bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol against enterotoxin‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome are mediated by modulation of microbiota
Authors: Mohammed Amira , Alghetaa Hasan K. , Zhou Juhua , Chatterjee Saurabh , Nagarkatti Prakash , Nagarkatti Mitzi 
Published: August 2020

Background and PurposeStaphylococcal enterotoxin‐B (SEB) is one of the most potent bacterial superantigens that exerts profound toxic effects by inducing a cytokine storm. Inhaled SEB can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is often fatal and with no effective treatments.Experimental ApproachEfficacy of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was tested in a mouse model of SEB‐mediated ARDS, in which lung inflammation, alterations in gut/lung microbiota and production of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) was measured. Gene dysregulation of lung epithelial cells was studied by transcriptome arrays. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to confirm the role of microbiota in suppressing ARDS.Key ResultsWhile SEB triggered ARDS and 100% mortality in mice, THC protected the mice from fatality. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed that THC caused significant and similar alterations in microbiota in the lungs and gut of mice exposed to SEB. THC significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacterial species, Ruminococcus gnavus, but decreased pathogenic microbiota, Akkermansia muciniphila. FMT confirmed that THC‐mediated reversal of microbial dysbiosis played crucial role in attenuation of SEB‐mediated ARDS. THC treatment caused an increase in SCFA, of which propionic acid was found to inhibit the inflammatory response. Transcriptome array showed that THC up‐regulated several genes like lysozyme1 and lysozyme2, β‐defensin‐2, claudin, zonula‐1, occludin‐1, Mucin2 and Muc5b while down‐regulating β‐defensin‐1.Conclusion and ImplicationsThe study demonstrates for the first time that THC attenuates SEB‐mediated ARDS and toxicity by altering the microbiota in the lungs and the gut as well as promoting antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory pathways.
Maternal Reminiscing and Autobiographical Memory Features of Mother–Child Dyads in a Cross‐Cultural Context
Authors: Wu Yun , He Zijing , Jobson Laura 
Published: August 2020

Maternal reminiscing styles and mother–child memory features were examined in a cross‐cultural context. Fifty‐five Chinese (Guangzhou, China) and 48 Australian (Melbourne, Australia) mother–child dyads (child age: 3–6 years) independently retrieved autobiographical memories and jointly discussed past events. Australian mothers used greater elaborative and supportive reminiscing and provided more specific memories than Chinese mothers. Australian children provided greater memory elaboration than Chinese children, but they did not differ in memory specificity. Maternal reminiscing styles and cultural group were independently predictive of child memory elaboration but not specificity. Nonetheless, moderation analyses showed that the two maternal reminiscing styles (elaborative and supportive) interacted to predict child memory specificity. These findings indicate the importance of culture and types of reminiscing on memory development.
DHA modulates MANF and TREM2 abundance, enhances neurogenesis, reduces infarct size, and improves neurological function after experimental ischemic stroke
Authors: Belayev Ludmila , Hong Sung‐Ha , Freitas Raul S. , Menghani Hemant , Marcell Shawn J. , Khoutorova Larissa , Mukherjee Pranab K. , Reid Madigan M. , Oria Reinaldo B. , Bazan Nicolas G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimsMesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is a secretory neurotrophic factor protein that promotes repair after neuronal injury. The microglia cell surface receptor (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐2; TREM2) regulates the production of pro‐ and antiinflammatory mediators after stroke. Here, we study MANF and TREM2 expression after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and explore if docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) treatment exerts a potentiating effect.MethodsWe used 2 hours of the MCAo model in rats and intravenously administered DHA or vehicle at 3 hours after the onset of MCAo. Neurobehavioral assessment was performed on days 1, 3, 7, and 14; MANF and TREM2 expression was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.ResultsMANF was upregulated in neurons and astrocytes on days 1, 7, and 14, and TREM2 was expressed on macrophages in the ischemic penumbra and dentate gyrus (DG) on days 7 and 14. DHA improved neurobehavioral recovery, attenuated infarct size on days 7 and 14, increased MANF and decreased TREM2 expression in ischemic core, penumbra, DG, and enhanced neurogenesis on Day 14.ConclusionMANF and TREM2 protein abundance is robustly increased after MCAo, and DHA treatment potentiated MANF abundance, decreased TREM2 expression, improved neurobehavioral recovery, reduced infarction, and provided enhanced neuroprotection.
