bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR‐126a‐5p limits the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysm in mice and decreases ADAMTS‐4 expression
Authors: Li Lei , Ma Wei , Pan Shuang , Li Yongqi , Wang Han , Wang Biao , Khalil Raouf A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious vascular disease featured by inflammatory infiltration in aortic wall, aortic dilatation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is implicated in AAA progress. By profiling miRNA expression in mouse AAA tissues and control aortas, we noted that miR‐126a‐5p was down‐regulated by 18‐fold in AAA samples, which was further validated with real‐time qPCR. This study was performed to investigate miR‐126a‐5p's role in AAA formation. In vivo, a 28‐d infusion of 1 μg/kg/min Angiotensin (Ang) II was used to induce AAA formation in Apoe‐/‐ mice. MiR‐126a‐5p (20 mg/kg; MIMAT0000137) or negative control (NC) agomirs were intravenously injected to mice on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 post‐Ang II infusion. Our data showed that miR‐126a‐5p overexpression significantly improved the survival and reduced aortic dilatation in Ang II‐infused mice. Elastic fragment and ECM degradation induced by Ang II were also ameliorated by miR‐126a‐5p. A strong up‐regulation of ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 4 (ADAMTS‐4), a secreted proteinase that regulates matrix degradation, was observed in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of aortic tunica media, which was inhibited by miR‐126a‐5p. Dual‐luciferase results demonstrated ADAMTS‐4 as a new and valid target for miR‐126a‐5p. In vitro, human aortic SMCs (hASMCs) were stimulated by Ang II. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments further confirmed that miR‐126‐5p prevented Ang II‐induced ECM degradation, and reduced ADAMTS‐4 expression in hASMCs. In summary, our work demonstrates that miR‐126a‐5p limits experimental AAA formation and reduces ADAMTS‐4 expression in abdominal aortas.
Characterization of patients with diabetes who were incidentally found to be glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody‐positive by bridging‐type enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: Kawasaki Eiji , Fukuyama Takahiro , Uchida Aira , Sagara Yoko , Tamai Hidekazu , Nakano Yuko , Tojikubo Masayuki , Hiromatsu Yuji , Koga Nobuhiko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to characterize diabetic patients incidentally found to be positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA) in general practice. Using bridging‐type enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, we screened 1,040 patients with phenotypic type 2 diabetes for GADA, finding 25 (2.4%) to be positive. However, on retesting, with a median interval of 19 days, 44% of GADA‐positive patients turned negative (Disappearing Group). The mean age at diabetes onset was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and GADA titers at first determination were significantly lower (P < 0.001) in the Disappearing Group compared with the Persistent Positive Group. On initial screening, all patients in the Disappearing Group had GADA titers of <6.5 U/mL. The current study showed that a portion of phenotypic type 2 diabetic patients incidentally identified as GADA‐positive were falsely positive, and that to avoid the misclassification, remeasurement of GADA is essential in cases showing very low titers.
Different pathogenesis of glucose intolerance in two subtypes of primary aldosteronism: Aldosterone‐producing adenoma and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Okazaki‐Hada Mikiko , Moriya Ayako , Nagao Mototsugu , Oikawa Shinichi , Fukuda Izumi , Sugihara Hitoshi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionAn increased risk of diabetes mellitus has been reported in primary aldosteronism, but the pathogenesis of glucose intolerance between the primary aldosteronism subtypes remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate glucose metabolism in oral glucose tolerance test between aldosterone‐producing adenoma and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, and characterize patients with improved glucose intolerance after primary aldosteronism treatment.Materials and MethodsOral glucose tolerance test was carried out in 116 patients who were diagnosed with primary aldosteronism and received adrenal venous sampling for subtyping. Oral glucose tolerance test was re‐evaluated after starting the treatment of primary aldosteronism for those who had glucose intolerance before the treatment.ResultsA total of 46.4% and 52.3% of patients with aldosterone‐producing adenoma and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, respectively, were diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. The insulinogenic index was significantly lower in aldosterone‐producing adenoma than in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (P = 0.045), whereas the Matsuda insulin sensitivity index was significantly higher in aldosterone‐producing adenoma than in idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (P = 0.022). After the treatment of primary aldosteronism, glucose intolerance was improved in 66.6% and 45.8% of aldosterone‐producing adenoma and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, respectively. The presence of obesity and central obesity were significantly lower in patients who improved glucose intolerance after the treatment of primary aldosteronism as compared with those not improved (P = 0.013 and P = 0.033, respectively).ConclusionsInsulin secretion impairment and insulin resistance play pathogenic roles for glucose intolerance in aldosterone‐producing adenoma and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, respectively. In addition, primary aldosteronism treatments can ameliorate glucose intolerance more effectively in patients without obesity and/or central obesity.
