bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bmal1 Deletion in Myeloid Cells Attenuates Atherosclerotic Lesion Development and Restrains Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Formation in Hyperlipidemic Mice
Authors: Yang Guangrui , Zhang Jiayang , Jiang Tingting , Monslow James , Tang Soon Yew , Todd Leslie , Puré Ellen , Chen Lihong , FitzGerald Garret A. 
Published: April 2020

Objective:
Although the molecular components of circadian rhythms oscillate in discrete cellular components of the vasculature and many aspects of vascular function display diurnal variation, the cellular connections between the molecular clock and inflammatory cardiovascular diseases remain to be elucidated. Previously we have shown that pre- versus postnatal deletion of Bmal1 (brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like 1), the nonredundant core clock gene has contrasting effects on atherogenesis. Here we investigated the effect of myeloid cell Bmal1 deletion on atherogenesis and abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in mice.

Approach and Results:
Mice lacking Bmal1 in myeloid cells were generated by crossing Bmal1 flox/flox mice with lysozyme 2 promoter-driven Cre recombinase mice on a hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient background and were fed on a high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis. Atherogenesis was restrained, concomitant with a reduction of aortic proinflammatory gene expression in myeloid cell Bmal1 knockout mice. Body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol were unaltered. Similarly, myeloid cell depletion of Bmal1 also restrained Ang II (angiotensin II) induced formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm in hyperlipidemic mice. In vitro, RNA-Seq analysis demonstrated a proinflammatory response in cultured macrophages in which there was overexpression of Bmal1.

Conclusions:
Myeloid cell Bmal1 deletion retards atherogenesis and restrains the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm and may represent a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory cardiovascular diseases.
Africa’s Miracle? Assessing Political Stability in Botswana
Authors: Nehrbass Alexander 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Botswana has defied typical predictions scholars assign to countries that are wholly dependent on natural resources. Indeed, the country has succeeded in maintaining control of its natural wealth in diamonds, while effectively using this financial boon to establish a stable society. But how did Botswana succeed where so many other resource-rich African states have failed? I argue that the most prominent factors in Botswana’s success were astute leadership capable of garnering legitimacy through strategic economic and social management; Botswana’s ethnic homogeneity and the effective construction of a national identity; as well as the overall growth in standards of living promoted by the government’s sound financial and economic decisions. Despite identifying these accomplishments, I will introduce several looming concerns for Botswana’s political situation – including the country’s high unemployment rate, over-dependence on diamonds, as well as foreign policy dynamics that could provoke tumult in the nation. In the end, this paper should provide a snapshot of Botswana’s trajectory, and the elements that contributed to its impressively peaceful political climate, as well as a note of caution regarding possible dangers on the horizon.
Natural growth pattern of sporadic renal angiomyolipoma
Authors: Courtney Michael , Mulholland Douglas , O’Neill Damien , Redmond Ciaran , Ryan James , Geoghegan Tony , Torreggiani William , Lee Michael 
Published: April 2020

Background Surveillance of sporadic renal angiomyolipomas is a growing issue for physicians and radiologists. Current treatment recommendations favor active surveillance. However, the evidence underlying these is based on small case series, which also typically include angiomyolipomas associated with tuberous sclerosis. Purpose To evaluate the natural growth pattern of sporadic renal angiomyolipomas in patients without tuberous sclerosis. Material and Methods A retrospective review was performed in three separate tertiary referral centers. A keyword search of each institutions PACS history was performed. Inclusion criteria were angiomyolipomas > 1 cm in size, three years of follow-up, and lesions requiring treatment before reaching three years of follow-up. Exclusion criteria included a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis, pregnancy, prior treatment with embolization without any prior imaging, and lesions which were treated on presentation. Growth of the angiomyolipomas was evaluated on the basis of maximum dimension on initial and follow-up images. Results Sixty-three patients were identified in total, with 64 lesions eligible for inclusion. The majority of patients were women (55/63). The mean age at which the angiomyolipomas discovered was 56.4 years. Mean total growth was 0.085 mm and mean follow-up was 65.5 months. At initial measurement, the mean maximum dimension of the lesions in our cohort was 2.08 cm. After follow-up, this was 2.16 cm. The average rate of growth was 0.015 cm per year. Conclusion Sporadic angiomyolipomas exhibit minimal, if any, natural growth. Current surveillance strategies could be relaxed.
Use of locally prepared peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid for acute PD in children and infants in Africa
Authors: McCulloch Mignon I , Nourse Peter , Argent Andrew C 
Published: April 2020

