bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain regions associated with periodic leg movements during sleep in restless legs syndrome
Authors: Kim Tae-Joon , Cha Kwang Su , Lee Sanghun , Yang Tae-Won , Kim Keun Tae , Park Byeong-Su , Jun Jin-Sun , Lim Jung-Ah , Byun Jung-Ick , Sunwoo Jun-Sang , Shin Jung-Won , Kim Kyung Hwan , Lee Sang Kun , Jung Ki-Young 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe neural substrates related to periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) remain uncertain, and the specific brain regions involved in PLMS have not been evaluated. We investigated the brain regions associated with PLMS and their severity using the electroencephalographic (EEG) source localization method. Polysomnographic data, including electromyographic, electrocardiographic, and 19-channel EEG signals, of 15 patients with restless legs syndrome were analyzed. We first identified the source locations of delta-band (2–4 Hz) spectral power prior to the onset of PLMS using a standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography method. Next, correlation analysis was conducted between current densities and PLMS index. Delta power initially and most prominently increased before leg movement (LM) onset in the PLMS series. Sources of delta power at −4~−3 seconds were located in the right pericentral, bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal, and cingulate regions. PLMS index was correlated with current densities at the right inferior parietal, temporoparietal junction, and middle frontal regions. In conclusion, our results suggest that the brain regions activated before periodic LM onset or associated with their severity are the large-scale motor network and provide insight into the cortical contribution of PLMS pathomechanism.
Evaluation of macular thickness and volume tested by optical coherence tomography as biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease in a memory clinic
Authors: Sánchez Domingo , Castilla-Marti Miguel , Marquié Marta , Valero Sergi , Moreno-Grau Sonia , Rodríguez-Gómez Octavio , Piferrer Albert , Martínez Gabriel , Martínez Joan , Rojas Itziar De , Hernández Isabel , Abdelnour Carla , Rosende-Roca Maitée , Vargas Liliana , Mauleón Ana , Gil Silvia , Alegret Montserrat , Ortega Gemma , Espinosa Ana , Pérez-Cordón Alba , Sanabria Ángela , Roberto Natalia , Ciudin Andreea , Simó Rafael , Hernández Cristina , Tárraga Lluís , Boada Mercè , Ruiz Agustín 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBuilding on previous studies that report thinning of the macula in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for AD. However, other studies contradict these results. A total of 930 participants (414 cognitively healthy people, 192 with probable amnestic MCI, and 324 probable AD patients) from a memory clinic were consecutively included in this study and underwent a spectral domain OCT scan (Maestro, Topcon) to assess total macular volume and thickness. Macular width measurements were also taken in several subregions (central, inner, and outer rings) and in layers such as the retinal nerve fiber (RNFL) and ganglion cell (CGL). The study employed a design of high ecological validity, with adjustment by age, education, sex, and OCT image quality. AD, MCI, and control groups did not significantly vary with regard to volume and retinal thickness in different layers. When these groups were compared, multivariate-adjusted analysis disclosed no significant differences in total (p = 0.564), CGL (p = 0.267), RNFL (p = 0.574), and macular thickness and volume (p = 0.380). The only macular regions showing significant differences were the superior (p = 0.040) and nasal (p = 0.040) sectors of the inner macular ring. However, adjustment for multiple comparisons nullified this significance. These results are not supporting existing claims for the usefulness of macular thickness as a biomarker of cognitive impairment in a memory unit. OCT biomarkers for AD should be subject to further longitudinal testing.
