bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mothers' experiences of parenting a child with chromosomal structural abnormalities: The journey to acceptance
Authors: Kutsunugi Saeko , Tsujino Kumiko , Murakami Kyoko , Iida Kazuko , Gima Tsugiko , Endoh Yumiko , Tamashiro Yoko , Stone Teresa E. , Kobayashi Jun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the process mothers go through in coming to terms with raising a child with chromosomal structural abnormalities.MethodsSixteen mothers living in Japan were interviewed and a modified grounded theory approach was used for the analysis.ResultsA total of 35 concepts, nine subcategories, and six categories were extracted. The six categories were: (a) Concern about abnormalities; (b) A healthy child is considered as a standard; (c) Deepening attachment to the child; (d) Acceptance of the child as s/he is; (e) Changing attitude toward disabilities; (f) Creating a frontier for other mothers. The parenting journey meant that parents did not move in a straightforward way from the beginning of the process to the endpoint but instead moved between “Deepening attachment to the child” and “Acceptance of the child as s/he is” before they moved ahead.ConclusionHaving support and meeting peers of mothers with similar issues is essential for mothers to review their perspectives that healthy children are the standard against which to measure their child and to motivate them to raise their children, but it was extremely difficult to have such opportunities due to rarity of the disorder. It is crucial to accumulate more practical information so that mothers can access and use it. Mothers also need support to enhance their self‐worth while giving due consideration to the possibility that they may be conscious of being stigmatized. Nurses need to advocate for these children and families to get the appropriate help, understanding and support.
Heterotrimeric G‐protein, Gi1, is involved in the regulation of proliferation, neuronal migration, and dendrite morphology during cortical development in vivo
Authors: Hamada Nanako , Iwamoto Ikuko , Kawamura Noriko , Nagata Koh‐ichi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHeterotrimeric G‐proteins are composed of α, β, and γ subunits, and function as signal transducers. Critical roles of the α‐subunits of Gi/o family heterotrimeric G‐proteins, Gαi2, and Gαo1, have so far been reported in brain development and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, we tried to clarify the role of Gαi1, α‐subunit of another Gi/o family member Gi1, during corticogenesis, based on the recent identification of its gene abnormalities in neurodevelopmental disorders. In western blot analyses, Gαi1 was found to be expressed in mouse brain in a developmental stage‐dependent manner. Morphological analyses revealed that Gαi1 was broadly distributed in cerebral cortex with relatively high expression in the ventricular zone (VZ) at embryonic day (E) 14. Meanwhile, Gαi1 was enriched in membrane area of yet unidentified early mitotic cells in the VZ and the marginal zone at E14. Acute knockdown of Gαi1 with in utero electroporation in cerebral cortex caused cell cycle elongation of the neural progenitor cells and promoted their cell cycle exit. Gαi1‐deficient cortical neurons also exhibited delayed radial migration during corticogenesis, with abnormally elongated leading processes and hampered nucleokinesis. In addition, silencing of Gαi1 prevented basal dendrite development. The migration and dendritic phenotypes were at least partially rescued by an RNAi‐resistant version of Gαi1. Collectively, these results strongly suggest a crucial role of Gi1 in cortical development, and disturbance of its function may cause deficits in synaptic network formation, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Metabolic needs of brain‐infiltrating leukocytes and microglia in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kaushik Deepak Kumar , Yong Voon Wee 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMetabolism, the umbrella term for complex biochemical pathways that sustain the basic functions of life, has garnered attention in recent years for its role in immune activation. Indeed, metabolic pathways and their intricate and complex connections with immune mechanisms constitute a new area of immunology termed ‘immunometabolism’. One highlight is the existence of a switch in the key metabolic programs in immune cells, which executes their effector functions. ‘Metabolic reprogramming’ is observed in conditions of both peripheral diseases as well as in neurodegenerative conditions associated with inflammation such as multiple sclerosis. Moreover metabolic reprogramming occurs for almost every immune cell type. Whether metabolic changes are cause or effect of immune activation, however, remains to be fully understood. Being central to cellular activation, metabolism has become very topical in terms of exploring therapeutic targets. This review covers the major metabolic programs in immune cells, discuss metabolites as regulators of immune cell functions, and consider metabolic enzymes or pathways as therapeutic targets using examples from multiple sclerosis and its animal models.
