bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How should we measure blood pressure? Implications of the fourth blood pressure measurement in office blood pressure
Authors: Vischer Annina S. , Socrates Thenral , Winterhalder Clemens , Eckstein Jens , Mayr Michael , Burkard Thilo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAccording to the European Hypertension Guidelines regarding office blood pressure measurements (OBPMs), the mean between second/third or third/fourth OBPM should be taken if the first two readings differ by ≤10 or >10 mmHg, respectively. Our aim was to explore the value of the fourth OBPM and determine whether a simplified OBPM procedure is feasible without loss of quality. In this cross‐sectional study, four standard OBPMs were taken. The mean of the second/third OBPM (S2S3/D2D3) and third/fourth OBPM (S3S4/D3D4) for systolic/diastolic values was calculated. Correlation, agreement, and differences regarding BP classification were explored for the entire cohort and subsets with a difference between the first/second OBPM (S1S2/D1D2) ≤10 and >10 mmHg. Overall (n = 802) and for the subsets with an S1S2 (n = 596) and D1D2 (n = 742) difference ≤10 mmHg, S3S4/D3D4 was in median 0.5 mmHg lower than S2S3/D2D3, respectively (p < .0005 for all). In participants with an S1S2 (n = 206) and D1D2 (n = 60) difference >10 mmHg, S3S4/D3D4 differed numerically from S2S3/D2D3, respectively (p > .1 for all). Overall and for all subsets with an S1S2/D1D2 difference ≤10/>10 mmHg, less subjects were numerically classified as hypertensive with S3S4/D3D4 than with S2S3/D2D3 (p > .04), but BP reclassification occurred in both directions in 1.0%‐10.0%, depending on the cohort. In conclusion, the third/fourth OBPM results in lower BP values than the second/third measurement, regardless of the difference between first/second OBPM, whereby BP reclassifications occurred in both directions. Therefore, the cutoff of >10 versus ≤10mmHg difference between first/second OBPM to implement a fourth BPM harbors the risk of distorted results. We therefore recommend using the second/third BPM for standardized OBPM.Trial registration: Registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02552030).
Preoperative fundus examination in patients with diabetes scheduled for surgery
Authors: Watanabe Hirotaka , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Katakami Naoto , Matsuoka Taka‐aki , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to show the proportion of fundus examinations in patients with diabetes who were scheduled for surgery. We retrospectively analyzed 455 consecutive patients with diabetes admitted for surgery. Just 49% had fundus examinations before hospitalization. The decision tree analysis showed that the type of family doctor was the first split associated with fundus examination; patients treated by a diabetes specialist were more likely to receive the examination. In this subgroup, glycated hemoglobin levels ≥8.0% and age ≥71 years were associated with a lower proportion of receiving the examination. In patients whose family doctor was not a diabetes specialist, glycated hemoglobin levels <7.2% and body mass index <27.4 kg/m2 without severe comorbidities were associated with a higher proportion of receiving the examination. In conclusion, half of patients scheduled for surgery did not receive fundus examinations. A high‐risk population for not receiving the examination varied with the consultation setting.
Phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase mediates the sweet suppressive effect of leptin in mouse taste cells
Authors: Yoshida Ryusuke , Margolskee Robert F. , Ninomiya Yuzo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLeptin is known to selectively suppress neural and taste cell responses to sweet compounds. The sweet suppressive effect of leptin is mediated by the leptin receptor Ob‐Rb, and the ATP‐gated K+ (KATP) channel expressed in some sweet‐sensitive, taste receptor family 1 member 3 (T1R3)‐positive taste cells. However, the intracellular transduction pathway connecting Ob‐Rb to KATP channel remains unknown. Here we report that phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) mediates leptin's suppression of sweet responses in T1R3‐positive taste cells. In in situ taste cell recording, systemically administrated leptin suppressed taste cell responses to sucrose in T1R3‐positive taste cells. Such leptin's suppression of sucrose responses was impaired by co‐administration of PI3K inhibitors (wortmannin or LY294002). In contrast, co‐administration of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 inhibitor (Stattic) or Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐2 inhibitor (SHP099) had no effect on leptin's suppression of sucrose responses, although signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase‐2 were expressed in T1R3‐positive taste cells. In peeled tongue epithelium, phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐trisphosphate production and phosphorylation of AKT by leptin were immunohistochemically detected in some T1R3‐positive taste cells but not in glutamate decarboxylase 67‐positive taste cells. Leptin‐induced phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐trisphosphate production was suppressed by LY294002. Thus, leptin suppresses sweet responses of T1R3‐positive taste cells by activation of Ob‐Rb–PI3K–KATP channel pathway.
