bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR-146a in Cardiovascular Diseases and Sepsis: An Additional Burden in the Inflammatory Balance?
Authors: Arroyo Ana B. , Águila Sonia , Fernández-Pérez María P. , Reyes-García Ascensión M. de los , Reguilón-Gallego Laura , Zapata-Martínez Laura , Vicente Vicente , Martínez Constantino , González-Conejero Rocío 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe new concept of thrombosis associated with an inflammatory process is called thromboinflammation. Indeed, both thrombosis and inflammation interplay one with the other in a feed forward manner amplifying the whole process. This pathological reaction in response to a wide variety of sterile or non-sterile stimuli eventually causes acute organ damage. In this context, neutrophils, mainly involved in eliminating pathogens as an early barrier to infection, form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) that are antimicrobial structures responsible of deleterious side effects such as thrombotic complications. Although NETosis mechanisms are being unraveled, there are still many regulatory elements that have to be discovered. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are important modulators of gene expression implicated in human pathophysiology almost two decades ago. Among the different miRNAs implicated in inflammation, miR-146a is of special interest because: (1) it regulates among others, Toll-like receptors/nuclear factor-κB axis which is of paramount importance in inflammatory processes, (2) it regulates the formation of NETs by modifying their aging phenotype, and (3) it has expression levels that may decrease among individuals up to 50%, controlled in part by the presence of several polymorphisms. In this article, we will review the main characteristics of miR-146a biology. In addition, we will detail how miR-146a is implicated in the development of two paradigmatic diseases in which thrombosis and inflammation interact, cardiovascular diseases and sepsis, and their association with the presence of miR-146a polymorphisms and the use of miR-146a as a marker of cardiovascular diseases and sepsis.
Surgical Single Stage Treatment for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Aortic Arch Aneurysm
Authors: Margonato Davide , Tolva Valerio Stefano , Vaccari Giuseppe , Bianchi Paolo , Casana Renato , Parati Gianfranco , Ferrazzi Paolo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCoexistence of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and severe aortic pathology is extremely rare; nonetheless, the association between these two diseases is fascinating. Here we present a unique case report of a patient with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and aortic arch aneurysm treated by a single surgical procedure.
Endovascular Graft Infection by Neisseria meningitidis: A Rare but Fatal Infection
Authors: Lopez-Marco Ana , Das Satya , Serafino-Wani Robert , Selvakumar Sadasivam , Adams Benjamin , Oo Aung 
Published: December 2020

