bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microglial activation contributes to cognitive impairments in rotenone-induced mouse Parkinson’s disease model
Authors: Zhang Dongdong , Li Sheng , Hou Liyan , Jing Lu , Ruan Zhengzheng , Peng Bingjie , Zhang Xiaomeng , Hong Jau-Shyong , Zhao Jie , Wang Qingshan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Cognitive decline occurs frequently in Parkinson’s disease (PD), which greatly decreases the quality of life of patients. However, the mechanisms remain to be investigated. Neuroinflammation mediated by overactivated microglia is a common pathological feature in multiple neurological disorders, including PD. This study is designed to explore the role of microglia in cognitive deficits by using a rotenone-induced mouse PD model.

Methods
To evaluate the role of microglia in rotenone-induced cognitive deficits, PLX3397, an inhibitor of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, and minocycline, a widely used antibiotic, were used to deplete or inactivate microglia, respectively. Cognitive performance of mice among groups was detected by Morris water maze, objective recognition, and passive avoidance tests. Neurodegeneration, synaptic loss, α-synuclein phosphorylation, glial activation, and apoptosis were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot or immunofluorescence staining. The gene expression of inflammatory factors and lipid peroxidation were further explored by using RT-PCR and ELISA kits, respectively.

Results
Rotenone dose-dependently induced cognitive deficits in mice by showing decreased performance of rotenone-treated mice in the novel objective recognition, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze compared with that of vehicle controls. Rotenone-induced cognitive decline was associated with neurodegeneration, synaptic loss, and Ser129-phosphorylation of α-synuclein and microglial activation in the hippocampal and cortical regions of mice. A time course experiment revealed that rotenone-induced microglial activation preceded neurodegeneration. Interestingly, microglial depletion by PLX3397 or inactivation by minocycline significantly reduced neuronal damage and α-synuclein pathology as well as improved cognitive performance in rotenone-injected mice. Mechanistically, PLX3397 and minocycline attenuated rotenone-induced astroglial activation and production of cytotoxic factors in mice. Reduced lipid peroxidation was also observed in mice treated with combined PLX3397 or minocycline and rotenonee compared with rotenone alone group. Finally, microglial depletion or inactivation was found to mitigate rotenone-induced neuronal apoptosis.

Conclusions
Taken together, our findings suggested that microglial activation contributes to cognitive impairments in a rotenone-induced mouse PD model via neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, providing novel insight into the immunopathogensis of cognitive deficits in PD.
Microglial deletion and inhibition alleviate behavior of post-traumatic stress disorder in mice
Authors: Li Shuoshuo , Liao Yajin , Dong Yuan , Li Xiaoheng , Li Jun , Cheng Yong , Cheng Jinbo , Yuan Zengqiang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Alteration of immune status in the central nervous system (CNS) has been implicated in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the nature of overall changes in brain immunocyte landscape in PTSD condition remains unclear.

Methods
We constructed a mouse PTSD model by electric foot-shocks followed by contextual reminders and verified the PTSD-related symptoms by behavior test (including contextual freezing test, open-field test, and elevated plus maze test). We examined the immunocyte panorama in the brains of the naïve or PTSD mice by using single-cell mass cytometry. Microglia number and morphological changes in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala were analyzed by histopathological methods. The gene expression changes of those microglia were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. Genetic/pharmacological depletion of microglia or minocycline treatment before foot-shocks exposure was performed to study the role of microglia in PTSD development and progress.

Results
We found microglia are the major brain immune cells that respond to PTSD. The number of microglia and ratio of microglia to immunocytes was significantly increased on the fifth day of foot-shock exposure. Furthermore, morphological analysis and gene expression profiling revealed temporal patterns of microglial activation in the hippocampus of the PTSD brains. Importantly, we found that genetic/pharmacological depletion of microglia or minocycline treatment before foot-shock exposure alleviated PTSD-associated anxiety and contextual fear.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrated a critical role for microglial activation in PTSD development and a potential therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of PTSD in the form of microglial inhibition.
Statistical analysis plan for the Prophylactic Melatonin for Delirium in Intensive Care (ProMEDIC): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wibrow Bradley , Martinez F. Eduardo , Ford Andrew , Kelty Erin , Murray Kevin , Ho Kwok M. , Litton Edward , Myers Erina , Anstey Matthew 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Rationale
Delirium is defined as acute organic brain dysfunction characterised by inattention and disturbance of cognition. It is common in the intensive care unit and is associated with poorer outcomes. Good quality sleep is important in the prevention and management of delirium. Melatonin is a natural hormone secreted by the pineal gland which helps in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle. It is possible that melatonin supplementation in intensive care improves sleep and prevents delirium.