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A new de novo SYT2 mutation presenting as distal weakness. Neuropathy or neuromuscular junction dysfunction?
Authors: Fionda Laura , Turon‐Sans Janina , Fuentes Prior Pablo , Bernal Noguera Sara , Cortés‐Vicente Elena , López‐Pérez Maria Angeles , Gallardo Eduard , Rojas‐García Ricard 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe report the case of a patient with a clinical phenotype characterized by distal lower limb weakness and pes cavus. The electrophysiological study showed slightly reduced or normal amplitude of motor potentials, a decremental response to repetitive nerve stimulation and post‐exercise facilitation. Muscle biopsy showed only mild neurogenic features. Genetic analysis included a clinical exome sequencing, followed by Sanger analysis. Three‐dimensional (3D) models were generated with a SwissModel (https://swissmodel.expasy.org/) to explain the clinical observations and reinforce the pathogenic nature of the genetic variant identified. Genetic analysis demonstrated a new de novo heterozygous in frame deletion of the SYT2 gene (NM_177402.4: c.1082_1096del), confirmed by Sanger sequencing, which removes five aminoacids in the C2B domain of synaptotagmin‐2 protein, that cause a profound effect on the structure and function of this synaptic vesicle protein. We identified a de novo genetic variant in the SYT2 gene, further supporting its association with a highly stereotyped clinical and electrophysiological phenotype. Our case showed electrophysiological features consistent with a presynaptic dysfunction in the neuromuscular junction with normal post‐exercise amplitudes, not supporting the presence of predominant axonal damage. Although the analysis of SYT2 gene should be included in genetic analysis of patients presenting with this clinical phenotype that mimics motor neuropathy, clinicians have to consider the study of neuromuscular transmission to early identify this potentially treatable condition.
Motivations for Family Members’ Visits to Nursing Home Residents With Dementia in Taiwan: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tsai Hsiu‐Hsin , Cheng Ching‐Yu , Weng Li‐Chueh , Shieh Wann‐Yun , Liu Chia‐Yih 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore what motivates family members to visit a relative with dementia who has been transferred to a nursing home in Taiwan.Design and MethodsData were collected for this qualitative descriptive study using audiotaped, semi‐structured, in‐depth, face‐to‐face interviews. A total of 20 family members of elderly nursing home residents participated in the study. Nursing home residents were from four nursing homes in Taiwan and had been diagnosed with probable or possible dementia by a psychiatrist or neurologist. Transcribed audiotaped interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.FindingsMost family members were the children of the residents (n =17, 85%). The theme describing the core motivation for family members’ visits to nursing home residents was “to maintain the unforgotten family affection.” This motivation comprised four relevant categories: hoping to slow degeneration, providing a congruous environment, honoring filial and karmic duty, and ensuring the quality of care.ConclusionsMotivations for Taiwanese family members’ visits to nursing home residents with dementia were similar to those in Western cultures. However, “hoping to slow degeneration” and “providing a congruous environment” were unique categories.Clinical RelevanceNurses and policymakers could use these findings to design interventions that might increase holistic care for both family members and nursing home residents with dementia. Providing programming focused on family members’ unique priorities could address swallowing difficulties, management of dementia symptoms, nutritional needs, and selection of residents’ roommates. These programs could improve the quality of family members’ visits as well as the quality of staff–family relationships.
