bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined use of the ketogenic diet and vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric drug‐resistant epilepsy
Authors: Abdelmoity Ayman T. , Le Pichon Jean‐Baptiste , Abdelmoity Sherouk A. , Sherman Ashley K. , Hall Ara S. , Abdelmoity Ahmed T. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivePatients with drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) pose considerable management challenges for patients, their families, and providers. Both the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) and the ketogenic diet (KD) have been shown to be safe and effective in treating DRE. Nevertheless, information is lacking regarding treatment with combination of both modalities. This study reports the efficacy and tolerability of combining VNS and KD in a pediatric cohort with intractable epilepsy.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 33 patients (0‐17 years) with DRE treated with VNS and KD at a single pediatric level IV epilepsy center. We compared seizure reduction rates for each patient at baseline and at every clinic visit for 24 months after adding the second nonpharmacological therapy. The frequency of adverse events on the combined therapy was collected to assess safety and tolerability.ResultsThere were a total of 170 visits for all patients while on the combined therapy. At 88% (95% CI: 83%‐93%) of the visits, patients reported some reduction in seizure frequency. The proportion of patients reporting a greater than 50% seizure reduction over all visits was 62% (95% CI: 55%‐69%). The proportion of a patient's visits with at least a greater than 50% reduction in seizure frequency had a median of 71% (IQR 33%‐100%). Continued improvement was seen over time of combined treatment; for every one‐unit time unit change (one month), there was a 6% increase in the odds of having a reduction in seizure frequency of >50% (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01‐1.11).SignificanceThis study shows that combining the VNS and KD in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy is well tolerated and reduces seizure frequency more than either one modality used alone and that the benefits in terms of seizure reduction continue to increase with the length of treatment.
A comprehensive review of experimental investigation procedures and thermal performance enhancement techniques of solar air heaters
Authors: Chamarthi Subbarao , Singh Satyender 
Published: December 2020

SummaryThis review composition aimed to comprehensively present the experimental investigation procedures and thermal performance augmentation techniques of solar air heaters. Various testing standards such as static and dynamic tests, and performance parameters, such as, thermal, thermo‐hydraulic, and exergy efficiencies, are incorporated to present the experimental investigation procedures. The present review work deals with testing conditions (indoor and outdoor), instrumentation, various parameters of interest with corresponding optimum values, their uncertainty levels together with SAH orientation, air flow type, thermal energy storage devices, duct modifications and heat transfer surfaces using fins, baffles, and ribs employed to enhance the thermal performance. The authors of this review work believed that the current composition constitutes a summary of details to quickly access the information for analyzing the various experimental investigation procedures and heat transfer augmentation techniques along with the optimum values of flow and geometric parameters. Moreover, economical and efficient solar air‐heating systems with low pressure drop and high heat exchange to air are presented and reviewed.
Having Fun (and Commercial Success) with Josiphos and Related Chiral Ferrocene Based Ligands.
Authors: Blaser Hans Ulrich , Pugin Benoît , Spindler Felix 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Josiphos ligand family is arguably one of the most versatile classes of chiral ligands with a wide range of applications, including one of the two largest known enantioselective catalytic hydrogenations. In this personal account, we take a look back at the beginning and describe the role Antonio Togni has played to reach this point and the significance of his contributions for the commercial success, especially concerning today's ligand business of Solvias. This seems a fitting point in time in light of Antonio’s statement on his ETH home page that he ‘is working as a professor at this institution since 1992 (a few more months to go), not looking for a job’ and that the three authors have already retired for some time (H. U. B.) or are about to retire soon (B. P., F. S.).