Methods and design
The ‘Prophylactic Melatonin for Delirium in Intensive Care’ study is a multi-centre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether melatonin given prophylactically decreases delirium in critically ill patients. A total of 850 ICU patients have been randomised (1:1) to receive either melatonin or a placebo. Participants were monitored twice daily for symptoms of delirium.

Results
This paper and the attached additional files describe the statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the trial. The SAP has been developed and submitted for publication before the database has been locked and before the treatment allocation has been unblinded. The SAP contains details of analyses to be undertaken, which will be reported in the primary and secondary publications.

Discussion
The SAP details the analyses that will be done to avoid bias coming from knowledge of the results in advance. This trial will determine whether prophylactic melatonin administered to intensive care unit patients helps decrease the rate and the severity of delirium.

Trial registration
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN1261600043647, registration date: 06 April 2016. WHO Trial Number – U1111-1175-1814
Association of Aβ deposition and regional synaptic density in early Alzheimer’s disease: a PET imaging study with [11C]UCB-J
Authors: O’Dell Ryan S. , Mecca Adam P. , Chen Ming-Kai , Naganawa Mika , Toyonaga Takuya , Lu Yihuan , Godek Tyler A. , Harris Joanna E. , Bartlett Hugh H. , Banks Emmie R. , Kominek Victoria L. , Zhao Wenzhen , Nabulsi Nabeel B. , Ropchan Jim , Ye Yunpeng , Vander Wyk Brent C. , Huang Yiyun , Arnsten Amy F. T. , Carson Richard E. , van Dyck Christopher H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundAttempts to associate amyloid-β (Aβ) pathogenesis with synaptic loss in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have thus far been limited to small numbers of postmortem studies. Aβ plaque burden is not well-correlated with indices of clinical severity or neurodegeneration—at least in the dementia stage—as deposition of Aβ reaches a ceiling. In this study, we examined in vivo the association between fibrillar Aβ deposition and synaptic density in early AD using positron emission tomography (PET). We hypothesized that global Aβ deposition would be more strongly inversely associated with hippocampal synaptic density in participants with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI; a stage of continued Aβ accumulation) compared to those with dementia (a stage of relative Aβ plateau).MethodsWe measured SV2A binding ([11C]UCB-J) and Aβ deposition ([11C]PiB) in 14 participants with aMCI due to AD and 24 participants with mild AD dementia. Distribution volume ratios (DVR) with a cerebellar reference region were calculated for both tracers to investigate the association between global Aβ deposition and SV2A binding in hippocampus. Exploratory analyses examined correlations between both global and regional Aβ deposition and SV2A binding across a broad range of brain regions using both ROI- and surface-based approaches.ResultsWe observed a significant inverse association between global Aβ deposition and hippocampal SV2A binding in participants with aMCI (r = − 0.55,P = 0.04), but not mild dementia (r = 0.05,P = 0.82; difference statistically significant by Fisherz = − 1.80,P = 0.04). Exploratory analyses across other ROIs and whole brain analyses demonstrated no broad or consistent associations between global Aβ deposition and regional SV2A binding in either diagnostic group. ROI-based analyses of the association between regional Aβ deposition and SV2A binding also revealed no consistent pattern but suggested a “paradoxical” positive association between local Aβ deposition and SV2A binding in the hippocampus.ConclusionsOur findings lend support to a model in which fibrillar Aβ is still accumulating in the early stages of clinical disease but approaching a relative plateau, a point at which Aβ may uncouple from neurodegenerative processes including synaptic loss. Future research should investigate the relationship between Aβ deposition and synaptic loss in larger cohorts beginning preclinically and followed longitudinally in conjunction with other biomarkers.
English language assessment in Bangladesh today: principles, practices, and problems
Authors: Islam Md Shaiful , Hasan Md Kamrul , Sultana Shahin , Karim Abdul , Rahman Mohammad Mosiur 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe achievement of curriculum goals and objectives, to a large extent, depends on how assessment methods are designed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated. English language learning in Bangladesh has miserably failed, and ineffective assessment methods may be largely attributed to this failure. This paper attempts to address various aspects and issues of English language assessment in Bangladesh in relation to English language learning as a curricular reform and the education policy of the country. The analysis revealed that there was always a gap between the principles of assessment embedded into the curriculum and the actual assessment practices. Furthermore, heavily hard hit by the high-stakes testing, the curriculum, the learners, and the instructors need to be liberated from this vicious policy. The review concluded with a recommendation that teachers need to develop assessment literacy through teacher education programs that are essential to helping teachers to acquire knowledge, skills, professionalism, and assessment expertise.
Microglial gene signature reveals loss of homeostatic microglia associated with neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sobue Akira , Komine Okiru , Hara Yuichiro , Endo Fumito , Mizoguchi Hiroyuki , Watanabe Seiji , Murayama Shigeo , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Sahara Naruhiko , Higuchi Makoto , Ogi Tomoo , Yamanaka Koji 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMicroglia-mediated neuroinflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although microglia in aging and neurodegenerative disease model mice show a loss of homeostatic phenotype and activation of disease-associated microglia (DAM), a correlation between those phenotypes and the degree of neuronal cell loss has not been clarified. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing of microglia isolated from three representative neurodegenerative mouse models, AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F with amyloid pathology, rTg4510 with tauopathy, and SOD1G93A with motor neuron disease by magnetic activated cell sorting. In parallel, gene expression patterns of the human precuneus with early Alzheimer’s change (n = 11) and control brain (n = 14) were also analyzed by RNA sequencing. We found that a substantial reduction of homeostatic microglial genes in rTg4510 and SOD1G93A microglia, whereas DAM genes were uniformly upregulated in all mouse models. The reduction of homeostatic microglial genes was correlated with the degree of neuronal cell loss. In human precuneus with early AD pathology, reduced expression of genes related to microglia- and oligodendrocyte-specific markers was observed, although the expression of DAM genes was not upregulated. Our results implicate a loss of homeostatic microglial function in the progression of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, analyses of human precuneus also suggest loss of microglia and oligodendrocyte functions induced by early amyloid pathology in human.