Coordination of surface electromyography activity in the posterior tongue region during mastication of differently textured foods
Authors: Mori Keitaro , Manda Yousuke , Kitagawa Keisuke , Nagatsuka Hiroaki , Furutera Hiroshi , Kodama Naoki , Minagi Shogo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMasticatory movement occurs complicatedly and bilaterally. Although the tongue plays an important role in mastication, bilateral tongue function during mastication has not been clarified yet.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of food properties on posterior tongue activity and coordination of muscles bilaterally by electromyography (EMG).MethodsTwenty healthy adults (10 males and 10 females; mean age 28 years; range: 22‐33 years) participated in this study. Three test foods, gummy jelly (hard food), sponge cake (soft food requiring crushing), and mashed potatoes (soft food not requiring crushing), were used. Bilateral masseter N‐EMG (surface electromyography for measuring the muscle activity of posterior tongue) and submental EMG were carried out while the participants chewed three test foods. The participants were instructed to masticate three test foods only on the right side and only on the left side unilaterally.ResultsIn the case of gummy jelly, N‐EMG activity on the mastication side was significantly larger than that on the non‐mastication side (P < .01). Regarding temporal relationship between the masseter and N‐EMG activity, in the case of gummy jelly, the percentage of cases where the N‐EMG peak was observed during masseter muscle EMG bursts was significantly higher than those for sponge cake and mashed potatoes (P < .01).ConclusionN‐EMG activity on the mastication side was significantly larger than that on the non‐mastication side in the mastication of hard foods. Tongue showed activity pattern changes and coordinated with the masseter muscle depending on food texture.
Whole‐genome sequence data of Hypericum perforatum and functional characterization of melatonin biosynthesis by N‐acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase
Authors: Zhou Wen , Wang Ying , Li Bin , Petijová Linda , Hu Suying , Zhang Qian , Niu Junfeng , Wang Donghao , Wang Shiqiang , Dong Yang , Čellárová Eva , Wang Zhezhi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHypericum perforatum is among the most commonly used herbal remedies and supplements. The aerial plant parts are often used to treat depression. Due to the lack of genomic information of H. perforatum, the gene networks regulating secondary metabolite synthesis remain unclear. Here, we present a high‐quality genome for H. perforatum with a 2.3‐Mb scaffold N50. The draft assembly covers 91.9% of the predicted genome and represents the fourth sequenced genus in the order Malpighiales. Comparing this sequence with model or related species revealed that Populus trichocarpa and Hevea brasiliensis could be grouped into one branch, while H. perforatum and Linum usitatissimum are grouped in another branch. Combined with transcriptome data, 40 key genes related to melatonin, hyperforin, and hypericin synthesis were screened and analyzed. Five N‐acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferases (HpASMT1‐HpASMT5) were cloned and functionally characterized. Purified HpASMT3 protein converted N‐acetylserotonin into melatonin with a Vmax of about 1.35 pkat/mg protein. HpASMT1 and HpASMT3 overexpression in Arabidopsis mutants caused 1.5‐2‐fold higher melatonin content than in mutant and wild‐type plants. The endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in transgenic plants was significantly lower than ROS in mutant and wild‐type plants, suggesting higher drought tolerance. The obtained genomic data offer new resources for further study on the evolution of Hypericaceae family, but also provide a basis for further study of melatonin biosynthetic pathways in other plants.
