bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Detection of Vagus Nerve Atrophy in Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Holzapfel Korbinian , Naumann Markus 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSENeuromuscular ultrasound in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is of increasing interest. As bulbar symptoms are commonly developed by most ALS patients during disease, the aim of our study was to find possible sonographic changes of vagus nerve size in bulbar affected ALS patients.METHODSWe investigated 24 ALS patients and 19 controls without neuromuscular disorders. In ALS patients, bulbar affection was documented clinically (eg, dysarthria, dysphagia, and fasciculations) or subclinically using ultrasound and electromyography of bulbar muscles. Vagus nerve ultrasound was performed in all participants bilaterally at the level of the thyroid gland.RESULTSThe cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the vagus nerve in bulbar affected ALS patients (mean CSA right/left 1.9 ± .7 mm²/1.8 ± .6 mm²) was significantly reduced on both sides compared to controls (mean CSA right/left 2.2 ± .6 mm²/2.0 ± .3 mm²) – right: P = .0387, left: P = .0386. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the vagus nerve CSA yielded a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 63.2% (cutoff value 1.85 mm²). Vagus nerve CSA did not correlate significantly with age in controls (right: P = .45, left: P = .66). In controls and ALS patients, there was no significant difference of vagus nerve CSA between the right and left sides (controls: P = .43; patients: P = .86).CONCLUSIONOur study demonstrates vagus nerve atrophy in bulbar affected ALS patients. Further studies are warranted investigating the relevance of our finding for monitoring disease progression in ALS.
Gender at Work Across Nations: Men and Women Working in Male‐Dominated and Female‐Dominated Occupations are Differentially Associated with Agency and Communion
Authors: Froehlich Laura , Olsson Maria I. T. , Dorrough Angela R. , Martiny Sarah E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOccupational gender segregation is a worldwide phenomenon. Research from Western regions such as the United States and Europe shows that the observation of occupational gender segregation can perpetuate gender stereotypes (social role theory; men are ascribed agentic traits, whereas women are ascribed communal traits). However, predictions from social role theory have not been well‐tested in non‐Western nations. In a study with 1,918 participants from 10 nations systematically differing in gender inequality, we investigated the extent to which target men and women in gender‐segregated occupations are associated with stereotype‐relevant traits. Results showed that 12 preselected occupations were perceived as gender‐segregated in all nations. In line with social role theory, across nations, target men and women in male‐dominated occupations were associated with agentic traits, whereas targets in female‐dominated occupations were associated with communal traits. Targets’ gender, but not national‐level gender inequality, moderated these results. The relevance of cross‐national research for understanding gender stereotypes and pathways to reduce gender inequality are discussed.
Effectiveness of direct‐acting agents for chronic hepatitis C treatment in South America: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Castro Filho Elio C. , Piedade Juliana , Castro Rodolfo , Luz Paula M. , Fernandes Flavia , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Veloso Valdilea G. , Pereira Gustavo Henrique , Perazzo Hugo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe effectiveness of direct‐acting agents (DAAs) for hepatitis C treatment in limited‐resource settings remains unclear. We estimated the pooled sustained virological response rates of DAA therapy in South America. We searched online databases for studies that reported 12‐week sustained virological response (SVR12) to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in individuals living in South America. Pooled SVR12 in intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol were estimated. Additionally, using all studies with available data, the pooled relative risk (RR) of SVR12 using a random‐effects model (DerSimonian‐Laird) was estimated to compare effectiveness of DAAs in patients with or without cirrhosis, HIV co‐infection or previous HCV therapy. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics. We identified 20 studies [14 manuscripts and 6 conference abstracts] comprising 7393 individuals from five countries [Brazil (n = 11), Argentina (n = 4), Chile (n = 1), Colombia (n = 1) and Peru (n = 1)] and two South‐American collaborations. The pooled overall SVR12 rates [95% confidence interval (CI)] were 92.6% [90.2‐94.7] and 95.5% [94.3‐96.6] by ITT (11 studies; n = 4,153; I2 = 84.2%) and per‐protocol analysis (15 studies; n = 4,833; I2 = 64.5%), respectively. The RR of SVR12 was similar in patients with or without HIV co‐infection [4 studies; RR = 1.03 (0.99‐1.07)] and those naive compared with treatment experimented‐individuals [9 studies; RR = 1.01 (1.00‐1.03)], but significantly higher in patients without cirrhosis compared with those with cirrhosis [11 studies; RR = 1.04 (1.02‐1.05), P < .001]. DAAs are highly effective for HCV treatment in South America. The use of DAAs should be considered in limited‐resource settings to decrease the burden of liver disease in HCV‐infected patients. PROSPERO[CRD 42019134603].
