bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intervention with the crude polysaccharides of Physalis pubescens L. mitigates colitis by preventing oxidative damage, aberrant immune responses, and dysbacteriosis
Authors: Zhao Xiuli , Liu Hengchao , Wu Yajing , Hu Nan , Lei Ming , Zhang Yan , Wang Shuo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn this study, a colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to investigate the mechanisms of action of an extract of crude polysaccharides (POL) from Physalis pubescens L. as a dietary intervention for colitis. Our results showed that the administration of POL prior to DSS‐induced colitis protected the colon mucosal layer; maintained intestinal barrier integrity; alleviated oxidative damage; and lowered neutrophil infiltration by downregulating intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 expression. More importantly, POL pretreatment reduced the expression of the proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor‐α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), thereby modulating the nuclear factor‐κB/iNOS–COX‐2 signal transduction pathway. In addition, POL reversed DSS‐induced gut dysbiosis, accompanied by reducing the relative abundance of Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Erysipelatoclostridium. In conclusion, POL ameliorated DSS‐induced intestinal injury in mice, indicating that POL could be a useful dietary nutrient to protect against colitis.Practical ApplicationPhysalis pubescens L. is an edible fruit. The results of this study show that the intervention with Physalis pubescens L. crude polysaccharides may help prevent ulcerative colitis.
Reorienting the Economy to the Rhythms of Nature: Learning to Live with Intermittent Energy Supply
Authors: De Decker Kris 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn much current thinking about the necessary and rapid transition to a carbon‐emissions‐free energy system, there is implicit acceptance of the high‐tech, high‐energy nature of the current economy. But by asking deeper questions about this economy, we reveal new opportunities as well as new challenges. First, throughout most of history, both production and consumption were dramatically influenced by the weather, and activities were undertaken or curtailed according to varying availability of energy. In the future, if we again adjust energy demand to such intermittent supplies wherever and whenever possible, we can nevertheless benefit from many scientific and technological advantages that our ancestors did not have centuries ago. Second, in the pursuit of highly energy‐efficient machines that might become new sources of highly concentrated energy, we have begun to rely on “clean energy” machinery made in significant part from non‐recyclable materials. With our current generation of wind turbines, for example, we have sacrificed sustainability in the pursuit of a supposedly renewable‐energy system. By contrast, if we reduce our need for always‐on energy sources by adjusting energy demand to intermittent energy supply, we can greatly reduce the overall energy infrastructure needed, and we will face less pressure to sacrifice sustainability.
Differing Visions of Agriculture: Industrial‐Chemical vs. Small Farm and Urban Organic Production
Authors: Gray Heather , Nuri K. Rashid 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSeed diversity and soil preservation are the foundations of healthy agriculture. Over many generations, farmers have developed varieties of wheat, rice, corn, and other crops that are adapted to local growing conditions. Industrial‐chemical agriculture has abandoned that local knowledge, replacing seed diversity with genetically uniform crops that require large doses of fertilizers and chemical poisons to survive. One way the United States exerted control over Iraq, starting in 2003, was to enable agribusiness to disrupt thousands of years of tradition by imposing industrial methods on the country where evidence of the earliest mass production of food was discovered. Thus, it seems that conquest of people goes hand in hand with conquest of soil. There is resistance to agribusiness around the world. In the United States, small farms and urban agriculture are not only providing healthy food but also reconnecting people who grow up in cities with the life of the soil.
Solar Commons: A “Commons Option” for the 21stCentury
Authors: Milun Kathryn 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPrivate ownership of nature’s gifts—water, air, sunlight—stands in the way of solving the collective problems of the 21stcentury. In the case of sunlight, common ownership through community solar trusts can overcome both the inequities and the inefficiencies of investor‐owned utilities (IOUs) with legal monopolies. Those monopolies function with the same arrogance as aristocrats did in the past, but now the stakes are higher: the future of the planet. This essay describes the Solar Commons Project by which a team of inspired citizens and public scholars joined to create a form of community‐trust solar‐energy ownership, in which multiple stakeholders benefit. The goal is to make this “Solar Commons” model an iterable, scalable, model of community solar that empowers low‐income neighborhoods in the United States. An integral part of the project is a process of creating community‐engaged public art to communicate the nature of community ownership. Artistic and theatrical presentations can help involve the public in dialogues around questions of utility management that are normally couched in technical language designed to obfuscate the political power of electric utilities. One role citizens can play is unmasking utilities when they publicly promote themselves as providers of clean energy, even when they are actively engaged in protecting the interests of fossil‐fuel companies. Ultimately, however, creating a Solar Commons involves more than criticizing the failed institutions of the past. It requires us to think innovatively about ways to draw upon the history of the commons to design new modes of sharing sunlight and other common goods to create a more equitable, sustainable future.
IL6, IL8, and IL10 in the distinction of malignant ovarian neoplasms and endometriomas
Authors: Crispim Paula Carolina Arvelos , Jammal Millena Prata , Antão Priscylla Kelliny Aparecida , Micheli Douglas Côbo , Tavares‐Murta Beatriz Martins , Murta Eddie Fernando Candido , Nomelini Rosekeila Simões 
Published: July 2020

