bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of prenatal stress on neuroactive steroid responses to acute stress in adult male and female rats
Authors: Sze Ying , Brunton Paula J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAcute swim stress results in the robust production of several neuroactive steroids, which act as mediators of the stress response. These steroids include glucocorticoids, and positive GABAA receptor modulatory steroids such as allopregnanolone and tetrahydrocorticosterone (THDOC), which potentiate inhibitory GABA signalling, thereby playing a role in the negative control of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis. Prenatally stressed (PNS) offspring exhibit increased vulnerability to stress‐related disorders and frequently display exaggerated HPA axis responses to stressors during adulthood, which may be a result of reduced neuroactive steroid production and consequently inhibitory signalling. Here, we investigated whether exposure of rats to prenatal social stress from gestational day 16‐20 altered neuroactive steroid production under non‐stress conditions and in response to an acute stressor (swim stress) in adulthood. Using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, nine neuroactive steroids were quantified (corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone [DOC], dihydrodeoxycorticosterone, THDOC, progesterone, dihydroprogesterone, allopregnanolone, pregnenolone, testosterone) in plasma and in five brain regions (frontal cortex, hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, brainstem) of male and female control and PNS rats. There was no difference in the neuroactive steroid profile between control and PNS rats under basal conditions. The increase in circulating corticosterone induced by acute swim stress was similar in control and PNS offspring. However, greater stress‐induced corticosterone and DOC concentrations were observed in the brainstem of male PNS offspring, whereas DOC concentrations were lower in the hippocampus of PNS females compared to controls, following acute stress. Although PNS rats did not show deficits in allopregnanolone responses to acute stress, there were modest deficits in the production of THDOC in the brainstem, amygdala, and frontal cortex of PNS males and in the frontal cortex of PNS females. The data suggest that neuroactive steroid modulation of GABAergic signalling following stress exposure may be affected in a sex‐ and region‐specific manner in PNS offspring.
Guillain‐Barré syndrome associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A systematic review and individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Hasan Imran , Saif‐Ur‐Rahman KM , Hayat Shoma , Papri Nowshin , Jahan Israt , Azam Rufydha , Ara Gulshan , Islam Zhahirul 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSeveral published reports have described a possible association between Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. This systematic review aimed to summarize and meta‐analyze the salient features and prognosis of SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated GBS. We searched the PubMed (Medline), Web of Science and Cochrane databases for articles published between 01 January 2020 and 05 August 2020 using SARS‐CoV‐2 and GBS‐related keywords. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, antecedent symptoms, clinical, serological and electrophysiological features, and hospital outcomes were recorded. We included 45 articles from 16 countries reporting 61 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated GBS. Most (97.7%) articles were from high‐ and upper‐middle‐income countries. Forty‐two (68.9%) of the patients were male; median (interquartile range) age was 57 (49‐70) years. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for SARS‐CoV‐2 was positive in 90.2% of patients. One report of SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated familial GBS was found which affected a father and daughter of a family. Albuminocytological dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid was found in 80.8% of patients. The majority of patients (75.5%) had a demyelinating subtype of GBS. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis were given to 92.7% and 7.3% of patients, respectively. Around two‐thirds (65.3%) of patients had a good outcome (GBS‐disability score ≤ 2) on discharge from hospital. Two patients died in hospital. SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated GBS mostly resembles the classical presentations of GBS that respond to standard treatments. Extensive surveillance is required in low‐ and lower‐middle‐income countries to identify and report similar cases/series. Further large‐scale case‐control studies are warranted to strengthen the current evidence. PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42020201673.