Factors independently associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Afolabi Paul R. , Scorletti Eleonora , Calder Philip C. , Byrne Christopher D. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractLow cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and low CRF is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The factors that influence CRF in NAFLD are poorly understood and it has been suggested that reduced hepatic mitochondrial function (HMF) may be linked to low CRF. Therefore, our aim was to determine the factors associated with CRF in NAFLD.MethodsNinety‐seven patients with NAFLD were studied. CRF was assessed by treadmill testing and expressed as maximal O2 consumption (VO2 peak) per lean body mass. HMF was assessed by the 13C‐ketoisocaproate breath test. Multivariable linear regression modelling was undertaken to test the independence of associations with CRF.ResultsMean (SD) age was 51 (13) years and 61% were men. With CRF as the outcome, age (B coefficient −0.3, 95%CI −0.4, −0.2, P < .0001), total body fat mass (B coefficient −0.2, 95%CI −0.3, −0.05, P = .01), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (B coefficient −3.6, 95%CI −1.1, −6.1, P = .005), smoking status (B coefficient −5.7, 95%CI −1.9, −9.5, P = .004), serum γ‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (B coefficient −0.04, 95%CI −0.05, −0.02, P < .0001), HMF (B coefficient −0.5, 95%CI −0.8, −0.1, P = .01) and diastolic function (B coefficient 0.1, 95%CI 0.05, 0.13, P < .0001) were independently associated with CRF. This model explained 60% of the total variance in CRF (R2 = 0.6, P < .0001); and this model with GGT alone explained 24% of the variance in CRF.ConclusionsIn patients with NAFLD, HMF is independently associated with CRF and a model with GGT alone explained most of the variance in CRF.
Be Healthy in Pregnancy: Exploring factors that impact pregnant women's nutrition and exercise behaviours
Authors: Grenier Lindsay N. , Atkinson Stephanie A. , Mottola Michelle F. , Wahoush Olive , Thabane Lehana , Xie Feng , Vickers‐Manzin Jennifer , Moore Caroline , Hutton Eileen K. , Murray‐Davis Beth 
Published: July 2020

AbstractExcess gestational weight gain is associated with short‐ and long‐term pregnancy complications. Although a healthy diet and physical activity during pregnancy are recommended and shown to reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes, adherence to these recommendations is low. The aims of this study were to explore women's view of nutrition and physical activity during pregnancy and to describe barriers and facilitators experienced in implementing physical activity and nutrition recommendations. In a substudy of the Be Healthy in Pregnancy randomized trial, 20 semistructured focus groups were conducted with 66 women randomized to the control group when they were between 16 and 24 weeks gestation. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and thematically analysed. The results indicate that women felt motivated to be healthy for their baby, but competing priorities may take precedence. Participants described limited knowledge and access to information on safe physical activity in pregnancy and lacked the skills needed to operationalize both physical activity and dietary recommendations. Women's behaviours regarding diet and physical activity in pregnancy were highly influenced by their own and their peers' beliefs and values regarding how weight gain impacted their health during pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms beyond women's control such as fatigue and nausea made physical activity and healthy eating more challenging. Counselling from care providers about nutrition and physical activity was perceived as minimal and ineffective. Future interventions should address improving counselling strategies and address individual's beliefs around nutrition and activity in pregnancy.