Communication between infant boys and their mothers with ADHD symptoms
Authors: Karagianni Eleni , Papaeliou Christina F. , Maniadaki Katerina , Kakouros Efthymios 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTAimThis preliminary longitudinal study examined timing features and type of interaction between infant boys and their mothers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptomsMethodTen infants and their mothers with ADHD symptoms and 10 control dyads were video recorded at home during free play interactions when infants were 2‐, 4‐, 6‐, and 9‐month old. Microanalysis of the video recordings was carried out to assess synchronization, turn‐taking, and type of interaction. Infants’ temperament was also assessedResultsADHD dyads showed shorter synchronization at 2 months and shorter duration of Joint Attention. Partial least squares regression analysis revealed that infant's ability for Joint Attention is predicted mainly by duration of maternal behavior as well as by earlier forms of communication, that is, protoconversations.ConclusionThe data from our preliminary study suggest that mothers with ADHD symptoms may have difficulties maintaining their behavior for enough time possibly due to the core symptoms of the disorder, that is, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This maternal deficit seems to affect temporal coordination with their infants and maybe the development of more complex forms of interaction. Clinical implications of these findings are also discussed.
Toxicological responses of BEAS‐2B cells to repeated exposures to benzene, toluene, m‐xylene, and mesitylene using air–liquid interface method
Authors: Méausoone Clémence , Landkocz Yann , Cazier Fabrice , Seigneur Marianne , Courcot Dominique , Billet Sylvain 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn order to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, the European REACH regulation (1907/2006) recommends substituting toxic molecules with compounds that are less harmful to human health and the environment. Toluene is one of the most frequently used solvents in industries despite its toxicity. The objective of this study is to better understand and compare the toxicity of toluene and its homologues in a bronchial cell model. Thus, human bronchial BEAS‐2B cells were exposed to steams of toluene, m‐xylene, mesitylene (1,3,5‐trimethylbenzene), and benzene (20 and 100 ppm). Exposure was carried out using an air–liquid interface (ALI) system (Vitrocell) during 1 h/day for 1, 3, or 5 days. Cytotoxicity, xenobiotic metabolism enzyme gene expression, and inflammatory response were evaluated following cell exposures. BEAS‐2B cell exposure to toluene and its homologues revealed the involvement of major (CYP2E1) and minor metabolic pathways (CYP1A1). A late induction of genes (EPHX1, DHDH, ALDH2, and ALDH3B1) was measured from Day 3 and can be linked to the formation of metabolites. An increase in the secretion level of inflammatory markers (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, and GM‐CSF) was also observed. In parallel, regulation between inflammatory mediators and the expression of transmembrane glycoprotein mucin MUC1 was also studied. This in vitro approach with ALI system points out the relevance of conducting repeated exposures to detect potential late effects. The difference recorded after cell exposure to toluene and its homologues highlights the importance of substitution principle.
Activation of Akt‐dependent Nrf2/ARE pathway by restoration of Brg‐1 remits high glucose‐induced oxidative stress and ECM accumulation in podocytes
Authors: Yan Hao , Xu Fei , Xu Jun , Song Ming‐Ai , Wang Kai , Wang Lulu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBrahma‐related gene 1 (Brg‐1) is perceived as a cytoprotective protein due to its role in alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of Brg‐1 in high glucose (HG)‐stimulated podocytes. The HG exposure downregulated Brg‐1 and inactivated the protein kinase B (Akt) pathway in podocytes. Restoration of Brg‐1 inhibited HG‐induced viability reduction of podocytes. The HG‐induced increase of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels and decrease of superoxide dismutase activity in podocytes were reversed by the Brg‐1 overexpression. The Brg‐1 overexpression terminated the HG‐induced production of fibronectin, collagen IV, transforming growth factor‐β1, and connective tissue growth factor. In addition, the Brg‐1 overexpression activated Akt‐dependent nuclear factor E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) signaling in HG‐stimulated podocytes. However, inhibition of the Akt pathway or Nrf2 silencing counteracted the protective effects of Brg‐1 in HG‐stimulated podocytes. In conclusion, the Brg‐1 overexpression suppressed HG‐induced oxidative stress and extracellular matrix accumulation by activation of Akt‐dependent Nrf2/ARE signaling in podocytes.
