bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lentigo maligna melanoma in situ with neurotropism
Authors: Occidental Michael , Shapiro Richard , Jour George 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPerineural invasion, or neurotropism, is defined by the presence of cancer cells either within the neuronal sheath or found along the nerves. In melanoma, it is most commonly associated with invasive desmoplastic melanoma, a melanoma that is most commonly associated with malignant melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna type. Initially, perineural invasion was included in the reported Breslow thickness; however, recent data suggest that it should not be included. In this report, we describe a case of malignant melanoma in situ, lentigo maligna type, with associated neurotropism in the absence of invasive component.
A computational model‐based analysis of basal ganglia pathway changes in Parkinson’s disease inferred from resting‐state fMRI
Authors: Maith Oliver , Villagrasa Escudero Francesc , Dinkelbach Helge Ülo , Baladron Javier , Horn Andreas , Irmen Friederike , Kühn Andrea A. , Hamker Fred H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPrevious computational model‐based approaches for understanding the dynamic changes related to Parkinson's disease made particular assumptions about Parkinson's disease‐related activity changes or specified dopamine‐dependent activation or learning rules. Inspired by recent model‐based analysis of resting‐state fMRI, we have taken a data‐driven approach. We fit the free parameters of a spiking neuro‐computational model to match correlations of blood oxygen level‐dependent signals between different basal ganglia nuclei and obtain subject‐specific neuro‐computational models of two subject groups: Parkinson patients and matched controls. When comparing mean firing rates at rest and connectivity strengths between the control and Parkinsonian model groups, several significant differences were found that are consistent with previous experimental observations. We discuss the implications of our approach and compare its results also with the popular “rate model” of the basal ganglia. Our study suggests that a model‐based analysis of imaging data from healthy and Parkinsonian subjects is a promising approach for the future to better understand Parkinson‐related changes in the basal ganglia and corresponding treatments.
New insight into Parkinson’s disease‐related impairment of the automatic control of upright stance
Authors: Bonnet Cédrick T. , Delval Arnaud , Singh Tarkeshwar , Kechabia Yann‐Romain , Defebvre Luc 
Published: June 2020

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) affects the automatic control of body movements. In our study, we tested PD‐related impairments in automatic postural control in quiet upright stance. Twenty PD patients (mean age: 60 ± 8 years; Hoehn and Yahr: 2.00 ± 0.32, on‐drug) and twenty age‐matched controls (61 ± 7 years) were recruited. We studied interrelations between center‐of‐pressure movements, body movements (head, neck, and lower back), eye movements and variability of pupil size. Participants performed two fixation tasks while standing, during which they looked at: (a) a cross surrounded by a white background; and (b) a cross surrounded by a structured visual background (images used: rooms in houses). PD patients exhibited stronger and weaker correlations between eye and center‐of‐pressure/body movement variables than age‐matched controls in the white and structured fixation tasks, respectively. Partial correlations, controlling for variability of pupil size showed that PD patients used lower and greater attentional resources than age‐matched controls to control their eye and center‐of‐pressure/body movements simultaneously in the white fixation and structured fixation tasks, respectively. In the white fixation task, PD patients used attentional resources to optimize visuomotor coupling between eye and body movements to control their posture. In the structured fixation task, the salient visual stimuli distracted PD patients’ attention and that possibly affected postural control by deteriorating the automatic visuomotor coupling. In contrast, age‐matched controls were able to use surrounding visual background to improve the automatic coupling between eye and center‐of‐pressure movements to control their posture. These results suggest that cluttered environments may distract PD patients and deteriorate their postural control.
