bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of SBP amplification on the accuracy of form-factor-derived mean arterial pressure
Authors: Schultz Martin G. , Picone Dean S. , Armstrong Mathew K. , Black J. Andrew , Dwyer Nathan , Roberts-Thomson Philip , Sturgess David , Sharman James E. 
Published: February 2020

Objectives:
Accurate assessment of mean arterial pressure (MAP) is crucial in research and clinical settings. Measurement of MAP requires not only pressure waveform integration but can also be estimated via form-factor equations incorporating peripheral SBP. SBP may increase variably from central-to-peripheral arteries (SBP amplification), and could influence accuracy of form-factor-derived MAP, which we aimed to determine.

Methods:
One hundred and eighty-eight patients (69% men, age 60 ± 10 years) undergoing coronary angiography had intra-arterial pressure measured in the ascending aorta, brachial and radial arteries. Reference MAP was measured by waveform integration, and form-factor-derived MAP using 33 and 40% form-factors.

Results:
Reference MAP decreased from the aorta to the brachial (−0.7 ± 4.2 mmHg) and radial artery (−1.7 ± 4.8 mmHg), whereas form-factor-derived MAP increased (33% form-factor 1.1 ± 4.2 and 1.7 ± 4.7 mmHg; 40% form-factor 0.9 ± 4.8 and 1.4 ± 5.4 mmHg, respectively). Form-factor-derived MAP was significantly different to reference aortic MAP (33% form-factor −2.5 ± 4.6 and −1.6 ± 5.8, P < 0.001; 40% form-factor 2.5 ± 5.0 and 3.9 ± 6.4 mmHg, P < 0.001, brachial and radial arteries, respectively), with significant variation in the brachial form-factor required (FFreq) to generate MAP equivalent to reference aortic MAP (FFreq range 20–57% brachial; 17–74% radial). Aortic-to-brachial SBP amplification was strongly related to brachial FFreq (r = −0.695, P < 0.001). The 33% form-factor was most accurate with high aortic-to-brachial SBP amplification (33% form-factor MAP vs. reference aortic MAP difference 0.06 ± 3.93 mmHg, P = 0.89) but overestimated reference aortic MAP with low aortic-to-brachial SBP amplification (+5.8 ± 4.6 mmHg, P < 0.001). The opposite was observed for the 40% form-factor.

Conclusion:
Due to variable SBP amplification, estimating MAP via form-factors produces nonphysiological inaccurate values. These findings have important implications for accurate assessment of MAP in research and clinical settings.
Favorable effect of catheter ablation on nocturnal hypertension in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wada Tadashi , Sakuragi Satoru , Saito Takaaki , Kawaguchi Tatsuto , Kodera Nobuhisa , Iida Toshihiro , Yamada Takashi , Nakashima Mitsutaka , Koide Yuji , Kawamoto Kenji , Tanakaya Machiko , Katayama Yusuke , Ito Hiroshi 
Published: February 2020

Objectives:The current study was performed to determine whether pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) improves nocturnal hypertension in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF).Background:Abnormal night-time blood pressure (BP) fluctuation is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Imbalance of autonomic nervous function is a risk factor common to both of these abnormalities. PVI can reportedly modify the autonomic nervous function balance in patients with atrial fibrillation.Methods:The study population comprised 50 consecutive patients (mean age, 69.8 ± 7.5 years; 35.0% male) with PAF scheduled for PVI. Both 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring and heart rate variability analysis were performed before and at 3 months after PVI.Results:Patients were classified into two groups according to the presence of nocturnal BP dipping before PVI: the normal dipping group (n = 27) and the nondipping group (n = 23). The low-frequency spectrum power and the ratio of low-frequency spectrum power to high-frequency spectrum power (low-frequency spectrum/high-frequency spectrum) were higher in the nondipping than the normal dipping group (low-frequency spectrum: 219.9 ± 210.2 vs. 92.7 ± 50.5 ms2, respectively,P = 0.03; low-frequency spectrum/high-frequency spectrum: 1.8 ± 1.9 vs. 0.9 ± 0.8, respectively,P = 0.05). In the nondipping group, the elevated night-time BP disappeared in eight (35%) patients at 3 months after PVI, which was associated with an increase in high-frequency spectrum power. These patients did not develop atrial fibrillation recurrence during follow-up (mean, 568 ± 218 days).Conclusion:Among patients with PAF, the nondipping group showed greater sympathetic activity (higher low-frequency spectrum power and low-frequency spectrum/high-frequency spectrum) than the dipping group. Restoration of BP dipping after PVI is associated with increased parasympathetic activity (higher high-frequency spectrum power) and reduced recurrence of arrhythmic events.