AbstractEndovascular graft infection is a rare but challenging complication that requires a tailored approach to remove the infected graft and restore the arterial circulation combined with long-term antibiotic therapy. We present a case surgically treated with explant of the graft and reconstruction of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Microbiological investigation revealed growth of Neisseria meningitidis, which is extremely rare in this location, and to our knowledge, has not been previously published in the literature.
Three Individuals with PURA Syndrome in a Cohort of Patients with Neuromuscular Disease
Authors: Mroczek Magdalena , Zafeiriou Dimitrios , Gurgel-Gianetti Juliana , Vilela Morais de Azevedo Beatriz , Roos Andreas , Bartels Enrika , Kohlschmidt Nicolai , Phadke Rahul , Feng Lucy , Duff Jennifer , Töpf Ana , Straub Volker 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPur-α protein (PURA) syndrome manifests in early childhood with core features such as neurodevelopmental and speech delay, feeding difficulties, epilepsy, and hypotonia at birth. We identified three cases with PURA syndrome in a cohort of patients with unexplained muscular weakness, presenting with a predominantly neuromuscular and ataxic phenotype. We further characterize the clinical presentation of PURA syndrome including myopathic facies and muscular weakness as the main clinical symptoms in combination with elevated serum creatine kinase levels. Furthermore, we report two novel variants located in the conservative domains PUR-I and PUR-II. For the first time, we present the muscle biopsies of PURA syndrome patients, showing myopathic changes, fiber size variability, and fast fiber atrophy as the key features. PURA syndrome should be taken into consideration as a differential diagnosis in pediatric patients with unexplained muscle weakness.
The Role of Red Blood Cells in Hemostasis
Authors: Alamin Amin A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNew emerging evidence is now prompting researchers to devote greater focus on the roles played by red blood cells (RBCs) in hemostasis. This short narrative review aims to outline the available research, past and current, that has revealed the role of RBCs in hemostasis, particularly blood clotting. Although early researchers suggested that RBCs were involved in blood clotting, they had insufficient evidence to support such claims. As a result, this area of research received little attention from other scientists. Early researchers primarily used quantitative measures of RBCs, namely hematocrit or RBC count, as higher numbers of RBCs modulate blood rheology by increasing viscosity. Recent research has instead shed light on the different measures of RBC function, such as expression of phosphatidylserine and adhesive proteins, aggregation, hemolysis, release of extracellular microvesicles, and erythrocyte volume. RBCs play a role in the contraction of clots by platelets, and the resulting densely packed array of polyhedral erythrocytes forms an almost impermeable barrier that is essential for hemostasis and wound healing. Renewed interest in RBCs is primarily due to the clinically and experimentally established relationships between erythrocytes and hemostasis, which have suggested that erythrocytes are potential targets for the treatment of hemostatic disturbances.
A New Posterior Extensor Attachment-Point Reconstruction Technique for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Involving C2 Segment: Clinical Outcome and Safety
Authors: Yang Hai-Yun , Zhang Yun-Ge , Zhao Dong , Sun Gui-Ming , Ma Yi , Hao Yong-Hong , Yang Qiang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background and Study Aim Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common degenerative disease that mainly occurs in elder patients, leading to different degrees of neurological dysfunction. Spinal cord involvement is mainly distributed at the C3–C7 segments, but it may also involve up to the C2 level. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of open-door laminoplasty using a new extensor attachment-point reconstruction technique for treating CSM involving the C2 segment.
Patients and Methods Fifty-nine patients with CSM involving the C2 segment and undergoing open-door laminoplasty were included in this retrospective study. Based on the titanium plate used in the operation, patients were divided into two groups, a reconstructed titanium plate fixation (RPF) group (n = 28) and a conventional titanium plate fixation (CPF) group (n = 31). Improvements in neurological function, cervical range of motion (ROM), cervical curvature index (CCI), preservation of posterior cervical muscle mass, and axial symptoms were compared between the two groups.
Results There were no significant differences in operative time and intraoperative blood loss between the groups (p > 0.05). The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score significantly increased in both groups postsurgery (p < 0.05); the neurological recovery rate was similar between the two groups (64.1 ± 13.3% vs. 65.9 ± 14.7%, p > 0.05). There was no significant loss of cervical ROM in either group (p > 0.05). The anteroposterior dural sac diameter at the C2 level was significantly enlarged in both groups (p < 0.05). Alternatively, CCI was significantly reduced in the CRP group (p < 0.05) but unchanged in the RPF group (p > 0.05). The cross-sectional area of the posterior cervical muscles was also significantly reduced in the CPF group (p < 0.05) but maintained in the RPF group (p > 0.05). Finally, axial symptoms were more severe in the CPF group than in the RPF group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion Laminoplasty is an effective surgical procedure for CSM involving the C2 segment. The reconstructed titanium plate achieved superior maintenance of cervical curvature and reduced both muscle atrophy and severity of axial symptoms compared with titanium conventional plates.
Hypercoagulopathy in Severe COVID-19: Implications for Acute Care
Authors: Waite Alicia A. C. , Hamilton David O. , Pizzi Roberto , Ageno Walter , Welters Ingeborg D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCOVID-19 was first described in late 2019 and has since developed into a pandemic affecting more than 21 million people worldwide. Of particular relevance for acute care is the occurrence of COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC), which is characterised by hypercoagulability, immunothrombosis and venous thromboembolism, and contributes to hypoxia in a significant proportion of patients. This review describes diagnosis and treatment of CAC in the emergency department and in intensive care. We summarise the pathological mechanisms and common complications of CAC such as pulmonary thrombosis and venous thromboembolic events and discuss current strategies for thromboprophylaxis and therapeutic anti-coagulation in the acute care setting.
Genome-wide surveillance of transcription errors in response to genotoxic stress
Authors: Fritsch C. , Gout J.-F. , Haroon S. , Towheed A. , Chung C. , LaGosh J. , McGann E. , Zhang X. , Song Y. , Simpson S. , Danthi P. S. , Benayoun B. A. , Wallace D. , Thomas K. , Lynch M. , Vermulst M. 
Published: December 2020