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Morphometry of the kangaroo spine and its comparison with human spinal data
Authors: Wilke Hans‐Joachim , Betz Volker Michael , Kienle Annette 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe upright posture of the kangaroo suggests that the spine of the kangaroo could be a possible substitute model for biomechanical studies of the human spine. A prerequisite for this should be the agreement of anatomy in humans and kangaroos. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical parameters of the kangaroo spine from C4 to S4 and compare them with existing anatomical data of the human spine. Eight complete spines of the red giant kangaroo were obtained and 21 anatomical parameters were measured from the vertebral bodies, spinal canal, endplate, pedicles, intervertebral discs, transverse, and spinous processes. Most similarities between kangaroo and human spines were found for the vertebral bodies in the cervical and the lumbar spine. The largest differences were evident for the spinous processes. Although both species are somehow upright, these differences may be explained by the way how they move. Jumping probably requires more muscle strength than walking on two legs.
MicroRNAs regulate distal region of mandibular development through Hh signaling
Authors: Trakanant Supaluk , Nihara Jun , Nagai Takahiro , Kawasaki Maiko , Kawasaki Katsushige , Ishida Yoko , Meguro Fumiya , Kudo Takehisa , Yamada Akane , Maeda Takeyasu , Saito Isao , Ohazama Atsushi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMandibular anomalies are often seen in various congenital diseases, indicating that mandibular development is under strict molecular control. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in mandibular development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding small single‐stranded RNAs that play a critical role in regulating the level of gene expression. We found that the mesenchymal conditional deletion of miRNAs arising from a lack of Dicer (an essential molecule for miRNA processing, Dicerfl/fl;Wnt1Cre), led to an abnormal groove formation at the distal end of developing mandibles. At E10.5, when the region forms, inhibitors of Hh signaling, Ptch1 and Hhip1 showed increased expression at the region in Dicer mutant mandibles, while Gli1 (a major mediator of Hh signaling) was significantly downregulated in mutant mandibles. These suggest that Hh signaling was downregulated at the distal end of Dicer mutant mandibles by increased inhibitors. To understand whether the abnormal groove formation inDicer mutant mandibles was caused by the downregulation of Hh signaling, mice with a mesenchymal deletion of Hh signaling activity arising from a lack of Smo (an essential molecule for Hh signaling activation, Smofl/fl;Wnt1Cre) were examined. Smofl/fl;Wnt1Cre mice showed a similar phenotype in the distal region of their mandibles to those in Dicerfl/fl;Wnt1Cre mice. We also found that approximately 400 miRNAs were expressed in wild‐type mandibular mesenchymes at E10.5, and six microRNAs were identified as miRNAs with binding potential against both Ptch1 and Hhip1. Their expressions at the distal end of the mandible were confirmed by in situ hybridization. This indicates that microRNAs regulate the distal part of mandibular formation at an early stage of development by involving Hh signaling activity through controlling its inhibitor expression level.
A Unified Model of Firm Dynamics with Limited Commitment and Assortative Matching
Authors: AI HENGJIE , KIKU DANA , LI RUI , TONG JINCHENG 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTWe develop a unified theory of dynamic contracting and assortative matching to explain firm dynamics. In our model, neither firms nor managers can commit to arrangements that yield lower payoffs than their outside options, which are microfounded by the equilibrium conditions in a matching market. The model endogenously generates power laws in firm size and CEO compensation, and explains differences in their right tails. We also show that our model quantitatively accounts for many salient features of the time‐series dynamics and the cross‐sectional distribution of firm investment, dividend payout, and CEO compensation.