2‐Deoxyglucose terminates pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus in neonatal rats
Authors: Janicot Remi , Stafstrom Carl E. , Shao Li‐Rong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveNeonatal status epilepticus (SE) is a life‐threatening medical emergency. Unfortunately, up to 50% of neonates with SE are resistant to current antiseizure drugs, highlighting the need for better treatments. This study aims to explore a novel metabolic approach as a potential alternative treatment to control neonatal SE, using the glycolytic inhibitor 2‐deoxyglucose (2‐DG).MethodsSE was induced by pilocarpine (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [ip]) in neonatal Sprague Dawley rats (postnatal day 10 [P10]‐P17) and was monitored by video‐electroencephalography (V‐EEG). After 30 minutes of SE, 2‐DG or one of two conventional antiseizure drugs with different mechanisms of action, phenobarbital or levetiracetam, was administrated ip, and V‐EEG recording was continued for ~60 additional minutes. The time to seizure cessation after drug injection, EEG scores, and power spectra before and after drug or saline treatment were used to assess drug effects.ResultsOnce SE became sustained, administration of 2‐DG (50, 100, or 500 mg/kg, ip) consistently stopped behavioral and electrographic seizures within 10‐15 minutes; lower doses took longer (25‐30 minutes) to stop SE, demonstrating a dose‐dependent effect. Administration of phenobarbital (30 mg/kg, ip) or levetiracetam (100 mg/kg, ip) also stopped SE within 10‐15 minutes in neonatal rats.SignificanceOur results suggest that the glycolysis inhibitor 2‐DG acts quickly to reduce neuronal hyperexcitability and effectively suppress ongoing seizure activity, which may provide translational value in the treatment of neonatal SE.
Lifetime low behavioural plasticity of personality traits in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Urbánková Gabriela , Šíchová Klára , Riegert Jan , Horsley Rachel , Mladěnková Nella , Starck‐Lantová Petra , Sedláček František 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIndividual differences in behaviour, referred to as animal personality, are consistent across time and contexts. Nevertheless, personality traits show behavioural plasticity, much like many other phenotypic traits. In the present study, we examined the relationship between personality traits and behavioural plasticity in the common vole (Microtus arvalis) under stable, long‐lasting laboratory conditions. A total of 94 voles were tested in the classic open field test, designed to measure seven behavioural parameters (distance moved, grooming, immobility, rearing, running, scanning and walking duration) during a three‐minute test. A total of 60 voles formed the experimental group and were tested at four different time points over their lifetime (1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th month); 34 voles formed the control group and were tested only once at the 7th month. All voles were of the same age. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), two ordination axes were determined: “exploration” and “activity.” For further analyses, “distance moved” and “scanning duration” were selected from the first axis and “walking duration” from the second. Using linear mixed‐effect models (LMMs), we found highly significant random intercepts (i.e. personality traits) in all three behavioural parameters. However, evidence for behavioural plasticity was only found in the distance moved parameter, as determined from the random slope, and correlations between personality trait (intercept) and plasticity (slope) were not significant for any trait. During the experiment, variances of random effects were high and remained essentially the same, whilst the rank order of many individuals changed. Based on fixed effect slopes and a comparison with the control group, habituation was only significant for “walking duration.” The observed low behavioural plasticity could mirror stable (laboratory) conditions that result in the manifestation of original trait settings (genetic, early postnatal) or their gradual overcoming. These findings provide a starting point for further tests on free‐living voles.
Quantifying the individual impact of artificial barriers in freshwaters: A standardized and absolute genetic index of fragmentation
Authors: Prunier Jérôme G. , Poesy Camille , Dubut Vincent , Veyssière Charlotte , Loot Géraldine , Poulet Nicolas , Blanchet Simon 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFragmentation by artificial barriers is an important threat to freshwater biodiversity. Mitigating the negative aftermaths of fragmentation is of crucial importance, and it is now essential for environmental managers to benefit from a precise estimate of the individual impact of weirs and dams on river connectivity. Although the indirect monitoring of fragmentation using molecular data constitutes a promising approach, it is plagued with several constraints preventing a standardized quantification of barrier effects. Indeed, observed levels of genetic differentiation GD depend on both the age of the obstacle and the effective size of the populations it separates, making comparisons of the actual barrier effect of different obstacles difficult. Here, we developed a standardized genetic index of fragmentation (FINDEX), allowing an absolute and independent assessment of the individual effects of obstacles on connectivity. The FINDEX is the standardized ratio between the observed GD between pairs of populations located on either side of an obstacle and the GD expected if this obstacle completely prevented gene flow. The expected GD is calculated from simulations taking into account two parameters: the number of generations since barrier creation and the expected heterozygosity of the populations, a proxy for effective population size. Using both simulated and empirical datasets, we explored the validity and the limits of the FINDEX. We demonstrated that it allows quantifying effects of fragmentation only from a few generations after barrier creation and provides valid comparisons among obstacles of different ages and populations (or species) of different effective sizes. The FINDEX requires a minimum amount of fieldwork and genotypic data and solves some of the difficulties inherent to the study of artificial fragmentation in rivers and potentially in other ecosystems. This makes the FINDEX promising to support the management of freshwater species affected by barriers, notably for planning and evaluating restoration programs.
