bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping vascular and glomerular pathology in a rabbit model of neonatal acute kidney injury using MRI
Authors: Parvin Neda , Charlton Jennifer R. , Baldelomar Edwin J. , Derakhshan Jamal J. , Bennett Kevin M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) in premature neonates is common due to the administration of life‐saving therapies. The impact of AKI on renal morphology and susceptibility to further renal damage is poorly understood. Recent advances in radiological imaging have allowed integration of soft tissue morphology in the intact organ, facilitating a more complete understanding of changes in tissue microstructure associated with pathology. Here, we applied magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect both glomerular and vascular changes in a rabbit model of neonatal AKI, induced by indomethacin and gentamicin. Using combined spin‐echo MRI and cationic ferritin enhanced gradient‐echo MRI (CFE‐MRI), we observed (a) an increased cortical arterial diameter in the AKI cohort compared to healthy controls, and (b) focal loss of vascular density and glomerular loss in a circumferential band ~1 mm from the cortical surface. This combined use of vascular and glomerular imaging may give insight into the etiology of AKI and its impact on renal health later in life.
Small interfering RNA target for long noncoding RNA PCGEM1 increases the sensitivity of LNCaP cells to baicalein
Authors: Han Zeping , He Jinhua , Zou Maoxian , Chen Weiming , Lv Yubing , Li Yuguang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of long noncoding RNA PCGEM1 siRNA combined with baicalein on prostate cancer LNCaP cells. LNCaP cells transfected with small hairpin RNA lentiviral vector targeting PCGEM1 were constructed and their expression in LNCaP cells was absent. The stable cell line of LNCaP cells infected with LV3‐shRNA‐PCGEM1 was successfully constructed. In addition, LV3‐shRNA‐PCGEM1 was able to increase the baicalein‐induced inhibitory effects on LNCaP cells, and the susceptibility was 2.3 fold higher than that of baicalein alone. LV3‐shRNA‐PCGEM1 combined with baicalein also inhibited the colony formation, increased G2 and S phase cells, inhibited the expression of PCGEM1, and induced autophagy of LNCaP cells. In summary, LV3‐shRNA‐PCGEM1 may improve the sensitivity of LNCaP cells to baicalein, and the molecular mechanism may be associated with the decrease of PCGEM1 expression and the induction of autophagy. Our findings provided an experimental basis for the combined treatment of Chinese traditional and Western medicine on prostate cancer in a clinical setting.
Organized lymphatic tissue (BALT) in lungs of rhesus monkeys after air pollutant exposure
Authors: Pabst Reinhard , Miller Lisa A. , Schelegle Edward , Hyde Dallas M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe presence of bronchus‐associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and its size in humans largely depends upon age. It is detected in 35% of children less than 2 years of age, but absent in the healthy adult lung. Environmental gases or allergens may have an effect on the number of BALT. Lungs of rhesus macaque monkeys were screened by histology for the presence, size, and location of BALT after exposure to filtered air for 2, 6, 12, or 36 months or 12 and 36 months to ozone or 2, 12, or 36 months of house dust mite or a combination of ozone and house dust mite for 12 months. In the lungs of monkeys housed in filtered air for 2 months, no BALT was identified. After 6, 12, or 36 months, the number of BALT showed a significantly increased correlation with age in monkeys housed in filtered air. After 2 months of episodic house dust mite (HDM) exposure, no BALT was found. Monkeys exposed to HDM or HDM + ozone did not show a significant increase in BALT compared to monkeys housed in filtered air. However, monkeys exposed to ozone alone did show significant increases in BALT compared to all other groups. In particular, there were frequent accumulations of lymphocytes in the periarterial space of ozone exposed animals. In conclusion, BALT in rhesus monkeys housed under filtered air conditions is age‐dependent. BALT significantly increased in monkeys exposed to ozone in comparison with monkeys exposed to HDM.