The effects of eggshell calcium (Biomin H®) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α‐hydroxyvitamin D3) and menaquinone‐7 (vitamin K2) on ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis
Authors: Omelka Radoslav , Martiniakova Monika , Svik Karol , Slovak Lukas , Payer Juraj , Oppenbergerova Ingrid , Kovacova Veronika , Babikova Martina , Soltesova‐Prnova Marta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of eggshell calcium (Biomin H® dietary supplement) and its combinations with alfacalcidol (1α‐hydroxyvitamin D3) and menaquinone‐7 (vitamin K2) on ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in rats. Adult female rats (n = 48) were divided into 6 groups of 8 individuals each: sham‐operated rats (SHAM); ovariectomized (OVX) rats untreated; OVX rats treated with Biomin H® (BIO); OVX rats simultaneously receiving Biomin H®, vitamin D3 (BIO + D3); OVX rats simultaneously treated with Biomin H®, vitamin K2 (BIO + K2) and OVX rats treated with Biomin H®, vitamin D3, vitamin K2 (BIO + D3 + K2) during 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and femoral bone microstructure were determined. Plasma calcium and phosphate were increased in BIO + D3 and BIO + D3 + K2 groups as compared to OVX. Alkaline phosphatase was elevated in OVX, BIO versus SHAM, BIO + D3 + K2 groups. When compared to OVX group, decreased urine deoxypyridinoline was observed in all treated groups and femoral BMD, BMC were higher in BIO, BIO + D3, BIO + D3 + K2 groups. The BIO + K2 rats had similar densitometrical values than OVX individuals. Microcomputed tomography revealed increased trabecular relative bone volume (due to an increase in trabecular number) in BIO + D3, BIO + D3 + K2 as compared to OVX. The higher relative bone volume in BIO + D3, BIO + D3 + K2 groups was also accompanied by an increase in bone surface. In the cortical bone, an enhanced periosteal bone apposition was identified in BIO, BIO + D3, BIO + K2, BIO + D3 + K2 groups. The rats from BIO + D3 + K2 group had a higher area of primary osteon's vascular canals. In BIO + D3, BIO + K2, BIO + D3 + K2 groups, an increased area of secondary osteons was determined in comparison with OVX. Our results indicate the beneficial effect of triple application of Biomin H®, vitamin D3, vitamin K2, as well as simultaneous administration of Biomin H®, vitamin D3 on the inhibition of ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in a rat model of osteoporosis.
Development of High‐Level Omega‐3 Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) Production from Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Cui Yi , Thomas‐Hall Skye R. , Chua Elvis T. , Schenk Peer M. 
Published: October 2020

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a lipid‐rich marine diatom that contains a high level of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). In an effort to reduce costs for large‐scale cultivation of this microalga, this study first established a New BBM medium (0.3 x strength BBM with only 3% of the initial phosphate level) to replace the traditional F/2 medium. Phaeodactylum tricornutum could grow in extremely low phosphate concentrations (25 µM), without compromising the EPA content. In the presence of sea salts, silicate addition was not necessary for high rate growth, high EPA content, or lipid accumulation in this species. Using urea as the sole nitrogen source tended to increase EPA contents per dry biomass (by 24.7%) while not affecting growth performance. The use of sea salts, rather than just sodium chloride, led to significantly improved biomass yields (20% increase) and EPA contents of total fatty acid (46–52% increase), most likely because it supplied sufficient essential elements such as magnesium. A salinity level of 35 led to significantly higher biomass yields compared with 20, but salinity had no significant influence on EPA content. EPA became the dominant fatty acid with average levels of 51.8% of total fatty acids during the exponential growth phase at 20 ppt in New BBM medium with sea salts.
