can be identified through enrichment cultures. These strains formed massive biofilms on the octocrylene droplets. GC-MS analysis after cultivation for 10 days with M. agri revealed a decrease in octocrylene concentration of 19.1%. LC-MS/MS analysis was utilized in the detection and quantification of transformation products of octocrylene. M. agri thus represents an ideal candidate for bioremediation studies with octocrylene and related compounds.
Multiple superconducting phases in a nearly ferromagnetic system
Authors: Braithwaite D. , Vališka M. , Knebel G. , Lapertot G. , Brison J.-P. , Pourret A. , Zhitomirsky M. E. , Flouquet J. , Honda F. , Aoki D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe nearly ferromagnetic superconductor UTe2 shows several intriguing phenomena, including an extraordinary reinforcement of superconductivity in very strong magnetic fields. Here we show that pressure tunes the system to a more correlated state and probable magnetic order. The superconducting critical temperature is also strongly enhanced, reaching almost 3 K, a new record for U-based heavy fermion superconductors. Most spectacularly under pressure we find a transition within the superconducting state, putting UTe2 among the very rare systems having multiple superconducting phases. UTe2 under pressure is a treasure trove of several of the most fascinating phenomena in unconventional superconductivity and may well be a keystone in their understanding.
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) applied to plant science: challenges towards in vivo analysis of plants
Authors: Montanha Gabriel Sgarbiero , Rodrigues Eduardo Santos , Marques João Paulo Rodrigues , de Almeida Eduardo , dos Reis André Rodrigues , Pereira de Carvalho Hudson Wallace 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) is an analytical tool used to determine the elemental composition in a myriad of sample matrices. Due to the XRF non-destructive feature, this technique may allow time-resolved plant tissue analyses under in vivo conditions, and additionally, the combination with other non-destructive techniques. In this study, we employed handheld and benchtop XRF to evaluate the elemental distribution changes in living plant tissues exposed to X-rays, as well as real-time uptake kinetics of Zn(aq) and Mn(aq) in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) stem and leaves, for 48 hours, combined with transpiration rate assessment on leaves by an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA). We found higher Zn content than Mn in stems. The latter micronutrient, in turn, presented higher concentration in leaf veins. Besides, both micronutrients were more concentrated in the first trifolium (i.e., youngest leaf) of soybean plants. Moreover, the transpiration rate was more influenced by circadian cycles than Zn and Mn uptake. Thus, XRF represents a convenient tool for in vivo nutritional studies in plants, and it can be coupled successfully to other analytical techniques.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Genotype–Specific Differences in Cortical Activation in Chronic Aphasia
Authors: Kristinsson Sigfus , Yourganov Grigori , Xiao Feifei , Bonilha Leonardo , Stark Brielle C. , Rorden Chris , Basilakos Alexandra , Fridriksson Julius 
Published: November 2019

Purpose
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene has been shown to be important for synaptic plasticity in animal models. Human research has suggested that BDNF genotype may influence stroke recovery. Some studies have suggested a genotype-specific motor-related brain activation in stroke recovery. However, recovery from aphasia in relation to BDNF genotype and language-related brain activation has received limited attention. We aimed to explore functional brain activation by BDNF genotype in individuals with chronic aphasia. Consistent with findings in healthy individuals and individuals with poststroke motor impairment, we hypothesized that, among individuals with aphasia, the presence of the Met allele of the BDNF gene is associated with reduced functional brain activation compared to noncarriers of the Met allele.

Method

Eighty-seven individuals with chronic stroke-induced aphasia performed a naming task during functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning and submitted blood or saliva samples for BDNF genotyping. The mean number of activated voxels was compared between groups, and group-based activation maps were directly compared. Neuropsychological testing was conducted to compare language impairment between BDNF genotype groups. The Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient (
Kertesz, 2007
) was included as a covariate in all analyses.