When Patients Appear in the News: Clinical Considerations for Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Morris Nathaniel P. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
News media have proliferated across digital platforms, print, radio, television, and other outlets, and mental health professionals may unintentionally learn information about their patients from these sources. Although these kinds of discoveries can pose complex clinical challenges to mental health professionals, there is hardly any literature on this topic, and clinicians may feel alone when facing these situations. Using several case examples, this article examines ways in which mental health professionals might learn about their patients from news media, as well as the potential effects of these discoveries on the practice of psychiatry. This article also offers suggestions for research and for training opportunities that would help prepare mental health professionals for encountering news coverage about their patients.
The Relation Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Severity and Startle Potentiation to Predictable and Unpredictable Threat
Authors: Lieberman Lynne , Funkhouser Carter J. , Gorka Stephanie M. , Liu Huiting , Correa Kelly A. , Berenz Erin C. , Phan K. Luan , Shankman Stewart A. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Aberrant threat reactivity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, the literature on this association is mixed. One factor that may contribute to this inconsistent association is differences in severity of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) across studies, but no studies have tested this hypothesis. The relation between PTSD and threat reactivity may also differ between unpredictable threats (U-threats) and predictable threats (P-threats), given burgeoning evidence to support a particular role for aberrant responding to U-threat in PTSD. The present study examined how PTSS severity relates to startle potentiation to U-threat and P-threat in a trauma-exposed community sample (N = 258). There was a negative linear, but not quadratic, relation between PTSS severity and startle potentiation to U-threat, but not P-threat. Blunted defensive responding to U-threat may therefore contribute to higher levels of PTSSs and may represent a novel treatment target for higher levels of PTSSs.
The New 2019 Institutional Review Board Common Rule Update: Implications for Plastic Surgery Research
Authors: Crystal Dustin T. , Cuccolo Nicholas G. , Ibrahim Ahmed M. S. , Neligan Peter C. , Janis Jeffrey E. , Lin Samuel J. 
Published: February 2020

Summary:
Clinical research remains at the forefront of academic practice and evidence-based medicine. Unfortunately, history has shown that human subjects are vulnerable to experimentation without regard for their own dignity and informed decision-making. Subsequently, it is vital for research institutes to uphold safeguards and ethical conscientiousness toward human subjects. The establishment of federal regulations and the development of institutional review boards have set guidance on these processes. On January 21, 2019, final revisions to the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (the “Common Rule”) went into effect. The purpose of this article is to review changes to the Common Rule and discuss their impact on plastic surgery research.
Potentially highly potent drugs for 2019-nCoV
Authors: Nguyen Duc Duy , Gao Kaifu , Chen Jiahui , Wang Rui , Wei Guo-Wei 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection outbreak a global health emergency. Currently, there is no effective anti-2019-nCoV medication. The sequence identity of the 3CL proteases of 2019-nCoV and SARS is 96%, which provides a sound foundation for structural-based drug repositioning (SBDR). Based on a SARS 3CL protease X-ray crystal structure, we construct a 3D homology structure of 2019-nCoV 3CL protease. Based on this structure and existing experimental datasets for SARS 3CL protease inhibitors, we develop an SBDR model based on machine learning and mathematics to screen 1465 drugs in the DrugBank that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We found that many FDA approved drugs are potentially highly potent to 2019-nCoV.