Ethics and biodiversity offsetting
Authors: Karlsson Mikael , Edvardsson Björnberg Karin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBiodiversity offsetting is an increasingly applied tool aiming to compensate for environmental damage caused by exploitation projects. Critics, however, raise concerns over the purported effectiveness of offsetting and question the ethical underpinnings and implications of offsetting. These ethical dimensions have largely been overlooked in research, which may lead to offsetting systems that fail to respect the values intended to be safeguarded. To address these dimensions, 5 ethical objections in the scientific literature were identified: offsetting violates nature's intrinsic value; losses of nature cannot be compensated for by human interventions; too little is known to make adequate trades; offsetting impedes virtuous dispositions toward nature; and offsetting has negative justice implications. We examined these objections and arguments against them based on the ethical concepts of intrinsic and instrumental values, anthropocentrism, nonanthropocentrism, and deontological, consequentialist, and virtue‐ethical paradigms. Both nonanthropocentric and anthropocentric concerns were expressed in deontological, consequential, and virtue‐ethical framings. Objections mostly had a deontological or virtue‐ethical basis, whereas counterarguments were based on consequential reasoning, but common ground in practice is often conceivable. Based on our findings, we formulated 10 recommendations for policy makers and 5 questions for practitioners to consider. We propose, for example, that policy makers clarify aims, legislate on no‐go areas, and govern the use of multipliers. We suggest that practitioners consider, for instance, how to improve case‐specific knowledge and promote learning and stakeholder engagement. We hope these recommendations and questions will encourage further discussion of the ethics of biodiversity offsets and ultimately strengthen the respect for biodiversity and human‐welfare values at stake in offsetting projects.
Non‐randomized studies should be considered for assessing surgical techniques in rectal prolapse: prospective cohort study
Authors: Lee M. J. , Dimairo M. , Edwards J , Hawkins D. J. , Hind D. , Knowles C. H. , Hooper R. , Brown S. R. ,   Waiter study collaborative
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimRandomized trials comparing surgical techniques for rectal prolapse are not always feasible. We assessed whether non‐randomized comparisons of those who have had surgery with those still waiting would be confounding baseline health status.MethodThis was a prospective cohort study in seven UK hospitals. Participants were ≥ 18 years and listed for surgical interventions of equivalent intensity for rectal prolapse. They were defined as short or long waiters (≤ 18 or > 18 weeks, respectively). Time on the waiting list was compared with baseline comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index) and change from baseline in health status (EQ‐5D‐5L) at the time of surgery.ResultsIn all, 203 patients were analysed. Median (interquartile range) waiting time was 13.7 weeks (8.1, 20.4) varying across sites. Baseline comorbidity was not an important predictor of waiting time. Median Charlson comorbidity index was 2 (0, 3) for short and 1 (0, 3) for long waiters. A change in waiting time by a week was associated with negligible improvement in the EQ‐5D‐5L index of 0.001 (95% CI −0.000 to 0.003, P = 0.106).ConclusionNegligible change in patient reported health status while on the waiting list and lack of effect of comorbidities in influencing waiting time support the use of non‐randomized pre‐/post‐studies to compare the effects of surgical interventions for rectal prolapse.
A single‐center long‐term experience with marginal donor utilization for heart transplantation
Authors: Galeone Antonella , Lebreton Guillaume , Coutance Guillaume , Demondion Pierre , Schmidt Matthieu , Amour Julien , Varnous Shaida , Leprince Pascal 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate the early and late outcome of heart transplantation (HT) using marginal (MDs) and optimal donors (ODs).MethodsClinical records of recipients transplanted between July 2004 and December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. MDs were defined as follows: age >55 years, high‐dose inotropic support, left ventricular ejection fraction <45%, left ventricular hypertrophy, donor to recipient predicted heart mass ratio <0.86, ischemic time >4 hours.ResultsA total of 412 (55%) recipients received an organ from a MD; recipients who received an organ from an OD had less primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (25% vs 38%; P < .001), less acute renal failure (23% vs 34%; P < .001), and higher survival rates (90.2% vs 81.8% at 30 days, 79.5% vs 71.1% at 1 year, 51.8% vs 45.4% at 12 years; P = .01) than recipients who received an organ from a MD. There was no statistically significant difference in 30‐day conditional survival between the two groups (survival rates 57.4% vs 55.5% at 12 years; P = .43). PGD, perioperative hemodialysis, and sepsis were independent risk factors of mortality at multivariate analysis.ConclusionsUtilization of MDs for HT is associated with a higher incidence of PGD and acute renal failure, and a reduction of 30‐day survival.
