bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using an interactive platform to recognize the intersection of social and spatial inequalities
Authors: Poling Lisa , Weiland Travis 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWith the creation of interactive tasks that allow students to explore spatial ways of knowing in conjunction with their other ways of knowing the world, we create a space where students can make sense of information as they organize these new ideas into their already existing schema. Through the use of a Common Online Data Analysis Platform (CODAP) and data from Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMA), students can explore the communities in which they live and work, critically examining opportunities and challenges within a defined space.
Rethinking the need for a platelet transfusion threshold of 50 × 109/L for lumbar puncture in cancer patients
Authors: Chung Helen H. , Morjaria Sejal , Frame John , Riley Michael , Zhang Allen W. , Martin Steven C. , Bhatia Ankush , Fenelus Maly , Fallah Famatta , Inumerables Faye , Goss Cheryl 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundLumbar puncture (LP) is a frequently performed diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in oncology patients. Transfusing to a minimum preprocedural platelet threshold of 50 × 109/L is widely upheld without good quality evidence. The objective was to compare the outcomes of LPs performed with platelets above and below this threshold. An increased risk of adverse events in patients with lower platelet counts was not expected. As a corollary, transfusion reaction rates incurred by transfusing to this recommended threshold are also reported.MethodsA total of 2259 LPs performed on 1137 oncology patients (adult, n = 871, and pediatric, n = 266) were retrospectively analyzed between February 2011 and December 2017. The incidence of LP‐related complications for groups above and below the minimum platelet threshold was compared. Traumatic tap was defined as 500 or more red blood cells per high‐power field in the cerebral spinal fluid. Groups were compared using the 2‐Proportion Z‐test and Fisher exact test.ResultsAt time of LP, the total number of events with platelets less than 50 × 109/L and 50 × 109/L or greater were 110 and 2149, respectively. There were no significant differences in LP‐associated complications between patients with platelet counts above or below 50 × 109/L (P = .29). Patients with a pre‐LP platelet count of less than 50 × 109/L had a higher proportion of traumatic taps (P < .001). Three patients developed transfusion‐related adverse events.ConclusionPatients with platelet counts less than 50 × 109/L did not have a higher incidence of clinically significant post–lumbar puncture complications (P = .29).
Therapeutic plasma exchange and intravenous immune globulin in the treatment of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia: A systematic review
Authors: Onuoha Chinonso , Barton Karen D. , Wong Edward C.C. , Raval Jay S. , Rollins‐Raval Marian A. , Ipe Tina S. , Kiss Joseph E. , Boral Leonard I. , Adamksi Jill , Zantek Nicole D. , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundImmunomodulatory strategies in heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) include the use of intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The optimal application of these therapies is unknown and outcomes data are limited. We investigated treatment categories and laboratory and clinical outcomes of IVIG and/or TPE in HIT with a systematic literature review.Study Design and MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science through December 2019 for studies combining controlled vocabulary and keywords related to thrombocytopenia, heparin, TPE, and IVIG. The primary outcome was treatment indication. Secondary outcomes were platelet recovery, HIT laboratory parameters, heparin re‐exposure, and post‐treatment course. Case‐level data were analyzed by qualitative synthesis.ResultsAfter 4241 references were screened, we identified 60 studies with four main categories of IVIG and/or TPE use as follows: (a) treatment of refractory HIT (n = 35; 31%); (b) initial therapy (n = 45; 40%); (c) cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB; n = 30; 27%); and (d) other (n = 2; 2%). IVIG was most commonly used for the treatment of refractory HIT while TPE was primarily used to facilitate heparin exposure during CPB. Both IVIG and TPE were equally used as initial therapy. Heparin re‐exposure occurred without thrombotic event in 29 TPE‐treated patients and three IVIG‐treated patients.ConclusionIn patients with HIT, both TPE and IVIG are used for initial therapy or treatment of refractory HIT. However, TPE is more commonly used in patients undergoing CPB. Prospective studies may help clarify which treatment is indicated in HIT population subsets.
