bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypomania and saccadic changes in Parkinson’s disease: influence of D2 and D3 dopaminergic signalling
Authors: Pelzer Esther A. , Dillenburger Barbara , Grundmann Sophie , Iliaev Vladimir , Aschenberg Sophie , Melzer Corina , Hess Martin , Fink Gereon R. , Eggers Carsten , Tittgemeyer Marc , Timmermann Lars 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn order to understand the influence of two dopaminergic signalling pathways, TaqIA rs1800497 (influencing striatal D2 receptor density) and Ser9Gly rs6280 (influencing the striatal D3 dopamine-binding affinity), on saccade generation and psychiatric comorbidities in Parkinson’s disease, this study aimed to investigate the association of saccadic performance in hypomanic or impulsive behaviour in parkinsonian patients; besides we questioned whether variants of D2 (A1+/A1−) and D3 (B1+/B1−) receptor polymorphism influence saccadic parameters differently, and if clinical parameters or brain connectivity changes modulate this association in the nigro-caudatal and nigro-collicular tract. Initially, patients and controls were compared regarding saccadic performance and differed in the parameter duration in memory-guided saccades (MGS) and visually guided saccades (VGS) trials (p < 0.0001) and in the MGS trial (p < 0.03). We were able to find associations between hypomanic behaviour (HPS) and saccade parameters (duration, latency, gain and amplitude) for both conditions [MGS (p = 0.036); VGS (p = 0.033)], but not for impulsive behaviour. For the A1 variant duration was significantly associated with HPS [VGS (p = 0.024); MGS (p = 0.033)]. In patients with the B1 variant, HPS scores were more consistently associated with duration [VGS (p = 0.005); MGS (p = 0.015), latency [VGS (p = 0.022)]] and amplitude [MGS (p = 0.006); VGS (p = 0.005)]. The mediation analysis only revealed a significant indirect effect for amplitude in the MGS modality for the variable UPDRS-ON (p < 0.05). All other clinical scales and brain connectivity parameters were not associated with behavioural traits. Collectively, our findings stress the role of striatal D2 and D3 signalling mechanisms in saccade generation and suggest that saccadic performance is associated with the clinical psychiatric state in Parkinson’s disease.
An artificial habitat increases the reproductive fitness of a range-shifting species within a newly colonized ecosystem
Authors: Cannizzo Zachary J. , Lang Susan Q. , Benitez-Nelson Bryan , Griffen Blaine D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWhen a range-shifting species colonizes an ecosystem it has not previously inhabited, it may experience suboptimal conditions that challenge its continued persistence and expansion. Some impacts may be partially mitigated by artificial habitat analogues: artificial habitats that more closely resemble a species’ historic ecosystem than the surrounding habitat. If conditions provided by such habitats increase reproductive success, they could be vital to the expansion and persistence of range-shifting species. We investigated the reproduction of the mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii in its historic mangrove habitat, the suboptimal colonized salt marsh ecosystem, and on docks within the marsh, an artificial mangrove analogue. Crabs were assessed for offspring production and quality, as well as measures of maternal investment and egg quality. Aratus pisonii found on docks produced more eggs, more eggs per unit energy investment, and higher quality larvae than conspecifics in the surrounding salt marsh. Yet, crabs in the mangrove produced the highest quality larvae. Egg lipids suggest these different reproductive outcomes result from disparities in the quality of diet-driven maternal investments, particularly key fatty acids. This study suggests habitat analogues may increase the reproductive fitness of range-shifting species allowing more rapid expansion into, and better persistence in, colonized ecosystems.