Toward point-of-care diagnostics of Candida auris
Authors: Mulberry Geoffrey , Chaturvedi Sudha , Chaturvedi Vishnu , Kim Brian N. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCandida auris is a multidrug-resistant yeast that presents global health threat for the hospitalized patients. Early diagnostic of C. auris is crucial in control, prevention, and treatment. Candida auris is difficult to identify with standard laboratory methods and often can be misidentified leading to inappropriate management. A newly-devised real-time PCR assay played an important role in the ongoing investigation of the C. auris outbreak in New York metropolitan area. The assay can rapidly detect C. auris DNA in surveillance and clinical samples with high sensitivity and specificity, and also useful for confirmation of C. auris cultures. Despite its positive impact, the real-time PCR assay is difficult to deploy at frontline laboratories due to high-complexity set-up and operation. Using a low-cost handheld real-time PCR device, we show that the C. auris can potentially be identified in a low-complexity assay without the need for high-cost equipment. An implementation of low-cost real-time PCR device in hospitals and healthcare facilities is likely to accelerate the diagnosis of C. auris and for control of the global epidemic.
Docosahexaenoic Acid has stem cell-specific effects in the SVZ and restores olfactory neurogenesis and function in the aging brain
Authors: Le Belle JE , Sperry J , Ludwig K , Harris NG , Caldwell MA , Kornblum HI 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFatty acids are well known as important constituents for the synthesis of membrane lipids and as sources of cellular energy in the CNS. However, fatty acids can also act as vital second messenger molecules in the nervous system and regulate the activity of many proteins affecting cell growth and survival. Here, we show that an essential dietary fatty acid, Decosahexaenoic acid, (DHA), can enhance stem cell function in vitro and in vivo. We found that this effect is not due to an increase in the overall proliferation rate of all neural progenitors, but is due to an increase in the number of multipotent stem cells that leads to greater levels of subventricular zone (SVZ) neurogenesis with restoration of olfactory function in aged mice. These effects were likely mediated through increased EGF-receptor sensitivity, a conversion of EGRFR+ progenitors back into an EGRFR+/GFAP+ stem cell state, and the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is a critical pathway in many NSC cell functions including cell growth and survival. Together these data demonstrate that neural stem cells in the aged and quiescent neurogenic niche of the mouse SVZ retain their ability to self-renew and contribute to neurogenesis when apparently rejuvenated by DHA and PI3K/AKT pathway activation. DHA stimulation of this signaling enhances the number of multipotent stem cells and neurogenesis in young and aged rodent and human stem cells and hence may have implications for the manipulation of neural stem cells for brain repair.Significance StatementWe have identified potentially important effects of DHA on the stem cell population which may be unique to the SVZ stem cell niche. Our studies demonstrate that DHA can promote the production of neural stem cells, possibly via a non-proliferative mechanism stimulated by EGF receptor activation, and prolongs their viability. Aging animals undergo an apparent loss in SVZ stem cells and an associated decline in olfactory bulb function. We find that dietary DHA supplementation at least partially restores stem cell numbers, olfactory bulb neurogenesis and olfactory discrimination and memory in aged mice, demonstrating a capacity for rejuvenation is retained despite age-related changes to the niche, which has significant implications for ameliorating cognitive decline in aging and for endogenous brain repair.
Benchmarking DNA Methylation Assays for Marine Invertebrates
Authors: Dixon Groves , Matz Mikhail 
Published: February 2020

AbstractInterrogation of chromatin modifications, such as DNA methylation, has potential to improve forecasting and conservation of marine ecosystems. The standard method for assaying DNA methylation (Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing), however, is too costly to apply at the scales required for ecological research. Here we evaluate different methods for measuring DNA methylation for ecological epigenetics. We compare Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) with Methylated CpG Binding Domain Sequencing (MBD-seq), and a modified version of MethylRAD we term methylation-dependent Restriction site-Associated DNA sequencing (mdRAD). We evaluate these three assays in measuring variation in methylation across the genome, between genotypes, and between polyp types in the reef-building coral Acropora millepora. We find that all three assays measure absolute methylation levels similarly, with tight correlations for methylation of gene bodies (gbM), as well as exons and 1Kb windows. Correlations for differential gbM between genotypes were weaker, but still concurrent across assays. We detected little to no reproducible differences in gbM between polyp types. We conclude that MBD-seq and mdRAD are reliable cost-effective alternatives to WGBS. Moreover, the considerably lower sequencing effort required for mdRAD to produce comparable methylation estimates makes it particularly useful for ecological epigenetics.