Background: In less well-resourced countries, the high cost of commercially available peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid limits its use. The major concerns regarding bedside-prepared PD fluid is peritonitis as well as electrolyte disorders. The aim of this study was to review our experience with the use of PD fluids prepared at the bedside using the intravenous infusion solution Balsol (Fresenius Kabi). Methods: This was a retrospective review of all patients who received PD for acute kidney injury (AKI) using a bedside-prepared PD solution adapted from the intravenous solution Balsol in our intensive care unit. Results: In total, 49 cases of acute PD were performed. Of the 49 children, 21 (43%) were male. The ages of the patients ranged from newborn to 10.2 years (median 0.33 years). The weight of children ranged from 1.3 kg to 50 kg (median 4.1 kg). The type of PD catheters used: Cook catheters, 41 patients; Kimal peel-away, 10 patients; and surgical inserted Tenckhoff type of catheter, 2 patients. The duration of PD was 1–17 days (median 3 days) Complications included peritonitis in 2 of 49 patients and blocked catheter in 6 of 49 patients. There were no electrolyte disturbances as a result of the PD. Overall survival was 43% of patients. Conclusions: Locally prepared PD solutions at the bedside adapted from intravenous solutions can be used safely and effectively. This has important relevance for centres in less well-resourced countries, where commercially produced PD fluid is not available for the management of AKI.
Improvement of Autism Symptoms After Comprehensive Intensive Early Interventions in Community Settings
Authors: Haglund Nils , Dahlgren SvenOlof , Råstam Maria , Gustafsson Peik , Källén Karin 
Published: April 2020

Background: Preschool children with autism in southern Sweden participated in a comprehensive Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI) program. Aims: To evaluate the ongoing NDBI program by comparing the pre- and postintervention outcomes in terms of improved autism symptom severity. Method: The improvement of Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-R) test results between baseline and evaluation among children participating in the NDBI program ( n = 67) was compared with the results among children receiving community treatment as usual ( n = 27) using analysis of covariance. Results: The study showed that children in the NDBI group improved their ADOS-R total scores between baseline and evaluation (−0.8 scores per year; 95% CI [−1.2, −0.4]), whereas no improvement was detected in the comparison group (+0.1 scores per year; 95% CI [−0.7, +0.9]). The change in the NDBI group versus the change in the comparison group was statistically significant after adjusting for possible confounders as well. Children in the NDBI group also significantly improved their ADOS severity scores, but the scores were not significantly different from those of the comparison group. Conclusions: The results from the current naturalistic study must be interpreted cautiously, but they do support earlier studies reporting on improvement of autism symptoms after early intensive interventions. Results from observational studies are difficult to interpret, but it is nevertheless of uttermost importance to evaluate costly autism intervention programs. The results do indicate that children with autism benefit from participating in early comprehensive intensive programs.
Motivational interviewing: An approach to support youth aging out of foster care
Authors: Richmond Adeya , Borden Lynne M 
Published: April 2020

Summary With thousands of youth aging out of foster care each year, caseworkers must provide various types of support and assistance to help these youth successfully transition to independent living. Collaboratively, youth and caseworkers work to create a transition care plan to develop attainable goals that enhance success across multiple domains (e.g. education, employment, etc.). Some youth struggle with meeting their goals as stated in their transition care plans. Motivational interviewing is an approach that can help elicit motivation and reinforce characteristics, such as self-efficacy, that may help youth thrive. Findings This article outlines key research on how motivational interviewing is an approach that strengthens positive youth development and can improve youth’s engagement in skills, resources, and services as they age out of foster care. Data support the use of motivational interviewing with youth to improve their motivation as well as outcomes. Applications Caseworkers can apply motivational interviewing to all of their work with youth and their families in foster care. Motivational interviewing might be especially effective with case plans in order to create goals that resonate better with youth.
The Jailed Coiling Technique for the Treatment of Penetrating Ulcers and Saccular Aneurysms of the Aortic Arch
Authors: Silverberg Daniel , Bar-Dayan Avner , Rimon Uri , Raskin Daniel , Fefer Paul , Halak Moshe 
Published: April 2020