Analytical study of Buddha sculptures in Jingyin temple of Taiyuan, China
Authors: Bai Xiaojian , Jia Chen , Chen Zhigen , Gong Yuxuan , Cheng Huwei , Wang Jiayue 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
With exquisite design and unique style, the painted sculptures of Tutang Buddha and two attendants Buddha in Jingyin Temple are precious cultural heritages of China. The sculpture of Tutang Buddha, which was carved from a mound and painted by ancient craftsmen, was rarely found in ancient China. However, due to natural and human factors, the sculptures were severely damaged. Obviously, they require urgent and appropriate protection and restoration. In this study, samples taken from the sculptures were analysed through multiple analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM) and granulometry. The analysis results enable us to infer the techniques used by the craftsmen in making the sculptures and provide a reliable evidence for the conservation and future protection of these and similar sculptures.
Reconstructing surface eruptive sequence of 2018 small phreatic eruption of Iwo-yama volcano, Kirishima Volcanic Complex, Japan, by infrasound cross-correlation analysis
Authors: Muramatsu Dan , Matsushima Takeshi , Ichihara Mie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Iwo-yama volcano of the Kirishima Volcanic Complex in Japan had a small phreatic eruption in April 2018, which newly formed multiple vents. The activity was recorded by two infrasound sensors and two monitoring cameras, which had been installed within 1 km of the vents. This study identified infrasonic signals from the multiple vents by a cross-correlation analysis between the two infrasound sensors. The analysis successfully revealed the signals from two main eruption craters and constrained the infrasound onsets at the individual vents in the two craters. We combined the infrasound results with the images from the cameras and reconstructed the sequence of the small phreatic eruption of Iwo-yama. At each of the two craters, the intense eruption, which was depicted by the evident infrasound signals, occurred several hours after the eruption onset. This study provides a sequence of the activities of the multiple vents in a phreatic eruption, which will be useful for understanding the phreatic eruption and hazard assessments.
Classification of topography for ground vulnerability assessment of alluvial plains and mountains of Japan using 30 m DEM
Authors: Iwahashi Junko , Yamazaki Dai , Nakano Takayuki , Endo Ryo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aims to create a terrain classification of Japan that allows both geomorphological and geoengineering classifications coexist without large contradictions and to distinguish landform elements even in urban plains which include noise associated with digital elevation models (DEMs). Because Japan is susceptible to natural disasters, we designed the classification to reflect the ground vulnerability of both alluvial plains and mountains through the application of terrain classification data to landslide susceptibility and seismic zoning. We updated an existing DEM-based terrain classification method for application in the high-resolution 30 m DEM. We used topographic measurements that do not amplify manmade unevenness or noise, which are usually the main problems associated with the use of high-resolution DEMs with high vertical accuracies. We selected the height above the nearest drainage (HAND), slope gradient, surface texture, and local convexity as geometric signatures, which were devised so as not to detect noise. Segment polygon data of terrain units were derived from the raster data of slope and HAND. The polygon data were classified into 40 clusters using the attributes of slope, HAND, and surface texture; then they were grouped into 16 legends following comparisons with the existing geological and geomorphological maps and supplementary reclassification by HAND and local convexity. The derived terrain classification, except for manmade cuts and fills, showed similarities with the existing expert-driven maps and some association with areas where shallow landslides or floods frequently occur. Based on a trial in California using a 30 m DEM, we concluded that the proposed method can be adopted in other regions outside of Japan.
Nest site selection and reproductive parameters of the threatened Atlantic Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus swainsoni) and their significance for conservation
Authors: Perrella Daniel F. , Zima Paulo V. Q. , Francisco Mercival R. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatterns of rarity can be explained by reproductive rates, levels of endemism, and habitat specificity, and knowledge on these parameters is important to understand the levels of vulnerability of each species and to formulate conservation strategies. Here, we studied nest-site selection and breeding biology of the Atlantic Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus swainsoni), a poorly known vulnerable bird endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.MethodsWe addressed nest site selection in three different levels: first, we searched for nests near and far from water to investigate whether birds could select water proximities to construct nests; second, we examined if they could select certain streams in detriment of others, and we analyzed the characteristics of used and non-used streams, and third, in streams in which nests were found, we addressed nest site selectivity by comparing a number of parameters between nest sites and random sites. Further, we provide information on breeding biology parameters related to annual fecundity.ResultsDuring five breeding seasons, we found 23 nests in a well-preserved forest continuum. All of the nests were constructed above water, and they were found in streams that were about 4 m in width, instead of smaller streams with about 1.5 m in width. Modeling analyses revealed that within the used streams, nests were constructed in sites with lower vegetation density in relation to random points, while stream width, water speed, and canopy cover presented no significant correlation. Atlantic Royal Flycatchers in our study had a 22-day incubation period and 24 to 27-day nestling period. Overall nest survival was comparatively high (62%), but clutch size was small (N = 2 eggs) and double-brooding was unlikely, which resulted in a low annual fecundity (1.4 ± 0.9 fledglings per reproductive female). Along the nesting streams, we found an average of 1.62 ± 0.07 breeding pairs/km.ConclusionsThese data suggest that nesting habitat specificity and low annual fecundity are among the factors contributing to the rarity of the Atlantic Royal Flycatcher in large forest continuums and to its absence in fragmented environments. It reinforces the importance of large well-preserved forest continuums for the conservation of habitat specialist Atlantic Forest bird species.
Evaluation of oocyte quality in Polycystic ovary syndrome patients undergoing ART cycles
Authors: Nikbakht Roshan , Mohammadjafari Razieh , Rajabalipour Mina , Moghadam Mahin Taheri 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
To evaluate factors affecting oocyte/embryo quality in PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles.