Expanding the spectrum of SPTLC1‐related disorders beyond hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies: A novel case of the distinct “S331 syndrome”
Authors: Rossi Fabiana , Bruno Giorgia , Fratta Mario , Colavito Davide , Casertano Sara , Sampaolo Simone , Oliva Mariano , Puoti Gianfranco 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathies (HSAN) encompass a group of peripheral nervous system disorders characterized by remarkable heterogeneity from a clinical and genetic point of view. Mutations in SPTLC1 gene are responsible for HSAN type IA, which usually starts from the second to fourth decade with axonal neuropathy, sensory loss, painless distal ulcerations, and mild autonomic features, while motor involvement usually occur later as disease progresses. Beyond the classic presentation of HSAN type IA, an exceedingly rare distinct phenotype related to SPTLC1 mutations at residue serine 331 (S331) has recently been reported, characterized by earlier onset, prominent muscular atrophy, growth retardation, oculo‐skeletal abnormalities, and possible respiratory complications. In this report, we describe clinical, instrumental, and genetic aspects of a 13‐year‐old Sri Lankan male carrying the rare de novo p.S331Y heterozygous mutation in SPTLC1 gene found by whole exome sequencing. Patient's phenotype partly overlaps with the first case previously reported, however with some additional features not described before. This work represent the second report about this rare mutation and our findings strongly reinforce the hypothesis of a clearly distinct “S331 syndrome”, thus expanding the spectrum of SPTLC1‐related disorders.
Assessment of cows milk‐related symptom scoring awareness tool in young Turkish children
Authors: Selbuz Suna Kaymak , Altuntaş Cansu , Kansu Aydan , Kırsaçlıoğlu Ceyda Tuna , Kuloğlu Zarife , İlarslan Nisa Eda Çullas , Doğulu Neslihan , Günay Fatih , Topçu Seda , Ulukol Betül 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe diagnosis of cows milk protein allergy (CMPA) is not always easy. Cow's Milk‐related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) has been developed to raise the awareness of CMPA among the primary health‐care providers. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the validity of CoMiSS as a diagnostic approach of CMPA in infants in our country.MethodsInfants with a CoMiSS of more than 12 points were included. An elimination diet was implemented in these infants for 4 weeks, and CoMiSS was reapplied. Infants with a reduction of ≥3 points in CoMiSS were considered responsive to the elimination diet, and an open oral challenge test was performed. Infants with symptom recurrence were diagnosed with CMPA.ResultsThe study included 168 infants. When they were included in the study, the first CoMiSS score was 13.6 ± 1.9. After the elimination diet, the number of responsive infants was 154 (91.7%). Of the infants, 91 (54.2%) were diagnosed with CMPA with positive challenge. The majority of the patients diagnosed with CMPA presented with gastrointestinal and/or dermatological symptoms (80.3%). Positive family history of allergy was more prevalent in CMPA(+) infants (P < 0.001). The mean atopic dermatitis score was higher in CMPA(+) infants (P = 0.001). Eosinophilia and cows milk‐specific IgE (CM‐sIgE) positivity were more prevalent in infants with CMPA (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsCoMiSS is a valuable tool to evaluate CMPA in primary care. The presence of multiple symptoms, especially skin involvement, helps to recognise infants with CMPA. Family history and eosinophilia also support the diagnosis of CMPA.
Patterns of mortality among adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Canadian province of Manitoba
Authors: Shooshtari Shahin , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Balogh Robert , McIsaac Michael , Stankiewicz Elizabeth , Dik Natalia , Burchill Charles 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe goals of this study were to examine and compare (a) the annual adult mortality rates and (b) the most commonly reported underlying causes of death between a cohort of Manitobans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and a matched comparison group without IDD.MethodsUsing linked health and nonhealth administrative data, a cohort of Manitoba adults with IDD, aged 25–99 years in 2012, was identified. Each person in the study cohort was matched with three persons without IDD based on age, sex, region of residence, and morbidity level. The two groups were followed for three years (2013–2015). Crude annual adult mortality rates and avoidable premature mortality rates were calculated. The leading causes of death over the 3‐year study period were tabulated by ICD‐10 chapter. Coding of the underlying causes of death was reviewed.ResultsThe crude annual mortality rates for Manitoba adults with IDD were 1.8–2.4 times higher than those for the matched comparison group and remained stable over time. Disparities in mortality rates for the IDD cohort relative to the matched comparison group decreased with increasing age. No significant sex differences were found. The leading causes of death among the IDD cohort were diseases of the circulatory system, cancer, and diseases of the respiratory system. Avoidable premature deaths were 2.3–3.3 times more prevalent among Manitoba adults with IDD compared to the matched comparison group. An IDD diagnostic code was reported as cause of death in 2.11% of cases.ConclusionsThe excess mortality among adults with IDD should be monitored in Manitoba and all other jurisdictions and attention paid to the causes of death and their coding.