AbstractProblemStudies have shown a relationship between endometriosis and ovarian cancer. Our aims were to evaluate and compare the dosages of cytokines IL‐2, IL‐5, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α in serum, intracystic fluid, and peritoneal fluid of patients with ovarian endometrioma, malignant and benign ovarian neoplasms, and non‐neoplastic ovarian tumors; to verify if there is a correlation between the values of these cytokines between ovarian endometrioma and ovarian malignancy; and to determine the best cut‐off point for serum cytokines that can be used to differentiate patients with ovarian malignancy and endometrioma.Method of studyThe concentrations of cytokines were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), analyzed by Kruskal‐Wallis test with the Dunn post‐test. Receiver operating feature (ROC) curve was used to obtain the area under the curve (AUC) and to determine the best cut‐off values that could be used in the diagnosis of ovarian malignancy. Correlations of cytokine concentrations were performed by the Spearman test.ResultsIL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 concentrations were higher in patients with malignant neoplasia. When evaluating the area under the curve (AUC) of serum cytokine levels comparing patients with malignant neoplasia and endometriomas, there was statistical significance for IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10.ConclusionOur results showed utility in serum concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐10, and IL‐8 as parameters that differentiate endometriomas from ovarian malignancies.
Brecciation of glacially overridden palaeokarst (Lower Aare Valley, northern Switzerland): result of subglacial water‐pressure peaks?
Authors: Gegg Lukas , Buechi Marius W. , Ebert Andreas , Deplazes Gaudenz , Madritsch Herfried , Anselmetti Flavio S. 
Published: July 2020

Water pressures at the base of active glacial overdeepenings are known to fluctuate strongly on various time scales. Rapid peaks in basal water pressure can lead to fracturing of the glacier bed, a process that has been described at numerous sites around the world, mostly based on large hydrofracture systems. This article presents drill‐cores from the base of a >100‐m‐deep glacial overdeepening in the Lower Aare Valley in northern Switzerland that were investigated with high‐resolution imaging (including X‐ray computed tomography) as well as compositional and microstructural analyses. The drill‐cores recovered Jurassic limestones hosting palaeokarst voids infilled with blue clay. We identify this clay, based on its kaolinitic composition, as siderolithic Bolus Clay but in a rather atypical variety formed under reducing conditions. The surfaces of the palaeokarst walls show smoothly undulating as well as brecciated sections with form‐fit interlocking clasts, which are the result of an in situ brecciation process. We argue that these particular fractures are not related to (glacio‐)tectonics or frost action. Instead, we suggest an explanation by involving water‐pressure peaks that were transmitted to the void walls by the clayey karst filling, resulting in hydrofracturing. In addition to pervasive karstification and tectonic overprinting, this water pressure‐driven fracturing may have enhanced the deep incision of the overdeepening into the rheologically competent bedrock.
2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin reduces retinal cholesterol in wild‐type and Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/− mice with deficiency in the oxysterol production
Authors: El‐Darzi Nicole , Mast Natalia , Petrov Alexey M. , Pikuleva Irina A. 
Published: July 2020