Significance
Accurate transcription is required for the faithful expression of genetic information. If the fidelity of transcription is compromised, protein homeostasis, cell fate, and various metabolic processes are disrupted. Here, we demonstrate that mutagens can lower the fidelity of transcription in yeast, worms, flies, and mice by promoting the misincorporation of nucleotides by RNA polymerases. These observations establish a mechanism by which the environment, our lifestyle choices, and work-related exposures may promote the age of onset, severity, and progression of various diseases.
Primary cilia safeguard cortical neurons in neonatal mouse forebrain from environmental stress-induced dendritic degeneration
Authors: Ishii Seiji , Sasaki Toru , Mohammad Shahid , Hwang Hye , Tomy Edwin , Somaa Fahad , Ishibashi Nobuyuki , Okano Hideyuki , Rakic Pasko , Hashimoto-Torii Kazue , Torii Masaaki 
Published: December 2020

Significance
External agents, such as alcohol and ketamine, are known to affect perinatal brain development and eventually cause a variety of severe psychopathological consequences. However, the mechanisms of possible neuronal defense against these agents are not well understood. We sought to elucidate the molecular details of the role of primary cilia in this complex process. Our results show that primary cilia protect dendrites of immature cortical neurons via insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor and downstream Akt signaling. These results provide insight into the pathogenesis of consequences that follow exposure to toxic substances.
Evidence for root adaptation to a spatially discontinuous water availability in the absence of external water potential gradients
Authors: Lind Kara R. , Siemianowski Oskar , Yuan Bin , Sizmur Tom , VanEvery Hannah , Banerjee Souvik , Cademartiri Ludovico 
Published: December 2020

Significance
The supply of water is the most reliable predictor of survival and performance in crops. Nonetheless, our ability to design or breed plants with superior tolerance to drought or flooding is constrained by our limited understanding of how roots adapt to inhomogeneous water supplies. We here show evidence that roots might not need external gradients in the potential of water to improve their access to it. Our microfluidic apparatus quantified how root systems adapt to inhomogeneous water supplies while being exposed to gradients in water vapor concentrations that are orders of magnitude smaller than those detectable by some of our best engineered water sensors. We conclude by suggesting possible mechanisms that could explain this behavior.
Remnants of early Earth differentiation in the deepest mantle-derived lavas
Authors: Giuliani Andrea , Jackson Matthew G. , Fitzpayne Angus , Dalton Hayden 
Published: December 2020

Significance
Understanding how the Earth evolved from its accretion to the present-day conditions is a major quest of the Earth sciences. This contribution focuses on the evolution of the deepest realms of our planet sampled by basalts in ocean islands (such as Hawaii) during the last ∼100 to 150 million years and diamond-bearing kimberlites emplaced in continents since ∼2 billion years ago. Radiogenic isotope ratios are employed to demonstrate that these lavas share a common source, which includes a component that originated from melt extraction soon after Earth accretion. These findings help reconcile contrasting geochemical observations in ocean island basalts and provide constraints on the composition and evolution of the deepest and most ancient parts of Earth’s mantle.
Maternal death and offspring fitness in multiple wild primates
Authors: Zipple Matthew N. , Altmann Jeanne , Campos Fernando A. , Cords Marina , Fedigan Linda M. , Lawler Richard R. , Lonsdorf Elizabeth V. , Perry Susan , Pusey Anne E. , Stoinski Tara S. , Strier Karen B. , Alberts Susan C. 
Published: December 2020

SignificanceExtensive care of offspring by mothers is a fundamental trait of all mammals, including humans, and the loss of a mother can be catastrophic for offspring. Here, we identify previously undocumented ways in which the death of a mother affects her offspring, using long-term, longitudinal data from seven primate species. First, females that experience early maternal loss are often less able, as adults, to produce offspring that survive to maturity. Second, in some species young offspring are more likely to die if their mother is facing impending death (death in the next few years), even while she is still alive. This work has important implications for our understanding of the evolution of the long life spans that primates exhibit.
Recruitment of pro-IL-1α to mitochondrial cardiolipin, via shared LC3 binding domain, inhibits mitophagy and drives maximal NLRP3 activation
Authors: Dagvadorj Jargalsaikhan , Mikulska-Ruminska Karolina , Tumurkhuu Gantsetseg , Ratsimandresy Rojo A. , Carriere Jessica , Andres Allen M. , Marek-Iannucci Stefanie , Song Yang , Chen Shuang , Lane Malcolm , Dorfleutner Andrea , Gottlieb Roberta A. , Stehlik Christian , Cassel Suzanne , Sutterwala Fayyaz S. , Bahar Ivet , Crother Timothy R. , Arditi Moshe 
Published: December 2020

