bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Osteopontin as a candidate of therapeutic application for the acute brain injury
Authors: Zhou Yunxiang , Yao Yihan , Shen Lesang , Zhang Jianmin , Zhang John H. , Shao Anwen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAcute brain injury is the leading cause of human death and disability worldwide, which includes intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, cerebral ischaemia, traumatic brain injury and hypoxia‐ischaemia brain injury. Currently, clinical treatments for neurological dysfunction of acute brain injury have not been satisfactory. Osteopontin (OPN) is a complex adhesion protein and cytokine that interacts with multiple receptors including integrins and CD44 variants, exhibiting mostly neuroprotective roles and showing therapeutic potential for acute brain injury. OPN‐induced tissue remodelling and functional repair mainly rely on its positive roles in the coordination of pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory responses, blood‐brain barrier maintenance and anti‐apoptotic actions, as well as other mechanisms such as affecting the chemotaxis and proliferation of nerve cells. The blood OPN strongly parallel with the OPN induced in the brain and can be used as a novel biomarker of the susceptibility, severity and outcome of acute brain injury. In the present review, we summarized the molecular signalling mechanisms of OPN as well as its overall role in different kinds of acute brain injury.
Sand lizards Lacerta agilis with higher digit ratios are more likely to autotomy
Authors: Kaczmarski Mikołaj , Ziemblińska Klaudia , Tryjanowski Piotr 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDigit ratio is a morphological feature regarded as a biomarker of the balance of sex hormones during early development. The exposure of embryos to a set of sex hormones and the mutual relations between those hormones cause the emergence of individual morphological and/or behavioural characteristics as well as differences between sexes. We have thus hypothesised that differences in one of these morphological traits—digit ratio—may be a proxy representing a tendency towards tail autotomy. The aim of this study is to investigate the digit ratio (2D:3D, 2D:4D, 3D:4D) of the sand lizard, Lacerta agilis, Lacertidae, a species characterised by well‐developed sexual dimorphism, whereby females are larger than males. We also tested associations between patterns in digit ratio and caudal autotomy, a common defensive mechanism among lizards. To our knowledge, the relationship between a tendency towards autotomy and digit ratio pattern has never been researched. To date, studies on autotomy have mainly focused on the consequences, costs or evolutionary background of tail loss. Hence, researchers examined mostly the frequency of autotomy in the context of predatory pressure or habitat conditions, omitting an individual's behavioural tendency to shed its tail. However, behavioural traits can affect an individual's exposure to predator attack and consequently the need to use an anti‐predator strategy. Thus, following this logic, dropping the tail may be the result of the lizard's intraspecific personality characteristics, resulting from the effect of hormones on behaviour or innate traits. Therefore, we suggest that the inclusion of autotomy as a factor explaining observed digit ratio patterns and their variability between taxa has great potential. We used computerised measurements of photographed limbs to determine the length of digits. We found that the digit ratios for all four limbs were significantly lower in females than in males, excluding the 3D:4D ratio for the right hindlimbs. Therefore, the results confirmed the pattern already observed for most lizards. The novel element in our study is the detection of the relationship between a tendency towards caudal autotomy and digit ratio. Individuals with a tendency towards autotomy have a higher 2D:4D ratio in the right forelimbs and a lower 2D:3D ratio in the right hindlimbs. Obtained results suggest that these morphological characteristics are most likely related to intraspecific differences (between bold and shy individuals) which consequently may determine an individual's reaction or susceptibility to be a prey and escape behaviour. Thus, our results are probably the first attempt to link digit ratio to the susceptibility of lizards to tail autotomy.
Disparate effects of hormones and vigabatrin on sleep slow waves in patients with West syndrome – An indication of their mode of action?
Authors: Heinrich Bianka , Schmitt Bernhard , Bölsterli Bigna K. , Critelli Hanne , Huber Reto , Fattinger Sara 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSynaptic downscaling during sleep, a physiological process to restore synaptic homeostasis and maintain learning efficiency and healthy brain development, has been related to a reduction of the slope of sleep slow waves (SSW). However, such synaptic downscaling seems not to be reflected in high‐amplitude SSW. Recently we have shown reduced SSW slopes during hormonal treatment (adrenocorticotrophic hormone, prednisolone) in patients with West syndrome (WS). Yet, whether this reduction was related to successful treatment or reflects a specific effect of hormone therapy is unknown. Thus, we retrospectively analysed nap electroencephalograms of 61 patients with WS successfully treated with hormones, vigabatrin (VGB), or both. The slope of SSW during treatment (T1) and 2–7 months later (T2) when hormonal treatment was tapered off were compared between the treatment groups and healthy, age‐matched controls. At T1 hormone treatment reduced the slope of low‐amplitude SSW, whereas VGB increased the slope of high‐amplitude SSW (linear mixed effect model: FGroup = 7.04, p < 0.001; FAmplitude = 1,646.68, p < 0.001; FGroup*Amplitude = 3.38, p < 0.001). At T2, untreated patients did not differ anymore from healthy controls, whereas those still under VGB showed the same alterations as those with VGB at T1. This result indicates a disparate effect of VGB and hormone on the SSW slope. In particular, hormones seem to reduce the slope of cortical generated low‐amplitude SSW, similar to the physiological synaptic downscaling during sleep. Thus, a loss of functional neuronal connectivity might be an alternative explanation of the antiepileptic effect of hormonal treatment.