Fostering youth civic engagement through effective mentorship: Understanding the college student volunteer mentors who succeed
Authors: Maker Castro Elena , Cohen Alison K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCollege student volunteers play a critical role in many school‐based educational programs and can foster valuable near‐peer relationships with adolescents, yet how to best select these volunteers has been understudied. We studied college student volunteer mentors for Generation Citizen, a non‐profit that provides school‐based action civics education programming, and their adolescent students. We identify three common characteristics possessed by the strongest college mentors. Participants were nine college volunteer mentors (67% female; 78% White); these mentors worked in pairs (and one trio) in four different classrooms. Using an action research approach, we conducted semistructured interviews, surveys, and classroom observations to generate quantitative and qualitative data. Effective mentors were: person‐oriented, emphasizing the mentor‐student connection; aligned with the organization's mission; and constantly honing their craft of mentorship. We recommend college volunteer programs select applicants for positions based on these key indicators to foster mission‐driven and motivating educational programming.
The effect and mechanism of neighbourhood choice on socioeconomic integration of migrants: Evidence from China
Authors: Zou Jing , Deng Xiaojun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOn the basis of the 2013 China Migrants Dynamic Survey provided by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, we explored the impact of neighbourhood choice on the socioeconomic integration of migrants and the underlying mechanism. When problems with endogeneity were controlled, the findings showed that neighbourhood choice had a significant positive effect on the socioeconomic integration of migrants, that is, compared with migrants living in informal neighbourhoods (urban villages or outdated inner‐city housing), those living in formal neighbourhoods (commercial housing, affordable housing or work unit housing neighbourhoods) displayed higher socioeconomic integration. Further research found that neighbourhood choice did not directly affect the socioeconomic integration of migrants in China, partly because migrants living in formal neighbourhoods established localized social capital (contacting local residents and government personnel, seeking help from them and increasing expenditures on local invitations and gifts) to promote better integration into the city, and they had a stronger willingness to settle down, which encouraged them to work harder, actively integrated into the mainstream society.
mTORC2 negatively controls the maturation process of medullary thymic epithelial cells by inhibiting the LTβR/RANK‐NF‐κB axis
Authors: Liang Zhanfeng , Zhang Qian , Dong Xue , Zhang Zhaoqi , Wang Hongxia , Zhang Jiayu , Zhao Yong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe differentiation of mature medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) is critical for the induction of central immune tolerance. Although the critical effect of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in shaping mTEC differentiation has been studied, the regulatory role of mTORC2 in the differentiation and maturation of mTECs is poorly understood. We herein reported that TEC‐specific ablation of a rapamycin‐insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR), a key component of mTORC2, significantly decreased the thymus size and weight, the total cell number of TECs, and the cell number of mTECs with a smaller degree of reduced cortical thymic epithelial cells. Interestingly, RICTOR deficiency significantly accelerated the mTEC maturation process, as indicated by the increased ratios of mature mTECs (MHCIIhi, CD80+, and Aire+) to immature mTECs (MHCIIlo, CD80−, and Aire−) in Rictor‐deficient mice. The RNA‐sequencing assays showed that the upregulated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway in Rictor‐deficient mTECs was one of the obviously altered pathways compared with wild‐type mTECs. Our studies further showed that Rictor‐deficient mTECs exhibited upregulated expression of receptor activator of NF‐κB (RANK) and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), as well as increased activity of canonical and noncanonical NF‐κB signaling pathways as determined by ImageStream and Simple Western. Finally, our results showed that inhibition of NF‐κB signaling pathways could partially reverse the accelerated maturation of mTECs in Rictor conditional KO mice. Thus, mTORC2 negatively controls the kinetics of the mTEC maturation process by inhibiting the LTβR/RANK‐NF‐κB signal axis.
