bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Idiopathic right ventricular arrhythmias requiring additional ablation from the left‐sided outflow tract: ECG characteristics and efficacy of an anatomical approach
Authors: Hisazaki Kaori , Hasegawa Kanae , Kaseno Kenichi , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Aoyama Daisetsu , Mukai Moe , Nodera Minoru , Shiomi Yuichiro , Tama Naoto , Ikeda Hiroyuki , Ishida Kentaro , Uzui Hiroyasu , Tada Hiroshi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroductionDespite the characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) findings of early activation during ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VAs) and/or excellent pacemapping in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), some VAs may require additional, left‐sided ablation for a cure.Methods and ResultsThis study included five patients with idiopathic VAs whose QRS morphologies were highly suggestive of an RVOT origin. The ECG characteristics and intracardiac electrocardiograms during catheter ablation were assessed. In all patients, the clinical VAs had an LBBB QRS morphology and inferior axis with a precordial R/S transition through leads V3–V5, and negative components in lead I. The earliest activation during the VAs (local electrogram‐QRS interval = −34 ± 6.8 ms) and excellent pacemapping were obtained at the posterior portion of the RVOT just beneath the pulmonary valve. However, ablation at those sites failed, and the QRS morphology of the VAs changed. During left‐sided OT mapping, the earliest activation was found at sites just contralateral to the initially ablated sites of the RVOT (junction of the left and right coronary cusps = 2, left coronary cusp = 3). In spite of the late activation time and poor pacemapping scores, catheter ablation at those sites cured the VAs. Those successful sites were also near the transitional zone from the great cardiac vein to the anterior interventricular vein (GCV‐AIV).ConclusionsSome VAs, highly suggestive of having RVOT origins, require catheter ablation in the left‐sided OT near the initially ablated RVOT site. Those VAs have the same ECG characteristics and might have intramural origins in the superobasal LV surrounded by the RVOT, LVOT, and GCV‐AIV.
MeCP2‐421‐mediated RPE epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and its relevance to the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Li Xue , He Shikun , Zhao Mingwei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractProliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a blinding eye disease. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of RPE cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of PVR. In the current study, we sought to investigate the role of the methyl‐CpG‐binding protein 2 (MeCP2), especially P‐MeCP2‐421 in the pathogenesis of PVR. The expressions of P‐MeCP2‐421, P‐MeCP2‐80, PPAR‐γ and the double labelling of P‐MeCP2‐421 with α‐SMA, cytokeratin, TGF‐β and PPAR‐γ in human PVR membranes were analysed by immunohistochemistry. The effect of knocking down MeCP2 using siRNA on the expressions of α‐SMA, phospho‐Smad2/3, collagen I, fibronectin and PPAR‐γ; the expression of α‐SMA stimulated by recombinant MeCP2 in ARPE‐19; and the effect of TGF‐β and 5‐AZA treatment on PPAR‐γ expression were analysed by Western blot. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine the binding of MeCP2 to TGF‐β. Our results showed that P‐MeCP2‐421 was highly expressed in PVR membranes and was double labelled with α‐SMA, cytokeratin and TGF‐β, knocking down MeCP2 inhibited the activation of Smad2/3 and the expression of collagen I and fibronectin induced by TGF‐β. TGF‐β inhibited the expression of PPAR‐γ, silence of MeCP2 by siRNA or using MeCP2 inhibitor (5‐AZA) increased the expression of PPAR‐γ. α‐SMA was up‐regulated by the treatment of recombinant MeCP2. Importantly, we found that MeCP2 bound to TGF‐β as demonstrated by Chip assay. The results suggest that MeCP2 especially P‐MeCP2‐421 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PVR and targeting MeCP2 may be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of PVR.
