bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in lipid composition associated with electronic cigarette use
Authors: Middlekauff Holly R. , William Kevin J. , Su Baolong , Haptonstall Kacey , Araujo Jesus A. , Wu Xiaohui , Kim Jason , Sallam Tamer 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Electronic cigarette use is on the rise despite a number of reports linking electronic cigarettes with adverse health outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that alterations in lipid signaling may be one mechanism by which electronic cigarettes contribute to lung pulmonary function. Vitamin E acetate, for example, is synthetic form of Vitamin E transported via lipids, found to be associated with electronic cigarette associated lung injury. Lipids are absolutely critical for normal lung physiology and perturbations in a number of lipid pathways have been associated with respiratory illness. Is it conceivable that electronic cigarette use even in seemingly healthy cohorts are associated with alterations in lipid pathways?

Methods
To investigate quantitative alterations in the plasma lipidome associated with electronic cigarette use in healthy we obtained plasma samples from 119 male and female participants with who were either: (1) chronic tobacco cigarette (TC) smokers (> 12 months of self-reported TC use), (2) chronic Electronic cigarette (EC) users (> 12 months of self-reported EC use), or (3) non-users. We measured quantitative lipid species across different lipid sub-classes from plasma samples using the Sciex Lipidyzer.

Results
We found that male and female tobacco and electronic cigarette users had distinct lipidome signatures across a number of lipid species although the vast majority of lipids were unchanged when compared to non-users. Intriguingly, we found that female but not male electronic cigarette users had lower levels of plasmalogens, critical glycerophospholipids secreted by alveoli and required for normal surfactant function.

Conclusions
In summary, our study does not reveal striking changes associated with electronic cigarette use but we observed sex-specific changes in lipids known to be critical for lung function.
Molecular patterns from a human gut-derived Lactobacillus strain suppress pathogenic infiltration of leukocytes into the central nervous system
Authors: Sanchez John Michael S. , Doty Daniel J. , DePaula-Silva Ana Beatriz , Brown D. Garrett , Bell Rickesha , Klag Kendra A. , Truong Amanda , Libbey Jane E. , Round June L. , Fujinami Robert S. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that affects 2.5 million people worldwide. Growing evidence suggests that perturbation of the gut microbiota, the dense collection of microorganisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, plays a functional role in MS. Indeed, specific gut-resident bacteria are altered in patients with MS compared to healthy individuals, and colonization of gnotobiotic mice with MS-associated microbiota exacerbates preclinical models of MS. However, defining the molecular mechanisms by which gut commensals can remotely affect the neuroinflammatory process remains a critical gap in the field.

Methods
We utilized monophasic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6J mice and relapse-remitting EAE in SJL/J mice to test the effects of the products from a human gut-derived commensal strain of Lactobacillus paracasei (Lb).

Results
We report that Lb can ameliorate preclinical murine models of MS with both prophylactic and therapeutic administrations. Lb ameliorates disease through a Toll-like receptor 2-dependent mechanism via its microbe-associated molecular patterns that can be detected in the systemic circulation, are sufficient to downregulate chemokine production, and can reduce immune cell infiltration into the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, alterations in the gut microbiota mediated by Lb-associated molecular patterns are sufficient to provide partial protection against neuroinflammatory diseases.

Conclusions
Local Lb modulation of the gut microbiota and the shedding of Lb-associated molecular patterns into the circulation may be important physiological signals to prevent aberrant peripheral immune cell infiltration into the CNS and have relevance to the development of new therapeutic strategies for MS.
Astrocytes from cortex and striatum show differential responses to mitochondrial toxin and BDNF: implications for protection of striatal neurons expressing mutant huntingtin
Authors: Saba Julieta , López Couselo Federico , Turati Juan , Carniglia Lila , Durand Daniela , de Laurentiis Andrea , Lasaga Mercedes , Caruso Carla 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Evidence shows significant heterogeneity in astrocyte gene expression and function. We previously demonstrated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exerts protective effects on whole brain primary cultured rat astrocytes treated with 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP), a mitochondrial toxin widely used as an in vitro model of Huntington’s disease (HD). Therefore, we now investigated 3NP and BDNF effects on astrocytes from two areas involved in HD: the striatum and the entire cortex, and their involvement in neuron survival.

