bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ictal onset sites and γ‐aminobutyric acidergic neuron loss in epileptic pilocarpine‐treated rats
Authors: Wyeth Megan , Nagendran Monica , Buckmaster Paul S. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe present study tested whether ictal onset sites are regions of more severe interneuron loss in epileptic pilocarpine‐treated rats, a model of human temporal lobe epilepsy.MethodsLocal field potential recordings were evaluated to identify ictal onset sites. Electrode sites were visualized in Nissl‐stained sections. Adjacent sections were processed with proximity ligation in situ hybridization for glutamic acid decarboxylase 2 (Gad2). Gad2 neuron profile numbers at ictal onset sites were compared to contralateral regions. Other sections were processed with immunocytochemistry for reelin or nitric oxide synthase (NOS), which labeled major subtypes of granule cell layer–associated interneurons. Stereology was used to estimate numbers of reelin and NOS granule cell layer–associated interneurons per hippocampus.ResultsIctal onset sites varied between and within rats but were mostly in the ventral hippocampus and were frequently bilateral. There was no conclusive evidence of more severe Gad2 neuron profile loss at sites of earliest seizure activity compared to contralateral regions. Numbers of granule cell layer–associated NOS neurons were reduced in the ventral hippocampus.SignificanceIn epileptic pilocarpine‐treated rats, ictal onset sites were mostly in the ventral hippocampus, where there was loss of granule cell layer–associated NOS interneurons. These findings suggest the hypothesis that loss of granule cell layer–associated NOS interneurons in the ventral hippocampus is a mechanism of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Melatonin ameliorates renal fibroblast‐myofibroblast transdifferentiation and renal fibrosis through miR‐21‐5p regulation
Authors: Li Ningning , Wang Zhan , Gao Fenglan , Lei Yanfei , Li Zhenzhen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFibroblast‐myofibroblast transdifferentiation (FMT) is widely recognized as the major pathological feature of renal fibrosis. Although melatonin has exerted antifibrogenic activity in many diseases, its role in renal FMT remains unclear. In the present study, the aim was to explore the effect of melatonin on renal FMT and the underlying mechanisms. We established the transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 stimulated rat renal fibroblast cells (NRK‐49F) model in vitro and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice model in vivo. We assessed levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), col1a1 and fibronectin, STAT3 and AP‐1, as well as miR‐21‐5p and its target genes (Spry1, PTEN, Smurf2 and PDCD4). We found that melatonin reduced the expression of α‐SMA, col1a1 and fibronectin, as well as the formation of α‐SMA filament in TGF‐β1‐treated NRK‐49F cells. Meanwhile, melatonin inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, down‐regulated miR‐21‐5p expression, and up‐regulated Spry1 and PTEN expression. Moreover, miR‐21‐5p mimics partially antagonized the anti‐fibrotic effect of melatonin. For animal experiments, the results revealed that melatonin remarkably ameliorated UUO‐induced renal fibrosis, attenuated the expression of miR‐21‐5p and pro‐fibrotic proteins and elevated Spry1 and PTEN expression. Nevertheless, agomir of miR‐21‐5p blocked the renoprotective effect of melatonin in UUO mice. These results indicated that melatonin could alleviate TGF‐β1‐induced renal FMT and UUO‐induced renal fibrosis through down‐regulation of miR‐21‐5p. Regulation of miR‐21‐5p/PTEN and/or miR‐21‐5p/Spry1 signal might be involved in the anti‐fibrotic effect of melatonin in the kidneys of UUO mice.