Results

While lesion size was comparable between groups, the amount of activation, quantified as the number of activated voxels, was significantly greater in noncarriers of the Met allele (whole brain: 98,500 vs. 28,630,
p
< .001; left hemisphere only: 37,209 vs. 7,000,
p
< .001; right hemisphere only: 74,830 vs. 30,630,
p
< .001). This difference was most strongly expressed in the right hemisphere posterior temporal area, pre- and postcentral gyrus, and frontal lobe, extending into the white matter. Correspondingly, the atypical BDNF genotype group was found to have significantly less severe aphasia (Western Aphasia Battery Aphasia Quotient of 64.2 vs. 54.3,
p
= .033) and performed better on a naming task (Philadelphia Naming Test [
Roach, Schwartz, Martin, Grewal, & Brecher, 1996
] score of 74.7 vs. 52.8,
p
= .047). A region of interest analysis of intensity of activation revealed no group differences, and a direct comparison of average activation maps across groups similarly yielded null results.

Conclusion
BDNF genotype mediates cortical brain activation in individuals with chronic aphasia. Correspondingly, individuals carrying the Met allele present with more severe aphasia compared to noncarriers. These findings warrant further study into the effects of BDNF genotype in aphasia.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.10073147

Presentation Video

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.10257581
Neuroplasticity in Aphasia: A Proposed Framework of Language Recovery
Authors: Kiran Swathi , Meier Erin L. , Johnson Jeffrey P. 
Published: November 2019

PurposeDespite a tremendous amount of research in this topic, the precise neural mechanisms underlying language recovery remain unclear. Much of the evidence suggests that activation of remaining left-hemisphere tissue, including perilesional areas, is linked to the best treatment outcomes, yet recruitment of the right hemisphere for various language tasks has also been linked to favorable behavioral outcomes. In this review article, we propose a framework of language recovery that incorporates a network-based view of the brain regions involved in recovery.MethodWe review evidence from the extant literature and work from our own laboratory to identify findings consistent with our proposed framework and identify gaps in our current knowledge.ResultsExpanding onHeiss and Thiel's (2006)hierarchy of language recovery, we identify 4 emerging themes: (a) Several bilateral regions constitute a network engaged in language recovery; (b) spared left-hemisphere regions are important components of the network engaged in language recovery; (c) as damage increases in the left hemisphere, activation expands to the right hemisphere and domain-general regions; and (d) patients with efficient, control-like network topology show greater improvement than patients with abnormal topology. We propose a mechanistic model of language recovery that accounts for individual differences in behavior, network topology, and treatment responsiveness.ConclusionContinued work in this topic will lead us to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying language recovery, biomarkers that influence recovery, and, consequently, more personalized treatment options for individual patients.Presentation Videohttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.10257590
Posttraumatische Belastungsstörungen (PTBS) und Traumafolgestörungen in der Adoleszenz
Authors: Fegert Joerg , Freyberger Harald Jürgen 
Published: November 2019

ZusammenfassungDer vorliegende Text betrachtet Posttraumatische Belastungsstörungen und Traumafolgestörungen in der Adoleszenz und geht dabei insbesondere auf die Transitionsproblematik ein. Zum einen bilden sich auf der diagnostischen Ebene die Traumatisierungen häufig nicht PTBS-spezifisch, sondern in Selbsthilfe und Selbstmedikationsmaßnahmen sowie Alkohol- und Drogenabhängigkeit und Dissozialität ab, die im erwachsenenpsychiatrischen System oft nicht ausreichend hinterfragt werden. Zum anderen geht es um die Weiterentwicklung und Implementierung traumapädagogischer Ansätze insbesondere für Jugendliche, die in kritischen Hochrisikokonstellationen aufwachsen oder sich bereits Institutionen der Jugendhilfe oder der Eingliederungshilfe befinden. Hier wird nicht nur ein eklatanter Mangel in der Aus-, Fort- und Weiterbildung der beteiligten Berufsgruppen, sondern auch im Hinblick auf empirische Therapiestudien festgestellt.
Glenohumeral and Hip Range of Motion in Youth Softball Athletes
Authors: Friesen Kenzie , Downs Jessica , Wasserberger Kyle , Shannon David , Oliver Gretchen D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to compare measures of bilateral shoulder and hip range of motion (ROM) between youth softball pitchers and position players. Fifty-two youth softball athletes (12.7±2.1 yrs.; 160.28±10.98 cm; 59.31±15.07 kg) participated. Bilateral hip and shoulder ROM were measured among pitchers (n=29) and position players (n=23). A 2 (pitcher/position player) × 2 (dominant/non-dominant) ANOVA was performed for both internal and external rotation ROM for the shoulder and hip. Paired sample t-tests were also conducted to examine side-to-side differences in total ROM. Data revealed a significant interaction between position and side dominance. Specifically, position players have significantly more non-dominant shoulder external rotation ROM (106.92°± 9.14°) than pitchers (100.12°± 11.21°). There were no significant differences between throwing and non-throwing sides. It is important that coaches and clinicians are aware of these adaptations between overhand and underhand throwing in order to properly develop conditioning and rehabilitation programs to alleviate injury susceptibility and cater to position-specific demands. Additionally, the current data suggest many of the functional adaptations seen within older populations are not fully developed until after youth.
Hormontherapie bei Hodenhochstand
Authors: Reschke Felix 
Published: November 2019