Methods
We prepared primary cultured rat cortical or striatal astrocytes and treated them with BDNF and/or 3NP for 24 h. In these cells, we assessed expression of astrocyte markers, BDNF receptor, and glutamate transporters, and cytokine release. We prepared astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) from cortical and striatal astrocytes and tested its effect on a cellular model of HD.

Results
BDNF protected astrocytes from 3NP-induced death, increased expression of its own receptor, and activation of ERK in both cortical and striatal astrocytes. However, BDNF modulated glutamate transporter expression differently by increasing GLT1 and GLAST expression in cortical astrocytes but only GLT1 expression in striatal astrocytes. Striatal astrocytes released higher amounts of tumor necrosis factor-α than cortical astrocytes in response to 3NP but BDNF decreased this effect in both populations. 3NP decreased transforming growth factor-β release only in cortical astrocytes, whereas BDNF treatment increased its release only in striatal astrocytes. Finally, we evaluated ACM effect on a cellular model of HD: the rat striatal neuron cell line ST14A expressing mutant human huntingtin (Q120) or in ST14A cells expressing normal human huntingtin (Q15). Neither striatal nor cortical ACM modified the viability of Q15 cells. Only ACM from striatal astrocytes treated with BDNF and ACM from 3NP + BDNF-treated striatal astrocytes protected Q120 cells, whereas ACM from cortical astrocytes did not.

Conclusions
Data suggest that cortical and striatal astrocytes respond differently to mitochondrial toxin 3NP and BDNF. Moreover, striatal astrocytes secrete soluble neuroprotective factors in response to BDNF that selectively protect neurons expressing mutant huntingtin implicating that BDNF modulation of striatal astrocyte function has therapeutic potential against neurodegeneration.

Graphical abstract
Characterization and wearability evaluation of a fully portable wrist exoskeleton for unsupervised training after stroke
Authors: Lambelet Charles , Temiraliuly Damir , Siegenthaler Marc , Wirth Marc , Woolley Daniel G. , Lambercy Olivier , Gassert Roger , Wenderoth Nicole 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundChronic hand and wrist impairment are frequently present following stroke and severely limit independence in everyday life. The wrist orientates and stabilizes the hand before and during grasping, and is therefore of critical importance in activities of daily living (ADL). To improve rehabilitation outcomes, classical therapy could be supplemented by novel therapies that can be applied in unsupervised settings. This would enable more distributed practice and could potentially increase overall training dose. Robotic technology offers new possibilities to address this challenge, but it is critical that devices for independent training are easy and appealing to use. Here, we present the development, characterization and wearability evaluation of a fully portable exoskeleton for active wrist extension/flexion support in stroke rehabilitation.MethodsFirst we defined the requirements, and based on these, constructed the exoskeleton. We then characterized the device with standardized haptic and human-robot interaction metrics. The exoskeleton is composed of two modules placed on the forearm/hand and the upper arm. These modules weigh 238 g and 224 g, respectively. The forearm module actively supports wrist extension and flexion with a torque up to 3.7 Nm and an angular velocity up to 530 deg/s over a range of 154∘. The upper arm module includes the control electronics and battery, which can power the device for about 125 min in normal use. Special emphasis was put on independent donning and doffing of the device, which was tested via a wearability evaluation in 15 healthy participants and 2 stroke survivors using both qualitative and quantitative methods.ResultsAll participants were able to independently don and doff the device after only 4 practice trials. For healthy participants the donning and doffing process took 61 ±15 s and 24 ±6 s, respectively. The two stroke survivors donned and doffed the exoskeleton in 54 s/22 s and 113 s/32 s, respectively. Usability questionnaires revealed that despite minor difficulties, all participants were positive regarding the device.ConclusionsThis study describes an actuated wrist exoskeleton which weighs less than 500 g, and which is easy and fast to don and doff with one hand. Our design has put special emphasis on the donning aspect of robotic devices which constitutes the first barrier a user will face in unsupervised settings. The proposed device is a first and intermediate step towards wearable rehabilitation technologies that can be used independently by the patient and in unsupervised settings.
Temporal changes in the vaginal microbiota in self-samples and its association with persistent HPV16 infection and CIN2+
Authors: Berggrund Malin , Gustavsson Inger , Aarnio Riina , Lindberg Julia Hedlund , Sanner Karin , Wikström Ingrid , Enroth Stefan , Bunikis Ignas , Olovsson Matts , Gyllensten Ulf 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
The vaginal microbiota has been reported to be associated with HPV infection and cervical cancer. This study was performed to compare the vaginal microbiota at two timepoints in women performing self-sampling and had a persistent or transient HPV16 infection. The women were tested for 12 high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types but only women with single type (HPV16) were included to reduce confounding variables.

