bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteraemia after leadless pacemaker implantation
Authors: Garweg Christophe , Vandenberk Bert , Jentjens Sander , Foulon Stefaan , Hermans Patrick , Poels Patricia , Haemers Peter , Ector Joris , Willems Rik 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundTransvenous 3 permanent pacemaker‐related infection is a severe condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Leadless pacemakers may be more resistant to bacterial seeding during bloodstream infection because of its small surface area and encapsulation in the right ventricle. This study reports the incidence and outcomes of bacteraemia in patients implanted with a Micra leadless pacemaker. We present 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) findings obtained in a subgroup of patients.MethodsWe report a retrospective cohort study of 155 patients who underwent a Micra TPS implant procedure at the University Hospitals of Leuven between July 2015 and July 2019. We identified the patients who developed an episode of bacteraemia, proved by ≥2 positive blood cultures.ResultsOf the 155 patients, 15 patients presented an episode of bacteraemia at a median of 226 days (range: 3–1129) days after the implant procedure. Gram‐positive species accounted for 73.3% (n = 11) of the bacteraemia including Staphylococcus (n = 5), Enterococcus (n = 3), and Streptococcus (n = 3). The source of infection was identified in nine patients (60%) including endocarditis in four patients, urinary tract in three patients, and skin in two patients. 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging performed in six patients did not show sign of infection around the leadless pacemaker. Bacteraemia was resolved in all patients after adequate antibiotherapy. Four patients died early during follow up. For all other patients, there were no recurrence of systemic infection during a median follow up of 263 days (range: 15–1134).ConclusionIn our small cohort, no leadless pacemaker endocarditis was observed among patients with bacteraemia.
Aberrant ASPM expression mediated by transcriptional regulation of FoxM1 promotes the progression of gliomas
Authors: Zeng Wen‐Jing , Cheng Quan , Wen Zhi‐Peng , Wang Jie‐Ya , Chen Yan‐Hong , Zhao Jie , Gong Zhi‐Cheng , Chen Xiao‐Ping 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGliomas are the most common form of malignant tumour in the central nervous system. However, the molecular mechanism of the tumorigenesis and progression of gliomas remains unclear. In this study, we used the GEO database to identify genes differentially expressed in gliomas and predict the prognosis of glioma. We observed that ASPM mRNA was increased obviously in glioma tissue, and higher ASPM mRNA expression predicted worse disease prognosis. ASPM was highly expressed in glioma cell lines U87‐MG and U251, and knockdown of ASPM expression in these cells significantly repressed the proliferation, migration and invasion ability and induced G0/G1 phase arrest. In addition, down‐regulation of ASPM suppressed the growth of glioma in nude mice. Five potential binding sites for transcription factor FoxM1 were predicted in the ASPM promoter. FoxM1 overexpression significantly increased the expression of ASPM and promoted the proliferation and migration of glioma cells, which was abolished by ASPM ablation. ChIP and dual‐luciferase reporter analysis confirmed that FoxM1 bound to the ASPM promoter at −236 to ‐230 bp and −1354 to ‐1348 bp and activated the transcription of ASPM directly. Collectively, our results demonstrated for the first time that aberrant ASPM expression mediated by transcriptional regulation of FoxM1 promotes the malignant properties of glioma cells.
Applying high‐throughput sequencing to identify and evaluate foetal chromosomal deletion and duplication
Authors: Wu Yueli , Zhang Linlin , Lv Hong , Li Ying , Zhu Chongyang , Tian Weifang , Zhao Ling 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to estimate the clinical performance of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) based on high‐throughput sequencing method for the detection of foetal chromosomal deletions and duplications. A total of 6348 pregnant women receiving NIPT using high‐throughput sequencing method were included in our study. They all conceived naturally, without twins, triplets or multiple births. Individuals showing abnormalities in NIPT received invasive ultrasound‐guided amniocentesis for chromosomal karyotype and microarray analysis at 18‐24 weeks of pregnancy. Detection results of foetal chromosomal deletions and duplications were compared between high‐throughput sequencing method and chromosomal karyotype and microarray analysis. Thirty‐eight individuals were identified to show 51 chromosomal deletions/duplications via high‐throughput sequencing method. In subsequent chromosomal karyotype and microarray analysis, 34 subchromosomal deletions/duplications were identified in 26 pregnant women. The observed deletions and duplications ranged from 1.05 to 17.98 Mb. Detection accuracy for these deletions and duplications was 66.7%. Twenty‐one deletions and duplications were found to be correlated with the known abnormalities. NIPT based on high‐throughput sequencing technique is able to identify foetal chromosomal deletions and duplications, but its sensitivity and specificity were not explored. Further progress should be made to reduce false‐positive results.