Heptabladed β‐propeller lectins PLL2 and PHL from Photorhabdus spp. recognize O‐methylated sugars and influence the host immune system
Authors: Fujdiarová Eva , Houser Josef , Dobeš Pavel , Paulíková Gita , Kondakov Nikolay , Kononov Leonid , Hyršl Pavel , Wimmerová Michaela 
Published: June 2020

O‐methylation is an unusual sugar modification with a function that is not fully understood. Given its occurrence and recognition by lectins involved in the immune response, methylated sugars were proposed to represent a conserved pathogen‐associated molecular pattern. We describe the interaction of O‐methylated saccharides with two β‐propeller lectins, the newly described PLL2 from the entomopathogenic bacterium Photorhabdus laumondii, and its homologue PHL from the related human pathogen Photorhabdus asymbiotica. The crystal structures of PLL2 and PHL revealed up to 10 out of 14 potential binding sites per protein subunit to be occupied with O‐methylated structures. The avidity effect strengthens the interaction by 4 orders of magnitude. PLL2 and PHL also interfere with the early immune response by modulating the production of reactive oxygen species and phenoloxidase activity. Since bacteria from Photorhabdus spp. have a complex life cycle involving pathogenicity towards different hosts, the involvement of PLL2 and PHL might contribute to the pathogen overcoming insect and human immune system defences in the early stages of infection.DatabasesStructural data are available in PDB database under the accession numbers 6RG2, 6RGG, 6RFZ, 6RG1, 6RGU, 6RGW, 6RGJ, and 6RGR.
Ecological significance of autotroph–heterotroph microbial interactions in freshwaters
Authors: Halvorson Halvor M. , Wyatt Kevin H. , Kuehn Kevin A. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Ecologists often separate pathways of energy flow into those based on either autotrophy (green) or heterotrophy (brown). While these two pathways are easily separated by concept and methodology, increasing evidence shows a complex interplay between autotrophic and heterotrophic components of ecosystems.

In freshwater settings, autotroph–heterotroph microbial interactions range widely. Studies suggest that algal–bacterial and algal–fungal interactions can encompass competition, mutualism, and priming effects that depend on environmental factors and can alter ecosystem processes including energy flow and nutrient cycling. Other studies suggest that primary consumers do not feed exclusively in either brown or green food webs, blurring the distinctions between trophic pathways. This omnivory complicates trophic classification, and its nutritional significance is important to understand autotrophy, heterotrophy, and detritus as the basis of consumer growth and fitness.

This special issue addresses knowledge gaps regarding the breadth and complexity of the autotroph–heterotroph microbial interface in freshwaters. The nine manuscripts within this special issue showcase the range of topics crossing the boundary between green and brown food webs to understand organism‐ to ecosystem‐level responses to light regime, nutrient availability, temperature, and other environmental factors that affect autotroph–heterotroph interactions.

We highlight knowledge gaps generated from this special issue, such as a need for additional field studies documenting autotroph–heterotroph microbial interactions particularly in lentic settings, and a need to scale interactions from the field up to food webs and ecosystems. We anticipate that this special issue will spur scientific interest in both autotrophy and heterotrophy in freshwaters, including how these energy flow pathways cannot be fully understood when studied in isolation.