A Multilevel Approach to Understand the Context and Potential Solutions for Low Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Rates in Rural Appalachia Clinics
Authors: Zoellner Jamie , Porter Kathleen , Thatcher Esther , Kennedy Erin , Werth James L. , Grossman Betsy , Roatsey Tomas , Hamilton Heather , Anderson Roger , Cohn Wendy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeTo explore system/staff‐ and patient‐level opportunities to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening within an 11‐clinic Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in rural Appalachia with CRC screening rates around 22%‐30%.MethodsUsing a convergent parallel mixed‐methods design, staff (n = 26) and patients (n = 60, age 50‐75, 67% female, 83% <college, 47% Medicare, 23% Medicaid) were interviewed about CRC‐related screening practices. Staff and patient interviews were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Health Belief Model, respectively, and analyzed using a hybrid inductive‐deductive approach.ResultsAmong staff, inner setting factors that could promote CRC screening included high workplace satisfaction, experiences tracking other cancer screenings, and a highly active Performance Improvement Committee. Inner setting hindering factors included electronic medical record inefficiencies and requiring patients to physically return fecal tests to the clinic. Outer setting CRC screening promoting factors included increased Medicaid access, support from outside organizations, and reporting requirements to external regulators, while hindering factors included poor social determinants of health, inadequate colonoscopy access, and lack of patient compliance. Among patients, perceived screening benefits were rated relatively higher than barriers. Top barriers included cost, no symptoms, fear, and transportation. Patients reported high likelihood of getting a stool‐based test and colonoscopy if recommended, yet self‐efficacy to prevent CRC was considerably lower.ConclusionsContextualized perceptions of barriers and practical opportunities to improve CRC screening rates were identified among staff and patients. To optimize multilevel CRC screening interventions in rural Appalachia clinics, future quality improvement, research, and policy efforts are needed to address identified challenges.
Shade alters savanna grass layer structure and function along a gradient of canopy cover
Authors: Pilon Natashi A. L. , Durigan Giselda , Rickenback Jess , Pennington R. Toby , Dexter Kyle G. , Hoffmann William A. , Abreu Rodolfo C. R. , Lehmann Caroline E. R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimIn savannas, a grass‐dominated ground layer is key to ecosystem function via grass–fire feedbacks that maintain open ecosystems. With woody encroachment, tree density increases, thereby decreasing light in the ground layer and potentially altering ecosystem function. We investigated how light availability can filter individual grass species distributions and whether different functional traits are associated with response to a shade gradient in a landscape experiencing woody encroachment.LocationSavanna–forest mosaic in the Cerrado domain, southeastern Brazil.MethodsAlong an encroachment gradient of increasing tree leaf area index (LAI) and shade, we determined how changing light availability alters grass diversity and ground layer structure relative to grass cover and grass functional traits (photosynthetic pathway, underground storage organs, bud protection and traits related to grass shape, size and leaf dimensions).ResultsIncreasing shade led to a decrease in grass cover and grass species richness, and also compositional and functional changes. We found that where tree LAI reached 1, grass cover was reduced by 50% and species richness by 30%. While C4 grass species abundances decreased with increasing shade, the opposite pattern was true for C3 grasses. There were only small differences in light preferences among C4 subtypes, with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK) species tolerating slightly more shaded conditions. Persistence of some C4 species under more shaded conditions was possible, likely due to an ability to store starch reserves via underground storage organs.ConclusionsWoody encroachment changes diversity and structure of the grassy layer that is critical to the functioning of savanna ecosystems, highlighting the dependence of the diverse grass layer on open and sunny conditions. Our results suggest a threshold of tree cover close to LAI ≈ 1 as being critical to cerrado grassy layer conservation.
Harnessing genomics to trace the path of a viral outbreak in African lions
Authors: Kamath Pauline L. 