Cytokine‐inducible promoters to drive dynamic transgene expression: The “Smart Graft” strategy
Authors: Fischer Andrea , Manske Katrin , Seissler Jochen , Wohlleber Dirk , Simm Nina , Wolf‐van Buerck Lelia , Knolle Percy , Schnieke Angelika , Fischer Konrad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundUbiquitous expression of T‐cell regulatory transgenes such as the cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) or the high‐affinity variant LEA29Y improves xeno graft survival. Such donor pigs are however immunocompromised and susceptible to infection. Continous high expression of CTLA4 or LEA29Y in the graft could also compromise the health status of recipients. The novel “Smart Graft” strategy is likely to avoid these problems by controlling the expression of T‐cell regulatory transgenes as and when required.MethodsCandidate promoters inducible by inflammatory cytokines were identified by in silico screening for potential NF‐κB binding sites. Basal promoter levels and responsiveness to TNFα and IL1ß were quantified by expression of secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase in cultured cells. Promoters were modified to increase responsiveness by removing regulatory elements or adding SP‐1 or NF‐κB binding sites and again tested in vitro. The most promising promoters were then assessed in vivo. Porcine cells expressing inducible Renilla luciferase constructs were transplanted into immunodeficient NOD‐Scid‐IL2 receptor gammanull(NSG) mice. Following engraftment, the recipient's immune system was reconstituted by splenocyte transfer raising an immune response to the porcine xenograft. The resulting induction of promoter activity was detected by in vivo bioimaging.ResultsThree human (hTNFAIP1, hVCAM1 and hCCL2), and one porcine promoter (pA20) were chosen for in vitro tests. In all experiments, the semi‐synthetic and inducible ELAM promoter as well as the CAG promoter were used as references. In contrast to hTNFAIP1 and hVCAM1 the ELAM, hCCL2 and pA20 promoters showed significant induction after cytokine challenge. The hCCL2 and pA20 promoters were further optimized, resulting in increased responsiveness to TNFα and IL1ß. Cytokine‐dependent upregulation of promoter activity was tested in vivo, where the ELAM and the optimized hCCL2 promoters showed a 2‐fold upregulation, while one of the improved A20 promoters showed almost 10‐fold upregulation. Our results also revealed more than 4‐fold cytokine inducibility of the CAG promoter.ConclusionThis is the first in vivo comparison of existing and newly designed cytokine‐inducible promoters. Optimization of promoter structure resulted in almost 10‐fold inducibility of promoter activity. Such a rapid and dynamically regulated response to inflammation and cell damage could reduce initial graft rejection, making the “Smart Graft” approach a useful means of modulating the expression of immune regulatory transgenes to avoid deleterious effects on porcine and human health. Expressing transgenes in this fashion could provide a safer organ for transplantation.
High efficiency preparation of skinned mouse cardiac muscle strips from cryosections for contractility studies
Authors: Feng Han‐Zhong , Jin J.‐P. 
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Can frozen cardiac papillary muscles and cryosectioning be used to reliably obtain uniform cardiac muscle strips with high yields?

What is the main finding and its importance?
A new method was developed using frozen cardiac papillary muscles and cryosectioning to reliably obtain uniform cardiac muscle strips with high yields. Experimental results demonstrate that this new methodology significantly increases the efficiency and application of quantitative biomechanical studies using skinned muscle fibres with an additional advantage of no need for transferring live animals.

AbstractSkinned cardiac muscle preparations are widely used to study contractile function of myofilament proteins and pathophysiological changes. The current methods applied in these biomechanical studies include detergent permeabilization of freshly isolated papillary muscle, ventricular trabeculae, surgically dissected ventricular muscle strips, mechanically blended cardiac muscle bundles or myocytes, and enzymatically isolated single cardiomyocytes. To facilitate and expand the skinned cardiac muscle approach, we have developed an efficient and readily practical method for mechanical studies of skinned mouse cardiac papillary muscle strips prepared from cryosections. Longitudinal papillary muscle strips of 120–150 µm width cut from 35–70 µm‐thick cryosections are mounted to a force transducer and chemically skinned for the studies of force–pCa and sarcomere length–tension relationship and rate of tension redevelopment. In addition to more effective skinning and perfusion than with whole papillary muscle and much higher yield of useful preparations than that from trabeculae, this new methodology has two more major advantages. One is to allow for the use of frozen cardiac muscle in storage to maximize the value of muscle samples, facilitating resource sharing among research institutions without the need of transferring live animals or fresh biopsies. The other is that the integrity of the muscle strips is well preserved during the preparation and mechanical studies, allowing coupled characterization of myofilament proteins. The combined power of biomechanics and protein biochemistry can provide novel insights into integrative physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiac muscle contraction while the high yield of high‐quality muscle strips also provides an efficient platform for development of therapeutic reagents.
Functional architecture of the motor homunculus detected by electrostimulation
Authors: Roux Franck‐Emmanuel , Niare Mahamadou , Charni Saloua , Giussani Carlo , Durand Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: August 2020

Key points
We performed a prospective electrostimulation study of the motor homunculus in 100 patients without motor deficit or brain lesion in the precentral gyrus in order to acquire accurate Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) coordinates of the functional areas.
The analysis of 248 body coordinates in the precentral gyrus showed rare inter‐individual variations in the medial‐to‐lateral somatotopic movement organization with quite similar intensity thresholds. Electrostimulation only induced basic and stereotyped movements.