Intermittent use of biologic agents for the treatment of psoriasis in adults
Authors: Al‐Hammadi A. , Ruszczak Z. , Magariños G. , Chu C.‐Y. , El Dershaby Y. , Tarcha N. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCurrent clinical recommendations suggest that continuous treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis with biologic agents is more effective than intermittent treatment in terms of achieving remission and maintaining it. Intermittent treatment, however, may provide an alternative approach in patients unwilling or unable to maintain a continuous regimen, such as those who would prefer a ‘treatment vacation’ after achieving long‐term remission, those who require treatment cessation owing to adverse events, and where insurance arrangements do not provide sufficient cover for continuous treatment. We conducted a literature search of PubMed to identify publications reporting data on the efficacy and safety of intermittent treatment with biologic agents in adults with psoriasis, specifically the use of inhibitors of tumour necrosis factor (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept and infliximab), interleukin (IL)‐12/IL‐23 (ustekinumab), IL‐23 (guselkumab) and IL‐17 (brodalumab, ixekizumab and secukinumab). From our search, we identified 18 relevant publications reporting the intermittent use of the biologic therapies of interest: five described etanercept, three described adalimumab, two each described infliximab, ixekizumab or ustekinumab, and one each described certolizumab pegol, guselkumab, brodalumab and secukinumab. In general, there were large proportions of patients (≥60%) who were able to re‐establish disease control (as defined by each study) following re‐treatment, and the safety profiles of the various agents during re‐treatment were as anticipated from their profiles observed during continuous dosing. The exception to these general findings was infliximab, which showed the lowest rate of efficacy‐endpoint achievement (25% and 38% in two dosing groups evaluated) as well as a higher incidence of adverse infusion reactions compared with continuous dosing. In conclusion, the use of biologic agents in psoriasis is changing and current clinical data suggest that intermittent treatment may provide an effective and well‐tolerated option for certain patients.
Increasing the interval between repeated anesthetic exposures reduces long‐lasting synaptic changes in late post‐natal mice
Authors: Ju Xianshu , Cui Jianchen , Lee Yulim , Park Sangil , Hong Boohwi , Yoo Sungho , Kim Yoon Hee , Ko Youngkwon , Lim Chaeseong , Lee Sun Yeul , Kweon Gi Ryang , Heo Jun Young , Chung Woosuk 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWhile recent studies strongly suggest that a single, short anesthetic exposure does not affect neurodevelopment, the effects of multiple exposures remain unclear. Unfortunately, studying “multiple exposures” is challenging as it is an extremely heterogeneous descriptor comprising diverse factors. One potentially important, but unrecognized factor is the interval between anesthetic exposures. In order to evaluate the significance of interval, we exposed post‐natal day 16, 17 mice to three sevoflurane exposures (2.5%, 1 hr) with short (2 hr) or long (24 hr) intervals. Changes in synaptic transmission, plasticity, protein expression, and behavior were assessed in male and female mice. We discovered that short‐interval exposures induced a female‐dependent decrease in miniature inhibitory post‐synaptic current (mIPSC) frequency 5 days after the last exposure (control: 18.44 ± 2.86 Hz, sevoflurane:14.65 ± 4.54 Hz). Short‐interval sevoflurane exposed mice also displayed long‐term behavioral deficits at adult age (hypoactivity, anxiety). These behavioral changes were consistent with the sex‐dependent changes in inhibitory transmission, as they were more robust in female mice. Although there was no change in learning and memory, short‐interval sevoflurane exposures also impaired LTP in a non‐sex‐dependent manner (control: 171.10 ± 26.90%, sevoflurane: 149.80 ± 26.48 %). Most importantly, we were unable to find long‐lasting consequences in mice that received long‐interval sevoflurane exposures. Our study provides novel insights regarding the significance of the interval between multiple exposures, and also suggests that the neurotoxic effects of multiple anesthetic exposures may be reduced by simply increasing the interval between each exposure.
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FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES, INCOME INEQUALITY, AND POVERTY: EVIDENCE FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Couharde Cecile , Mouhoud Sara 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe past two decades have witnessed widespread attempts to reform fossil fuel subsidies in developing countries. If the reforms are likely to improve economic efficiency, the expected effects on income distribution and poverty are more controversial. This paper reviews the recent literature that examines the impacts of fossil fuel subsidies and their reforms on income inequality and poverty in developing countries. It identifies the different channels that have been explored in the literature and surveys the empirical evidence on the importance of these channels in practice. Drawing on diverse country experiences, it also discusses why fossil fuel subsidies are particularly challenging to reform and highlights several ways in which efforts to reform may be feasible and successful.