Age‐dependent changes in infidelity in Seychelles warblers
Authors: Raj Pant Sara , Hammers Martijn , Komdeur Jan , Burke Terry , Dugdale Hannah L. , Richardson David S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractExtra‐pair paternity (EPP) is often linked to male age in socially monogamous vertebrates; that is, older males are more likely to gain EPP and less likely to be cuckolded. However, whether this occurs because males improve at gaining paternity as they grow older, or because “higher quality” males that live longer are preferred by females, has rarely been tested, despite being central to our understanding of the evolutionary drivers of female infidelity. Moreover, how extra‐pair reproduction changes with age within females has received even less attention. Using 18 years of longitudinal data from an individually marked population of Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis), we found considerable within‐individual changes in extra‐pair reproduction in both sexes: an early‐life increase and a late‐life decline. Furthermore, males were cuckolded less as they aged. Our results indicate that in this species age‐related patterns of extra‐pair reproduction are determined by within‐individual changes with age, rather than differences among individuals in longevity. These results challenge the hypothesis—based on longevity reflecting intrinsic quality—that the association between male age and EPP is due to females seeking high‐quality paternal genes for offspring. Importantly, EPP accounted for up to half of male reproductive success, emphasizing the male fitness benefits of this reproductive strategy. Finally, the occurrence of post‐peak declines in extra‐pair reproduction provides explicit evidence of senescence in infidelity in both males and females.
Regulatory control of the Streptococcus mutans HdrRM LytTR Regulatory System functions via a membrane sequestration mechanism
Authors: Xie Zhoujie , Zou Zhengzhong , Raz Assaf , Qin Hua , Fischetti Vincent , Zhang Shan , Kreth Jens , Merritt Justin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBacteria sense and respond to environmental changes via several broad categories of sensory signal transduction systems. Recently, we described the key features of a previously unrecognized, but widely conserved class of prokaryotic sensory system that we refer to as the LytTR Regulatory System (LRS). Our previous studies suggest that most, if not all, prokaryotic LRS membrane proteins serve as inhibitors of their cognate transcription regulators, but the inhibitory mechanisms employed have thus far remained a mystery. Using the Streptococcus mutans HdrRM LRS as a model, we demonstrate how the LRS membrane protein HdrM inhibits its cognate transcription regulator HdrR by tightly sequestering HdrR in a membrane‐localized heteromeric HdrR/M complex. Membrane sequestration of HdrR prevents the positive feedback autoregulatory function of HdrR, thereby maintaining a low basal expression of the hdrRM operon. However, this mechanism can be antagonized by ectopically expressing a competitive inhibitor mutant form of HdrR that lacks its DNA binding ability while still retaining its HdrM interaction. Our results indicate that sequestration of HdrR is likely to be the only mechanism required to inhibit its transcription regulator function, suggesting that endogenous activation of the HdrRM LRS is probably achieved through a modulation of the HdrR/M interaction.
Variation in key leaf photosynthetic traits across wheat wild relatives is accession dependent not species dependent
Authors: McAusland Lorna , Vialet‐Chabrand Silvere , Jauregui Iván , Burridge Amanda , Hubbart‐Edwards Stella , Fryer Michael J. , King Ian P. , King Julie , Pyke Kevin , Edwards Keith J. , Carmo‐Silva Elizabete , Lawson Tracy , Murchie Erik H. 
Published: July 2020

Summary

The wild relatives of modern wheat represent an underutilized source of genetic and phenotypic diversity and are of interest in breeding owing to their wide adaptation to diverse environments. Leaf photosynthetic traits underpin the rate of production of biomass and yield and have not been systematically explored in the wheat relatives.

This paper identifies and quantifies the phenotypic variation in photosynthetic, stomatal, and morphological traits in up to 88 wheat wild relative accessions across five genera. Both steady‐state measurements and dynamic responses to step changes in light intensity are assessed.

A 2.3‐fold variation for flag leaf light and CO2‐saturated rates of photosynthesis Amax was observed. Many accessions showing higher and more variable Amax, maximum rates of carboxylation, electron transport, and Rubisco activity when compared with modern genotypes. Variation in dynamic traits was also significant; with distinct genus‐specific trends in rates of induction of nonphotochemical quenching and rate of stomatal opening.