Incorporating interspecific interactions into phylogeographic models: A case study with Californian oaks
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , Knowles L. Lacey 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt has been long assumed that abiotic factors (i.e., geography and climate) dominate the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying the distribution of species, lineages and genes at broad spatial scales and, as a result, the study of interspecific interactions has largely been overlooked in biogeography research and ignored entirely in phylogeographic inference. Here, we focus on plant–plant interactions and test whether their demographic consequences translate into broad‐scale patterns of genomic variation in two Californian oak species. With our process‐based analyses and statistical comparison of the likelihoods of alternative models, we show that spatial patterns of genomic variation are better explained by demographic scenarios incorporating interspecific interactions (including both competition and facilitation) than by null models that only consider heterogeneity of environmental suitability across the landscape. Collectively, our integrative approach supports the notion that the consequences of biotic interactions transcend much larger geographical and evolutionary scales than the traditional local focus.
Synthetic G protein‐coupled bile acid receptor agonists and bile acids act via basolateral receptors in ileal and colonic mucosa
Authors: Tough Iain R. , Schwartz Thue W. , Cox Helen M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe G protein‐coupled bile acid (BA) receptor, GPBA (previously named TGR5), mediates BA gastrointestinal (GI) activities. Our aim was to elucidate the mucosal and motility responses to selective GPBA agonists compared with conjugated BA (eg, taurodeoxycholate, TDCA) in mouse and human colon.MethodsIon transport responses to GPBA agonists or BAs were measured in mucosal preparations with intact submucous innervation, from C57Bl/6, PYY−/−, or GPBA−/− mice and compared with GPBA signaling in human colon. We also investigated the mechanisms underlying GPBA agonism in mucosae and on natural fecal pellet propulsion.Key ResultsGPBA agonist Merck V stimulated basolateral responses involving peptide YY (PYY), cholinergic, and 5‐HT mechanisms in colonic mucosa. The PYY‐mediated GPBA signal was glucose‐sensitive. Luminal TDCA crossed the epithelial lining via the apical sodium‐dependent BA transporter (ASBT) and its inhibitor, GSK2330672 significantly reduced luminal, but not basolateral TDCA activity. Merck V also slowed natural fecal pellet progression in wild‐type and PYY−/− colons but not in GPBA−/− colon, while TDCA increased motility in wild‐type colon. The antimotile GPBA effect was reversed by blockade of glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptors or nitric oxide synthase, indicating involvement of GLP‐1 and nitric oxide.Conclusions & InferencesWe conclude that several different targets within the lamina propria express GPBA, including L cells (that release PYY and GLP‐1), enterochromaffin cells and neurons (that release 5‐HT), and other enteric neurons. Furthermore, luminal‐conjugated BAs require transport across the epithelium via ASBT in order to activate basolateral GPBA.
Food‐induced anaphylaxis in infants, as compared to toddlers and preschool children in Turkey
Authors: Kahveci Melike , Akarsu Ayşegül , Koken Gizem , Sahiner Umit M. , Soyer Ozge , Sekerel Bulent E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe literature includes scarce data on infants with food‐induced anaphylaxis (FIA).Materials and MethodsMedical records of the patients diagnosed with FIA aged 0‐6 years between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsDuring the study period, there were 451 instances of FIA in 314 patients, of which 175 (38.8%) occurred in 160 infants (50.9%). The median (IQR) age of infants was 7 months (6‐9 months) with a male predominance (67.5%), of which 7.5% had multiple instances (≥2) and 60% atopic dermatitis. The most common triggers were cow’s milk (51.4%), tree nuts (16.6%), and hen’s egg (15.4%), whereas tree nut was the most common trigger in toddlers (35.8%) and preschool children (35.2%). Skin and neurologic symptoms, and nausea‐vomiting occurred more frequently (P = .003, P ≤ .001, and P = .003, respectively), whereas respiratory symptoms occurred less commonly in infants compared to toddlers and preschool children (P ≤ .001). In infants, 65 (37.1%) mild, 92 (52.6 %) moderate, and 18 (10.3%) severe episodes of anaphylaxis were detected. History of recurrent wheezing (OR: 6.837 [95% CI: 1.940‐24.097], P = .003) and tree nut allergy (OR: 2.849 [95% CI: 1.056‐7.688], P = .039) were found to be independent risk factors for moderate‐to‐severe anaphylactic reactions. 40.6% of the infants received adrenaline, which was lower than the toddlers (49.7%) and preschool children (57.6%) (P = .005).ConclusionThere is no doubt that food‐induced anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, specifically in young children. Pediatricians should be aware of the distinct features of infant anaphylaxis, particularly gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms to provide effective treatment as soon as possible.
Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Suggest Strength Training and Workplace Modifications May Reduce Neck Pain in Office Workers
Authors: Frutiger Martin , Borotkanics Robert 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveNeck pain is a burdensome musculoskeletal disorder in office workers. Workplace interventions aim to prevent and minimize the effect of neck pain and improve work quality. However, the summed effect of workplace interventions on neck pain in office workers remains unclear. This systematic review with meta‐analysis and meta‐regression evaluated the summed effect of workplace interventions on neck pain in office workers.MethodsWe searched 7 electronic databases to January 2020 for randomized clinical trials. We selected studies, independently extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Meta‐analyses were carried out along with normalized trend plots.ResultsTwenty‐nine trials, including 8 of high quality, met our inclusion criteria. Normalized trend plots indicate that neck strengthening demonstrated the sharpest decrease in pain scores. The results of pre‐ and post‐outcome measurement of the effect of activity performance and workplace modification showed significant improvements in self‐reported neck pain (P ≤ 0.001). Meta‐regression was used to evaluate the effect of time, but it was not significant.ConclusionsThere is low‐quality evidence that neck strengthening and tailored workstation modifications are effective at reducing neck pain in office workers. Further high‐quality research methodology, including clinicians, is important to evaluate this summed effect.
Examining dual method contraceptive use among midwestern parenting Latinx teens: Perspectives from adolescent parents, caretakers, and nurses
Authors: Ruiz Yumary , Riciputi Shaina , Alexander Stewart C. , DeMaria Andrea L. , Guilamo‐Ramos Vincent 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDespite dual method (DM) contraception being effective in reducing repeat‐births and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Latinx adolescent parents who live in non‐traditional migration areas remain vulnerable for both outcomes.ObjectiveThis study applied the Unified Theory of Behavior (UTB) and drew upon Bronfenbrenner's social ecological model to explore multiple stakeholders’ (adolescent parents, caregivers, and nurses) perceptions of factors that influence DM intentions and use among Latinx adolescent parents.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with Latinx adolescent parent–caregiver dyads and nurses were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsStudy findings revealed that while all participant groups considered medical providers as DM influencers, contradicting views related to caregivers’ as DM influencers emerged among adolescent parents and caregivers. Findings suggest that DM is deemed both acceptable and effective; and adolescent parents’ reported DM self‐efficacy. DM obstacles included negative emotions, environmental constraints, and poor knowledge and skills.ConclusionsStudy results suggest that constructs from the UTB framework are useful in identifying individual and social factors that can potentially influence DM intentions and use among Latinx adolescent parents.Implications for public health nursingThis study's findings have potential implications for public health nurses interested in designing community‐based interventions to reduce repeat‐births and STIs among Latinx adolescent parents.
Social Science and the Analysis of Environmental Policy
Authors: Coglianese Cary , Starobin Shana M. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAs much as environmental problems manifest themselves as problems with the natural environment, environmental problems—and their solutions—are ultimately social and behavioral in nature. Just as the natural sciences provide a basis for understanding the need for environmental policy and informing its design, the social sciences also contribute in significant ways to the understanding of the behavioral sources of environmental problems, both in terms of individual incentives and collective action challenges. In addition, the social sciences have contributed much to the understanding of the ways that laws and other institutions can be designed to solve environmental problems. In this review article, we distill core intellectual frameworks from among the social sciences that scaffold modern environmental policy in industrialized country contexts—focusing on key contributions principally from political science, economics, psychology, and sociology to the analysis of environmental problems and their solutions. These frameworks underlie how environmental problems are defined at multiple scales and the conceptualization and empirical testing of policy solutions that seek to shape human behavior in ways that improve environmental quality and promote sustainable economic growth. With the planet facing continued environmental threats, improving environmental policy decision‐making depends on the insights and frameworks of social science research in addition to those of the natural sciences.
Proposing a sociology of donation: The donation of body parts and products for art, education, research, or treatment
Authors: Machin Laura L. , Williams Richard A. , Frith Lucy 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis article advances the case for a ‘sociology of donation’. We aim to establish that there is a need for such a sociology, to bring together the many, often disparate, elements that make up the theorizing, practice and experience of donation. We argue that bringing together different forms of donation illuminates the distinctive place both in social meaning and regulation that the body and its products hold. In developing this, we are primarily focusing on the donation of body parts and body products within high‐income countries. We will first outline the standard western accounts of donation, and consider how relevant these are to donation practices and policies in the 21st century. We will then critically discuss how a sociology of donation can be used to further current understandings of ‘donation’ and identify the challenges facing such a proposal, posing questions to encourage reflection on research practices in this area. Finally, we will explore what a sociology of donation might entail.