Male‐specific alterations in structure of isolation call sequences of mouse pups with 16p11.2 deletion
Authors: Agarwalla Swapna , Arroyo Noelle S. , Long Natalie E. , O'Brien William T. , Abel Ted , Bandyopadhyay Sharba 
Published: June 2020

Abstract16p11.2 deletion is one of the most common gene copy variations that increases the susceptibility to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This syndrome leads to developmental delays, including speech impairment and delays in expressive language and communication skills. To study developmental impairment of vocal communication associated with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, we used the 16p11.2del mouse model and performed an analysis of pup isolation calls (PICs). The earliest PICs at postnatal day 5 from 16p11.2del pups were found altered in a male‐specific fashion relative to wild‐type (WT) pups. Analysis of sequences of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by pups using mutual information between syllables at different positions in the USV spectrograms showed that dependencies exist between syllables in WT mice of both sexes. The order of syllables was not random; syllables were emitted in an ordered fashion. The structure observed in the WT pups was identified and the pattern of syllable sequences was considered typical for the mouse line. However, typical patterns were totally absent in the 16p11.2del male pups, showing on average random syllable sequences, while the 16p11.2del female pups had dependencies similar to the WT pups. Thus, we found that PICs were reduced in number in male 16p11.2 pups and their vocalizations lack the syllable sequence order emitted by WT males and females and 16p11.2 females. Therefore, our study is the first to reveal sex‐specific perinatal communication impairment in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion and applies a novel, more granular method of analysing the structure of USVs.
Evaluation of pyrolysis chars derived from marine macroalgae silage as soil amendments
Authors: Adams Jessica M. M. , Turner Lesley B. , Toop Trisha A. , Kirby Marie E. , Rolin Christine , Judd Emma , Inkster Rhiannon , McEvoy Lesley , Mirza Waseem M. , Theodorou Michael K. , Gallagher Joseph 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPyrolysis char residues from ensiled macroalgae were examined to determine their potential as growth promoters on germinating and transplanted seedlings. Macroalgae was harvested in May, July and August from beach collections, containing predominantly Laminaria digitata and Laminaria hyperborea; naturally seeded mussel lines dominated by Saccharina latissima; and lines seeded with cultivated L. digitata. Material was ensiled, pressed to pellets and underwent pyrolysis using a thermo‐catalytic reforming (TCR) process, with and without additional steam. The chars generated were then assessed through proximate and ultimate analysis. Seasonal changes had the prevalent impact on char composition, though using mixed beach‐harvested material gave a greater variability in elements than when using the offshore collections. Applying the char at 5% (v/v)/2% (w/w) into germination or seedling soils was universally negative for the plants, inhibiting or delaying all parameters assessed with no clear advantage in harvesting date, species or TCR processing methodology. In germinating lettuce seeds, soil containing the pyrolysis chars caused a longer germination time, poorer germination, fewer true leaves to be produced, a lower average plant health score and a lower final biomass yield. For transplanted ryegrass seedlings, there were lower plant survival rates, with surviving plants producing fewer leaves and tillers, lower biomass yields when cut and less regrowth after cutting. As water from the char‐contained plant pots inhibited the lettuce char control, one further observation was that run‐off water from the pyrolysis char released compounds which detrimentally affected cultivated plant growth. This study clearly shows that pyrolysed macroalgae char does not fit the standard assumption that chars can be used as soil amendments at 2% (w/w) addition levels. As the bioeconomy expands in the future, the end use of residues and wastes from bioprocessing will become a genuine global issue, requiring consideration and demonstration rather than hypothesized use.