Validation of a new predictive model to improve risk stratification in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Nino Gustavo , Mansoor Awais , Perez Geovanny F. , Arroyo Maria , Xuchen Xilei , Weinstock Jered , Kyle Salka  , Said Mariam , Acuña-Cordero Ranniery , Sossa-Briceño Monica P. , Rodríguez-Martínez Carlos E. , Linguraru Marius 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe need a better risk stratification system for the increasing number of survivors of extreme prematurity suffering the most severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, there is still a paucity of studies providing scientific evidence to guide future updates of BPD severity definitions. Our goal was to validate a new predictive model for BPD severity that incorporates respiratory assessments beyond 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). We hypothesized that this approach improves BPD risk assessment, particularly in extremely premature infants. This is a longitudinal cohort of premature infants (≤32 weeks PMA, n = 188; Washington D.C). We performed receiver operating characteristic analysis to define optimal BPD severity levels using the duration of supplementary O2 as predictor and respiratory hospitalization after discharge as outcome. Internal validation included lung X-ray imaging and phenotypical characterization of BPD severity levels. External validation was conducted in an independent longitudinal cohort of premature infants (≤36 weeks PMA, n = 130; Bogota). We found that incorporating the total number of days requiring O2 (without restricting at 36 weeks PMA) improved the prediction of respiratory outcomes according to BPD severity. In addition, we defined a new severity category (level IV) with prolonged exposure to supplemental O2 (≥120 days) that has the highest risk of respiratory hospitalizations after discharge. We confirmed these findings in our validation cohort using ambulatory determination of O2 requirements. In conclusion, a new predictive model for BPD severity that incorporates respiratory assessments beyond 36 weeks improves risk stratification and should be considered when updating current BPD severity definitions.
On interevent time distributions of avalanche dynamics
Authors: Kumar Pinaki , Korkolis Evangelos , Benzi Roberto , Denisov Dmitry , Niemeijer André , Schall Peter , Toschi Federico , Trampert Jeannot 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPhysical systems characterized by stick-slip dynamics often display avalanches. Regardless of the diversity of their microscopic structure, these systems are governed by a power-law distribution of avalanche size and duration. Here we focus on the interevent times between avalanches and show that, unlike their distributions of size and duration, the interevent time distributions are able to distinguish different mechanical states of the system. We use experiments on granular systems and numerical simulations of emulsions to show that systems having the same probability distribution for avalanche size and duration can have different interevent time distributions. Remarkably, these interevent time distributions look similar to those for earthquakes and, if different from an exponential, are indirect evidence of non trivial space-time correlations among avalanches. Our results therefore indicate that interevent time statistics are essential to characterise the dynamics of avalanches.
Impact of succussion on pharmaceutical preparations analyzed by means of patterns from evaporated droplets
Authors: Kokornaczyk Maria Olga , Würtenberger Sandra , Baumgartner Stephan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate if patterns obtained from evaporating droplets of pharmaceutical preparations reveal the impact of succussion on such medicinal products. For this purpose, five pharmaceutical preparations (Echinacea 10−2, Baptisia 10−3, Baptisia 10−4, Luffa 10−4, and Spongia 10−6) were prepared according to the European Pharmacopoeia guidelines for the production of homeopathic remedies, in three variants each: with varying numbers of succussion strokes (i) 100, (ii) 10 (succussed samples), and (iii) zero (gently mixed, unsuccussed sample). System stability was studied by means of systematic positive control experiments. Patterns were evaluated by means of computerized image analysis regarding grey level distribution, texture, and fractality. For all investigated pharmaceutical preparations, significant differences were found between the succussed and gently mixed samples; whereas, all three samples (prepared with 100, 10 and zero succussion strokes) could be significantly differentiated for Luffa 10−4 and Spongia 10−6 for one image evaluation parameter each. Control experiments showed a reasonable stability of the experimental set-up.
Expression Analysis, Functional Marker Development and Verification of AgFNSI in Celery
Authors: Yan Jun , He Lizhong , Xu Shuang , Wan Yanhui , Wang Hong , Wang Ying , Yu Li , Zhu Weimin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractApigenin is one of the primary flavonoids in celery, which has a high medicinal value. Flavone synthase I (FNSI) is the last step enzyme in apigenin biosynthesis. In this study, the 1492 bp promoter sequence before AgFNSI initiation codon (ATG) of celery was obtained, which included methyl jasmonate (MeJA) responsive elements, light responsive elements, anaerobic induction elements and five MYB binding sites. AgFNSI was sensitive to temperature, UV-B, water deficit and MeJA. Comparative analysis of AgFNSI genome and promoter sequences among celery accessions with different apigenin content showed that there were four allelic variations in AgFNSI, and four accessions with high apigenin content belonged to AgFNSIa, and five accessions with low apigenin content belonged to AgFNSIc. Three pairs of dominant complementary markers were designed based on the single-nucleotile polymorphisms (SNPs) of the AgFNSIa and AgFNSIc genomes and promoter sequences. Three pairs of functional markers were validated by 112 celery accessions. The results showed that AFPA1/AFPB1 detected significant differences in apigenin content between different genotypes. Therefore, marker AFPA1/AFPB1 is associated with apigenin content in celery and could be used for the genetic improvement of apigenin content in celery.