Puf4 Mediates Post-transcriptional Regulation of Caspofungin Resistance inCryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Kalem Murat C. , Subbiah Harini , Leipheimer Jay , Glazier Virginia E. , Panepinto John C. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractEchinocandins have been on the market for 20 years, yet they are the newest class of antifungal drugs. The human fungal pathogenCryptococcus neoformansis intrinsically resistant to the echinocandin antifungal drug caspofungin, which targets theβ-1,3-glucan synthase encoded by theFKS1. Analysis of aC. neoformans puf4Δ mutant, lacking the pumilio/FBF RNA binding protein family member Puf4, revealed exacerbated caspofungin resistance. In contrast, overexpression ofPUF4resulted in caspofungin sensitivity. TheFKS1mRNA contains three Puf4-binding elements (PBEs) in its 5’ untranslated region. Puf4 binds with specificity to this region of theFKS1. TheFKS1mRNA was destabilized in thepuf4Δ mutant, and the abundance of theFKS1mRNA was reduced compared to wild type, suggesting that Puf4 is a positive regulatorFKS1mRNA stability. In addition toFKS1, the abundance of additional cell wall biosynthesis genes, including chitin synthases (CHS3,CHS4,CHS6) and deacetylases (CDA1,CDA2,CDA3) as well as aβ-1,6-glucan synthase gene (SKN1) was regulated by Puf4 during a caspofungin time course. The use of fluorescent dyes to quantify cell wall components revealed that thepuf4Δ mutant had increased chitin content, suggesting a cell wall composition that is less reliant onβ-1,3-glucan. Overall, our findings suggest a mechanism by which caspofungin resistance, and more broadly, cell wall biogenesis, is regulated post-transcriptionally by Puf4.ImportanceCryptococcus neoformansis an environmental fungus that causes pulmonary and central nervous system infections. It is also responsible for 15% of AIDS-related deaths. A major contributor to the high morbidity and mortality statistics is the lack of safe and effective antifungal therapies, especially in resource-poor settings. Yet, antifungal drug development has stalled in the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, it is of importance to understand the mechanism by whichC. neoformansis resistant to caspofungin in order to design adjunctive therapies to potentiate its activity toward this important pathogen.
Cortical processing of chemosensory and hedonic features of taste in active licking mice
Authors: Bouaichi Cecilia , Vincis Roberto 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTIn the last two decades, a considerable amount of work has been devoted to investigating the neural processing and dynamics of the primary taste cortex of rats. Surprisingly, much less information is available on cortical taste electrophysiology in awake mice, an animal model that is taking a more prominent role in taste research. Here we present electrophysiological evidence demonstrating how the gustatory cortex (GC) encodes information pertaining the basic taste qualities (sweet, salty, sour, and bitter) when stimuli are actively sampled through licking, the stereotyped behavior by which mice control the access of fluids in the mouth. Mice were trained to receive each stimulus on a fixed ratio schedule in which they had to lick a dry spout six times to receive a tastant on the seventh lick. Electrophysiological recordings confirmed that GC neurons encode both chemosensory and hedonic aspects of actively sampled tastants. In addition, our data revealed two other main findings; GC neurons encoded information about taste identity in as little as 120 ms. Consistent with the ability of GC neurons to rapidly encode taste information, nearly half of the recorded neurons exhibited spiking activity that was entrained to licking at rates up to 8 Hz. Overall, our results highlight how the GC of mice processes tastants when they are actively sensed through licking, reaffirming and expanding our knowledge on cortical taste processing.NEW & NOTEWORTHYRelatively little information is available on the neural dynamics of taste processing in the mouse gustatory cortex (GC). In this study we investigate how the GC encodes information of the qualities and hedonics of a broad panel of gustatory stimuli when tastants are actively sampled through licking. Our results show that the GC neurons broadly encode taste qualities but also process taste hedonics and licking information in a temporally dynamic manner.
