bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exogenous GABA promotes adaptation and growth by altering the carbon and nitrogen metabolic flux in poplar seedlings under low nitrogen conditions
Authors: Chen Wei , Meng Chen , Ji Jing , Li Mai-He , Zhang Xiaoman , Wu Yanyan , Xie Tiantian , Du Changjian , Sun Jiacheng , Jiang Zeping , Shi Shengqing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Nitrogen (N) deficiency adversely affects tree growth. Additionally, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is closely associated with growth and stress responses because of its effects on carbon (C) and N metabolism. However, little is known about its roles related to plant adaptations to N-deficient conditions. In this study, we analyzed the effects of GABA (0, 2 and 10 mM) applications on the growth traits and physiological responses of poplar (Populus alba × P. glandulosa ‘84K’) seedlings under high N (HN) and low N (LN) conditions. We found that the added GABA interacted with N to affect more than half of the studied parameters, with greater effects in LN plants than in HN plants. Under LN conditions, the GABA application tended to increase poplar growth, accompanied by increased xylem fiber cell length and xylem width. In stems, exogenous GABA increased the abundance of non-structural carbohydrates (starch and sugars) and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates (succinate, malate and citrate), but had the opposite effect on the structural C contents (hemicellulose and lignin). Meanwhile, exogenous GABA increased the total soluble protein contents in leaves and stems, accompanied by significant increases in nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in leaves, but significant decreases in those (except for the increased glutamate synthetase activity) in stems. A multiple factorial analysis indicated that the nitrate assimilation pathway substantially influences poplar survival and growth in the presence of GABA under LN conditions. Interestingly, GABA applications also considerably attenuated the LN-induced increase in the activities of leaf antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and catalase, implying that GABA may regulate the relative allocation of C and N for growth activities by decreasing the energy cost associated with stress defense. Our results suggest that GABA enhances poplar growth and adaptation by regulating the C and N metabolic flux under N-deficient conditions.
Preoperative assessment and optimization of cognitive dysfunction and frailty in the ambulatory surgical patient
Authors: Charipova Karina , Urits Ivan , Viswanath Omar , Urman Richard D. 
Published: August 2020

Purpose of review
The number and the complexity of procedures taking place at ambulatory surgery centers is steadily increasing. The rate at which medically complex patients, including those with baseline neurocognitive disorders, are undergoing ambulatory procedures is seeing a concurrent rise. Given the significant physical and psychological stress associated with surgery even in the ambulatory setting, it is essential to evaluate the ability of a patient to acclimate to stressful triggers in order to assess risk of subpar medical outcomes and increased mortality. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the assessment of both cognition and frailty and describe the implementation of these tools in the ambulatory surgery setting.

Recent findings
Recent Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) recommendations for evaluating at-risk patients focus on a two-pronged approach that encompasses screening for both impaired cognition and frailty. Screening should ideally occur as early as possible, but tools such as the Mini-Cog examination and FRAIL Questionnaire are efficient and effective even when used the day of surgery in high-risk patients.

Summary
The recognition of at-risk patients using standardized screening and the use of this assessment to guide perioperative monitoring and interventions is essential for optimizing outcomes for the complex ambulatory surgery patient.
Psychiatric Disorders in Children of Parents With Substance Dependence Disorder
Authors: Okasha Tarek A. , Ibrahim Nesreen M. , Naguib Rehab M. , Khalil Kerolos B. , Hashem Reem E. 
Published: August 2020

Objectives:
Children of addicted parents exhibit depression, anxiety, and elevated rates of psychiatric disorders more frequently than do children from nonaddicted families.
Hence, we conducted this research to illustrate the psychiatric illness of children of substance-dependent parents.

Materials and Methods:
The study included 50 children [25 with a parent diagnosed with substance use disorder according Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th edition criteria (group A), and 25 whose parents had no psychiatric diagnosis according to general health questionnaire (group B)]. The subjects were recruited from the Heliopolis Psychiatric Hospital, which is a Ministry of Health Hospital. They were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI KID) scale.
We, furthermore, assessed the relation between the Addiction Severity Index, type of substance used by group A parents, and the MINI KID scale.