We detected a relative medial‐to‐lateral somatotopy of the wrist/hand/global/individual fingers, with sometimes different sites for an individual muscle or movement.
We found some similarities to, but also substantial differences from, the seminal work of Penfield and colleagues.
We propose an updated version of the human motor homunculus and of its correlation with the somatosensory homunculus, previously defined in MNI space with a similar brain mapping technique.
AbstractIn this prospective electrostimulation study, based on 100 operated patients without motor deficit or brain lesion in the precentral gyrus, we acquired coordinates of the functional areas of the motor homunculus and normalized them to standard MNI space. Among 608 sites stimulated in the precentral gyrus (and 1937 in gyri nearby), 248 positive points (40%) for motor response were detected – 245 in the precentral gyrus. Positive stimulations were detected through the ‘on/off’ outbreak effect, and only basic movements were detected. We found no significant difference in mean intensity threshold between the motor representations of the fingers (1.94 mA), tongue and lower limbs (both 2.0 mA), or face (2.25 mA). In the precentral gyrus, the evoked body movements displayed a medial‐to‐lateral somatotopy in very small (often <10 mm2) areas. The hand region displayed multiple areas for a specific movement, with areas inducing either global or single‐finger movement (with a relative medial‐to‐lateral somatotopy). Among these tested patients, the somatotopic organization of the intact motor cortex showed little inter‐individual variations. Unlike Penfield and collaborators, we evoked no sensations such as sense of movement or desire to move, and only 2% of motor responses outside the precentral gyrus. We propose a rationalization of the standard drawing of the motor homunculus according to MNI space. We found a somatotopic correlation perpendicular to the central sulcus when matching our motor data to those previously obtained for the somatosensory homunculus.
Determinants of renal oxygen metabolism during low Na+ diet: effect of angiotensin II AT1 and aldosterone receptor blockade
Authors: Patinha Daniela , Carvalho Carla , Persson Patrik , Pihl Liselotte , Fasching Angelica , Friederich‐Persson Malou , O'Neill Julie , Palm Fredrik 
Published: August 2020

Key points
Reducing Na+ intake reduces the partial pressure of oxygen in the renal cortex and activates the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system.
In the absence of high blood pressure, these consequences of dietary Na+ reduction may be detrimental for the kidney.
In a normotensive animal experimental model, reducing Na+ intake for 2 weeks increased renal oxygen consumption, which was normalized by mineralocorticoid receptor blockade. Furthermore, blockade of the angiotensin II AT1 receptor restored cortical partial pressure of oxygen by improving oxygen delivery.
This shows that increased activity of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system contributes to increased oxygen metabolism in the kidney after 2 weeks of a low Na+ diet.
The results provide insights into dietary Na+ restriction in the absence of high blood pressure, and its consequences for the kidney.
AbstractReduced Na+ intake reduces the (partial pressure of oxygen) in the renal cortex. Upon reduced Na+ intake, reabsorption along the nephron is adjusted with activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS). Thus, we studied the effect of reduced Na+ intake on renal oxygen homeostasis and function in rats, and the impact of intrarenal angiotensin II AT1 receptor blockade using candesartan and mineralocorticoid receptor blockade using canrenoic acid potassium salt (CAP). Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were fed standard rat chow containing normal (0.25%) and low (0.025%) Na+ for 2 weeks. The animals were anaesthetized (thiobutabarbital 120 mg kg−1) and surgically prepared for kidney oxygen metabolism and function studies before and after acute intrarenal arterial infusion of candesartan (4.2 μg kg−1) or intravenous infusion of CAP (20 mg kg−1). Baseline mean arterial pressure and renal blood flow were similar in both dietary groups. Fractional Na+ excretion and cortical oxygen tension were lower and renal oxygen consumption was higher in low Na+ groups. Neither candesartan nor CAP affected arterial pressure. Renal blood flow and cortical oxygen tension increased in both groups after candesartan in the low Na+ group. Fractional Na+ excretion was increased and oxygen consumption reduced in the low Na+ group after CAP. These results suggest that blockade of angiotensin II AT1 receptors has a major impact upon oxygen delivery during normal and low Na+ conditions, while aldosterone receptors mainly affect oxygen metabolism following 2 weeks of a low Na+ diet.