ZusammenfassungDer Hodenhochstand stellt eine sehr häufige angeborene Normvariante des Urogenitaltrakts dar. Dabei ist bekannt, dass infolge der Fehllage des Hodens seine normale Entwicklung eingeschränkt sein kann. Eine Folge daraus ist ein erhöhtes Entartungsrisiko sowie eine verminderte Spermiogenese und Fertilität. Zwischen den verschiedenen Fachrichtungen besteht internationaler Konsens darüber, dass die Behandlung des maldeszendierten Hodens spätestens zum ersten Geburtstag abgeschlossen sein sollte. Gemäß der deutschen AWMF-Leitlinie soll die hormonelle Therapie Patienten mit beidseitigem Hodenhochstand angeboten werden. Der nachfolgende Artikel wird die Rationale hinter dieser Empfehlung unter Einbezug der aktuellen Literatur erörtern.
Histogenesis of Human Fetal Spleen
Authors: Thomas Sonali , Sinha DN , Singh AK , Deopa Deepa , Niranjan Richa 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background and Aims: Spleen is the largest secondary lymphatic organ. It acts as a graveyard for RBCs, is essential for immune responses, performs lymphopoiesis in adults and haemopoiesis in fetuses. The present study was conducted to assess the histogenesis of spleen in human fetuses in view of existing literature. Material and Methods: The study was carried out on 34 formalin preserved human fetuses procured from Dr Sushila Tiwari Government Hospital, Haldwani with due clearance from ethical committee. The 6 pm sections of the spleen were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin and observed under light microscope. Results: At 14 tol5 weeks, spleen had extensive sinusoids filled with RBCs and few lymphocytes. At 16-18 weeks, trabecular arteries were noticed more towards centre along with extensive haemopoietic cells in the venous sinusoids. By 20th week lymphocytic aggregation had started around arterioles. By 24 weeks periarteriolar lymphatic sheath was clearly observed. At term (37-40 weeks), classical primary lymphoid follicle was present but germinal centers were not observed. Conclusion: During earlier differentiation, spleen symbolizes the function of haemopoietic activities and gradually during subsequent gestation; it establishes its identity as a principle lymphoid tissue.
Osteochondrodysplasia in a 9-Year-Old Scottish Fold Cat
Authors: Turan Gulcan , Bozkan Zeynep 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to share clinical and radiological findings of extremely advanced osteochondrodysplasia.A 9-year-old Scottish Fold cat was presented with the complaint of difficulty in urination, defecation, respiration, standing and walking. Physical findings such as kyphosis, hyperflexion of joints and thick tail and, radiological findings including periosteal bone proliferation in distal extremities, ankylosing changes in spine and tail and, calcification of triceps brachii insertion were consistent with the most advanced osteochondrodysplasia ever documented. Antibiotic medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin C and enema were administered considering difficulty of urination, defecation and respiration. Then, glycosaminoglycans and prednisolone were administered for osteochondrodysplasia and increase in the movement of the cat was observed in a few days.
Conclusion By sharing clinical and radiological findings of severe osteochondrodysplasia in advanced age, the importance of informing breeders and owners about uncontrolled breeding of these cats was emphasized.