Apolipoprotein M overexpression through adeno‐associated virus gene transfer improves insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in Goto‐Kakizaki rats
Authors: Yu Yang , Zhang Jun , Yao Shuang , Pan Lili , Luo Guanghua , Xu Ning 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims/ObjectiveThe development of type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance in various tissues, including skeletal muscle and liver. Apolipoprotein M (ApoM) plays an important role in the function of high‐density lipoprotein, and also affects hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether ApoM overexpression modulates glucose metabolism and improves insulin sensitivity.Materials and MethodsThe Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rats were transfected with adeno‐associated virus (AAV) encoding rat ApoM gene or control blank. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and hyperinsulinemic‐euglycemic clamp (HEC) experiment were used to assess the insulin sensitivity of GK rats.ResultsThe results show that ApoM messenger ribonucleic acid and protein were significantly overexpressed in the pancreatic tissues. Overexpression of ApoM decreased fasting blood glucose and random blood glucose, improved glucose tolerance, and increased bodyweight and insulin levels in GK rats. The glucose infusion rate of rats in the AAV encoding rat ApoM gene group during HEC test was 1.04‐, 1.23‐ and 1.95‐fold higher than that in the AAV control blank group at 1–3 weeks after injection of AAV, respectively. A Wes‐ProteinSimple assay and quantification was carried out to assess phosphorylated protein kinase B/protein kinase B protein levels in the muscle tissues of ApoM‐overexpressing GK rats, and they were found to be higher than those of the control group at the seventh week after AAV injection.ConclusionsApoM overexpression through adeno‐associated virus gene transfer might improve insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity in GK rats.
Hand strength and dexterity in individuals with hand eczema
Authors: Passlov H.M. , Pontén A. , Björk J. , Rosén B. , Bruze M. , Svedman C. , Isaksson M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatients with hand eczema often describe symptoms such as pain, clumsiness and difficulty flexing their fingers, thus impairing the function of the hand.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether hand eczema is associated with a measurable impairment of hand strength and dexterity. We also studied the relationship between hand function and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), pain level and quality of life measured with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).MethodsTwenty‐one participants with ongoing hand eczema were examined with well‐established methods for measuring hand grip strength, pinch strength and dexterity. A questionnaire was designed to investigate perceived ability to perform ADL. The participants were also asked to grade their current pain level, and the DLQI was used to assess the participants' quality of life. A group of 12 participants was reinvestigated when healed.ResultsThe participants demonstrated a significant improvement in all functional tests when healed. There was a strong correlation between ADL and both dexterity and hand grip strength. There was also a strong correlation between ADL and pain. All participants reported some difficulty performing ADL.ConclusionsOur results suggest that ongoing hand eczema may lead to a measurable decrease of strength and dexterity of the hand, leading to an impairment of the ability to perform ADL and consequently to a poorer quality of life.
Extensive hybridization and past introgression between divergent lineages in a quasi‐clonal hermaphroditic fish: Ramifications for species concepts and taxonomy
Authors: Tatarenkov Andrey , Earley Ryan L. , Taylor D. Scott , Davis William P. , Avise John C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractExtreme inbreeding is expected to reduce the incidence of hybridization, serving as a prezygotic barrier. Mangrove rivulus is a small killifish that reproduces predominantly by self‐fertilization, producing highly homozygous lines throughout its geographic range. The Bahamas and Caribbean are inhabited by two highly diverged phylogeographic lineages of mangrove rivulus, Kryptolebias marmoratus and a ‘Central clade’ closely related to K. hermaphroditus from Brazil. The two lineages are largely allopatric, but recently were found in syntopy on San Salvador, Bahamas, where a single hybrid was reported. To better characterize the degree of hybridization and the possibility of secondary introgression, here we conducted a detailed genetic analysis of the contact zone on San Salvador. Two mixed populations were identified, one of which contained sexually mature hybrids. The distribution of heterozygosity at diagnostic microsatellite loci in hybrids showed that one of these hybrids was an immediate offspring from the K. marmoratus x Central clade cross, whereas the remaining five hybrids were products of reproduction by self‐fertilization for 1–3 generations following the initial cross. Two hybrids had mitochondrial haplotypes of K. marmoratus and the remaining four hybrids had a haplotype of the Central clade, indicating that crosses go in both directions. In hybrids, alleles of parental lineages were represented in equal proportions suggesting lack of recent backcrossing to either of the parental lineages. However, sympatric populations of two lineages were less diverged than allopatric populations, consistent with introgression. Results are discussed in terms of applicability of the biological species concept for isogenic, effectively clonal, organisms.