Forelimb myology of armadillos (Xenarthra: Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae): Anatomical correlates with fossorial ability
Authors: Marshall Sarah K. , Superina Mariella , Spainhower Kyle B. , Butcher Michael T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDescriptions of myology reflect adaptations of the post‐cranium and are essential for understanding the functional morphology of animal limbs. Armadillos (Cingulata) are the most species‐rich group of the basal superorder Xenarthra, which is evident by their various lifestyles (subterranean vs. terrestrial) and levels of fossoriality (fossorial vs. semi‐fossorial). While there have been several studies on limb bone proportions in numerous armadillos, limb myology has been reported for a limited number of species. Many of these descriptions need updating, and detailed quantitative muscle data are available only for nine‐banded armadillos. The main objective of this study is to assess the forelimb myology of the pichi (Zaedyus pichiy), screaming hairy (Chaetophractus vellerosus), large hairy (Chaetophractus villosus), and pink fairy (Chlamyphorus truncatus) armadillos with comparisons to previous observations to specify muscle traits that indicate scratch‐digging specializations in cingulates. Several myological features are variable among the species studied, including the origin of m. trapezius pars cervicalis, presence of a distinct m. rhomboideus profundus and m. omotransversarius, and number of heads present for m. triceps brachii and m. flexor digitorum profundus, all of which can be associated with variability in their respective habitats and functional habits. These traits are consistently observed in the members of the Euphractinae, whereas they are slightly divergent (i.e., reduced complexity) in the pink fairy armadillo despite a similar distribution of muscle mass in the limb retractors, elbow extensors, and carpal/digital flexors across species. The ecomorphology observed here among cingulates also confirms their recent reorganization into separate families and subfamilies.
Introduction to the special section on subsistence marketplaces
Authors: Viswanathan Madhubalan , Chakrabarti Ronika , Ingenbleek Paul , Venugopal Srinivas 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe provide an introduction to the special issue on subsistence marketplaces. We briefly describe the stream of subsistence marketplaces, and the conference series associated with the call for papers. We provide a brief overview of the diverse set of papers in the special section.
Nutrient sensing in Leishmania: Flagellum and cytosol
Authors: Kelly Felice D. , Yates Phillip A. , Landfear Scott M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractParasites are by definition organisms that utilize resources from a host to support their existence, thus, promoting their ability to establish long‐term infections and disease. Hence, sensing and acquiring nutrients for which the parasite and host compete is central to the parasitic mode of existence. Leishmania are flagellated kinetoplastid parasites that parasitize phagocytic cells, principally macrophages, of vertebrate hosts and the alimentary tract of sand fly vectors. Because nutritional supplies vary over time within both these hosts and are often restricted in availability, these parasites must sense a plethora of nutrients and respond accordingly. The flagellum has been recognized as an “antenna” that plays a core role in sensing environmental conditions, and various flagellar proteins have been implicated in sensing roles. In addition, these parasites exhibit non‐flagellar intracellular mechanisms of nutrient sensing, several of which have been explored. Nonetheless, mechanistic details of these sensory pathways are still sparse and represent a challenging frontier for further experimental exploration.
Effects of the food additive monosodium glutamate on cisplatin‐induced gastrointestinal dysmotility and peripheral neuropathy in the rat
Authors: López‐Tofiño Yolanda , Vera Gema , López‐Gómez Laura , Girón Rocío , Nurgali Kulmira , Uranga Jose A. , Abalo Raquel 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundCisplatin is an antineoplastic drug known to produce intense vomiting, gastric dysmotility, and peripheral neuropathy. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer with prokinetic properties potentially useful for cancer patients under chemotherapy. Our aim was to test whether MSG may improve gastrointestinal motor dysfunction and other adverse effects induced by repeated cisplatin in rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were exposed or not to MSG (4 g L−1) in drinking water from week 0 to 1 week after treatment. On the first day of weeks 1–5, rats were treated with saline or cisplatin (2 mg kg−1 week−1, ip). Gastrointestinal motility was measured by radiological methods after first and fifth administrations, as well as 1 week after treatment finalization. One week after treatment, the threshold for mechanical somatic sensitivity was recorded. Finally, samples of stomach, terminal ileum and kidneys were evaluated in sections using conventional histology. The myenteric plexus was immunohistochemically evaluated on distal colon whole‐mount preparations.Key ResultsMonosodium glutamate prevented the development of cisplatin‐induced neuropathy and partially improved intestinal transit after the fifth cisplatin administration with little impact on gastric dysmotility. MSG did not improve the histological damage of gut wall, but prevented the changes induced by cisplatin in the colonic myenteric plexus.Conclusion and InferencesOur results suggest that MSG can improve some dysfunctions caused by anticancer chemotherapy in the gut and other systems, associated, at least partially, with neuroprotectant effects. The potentially useful adjuvant role of this food additive to reduce chemotherapy‐induced sequelae warrants further evaluation.