Molecular and behavioural abnormalities in the FUS‐tg mice mimic frontotemporal lobar degeneration: Effects of old and new anti‐inflammatory therapies
Authors: de Munter Johannes , Babaevskaya Diana , Wolters Erik Ch. , Pavlov Dmitrii , Lysikova Ekaterina , V. Kalueff Allan , Gorlova Anna , Oplatchikova Margarita , Pomytkin Igor A. , Proshin Andrey , Umriukhin Aleksei , Lesch Klaus‐Peter , Strekalova Tatyana 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGenetic mutations in FUS, a DNA/RNA‐binding protein, are associated with inherited forms of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A novel transgenic FUS[1‐359]‐tg mouse line recapitulates core hallmarks of human ALS in the spinal cord, including neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, ensuing muscle atrophy and paralysis, as well as brain pathomorphological signs of FTLD. However, a question whether FUS[1‐359]‐tg mouse displays behavioural and brain pro‐inflammatory changes characteristic for the FTLD syndrome was not addressed. Here, we studied emotional, social and cognitive behaviours, brain markers of inflammation and plasticity of pre‐symptomatic FUS[1‐359]‐tg male mice, a potential FTLD model. These animals displayed aberrant behaviours and altered brain expression of inflammatory markers and related pathways that are reminiscent to the FTLD‐like syndrome. FTLD‐related behavioural and molecular Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine features were studied in the pre‐symptomatic FUS[1‐359]‐tg mice that received standard or new ALS treatments, which have been reported to counteract the ALS‐like syndrome in the mutants. We used anti‐ALS drug riluzole (8 mg/kg/d), or anti‐inflammatory drug, a selective blocker of cyclooxygenase‐2 (celecoxib, 30 mg/kg/d) for 3 weeks, or a single intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of human stem cells (Neuro‐Cells, 500 000‐CD34+), which showed anti‐inflammatory properties. Signs of elevated anxiety, depressive‐like behaviour, cognitive deficits and abnormal social behaviour were less marked in FUS‐tg–treated animals. Applied treatments have normalized protein expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, and of Iba‐1 and GSK‐3β in the hippocampus. Thus, the pre‐symptomatic FUS[1‐359]‐tg mice demonstrate FTLD‐like abnormalities that are attenuated by standard and new ALS treatments, including Neuro‐Cell preparation.
A novel testicular degenerative condition in a wild population of the common carp Cyprinus carpio (L)
Authors: Mahmud Raihan , Purser John , Patil Jawahar G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGonad abnormalities can restrict or completely block reproductive capability of individuals and in some case that of their populations. Here, we describe a novel testicular degenerative condition of non‐germ cell origin with a high prevalence (up to 22.1% of the population) in a wild population of carp. Based on gross morphology, and microscopic and cellular examinations, the condition shows progressive severity which could be categorized into low, mild, severe and complete. In early stages of the condition, an abnormally increased proliferation (11‐fold) of the Sertoli cell occurred, followed by degenerative cell death of all testicular cells, resulting in fluid‐filled vesicles in the later stages. This initial uncontrolled proliferation of Sertoli cells suggests that the condition could be triggered by malignant pathways; however, the observed subsequent apoptosis of all testicular cells en masse, rendering the animals “sterile,” appears unique. Observations, to date, indicate that this condition is specific to male carp and not present in other species of fish sharing the habitat. High prevalence of the condition allowed comparative evaluation between affected individuals, an aspect likely to facilitate future studies, including elucidation of the cause, robust testing of therapies and practical applications such as management of feral carp populations.