Microbial controls on net production of nitrous oxide in a denitrifying woodchip bioreactor
Authors: Nordström Albin , Hellman Maria , Hallin Sara , Herbert Roger B. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDenitrifying woodchip bioreactors are potential low‐cost technologies for the removal of nitrate (NO3−) in water through denitrification. However, if environmental conditions do not support microbial communities performing complete denitrification, other N transformation processes will occur, resulting in the export of nitrite (NO2−), nitrous oxide (N2O), or ammonium (NH4+). To identify the factors controlling the relative accumulation of NO2−, N2O, and/or NH4+in denitrifying woodchip bioreactors, porewater samples were collected over two operational years from a denitrifying woodchip bioreactor designed for removing NO3−from mine water. Woodchip samples were collected at the end of the operational period. Changes in the abundances of functional genes involved in denitrification, N2O reduction, and dissimilatory NO3−reduction to NH4+were correlated with porewater chemistry and temperature. Temporal changes in the abundance of the denitrification genenirSwere significantly correlated with increases in porewater N2O concentrations and indicated the preferential selection of incomplete denitrifying pathways ending with N2O. Temperature and the total organic carbon/NO3−ratio were strongly correlated with NH4+concentrations and inversely correlated with the ratio between denitrification genes and the genes indicative of ammonification (Σnir/nrfA), suggesting an environmental control on NO3−transformations. Overall, our results for a denitrifying woodchip bioreactor operated at hydraulic residence times of 1.0–2.6 d demonstrate the temporal development in the microbial community and indicate an increased potential for N2O emissions with time from the denitrifying woodchip bioreactor.
Microglial derived extracellular vesicles activate autophagy and mediate multi‐target signaling to maintain cellular homeostasis
Authors: Van den Broek Bram , Pintelon Isabel , Hamad Ibrahim , Kessels Sofie , Haidar Mansour , Hellings Niels , Hendriks Jerome J.A. , Kleinewietfeld Markus , Brône Bert , Timmerman Vincent , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Somers Veerle , Michiels Luc , Irobi Joy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMicroglia, the immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system (CNS), play an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis in the CNS. These cells secrete immunomodulatory factors including nanovesicles and participate in the removal of cellular debris by phagocytosis or autophagy. Accumulating evidence indicates that specifically the cellular exchange of small extracellular vesicles (EVs), participates in physiology and disease through intercellular communication. However, the contribution of microglial‐derived extracellular vesicles (M‐EVs) to the maintenance of microglia homeostasis and how M‐EVs could influence the phenotype and gene function of other microglia subtypes is unclear. In addition, knowledge of canonical signalling pathways of inflammation and immunity gene expression patterns in human microglia exposed to M‐EVs is limited. Here, we analysed the effects of M‐EVs produced in vitro by either tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) activated or non‐activated microglia BV2 cells. We showed that M‐EVs are internalized by both mouse and human C20 microglia cells and that the uptake of M‐EVs in microglia induced autophagic vesicles at various stages of degradation including autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Consistently, stimulation of microglia with M‐EVs increased the protein expression of the autophagy marker, microtubule‐associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B isoform II (LC3B‐II), and promoted autophagic flux in live cells. To elucidate the biological activities occurring at the transcriptional level in C20 microglia stimulated with M‐EVs, the gene expression profiles, potential upstream regulators, and enrichment pathways were characterized using targeted RNA sequencing. Inflammation and immunity transcriptome gene panel sequencing of both activated and normal microglia stimulated with M‐EVs showed involvement of several canonical pathways and reduced expression of key genes involved in neuroinflammation, inflammasome and apoptosis signalling pathways compared to control cells. In this study, we provide the perspective that a beneficial activity of in vitro cell culture produced EVs could be the modulation of autophagy during cellular stress. Therefore, we use a monoculture system to study microglia‐microglia crosstalk which is important in the prevention and propagation of inflammation in the brain. We demonstrate that in vitro produced microglial EVs are able to influence multiple biological pathways and promote activation of autophagy in order to maintain microglia survival and homeostasis.