Immunoglobulin G complexes without sialic acids enhance osteoclastogenesis but do not affect arthritis‐mediated bone loss
Authors: Sehic Edina , Westerlund Anna , Lagerquist Marie K. , Lerner Ulf H. , Carlsten Hans , Henning Petra , Engdahl Cecilia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractImmunoglobulin G (IgG) is important in clearance and recognition of previously presented antigens and after activation, IgGs can interact with the Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) on haematopoietic cells, including bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. The pathogenicity of IgG, that is the ability to elicit stimulatory effects via FcγRs, can be modulated by attachment of sugar moieties, including sialic acids. Human IgGs and autoantibodies are associated with bone loss in autoimmune disease. However, the impact of polyclonal murine IgG via FcγRs on bone loss is poorly understood. Here, we investigate if heat‐aggregated activated murine polyclonal IgG complexes have any direct effects on murine osteoclasts and if they modulate arthritis‐mediated bone loss. Using cell cultures of murine osteoclasts, we show that IgG complexes without sialic acids (de‐IgG complexes) enhance receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand (RANKL)‐stimulated osteoclastogenesis, an effect associated with increased FcγRIII expression. Using an in vivo model of arthritis‐mediated bone loss, where IgG complexes were injected into arthritic knees, no effect on the severity of arthritis or the degree of arthritis‐mediated bone loss was detected. Interestingly, injection of de‐IgG complexes into non‐arthritic knees increased osteoclast formation and enhanced bone erosions. Our findings show that activated de‐IgG complexes have no additive effect on arthritis‐mediated bone loss. However, de‐IgG complexes potentiate murine osteoclastogenesis and enhance local bone erosion in non‐arthritic bones, further confirming the link between the adaptive immune system and bone.
Large‐sample approximations and change testing for high‐dimensional covariance matrices of multivariate linear time series and factor models
Authors: Bours Monika , Steland Ansgar 
Published: December 2020

AbstractVarious statistical problems can be formulated in terms of a bilinear form of the covariance matrix. Examples are testing whether coordinates of a high‐dimensional random vector are uncorrelated, constructing confidence intervals for the risk of optimal portfolios or testing for the stability of a covariance matrix, especially for factor models. Extending previous works to a general high‐dimensional multivariate linear process framework and factor models, we establish distributional approximations for the associated bilinear form of the sample covariance matrix. These approximations hold for increasing dimension without any constraint relative to the sample size. The results are used to construct change‐point tests for the covariance structure, especially in order to check the stability of a high‐dimensional factor model. Tests based on the cumulated sum (CUSUM), self‐standardized CUSUM and the CUSUM statistic maximized over all subsamples are considered. Size and power of the proposed testing methodology are investigated by a simulation study and illustrated by analyzing the Fama and French factors for a change due to the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic.
Approximate Bayesian inference for a spatial point process model exhibiting regularity and random aggregation
Authors: Vihrs Ninna , Møller Jesper , Gelfand Alan E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this article, we propose a doubly stochastic spatial point process model with both aggregation and repulsion. This model combines the ideas behind Strauss processes and log Gaussian Cox processes. The likelihood for this model is not expressible in closed form but it is easy to simulate realizations under the model. We therefore explain how to use approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to carry out statistical inference for this model. We suggest a method for model validation based on posterior predictions and global envelopes. We illustrate the ABC procedure and model validation approach using both simulated point patterns and a real data example.
Assessing the use of a smartphone app to teach eye screening to opticians
Authors: Chee WK , Yip CC , Yang L , Soo YK , Wang J , Chang BCM 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionTorch‐light Eye Screening Test (TEST) is a simple eye screening technique designed for use by opticians to look for common anterior segment eye conditions. The TEACHES‐Learning Electronic Module (TEACHES‐LEM) is an e‐learning platform that was developed to teach opticians to perform TEST. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of TEACHES‐LEM with face‐to‐face training (F2FT) in the training and assessment of knowledge among opticians.MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned in this experimental study to receive either the intervention group ((TEACHES‐LEM, n = 60) or the control group (F2FT, n = 57). The conceptual knowledge of TEST was assessed with a 20‐item clinical scenario‐based multiple choice question (MCQ) test before and after teaching (immediately post‐teaching and 1‐month post‐teaching). The MCQ test was developed by three ophthalmologists to give face validity.ResultsThe pre‐teaching test scores (TS), indicating prior knowledge, were comparable in both groups (10.02 ± 2.79 versus 10.40 ± 4.17, p = 0.563, independent t test). The mean immediate post teaching score for TEACHES‐LEM was 13.3 ± 4.01 versus 12.3 ± 3.29 in the F2FT group (p = 0.170, independent t test). The mean post 1‐month teaching score for TEACHES‐LEM and F2FT groups were also comparable, 14.5 ± 4.19 versus 13.4 ± 3.90 respectively (p = 0.295, independent t test), indicating non‐inferiority of TEACHES to F2FT.ConclusionThe TEACHES‐LEM e‐learning tool is as effective as F2FT in teaching opticians to perform TEST. It is an alternative to face‐to‐face teaching in delivering knowledge and assessment. The obviation for physical contact will make it a useful teaching tool during the COVID‐19 pandemic period.