Stepfamily Effects on Early Home‐Leaving: The Role of Conflict and Closeness
Authors: van den Berg Lonneke , Kalmijn Matthijs , Leopold Thomas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the role of stepfamily experiences on early home‐leaving with detailed measures for stepfamily experiences that capture levels of closeness and conflict, and with a detailed measure for home‐leaving that captures pathways out of the home.BackgroundYoung adults raised in stepfamilies leave home and form unions earlier than young adults raised in single‐parent families. Little is known about the reasons for this difference. This study examined two potential explanations—conflict and lack of closeness in the stepparent‐stepchild relationship.MethodThis study was based on Dutch OKiN data (Ouders en Kinderen in Nederland; Parents and Children in the Netherlands) on 3,566 young adults from separated families. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to estimate effects of stepfamily experiences on different pathways of early home‐leaving. Stepfamily experiences were measured with the level of closeness and conflict in the stepparent‐stepchild relationship.ResultsThe results showed that young adults from stepfamilies were more likely to enter trajectories of both early home‐leaving and early union formation. Yet this effect was limited to those having a distant or conflicted relationship with their stepparent.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the role of the stepparent in the home‐leaving process and the heterogeneity in stepparent effects.
Cortical Morphometry is Associated with Neuropsychological Function in Healthy 8‐Year‐Old Children
Authors: Li Ting , McCorkle Ginger S. , Williams David K. , Badger Thomas M. , Ou Xiawei 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSECortical development is essential for children's neurocognition. In this study, we evaluated how variations in cortical morphometry in normal children are associated with outcome differences in multiple domains of cognition.METHODSEight‐year‐old children were recruited for a brain MRI followed by a battery of neuropsychological assessments. The MRI scan included 3D‐T1‐weighted imaging for cortical morphometry in 34 regions defined by the Desikan atlas. The neuropsychological assessments included the Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS) for IQ, Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF‐4) for language, Children's Memory Scale (CMS) for memory, Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT‐4) for academic skills, and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) for executive functions. The relationships between MRI measured cortical features, including gray matter volume, surface area, and cortical thickness for different brain regions and neuropsychological test scores, were evaluated using partial correlation analyses controlled for age and sex.RESULTSRIAS/CELF‐4/CMS/WRAT‐4/BRIEF scores showed significant correlations (R: [.38‐.44], P: [.005‐.046]) with gray matter volume, surface area, or cortical thickness in multiple brain regions. Gray matter volume in the medial orbitofrontal/ventromedial prefrontal cortex appeared to be a sensitive marker for overall neurocognition as it significantly correlated with IQ, language, memory, and executive function behaviors. The superior temporal gyrus and banks of superior temporal sulcus appeared to be most sensitive to reflect overall language function as their cortical features consistently correlated with language‐related test scores.CONCLUSIONSCortical morphometry significantly correlated with neuropsychological function in healthy children; certain regions/features may serve as sensitive imaging markers.
DNA Sequencing of Type Material Reveals Pneophyllum marlothii comb. nov. from South Africa and P. discoideum comb. nov. (Chamberlainoideae, Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from Argentina
Authors: Puckree‐Padua Courtney A. , Gabrielson Paul W. , Hughey Jeffery R. , Maneveldt Gavin W. 