Climate change alters plant–herbivore interactions
Authors: Hamann Elena , Blevins Camille , Franks Steven J. , Jameel M. Inam , Anderson Jill T. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryPlant–herbivore interactions have evolved in response to coevolutionary dynamics, along with selection driven by abiotic conditions. We examine how abiotic factors influence trait expression in both plants and herbivores to evaluate how climate change will alter this long‐standing interaction. The paleontological record documents increased herbivory during periods of global warming in the deep past. In phylogenetically corrected meta‐analyses, we find that elevated temperatures, CO2 concentrations, drought stress and nutrient conditions directly and indirectly induce greater food consumption by herbivores. Additionally, elevated CO2 delays herbivore development, but increased temperatures accelerate development. For annual plants, higher temperatures, CO2 and drought stress increase foliar herbivory. Our meta‐analysis also suggests that greater temperatures and drought may heighten florivory in perennials. Human actions are causing concurrent shifts in CO2, temperature, precipitation regimes and nitrogen deposition, yet few studies evaluate interactions among these changing conditions. We call for additional multifactorial studies that simultaneously manipulate multiple climatic factors, which will enable us to generate more robust predictions of how climate change could disrupt plant–herbivore interactions. Finally, we consider how shifts in insect and plant phenology and distribution patterns could lead to ecological mismatches, and how these changes may drive future adaptation and coevolution between interacting species.
Canopy processing of N deposition increases short‐term leaf N uptake and photosynthesis, but not long‐term N retention for aspen seedlings
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Bin , Wang Chengzhang , Wang Zhenhua , Li Jing , Jia Zhou , Yang Sen , Li Ping , Wu Yuntao , Pan Shengnan , Liu Lingli 
Published: October 2020

Summary

Forest canopies can retain nitrogen (N) from atmospheric deposition. However, most empirical and modeling studies do not consider the processing of the N deposited in the canopy.

To assess whether N deposition through canopy will alter the plant’s N uptake and retention, we conducted a 3‐yr mesocosm experiment by applying (15NH4)2SO4 solution to aspen sapling canopies or directly to the soil.

We found that 15N‐NH4+ applied to the canopy was directly taken up by leaves. Compared with the soil N application, the canopy N application resulted in higher photosynthesis but lower N retention of the plant–soil system in the first growing season. Plant biomass, N concentration, and leaf N resorption were not significantly different between the canopy and soil N applications. The partitioning of retained 15N among plant components and soil layers was similar between the two treatments 3 yr after the N application.

Our findings indicated that the canopy N processing could alter leaf N supply and photosynthesis in the short term but not N retention in the long term. Under natural conditions, the chronic N deposition could continuously refill the canopy N pool, causing a sustained increase in canopy carbon uptake. Canopy N processing needs to be considered for accurately predicting the impact of N deposition.