Overestimation of glomerular filtration rate by creatinine‐based equation in heart failure patients is predicted by a novel scoring system
Authors: Ishigo Tomoyuki , Katano Satoshi , Yano Toshiyuki , Kouzu Hidemichi , Ohori Katsuhiko , Nakata Hiromasa , Nonoyama Masatoshi , Inoue Takuya , Takamura Yuhei , Nagaoka Ryohei , Kondo Fuki , Nakano Keita , Takada Ryo , Kitagawa Manabu , Kimyo Tomoko , Miura Tetsuji 
Published: June 2020

AimsCreatinine‐based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcre) has been shown to overestimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) when it is compared with cystatin C‐based estimated GFR (eGFRcys) in older people. We investigated clinical determinants of GFR overestimation by eGFRcre and developed a score for prediction of GFR overestimation (OE) in heart failure patients.MethodsWe retrospectively examined 244 Japanese heart failure patients (aged 72.2 ± 13.1 years; 48% women) who had no known extrarenal factors that affect serum cystatin C concentration. eGFR OE by eGFRcre was defined as eGFRcre being ≥120% of cystatin C‐based eGFR.ResultsThe proportion of heart failure patients with OE was 14.3%. Patients with OE were older, had lower body weight and total skeletal muscle mass than those in patients without OE. Laboratory examinations showed that hemoglobin concentration was lower, and the ratio of blood urea nitrogen‐to‐creatinine was higher in patients with OE than in patients without OE. In multivariate regression analysis, body weight (<63.0 kg in men and <42.0 kg in women), hemoglobin level (<12.4 g/dL in men and <11.0 g/dL in women) and ratio of blood urea nitrogen‐to‐creatinine (>26.5) in addition to skeletal muscle mass were independently associated with OE. A score calculated by using cut‐off levels of body weight, hemoglobin concentration and ratio of blood urea nitrogen‐to‐creatinine predicted OE with a sensitivity of 97.1% and a specificity of 98.1%.ConclusionOverestimation of GFR by eGFRcre is predictable by a novel scoring system, which might be useful for the detection of patients who require cystatin C‐based eGFR measurement for accurate assessment of renal function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 752–758.
YkgM and YkgO maintain translation by replacing their paralogs, zinc‐binding ribosomal proteins L31 and L36, with identical activities
Authors: Ueta Masami , Wada Chieko , Wada Akira 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWhen a cell is zinc‐deficient, ykgM and ykgO, which encode paralogs of the zinc‐binding ribosomal proteins L31 and L36, are expressed from the ykgM operon, which is ordinarily held inactive by the Zur repressor. In ribosomes lacking L31, ribosomal subunit association is weakened, resulting in reduced in vitro translation and the deletion mutants of rpmE, the gene encoding L31, forming small colonies. We isolated four suppressor mutants of ∆rpmE that formed normal colonies. All four mutation sites were located in zur, and ribosomes of zur mutant cells contained one copy of YkgM and had translational activities equivalent to those of ribosomes containing L31. L36 is highly conserved among bacteria, chloroplast and mitochondria. Analysis of a deletion mutant of rpmJ, which encodes L36, suggested that L36 is involved in late assembly of the 50S particle, in vitro translation and cell growth. In zur mutant cells lacking rpmJ, the paralog YkgO was expressed and took over the functions of L36. zur mutant cells contained four types of ribosomes containing combinations of L31 or YkgM, and L36 or YkgO. Copy numbers of L31 and YkgM, and L36 and YkgO, summed to 1, indicating that each paralog pair shares a binding site.
Substitution therapy
Authors: Shima Midori , Sidonio Robert F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEmicizumab is a bispecific antibody that recognizes FIX(a)/FX, and mimics FVIIIa cofactor activity. Due to its unique characteristics including longer half‐life and subcutaneous injectability, treatment for haemophilia A dramatically improved regardless of the presence of FVIII inhibitor. Protection from pathological change in joints, avoidance of inhibitor development and intra‐cranial haemorrhage could be expected by introduction of emicizumab in early childhood. Applications in mild/moderate patients should be also considered. Clinical assessment tool should be standardized; however, since there are limitations to conventional ABR‐based assessment. Laboratory monitoring is another practical issue due to the mode of action of emicizumab. Chromogenic assays and global assays could be utilized. The other emicizumab‐related practical issue is immune tolerance induction for the inhibitor patients, since ITI remains the only effective means to inhibitor eradication. With the recently introduced Atlanta protocol, emicizumab prophylaxis is given in combination with 50‐100 IU/kg FVIII three times a week. A single manuscript has been published, and multiple clinical trials are open to address the efficacy of this strategy. Whether the Atlanta protocol will be fully embraced is yet to be seen, but there is widespread consensus about attempts to tolerize every haemophilia A patient with an inhibitor.