Objective: To evaluate the technical success and short-term outcome of patients with penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and saccular aneurysms (SAs) of the aortic arch treated with the jailed coiling technique. Methods: A retrospective review of 9 patients (mean age 70 years, 9 males) treated for PAUs and SAs of the aortic arch between 2018 and 2019 at our institution. Treatment included thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) with a short (1cm) proximal landing zone, followed by coiling of aneurysm through a jailed extraluminal catheter. Results: All 9 patients underwent TEVAR followed by jailed coiling of the lumen of the aneurysms. Debranching of supra-aortic vessels was performed in 4 patients in order to create a proximal landing zone of at least 10 mm. Technical success was achieved in all cases. Coils were placed accurately within the aneurysm lumen in all patients. No distal embolization occurred. One patient expired in the perioperative period from a cardiac event. No patient developed spinal cord ischemia or stroke in the perioperative period. Mean follow-up was 10 months (range 3-18). On follow-up imaging, complete thrombosis of the aneurysm lumen was seen in all patients. None experienced enlargement of ulcer dimensions and none required reintervention. Conclusion: PAUs and SAs of the aortic arch with a very short landing zone can be treated successfully by jailed coiling of the aneurysm and TEVAR. The procedure is technically feasible and can be performed with minimal morbidity. Long-term durability of the repair needs to be determined.
Migraine or idiopathic intracranial hypertension: Magnetic resonance venography and magnetic resonance imaging findings
Authors: Guliyeva Aynur , Apaydin Melda , Beckmann Yesim , Sezgin Gulten , Gelal Fazil 
Published: April 2020

Background Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease characterised by increased cerebral pressure without a mass or hydrocephalus. We aimed to differentiate migraine and IIH patients based on imaging findings. Results Patients with IIH ( n = 32), migraine patients ( n = 34) and control subjects ( n = 33) were evaluated. Routine magnetic resonance imaging, contrast-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance venography and/or T1-weighted 3D gradient-recalled echo were taken with a 1.5 T magnetic resonance scanner. Optic-nerve sheath distention, flattened posterior globe and the height of the pituitary gland were evaluated in the three groups. Transverse sinuses (TS) were evaluated with respect to score of attenuation/stenosis and distribution. Pearson chi-square, Fisher’s exact test and chi-square trend statistical analyses were used for comparisons between the groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Decreased pituitary gland height, optic-nerve sheath distention and flattened posterior globe were found to be statistically significant ( p < 0.001) in IIH patients. Bilateral TS stenosis was also more common in IIH patients than in the control group and migraine group ( p = 0.02). Conclusion Decreased pituitary gland height, optic-nerve sheath distention, flattened posterior globe, bilateral stenosis and discontinuity in TS are significant findings in differentiating IIH cases from healthy individuals and migraine patients. Bilateral TS stenosis may be the cause rather than the result of increased intracranial pressure. The increase in intracranial pressure, which is considered to be responsible for the pathophysiology of IIH, is not involved in the pathophysiology of migraine.
Does Atherosclerosis Have Negative Impacts on Early Adjacent Segment Degeneration After Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion?
Authors: Sakaura Hironobu , Ikegami Daisuke , Fujimori Takahito , Sugiura Tsuyoshi , Mukai Yoshihiro , Hosono Noboru 
Published: April 2020