Background and Purpose2‐Hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPCD) is an FDA approved vehicle for drug delivery and an efficient cholesterol‐lowering agent. HPCD was proposed to lower tissue cholesterol via multiple mechanisms including those mediated by oxysterols. CYP27A1 and CYP46A1 are the major oxysterol‐producing enzymes in the retina that convert cholesterol to 27‐ and 24‐hydroxycholesterol, respectively. We investigated whether HPCD treatments affected the retina of wild‐type and Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/− mice that do not produce the major retinal oxysterols.Experimental ApproachHPCD administration was either by i.p., p.o. or s.c. Delivery to the retina was confirmed by angiography using the fluorescently labelled HPCD. Effects on the levels of retinal sterols, mRNA and proteins were evaluated by GC–MS, qRT‐PCR and label‐free approach, respectively.Key ResultsIn both wild‐type and Cyp27a1−/−Cyp46a1−/− mice, HPCD crossed the blood–retinal barrier when delivered i.p. and lowered the retinal cholesterol content when administered p.o. and s.c. In both genotypes, oral HPCD treatment affected the expression of cholesterol‐related genes as well as the proteins involved in endocytosis, lysosomal function and lipid homeostasis. Mechanistically, liver X receptors and the altered expression of Lipe (hormone‐sensitive lipase), Nceh1 (neutral cholesterol ester hydrolase 1) and NLTP (non‐specific lipid‐transfer protein) could mediate some of the HPCD effects.Conclusions and ImplicationsHPCD treatment altered retinal cholesterol homeostasis and is a potential therapeutic approach for the reduction of drusen and subretinal drusenoid deposits, cholesterol‐rich lesions and hallmarks of age‐related macular degeneration.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
IQ predictors in pediatric opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome: a large international cohort study
Authors: Sheridan Andrew , Kapur Kush , Pinard Ferne , Dietrich Alber Fabienne , Camposano Susana , Pike Mike G , Klein Andrea , Gorman Mark P 
Published: July 2020

AimTo determine predictors of full‐scale IQ (FSIQ) in an international pediatric opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) cohort.MethodIn this retrospective and prospective cohort study at three academic medical centers (2006–2013), the primary outcome measure, FSIQ, was categorized based on z‐score: above average (≥+1), average (+1 to –1), mildly impaired (–1 to –2), and impaired (<–2). Univariate analysis and multivariable linear regression modeling using stepwise selection with Akaike’s information criterion was performed to understand the relationship between exposures and FSIQ.ResultsOf 81 participants, 37 with sufficient data had mean FSIQ 84.38 (SD 20.55) and median 90 (40–114) at latest available evaluation (mean age 8y 5mo). Twenty (54%), nine (24.3%), and eight (21.6%) had normal, mildly impaired, and impaired FSIQ respectively. The final multivariable linear regression model included 34 participants with evaluable data: number of relapses occurring before neuropsychological testing (p<0.001) and OMS severity score at last follow‐up (p<0.001) predicted FSIQ (adjusted R2=0.64). There was a mean decrease of 2.4 FSIQ points per OMS relapse.InterpretationNumber of relapses negatively correlates with FSIQ in pediatric OMS. Demographic and clinical measures available at OMS onset did not predict FSIQ. Strategies to reduce OMS relapses may improve intellectual outcomes.
Gastrostomy tube insertion in children with developmental or acquired disorders: a register‐based study
Authors: Backman Ellen , Sjögreen Lotta 
Published: July 2020