We conclude that utilization of wild relatives for improvement of photosynthesis is supported by the existence of a high degree of natural variation in key traits and should consider not only genus‐level properties but variation between individual accessions.
Appetite for grass: Re‐engineering landscapes of Otago and Southland 1864–1914
Authors: Holland Peter , Olson Sherry 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFamily farms of southern New Zealand, by effective integration of their biological engines—equine, ovine and bovine—sustained a rising productivity for half a century. In response to demand in the North Atlantic core, settlers on a South Pacific frontier were converting indigenous landscapes of tussock, scrub and wetland to introduced grasses. The comments that farmers entered to a daybook or reported to a journalist demonstrate a systems understanding. The changes in landscape and diet were part of a worldwide trend towards dependence on grass, recognized today as a source of severe environmental costs.
The prevalence of corneal abnormalities in first‐degree relatives of patients with keratoconus: a prospective case‐control study
Authors: Shneor Einat , Frucht‐Pery Joseph , Granit Edna , Gordon‐Shaag Ariela 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPurposeAlthough there is a high prevalence of keratoconus in the Middle East including Israel, limited data is available describing first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic keratoconus (KC) using Scheimpflug imaging. The purpose of this study is to accurately phenotype first‐degree relatives of patients with sporadic KC in Israel using corneal tomography, which may help determine the genetic aetiology of KC.MethodsFirst‐degree relatives (N = 56) of 16 KC probands participated in this prospective case‐control study. Healthy controls (N = 96) were from a previous study. Autorefraction, visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, retinoscopy, subjective refraction and Scheimpflug imaging (CSO Sirius Topographer) of keratoconus patients and their first‐degree relatives were evaluated. The worse eye was used for KC and KC suspects. The main outcome measure was prevalence of abnormal corneal topography and tomography parameters, which was compared between first‐degree relatives vs controls. p values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsKC (N = 2) or KC suspect (N = 8) was diagnosed in 18% (95% CI 8‐28%) of the first‐degree relatives. At least one abnormal corneal parameter was evident in 34% of first‐degree relatives, while this was significantly lower for controls (14%, χ2(1, N = 152) = 8.8, p = 0.01). Qualitative analysis showed KC first‐degree relatives had significantly more abnormal anterior corneal topography patterns than controls (34% vs 17%, χ2(1, N = 152) = 5.9, p = 0.02). For first‐degree relatives, sex was not a factor influencing prevalence of corneal abnormalities (18% for both men and women, χ2(1, N = 56) = 0.0, p = 1.0). A significant correlation was found for first‐degree relatives between age and most corneal parameters, while this was not evident for the control group.Conclusions and RelevanceEye care practitioners should consider first‐degree relatives of patients with KC at moderate risk for the disease and/or corneal abnormalities.
Effect of etomidate on systemic and regional cerebral perfusion in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease: A prospective observational study
Authors: Dennhardt Nils , Elfgen‐Schiffner Frederike‐Debora , Keil Oliver , Beck Christiane E. , Heiderich Sebastian , Sümpelmann Robert , Nickel Katja 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundNeonates and infants with congenital heart disease undergoing general anesthesia have an increased risk for critical cardiovascular events. Etomidate produces very minimal changes in hemodynamic parameters in older children with congenital heart disease. There is a lack of studies evaluating the effect of etomidate on systemic and regional cerebral perfusion in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease.AimThe aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the effect of etomidate on systemic and regional cerebral perfusion in neonates and infants with congenital heart disease.MethodsIn fifty infants aged 0‐11 months (24% neonates n = 12) with congenital heart disease, mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac index using electrical cardiometry, and regional cerebral oxygen saturation using near‐infrared spectroscopy were measured at baseline and 1, 3, 5, and 10 minutes after induction by 0.4 mg kg−1 etomidate. Hypotension was defined as a mean arterial blood pressure under 35 mm Hg and cerebral desaturation as a regional cerebral oxygen saturation of less than 80% of baseline.ResultsMean arterial blood pressure, cardiac index, and regional cerebral oxygen saturation remained stable above the predefined limits. Mean arterial blood pressure decreased slightly within a physiological range after 3 minutes (P = .005, 95% CI:‐5.9 to −1.0). No significant change in cardiac index could be observed.ConclusionEtomidate 0.4mg kg−1 does not impair systemic or regional cerebral perfusion in neonates or infants with congenital heart disease.