Explaining communities' adaptation strategies for coastal flood risk: Vulnerability and institutional factors
Authors: Chang Stephanie E. , Yip Jackie Z. K. , Conger Tugce , Oulahen Greg , Gray Emily , Marteleira Michelle 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIncreasing coastal flood risk has prompted a proliferation of cities that are adopting risk reduction and adaptation tools. This article inquires into what types of tools local governments tend to adopt for managing coastal flood risk and the factors that may be influencing these choices; in particular, factors related to hazard vulnerability and institutional capacity. Focusing on 40 diverse coastal communities in a study region in Canada, the study utilised data from the communities' Official Community Plans to characterise their approaches to managing coastal flood risk in terms of land use regulations, construction specifications, and/or structural flood protection tools. The data revealed considerable diversity in the portfolio of tools that the communities have adopted. Tool adoption was found to correlate strongly with hazard vulnerability; that is, communities with similar physical and socio‐economic vulnerability conditions tended to take similar adaptation actions. For example, established communities with highly urbanised coastlines tended to rely on structural flood protection while suburban communities with semi‐developed coastlines predominantly utilised land use regulations. Institutional factors such as resource availability and local leadership, which were operationalised using survey data, exhibited surprisingly little correlation with the types of tools that communities adopted.
Goal‐directed action planning in infants with Down syndrome
Authors: Schworer E. K. , Fidler D. J. , Kaur M. , Needham A. W. , Prince M. A. , Daunhauer L. A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundDown syndrome (DS) is a neurogenetic disorder associated with risk for executive dysfunction, or difficulties with the cognitive processes required for planning volitional, goal‐directed behaviour. This study examines the developmental origins of difficulties with goal‐directed action planning in infants with DS to inform our understanding of the cognitive phenotype associated with DS and its implications for intervention.MethodFirst, the study compared the performance of infants with DS (n = 44, mean chronological age = 7.5 months, SD = 2.3) and typically developing infants (n = 31, mean chronological age = 7.5 months, SD = 2.9) on plan production and planning efficiency during an early planning task. Next, potential sources of variability in planning behaviour (motor performance and sensory processing) within the DS sample were examined. All infants completed an early planning laboratory task and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐III Cognitive Scale. The motor and sensory skills of infants with DS were assessed by the motor scales of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development‐III and the Infant Sensory Profile‐2. DS‐related biomedical history information was provided by caregivers for the infants with DS.ResultsBetween‐group differences in planning were observed on the dimensions of strategy production and completion, such that infants with DS were less efficient in their strategy execution than typically developing infants. In the DS group, motor skills and sensory processing were associated with planning efficiency on all components of the early planning task.ConclusionsLess efficient action planning in infants with DS may disrupt the shaping of goal‐directed behaviour, and the identification of early risk factors associated with planning efficiency has important implications for early intervention.
Endomorphin analog exhibited superiority in alleviating neuropathic hyperalgesia via weak activation of NMDA receptors
Authors: Ma Mengtao , Wang Zhaojuan , Wang Jing , Wei Shuang , Cui Jiaming , Wang Yuan , Luo Keyao , Zhao Long , Liu Xin , Wang Rui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMorphine is a key drug for the treatment of pain but its side effects limit its clinical application. MEL‐0614, an endomorphin‐1 analog, has fewer side effects than morphine in addition to its powerful analgesic effect. In this study, we measured the effect of morphine and MEL‐0614 on hyperalgesia (7 days) and neuropathic allodynia (14 days) after thermal, mechanical, and cold stimulation. We found that after four and eight consecutive days of intrathecal administration (1, 3, and 10 nmol), morphine induced severe hyperalgesia and neuropathic allodynia, respectively. MEL‐0614 did not induce hyperalgesia at low doses (1 and 3 nmol) and had a mitigating effect on morphine‐induced neuropathic exacerbations in spared nerve injury mice. Hyperalgesia was blocked by Dynorphin A (1–17) antibody but not by an opioid receptor antagonist. To explore the reasons for the different results of morphine and MEL‐0614, we used quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence to explore the effects of both on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtype 2B (NR2B), microglia marker iba‐1, and inflammatory mediators. After 8 days of consecutive administration, morphine (10 nmol) promoted an increase in the number of NR2B, iba‐1, and inflammatory mediators in the spinal cord of mice. MEL‐0614 (10 nmol) had no significant effect on these factors, and after co‐administration with morphine, the expression of NR2B, iba‐1, and inflammatory mediators was lower than that with morphine injection alone. Our research showed the advantage of MEL‐0614 in terms of hyperalgesia and neuropathic allodynia, which may provide clinical relief of hyperalgesia and neuropathic allodynia caused by morphine.