Dietary supplemental plant oils reduce methanogenesis from anaerobic microbial fermentation in the rumen
Authors: Vargas Julio Ernesto , Andrés Sonia , López-Ferreras Lorena , Snelling Timothy J. , Yáñez-Ruíz David R. , García-Estrada Carlos , López Secundino 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRuminants contribute to the emissions of greenhouse gases, in particular methane, due to the microbial anaerobic fermentation of feed in the rumen. The rumen simulation technique was used to investigate the effects of the addition of different supplemental plant oils to a high concentrate diet on ruminal fermentation and microbial community composition. The control (CTR) diet was a high-concentrate total mixed ration with no supplemental oil. The other experimental diets were supplemented with olive (OLV), sunflower (SFL) or linseed (LNS) oils at 6%. Rumen digesta was used to inoculate the fermenters, and four fermentation units were used per treatment. Fermentation end-products, extent of feed degradation and composition of the microbial community (qPCR) in digesta were determined. Compared with the CTR diet, the addition of plant oils had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on ruminal pH, substrate degradation, total volatile fatty acids or microbial protein synthesis. Gas production from the fermentation of starch or cellulose were decreased by oil supplementation. Methane production was reduced by 21–28% (P < 0.001), propionate production was increased (P < 0.01), and butyrate and ammonia outputs and the acetate to propionate ratio were decreased (P < 0.001) with oil-supplemented diets. Addition of 6% OLV and LNS reduced (P < 0.05) copy numbers of total bacteria relative to the control. In conclusion, the supplementation of ruminant diets with plant oils, in particular from sunflower or linseed, causes some favorable effects on the fermentation processes. The addition of vegetable oils to ruminant mixed rations will reduce methane production increasing the formation of propionic acid without affecting the digestion of feed in the rumen. Adding vegetable fats to ruminant diets seems to be a suitable approach to decrease methane emissions, a relevant cleaner effect that may contribute to alleviate the environmental impact of ruminant production.
Effects of sea ice on growth rates of an endangered population of gray whales
Authors: Gailey G. , Sychenko O. , Tyurneva O. , Yakovlev Y. , Vertyankin V. , van der Wolf P. , Drozdov K. , Zhmaev I. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe western gray whale population is endangered with approximately 175 individuals and 33 known reproductive females. Photo-identification studies were conducted from 2002–2017 during the gray whale foraging season off northeastern Sakhalin Island, Russia. Despite abundant prey resources, significant variation in whales’ body condition, inter-birth intervals and calf survival have been documented with limited understanding of factors that account for the observed variability. We examine sea ice concentrations at their known foraging grounds to define the maximum duration of a “foraging season”. We explore the relationship between foraging season length during a female’s pregnancy and post-weaning calf survival and reproduction. Approximately 77% of the variation in calf survival, which ranged annually from 10–80%, was associated with the duration of the feeding season while the mother was pregnant. Poor body conditions and prolonged inter-birth intervals of western gray whales have also been documented to coincide with shorter duration in feeding seasons found in this study. These results imply that shorter foraging seasons are associated with reduced energy intake by physically limiting the number of days gray whales can forage, and thus sea ice conditions may be one limiting factor affecting growth rates of this endangered population of baleen whales.
An RNAi supplemented diet as a reverse genetics tool to control bluegreen aphid, a major pest of legumes
Authors: Jacques Silke , Reidy-Crofts Jenny , Sperschneider Jana , Kamphuis Lars G. , Gao Ling-Ling , Edwards Owain R. , Singh Karam B. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAphids are important agricultural pests causing major yield losses worldwide. Since aphids can rapidly develop resistance to chemical insecticides there is an urgent need to find alternative aphid pest management strategies. Despite the economic importance of bluegreen aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi), very few genetic resources are available to expand our current understanding and help find viable control solutions. An artificial diet is a desirable non-invasive tool to enable the functional characterisation of genes in bluegreen aphid and discover candidate target genes for future use in RNA interference (RNAi) mediated crop protection against aphids. To date no artificial diet has been developed for bluegreen aphid, so we set out to develop a suitable diet by testing and optimising existing diets. Here, we describe an artificial diet for rearing bluegreen aphid and also provide a proof of concept for the supplementation of the diet with RNAi molecules targeting the salivary gland transcript C002 and gap gene hunchback, resulting in bluegreen aphid mortality which has not yet been documented in this species. Managing this pest, for example via RNAi delivery through artificial feeding will be a major improvement to test bluegreen aphid candidate target genes for future pest control and gain significant insights into bluegreen aphid gene function.
Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors induce autophagy and have a protective effect in an in-vitro ischaemia model
Authors: Singh Ayesha , Wilson James W. , Schofield Christopher J. , Chen Ruoli 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study compared effects of five hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylases (PHD) inhibitors on PC12 cells and primary rat neurons following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). At 100 µM, the PHD inhibitors did not cause cytotoxicity and apoptosis. MTT activity was only significantly reduced by FG4592 or Bayer 85–3934 in PC12 cells. The PHD inhibitors at 100 µM significantly increased the LC3-II/LC3-I expression ratio and downregulated p62 in PC12 cells, so did FG4592 (30 µM) and DMOG (100 µM) in neurons. HIF-1α was stabilised in PC12 cells by all the PHD inhibitors at 100 µM except for DMOG, which stabilised HIF-1α at 1 and 2 mM. In primary neurons, HIF-1α was stabilised by FG4592 (30 µM) and DMOG (100 µM). Pretreatment with the PHD inhibitors 24 hours followed by 24 hour reoxygenation prior to 6 hours OGD (0.3% O2) significantly reduced LDH release and increased MTT activity compared to vehicle (1% DMSO) pretreatment. In conclusion, the PHD inhibitors stabilise HIF-1α in normoxia, induce autophagy, and protect cells from a subsequent OGD insult. The new class of PHD inhibitors (FG4592, FG2216, GSK1278863, Bay85-3934) have the higher potency than DMOG. The interplay between autophagy, HIF stabilisation and neuroprotection in ischaemic stroke merits further investigation.
Electro-Haptic Enhancement of Spatial Hearing in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Fletcher Mark D. , Cunningham Robyn O. , Mills Sean R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCochlear implants (CIs) have enabled hundreds of thousands of profoundly hearing-impaired people to perceive sounds by electrically stimulating the auditory nerve. However, CI users are often very poor at locating sounds, which leads to impaired sound segregation and threat detection. We provided missing spatial hearing cues through haptic stimulation to augment the electrical CI signal. We found that this “electro-haptic” stimulation dramatically improved sound localisation. Furthermore, participants were able to effectively integrate spatial information transmitted through these two senses, performing better with combined audio and haptic stimulation than with either alone. Our haptic signal was presented to the wrists and could readily be delivered by a low-cost wearable device. This approach could provide a non-invasive means of improving outcomes for the vast majority of CI users who have only one implant, without the expense and risk of a second implantation.
Fibrous configuration of the fascia iliaca compartment: An epoxy sheet plastination and confocal microscopy study
Authors: Xu Zhaoyang , Mei Bin , Liu Ming , Tu Lili , Zhang Han , Zhang Ming 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and Objectives: The underlying anatomical mechanism of the ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment (FIC) block for anaesthesia and analgesia in the lower limb has not been illuminated and numerous variations were attempted to achieve an optimal needle placement. This study aimed to define the fibrous configuration of the FIC. Methods: A total of 46 adult cadavers were studied using dissection, latex injection, epoxy sheet plastination and confocal microscopy. Results: (1) The fascia iliaca originated from the peripheral fascicular aponeurotic sheet of the iliopsoas. (2) The FIC was a funnel-shaped adipose space between the fascia iliaca and the epimysium of the iliopsoas, had a superior and an inferior opening and contained the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves but not obturator nerve. (3) The estimated volume of the FIC in the cadavers was about 23 mls, of which about one third was below the level of the anterior superior iliac spine. Conclusions: This study revealed that the fascia iliaca was aponeurotic and may be less permeable for the local anesthetics. Conclusions: The FIC contained only the femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves and communicated with the extraperitoneal space and femoral triangle adipose space via its superior and inferior opening, respectively.
Parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTHR1) is a prognostic indicator in canine osteosarcoma
Authors: Al-Khan Awf A. , Nimmo Judith S. , Tayebi Mourad , Ryan Stewart D. , Simcock James O. , Tarzi Raboola , Kuntz Charles A. , Saad Eman S. , Day Michael J. , Richardson Samantha J. , Danks Janine A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractOsteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant primary bone tumour in humans and dogs. Several studies have established the vital role of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and its receptor (PTHR1) in bone formation and remodeling. In addition, these molecules play a role in the progression and metastasis of many human tumour types. This study investigated the expression of PTHR1 and PTHrP in canine OS tissues and assessed their prognostic value. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 50 dogs diagnosed with primary OS were immunolabeled with antibodies specific for PTHR1 and PTHrP. The immunostaining intensity of tumours from patients with OS was correlated with survival time. Both PTHR1 and PTHrP were detected in all OS samples (n = 50). Dogs with OS tumours showing high immunostaining intensity for PTHR1 (n = 36) had significantly shorter survival times (p = 0.028, Log Rank; p = 0.04, Cox regression) when compared with OS that had low immunostaining intensity for PTHR1 (n = 14).PTHrP immunostaining intensity did not correlate with survival time (p > 0.05). The results of this study indicate that increased expression of PTHR1 antigen in canine OS is associated with poor prognosis. This suggests that PTHR1 may be useful as a prognostic indicator in canine OS.
Performance comparison of next generation sequencing analysis pipelines for HIV-1 drug resistance testing
Authors: Lee Emma R. , Parkin Neil , Jennings Cheryl , Brumme Chanson J. , Enns Eric , Casadellà Maria , Howison Mark , Coetzer Mia , Avila-Rios Santiago , Capina Rupert , Marinier Eric , Van Domselaar Gary , Noguera-Julian Marc , Kirkby Don , Knaggs Jeff , Harrigan Richard , Quiñones-Mateu Miguel , Paredes Roger , Kantor Rami , Sandstrom Paul , Ji Hezhao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNext generation sequencing (NGS) is a trending new standard for genotypic HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) testing. Many NGS HIVDR data analysis pipelines have been independently developed, each with variable outputs and data management protocols. Standardization of such analytical methods and comparison of available pipelines are lacking, yet may impact subsequent HIVDR interpretation and other downstream applications. Here we compared the performance of five NGS HIVDR pipelines using proficiency panel samples from NIAID Virology Quality Assurance (VQA) program. Ten VQA panel specimens were genotyped by each of six international laboratories using their own in-house NGS assays. Raw NGS data were then processed using each of the five different pipelines including HyDRA, MiCall, PASeq, Hivmmer and DEEPGEN. All pipelines detected amino acid variants (AAVs) at full range of frequencies (1~100%) and demonstrated good linearity as compared to the reference frequency values. While the sensitivity in detecting low abundance AAVs, with frequencies between 1~20%, is less a concern for all pipelines, their specificity dramatically decreased at AAV frequencies <2%, suggesting that 2% threshold may be a more reliable reporting threshold for ensured specificity in AAV calling and reporting. More variations were observed among the pipelines when low abundance AAVs are concerned, likely due to differences in their NGS read quality control strategies. Findings from this study highlight the need for standardized strategies for NGS HIVDR data analysis, especially for the detection of minority HIVDR variants.
From physical to social interactions: The relative entropy model
Authors: Neuman Yair , Vilenchik Dan , Cohen Yochai 
Published: January 2020

AbstractComplex social systems at various scales of analysis (e.g. dyads, families, tribes, etc.) are formed and maintained through verbal interactions. Therefore, the ability to (1) model these interactions and (2) to use models of interaction for identifying significant relations may be of interest to the social sciences. Adopting the perspective of social physics, we present a general approach for modeling interactions through relative entropy. For illustrating the benefits of the approach, we derive measures of “perspective-taking” and use them for identifying significant-romantic relations in a data set composed of the verbal interactions taken place at the famous TV series “Sex and the City”. Using these measures, we show that significant-romantic relations can be identified with success. These results provide preliminary support for the benefits of using the proposed approach.