Excavations of giant armadillos alter environmental conditions and provide new resources for a range of animals
Authors: Di Blanco Y. E. , Desbiez A. L. J. , di Francescantonio D. , Di Bitetti M. S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBurrowing species can be considered important ecosystem engineers that increase landscape heterogeneity, create subterranean shelters and provide foraging opportunities. We measured and described different aspects of giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) excavations (size, age), and differences generated in relation to the surrounding environment (vegetation, humidity, temperature) in three sites of the Argentine Chaco Region. We used camera‐traps in two protected areas to monitor the use of burrows by other species and tested two primary and non‐mutually exclusive hypotheses: Giant armadillo burrows are used as thermal protection from temperature extremes and provide new foraging opportunities for other species. Greater litter cover and depth were recorded in giant armadillo burrows, and more bare ground in spoil piles, producing habitat heterogeneity. Burrows had higher humidity and more moderate temperatures, with lower temperatures during hot months and higher temperatures during cold months. Out of 48 vertebrate species recorded by camera‐traps, 27 taxa (17 mammals, 9 birds and one reptile) were recorded using burrows. White‐lipped peccaries (Tayassu peccari) and collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) used burrows more frequently than other mammals. Medium‐sized carnivores such as Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) and Geoffroy´s cat (Leopardus geoffroyii) tended to only investigate burrows, probably searching for prey. In no instances, animals other than giant armadillos were recorded staying inside burrows for more than a few seconds. Medium‐sized species interacted more frequently than large‐sized species, and smaller species used giant armadillo burrows less than larger ones, suggesting that the benefits provided by excavations to other species depend on their body weight. The probability of use of burrows decreases with time, suggesting that burrows provide a finite resource used opportunistically. Further reduction in the distribution of the giant armadillo is therefore likely to have effects on habitat heterogeneity and biodiversity, probably impacting the fitness of species that use their burrows as foraging sources.
Nutrition education in Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia: A cluster randomized controlled study
Authors: Effendy Devi Savitri , Prangthip Pattaneeya , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Winichagoon Pattanee , Kwanbunjan Karunee 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study evaluated the impact of a nutrition education intervention on child feeding practices and children's nutritional status. Using a randomized controlled trial, we conducted an intervention for 6 months among caregivers with children aged 6–17 months in two subdistricts of Kendari, SE Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. In all, 22 integrated health posts were randomly assigned to an educational intervention or control group with 266 participants in both groups. Participants in the intervention group attended four nutrition classes and received a monthly home visit by cadres (community volunteers), whereas participants in the control group only received standard monthly health care at the health post. The primary study outcome was children's dietary diversity scores (DDSs). Mixed model analysis was conducted to examine the intervention effects on DDS and children's growth adjusting for clustering within subvillages. The study showed the educational intervention had a significant effect on children's DDS. Children in the intervention group had a larger DDS compared with children in the control group (Beta [mean difference] = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.66, P = 0.038). The intervention effect on height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ) could not be shown (Beta = 0.24, 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.56, P = 0.112). However, stunting prevalence remained stable in the intervention group but increased in the control group. These results indicated nutrition education delivered through nutrition classes combined with regular home visits by cadres as influencers provided a great potential to be adopted to complement other nutrition programmes in community health centres.
Spatiotemporal patterns of avian host–parasite interactions in the face of biogeographical range expansions
Authors: Bodawatta Kasun H. , Synek Petr , Bos Nick , Garcia‐del‐Rey Eduardo , Koane Bonny , Marki Petter Z. , Albrecht Tomáš , Lifjeld Jan , Poulsen Michael , Munclinger Pavel , Sam Katerina , Jønsson Knud A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractExploration of interactions between hosts and parasitic symbionts is important for our understanding of the temporal and spatial distribution of organisms. For example, host colonization of new geographical regions may alter levels of infections and parasite specificity, and even allow hosts to escape from co‐evolved parasites, consequently shaping spatial distributions and community structure of both host and parasite. Here we investigate the effect of host colonization of new regions and the elevational distribution of host–parasite associations between birds and their vector‐transmitted haemosporidian blood parasites in two geological and geographical settings: mountains of New Guinea and the Canary Islands. Our results demonstrate that bird communities in younger regions have significantly lower levels of parasitism compared to those of older regions. Furthermore, host–parasite network analyses demonstrate that blood parasites may respond differently after arriving to a new region, through adaptations that allow for either expanding (Canary Islands) or retaining (New Guinea) their host niches. The spatial prevalence patterns along elevational gradients differed in the two regions, suggesting that region‐specific biotic (e.g., host community) and abiotic factors (e.g., temperature) govern prevalence patterns. Our findings suggest that the spatiotemporal range dynamics in host–parasite systems are driven by multiple factors, but that host and parasite community compositions and colonization histories are of particular importance.