Methods
This case-control retrospective study was performed on PCOS patients referred to the infertility department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz from October 2017 to September 2019. Demographic and reproductive characterizations including age, gender, abortion history and infertility type (primary and secondary infertility) were extracted from patient’s records. TSH, AMH, LH, FSH, prolactin, lipid profile and blood glucose was measured. Biochemistry pregnancy was checked by determination of serum βHCG level and then, clinical pregnancy was confirmed by observing of pregnancy sac and fetal heart rate using Transvaginal USS.

Results
One-hundred thirty-five patients include 45 PCOS and 90 Non-PCOS patients with mean age of 31.93 ± 5.04 and 30.8 ± 5.38 (p = 0.24) were considered as case and control groups respectively. Retrieved oocyte numbers were significantly higher in PCOS patients (p = 0.024), but there was no significant difference in number of oocyte subtypes (MI, MII and GV) between two groups. The embryo numbers and its subtypes did not differ significantly in both groups. The clinical pregnancy rate was insignificantly lower in PCOS patients (p = 0.066) and there was a significant correlation between retrieved oocyte numbers with age(r= -0.2, p= 0.022) and AMH level (r = 0.433, p < 0.0001) respectively. Cholesterol level had shown a positive significant correlation with number of MI oocytes (r = 0.421, p = 0.026) and MII oocytes significantly affected by age (r= -0.250, p = 0.004) and AMH level (r = 0.480, p < 0.0001). Using Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the cut-off value of total number of oocytes was > 10.5 with area under curve of 0.619±0.054(sensitivity 55.56% and specificity 69.66%)

Conclusions
The results of this study showed that although the number of oocytes in PCOS patients was significantly higher than non-PCOS patients, the quality of oocytes was not statistically different. The number and quality of embryos were not significantly different in both groups. Our results indicated a significant relationship between the level of AMH and the number of retrieved oocytes and embryos. We found there is a significant correlation between cholesterol level and number of MI oocytes.