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The neurohypophysial oxytocin and arginine vasopressin system is activated in a knee osteoarthritis rat model
Authors: Nishimura Haruki , Kawasaki Makoto , Suzuki Hitoshi , Matsuura Takanori , Baba Kazuhiko , Motojima Yasuhito , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Fujitani Teruaki , Ohnishi Hideo , Tsukamoto Manabu , Maruyama Takashi , Yoshimura Mitsuhiro , Nishimura Kazuaki , Sonoda Satomi , Sanada Kenya , Tanaka Kentarou , Onaka Tatsushi , Ueta Yoichi , Sakai Akinori 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) causes chronic joint pain and significantly impacts daily activities. Hence, developing novel treatment options for OA has become an increasingly important area of research. Recently, studies have reported that exogenous, as well as endogenous, hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial hormones, oxytocin (OXT) and arginine‐vasopressin (AVP), significantly contribute to nociception modulation. Moreover, the parvocellular OXT neurone (parvOXT) extends its projection to the superficial spinal dorsal horn, where it controls the transmission of nociceptive signals. Meanwhile, AVP produced in the magnocellular AVP neurone (magnAVP) is released into the systemic circulation where it contributes to pain management at peripheral sites. The parvocellular AVP neurone (parvAVP), as well as corticotrophin‐releasing hormone (CRH), suppresses inflammation via activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Previously, we confirmed that the OXT/AVP system is activated in rat models of pain. However, the roles of endogenous hypothalamic‐neurohypophysial hormones in OA have not yet been characterised. In the present study, we investigated whether the OXT/AVP system is activated in a knee OA rat model. Our results show that putative parvOXT is activated and the amount of OXT‐monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 positive granules in the ipsilateral superficial spinal dorsal horn increases in the knee OA rat. Furthermore, both magnAVP and parvAVP are activated, concurrent with HPA axis activation, predominantly modulated by AVP, and not CRH. The OXT/AVP system in OA rats was similar to that in systemic inflammation models, including adjuvant arthritis; however, magnocellular OXT neurones (magnOXT) were not activated in OA. Hence, localised chronic pain conditions, such as knee OA, activate the OXT/AVP system without impacting magnOXT.
Negative effects of individual heterozygosity on reproductive success in a wild bird population
Authors: Botero‐Delgadillo Esteban , Gilsenan Carol , Mueller Jakob C. , Kempenaers Bart 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe evolutionary consequences of individual genetic diversity are frequently studied by assessing heterozygosity–fitness correlations (HFCs). The prevalence of positive and negative HFCs and the predominance of general versus local effects in wild populations are far from understood, partly because comprehensive studies testing for both inbreeding and outbreeding depression are lacking. We studied a genetically diverse population of blue tits in southern Germany using a genome‐wide set of 87 microsatellites to investigate the relationship between proxies of reproductive success and measures of multilocus and single‐locus individual heterozygosity (MLH and SLH). We used complimentary measures of MLH and partitioned markers into functional categories according to their position in the blue tit genome. HFCs based on MLH were consistently negative for functional loci, whereas correlations were rather inconsistent for loci found in nonfunctional areas of the genome. Clutch size was the only reproductive variable showing a general effect. We found evidence for local effects for three measures of reproductive success: arrival date at the breeding site, the probability of breeding at the study site and male reproductive success. For these, we observed consistent, and relatively strong, negative effects at one functional locus. Remarkably, this marker had a similar effect in another blue tit population from Austria (~400 km to the east). We suggest that a genetic local effect on timing of arrival might be responsible for most negative HFCs detected, with carry‐over effects on other reproductive traits. This effect could reflect individual differences in the distance between overwintering areas and breeding sites.