Photoconvertible fluorescent proteins: a versatile tool in zebrafish skeletal imaging
Authors: Bek Jan Willem , De Clercq Adelbert , De Saffel Hanna , Soenens Mieke , Huysseune Ann , Witten P. Eckhard , Coucke Paul J. , Willaert Andy 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOne of the most frequently applied techniques in zebrafish (Danio rerio) research is the visualisation or manipulation of specific cell populations using transgenic reporter lines. The generation of these transgenic zebrafish, displaying cell‐ or tissue‐specific expression of frequently used fluorophores such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) or mCherry, is relatively easy using modern techniques. Fluorophores with different emission wavelengths and driven by different promoters can be monitored simultaneously in the same animal. Photoconvertible fluorescent proteins (pcFPs) are different from these standard fluorophores because their emission spectrum is changed when exposed to UV light, a process called photoconversion. Here, the benefits and versatility of using pcFPs for both single and dual fluorochrome imaging in zebrafish skeletal research in a previously generated osx:Kaede transgenic line are illustrated. In this line, Kaede, which is expressed under control of the osterix, otherwise known as sp7, promoter thereby labelling immature osteoblasts, can switch from green to red fluorescence upon irradiation with UV light. First, this study demonstrates that osx:Kaede exhibits an expression pattern similar to a previously described osx:nuGFP transgenic line in both larval and adult stages, hereby validating the use of this line for the imaging of immature osteoblasts. More in‐depth experiments highlight different applications for osx:Kaede, such as lineage tracing and its combined use with in vivo skeletal staining and other transgenic backgrounds. Mineral staining in combination with osx:Kaede confirms osteoblast‐independent mineralisation of the notochord. Osteoblast lineage tracing reveals migration and dedifferentiation of scleroblasts during fin regeneration. Finally, this study shows that combining two transgenics, osx:Kaede and osc:GFP, with similar emission wavelengths is possible when using a pcFP such as Kaede.
Employing statistical learning to derive species‐level genetic diversity for mammalian species
Authors: Schrago Carlos G. , Mello Beatriz 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The patterns of genetic diversity in several genomic regions have been used in mammalian systematics for decades. For instance, when studying closely related species, it is generally assumed that the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (cytb) exhibits significant information that can be used for differentiation between intraspecies and interspecies variation in mammals. Because of sampling limitations, early analyses of this proposition were conducted mainly on rodents and bats.

Currently, more than 57000 cytb sequences are available covering all major lineages of mammals, and sequencing of several individuals per species is common practice in molecular systematics. We were thus prompted to carry out a large‐scale analysis of the utility of cytb genetic variation as a predictor of whether a pair of sequences came from within‐species or between‐species comparisons.

Using predetermined species‐level assignments, we employed standard methods from statistical learning to calculate the cut‐off values able to classify genetic distances in either intraspecies or interspecies categories; we then measured the performance of such statistical classifiers to predict the species‐level taxonomic rank as defined by experts.

Depending on the classifier, our results showed that when adopting cytb distance cut‐off values of 7.3% and 5.5% for small mammals (Metatheria, Rodentia, Chiroptera, and Eulipotyphla) and 4.3% and 3% for medium‐sized to large mammals (Primates, Carnivora, and Artiodactyla), the frequency of incorrect assignment of within‐species divergences to the between‐species category (type I error) varied from 7 to 11%.

In order to avoid over‐splitting by future researchers, we calculated cut‐off values using a more conservative evaluation and provided a list of mammalian species that are likely to consist of complexes of cryptic species. We show that our supervised method can provide practical guidelines to improve the performance of unsupervised algorithms for species delimitation. Finally, we discuss limitations of large‐scale approaches (e.g. effects of misclassification in databases and the need for case‐by‐case evaluation of cryptic species complexes) and their consequences for conservation policies.
Unique bone marrow blood vessels couple angiogenesis and osteogenesis in bone homeostasis and diseases
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Xie Liang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBlood vessels serve as a versatile transport system and play crucial roles in organ development, regeneration, and stem cell behavior. In the skeletal system, certain capillaries support perivascular stem cells or osteoprogenitor cells and thereby regulate bone formation. Recent studies reported that a specialized capillary subtype, termed type H vessels, is shown to couple angiogenesis and osteogenesis in rodents and humans. They can be distinguished by specific cell surface markers, as the endothelial cells in the metaphysis and endosteum highly express the junctional protein CD31 and the sialoglycoprotein endomucin. Here, we provide an overview of the role of type H vessels in bone homeostasis and summarize their linkage with various cytokines to control bone cell behavior and bone formation. We also discuss the potential clinical application for bone disorders by targeting these specific vessels according to their physiological and pathobiological settings.