Results:
Group A showed more significant diagnosis than group B (P=0.037) by the MINI KID scale (major depressive disorder, dysthymia, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and separation anxiety disorder) (P=0.018, 0.037, 0.042, 0.021, and 0.004, respectively). Hence, the substance abuse parent has a detrimental effect on their children’s well-being.
As regards the relation between addiction severity and result of MINI KID scale in group A, only “employment” was significant (P=0.025). Surprisingly, neither the severity of substance abused nor the type of substance abused by the parent had significant relation with the diagnosed psychiatric disorders in their children.

Conclusions:
Our study found that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children increases when their parents have substance use disorder. Moreover, the variation of the severity of parent addiction does not affect the risk for having psychiatric disorders in their children.
RAF1 Gene Fusions as a Possible Driver Mechanism in Rare BAP1-Inactivated Melanocytic Tumors: A Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Donati Michele , Martinek Petr , Kastnerova Liubov , Persichetti Paolo , Michal Michal , Kazakov Dmitry V. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract:
BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1)-inactivated melanocytic tumor (BIMT) is a group of epithelioid melanocytic neoplasms characterized by the loss of function of BAP1, a tumor suppressor gene located on chromosome 3p21. They occur sporadically or in the setting of an autosomal-dominant cancer susceptibility syndrome that predisposes to the development of different internal malignancies. Most of these cutaneous lesions are associated with a BRAF-mutated melanocytic nevus and therefore are included in the group of combined nevi in the last WHO classification of skin tumors. Apart from a BRAF mutation, an NRAS mutation has been reported in rare cases, whereas in some lesions no driver mutation has been detected. Here, we report 2 cases of BIMTs with a BAP1 mutation and a RAF1 fusion. Both lesions proved to be BRAF and NRAS wild type and were associated with a conventional melanocytic nevus with dysplastic junctional features. We suggest that RAF1 fusions can represent an underlying driver genetic event in these cases. Our study extends the morphological and molecular spectrum in BIMTs.
Pseudolymphomatous Atypical Fibroxanthoma
Authors: Garcia Castro Rubén , Viñolas-Cuadros Alex , Moyano-Bueno David , Conde-Ferreiros Alberto , Cardeñoso Esther , Santos-Briz Angel 
Published: August 2020

Abstract:
Atypical fibroxanthoma is a rare mesenchymal skin tumor of intermediate malignancy that typically occurs on sun-damaged skin of elderly patients. Histologically, it is composed of pleomorphic cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and abundant cytoplasm, commonly arranged in a spindle cell pattern. Different histologic variants have been described during the past years. We present a case of atypical fibroxanthoma containing a dense inflammatory infiltrate, which in conjunction with the existence of immunoblast-like and Reed-Sternberg-like neoplastic cells could be misinterpreted as a lymphoid neoplasm. Immunohistochemical studies revealed strong positivity of tumor cells for CD10 and negativity for cytokeratins, p63, p40, S100, SOX10, ERG, actin, desmin, B and T-cell markers, BCL6, CD15, and CD30. The inflammatory infiltrate contained a mixed reactive T- and B-cell population with negative T-cell receptor and immunoglobulin heavy rearrangements. We discuss the differential diagnosis of this entity in which clinical, immunohistochemical, and molecular features are essential to avoid the diagnosis of a lymphoproliferative disease.
Manifestations of Apprehension and Anxiety in a Sprague Dawley Cranial Defect Model
Authors: Andrews Brian T. , Barbay Scott , Tsau Sheila , Berkland Cory , Townsend Jakob , Detamore Michael , Tuchek Chad , Nudo Randolph J. 
Published: August 2020

Background:
Syndrome of the trephined is a neurologic condition that commonly arises in patients who undergo craniectomy and have a prolonged cranial defect. Symptoms of this condition include headache, difficulties concentrating, diminished fine motor/dexterity skills, mood changes, and anxiety/apprehension. The authors hypothesize that an animal model demonstrating anxiety/apprehension in rats who undergo craniectomy is feasible utilizing standardized animal behavioral testing.