AimTo describe trends in gastrostomy tube insertion in children with developmental or acquired disorders in Sweden and assess their demographic characteristics.MethodChildren aged 0 to 18 years with gastrostomy tube insertions recorded between 1998 and 2014 were identified in the Swedish National Patient Register. Associations between disorder type and year of surgery, as well as age at surgery, were analysed using linear regression analyses. The association between disorder type and mortality 2 years from gastrostomy tube insertion was also analysed using logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe data for 4112 children (2182 males, 1930 females), with a median age of 2 years (interquartile range=1–8y), were analysed. Children who presented with developmental disorders were the largest group (n=3501, 85%). The most common diagnosis in children with developmental disorders was cerebral palsy (n=165, 4%). In children with acquired disorders, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n=117, 3%) was the most common diagnosis. Gastrostomy tube insertions increased from 1998 to 2014, with the greatest increase in children with developmental disorders, who were younger than children with acquired disorders when the gastrostomy tube was first inserted. Age at tube insertion decreased in both groups during the study period. Mortality was higher in children with acquired disorders, suggesting that gastrostomy tube insertion should be part of a palliative care approach.InterpretationChild characteristics differed depending on whether the underlying disorder was developmental or acquired, suggesting a need for clinical health care guidelines related to the specific goals of gastrostomy tube insertion.What this paper adds

Gastrostomy tube insertions increased by 140% from 1998 to 2014 in Sweden.

The age of children with developmental disorders decreased by 1 month per year during the study period.

Children presenting with developmental disorders were younger than children with acquired disorders when the gastrostomy tube was first inserted.