Optical absorption microscopy of localized atoms at microwave domain: two-dimensional localization based on the projection of three-dimensional localization
Authors: Dutta Bibhas Kumar , Panchadhyayee Pradipta , Bayal Indranil , Das Nityananda , Mahapatra Prasanta Kumar 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA new approach for achieving two–dimensional(2D)atom localization microscopy based on the projection of three–dimensional(3D)localization in the plane of the detectoris described in the present work. Spatial variation of the position-dependent 2D-localization pattern in thexy-plane is obtained with the shifting of the position of the detector along the z-axis under the parallel- and cross- axis configurations of the standing-wave fields. An attempt is made to study the 2D-localization characteristics in the specific parametric conditions for which the localization structures evolve with different shapes eventually leading to 100% detection probability of the atom both in the sub-wavelength and sub-half-wavelength regimes. The scope of tuning the cross-axis configuration over a wide range adds novelty and robustness to this model. Apart from the 2D-localization, various localization patterns with eight- to single-peak structures appear as interesting outcomes through the efficient manipulation of control parameters in the study of one-dimensional (1D) atom localization. The application of the traveling-wave field or its equivalent appears to be unique in achieving high-precision localization with maximal probability (100%) in both the 1D and 2D field-configuration schemes. Proper tuning of the traveling wave accompanied by the standing wave in the 1D scheme results in the single-peak localization in the sub-half-wavelength range. As a whole, the present work seems to be very much efficient for high-precision optical lithography.
Competing Risk Analyses of Medullary Carcinoma of Breast in Comparison to Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Dongjun , Shi Rongkai , Wang Zhuo , Zhong Yiming , Shin Vivian Y. , Jin Hongchuan , Wang Xian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of current study was to use competing risk model to assess whether medullary carcinoma of the breast (MCB) has a better prognosis than invasive ductal carcinomas of breast cancer (IDC), and to build a competing risk nomogram for predicting the risk of death of MCB. We involved 3,580 MCB patients and 319,566 IDC patients from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. IDC was found to have a worse BCSS than MCB (Hazard ratio (HR) > 1, p < 0.001). The 5-year cumulative incidences of death (CID) was higher in IDC than MCB (p < 0.001). Larger tumor size, increasing number of positive lymph nodes and unmarried status were found to worsen the BCSS of MCB (HR > 1, p < 0.001). We found no association between ER, PR, radiotherapy or chemotherapy and MCB prognosis (p > 0.05). After a penalized variable selection process, the SH model-based nomogram showed moderate accuracy of prediction by internal validation of discrimination and calibration with 1,000 bootstraps. In summary, MCB patients had a better prognosis than IDC patients. Interestingly, unmarried status in addition to expected risk factors such as larger tumor size and increasing number of positive lymph nodes were found to worsen the BCSS of MCB. We also established a competing risk nomogram as an easy-to-use tool for prognostic estimation of MCB patients.
Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A Clinical and CMR Study
Authors: He Jian , Xu Jing , Li Guozhong , Zhou Di , Li Shuang , Zhuang Baiyan , Chen Xiuyu , Duan Xuejin , Li Li , Fan Xiaohan , Huang Jinghan , Yin Gang , Jiang Yong , Wang Yang , Zhao Shihua , Lu Minjie 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe clinical features, CMR characteristics and outcomes of arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC), which is a very rare nonischemic cardiomyopathy, are currently not well studied. The purpose of the study is to investigate the clinical and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging characteristics of arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC). Fifty-three consecutive patients with ALVC were divided into two groups: ALVC patients without right ventricular (RV) involvement (n = 36, group 1) and those with RV involvement (n = 17, group 2). Clinical symptoms, cardiac electrophysiological findings, and CMR parameters (morphology, ventricular function, and myocardial fibrosis and fatty infiltration) were evaluated in both groups. The two groups showed no significant difference in age, gender, or presenting symptoms (P > 0.05). Right bundle branch block ventricular arrhythmia was less common in patients without RV involvement (50.0% vs.64.7%, P = 0.031). There were no significant differences in left ventricular function between the two groups, however right ventricular ejection fraction was significantly lower in group 2 (40.1 ± 4.0% vs. 48.7 ± 3.9%, P < 0.001). Inverse correlations of left ventricular ejection fraction with fat volume (r = −0.883, p = 0.001), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) volume (r = −0.892, 0.013), ratio of fat/LGE (r = −0.848, p < 0.001), indexed left ventricular end diastolic volume (r = −0.877, p < 0.001) and indexed left ventricular end systolic volume (r = −0.943, p < 0.001) were all significant. ALVC is a rare disease with fibro-fatty replacement predominantly in the left ventricle, impaired left ventricular systolic function, and ventricular arrhythmias originating from the left ventricle. ALVC with right ventricular involvement may have a worse prognosis.
Anaphylaxis induced by Thalassophryne nattereri venom in mice is an IgE/IgG1-mediated, IL-4-dependent phenomenon
Authors: Bruni Fernanda Miriane , Coutinho Erica Maria Martins , Andrade-Barros Aline Ingrid , Grund Lidiane Zito , Lopes-Ferreira Monica , Lima Carla 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe hypothesized that beyond theThalassophryne nattererivenoms ability to induce in mice a strong specific-Th2 response with high levels of specific IgE/IgG1, it would be able to trigger anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. To investigate whether the venom is capable of inducing an allergic reaction in mice and characterize soluble and cellular mediators involved in this process, BALB/c female mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with decreasing-dose of venom at weekly intervals for 4 weeks and challenged by intraperitoneal, oral or epicutaneous routes with venom 2 weeks later. Our data show that sensitized-mice challenged by all routes showed intense symptoms of anaphylaxis, dependent on the anaphylactic IgG1 and IgE antibodies and mast cells. The late-phase reaction developed after initial symptoms was characterized by the influx of eosinophils, dependent on IL-5, IL-17A and eotaxin produced by Th2 cells in inflamed lungs and skin draining lymph-nodes. Using C57BL/6 deficient mice we demonstrated that IL-4KOmice failed to develop anaphylactic symptoms or local Th2 inflammation, producing low levels of IgG1 and increased levels of IgG2a. Together our results demonstrated that the venom ofT. nattererihas allergenic proteins that can trigger an allergic process, a phenomenon IgE-IgG1 dependent, IL-4-mediated and negatively regulated by IFN-γ.
Development and application of two novel monoclonal antibodies against overexpressed CD26 and integrin α3 in human pancreatic cancer
Authors: Arias-Pinilla Gustavo A. , Dalgleish Angus G. , Mudan Satvinder , Bagwan Izhar , Walker Anthony J. , Modjtahedi Helmout 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMonoclonal antibody (mAb) technology is an excellent tool for the discovery of overexpressed cell surface tumour antigens and the development of targeting agents. Here, we report the development of two novel mAbs against CFPAC-1 human pancreatic cancer cells. Using ELISA, flow cytometry, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, we found that the target antigens recognised by the two novel mAbs KU44.22B and KU44.13A, are integrin α3 and CD26 respectively, with high levels of expression in human pancreatic and other cancer cell lines and human pancreatic cancer tissue microarrays. Treatment with naked anti-CD26 mAb KU44.13A did not have any effect on the growth and migration of cancer cells nor did it induce receptor downregulation. In contrast, treatment with anti-integrin α3 mAb KU44.22B inhibited growth in vitro of Capan-2 cells, increased migration of BxPC-3 and CFPAC-1 cells and induced antibody internalisation. Both novel mAbs are capable of detecting their target antigens by immunohistochemistry but not by Western blot. These antibodies are excellent tools for studying the role of integrin α3 and CD26 in the complex biology of pancreatic cancer, their prognostic and predictive values and the therapeutic potential of their humanised and/or conjugated versions in patients whose tumours overexpress integrin α3 or CD26.