Influence of melatonin and sexual hormones on the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the adrenal cortex of a seasonal breeder (Lagostomus maximus)
Authors: Gallol Luis Ezequiel , Busolini Fabricio Iván , Mohamed Fabian Heber 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) is a rodent of nocturnal habits, whose physiology and behavior vary according to modifications of environmental signals. The objective of this study is to assess the influence of melatonin and sexual hormones on the viscacha adrenal cortex proliferative activity through the immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) along with hormonal determinations. PCNA expression was studied in male viscachas to assess the effect of melatonin administration, castration, and the annual reproductive cycle. In female viscachas, PCNA was studied in nonpregnant and pregnant viscachas. PCNA expression was observed in adrenocortical cells (PCNA‐A) and endothelial cells (PCNA‐E). Melatonin‐administered animals showed a significantly lower number of PCNA‐A compared to the control group. No significant difference could be established in the number of PCNA‐A and PCNA‐E between castrated and control animals. However, the morphometric analysis showed an increase in the size of the cortex of castrated animals, along with other cytological features. Significant differences in serum testosterone levels were observed during the male viscacha reproductive cycle, with the lowest levels encountered during the regression period (winter). Male viscachas exhibited a significantly high number of PCNA‐A during late autumn and a high number of PCNA‐E during winter. In females, hormonal determinations showed a peak of progesterone and estrogen during mid‐pregnancy, along with a notably high number of PCNA‐A and an increase in the number of PCNA‐E. Our results suggest that proliferation in the adrenal cortex of the viscacha varies in relation to melatonin, sexual hormones, and environmental conditions.
Periconceptional folic acid supplement use among women of reproductive age and its determinants in central rural Germany: Results from a cross sectional study
Authors: Wegner Clara , Kancherla Vijaya , Lux Anke , Köhn Andrea , Bretschneider Dirk , Freese Kristina , Heiduk Mathias , Redlich Anke , Schleef Daniela , Jorch Gerhard , Rissmann Anke 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPrevalence of neural tube defects (NTD) has not decreased in Germany despite longstanding recommendations for folic acid supplementation. To examine the prevalence of periconceptional folic acid supplement use and associated factors among German women of reproductive age.MethodsCross‐sectional survey was conducted in hospital‐based maternity units in rural Germany. A sample of 1,004 women of reproductive age, either pregnant or in their early postpartum period, took interviewer/self‐administered paper‐based survey questionnaire. Prevalence of periconceptional folic acid supplement use was assessed, where periconception was defined as 1 month prior to and 3 months post‐conception. Prevalence odds ratios (POR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using crude and adjusted logistic regression analysis were estimated to examine determinants of folic acid supplement use.ResultsPrevalence of folic acid supplement use was 41.5% (95% CI: 37.7%, 45.7%). Multivariable analysis showed lack of educational qualifications, unplanned pregnancy, later diagnosis of pregnancy, increased parity, and not having an awareness of importance of folic acid for optimal pregnancy outcomes were associated with not taking periconceptional folic acid supplements. Books, doctors, friends, media, were sources of information.ConclusionPericonceptional folic acid is sub‐optimal in rural Germany and thus failing to prevent NTDs. Targeted promotion of folic acid supplement use should be conducted periodically by gynecologists and primary care physicians during annual medical screenings. Mandatory folic acid fortification of staple foods is a complementary approach to overcome limitations of individual behaviors of folic acid supplement intake, and should be considered as it has been proven effective in multiple countries.
3‐Methylglutaconic aciduria type VIII in an Indian neonate
Authors: Sreedhara Malla Sadashivappa , Balakrishnan Umamaheswari , Amboiram Prakash , Chandrasekeran Ashok , Abiramalatha Thangaraj , Mohammad Shafi Jan Shaik , Rajendran Usha Devi , Jeyaraman Thinesh Kumar 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNeonatal encephalopathy manifests with altered sensorium, tone abnormalities, and often with abnormal movements and seizures. The causes are heterogeneous and many. We report a late preterm neonate who presented with depressed sensorium, cranial nerve abnormalities, mixed hypertonia and hypotonia, and respiratory failure. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies were normal. She had neutropenia and elevated lactates in blood. Her dried blood spot analysis by tandem MS/MS showed normal acylcarnitine and amino acid profile. Plasma and cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) amino acid quantification were inconclusive, CSF folate was normal. Urine organic acid analysis showed elevated lactate. Semi‐quantitative analysis of urine showed borderline elevation of 3‐methylglutaconic acid. Diagnosis of 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria (3MGA) type VIII was suggested by whole‐exome sequencing, which revealed a homozygous, likely pathogenic, missense mutation in Exon 2 of HTRA2 gene (chr2.74757898A>C). Her parents were found to be carriers of the same mutation. This underscores the importance of genetic studies in the evaluation of neonatal neuro‐metabolic disorders. We report the first case of 3MGA type VIII from our region with a review of already reported 11 cases.