Published: July 2020

A partial rbcL sequence from the type material of Spongites discoideus from southern Argentina showed that it was distinct from rbcL sequences of South African specimens to which that name had been applied based on morpho‐anatomy. A partial rbcL sequence from an original syntype specimen, herein designated the lectotype, of Lithophyllum marlothii, type locality Camps Bay, Western Cape Province, South Africa, was identical to rbcL sequences of South African field‐collected specimens assigned to S. discoideus. Based on phylogenetic analyses of rbcL and/or psbA sequences, both of these species belong in Pneophyllum and are transferred there as P. discoideum comb. nov. and P. marlothii comb. nov. The two species exhibit a distinct type of development where thick, secondary, monomerous disks are produced from thin, primary, dimerous crusts. Whether this type of development represents an example of convergent evolution or is characteristic of a clade of species within Pneophyllum remains to be resolved.
Fungal communities living within leaves of native Hawaiian dicots are structured by landscape‐scale variables as well as by host plants
Authors: Darcy John L. , Swift Sean O. I. , Cobian Gerald M. , Zahn Geoffrey L. , Perry Brian A. , Amend Anthony S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA phylogenetically diverse array of fungi live within healthy leaf tissue of dicotyledonous plants. Many studies have examined these endophytes within a single plant species and/or at small spatial scales, but landscape‐scale variables that determine their community composition are not well understood, either across geographic space, across climatic conditions, or in the context of host plant phylogeny. Here, we evaluate the contributions of these variables to endophyte beta diversity using a survey of foliar endophytic fungi in native Hawaiian dicots sampled across the Hawaiian archipelago. We used Illumina technology to sequence fungal ITS1 amplicons to characterize foliar endophyte communities across five islands and 80 host plant genera. We found that communities of foliar endophytic fungi showed strong geographic structuring between distances of 7 and 36 km. Endophyte community structure was most strongly associated with host plant phylogeny and evapotranspiration, and was also significantly associated with NDVI, elevation and solar radiation. Additionally, our bipartite network analysis revealed that the five islands we sampled each harboured significantly specialized endophyte communities. These results demonstrate how the interaction of factors at large and small spatial and phylogenetic scales shapes fungal symbiont communities.
Functional analysis of RXLR effectors from the New Zealand kauri dieback pathogen Phytophthora agathidicida
Authors: Guo Yanan , Dupont Pierre‐Yves , Mesarich Carl H. , Yang Bo , McDougal Rebecca L. , Panda Preeti , Dijkwel Paul , Studholme David J. , Sambles Christine , Win Joe , Wang Yuanchao , Williams Nari M. , Bradshaw Rosie E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractNew Zealand kauri is an ancient, iconic, gymnosperm tree species that is under threat from a lethal dieback disease caused by the oomycete Phytophthora agathidicida. To gain insight into this pathogen, we determined whether proteinaceous effectors of P. agathidicida interact with the immune system of a model angiosperm, Nicotiana, as previously shown for Phytophthora pathogens of angiosperms. From the P. agathidicida genome, we defined and analysed a set of RXLR effectors, a class of proteins that typically have important roles in suppressing or activating the plant immune system. RXLRs were screened for their ability to activate or suppress the Nicotiana plant immune system using Agrobacterium tumefaciens transient transformation assays. Nine P. agathidicida RXLRs triggered cell death or suppressed plant immunity in Nicotiana, of which three were expressed in kauri. For the most highly expressed, P. agathidicida (Pa) RXLR24, candidate cognate immune receptors associated with cell death were identified in Nicotiana benthamiana using RNA silencing‐based approaches. Our results show that RXLRs of a pathogen of gymnosperms can interact with the immune system of an angiosperm species. This study provides an important foundation for studying the molecular basis of plant–pathogen interactions in gymnosperm forest trees, including kauri.
Reconstructing development of the earliest seed integuments raises a new hypothesis for the evolution of ancestral seed‐bearing structures
Authors: Meade Luke E. , Plackett Andrew R. G. , Hilton Jason 
Published: July 2020

Summary

How plant seeds originated remains unresolved, in part due to disconnects between fossil intermediates and developmental genetics in extant species. The Carboniferous fossil Genomosperma is considered among the most primitive known seeds, with highly lobed integument and exposed nucellus. We have used this key fossil taxon to investigate the evolutionary origins of seed development.

We examined sectioned Genomosperma specimens using modern digital 3D reconstruction techniques and established population‐level measurements of Genomosperma ovules for quantitative analysis.