Investigation of tobacco and alcohol co‐consumption in Thailand: A joint estimation approach
Authors: Witvorapong Nopphol , Vichitkunakorn Polathep 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsMost studies on tobacco and alcohol consumption empirically model the two behaviours separately. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the patterns of tobacco and alcohol co‐consumption in Thailand, modelling the two behaviours jointly and identifying whether they complemented or substituted each other.Design and MethodsData were extracted from the 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2017 waves of the nationally representative Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption Survey in Thailand. A bivariate ordered probit model, under which the frequencies of tobacco and alcohol consumption were jointly estimated, was performed on the repeated cross‐sectional sample as well as each of the cross‐sectional samples.ResultsBased on the repeated cross‐sectional sample (n = 411 981), the analyses suggested that tobacco and alcohol consumption were complementary behaviours. The predicted conditional probabilities revealed that the more frequently one drank, the higher the likelihood that he/she also smoked at a higher frequency, and vice versa.Discussion and ConclusionsGiven the complementary nature of tobacco and alcohol consumption in Thailand, tobacco‐ and alcohol‐prevention strategies should be realigned and better co‐ordinated for greater efficiency. The net impacts of a given tobacco or alcohol policy should be incorporated into the optimal policy design to avoid duplication of efforts. Also, future studies of tobacco and alcohol consumption should consider modelling the two behaviours together using a joint estimation approach.
Bone lesions in hairy cell leukemia: Diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Robak Pawel , Jesionek‐Kupnicka Dorota , Kupnicki Piotr , Polliack Aaron , Robak Tadeusz 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSkeletal involvement is a rare complication of hairy cell leukemia (HCL) with an incidence of approximately 3%. Bone lesions are commonly lytic, and the most common sites of involvement are the femoral head and neck. Skeletal involvement is typically associated with high tumor burden and bone marrow infiltration. However, isolated cases of skeletal disease without splenomegaly or bone marrow involvement are occasionally reported. This review focuses on skeletal lesions in HCL, particularly the pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment approach. A literature review of the MEDLINE database for articles in English concerning hairy cell leukemia, skeletal symptoms, bone involvement was conducted via PubMed. Publications from January 1970 to May 2020 were scrutinized. Additional relevant publications were obtained by reviewing the references from the chosen articles.
Antiseizure drug efficacy and tolerability in established and novel drug discovery seizure models in outbred vs inbred mice
Authors: Koneval Zachery , Knox Kevin M. , Memon Ali , Zierath Dannielle K. , White H. Steve , Barker‐Haliski Melissa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveInitial identification of new investigational drugs for the treatment of epilepsy is commonly conducted in well‐established mouse acute and chronic seizure models: for example, maximal electroshock (MES), 6 Hz, and corneal kindling. Comparison of the median effective dose (ED50) of approved antiseizure drugs (ASDs) vs investigational agents in these models provides evidence of their potential for clinical efficacy. Inbred and outbred mouse strains exhibit differential seizure susceptibility. However, few comparisons exist of the ED50 or median behaviorally impairing dose (TD50) of prototype ASDs in these models in inbred C57Bl/6 vs outbred CF‐1 mice, both of which are often used for ASD discovery.MethodsWe defined the strain‐related ED50s and TD50s of several mechanistically distinct ASDs across established acute seizure models (MES, 6 Hz, and corneal‐kindled mouse). We further quantified the strain‐related effect of the MES ED50 of each ASD on gross behavior in a locomotor activity assay. Finally, we describe a novel pharmacoresistant corneal‐kindling protocol that is suitable for moderate‐throughput ASD screening and demonstrates highly differentiated ASD sensitivity.ResultsWe report significant strain‐related differences in the MES ED50 of valproic acid (CF‐1 ED50: 90 mg/kg [95% confidence interval (CI) 165–214] vs C57Bl/6: 276 mg/kg [226–366]), as well as significant differences in the ED50 of levetiracetam in the pharmacoresistant 6 Hz test (CF‐1: 22.5 mg/kg [14.7–30.2] vs C57Bl/6: >500 mg/kg [CI not defined]). There were no differences in the calculated TD50 of these ASDs between strains. Furthermore, the MES ED50 of phenobarbital significantly enhanced locomotor activity of outbred CF‐1, but not C57Bl/6, mice.SignificanceAltogether, this study provides strain‐related information to differentiate investigational agents from ASD standards‐of‐care in commonly employed preclinical discovery models and describes a novel kindled seizure model to further explore the mechanisms of drug‐resistant epilepsy.