Tough Hydrogel-Based Biocontainment of Engineered Organisms for Continuous, Self-Powered Sensing and Computation
Authors: Tang Tzu-Chieh , Tham Eleonore , Liu Xinyue , Yehl Kevin , Rovner Alexis J. , Yuk Hyunwoo , Isaacs Farren J. , Zhao Xuanhe , Lu Timothy K. 
Published: February 2020

ABSTRACTGenetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) can enable a wide range of important applications, including environmental sensing, precision therapeutics, and responsive materials. However, containment of GMMs to prevent environmental escape and satisfy regulatory requirements is a bottleneck for real-world use1–7. While biochemical strategies have been developed to restrict unwanted growth and replication of GMMs in the environment8–12, there is a need for deployable physical containment technologies to achieve redundant, multi-layered, and robust containment2. In addition, form factors that enable easy retrieval would be useful for environmental sensing. To address this challenge, we developed a hydrogel-based encapsulation system for GMMs that incorporates a biocompatible multilayer tough shell and an alginate-based core. This DEployable Physical COntainment Strategy (DEPCOS) allows no detectable GMM escape, bacteria to be protected against environmental insults including antibiotics and low pH, controllable lifespan, and easy retrieval of genetically recoded bacteria. To highlight the versatility of a DEPCOS, we demonstrate that robustly encapsulated cells can execute useful functions, including performing cell-cell communication with other encapsulated bacteria and sensing heavy metals in water samples from the Charles River. We envision that our multilayered physical and chemical containment strategy will facilitate the realization of a wide range of real-world applications for ‘living’ biosensors.
Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities studies ofAcacia niloticafruit cover
Authors: Abdalla Abdelhamed A. , Mustafa Mujahed I. , Makhawi Abdelrafie M. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis study was carried out in Khartoum state, during November, 2019.Acacia niloticawas chosen for this study because of its using traditionally in treatment of many diseases. The Phytochemical constitutions ofA. niloticawere investigated with aim to identify the antimicrobial effects of this plant. The dried fruit cover ofAcacia niloticawas extracted successively with petroleum-ether, chloroform, methanol and distilled water. The phytochemical screening carried out on different extracts ofAcacia niloticafruit cover showed high amount of Glycosides, Flavonoids and Terpenoids (in all extracts) and moderate amount of Tannin in methanol and distilled water extracts, Alkaloids (acid and base) in methanol extract and Saponin in methanol and petroleum-ether extracts. The antimicrobial activity of extracts were evaluated against four standard bacteria species (gram positive bacteria;Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and (gram negative bacteria;Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli). The plates were inoculated for sensitivity testing, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured. The results of antimicrobial investigation show that the distilled water and methanolic extracts inhibited the growth of all microorganisms (Specified by the zone of inhibition). The results provide promising baseline information for potential use of these crude extracts in drug development programs in the pharmaceutical industries.
Cryo-EM structures and functional properties of CALHM channels of the human placenta
Authors: Drożdżyk Katarzyna , Sawicka Marta , Bahamonde Santos Maria-Isabel , Zaugg Jonas , Deneka Dawid , Albrecht Christiane , Dutzler Raimund 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe transport of substances across the placenta is essential for the development of the fetus. Here, we were interested in the role of channels of the calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHM) family in the human placenta. By transcript analysis, we found the paralogs CALHM2, 4, and 6 to be highly expressed in this organ and upregulated during trophoblast differentiation. Based on electrophysiology, we found that activation of these paralogs differs from the voltage- and calcium-gated channel CALHM1. Cryo-EM structures of CALHM4 display decameric and undecameric assemblies with large cylindrical pore, while in CALHM6 a conformational change has converted the pore shape into a conus that narrows at the intracellular side, thus describing distinct functional states of the channel. The pore geometry alters the distribution of lipids, which occupy the cylindrical pore of CALHM4 in a bilayer-like arrangement whereas they have redistributed in the conical pore of CALHM6 with potential functional consequences.