Ultrasonographic findings of pediatric dermoid cyst
Authors: Ha Dae‐Lyong , Kim Tae‐Rim , Shin Kihyuk , Kim Hoon‐Soo , Kim Byung‐Soo , Kim Moon‐Bum , Ko Hyun‐Chang 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe precise diagnosis of dermoid cysts, which are usually located deeper than other common cysts, is important because dermoid cysts occasionally recur after incomplete excision. Ultrasonography (US) could give useful preoperative information of dermoid cysts but only a few studies have been conducted on US findings related to dermoid cysts. This study aimed to investigate clinical and US findings on pediatric dermoid cysts.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records, clinical photographs, and US findings of 31 pediatric patients (≤18 years of age) with histopathologically diagnosed dermoid cysts who visited the Pusan National University Hospital between 2007 and 2016.ResultsOf the 31 patients, 25 underwent ultrasonography. The mean long diameter, short diameter, and depth of the cysts were 12.7, 9.0, and 3.8 mm, respectively. Sixteen cysts (64%) were ovoid, 23 (92%) showed hypoechogenicity, 20 (80%) showed heterogeneity, 19 (76%) showed well‐demarcated outer margins, and all cysts showed positive posterior acoustic enhancement. All cysts extended to the subcutaneous tissue, and 15 (60%) showed a connection with the underlying muscle.ConclusionsUltrasonography may be a useful diagnostic method to visualize the extent and location of the dermoid cyst and make an accurate diagnosis prior to surgical intervention.
Successful non‐directed living liver donor transplant for an infant with biliary atresia during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Feldman Amy G. , Adams Megan A. , Wachs Michael E. , Abzug Mark J. , Pratscher Lauren , Jackson Whitney E. , Pomfret Elizabeth A. , Sundaram Shikha S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAmidst the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, the American Society for Transplant Surgeons has recommended that only urgent liver transplant with deceased donors should occur. However, young pediatric candidates rely on living donors for lifesaving transplant. We present a case of non‐directed left lateral lobe living liver donor transplant for a 7‐month‐old child with biliary atresia experiencing repeated life‐threatening episodes of sepsis and cholangitis from infected bile lakes. Using careful preoperative planning among the entire multidisciplinary team, paying meticulous attention to infection control pre‐ and post‐operatively, and taking advantage of robust telehealth technology both in and out of the hospital, a successful transplant was achieved. Amidst the COVID pandemic, non‐directed liver transplantation can be safely achieved for pediatric recipients.
Surface Functionalization of Green‐synthesized Reduced Graphene Oxide with PPIX Enhances Photosensitization of Cancer Cells
Authors: Shuvra Smita Soumya , Das Ankita , Barui Ananya 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPhotosensitizer‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles are promising materials for photodynamic therapy in cancer management. In this study, rGO is synthesized by a green route employing glucose as the reducing agent and functionalized with photosensitizer, protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in a convenient, single‐step procedure. PPIX‐functionalized rGO exhibits photodynamic effect against cancer cells (HeLa) at 0.001 mg mL−1 under visible light illumination (635 nm). A 50% elimination of HeLa cells after 5 min irradiation is observed while very low phototoxicity (80% cell viability) is noted against normal dermal fibroblast cells. A positive correlation with ROS accumulation and increased expression of caspase‐3 in PPIX‐functionalized rGO‐treated cancer cells is also established. The results evidence a simple and cost‐effective route for developing photosensitizer‐functionalized rGO for effective and selective killing of cancer cells.