A case of Brugada pattern “bigeminy”
Authors: Mugnai Giacomo , Chierchia Gian‐Battista , de Asmundis Carlo , Brugada Pedro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present case reports for the first time an unusual presentation of Brugada type 1 pattern occurring in a “bigeminy way” without no drug challenges or any apparent causes in a family member of a proband with type 1 pattern.
Strategic communication by regulatory agencies as a form of reputation management: A strategic agenda
Authors: Maor Moshe 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis article develops a strategic agenda concerning regulatory agencies' strategic communication in light of the reputation literature. It highlights the main strands in this literature, presents the fundamental findings discovered so far, responds to the critiques that have recently surfaced, and offers guidance about where scholarship on strategic communication might most profitably head. The critiques discussed here centre on two aspects: (i) the claim that an agency's communication choices are to some extent driven by the distinctive logic of the media rather than by reputational concerns, and (ii) the argument that strategic communication provides only short‐term solutions to emerging threats and is therefore overemphasized in the literature. Future agendas include, for example, the selection of audience segmentation strategies, and the management of competing and even contradictory communication for segmented audiences when agencies enjoy exclusive jurisdiction, as opposed to cases in which other agencies share the same stage.
Serum levels of soluble programmed death‐1 (sPD‐1) and soluble programmed death ligand 1(sPD‐L1) in systemic lupus erythematosus: Association with activity and severity
Authors: Du Yan , Nie Liuyan , Xu Li , Wu Xinyu , Zhang Songzhao , Xue Jing 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway is an important host immunosuppression mechanism. Soluble PD‐1 (sPD‐1) and PD‐L1 (sPD‐L1) expression regulates co‐inhibitory signals in autoimmune disorders. Here, we evaluated whether serum sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 are involved in immune dysfunction and assessed its relationship with SLE. Blood samples were obtained from 130 patients with SLE and 44 healthy controls. Serum sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 were tested by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Relevant immune parameters were analysed. Both serum sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 were significantly higher in the SLE patients than in the controls. A series of severe disease clinical manifestations and laboratory features such as presence of decreased complement component 3, complement component 4 and SLEDAI >8 were associated with elevated sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1. Our study suggests that abnormal sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 expression may be involved in the imbalance of immune regulation in SLE.
The more we do, the less we gain? Balancing effort and efficacy in managing the Solidago gigantea invasion
Authors: Nagy Dávid U. , Rauschert Emily S. J. , Henn Tamás , Cianfaglione Kevin , Stranczinger Szilvia , Pal Robert W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDeveloping invasive plant management strategies is an important task in modern ecology, conservation biology and land management. Solidago gigantea is considered a problematic invader in Europe and Asia, where it forms dominant stands that can decrease species diversity. There is, therefore, an urgent need for effective management to reduce S. gigantea infestations and their negative impacts. We examined the efficacy of multiple approaches to S. gigantea management in Hungary. In our study, we evaluated the effect of several long‐term management techniques such as grazing, mowing and periodic flooding on the invader's density as well as native community diversity. In addition, we investigated the short‐ and long‐term effects of mowing combined with other treatment options, to estimate the influence of increased management intensity. Our results indicate that all tested management techniques had negative impacts on S. gigantea density. Short‐term mowing did not appear to improve species diversity in the resident community; however, all long‐term options improved species diversity. Moreover, combining treatments with mowing varied in its effectiveness; mowing once increased the efficacy of flooding, but decreased the efficacy of grazing, while mowing twice decreased efficacy of flooding. We suspect this is due to the increased intensity of disturbance, which does not allow for the natural recovery of communities, and after management ceases, invasion is able to re‐occur. Our results indicate that for effective management, we need to combine management options which act via different mechanisms, leading to cumulative positive effects on the resident community when applied at moderate levels.
Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in an Annulus With Ribs on the Rotating Inner Cylinder Surface
Authors: Gokul S. , Deepu M. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Numerical studies on heat transfer in Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow in a cylindrical annulus with ribs mounted on the rotating inner cylinder are presented. The present study focuses on two different types of ribs, namely, longitudinal ribs and helical ribs. Three-dimensional, steady, incompressible, turbulent fluid flow is solved using a semi-implicit method for pressure linked equations (SIMPLE) algorithm based finite volume method. The numerical solution method is validated using two sets of benchmark experimental data. Extensive numerical computations are carried out at various Reynolds numbers (2100 &lt; Re &lt; 2400) and modified Taylor numbers (30,000 &lt; Tam &lt; 90,000) for annulus with and without ribs. Ribs enhance the transport of heat and momentum by inducing more vorticity and turbulence in the flow. The overall performance is presented in terms of thermal performance factor (TPF), which takes in to account the heat transfer as well as pressure drop in the ribbed annulus. Helical ribs are found to offer superior thermal performance than its longitudinal counterpart.
Modeling Contacts and Hysteretic Behavior in Discrete Systems Via Variable-Order Fractional Operators
Authors: Patnaik Sansit , Semperlotti Fabio 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
The modeling of nonlinear dynamical systems subject to strong and evolving nonsmooth nonlinearities is typically approached via integer-order differential equations. In this study, we present the possible application of variable-order (VO) fractional operators to a class of nonlinear lumped parameter models that have great practical relevance in mechanics and dynamics. Fractional operators are intrinsically multiscale operators that can act on both space- and time-dependent variables. Contrarily to their integer-order counterpart, fractional operators can have either fixed or VO. In the latter case, the order can be function of either independent or state variables. We show that when using VO equations to describe the response of dynamical systems, the order can evolve as a function of the response itself; therefore, allowing a natural and seamless transition between widely dissimilar dynamics. Such an intriguing characteristic allows defining governing equations for dynamical systems that are evolutionary in nature. Within this context, we present a physics-driven strategy to define VO operators capable of capturing complex and evolutionary phenomena. Specific examples include hysteresis in discrete oscillators and contact problems. Despite using simplified models to illustrate the applications of VO operators, we show numerical evidence of their unique modeling capabilities as well as their connection to more complex dynamical systems.
Pharmacodynamics of Ampicillin-Sulbactam in an In Vitro Infection Model againstEscherichia coliStrains with Various Levels of Resistance
Authors: Lamp Kenneth C. , Vickers Mary K. 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTThe activity of ampicillin-sulbactam against β-lactamase-producingEscherichia colihas been questioned. Therefore, in this study, the killing activity of ampicillin-sulbactam was investigated in an in vitro infection model which simulates human pharmacokinetics. One ampicillin-sensitive strain (E. coliATCC 25922, ampicillin-sulbactam MIC = 4/2 μg/ml) and three ampicillin-resistant TEM-1-producing strains with various levels of ampicillin-sulbactam resistance (EC11, MIC = 4/2 μg/ml; TIM2, MIC = 12/6 μg/ml; and GB85, MIC > 128/64 μg/ml) were studied. TheE. colistrains were exposed to ampicillin-sulbactam at a starting inoculum of 6 to 7 log10CFU/ml. Ampicillin-sulbactam was infused over 30 min to simulate doses of 3 and 1.5 g every 6 h for 24 h. The 3-g ampicillin-sulbactam dose was bactericidal againstE. coliATCC 25922, EC11, and TIM2. The 1.5-g dose displayed bactericidal activity against ATCC 25922 and EC11 similar to that of the higher dose but failed to kill TIM2 due to inadequate time above the MIC and increased MICs over 24 h. GB85 was highly resistant and grew similarly to controls. Despite an MIC at 107CFU/ml indicating resistance (20/10 μg/ml), TIM2 was killed by the 3-g dose of ampicillin-sulbactam. Current MIC breakpoints may not adequately portray the activity of ampicillin-sulbactam, considering both the activity in in vitro infection models and clinical data.