TGMD-2 Short Version: Evidence of Validity and Associations With Sex, Age, and BMI in Preschool Children
Authors: Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro , Duncan Michael , Pessoa Maria Luiza , Soares Ívina , da Silva Larissa , Mota Jorge , Martins Clarice 
Published: August 2020

Aim: To analyze the evidence of validity and reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition (TGMD-2) for low-income preschoolers; and to investigate the associations between the final model with sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Methods: 368 preschoolers (3–5 years old [M = 4.80, SD = 0.48]; 176 boys) located in deprived areas were assessed for anthropometric measures and motor competence via the TGMD-2. A two-factor model (12 skills) was used and confirmatory indexes were calculated. The Bayesian criteria and the Composite Reliability were employed to evaluate alternative models. Relationships between the final model proposed with age, sex, and BMI were calculated using a network analysis (Mplus 8.0; Rstudio). Results: A two-factor model (locomotion and object control) with adequate values (>0.30) for the six skills (gallop, leap, slide, strike, throw, and roll) presented excellent indexes. Relationships between sex and throwing (r = −.22), and strike (r = −.21), indicated better performance for boys. Positive relationships were found for age with slide (r = 0.23) and hop (r = 0.28), and for BMI with throw (r = 0.18). Conclusion: Validity of a TGMD-2 short version for low-income preschoolers was present. The machine learning analysis to associate fundamental movement skills with gender, age, and BMI seems useful to optimize future interventions.
Individual vulnerabilities to psychosis after antiepileptic drug administration
Authors: Akanuma Nozomi , Adachi Naoto , Fenwick Peter , Ito Masumi , Okazaki Mitsutoshi , Hara Koichiro , Ishii Ryouhei , Sekimoto Masanori , Kato Masaaki , Onuma Teiichi 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPsychosis often develops after the administration of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with epilepsy. However, the individual vulnerability and clinical condition of such patients have been rarely scrutinised. We investigated the effect of individually consistent (trait-dependent) and inconsistent (state-dependent) characteristics.MethodsThe individual characteristics, clinical states and psychotic outcome of patients from eight adult epilepsy clinics were retrospectively reviewed over 6-month periods after a new drug (AED or non-AED) administration between 1981 and 2015.ResultsA total of 5018 new drugs (4402 AEDs and 616 non-AEDs) were used in 2015 patients with focal epilepsy. Subsequently, 105 psychotic episodes (81 interictal and 24 postictal) occurred in 89 patients. Twelve patients exhibited multiple episodes after different AED administrations. Trait-dependent characteristics (early onset of epilepsy, known presumed causes of epilepsy, lower intellectual function and a family history of psychosis) were significantly associated with the patients who exhibited psychosis. Absence of family history of epilepsy was also associated with psychosis but not significantly. Subsequent logistic regression analysis with a model incorporating family history of psychosis and epilepsy, and intellectual function was the most appropriate (p=0.000). State-dependent characteristics, including previous psychotic history and epilepsy-related variables (longer duration of epilepsy, AED administration, higher seizure frequency and concomitant use of AEDs) were significantly associated with psychotic episodes. Subsequent analysis found that a model including AED administration and previous psychotic history was the most appropriate (p=0.000).ConclusionPsychosis occurring after new AED administration was related to the individual vulnerability to psychosis and intractability of epilepsy.
Feasibility and acceptability of a dietary intervention study to reduce salt intake and increase high-nitrate vegetable consumption among middle-aged and older Malaysian adults with elevated blood pressure: a study protocol
Authors: McGrattan Andrea , Mohan Devi , Chua Pei Wei , Mat Hussin Azizah , Soh Yee Chang , Alawad Mawada , bin Kassim Zaid , bin Mohd Ghazali Ahmad Nizal , Stephan Blossom , Allotey Pascale , Reidpath Daniel D , Robinson Louise , Siervo Mario 
Published: August 2020

IntroductionGlobal population ageing is one of the key factors linked to the projected rise of dementia incidence. Hence, there is a clear need to identify strategies to overcome this expected health burden and have a meaningful impact on populations’ health worldwide. Current evidence supports the role of modifiable dietary and lifestyle risk factors in reducing the risk of dementia. In South-East Asia, changes in eating and lifestyle patterns under the influence of westernised habits have resulted in significant increases in the prevalence of metabolic, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Low vegetable consumption and high sodium intake have been identified as key contributors to the increased prevalence of NCDs in these countries. Therefore, nutritional and lifestyle strategies targeting these dietary risk factors are warranted. The overall objective of this randomised feasibility trial is to demonstrate the acceptability of a dietary intervention to increase the consumption of high-nitrate green leafy vegetables and reduce salt intake over 6 months among Malaysian adults with raised blood pressure.Methods and analysisPrimary outcomes focus on feasibility measures of recruitment, retention, implementation and acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes will include blood pressure, cognitive function, body composition and physical function (including muscle strength and gait speed). Adherence to the dietary intervention will be assessed through collection of biological samples, 24-hour recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire. A subgroup of participants will also complete postintervention focus groups to further explore the feasibility considerations of executing a larger trial, the ability of these individuals to make dietary changes and the barriers and facilitators associated with implementing these changes.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee and Medical Research and Ethics Committee of Malaysia. Results of the study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences.ISRCTN47562685; Pre-results.