Genomosperma ovules show significant variation in integumentary lobe fusion and curvature. Our analysis suggests that this variation represents a single species with significant variations in lobe number and fusion, reminiscent of floral development in extant species. We conclude that changes in lobe flexure occurred late in development, consistent with a previously hypothesized function in pollen guidance/retention. We also identify seeds of Genomosperma within cupules for the first time.

The presence of a cupule adds evidence towards the plesiomorphy of cupules within seed plants. Together with the similarities identified between the Genomosperma lobed integument and floral organs, we propose that the cupule, integument and nucellus together developed in a shoot‐like fashion, potentially ancestral to extant seed plant reproductive shoots.
Microtomographic analysis of the effect of sodium alendronate on orthodontic movement in rats
Authors: Lopes Luiza Lassi de Araújo , de Barros Silva Paulo Goberlânio , Damasceno Juliana Ximenes , Martins Joyce Ohana de Lima , da Silva Karla Rovaris , de Sousa Frederico Barbosa , Dantas Hugo Victor , Ribeiro Thyciana Rodrigues , Alencar Phillipe Nogueira Barbosa 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of sodium alendronate on orthodontic tooth movement in rats using microtomographic analysis.Settings and sample populationThirty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into three groups of 10 rats and administered saline (control), 1 mg/kg sodium alendronate or 6 mg/kg sodium alendronate, respectively.Materials and MethodsThe drug was administered once per week for 5 weeks by gavage. Orthodontic movement was induced during the last 2 weeks of medication administration by inserting a closed nickel‐titanium spring between the left upper first molar and central incisors. The opposite side served as the control. Tooth movement and bone trabeculation in the furcation region were evaluated by microtomographic analysis in the first (moved) and third (static) molars. The data were subjected to one‐way or two‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni test (P < .05).ResultsThe microtomographic images of the group that received 6 mg/kg sodium alendronate demonstrated significantly less tooth movement (P = .048), less space between the trabeculae (P = .031) and greater number of bone trabeculae (P = .033) compared to the other groups. There were no statistically significant differences in bone volume and mean trabecular thickness between the three groups. The static teeth did not show the same alterations (P > .05).ConclusionSodium alendronate treatment reduced tooth movement in rats.
Dietary fat and male sex increase histopathological changes in a mouse model of oral cancer
Authors: Green Jacalyn M. , Ciancio Mae J. , Goral Joanna , Pytynia Matthew , Pitstick Lenore , Meyer Alice , Nguyen Andrew , Lee Katherine , Barakat Ameir , Jham Bruno C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effects of dietary fat and sex on murine oral squamous cell carcinoma pathology.Materials and methodsMale and female C57Bl/6 mice (36/sex) received a low‐fat (10 kcal%) or high‐fat (60 kcal%) diet. Water (control), vehicle, or 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide in vehicle (50 μg/ml) was provided for 17 weeks followed by six additional weeks of water. Oral lesion development was recorded weekly. Histopathologic changes in tongues were examined, and T cells (CD3+), macrophages (CD68+), and neutrophils (Ly6+) were quantified.ResultsAll 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐treated mice developed oral tumors. High‐fat diet exacerbated pathology, demonstrated by an increased final tumor burden (10.9 ± 4.5 vs. 7.9 ± 2.5, mm/mouse, p < .05; high‐fat diet vs. low‐fat diet, respectively), and a greater histopathology score. When dietary groups were combined, 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐treated males displayed higher histopathology scores than females (4.2 ± 0.3 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2, respectively, p < .05). Lymphoid cell infiltration was greater in the 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide mouse tongues than controls: T cells (14.0 vs. 0.96 cells/mm2), macrophages (3.6 vs. 1.8 cells/mm2), and neutrophils (12.0 vs. 0.38 cells/mm2).ConclusionHigh‐fat diet and male sex increased the pathology of 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐induced oral cancer. Elevated lymphoid cell infiltration contributed to disease pathology.