Presence of Ebola virus in breast milk and risk of mother‐to‐child transmission: synthesis of evidence
Authors: Medina‐Rivera Melisa , Centeno‐Tablante Elizabeth , Finkelstein Julia L. , Rayco‐Solon Pura , Peña‐Rosas Juan Pablo , Garcia‐Casal Maria N. , Rogers Lisa , Ridwan Pratiwi , Martinez Sabrina Sales , Andrade Joyce , Layden Alexander J. , Chang Juan , Zambrano Mildred P. , Ghezzi‐Kopel Kate , Mehta Saurabh 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo help inform global guidelines on infant feeding, this systematic review synthesizes evidence related to the presence of the Ebola virus (EBOV) in breast milk and its potential risk of viral transmission to the infant when breastfeeding. We relied on a comprehensive search strategy to identify studies including women with suspected, probable, or confirmed EBOV infection, intending to breastfeed or give breast milk to an infant. Our search identified 10,454 records, and after deduplication and screening, we assessed 148 full texts. We included eight studies reporting on 10 breastfeeding mothers and their children (one mother with twins), who provided breast milk samples for assessment. EBOV was detected via RT‐PCR or viral culture in seven out of ten breast milk samples. Four out of the five‐breastfed infants with EBOV‐positive breast milk were found positive for EBOV infection, and all of these EBOV‐positive infants died. Since previous reports have detected EBOV in tears, saliva, sweat, and contaminated surfaces, with the current evidence, it is not possible to conclude with certainty that breast milk was the main route of EBOV transmission.
Development and Validation of a Novel Scoring System for Severity of Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Yin Meng‐chen , Yan Yin‐jie , Tong Zheng‐yi , Xu Chong‐qin , Qiao Jiao‐jiao , Zhou Xiao‐ning , Ye Jie , Mo Wen 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesPlantar fasciitis (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain. Though PF is self‐limited, it can develop into chronic pain and thus treatment is needed. Early and accurate prognostic assessment of patients with PF is critically important for selecting the optimal treatment pathway. Nevertheless, there is no scoring system to determine the severity of PF and no prognostic model in choosing between conservative or surgical treatment. The study aimed to develop a novel scoring system to evaluate the severity of plantar fasciitis and predict the prognosis of conservative treatment.MethodsData of consecutive patients treated from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively collected. One hundred and eighty patients were eligible for the study. The demographics and clinical characteristics served as independent variables. The least follow‐up time was 6 months. A minimal reduction of 60% in the visual analog scale (VAS) score from baseline was considered as minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Those factors significantly associated with achieving MCID in univariate analyses were further analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. A novel scoring system was developed using the best available literature and expert‐opinion consensus. Inter‐observer reliability and intra‐observer reproducibility were evaluated. The appropriate cut‐off points for the novel score system were obtained using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsThe system score = VAS (0–3 point = 1; 3.1–7 point = 3; 7.1–10 point = 5) + duration of symptoms (<6 months = 1; ≥1 6 months = 2) + ability to walk without pain (>1 h = 1; ≤1 h = 4) + heel spur in X‐ray (No = 0; Yes = 2) + high intensity zone (HIZ) in MRI (No = 0; Yes = 2). The total score was divided in four categories of severity: mild (2–4 points), moderate (5–8 points), severe (9–12 points), and critical (13–15 points). Inter‐observer agreement with a value of 0.84 was considered as perfect reliability. Intra‐observer reproducibility with a value of 0.92 was considered as perfect reproducibility. The optimum cut‐off value was 10 points. The sensitivity of predictive factors was 86.37%, 84.21%, 91.22%, 84.12%, and 89.32%, respectively; the specificity was 64.21%, 53.27%, 67.76%, 62.37%, and 79.58%, respectively; the area under curve was 0.75, 0.71, 0.72, 0.87, and 0.77, respectively. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed a good fitting of the score system with an overall accuracy of 90.6%.ConclusionsBased on prognostic factors, the present study establishes a novel scoring system which is highly comprehensible, reliable, and reproducible. This score system can be used to identify the severity of plantar fasciitis and predict the prognosis of conservative treatment accurately. The application of this scoring system in clinical settings can significantly improve the decision‐making process.