Magnetic resonance imaging changes of the navicular bursa following navicular bursoscopy in seven horses
Authors: Hoaglund E. L. , Barrett M. F. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryNavicular syndrome is a multifactorial disease process in horses with multiple structures in the foot contributing to lameness. Surgical debridement is a treatment option for lesions of the navicular bursa and deep digital flexor tendon. This retrospective case series describes the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of the navicular bursa following bursoscopy. Seven horses (three being bilaterally affected) with forelimb lameness isolated to the foot, and pre‐ and post‐operative MRI were included. All limbs had concurrent lesions associated with the deep digital flexor tendon, navicular bone, impar ligament, collateral sesamoidean ligament and/or distal interphalangeal joint. All bursae developed or had progression of proliferative bursal tissue following surgery. At recheck MRI, following rehabilitation protocols, almost all horses had improved to resolved lameness with relatively unchanged concurrent lesions despite the navicular bursa appearance worsening. Outcomes for return to work were poor with only two horses going back to the previous level of work.
Sorghum biomass production in the continental United States and its potential impacts on soil organic carbon and nitrous oxide emissions
Authors: Gautam Sagar , Mishra Umakant , Scown Corinne D. , Zhang Yao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNational scale projections of bioenergy crop yields and their environmental impacts are essential to identify appropriate locations to place bioenergy crops and ensure sustainable land use strategies. In this study, we used the process‐based Daily Century (DAYCENT) model with site‐specific environmental data to simulate sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) biomass yield, soil organic carbon (SOC) change, and nitrous oxide emissions across cultivated lands in the continental United States. The simulated rainfed dry biomass productivity ranged from 0.8 to 19.2 Mg ha−1 year−1, with a spatiotemporal average of Mg ha−1 year−1, and a coefficient of variation of 35%. The average SOC sequestration and direct nitrous oxide emission rates were simulated as Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1 and Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1, respectively. Compared to field‐observed biomass yield data at multiple locations, model predictions of biomass productivity showed a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.6 Mg ha−1 year−1. In comparison to the multi State (n = 21) NASS database, our results showed RMSE of 5.5 Mg ha−1 year−1. Model projections of baseline SOC showed RMSE of 1.9 kg/m2 in comparison to a recently available continental SOC stock dataset. The model‐predicted N2O emissions are close to 1.25% of N input. Our results suggest 10.2 million ha of cultivated lands in the Southern and Lower Midwestern United States will produce >10 Mg ha−1 year−1 with net carbon sequestration under rainfed conditions. Cultivated lands in Upper Midwestern states including Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Michigan, and North Dakota showed lower sorghum biomass productivity (average: 6.9 Mg ha−1 year−1) with net sequestration (average: 0.13 Mg CO2e ha−1 year−1). Our national‐scale spatially explicit results are critical inputs for robust life cycle assessment of bioenergy production systems and land use‐based climate change mitigation strategies.