Looking for a needle in a haystack: Probability density based classification and reconstruction of dormers from 3D point clouds
Authors: Dehbi Youness , Koppers Sonja , Plümer Lutz 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAccurate reconstruction of roofs with dormers is challenging. Without careful separation of the dormer points from the points on the roof surface, the estimation of the roof areas is distorted. The characteristic distortion of the density distribution in comparison to the expected normal distribution is the starting point of our method. We propose a hierarchical method which improves roof reconstruction from LiDAR point clouds in a model‐based manner, separating dormer points from roof points using classification methods. The key idea is to exploit probability density functions to reveal roof properties and to skilfully design the features for a supervised learning method using support vector machines. The approach is tested based on real data as well as simulated point clouds.
How do I develop a process to effectively treat parturients with iron deficiency anemia?
Authors: Guinn Nicole R. , Cooter Mary L. , Maisonave Yasmin , Grimsley Aime , Cellura Cindy , Grotegut Chad A. , Lamon Agnes , Aronson Solomon ,   The Duke Perioperative Enhancement Team (POET)
Published: July 2020

AbstractAnemia is common in pregnant women and is associated with increased morbidity for the mother and the fetus, including increased risk of allogeneic blood transfusion. Iron deficiency is the most common etiology for anemia during pregnancy. Oral iron therapy remains the standard treatment but is often poorly tolerated due to its gastrointestinal side effects. Intravenous iron has been shown to be a safe and effective way to treat iron deficiency anemia but may be challenging to do in the outpatient setting given the need for an indwelling venous catheter and a small risk of infusion reactions. To improve outcomes associated with anemia, we launched a program to refer and treat obstetric patients with iron deficiency anemia for outpatient intravenous iron therapy through our preoperative anemia clinic. Here, we describe the process and successes of our program, including the clinical outcomes (change in hemoglobin and transfusion rates) from the first 2 years of the program.
Myostatin inhibition promotes fast fibre hypertrophy but causes loss of AMP‐activated protein kinase signalling and poor exercise tolerance in a model of limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy R1/2A
Authors: Kramerova Irina , Marinov Masha , Owens Jane , Lee Se‐Jin , Becerra Diana , Spencer Melissa J. 
Published: July 2020

Key points
Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy R1 (LGMD R1) is caused by mutations in the CAPN3 gene and is characterized by progressive muscle loss, impaired mitochondrial function and reductions in the slow oxidative gene expression programme.
Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and its inhibition improves the phenotype in several muscle wasting disorders.
The effect of genetic and pharmacological inhibition of myostatin signalling on the disease phenotype in a mouse model of LGMD R1 (CAPN3 knockout mouse‐C3KO) was studied.
Inhibition of myostatin signalling in C3KO muscles resulted in significant muscle hypertrophy; however, there were no improvements in muscle strength and exacerbation of exercise intolerance concomitant with further reduction of muscle oxidative capacity was observed.
Inhibition of myostatin signalling is unlikely to be a valid therapeutic strategy for LGMD R1.
AbstractLimb‐girdle muscular dystrophy R1 (LGMD R1) is caused by mutations in the CAPN3 gene and is characterized by progressive muscle loss, impaired mitochondrial function and reductions in the slow oxidative gene expression programme. There are currently no therapies available to patients. We sought to determine if induction of muscle growth, through myostatin inhibition, represents a viable therapeutic strategy for this disease. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle growth, and its inhibition improves the phenotype in several muscle wasting disorders. However, the effect of myostatin depends on the genetic and pathophysiological context and may not be efficacious in all contexts. We found that genetic inhibition of myostatin through overexpression of follistatin (an endogenous inhibitor of myostatin) in our LGMD R1 model (C3KO) resulted in 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increase of muscle mass for the majority of limb muscles. However, muscle strength was not improved and exercise intolerance was exacerbated. Pharmacological inhibition of myostatin, using an anti‐myostatin antibody, resulted in statistically significant increases in muscle mass; however, functional testing did not reveal changes in muscle strength nor endurance in treated C3KO mice. Histochemical and biochemical evaluation of follistatin overexpressing mice revealed a reduction in the percentage of oxidative fibres and decreased activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase signalling in transgenics compared to C3KO muscles. Our data suggest that muscle hypertrophy, induced by myostatin inhibition, leads to loss of oxidative capacity, which further compromises metabolically impaired C3KO muscles and thus is unlikely to be a valid strategy for treatment of LGMD R1.