The effectiveness of an interactive audio‐tactile map for the process of cognitive mapping and recall among people with visual impairments
Authors: Griffin Edward , Picinali Lorenzo , Scase Mark 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeople with visual impairments can experience numerous challenges navigating unfamiliar environments. Systems that operate as prenavigation tools can assist such individuals. This mixed‐methods study examined the effectiveness of an interactive audio‐tactile map tool on the process of cognitive mapping and recall, among people who were blind or had visual impairments. The tool was developed with the involvement of visually impaired individuals who additionally provided further feedback throughout this research.MethodsA mixed‐methods experimental design was employed. Fourteen participants were allocated to either an experimental group who were exposed to an audio‐tactile map, or a control group exposed to a verbally annotated tactile map. After five minutes’ exposure, multiple‐choice questions examined participants’ recall of the spatial and navigational content. Subsequent semi‐structured interviews were conducted to examine their views surrounding the study and the product.ResultsThe experimental condition had significantly better overall recall than the control group and higher average scores in all four areas examined by the questions. The interviews suggested that the interactive component offered individuals the freedom to learn the map in several ways and did not restrict them to a sequential and linear approach to learning.ConclusionAssistive technology can reduce challenges faced by people with visual impairments, and the flexible learning approach offered by the audio‐tactile map may be of particular value. Future researchers and assistive technology developers may wish to explore this further.
SCAI cardiogenic shock classification after out of hospital cardiac arrest and association with outcome
Authors: Pareek Nilesh , Dworakowski Rafal , Webb Ian , Barash Jemma , Emezu Gift , Melikian Narbeh , Hill Jonathan , Shah Ajay , MacCarthy Philip , Byrne Jonathan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to validate the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) classification to evaluate association with outcome in a real‐world population and effect of invasive therapies.BackgroundCardiogenic shock is common after Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OOHCA) but is often multifactorial and challenging to stratify.MethodsThe SCAI shock grade was applied to an observational registry of OOHCA patients on admission to our center between 2012 and 2017. The primary end‐point was 30‐day mortality and secondary end‐points were mode of death and 12‐month mortality. Provision of early CAG and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was evaluated by SCAI shock grade using logistic regression.ResultsThree hundred and ninety‐three patients (median age 64.3 years (24.9% females) were included. One hundred and seven patients (27.2%) were in Grade A, 94 (23.9%) in Grade B, 66 (16.8%) in Grade C, 91 (23.2%) in Grade D, and 35 (8.9%) in Grade E. There was a step‐wise significant increase in 30‐day mortality with increasing shock grade (A 28.9% vs. B 33.0% vs. C 54.5% vs. D 59.3% vs. E 82.9%; p < .0001). With worsening shock grade, requirement for renal replacement therapy and mortality from multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and cardiogenic causes increased. Early CAG was performed equally in all groups but was significantly associated with reduced mortality in SCAI grade D only (OR 0.26 [CI 0.08–0.91], p = .036).ConclusionsIncreasing SCAI shock grade after OOHCA is associated with 30‐day mortality, requirement for renal replacement therapy and mortality attributed to multiorgan dysfunction syndrome and cardiac etiology death.