Background calcium induced by subthreshold depolarization modifies homosynaptic facilitation at a synapse in Aplysia
Authors: Ludwar Bjoern Ch. , Weiss Klaudiusz R. , Cropper Elizabeth C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSome synapses show two forms of short-term plasticity, homosynaptic facilitation, and a plasticity in which the efficacy of transmission is modified by subthreshold changes in the holding potential of the presynaptic neuron. In a previous study we demonstrated a further interactive effect. We showed that depolarizing changes in the presynaptic holding potential can increase the rate at which facilitation occurs. These experiments studied synaptic transmission between an Aplysia sensory neuron (B21) and its postsynaptic follower, the motor neuron (B8). We have also shown that subthreshold depolarizations of B21 produce widespread increases in its [Ca2+]i via activation of a nifedipine-sensitive current. To determine whether it is this change in ‘background’ calcium that modifies synaptic transmission we compared the facilitation observed at the B21-B8 synapse under control conditions to the facilitation observed in nifedipine. Nifedipine had a depressing effect. Other investigators studying facilitation have focused on Cares (i.e., the calcium that remains in a neuron after spiking). Our results indicate that facilitation can also be impacted by calcium channels opened before spiking begins.
Role of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase in long-term synaptic facilitation and enhanced neuronal excitability
Authors: Liu Rong-Yu , Zhang Yili , Smolen Paul , Cleary Leonard J. , Byrne John H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMultiple kinases converge on the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) to enhance the expression of proteins essential for long-term synaptic plasticity and memory. The p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) is one of these kinases, although its role is poorly understood. The present study exploited the technical advantages of the Aplysia sensorimotor culture system to examine the role of RSK in long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF) and long-term enhancement of neuronal excitability (LTEE), two correlates of long-term memory (LTM). Inhibition of RSK expression or RSK activity both significantly reduced CREB1 phosphorylation, LTF, and LTEE, suggesting RSK is required for learning-related synaptic plasticity and enhancement in neuronal excitability. In addition, knock down of RSK by RNAi in Aplysia sensory neurons impairs LTF, suggesting that this may be a useful single-cell system to study aspects of defective synaptic plasticity in Coffin-Lowry Syndrome (CLS), a cognitive disorder that is caused by mutations in rsk2 and associated with deficits in learning and memory. We found that the impairments in LTF and LTEE can be rescued by a computationally designed spaced training protocol, which was previously demonstrated to augment normal LTF and LTM.
Anti-diabetic activity of crude polysaccharide and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide from G. lithophila on Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced in Wistar rats
Authors: Seedevi Palaniappan , Ramu Ganesan Abirami , Moovendhan Meivelu , Mohan K. , Sivasankar Palaniappan , Loganathan Sivakumar , Vairamani Shanmugam , Shanmugam Annaian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to elucidate the anti-diabetic effects of the crude polysaccharide and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide derived from G. lithophila on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Treatment with crude polysaccharide and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide showed increases in body weight and pancreatic insulin levels and a decrease in blood glucose levels compared with control diabetic rats. The blood concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) decreased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased both in the crude polysaccharide- and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide-treated rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels increased, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased in the livers, kidneys and pancreases of crude polysaccharide- and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide-treated rats. Immunohistological examination further confirmed that restoration of the normal cellular size of the islets of Langerhans and the rebirth of β-cells were found to be greater in the body region than in the head and tail regions of the pancreas. The crude polysaccharide- and rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide-treated diabetic rats showed normal blood glucose levels and insulin production, and reversed cholesterol levels and enzymatic actions. Therefore, rhamnose-enriched polysaccharide from G. lithophila acts as a potent anti-diabetic agent to treat diabetes and can lead to the development of an alternative medicine for diabetes in the future.