SignificanceThe NLRP3 inflammasome is a critical component of the innate immune response to infectious agents, but its overactivation is implicated in numerous pathologies, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s Disease, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and type 2 diabetes. Our study reveals a mechanism by which cells modulate NLRP3 inflammasome activation and identifies potential therapeutic targets to treat pathologies associated with NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Reston virus causes severe respiratory disease in young domestic pigs
Authors: Haddock Elaine , Saturday Greg , Feldmann Friederike , Hanley Patrick W. , Okumura Atsushi , Lovaglio Jamie , Long Dan , Thomas Tina , Scott Dana P. , Pulliam Mikayla , Richt Jürgen A. , de Wit Emmie , Feldmann Heinz 
Published: December 2020

Significance
The emergence of Reston virus (RESTV) in domestic pigs in the Philippines and, subsequently, the detection of RESTV sequences in pigs in China are serious human and animal health concerns. Food safety is an immediate fear, and pathogenicity and potential for zoonotic transmission are important concerns. To find answers for those problems, we performed a pathogenicity study in young domestic pigs. We could demonstrate that young pigs develop severe respiratory disease upon RESTV infection and shed virus from mucosal membranes of the respiratory tract. We conclude that RESTV should be considered a livestock pathogen with zoonotic transmission impacting on animal and perhaps even human health.
Pharmacokinetic modeling reveals parameters that govern tumor targeting and delivery by a pH-Low Insertion Peptide (pHLIP)
Authors: Svoronos Alexander A. , Engelman Donald M. 
Published: December 2020

Significance
Tumors exhibit an acidic extracellular microenvironment that is accentuated at cell surfaces. As a result, they can be targeted by a pH-Low Insertion Peptide (pHLIP), an acid-triggered tumor-targeting peptide that can also serve as a vehicle for drug delivery. In this work, we use a pharmacokinetic modeling approach to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms and factors that influence pHLIP tumor targeting and delivery, and also identify factors that do not. In so doing, we predict pHLIP phenotypes with significantly enhanced capabilities. The model may therefore be useful for guiding the future development of pHLIP variants.
Maternal GABAergic and GnRH/corazonin pathway modulates egg diapause phenotype of the silkwormBombyx mori
Authors: Tsuchiya Ryoma , Kaneshima Aino , Kobayashi Masakazu , Yamazaki Maki , Takasu Yoko , Sezutsu Hideki , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Mizoguchi Akira , Shiomi Kunihiro 
Published: December 2020

SignificanceDiapause is a common response to seasonal changes in environmental conditions found in many species of insects, as well as other animals, but we do not yet fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying this important physiological switch. Although there has been previous research on diapause, there remain questions regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying diapause determination in response to environmental signals. Our research highlighted the presence of a GABAergic and corazonin signaling system that induces progeny diapause through diapause hormone release. Our findings also indicate that the expression of the plasma membrane GABA transporter is temperature-dependent and may modulate diapause hormone release. Our findings provide insights into these mechanisms in silkworms and will provide an important reference for future research.
Feasibility of MR-guided radiotherapy using beam-eye-view 2D-cine with tumor-volume projection
Authors: Nie Xingyu , Rimner Andreas , Li Guang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Purpose. Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) applies sagittal/coronal 2D-cine to monitor major tumor motions, however, the beam eye’s view (BEV) with volumetric tumor projection would be the best measure for radiation beam conformality, independent of tumor through-plane motion. The goal is to assess the feasibility, accuracy, and performance of the BEV approach. Methods. Beam-specific BEV 2D-cine with volume-projected tumor contours were simulated to establish a 2D/3D tumor match against a tumor-motion library based on multi-breath time-resolved (TR) 4DMRI images. Two BEV-library-matching methods were developed: (1) fast screening with tumor center-of-mass (∆COM), in-plane area ratio, and DICE similarity, and finalizing with the highest DICE score and (2) DICE screening for top-3 candidates and finalizing with rigid registration. A 4D-XCAT digital phantom and 8 lung-cancer patients were used for assessment. For each patient, 3 sets of 40 s TR-4DMRI were acquired at 2 Hz and 6 representative BEV were created with the isocenter set at tumor COM in mid-respiration. One TR-4DMRI set (40 × 2 = 80-images) was used to simulate BEV 2D-cine and the other two (160-images) were used to create a library. The matching result was validated against the ground truth within the test set. Using a leave-one-out strategy, the success rate, accuracy, and speed of tumor matching were assessed for volume-projected tumors over 11520 time-points (=8patients•3sets•80images•6BEVs). Results. Volume-projected tumor contour area on the 6 BEVs varies by 60% ± 8% and