Mid‐ to long‐term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a new‐generation, self‐expandable system
Authors: Siqueira Dimytri A. , Simonato Matheus , Ramos Auristela A. , Bignoto Tiago , Le Bihan David , Barreto Rodrigo B. M. , Senra Tiago , Pinto Ibraim M. , Kambara Antonio M. , Santos Magaly A. , Viana Renata , Sousa Amanda G. M. R. , Abizaid Alexandre A. C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to evaluate mid‐ to late clinical and echocardiographic outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with Acurate neo™ (Boston Scientific, Boston, MA).BackgroundTAVR is an established treatment for aortic stenosis (AS). Few data exist on mid‐ to long‐term outcomes and durability after new‐generation valves.MethodsAll consecutive patients (n = 104) who underwent Acurate neo™ implantation from 2012 to 2018 were included. Follow‐up was systematically performed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months and yearly thereafter. Outcomes were reported according to VARC‐2, and structural valve deterioration (SVD) or bioprosthetic valve failure defined accordingly to new definitions.ResultsMean age was 82 ± 5.4 years, 56.7% were female and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for mortality was 5.9 ± 4%. Patients were followed for a median of 3 years (1,092 days; IQR 1.5–4 years), and the maximum follow‐up was 7 years. All‐cause mortality values at 1 and 5 years were 8.5% and 40.5%, respectively. No relevant changes in mean gradient and orifice area occurred (7.9 ± 3.8 mmHg and 1.9 ± 0.3 cm2 at 1 year; 6.6 ± 2.1 mmHg and 1.8 ± 0.3 cm2 at 5 years), and there was a significant rate of paravalvular leaks resolution at 1, 2, and 3 years (p = .004; p < .001; p < .001, respectively). None of the patients had leaflet thrombosis or endocarditis. One patient developed SVD at 84 months.ConclusionsAcurate neo™ was associated with sustained echocardiographic results. Reassuring mid‐ to long‐term outcomes was observed in this cohort of elderly patients with severe AS.
First‐principle calculation of distorted T‐carbon as a promising anode for Li‐ion batteries with enhanced capacity, reversibility, and ion migration properties
Authors: Feng Jianrui , Yang Chao , Zhang Lijie , Lai Feili , Du Lei , Yang Xiaohua 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCarbon group element‐based materials are the most widely used anode materials for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, their performance is limited by the low capacity (eg, graphite) or high‐volume changes (eg, Si and Sn). Therefore, exploring high‐performance anode materials is quite appealing and promising. By first‐principle calculations in this study, we found that distorted T‐carbon (DTC) as a desired LIB anode shows properties of the enhanced capacity, decreased volume change, and the increased ion migration. The origin of such improved properties is attributed to the interconnected tunnels and large cavities of the carbon skeleton. The theoretical specific capacity of DTC is found to be 558 mAh/g, which is 1.5 times higher than that of commercial graphite anodes. Interestingly, the volume change of the DTC anode is only 3% at the full‐lithiation state (one‐fifth of that of the commercial graphite anode), which can overcome the pulverization problem in most high‐capacity anode materials and attain a longer cycling lifetime. Both transition state calculations and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the Li‐ion migration barrier is less than 0.1 eV and the Li‐ion vacancy is only 0.2 eV, enabling its promising rate performance. This study provides a new and effective strategy to improve the anode properties of LIBs.
Rapid On‐Chip Synthesis of Complex Glycomimetics from N‐Glycan Scaffolds for Improved Lectin Targeting
Authors: Cioce Anna , Thépaut Michel , Fieschi Franck , Reichardt Niels‐Christian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractC‐type lectin receptor (CLR) carbohydrate binding proteins found on immune cells with important functions in pathogen recognition as well as self and non‐self‐differentiation are increasingly moving into the focus of drug developers as targets for the immune therapy of cancer autoimmune diseases and inflammation and to improve the efficacy of vaccines. The development of molecules with increased affinity and selectivity over the natural glycan binders has largely focused on the synthesis of mono and disaccharide mimetics but glycan array binding experiments have shown increased binding selectivity and affinity for selected larger oligosaccharides that are able to engage in additional favorable interactions beyond the primary binding site. Here, a platform for the rapid preparation and screening of N‐glycan mimetics on microarrays is presented that turns a panel of complex glycan core structures into structurally diverse glycomimetics by a combination of enzymatic glycosylation with a nonnatural donor and subsequent cycloaddition with a collection of alkynes. All surface‐based reactions were monitored by MALDI‐TOF MS to assess conversion and purity of spot compositions. Screening the collection of 374 N‐glycomimetics against the plant lectin WFA and the 2 human immune lectins MGL ECD and Langerin ECD produced a number of high affinity binders as lead structures for more selective lectin targeting probes.