Methods
In total 96 women were included in this study. Of these, 26 were single positive for HPV16 in the baseline test and HPV negative in the follow-up test and 38 were single positive for HPV16 in both tests and diagnosed with CIN2+ in histology. In addition, 32 women that were negative for all 12 HPV tested were included. The samples of vaginal fluid were analyzed with the Ion 16S™ Metagenomics Kit and Ion 16S™ metagenomics module within the Ion Reporter™ software.

Results
K-means clustering resulted in two Lactobacillus-dominated groups, one with Lactobacillus sp. and the other specifically with Lactobacillus iners. The two remaining clusters were dominated by a mixed non-Lactobacillus microbiota. HPV negative women had lower prevalence (28%) of the non-Lactobacill dominant cluster in the baseline test, as compared to women with HPV16 infection (42%) (p value = 0.0173). Transition between clusters were more frequent in women with persistent HPV16 infection (34%) as compared in women who cleared the HPV16 infection (19%) (p value = 0.036).

Conclusions
The vaginal microbiota showed a higher rate of transitioning between bacterial profiles in women with persistent HPV16 infection as compared to women with transient infection. This indicate an instability in the microenvironment in women with persistent HPV infection and development of CIN2+.
Effect of Curcuma zedoaria hydro-alcoholic extract on learning, memory deficits and oxidative damage of brain tissue following seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in rat
Authors: Mahmoudi Touran , Lorigooini Zahra , Rafieian-kopaei Mahmoud , Arabi Mehran , Rabiei Zahra , Bijad Elham , Kazemi Sedigheh 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown that seizures can cause cognitive disorders. On the other hand, the Curcuma zedoaria (CZ) has beneficial effects on the nervous system. However, there is little information on the possible effects of the CZ extract on seizures. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of CZ extract on cognitive impairment and oxidative stress induced by epilepsy in rats.

Methods
Rats were randomly divided into different groups. In all rats (except the sham group), kindling was performed by intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) at a dose of 35 mg/kg every 48 h for 14 days. Positive group received 2 mg/kg diazepam + PTZ; treatment groups received 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg CZ extract + PTZ; and one group received 0.5 mg/kg flumazenil and CZ extract + PTZ. Shuttle box and Morris Water Maze tests were used to measure memory and learning. On the last day of treatments PTZ injection was at dose of 60 mg/kg, tonic seizure threshold and mortality rate were recorded in each group. After deep anesthesia, blood was drawn from the rats’ hearts and the hippocampus of all rats was removed.