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: To examine whether atherosclerosis has negative impacts on early adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) after posterior lumbar interbody fusion using traditional trajectory pedicle screw fixation (TT-PLIF). Methods: The subjects were 77 patients who underwent single-level TT-PLIF for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Using dynamic lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine before surgery and at 3 years postoperatively, early radiological ASD (R-ASD) was examined. Early symptomatic ASD (S-ASD) was diagnosed when neurologic symptoms deteriorated during postoperative 3-year follow-up and the responsible lesions adjacent to the fused segment were also confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging. According to the scoring system by Kauppila et al, the abdominal aortic calcification score (AAC score: a surrogate marker of systemic atherosclerosis) was assessed using preoperative lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine. Results: The incidence of early R-ASD was 41.6% at the suprajacent segment and 8.3% at the subjacent segment, respectively. Patients with R-ASD had significantly higher AAC score than those without R-ASD. The incidence of early S-ASD was 3.9% at the suprajacent segment and 1.4% at the subjacent segment, respectively. Patients with S-ASD had higher AAC score than those without S-ASD, although there was no significant difference. Conclusions: At 3 years after surgery, the advanced AAC had significantly negative impacts on early R-ASD after TT-PLIF. This result indicates that impaired blood flow due to atherosclerosis can aggravate degenerative changes at the adjacent segments of the lumbar spine after PLIF.
Position of the Posteromedial Ankle Structures in Patients Indicated for Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Conti Matthew S. , Garfinkel Jonathan H. , Greditzer Harry G. , Sofka Carolyn M. , Caolo Kristin C. , Deland Jonathan T. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Ellis Scott J. 
Published: April 2020

Background: The posteromedial ankle structures are at risk during total ankle replacement (TAR). The purpose of our study was to investigate the distance of these structures from the posterior cortex of the tibia and talus in order to determine their anatomy at different levels of bone resection during a TAR and whether plantarflexion of the ankle reliably moved these structures posteriorly. Methods: Ten feet in 10 patients with end-stage tibiotalar arthritis indicated for a TAR were included. Preoperative magnetic resonance images were obtained with the foot in a neutral position as well as in maximum plantarflexion to measure the distance of posteromedial ankle structures to the closest part of the posterior cortex of the tibia or talus. Wilcoxon signed-rank rests were used to investigate differences in these distances. Results: The mean distance from the posterior tibial cortex to the tibial nerve at 14 and 7 mm above the tibial plafond was 8.7 mm (range 5.0-11.8 mm) and 6.7 mm (range 2.7-10.6 mm), respectively, which represented a statistically significant movement anteriorly ( P = .021). The posterior tibial artery was, on average, 8.0 mm (range 3.6-13.9 mm) and 7.2 mm (range 3.1-9.4 mm) from the posterior tibial cortex at 14 and 7 mm above the tibial plafond, respectively. Distal to the tibial plafond, the posterior tibial artery and flexor digitorum longus tendons moved posteriorly by less than 1 mm in plantarflexion (all P < .05); otherwise, plantarflexion of the ankle did not affect the position of the tibial nerve, posterior tibial tendon, or flexor hallucis longus. Conclusion: In patients with end-stage ankle arthritis, the tibial nerve and posterior tibial artery lie, on average, between 6.5 and 10 mm from the posterior tibial and talar cortices. Plantarflexion of the ankle did not reliably move the posteromedial ankle structures posteriorly. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series, therapeutic
DeepSuccinylSite: a deep learning based approach for protein succinylation site prediction
Authors: Thapa Niraj , Chaudhari Meenal , McManus Sean , Roy Kaushik , Newman Robert H. , Saigo Hiroto , KC Dukka B. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Protein succinylation has recently emerged as an important and common post-translation modification (PTM) that occurs on lysine residues. Succinylation is notable both in its size (e.g., at 100 Da, it is one of the larger chemical PTMs) and in its ability to modify the net charge of the modified lysine residue from + 1 to − 1 at physiological pH. The gross local changes that occur in proteins upon succinylation have been shown to correspond with changes in gene activity and to be perturbed by defects in the citric acid cycle. These observations, together with the fact that succinate is generated as a metabolic intermediate during cellular respiration, have led to suggestions that protein succinylation may play a role in the interaction between cellular metabolism and important cellular functions. For instance, succinylation likely represents an important aspect of genomic regulation and repair and may have important consequences in the etiology of a number of disease states. In this study, we developed DeepSuccinylSite, a novel prediction tool that uses deep learning methodology along with embedding to identify succinylation sites in proteins based on their primary structure.