Tuning the Outcome of Enzyme‐Mediated Dynamic Cyclodextrin Libraries to Enhance Template Effects
Authors: Larsen Dennis , Beeren Sophie R. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEnzyme‐mediated dynamic combinatorial chemistry combines the concept of thermodynamically controlled covalent self‐assembly with the inherent biological relevance of enzymatic transformations. A system of interconverting cyclodextrins has been explored, in which the glycosidic linkage is rendered dynamic by the action of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase (CGTase). External factors, such as pH, temperature, solvent, and salinity are reported to modulate the composition of the dynamic cyclodextrin library. Dynamic libraries of cyclodextrins (CDs) could be obtained in wide ranges of pH (5.0–9.0), temperature (5–37 °C), and salinity (up to 7.5 m NaNO3), and with high organic solvent content (50 % by volume of ethanol), showing that enzyme‐mediated dynamic systems can be robust and not limited to physiological conditions. Furthermore, it is demonstrated how strategic choice of reaction conditions can enhance template effects, in this case, to achieve highly selective production of α‐CD, an otherwise challenging target due to competition from the structurally similar β‐CD.
Hyperkalemia in heart failure: Foe or friend?
Authors: Rakisheva Amina , Marketou Maria , Klimenko Anna , Troyanova‐Shchutskaia Tatyana , Vardas Panos 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHyperkalemia is a frequent and sometimes life‐threatening condition that may be associated with arrhythmia and cardiac dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF). High potassium levels in HF represent both a direct risk for cardiovascular complication and an indirect biomarker of the severity of the underlying disease, reflecting neurohormonal activation and renal dysfunction. Evaluating the prevalence and significance of hyperkalemia in HF patients is essential for optimizing the use of potassium sparing agents, such the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) or angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, which represent a well‐established cornerstone and life‐saving therapy. In this review we discuss recent findings and current concepts related to the epidemiology, pathological mechanisms and implications of hyperkalemia, as well as novel therapeutic approaches to counteract it in patients with HF. The balance between optimizing life‐saving potassium sparing medication and minimizing hyperkalemia‐associated risk is much needed in patients with HF. Although older potassium‐binding agents are associated with serious adverse events, novel potassium‐binding drugs are effective in lowering potassium levels and are generally well tolerated. Novel potassium‐binding drugs, such as patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, may help to optimize therapy in HF and achieve guideline‐recommended doses. Hyperkalemia is common in HF patients and is associated with a poorer prognosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular complications: Contrariwise, “moderate” potassium levels go with a better prognosis, while the emergence of new drugs, potassium binders, could allow target doses of RAASi to be achieved.
Genetic Code Expansion Facilitates Position‐Selective Modification of Nucleic Acids and Proteins
Authors: Müller Diana , Trucks Sven , Schwalbe Harald , Hengesbach Martin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTranscription and translation obey to the genetic code of four nucleobases and 21 amino acids evolved over billions of years. Both these processes have been engineered to facilitate the use of non‐natural building blocks in both nucleic acids and proteins, enabling researchers with a decent toolbox for structural and functional analyses. Here, we review the most common approaches for how labeling of both nucleic acids as well as proteins in a site‐selective fashion with either modifiable building blocks or spectroscopic probes can be facilitated by genetic code expansion. We emphasize methodological approaches and how these can be adapted for specific modifications, both during as well as after biomolecule synthesis. These modifications can facilitate, for example, a number of different spectroscopic analysis techniques and can under specific circumstances even be used in combination.