Results
Statistical analysis of the data showed that the CZ extract significantly increased the tonic seizure threshold and reduced the pentylenetetrazol-induced mortality and the extract dose of 400 mg/kg was selected as the most effective dose compared to the other doses. It was also found that flumazenil (a GABAA receptor antagonist) reduced the tonic seizure threshold compared to the effective dose of the extract. The results of shuttle box and Morris water maze behavioral tests showed that memory and learning decreased in the negative control group and the CZ extract treatment improved memory and learning in rats. The CZ extract also increased antioxidant capacity, decreased MDA and NO in the brain and serum of pre-treated groups in compared to the negative control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that the CZ extract has beneficial effects on learning and memory impairment in PTZ-induced epilepsy model, which has been associated with antioxidant effects in the brain or possibly exerts its effects through the GABAergic system.
The socio-cultural significance of mineral licks to the Maijuna of the Peruvian Amazon: implications for the sustainable management of hunting
Authors: Gilmore Michael P. , Griffiths Brian M. , Bowler Mark 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe overhunting of wild species is a major threat to biodiversity in the Amazon; yet, managed, sustainable hunting is widely considered part of the solution to conserving wildlife populations. Hunting is both a culturally important activity for Indigenous people and provides an important food source. Mineral licks, a focal point of hunting in Amazonia, are naturally occurring areas in the forest where animals come to obtain essential minerals or clays that are thought to neutralize plant-based alkaloids. We sought to better understand the socio-cultural importance of mineral licks to the Maijuna Indigenous group to inform the sustainable management of this habitat and associated wildlife populations.MethodsSemi-structured interviews, focus groups, and participatory mapping were carried out with hunters to assess the significance of mineral licks and their associated animal resources as well as to determine how the relationship that the Maijuna have with mineral licks has changed over time.ResultsMineral licks are culturally significant and useful to the Maijuna in a variety of ways. Hunters target these areas year-round both during the day and night, and animals killed are consumed for subsistence and sold to generate income. The spatial use of mineral licks across the landscape is determined on the generational family level, with families maintaining exclusive use of selected mineral licks and excluding access by other hunters. The Maijuna also have traditional beliefs for why animals visit mineral licks, which is linked to the traditional Maijuna story of the creation of the first tapir. The relationship that the Maijuna have with mineral licks has changed considerably over time, which is observed through changes in hunting technologies and methods as well as the loss of traditional knowledge and beliefs.ConclusionsTraditional and current Maijuna hunting conventions, in which families maintain exclusive use of selected mineral licks, likely reduce the probability of overexploitation of animal populations. Community-based management plans for mineral licks in Maijuna lands and beyond must incorporate and account for the multiple cultural and economic needs of local communities while also striving toward ecological sustainability. Country-wide strategies to conserving forests and using them sustainably should aim to ensure land tenure for rural peoples and encourage management that incorporates traditional sustainable hunting conventions.
Serum globulin and albumin to globulin ratio as potential diagnostic biomarkers for periprosthetic joint infection: a retrospective review
Authors: Ye Yongyu , Chen Weishen , Gu Minghui , Xian Guoyan , Pan Baiqi , Zheng Linli , Zhang Ziji , Sheng Puyi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Background
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been increasingly documented; however, its preoperative accurate diagnosis remains challenging. Furthermore, there is a dire need to identify appropriate and effective biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between globulin, albumin to globulin (A/G) ratio, and development of PJI in patients undergoing revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on patients who had undergone revision TJA between 2011 and 2018 (89 with aseptic mechanic failure and 38 with PJI). The serum proteins were explored using univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression. The diagnostic performance of these proteins was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
Higher globulin levels (odds ratio [OR], 1.239; P < 0.001) and lower A/G ratio (OR, 0.007; P < 0.001) were strongly associated with the risk of PJI. ROC curve analysis demonstrated reasonable diagnostic performance for globulin (area under the curve [AUC], 0.77; sensitivity, 78.95%; and specificity, 69.66%) and A/G ratio (AUC, 0.779; sensitivity, 65.79%; and specificity, 78.65%).