Effectiveness of intraoperative intraocular lens use on improving surgical safety for dense cataract phacoemulsification: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zeng Mingbing , Wang Rong , Cheng Bing , Yang Chengwu , Chen Yunxin , Liu Xialin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe designed this study to assess if surgical safety can be improved by intraoperative use of intraocular lens (IOL) for cataract phacoemulsification. We performed phacoemulsification cataract removal on 401 patients. We randomly assigned these patients into three groups: the standard setting (Group I, n = 134), with reduced vacuum and flow rate (Group II, n = 137), and with IOL insertion before the last quadrant was emulsified with standard setting (Group III, n = 130). The primary outcomes included the risk of posterior capsular rupture (PCR), ultrasound time, energy, and complications. The secondary outcomes included central corneal thickness (CCT), CCT changes, endothelial cells (ETC) counting, ETC loss, and the best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) measured on day 1, day 7 and day 30. If PCR occurred, we emulsified the residual lens materials after insertion of IOL and clean of the prolapsed vitreous. We found that the risk of PCR in Group III (0/130) was lower than Group I (9/134, corrected relative risk (RR) = 18.44, 95% CI: 1.08–313.56) and Group II (3/137, corrected RR = 6.64, 95% CI: 0.35–27.41). Group III showed better BCVA on day 1 and 7, less ECC loss on day 7 and 30, and less CCT increase on day 1 and 7. No cases converted to extracapsular cataract extraction. No residual lens materials misdirected into vitreous cavity. Intraoperative use of IOL can improve surgical safety for dense cataract phacoemulsification.
Plasma-activated medium promotes autophagic cell death along with alteration of the mTOR pathway
Authors: Yoshikawa Nobuhisa , Liu Wenting , Nakamura Kae , Yoshida Kosuke , Ikeda Yoshiki , Tanaka Hiromasa , Mizuno Masaaki , Toyokuni Shinya , Hori Masaru , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Kajiyama Hiroaki 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe biological function of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma has been widely accepted in several types of cancer. We previously developed plasma-activated medium (PAM) for clinical use, and demonstrated that PAM exhibits a metastasis-inhibitory effect on ovarian cancer through reduced MMP-9 secretion. However, the anti-tumor effects of PAM on endometrial cancer remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of PAM on endometrial cancer cell viability in vitro. Our results demonstrated that AMEC and HEC50 cell viabilities were reduced by PAM at a certain PAM ratio, and PAM treatment effectively increased autophagic cell death in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, we evaluated the molecular mechanism of PAM activity and found that the mTOR pathway was inactivated by PAM. Moreover, our results demonstrated that the autophagy inhibitor MHY1485 partially inhibited the autophagic cell death induced by PAM treatment. These findings indicate that PAM decreases the viability of endometrial cancer cells along with alteration of the mTOR pathway, which is critical for cancer cell viability. Collectively, our data suggest that PAM inhibits cell viability while inducing autophagic cell death in endometrial cancer cells, representing a potential novel treatment for endometrial cancer.
Effect of puerarin on action potential and sodium channel activation in human hypertrophic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Lin Yu-hui , Ni Xiao-Bin , Zhang Jian-wu , Ou Cai-wen , He Xiao-qing , Dai Wen-jun , Chen Xi-ming , Chen Min-sheng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective: To study the effect of puerarin on electrophysiology using a hypertrophic cardiomyocyte (HC) model.
Materials and methods: Human urine epithelial cells were used to generate the HC model (hiPSC-CM). Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was induced by applying 10 nM endothelin-1 (ET-1). Effects of puerarin pre-treatment (PPr) and post-treatment (PPo) on action potential, sodium current (INa) activation and inactivation, and recovery following INa inactivation were tested using patch clamp electrophysiology.
Results: Depolarization to repolarization 50% time (APD50) and repolarization 30% time (APD30) were significantly prolonged in the PPo and PPr groups compared with the controls. However, there were no significant differences in the action potential depolarization amplitude (APA) or the maximum depolarization velocity (Vmax) in phase 0. The PPr group had a slightly shortened APD90, and an extended APD50 and APD30, but did not exhibit any significant changes in stage A of APA and Vmax. The PPo group did not exhibit any significant changes in INa, while 12 h of PPr improved INa. However, puerarin did not significantly affect the activation, inactivation, or recovery of the sodium channel.
Conclusions: Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy significantly decreased the Vmax of the action potential and the peak density of INa. PPr inhibited the decrease in Vmax and increased the peak density of INa. Thus, puerarin could be used to stabilize the electrophysiological properties of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes and reduce arrhythmias.