Regional impact of Early Cretaceous tectono‐magmatic uplift in the Arctic: Implications of new data from eastern North Greenland
Authors: Ineson Jon R. , Hovikoski Jussi , Sheldon Emma , Piasecki Stefan , Alsen Peter , Fyhn Michael B. W. , Bjerager Morten , Dybkjær Karen , Guarnieri Pierpaolo , Lauridsen Bodil W. , Nøhr‐Hansen Henrik , Pedersen Gunver K. , Svennevig Kristian , Therkelsen Jens , Weibel Rikke , Bojesen‐Koefoed Jørgen A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEvaluation of the regional geotectonic impact of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province (HALIP) in the present‐day northern Atlantic region has been hindered by poor correlation between the Svalbard–Barents Shelf region and eastern North Greenland. New sedimentological and biostratigraphic data from Peary Land and Kronprins Christian Land (Kilen), North Greenland reveal that the Lower Cretaceous palaeogeographic and sequence stratigraphic development of this area is closely comparable to that of Svalbard. The succession records Hauterivian – early Barremian regional uplift and emergence followed by fluvial sedimentation and subsequent transgression in the late Barremian – early Aptian. Recognition of this tectonically forced regression in North Greenland provides a link to a coeval well‐known tectonostratigraphic event in the Svalbard region, and hence to regional tectono‐magmatic uplift heralding the HALIP and the initiation of the Amerasia Basin.
Computational prediction method to decipher receptor–glycoligand interactions in plant immunity
Authors: del Hierro Irene , Mélida Hugo , Broyart Caroline , Santiago Julia , Molina Antonio 
Published: December 2020

SUMMARYMicrobial and plant cell walls have been selected by the plant immune system as a source of microbe‐ and plant damage‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs/DAMPs) that are perceived by extracellular ectodomains (ECDs) of plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) triggering immune responses. From the vast number of ligands that PRRs can bind, those composed of carbohydrate moieties are poorly studied, and only a handful of PRR/glycan pairs have been determined. Here we present a computational screening method, based on the first step of molecular dynamics simulation, that is able to predict putative ECD‐PRR/glycan interactions. This method has been developed and optimized with Arabidopsis LysM‐PRR members CERK1 and LYK4, which are involved in the perception of fungal MAMPs, chitohexaose (1,4‐β‐d‐(GlcNAc)6) and laminarihexaose (1,3‐β‐d‐(Glc)6). Our in silico results predicted CERK1 interactions with 1,4‐β‐d‐(GlcNAc)6 whilst discarding its direct binding by LYK4. In contrast, no direct interaction between CERK1/laminarihexaose was predicted by the model despite CERK1 being required for laminarihexaose immune activation, suggesting that CERK1 may act as a co‐receptor for its recognition. These in silico results were validated by isothermal titration calorimetry binding assays between these MAMPs and recombinant ECDs‐LysM‐PRRs. The robustness of the developed computational screening method was further validated by predicting that CERK1 does not bind the DAMP 1,4‐β‐d‐(Glc)6 (cellohexaose), and then probing that immune responses triggered by this DAMP were not impaired in the Arabidopsis cerk1 mutant. The computational predictive glycan/PRR binding method developed here might accelerate the discovery of protein–glycan interactions and provide information on immune responses activated by glycoligands.