Postmenopausal women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have more severe symptoms than premenopausal women with IBS
Authors: Lenhart Adrienne , Naliboff Bruce , Shih Wendy , Gupta Arpana , Tillisch Kirsten , Liu Cathy , Mayer Emeran A. , Chang Lin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is more common in women, little is known about the role of hormonal changes and menopause in IBS. This study aimed to evaluate for differences in gastrointestinal (GI) and psychological symptoms between pre‐ and postmenopausal women with IBS compared to age‐matched men with IBS.MethodsPatients with Rome‐positive IBS were identified. Premenopausal women were <45 years of age with regular menses. Postmenopausal women were ≥45 years without menses for at least 1 year. Younger men were <45 years, and older men were ≥45 years. Questionnaires measured severity of IBS symptoms, somatic symptoms, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and psychological symptoms. Multivariable linear or logistic regressions evaluating relationships between age and sex were performed.Key Results190 premenopausal women (mean age 30.25 years), 52 postmenopausal women (mean age 54.38 years), 190 men <45 years (mean age 30.45 years), and 52 men ≥45 years (mean age 53.37 years) were included. Postmenopausal IBS women had greater severity of IBS symptoms (P = .003) and worse physical HRQOL (P = .048) compared to premenopausal women. No differences were observed between age‐matched older and younger IBS men. Constipation increased with age for both sexes but was the principal IBS subtype in women only.Conclusions and InferencesPostmenopausal women with IBS have more severe IBS symptoms than premenopausal women, while no comparable age‐related changes were seen in IBS men. The modulatory effect of female sex hormones on brain‐gut interactions which affect visceral perception and GI function likely contributes to these findings.
A rice chloroplast‐localized ABC transporter ARG1 modulates cobalt and nickel homeostasis and contributes to photosynthetic capacity
Authors: Li Haixiu , Liu Yuan , Qin Huihui , Lin Xuelei , Tang Ding , Wu Zhengjing , Luo Wei , Shen Yi , Dong Fengqin , Wang Yaling , Feng Tingting , Wang Lili , Li Laiyun , Chen Doudou , Zhang Yi , Murray Jeremy D. , Chao Daiyin , Chong Kang , Cheng Zhukuan , Meng Zheng 
Published: May 2020

SummaryTransport and homeostasis of transition metals in chloroplasts, which are accurately regulated to ensure supply and to prevent toxicity induced by these metals, are thus crucial for chloroplast function and photosynthetic performance. However, the mechanisms that maintain the balance of transition metals in chloroplasts remain largely unknown.We have characterized analbino‐revertible green 1(arg1) rice mutant.ARG1encodes an evolutionarily conserved protein belonging to the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter family. Protoplast transfection and immunogold‐labelling assays showed that ARG1 is localized in the envelopes and thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.Measurements of metal contents, metal transport, physiological and transcriptome changes revealed that ARG1 modulates cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) transport and homeostasis in chloroplasts to prevent excessive Co and Ni from competing with essential metal cofactors in chlorophyll and metal‐binding proteins acting in photosynthesis. Natural allelic variation inARG1betweenindicaand temperatejaponicasubspecies of rice is coupled with their different capabilities for Co transport and Co content within chloroplasts. This variation underpins the different photosynthetic capabilities in these subspecies.Our findings link the function of the ARG1 transporter to photosynthesis, and potentially facilitate breeding of rice cultivars with improved Co homeostasis and consequently improved photosynthetic performance.
Enclosure with augmented airflow to decrease risk of exposure to aerosolized pathogens including coronavirus during endotracheal intubation. Can the reduction in aerosolized particles be quantified?
Authors: Bryant Jason , Tobias Joseph D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIntroductionAs the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2 or COVID‐19) has impacted hospital routines in recent weeks, recommendations to reduce healthcare worker infections are being developed.MethodsWe report preliminary experience with the efficacy of an enclosure with augmented airflow to decrease the risk of exposure to aerosolized pathogens during airway management including endotracheal intubation. A particle generator was used to test the efficacy of the reduction of aerosolized particles by measuring their concentration within the enclosure and in the environment.ResultsNo reduction in the concentration of aerosolized particles was noted with the enclosure flap open, whether the interior suction was on or off. However, with the enclosure closed and no augmented airflow (suction off), the particle concentration decreased to 1.2% of baseline. The concentration decreased even further, to 0.8% of baseline with the enclosure closed with augmented airflow (suction on).DiscussionAerosolized particulate contamination in the operating room can be decreased using a clear plastic enclosure with minimal openings and augmented airflow. This may serve to decrease the exposure of healthcare providers to aerosolized pathogens.