%

A

V

I

(in-plane/volume-projected) varies by 82% ± 9%. The

%

A

V

I

changes with tumor shape, orientation, and through-plane motion. Method-1 produces 96% matching success (ΔCOM = 0.7 ± 0.2 mm,

%

A

V

V

=1.01 ± 0.02, Dice=0.92 ± 0.02) with the computational time of 15 ± 1 ms/match, while method-2 produces 94% ± 1% success (ΔCOM = 0.2 ± 0.1 mm,

%

A

V

V

=1.00 ± 0.01, Dice = 0.94 ± 0.02) with 223 ± 13 ms/match. Conclusion. This study has demonstrated the feasibility, accuracy, and benefits of BEV 2D-cine imaging with tumor-volume projection, allowing real-time tumor motion monitoring and beam conformality checking. Further clinical evaluation is necessary before MRgRT applications.
Vortex dynamics and transport phenomena in stenotic aortic models using Echo-PIV
Authors: Brum Javier , Bernal Miguel , Barrere Nicasio , Negreira Carlos , Cabeza Cecilia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the most fatal cardiovascular disease. As disease progresses, stenoses grow inside the arteries blocking their lumen and altering blood flow. Analysing flow dynamics can provide a deeper insight on the stenosis evolution. In this work we combined Eulerian and Lagrangian descriptors to analyze blood flow dynamics and fluid transport in stenotic aortic models with morphology, mechanical and optical properties close to those of real arteries. To this end, vorticity, particle residence time (PRT), particle's final position (FP) and finite time Lyapunov's exponents (FTLE) were computed from the experimental fluid velocity fields acquired using ultrasonic particle imaging velocimetry (Echo-PIV). For the experiments, CT-images were used to create morphological realistic models of the descending aorta with 0%, 35% and 50% occlusion degree with same mechanical properties as real arteries. Each model was connected to a circuit with a pulsatile programmable pump which mimics physiological flow and pressure conditions. The pulsatile frequency was set to ≈0.9 Hz (55 bpm) and the upstream peak Reynolds number (Re) was changed from 1100 to 2000. Flow in the post-stenotic region was composed of two main structures: a high velocity jet over the stenosis throat and a recirculation region behind the stenosis where vortex form and shed. We characterized vortex kinematics showing that vortex propagation velocity increases with Re. Moreover, from the FTLE field we identified Lagrangian coherent structures (i.e. material barriers) that dictate transport behind the stenosis. The size and strength of those barriers increased with Re and the occlusion degree. Finally, from the PRT and FP maps, we showed that independently of Re, the same amount of fluid remains on the stenosis over more than a pulsatile period.
Recent design studies for the novel momentum spectrometer NoMoS
Authors: Moser D , Khalid W , Jiglau R , Soldner T , Valentan M , Zmeskal J , Konrad G 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
NoMoS is a novel momentum spectrometer with which we aim to measure the spectra of the charged neutron beta decay products with high precision. The shape of the proton and electron spectra can inter alia be used for the determination of the electron-antineutrino correlation coefficient a and the Fierz interference term b, respectively. These observables can in turn be used to test the Standard Model of Particle Physics and to search for extensions thereof. NoMoS utilizes the R × B drift effect present in curved magnetic fields, which disperses charged particles according to their momentum. In this paper, we report on selected recent investigations that were conducted with regard to the magnet design and the detection system.