The proteomic landscape of small urinary extracellular vesicles during kidney transplantation
Authors: Braun Fabian , Rinschen Markus , Buchner Denise , Bohl Katrin , Plagmann Ingo , Bachurski Daniel , Richard Späth Martin , Antczak Philipp , Göbel Heike , Klein Corinna , Lackmann Jan‐Wilm , Kretz Oliver , Puelles Victor G. , Wahba Roger , Hallek Michael , Schermer Bernhard , Benzing Thomas , Huber Tobias B. , Beyer Andreas , Stippel Dirk , Kurschat Christine E. , Müller Roman‐Ulrich 
Published: December 2020

AbstractKidney transplantation is the preferred renal replacement therapy available. Yet, long‐term transplant survival is unsatisfactory, partially due to insufficient possibilities of longitudinal monitoring and understanding of the biological processes after transplantation. Small urinary extracellular vesicles (suEVs) – as a non‐invasive source of information – were collected from 22 living donors and recipients. Unbiased proteomic analysis revealed temporal patterns of suEV protein signature and cellular processes involved in both early response and longer‐term graft adaptation. Complement activation was among the most dynamically regulated components. This unique atlas of the suEV proteome is provided through an online repository allowing dynamic interrogation by the user. Additionally, a correlative analysis identified putative prognostic markers of future allograft function. One of these markers – phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2) – could be confirmed using targeted MS in an independent validation cohort of 22 additional patients. This study sheds light on the impact of kidney transplantation on urinary extracellular vesicle content and allows the first deduction of early molecular processes in transplant biology. Beyond that our data highlight the potential of suEVs as a source of biomarkers in this setting.
Methamphetamine use alters human plasma extracellular vesicles and their microRNA cargo: An exploratory study
Authors: Sandau Ursula S. , Duggan Erika , Shi Xiao , Smith Sierra J. , Huckans Marilyn , Schutzer William E. , Loftis Jennifer M. , Janowsky Aaron , Nolan John P. , Saugstad Julie A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMethamphetamine (MA) is the largest drug threat across the globe, with health effects including neurotoxicity and cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have begun to link microRNAs (miRNAs) to the processes related to MA use and addiction. Our studies are the first to analyse plasma EVs and their miRNA cargo in humans actively using MA (MA‐ACT) and control participants (CTL). In this cohort we also assessed the effects of tobacco use on plasma EVs. We used vesicle flow cytometry to show that the MA‐ACT group had an increased abundance of EV tetraspanin markers (CD9, CD63, CD81), but not pro‐coagulant, platelet‐, and red blood cell‐derived EVs. We also found that of the 169 plasma EV miRNAs, eight were of interest in MA‐ACT based on multiple statistical criteria. In smokers, we identified 15 miRNAs of interest, two that overlapped with the eight MA‐ACT miRNAs. Three of the MA‐ACT miRNAs significantly correlated with clinical features of MA use and target prediction with these miRNAs identified pathways implicated in MA use, including cardiovascular disease and neuroinflammation. Together our findings indicate that MA use regulates EVs and their miRNA cargo, and support that further studies are warranted to investigate their mechanistic role in addiction, recovery, and recidivism.
Epitranscriptomic m6A regulation following spinal cord injury
Authors: Xing Lingyan , Cai Yunyun , Yang Tuo , Yu Weiwei , Gao Mengdie , Chai Rui , Ding Sujun , Wei Jinhuan , Pan Jingying , Chen Gang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRNA methylation is involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of RNA methylation in spinal cord regeneration has not been reported. In this study, we find an altered m6A (N6‐methyladenosine) RNA methylation profiling following zebrafish spinal cord injury (SCI), in line with an altered transcription level of the m6A methylase Mettl3. Interestingly, many of the differential m6A‐tagged genes associated with neural regeneration are hypomethylated, but their transcription levels are upregulated in SCI. Moreover, we find that METTL3 may be important for spinal cord regeneration. We also show a conserved feature of METTL3 changes in mouse SCI model, in which the expression of METTL3 is increased in both astrocytes and neural stem cells. Together, our results indicate that m6A RNA methylation is dynamic and conserved following SCI and may contribute to spinal cord regeneration.