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Protoporphyrin IX Photodegradation Using Multi‐Wavelength Light Sources
Authors: Sánchez Víctor , Garcia Marlon Rodrigues , Requena Michelle Barreto , Romano Renan Arnon , de Boni Leonardo , Guimarães Francisco E. G. , Pratavieira Sebastião 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPhotodynamic procedures have been used in many applications, ranging from cancer treatment to microorganism inactivation. Photodynamic reactions start with the activation of a photosensitizing molecule with light, leading to the production of cytotoxic molecules that promote cell death. However, establishing the correct light and photosensitizer dosimetry for a broadband light source remains challenging. In this study, we proposed a theoretical mathematical model for the photodegradation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), when irradiated by multi‐wavelength light sources. The theoretical model predicts the experimental photobleaching (temporal change in PpIX concentration) of PpIX for different light sources. We showed that photobleaching occurs independently of the light source wavelengths but instead depends only on the number of absorbed photons. The model presented here can be used as an important mathematical approach to better understand current photodynamic therapy protocols and help achieve optimization of the doses delivered.
Sublethal infection of different pine species by the pinewood nematode
Authors: Pimentel Carla S. , McKenney Jessica , Firmino Paulo N. , Calvão Teresa , Ayres Mathew P. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBursaphelenchus xylophilus, the pinewood nematode and causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), is a globally destructive pine pest. PWD is favoured by high temperatures and drought, butB.xylophiluscan also persist in symptomless hosts in areas not prone to PWD. We compared seedlings of differentPinusspecies that were inoculated withB.xylophiluswhen well‐watered and under moderate temperatures, conditions that favour sublethal infections. We compared isolates ofB.xylophilusin south‐west Europe (Portugal) and south‐east USA (Louisiana).P.pinea,P.pinaster, andP.radiatawere challenged in both areas with inoculations of localB.xylophilus.P.sylvestrisin Portugal andP.palustrisin Louisiana were also tested. Seedling mortality was low, as expected, but nematode establishment was common. There were higher nematode densities and more damage in seedlings ofP.sylvestrisandP.radiata, followed byP.pinaster, withP.pineaandP.palustrisproving to be more tolerant. Life history of hosts was a better predictor of resistance toB.xylophilusthan geographical origin, even under sublethal conditions. Fast‐growing species (P.radiataandP.pinaster) appeared most likely to be symptomless carriers in areas not prone to the development of PWD. Cold‐adapted species (P.sylvestris) may still be suitable hosts for the pathogen, even at the sublethal conditions of their distribution areas. There were more nematodes per gram of host using nematode isolates from Portugal. Nonetheless, our results opposed the hypothesis that North American pinewood nematodes have such low virulence that they are obligatorily saprophytic.
When Would a Democratic Governor Increase Social Welfare Funding? The Joint Moderation of a State's Economy and a Governor's Budgetary Authority
Authors: Swanson Jeffrey , Ki Namhoon 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe partisanship of a policy maker is often noted as correlated with a state government's support for social welfare. However, less attention has been paid to how a governor is able to steer the budget in a manner that reflects her political views. This study assesses how changes in the economy and level of budgetary authority of the governor can jointly condition the effect of a governor's partisanship on the change in social welfare spending. Using the panel data for 49 U.S. states from 1987 to 2014, we examine whether budgetary authority allows governors to respond to an economic contraction in the expected partisan manner. Using a three‐way interaction model, we found that Democratic governors are more likely to increase social welfare funding when the economy contracts, particularly when she has high budgetary authority relative to non‐Democratic counterparts. The results highlight how the state of the economy and institutional constraints jointly condition the budget process.