Methods:
Sprague Dawley rats were the stratified to 1 of 2 groups for comparison of neurobehavioral outcomes. Group #1 (closed cranial group) had their cranial trephination immediately closed with acrylic to restore normal cranial anatomy and Group #2 (open cranial group) had their cranial trephination enlarged to represent a decompressive hemicraniectomy immediately. Anxiety/apprehension was studied using a standardized rodent open field test. Statistical comparison of differences among the 2 groups was performed.

Results:
Ten rats were studied with 5 rats in each group. Standard rodent open field testing of anxiety demonstrated no difference among the 2 groups at 1 week. Rats in the “Open cranial group” demonstrated progressively more anxiety over the following 3-month period. Rats in the “Open cranial group” demonstrated increasing anxiety levels as compared with rats in the “Closed cranial group.” At week 16, the “Open cranial group” anxiety levels were significantly greater than week 4 (t = 2.24, P = 0.04) demonstrating a significant linear trend over time (R
2 = 0.99; P = 0.002). The “Closed cranial group” did not show this trend (R
2 = 07; P = 0.74).

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrates that anxiety and apprehension are more prevalent in rats with an open, prolonged cranial defect in comparison to those with a closed cranium. This correlates with similar finds in humans with syndrome of the trephined.
Comparison of Two Methods for Presurgical Volumetric Evaluation of Alveolar Cleft Bone Defects Using Computer-Aided Engineering
Authors: Liu Bing , Yin Ning B. , Xiao Ran , Li Hai D. , Chen Shu X. , Li Si L. , Wang Yong Q. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Precise volumetric evaluation of the alveolar cleft facilitates accurate preparation of bone substitutes and reduces donor site morbidity. This study investigates 2 advanced presurgical volumetric assessment methods that use computer-aided engineering (CAE) software. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans from 20 unilateral alveolar cleft patients undergoing secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) were analyzed by CAE software. Cleft defect volumes were calculated using the mirror-reversed technique and the subtraction method. The mirror-reversed technique determines defect volume by reversing the noncleft side to the cleft side. The subtraction method determines defect volume by subtracting a mask of the preoperative cleft from a mask generated after simulated cleft filling. The mean defect volumes and calculation times of the mirror-reversed technique (1.27 ± 0.35 cm3; 11.80 ± 1.79 seconds) and the subtractive method (1.23 ± 0.32 cm3; 9.43 ± 1.35 seconds) did not differ significantly. In Bland–Altman analysis the 2 methods were equivalent for alveolar cleft defect assessment. Both methods exhibited acceptable interobserver reliability, high precision, clinical convenience, time efficiency, and high reproducibility, and can serve as valuable tools for the planning and execution of SABG. The subtraction method has broader potential applicability and can simulate intraoperative bone grafting more effectively.
Effectiveness of Flow Volume Measurement Training Using a Custom-Made Doppler Flow Simulator
Authors: Lee Hyung Seok , Park Pyoungju , Han Sohee , Joo Narae , Song Young Rim , Kim Jwa Kyung , Kim Cheolsu , Kim Hyung Jik , Kim Sung Gyun 
Published: August 2020

Introduction
This study was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of a custom-made Doppler ultrasound (DUS) flow simulator, vascular phantom, and Doppler test fluid in the training of dialysis staff in flow volume (FV) measurements for arteriovenous (AV) access in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods
A DUS flow simulator was constructed using a continuous renal replacement therapy machine. Vascular phantoms were constructed using a rubber enema tube and keyboard cleaning gel. The Doppler test fluid consisted of freeze-dried instant coffee granules and 0.9% saline. This easy and affordable simulator was used to train 12 dialysis staff members, with no previous experience in DUS FV measurement. After a 3-day lecture course, the staff members performed DUS analyses on the AV access of HD patients. Thereafter, they underwent a 3-day training course using the simulator and then performed the DUS analyses of the AV access again. Each staff member assessed the FV 3 times, and the mean values of the measurements pretraining and posttraining were analyzed using paired t tests.