Nurses' experiences of their decision‐making process when participating in clinical trials during the 2014–2016 West African Ebola crisis
Authors: Nguyen David , Arnaert Antonia , Pringle John , Ponzoni Norma , Kouyaté Sekou , Fansia Nahal , Nouvet Elysée 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveDue to the absence of a licenced vaccine or drug for treatment of Ebola patients during the 2014–2016 West Africa outbreak, frontline nurses were at increased risk of exposure. Hence, they were prioritized to participate in clinical trials to receive experimental therapeutics. To our knowledge no study has explored the nurses' experiences of their decision‐making process when volunteering in clinical trials using unproven agents, which is the purpose of this qualitative study.MethodsThis study, part of a larger Ebola study, thematically analyzed the interview data of nine nurses recruited from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia; of which four joined a convalescent plasma trial and five a vaccine trial.ResultsIn their decision‐making process to partake in a clinical trial, nurses identified two distinct decision points: the initial commitment followed by the point of no return when they presented themselves to participate. Each of these decisions were influenced by risk versus benefits calculations, and contextual factors.ConclusionResults showed the need for more health education and communication around the unproven agents in order for nurses to make informed decisions.
Unveiling associations between ciliate parasites and bacterial microbiomes under warm‐water fish farm conditions – a review
Authors: Jahangiri Ladan , Shinn Andrew P. , Pratoomyot Jarunan , Bastos Gomes Giana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntensive fish production has arguably resulted in a consequential increase in the incidence of disease within the aquaculture industry. The frequency and the severity of disease events are in part affected by changing global climatic conditions. More importantly, these changes directly influence changes in water quality parameters and the dynamics of a microbiome, pathogenic or not, in aquatic farming. Changes in temperature, for example, have both direct and indirect effects on the health status of fish, potentially increasing their predisposition to infections. In general terms, fish infections are rarely caused by a single agent or factor – frequently, multiple pathogens, changes in water quality parameters, production factors (e.g. feed quality, stocking density) and host immunity are concomitantly responsible for the establishment of infections in fish farms. Ciliate protozoans represent an important microfauna in aquatic environments. Ciliated protozoans can proliferate quickly, debilitating the host, and, in the absence of an intervention, can lead to a significant loss of stock. Ciliate infections frequently facilitate the establishment of secondary microbial species, both of which are linked to environmental and culture conditions. In this review, economically important ciliated protozoans of warm‐water cultured fish and their potential interactions with their associated bacterial microbiomes (both on/in their hosts and their surrounding environment) are discussed. Also, potential environmental triggers behind ciliate outbreaks within warm‐water aquaculture are reviewed. With better knowledge about such interactions, it will be possible to highlight innovative strategies to control ciliate parasites and bacterial infections in aquaculture.
The effect of air pollution on the skin colour and tone of Chinese women: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Nkengne Alex , Robic Julie , Lua Bee Leng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundOverall facial skin colour is an important sign of perceived health and attractiveness, is predetermined by genetic factors, and is influenced by cultural and living habits, ultraviolet (UV) exposure, climate/seasons and ageing. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of pollution on the skin colour of Chinese women.Materials and MethodsA total of 203 Chinese women between 20 and 59 years of age participated in the study and were selected from two cities with different levels of air pollution. Skin colour (L*, a* and b* values), melanin and haemoglobin levels were measured at three sites: the cheek, eye and inner upper arm. Measurements of the inner upper arm were taken as this area of skin was exposed to air pollutants but had minimal exposure to UV light.ResultsThere were significant differences in skin chromophores between Chinese women living in two different cities with different levels of pollution. The b* value (yellowness) was higher in the eye and cheek region, and the a* value (redness) was lower in the cheek and arm region for women in the moderately polluted city. The melanin index was significantly higher, and the haemoglobin level was lower for the eye region for women living in the city with a higher level of air pollution.ConclusionThis study has shown that air pollution may negatively affect the skin colour of Chinese women.