Mortality was higher in children with acquired disorders.
Looking for indicative magnetic resonance imaging signs of hippocampal developmental abnormalities in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and healthy controls
Authors: Labate Angelo , Sammarra Ilaria , Trimboli Michele , Caligiuri Maria Eugenia , Gambardella Antonio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of qualitative features for hippocampal developmental abnormalities (HiDeA) definition on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients and healthy controls, highlighting which were more sensitive and specific to the epileptic syndrome.MethodsWe enrolled 93 healthy controls and 187 MTLE patients. Among patients, 133 were MRI‐negative and 54 had hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Two blinded, trained investigators defined HiDeA if three signs were present, including at least one of the following: (1) globular hippocampal shape (HCS), (2) verticalized collateral sulcus, and (3) medial positioning of hippocampus (HCP). After evaluating the prevalence of HiDeA in MTLE and controls, we assessed the frequency of each sign. Then, we classified differences in type or number of HiDeA diagnostic features, calculating their sensitivity and specificity. Fisher exact test was used to assess statistical significance.ResultsHiDeA was detected in 36 of 187 MTLE cases (19.25%) and in eight of 93 (8.6%) controls. In particular, HiDeA was present in 25 of 133 (18.8%) patients with MRI‐negative MTLE. Among all visual criteria here considered, HCS showed higher sensitivity both in the MRI‐negative MTLE group (88%) and in the HS‐MTLE group (91%). HCP, thickened subiculum, and reduction of the upper horizontal portion of the parahippocampal gyrus (HCTH) signs demonstrated a 100% specificity in both groups. In healthy controls, HCS was confirmed to have the highest sensitivity (100%), whereas HCP showed the highest specificity (98.8%). All these criteria were statistically associated with HiDeA. Electroencephalographic focus was concordant with the HiDeA side in 52.2% of MTLE patients. An association was not found among signs of HiDeA and treatment responsiveness.SignificanceWe identified characteristic signs of HiDeA, such as HCTH or HCP, differentiating HiDeA features between MTLE and healthy controls. The identification of sensitive and, more importantly, specific criteria of HiDeA could be helpful to make a more confident visual diagnosis.
A pragmatic algorithm to select appropriate antiseizure medications in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Asadi‐Pooya Ali A. , Beniczky Sándor , Rubboli Guido , Sperling Michael R. , Rampp Stefan , Perucca Emilio 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveAntiseizure medications (ASMs) are the first‐line treatment for epilepsy. Many ASMs are available; this offers the opportunity to improve therapy by tailoring it to individual characteristics, but also increases the possibility of healthcare professionals making inappropriate treatment choices. To assist healthcare professionals, we developed a pragmatic algorithm aimed at facilitating medication selection for individuals whose epilepsy begins at age 10 years and older.MethodsUtilizing available evidence and a Delphi panel−based consensus process, a group of epilepsy experts developed an algorithm for selection of ASMs, depending on the seizure type(s) and the presence of relevant clinical variables (age, gender, comorbidities, and comedications). The algorithm was implemented into a web‐based application that was tested and improved in an iterative process.ResultsThe algorithm categorizes ASMs deemed to be appropriate for each seizure type or combination of seizure types into three groups, with group 1 ASMs considered preferred, group 2 considered second line, and group 3 considered third line. Depending on the presence of relevant clinical variables, the ranking of individual ASMs is adjusted in the prioritization scheme to tailor recommendations to the characteristics of the individual. The algorithm is available on a web‐based application at: https://epipick.org/#/.SignificanceThe proposed algorithm is user‐friendly, requires less than 2 minutes to complete, and provides the user with a range of appropriate treatment options from which to choose. This should facilitate its broad utilization and contribute to improve epilepsy management for healthcare providers who desire advice, particularly those who lack special expertise in the field.
Bridging the gap in epilepsy care: A single‐center experience of 3700 outpatient tele‐epilepsy visits
Authors: Fesler Jessica R. , Stanton Susan , Merner Kim , Ross Lindsay , McGinley Marisa P. , Bena James , Rasmussen Peter , Najm Imad , Punia Vineet 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe describe the largest‐to‐date single‐center implementation of tele‐epilepsy. Beginning in 2017, all patients at a single tertiary care academic epilepsy center were offered the option to complete outpatient follow‐up visits via video‐conferencing using personal devices. A retrospective review of all patients who self‐selected virtual visits over nearly 3 years showed 2140 patients completed 3698 tele‐epilepsy visits, with 41% completing more than one visit during the study period. Based on the distance from the center to the home address, 26.7% of patients were local (≤50 miles), 30.5% were near regional (51‐150 miles), 20.1% were far regional (151‐270 miles), and 22.7% were remote (>270 miles), from 43 different states. An estimated 928 696 miles of travel was prevented, with a median travel distance saved of 124.5 miles (interquartile range = 45.0‐253.0). The mean visit time was 15.7 (±10.4) minutes. More than 90% of patients gave the visit and provider experience the maximum rating, with a nearly 60% response rate on the post‐visit survey. Virtual outpatient follow‐up care provides a convenient way to connect with epilepsy specialists and reduce the burden of care by cutting travel time. Our experience demonstrates that outpatient tele‐epilepsy is feasible, sustainable, and scalable.
Collagen production and niche engineering: A novel strategy for cancer cells to survive acidosis in DCIS and evolve
Authors: Damaghi Mehdi , Mori Hidetoshi , Byrne Samantha , Xu Liping , Chen Tingan , Johnson Joseph , Gallant Nathan D. , Marusyk Andriy , Borowsky Alexander D. , Gillies Robert J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGrowing tumors are dynamic and nonlinear ecosystems, wherein cancer cells adapt to their local microenvironment, and these adaptations further modify the environment, inducing more changes. From nascent intraductal neoplasms to disseminated metastatic disease, several levels of evolutionary adaptations and selections occur. Here, we focus on one example of such an adaptation mechanism, namely, “niche construction” promoted by adaptation to acidosis, which is a metabolic adaptation to the early harsh environment in intraductal neoplasms. The avascular characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) make the periluminal volume profoundly acidic, and cancer cells must adapt to this to survive. Based on discovery proteomics, we hypothesized that a component of acid adaptation involves production of collagen by pre‐cancer cells that remodels the extracellular matrix (ECM) and stabilizes cells under acid stress. The proteomic data were surprising as collagen production and deposition are commonly believed to be the responsibility of mesenchymally derived fibroblasts, and not cells of epithelial origin. Subsequent experiments in 3D culture, spinning disk and second harmonic generation microscopy of DCIS lesions in patients’ samples are concordant. Collagen production assay by acid‐adapted cells in vitro demonstrated that the mechanism of induction involves the RAS and SMAD pathways. Secretome analyses show upregulation of ECM remodeling enzymes such as TGM2 and LOXL2 that are collagen crosslinkers. These data strongly indicate that acidosis in incipient cancers induces collagen production by cancer cells and support the hypothesis that this adaptation initiates a tumor‐permissive microenvironment promoting survival and growth of nascent cancers.