Conclusions
Both globulin and A/G ratio were associated with PJI and may serve as potential adjuvant biomarkers in the diagnosis of PJI.
Evaluation of risk correlation between recurrence of patellar dislocation and damage to the medial patellofemoral ligament in different sites caused by primary patellar dislocation by MRI: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Boyong , Qiao Chenggang , Shi Yuting , Ren Yizhong , Han Changxu , Zhu Yong , Na Yuyan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeNon-surgical treatment of primary patellar dislocation has a high risk of recurrent dislocation; thus, we tried to identify injuries in which sites of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) were most associated with recurrent dislocation by analyzing relevant original literature in order to provide improved suggestions on early surgical treatment.MethodsAccording to the preset retrieval strategy, the original studies were retrieved until January 2020 using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to summarize and compare the differences of recurrent dislocation of MPFL injuries at different attachments.ResultsAlthough the incidence of recurrent patellar dislocation at the femoral attachment of MPFL was higher overall (femoral only vs. patellar only vs. combined: 37.6% vs. 32.3% vs. 35.8%), no statistical difference was found among the three groups (femoral only vs. patellar only, RR = 1.32 [95% CI 0.89–1.95];P= 0.17) (femoral only vs. combined, RR = 1.15 [95% CI 0.59–2.22];P= 0.68) (patellar only vs. combined, RR = 0.94 [95% CI 0.69–1.29];P= 0.72). In addition, the sulcus angle of recurrent dislocation group is significantly greater than that in the non-recurrent dislocation group (MD = 3.06 [95% CI 0.42–5.70];P= 0.02).ConclusionsBased on the pooled data collected from the original studies available, the risk of recurrent patellar dislocation due to damage to the MPFL at different sites did not differ. Additionally, the sulcus angle in the group with recurrent dislocation was considerably higher when comparing with the group without recurrent dislocation, that is, the shallower and flatter of the trochlear groove, the higher the risk of recurrent patellar dislocation.
Differential gene expression in skin RNA of horses affected with degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis
Authors: Haythorn Abigail , Young Madeline , Stanton James , Zhang Jian , Mueller P. O. E. , Halper Jaroslava 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEquine degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis (DSLD) is a systemic connective tissue disorder first identified in Peruvian Paso horses but afflicting other horse breeds as well. Inappropriate accumulation of proteoglycans in connective tissues, most prominently in tendons and ligaments, leads to progressive and debilitating lameness and pain. It is largely unknown what drives the overproduction of proteoglycans, but our previous studies suggest involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family, impacting synthesis of proteoglycans. To identify potential players in pathogenesis of DSLD a new approach utilizing next generation sequencing was undertaken.MethodsNext generation sequencing was performed using RNA extracted from skin biopsies of six control Peruvian Pasos and six horses with DSLD (4 Peruvian Pasos and 2 warmbloods). The CuffDiff result sets were validated with algorithms used to run them. This was based on the determined false discovery rates derived from thePvalues adjusted for multiple testing for any given result.ResultsBioinformatics analysis of transcriptomes revealed differential expression of over 1500 genes, including increased expression of genes for several growth factors (most prominently BMP2, FGF5, CTGF, many members of the EGF family), and mediators of signaling (Fos, Myc, MAPK system), and keratins. Two genes encoding for enzymes involved in synthesis of hyaluronan were also overexpressed. Gene expression was decreased for protein cores of many proteoglycans, several growth factors, most collagens, and many peptides with immune function.ConclusionsThe overexpression ofBMP2correlates well with our previous data. However, the decrease in expression of numerous proteoglycans was unexpected. A mutation in a gene of a less characterized proteoglycan and/or glycosyltransferase with subsequent increased production of hyaluronan and/or a proteoglycan(s) undetected in our study could account for the systemic proteoglycan deposition. Decreased collagen gene expression indicates abnormal connective tissue metabolism. The increased expression of keratin genes andFGF5supports reports of skin abnormalities in DSLD. Underexpression of immune function genes corresponds with lack of inflammation in DSLD tissues. Finally, though the proteoglycan and/or glycosaminoglycan abundant in DSLD has not been identified, we validated our previous data, including overexpression ofBMP2, and systemic nature of DSLD due to disturbed metabolism of the extracellular matrix.