The Leydig cell tumour Scaled Score (LeSS): a method to distinguish benign from malignant cases, with additional correlation with MDM2 and CDK4 amplification
Authors: Colecchia Maurizio , Bertolotti Alessia , Paolini Biagio , Giunchi Francesca , Necchi Andrea , Paganoni Anna M , Ricci Costantino , Fiorentino Michelangelo , Dagrada Gian P 
Published: August 2020

AimsTo investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Leydig cell tumours (LCTs) of the testis for the identification of cases that may metastasise.Methods and resultsSix parameters for a predictive model of the metastatic risk were evaluated in 37 benign and 14 malignant LCTs of the testis [LCT Scaled Score (LeSS)]. The tumour size (benign LCTs, mean 13.3 mm; malignant LCTs, mean 44 mm) (P < 0.001) and five other parameters (infiltrative margins, necrosis, vascular invasion, mitotic count, and nuclear atypia) showed significant differences (Wilcoxon's test, P < 0.001). Eight metastatic LCTs and one benign LCT had infiltrative margins. Foci of coagulative necrosis occurred in 10 metastatic LCTs, whereas vascular invasion was identified in nine of 14 metastatic LCTs and none of 37 benign LCTs. Benign LCTs showed <2 mitoses/10 high‐power fields (HPFs), whereas a high mitotic count (range, 3–50 mitoses/10 HPFs) was a feature of malignant LCTs. These parameters were selected by use of an inferential analysis based on univariate logistic regression models to develop a score. A LeSS of <4 correctly identified all histologically and clinically benign LCTs. A LeSS of ≥4 correctly identified all malignant LCTs. MDM2 and CDK4 immunostains were applied in all 51 cases: benign LCTs were negative; three of 11 malignant LCTs (27%) showed strong and diffuse immunopositivity and high levels of MDM2 and CDK4 amplification as determined with fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation analysis and next‐generation sequencing.ConclusionWe provide a new tool, the LeSS, for the prediction of malignant behaviour in LCTs.
Effects of novel modified atmosphere packaging on lipid quality and stability of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) fillets
Authors: de Aguiar Saldanha Pinheiro Ana Cristina , Tappi Silvia , Patrignani Francesca , Lanciotti Rosalba , Romani Santina , Rocculi Pietro 
Published: August 2020

SummaryModified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is an efficient method to increase shelf‐life of fishery products by inhibiting bacterial growth and oxidative reactions. Beside the traditional gases used for MAP, novel gases such as argon (Ar) and nitrous oxide (N2O) were approved for food use in the European Union. The present research investigates the effect of MAP with unconventional gas mixtures, that previously positively affected microbial shelf‐life, on colour, lipid oxidation and sensorial characteristics of sardine fillets during storage. Four atmosphere conditions were tested: Air (20.8% O2/79.2% N2), N2 (30% CO2/70% N2), N2O (30% CO2/70% N2O) and Ar (30% CO2/70% Ar). Samples were stored for 12 days at 3 °C. Results showed that the removal of oxygen significantly inhibited the oxidation process; however, most of the investigated parameters related to fat oxidation did not show any improvement, except for a slight decrease in lipid hydrolysis and improvement in sensory properties in the packaging containing Ar.
Mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes: Core abnormalities and CHIPping away at the edges
Authors: Caponetti Gabriel C. , Bagg Adam 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous constellation of hematologic malignancies characterized by aberrant differentiation and clonal expansion of abnormal myeloid cells that initially manifest with ineffective hematopoiesis and consequent cytopenias. The prognosis of MDS is variable and depends on clinical and hematologic parameters, cytogenetic and molecular findings, as well as comorbidities. Gene sequencing studies have uncovered remarkable genomic complexity within MDS, based on the presence of recurrent and sometimes co‐operating mutations in genes encoding proteins that play a role in numerous biologic pathways. Although the treatment of MDS is currently limited to the use of hypomethylating, immunomodulatory, or erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents, improved understanding of the molecular underpinnings of its pathophysiology has led to the development of multiple targeted treatments that are poised to be added to the therapeutic armamentarium. This review will focus on the role of mutations in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of MDS and how the discovery of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) might impact the utility of detecting mutations in the diagnosis of MDS.
Director liability reduction and stock price crash risk: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Choi Sanghak , Jung Hail 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the effect of a firm's adoption of director liability reduction coverage laws on their directors’ bad news hoarding behavior. Using unique Korean institutional settings, we find that, compared to directors of noncovered firms, those of covered firms are more likely to withhold negative information, proxied by stock price crash risk measures. Our regression analysis implies that legal protections of a company through DLR coverage makes directors relatively relaxed about litigation risks, which induces them to take advantage of the laws. Furthermore, we find that the relation manifests when the firm is owned by a high proportion of foreign investors, covered by many financial analysts, and is less regulated by listed exchange.