Published: October 2020

Predicting the emergence of novel infectious diseases requires an understanding of how pathogens infect and efficiently spread in alternative naïve hosts. A pathogen's ability to adapt to a new host (i.e. host shift) oftentimes is constrained by host phylogeny, due to limits in the molecular mechanisms available to overcome host‐specific immune defences (Longdon et al., 2014). Some pathogens, such as RNA viruses, however, have a propensity to jump hosts due to rapid mutation rates. For example, canine distemper virus (CDV) infects a broad range of terrestrial carnivores, as well as noncarnivore species worldwide, with a host range that is distributed across 5 orders and 22 families (Beineke et al., 2015). In 1993–1994, a severe CDV outbreak infected multiple carnivore host species in Serengeti National Park, causing widespread mortality and the subsequent decline of the African lion (Panthera leo) population (Roelke‐Parker et al., 1996). While previous studies established domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) as the disease reservoir, the precise route of transmission to lions remained a mystery, and a number of wild carnivore species could have facilitated viral evolution and spread. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Weckworth et al. (2020) used whole‐genome viral sequences obtained from four carnivore species during the CDV outbreak, in combination with epidemiological data, to illuminate the pathway and evolutionary mechanisms leading to disease emergence in Serengeti lions.
Two‐year follow‐up results of magnetic resonance imaging‐guided focused ultrasound unilateral pallidotomy for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ito Hisashi , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Fukutake Shigeru , Kamei Tetsumasa , Yamaguchi Toshio , Taira Takaomi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPosteroventral globus pallidus internus (GPi) pallidotomy is one of the therapeutic options for motor fluctuations in Parkinson's disease (PD). Transcranial magnetic resonance imaging‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a new intervention to ablate an intracranial target.AimTo investigate the long‐term efficacy and safety of MRgFUS unilateral GPi pallidotomy for PD.MethodsThis was a prospective and open‐labeled study involving a single center. We enrolled 3 PD patients with medication‐refractory motor fluctuations (3 women, aged 59 to 78 years). Participants underwent MRgFUS unilateral GPi pallidotomy and were evaluated serially for 2 years using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS). Additionally, we assessed safety issues during the study period.ResultsAlthough motor fluctuations improved in 2 patients, the motor function in the off‐medication state and levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) exacerbated in 1 of them. In the other patient, LID improved for 2 years; however, improvement of the motor function was limited and it exacerbated. Patients developed neither serious nor delayed complications.ConclusionThe efficacy of MRgFUS unilateral GPi pallidotomy differed in each patient and might depend on the natural course of PD. No safety issues were observed.
Erythromycin stimulates phasic gastric contractility as assessed with an isovolumetric intragastric balloon pressure measurement
Authors: Goelen Nick , Tack Jan , Janssen Pieter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundA novel technique to assess gastric motility by measuring the pressure in a low‐volume intragastric balloon was developed to monitor (disordered) motility. We previously showed that this technique allows measuring pharmacologically induced inhibition of motility. In this study, we assessed whether it is possible to measure pharmacologically induced stimulation of gastric motility using 200 mg erythromycin. Erythromycin is a highly effective stimulator of gastric emptying and contractility.MethodsAfter an overnight fast, a nasogastric balloon catheter was introduced in healthy subjects. After inflation with 120 ml of air, the catheter was connected to a pressure sensor. Intraballoon pressure was continuously recorded for 4 h. After a baseline recording of 2 h, 200 mg erythromycin was infused intravenously over 20 min while the recording continued for 2 h. Epigastric symptoms were surveyed on 100‐mm visual analogue scales. Motility was quantified from the pressure recording as a gastric balloon motility index. Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were performed. Data are shown as median (interquartile range).Key ResultsSix subjects were enrolled and five completed the procedures (age: 28 (25–29) years, body mass index: 24.0 (23.8–24.5) kg m−2). One subject could not tolerate tube placement. Bloating, nausea, and epigastric sensation scores were 0 (0–3), 0 (0–1), and 1 (0–1) mm, respectively. Erythromycin significantly increased the motility index from 0.48 (0.41–0.51) to 0.79 (0.70–0.82) (p = 0.03).Conclusions and InferencesGastric motility assessed via pressure measurement in a low‐volume intragastric balloon is able to detect pharmacologically stimulated motility in healthy subjects, which further validates this technique.