Results
Using an independent test set of experimentally identified succinylation sites, our method achieved efficiency scores of 79%, 68.7% and 0.48 for sensitivity, specificity and MCC respectively, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.8. In side-by-side comparisons with previously described succinylation predictors, DeepSuccinylSite represents a significant improvement in overall accuracy for prediction of succinylation sites.

Conclusion
Together, these results suggest that our method represents a robust and complementary technique for advanced exploration of protein succinylation.
Whole genome sequencing of Nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) isolates from sputum specimens of co-habiting patients with NTM pulmonary disease and NTM isolates from their environment
Authors: Yoon Jung-Ki , Kim Taek Soo , Kim Jong-Il , Yim Jae-Joon 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) species are ubiquitous microorganisms. NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is thought to be caused not by human-to-human transmission but by independent environmental acquisition. However, recent studies using next-generation sequencing (NGS) have reported trans-continental spread of Mycobacterium abscessus among patients with cystic fibrosis.

Results
We investigated NTM genomes through NGS to examine transmission patterns in three pairs of co-habiting patients with NTM-PD who were suspected of patient-to-patient transmission. Three pairs of patients with NTM-PD co-habiting for at least 15 years were enrolled: a mother and a daughter with M. avium-PD, a couple with M. intracellulare-PD, and a second couple, one of whom was infected with M. intracellulare and the other of whom was infected with M. abscessus. Whole genome sequencing was performed using patients’ NTM isolates as well as environmental specimens. Genetic distances were estimated based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). By comparison with the genetic distances among 78 publicly available NTM genomes, NTM isolates derived from the two pairs of patients infected with the same NTM species were not closely related to each other. In phylogenetic analysis, the NTM isolates from patients with M. avium-PD clustered with isolates from different environmental sources.

Conclusions
In conclusion, considering the genetic distances between NTM strains, the likelihood of patient-to-patient transmission in pairs of co-habiting NTM-PD patients without overt immune deficiency is minimal.
Dynamics of immunoglobulin G subclasses during the first two years of life in Malawian infants born to HIV-positive mothers
Authors: Baroncelli Silvia , Galluzzo Clementina Maria , Liotta Giuseppe , Andreotti Mauro , Orlando Stefano , Ciccacci Fausto , Jere Haswell , Luhanga Richard , Sagno Jean Baptiste , Amici Roberta , Marazzi Maria Cristina , Giuliano Marina 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background
Maternal antibodies are key components of the protective responses of infants who are unable to produce their own IgG until 6 months of life. There is evidence that HIV-exposed uninfected children (HEU) have IgG levels abnormalities, that can be partially responsible for the higher vulnerability to infections in the first 2 years of the life of this population.
This retrospective study aimed to characterize the dynamics in plasma levels of total IgG and their isotypes during the first 2 years of life in HEU infants exclusively breastfed through 6 months of age.

Methods
Total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4 isotypes, and IgM and IgA plasma concentrations were determined by nephelometric methods in 30 Malawian infants born to HIV-positive women at month 1, 6 and 24 of life.

Results
At 1-month infants had a median concentration of total IgG of 8.48 g/l, (IQR 7.57–9.15), with an overrepresentation of the IgG1 isotype (89.0% of total) and low levels of IgG2 (0.52 g/l, IQR, 0.46–0.65). Total IgG and IgG1 concentrations were lower at 6 months (− 2.1 and − 1.12 g/dl, respectively) reflecting disappearance of maternal antibodies, but at 24 months their levels were higher with respect to the reported reference values for age-matched pairs. Abnormal isotype distribution was still present at 24 months with IgG2 remaining strongly underrepresented (0.87 g/l, 7.5% of total IgG).

Conclusion
HIV exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding seems to influence the IgG maturation and isotype distribution that persist in 2-year old infants.