Results
The difference in the mean value of FV measurements and the reference value decreased from 131.6 mL/min to 62.5 mL/min (95% confidence interval = 30.0–108.0, P = 0.002), and the standard deviation of the FV measurements decreased from 96.9 mL/min to 47.0 mL/min (95% confidence interval = 7.9–91.8, P = 0.023) after DUS training with the simulator.

Conclusions
The accuracy and reproducibility of FV measurements markedly improved after training with the simulator; it may be helpful for medical practitioners involved in AV access for HD treatment.
Apples before the fall: does shape stability coincide with maturity?
Authors: Christodoulou Maria D , Culham Alastair 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFruit shape is the result of the interaction between genetic, epigenetic, environmental factors, and stochastic processes. As a core biological descriptor both for taxonomy and horticulture, the point at which shape stability is reached becomes paramount in apple cultivar identification, and authentication in commerce. Twelve apple cultivars were sampled at regular intervals from anthesis to harvest over two growing seasons. Linear and geometric morphometrics were analyzed to establish if and when shape stabilized and whether fruit asymmetry influenced this. Shape stability was detected in seven cultivars, four asymmetric and three symmetric. The remaining five did not stabilize. Shape stability, as defined here, is cultivar-dependent, and when it occurs, it is late in the growing season. Geometric morphometrics detected stability more readily than linear, especially in symmetric cultivars. Key shape features are important in apple marketing, giving the distinctness and apparent uniformity between cultivars expected at point of sale.
Dissecting mutational mechanisms underpinning signatures caused by replication errors and endogenous DNA damage
Authors: Zou Xueqing , Koh Gene Ching Chiek , Nanda Arjun Scott , Degasperi Andrea , Urgo Katie , Roumeliotis Theodoros I. , Agu Chukwuma A , Side Lucy , Brice Glen , Perez-Alonso Vanesa , Rueda Daniel , Badja Cherif , Young Jamie , Gomez Celine , Bushell Wendy , Harris Rebecca , Choudhary Jyoti S. , Jiricny Josef , Skarnes William C , Nik-Zainal Serena 
Published: August 2020

AbstractMutational signatures are imprints of pathophysiological processes arising through tumorigenesis. Here, we generate isogenic CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts (Δ) of 43 genes in human induced pluripotent stem cells, culture them in the absence of added DNA damage, and perform wholegenome sequencing of 173 daughter subclones. ΔOGG1, ΔUNG, ΔEXO1, ΔRNF168, ΔMLH1, ΔMSH2, ΔMSH6, ΔPMS1, and ΔPMS2produce marked mutational signatures indicative of being critical mitigators of endogenous DNA changes. Detailed analyses reveal that 8-oxo-dG removal by different repair proteins is sequence-context-specific while uracil clearance is sequencecontext-independent. Signatures of mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency show components of C>A transversions due to oxidative damage, T>C and C>T transitions due to differential misincorporation by replicative polymerases, and T>A transversions for which we propose a ‘reverse template slippage’ model. ΔMLH1, ΔMSH6, and ΔMSH2signatures are similar to each other but distinct from ΔPMS2. We validate these gene-specificities in cells from patients with Constitutive Mismatch Repair Deficiency Syndrome. Based on these experimental insights, we develop a classifier, MMRDetect, for improved clinical detection of MMR-deficient tumors.
Multi-platforms approach for plasma proteomics: complementarity of Olink PEA technology to mass spectrometry-based protein profiling
Authors: Petrera Agnese , von Toerne Christine , Behler Jennifer , Huth Cornelia , Thorand Barbara , Hilgendorff Anne , Hauck Stefanie M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe plasma proteome is the ultimate target for biomarker discovery. It stores an endless amount of information on the pathophysiological status of a living organism, which is however still difficult to comprehensively access. The high structural complexity of the plasma proteome can be addressed by either a system-wide and unbiased tool such as mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or a highly sensitive targeted immunoassay such as the Proximity Extension Assays (PEA). In order to address relevant differences and important shared characteristics, we tested the performance of LC-MS/MS in data-dependent and -independent acquisition modes and PEA Olink to measure circulating plasma proteins in 173 human plasma samples from a Southern German population-based cohort. We demonstrated the measurement of more than 300 proteins with both LC-MS/MS approaches applied, mainly including high abundance plasma proteins. By the use of the PEA technology, we measured 728 plasma proteins, covering a broad dynamic range with high sensitivity down to pg/ml concentrations. In a next step, we quantified 35 overlapping proteins with all three analytical platforms, verifying the reproducibility of data distributions, measurement correlation and gender-based differential expression. Our work highlights the limitations and the advantages of both, targeted and untargeted approaches, and prove their complementary strengths. We demonstrated a significant gain in proteome coverage depth and subsequent biological insight by platforms combination – a promising approach for future biomarker and mechanistic studies.
IN-HOSPITAL MORTALITY AND THE PREDICTIVE ABILITY OF THE MODIFIED EARLY WARNING SCORE IN GHANA
Authors: Abbey Enoch Joseph , Mammen Jennifer Sophie , Soghoian Sari , Cadorette Maureen , Ariyo Promise 
Published: August 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe modified early warning score (MEWS) is an objective measure of illness severity that promotes early recognition of clinical deterioration in critically ill patients. Its primary use is to; facilitate faster intervention or increase the level of care. Despite, its adoption in some African countries, MEWS is not standard of care in Ghana. We assessed the validity of MEWS as a predictor of mortality, among medically ill in-patients at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Accra – Ghana. We sought to identify the predictive ability of MEWS in detecting clinical deterioration among medical in-patients and its comparability to the routinely measured vital signs.METHODThis was a retrospective study of medical in-patients, aged ≥13 years and admitted at KBTH from January 2017 – March 2019. Vital signs at 48 hours post-admission were coded using MEWS criteria, to obtain a limited MEWS score (LMEWS) and the level of consciousness imputed to obtain a full MEWS score (MEWS). A predictive model comparing mortality among patients with “significant” MEWS (L/MEWS ≥4) and “non-significant” MEWS (L/MEWS <4) scores was designed using multiple logistic regression. Internally validated for predictive accuracy, using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve.RESULTS112 patients were included in the study. The adjusted odds of death comparing patients with a “significant” MEWS to patients with “non-significant” MEWS was 6.33(95% Cl 1.96 – 20.48). Similarly, the adjusted odds of death comparing patients with “significant” versus “non-significant” LMEWS was 8.22(95% CI 2.45 – 27.56). The ROC curve for each analysis had a C-static of 0.83 and 0.84 respectively.CONCLUSIONLMEWS is a good predictor of mortality and comparable to MEWS. Adoption of LMEWS can identify medical in-patients at risk of deterioration and death.
Linked deterioration of early visual perception, function and structure in healthy human aging
Authors: Silva Maria Fatima , Harvey Ben M , Jorge Lília , Canário Nádia , Machado Fátima , Soares Mário , Castelo-Branco Miguel 
Published: August 2020

SummaryLow-level visual perception deteriorates during healthy aging. We hypothesized that age-related retinal and cortical structure deteriorations affect perception through specific disruptions of neural function. We measured perceptual visual acuity in fifty healthy adults aged 20-80 years. We then measured these participants’ early visual field map (V1, V2 and V3) functional population receptive field (pRF) sizes and structural surface areas using fMRI, and their retinal structure using high-definition optical coherence tomography. With increasing age visual acuity decreased, pRF sizes increased, visual field maps surface areas decreased, and retinal thickness decreased. Among these measures, only functional pRF sizes predicted perceptual visual acuity. PRF sizes were in turn predicted by cortical structure only (surface areas), which were only predicted by retinal structure (thickness). We propose that age-related retinal structural deterioration disrupts cortical structure, thereby disrupting cortical functional neural interactions that normally sharpen visual position selectivity: the resulting functional disruption underlies age-related perceptual deterioration.