bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of sperm RNA processing for developmental research
Authors: Pang Won-Ki , Kang Saehan , Ryu Do-Yeal , Rahman Md Saidur , Park Yoo-Jin , Pang Myung-Geol 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated the significance of sperm RNA function as a transporter of important information directing the course of life. To determine the message contained in sperm RNA, it is necessary to optimize transcriptomic research tools. The current study was performed to optimize the processing of sperm RNA from sample storage to quantitative real-time PCR and assess the corresponding method with to evaluate male fertility and its representative markers, equatorin (EQTN) and peroxiredoxin (PRDX). Following successive steps of the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments guidelines, several options were compared using boar spermatozoa. To evaluate the optimized procedures, the relationship between mRNA expression of EQTN and PRDX in spermatozoa and the fertility (litter size) of 20 individual boars was assessed. Unexpectedly, DNase treatment during RNA isolation had the deleterious effect by decreasing the RNA concentration by 56% and eliminating the correlation between EQTN and PRDX4 mRNA expression and male fertility. Moreover, when sperm RNA was processed using the corresponding method, the results showed the highest exon sequence expression, male fertility prediction power, and consistency. This optimized protocol for predicting male fertility can be used to study the transport of messages directing the life course from spermatozoon to offspring.
High resolution MRI for quantitative assessment of inferior alveolar nerve impairment in course of mandible fractures: an imaging feasibility study
Authors: Burian Egon , Sollmann Nico , Ritschl Lucas M. , Palla Benjamin , Maier Lisa , Zimmer Claus , Probst Florian , Fichter Andreas , Miloro Michael , Probst Monika 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for direct visualization of the inferior alveolar nerve in the setting of mandibular fractures. Fifteen patients suffering from unilateral mandible fractures involving the inferior alveolar nerve (15 affected IAN and 15 unaffected IAN from contralateral side) were examined on a 3 T scanner (Elition, Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) and compared with 15 healthy volunteers (30 IAN in total). The sequence protocol consisted of a 3D STIR, 3D DESS and 3D T1 FFE sequence. Apparent nerve-muscle contrast-to-noise ratio (aNMCNR), apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR), nerve diameter and fracture dislocation were evaluated by two radiologists and correlated with nerve impairment. Furthermore, dislocation as depicted by MRI was compared to computed tomography (CT) images. Patients with clinically evident nerve impairment showed a significant increase of aNMCNR, aSNR and nerve diameter compared to healthy controls and to the contralateral side (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the T1 FFE sequence allowed dislocation depiction comparable to CT. This prospective study provides a rapid imaging protocol using the 3D STIR and 3D T1 FFE sequence that can directly assess both mandible fractures and IAN damage. In patients with hypoesthesia following mandibular fractures, increased aNMCNR, aSNR and nerve diameter on MRI imaging may help identify patients with a risk of prolonged or permanent hypoesthesia at an early time.
MALDI-MSI spatially maps N-glycan alterations to histologically distinct pulmonary pathologies following irradiation
Authors: Carter Claire L. , Parker George A. , Hankey Kim G. , Farese Ann M. , MacVittie Thomas J. , Kane Maureen A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRadiation-induced lung injury is a highly complex combination of pathological alterations that develop over time and severity of disease development is dose-dependent. Following exposures to lethal doses of irradiation, morbidity and mortality can occur due to a combination of edema, pneumonitis and fibrosis. Protein glycosylation has essential roles in a plethora of biological and immunological processes. Alterations in glycosylation profiles have been detected in diseases ranging from infection, inflammation and cancer. We utilized mass spectrometry imaging to spatially map N-glycans to distinct pathological alterations during the clinically latent period and at 180 days post-exposure to irradiation. Results identified alterations in a number of high mannose, hybrid and complex N-glycans that were localized to regions of mucus and alveolar-bronchiolar hyperplasia, proliferations of type 2 epithelial cells, accumulations of macrophages, edema and fibrosis. The glycosylation profiles indicate most alterations occur prior to the onset of clinical symptoms as a result of pathological manifestations. Alterations in five N-glycans were identified as a function of time post-exposure. Understanding the functional roles N-glycans play in the development of these pathologies, particularly in the accumulation of macrophages and their phenotype, may lead to new therapeutic avenues for the treatment of radiation-induced lung injury.
Isolation and identification of induced systemic resistance determinants from Bacillus simplex Sneb545 against Heterodera glycines
Authors: Xing Zhifu , Wu Xiaojing , Zhao Jing , Zhao Xuebing , Zhu Xiaofeng , Wang Yuanyuan , Fan Haiyan , Chen Lijie , Liu Xiaoyu , Duan Yuxi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractHeterodera glycines is one of the most destructive pathogens of soybean. Soybean seeds coated with Bacillus simplex Sneb545 have shown resistance to H. glycines as a result of induced systemic resistance (ISR) in the plants. In this study, we aimed to identify the resistance-inducing determinants from this B. simplex strain. Combining the ISR bioassay, six ISR-active compounds were isolated from a culture of B. simplex Sneb545 using organic solvent gradient extraction, silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and all systems were based on activity tracking. The compounds were determined as cyclic(Pro-Tyr), cyclic(Val-Pro), cyclic(Leu-Pro), uracil, phenylalanine, and tryptophan using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. In plants from seeds coated with Bacillus simplex Sneb545, these six ISR-active compounds delayed the development of H. glycines in soybean roots. Moreover, cyclic(Pro-Tyr), cyclic(Val-Pro), and tryptophan reduced the number of nematodes in soybean roots. The expression levels of defense-related genes with cyclic(Val-Pro), tryptophan and uracil treatment soybean analysed using Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results indicate cyclic(Val-Pro), tryptophan and uracil induced the expression of defense-related genes involved in the SA- and JA-pathways to against H. glycines. Our research results provide new agents for the control of H. glycines.
MEF2C and HDAC5 regulate Egr1 and Arc genes to increase dendritic spine density and complexity in early enriched environment
Authors: Puang Shu Juan , Elanggovan Bavani , Ching Tendy , Sng Judy C.G. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We investigated the effects of environmental enrichment during critical period of early postnatal life and how it interplays with the epigenome to affect experience-dependent visual cortical plasticity. Mice raised in an EE from birth to during CP have increased spine density and dendritic complexity in the visual cortex. EE upregulates synaptic plasticity genes, Arc and Egr1, and a transcription factor MEF2C. We also observed an increase in MEF2C binding to the promoters of Arc and Egr1. In addition, pups raised in EE show a reduction in HDAC5 and its binding to promoters of Mef2c, Arc and Egr1 genes. With an overexpression of Mef2c, neurite outgrowth increased in complexity. Our results suggest a possible underlying molecular mechanism of EE, acting through MEF2C and HDAC5, which drive Arc and Egr1. This could lead to the observed increased dendritic spine density and complexity induced by early EE.
Effects of Attentional Focus on Speech Motor Control in Adults Who Stutter and Its Relationship to Social Stress: A Pilot Project
Authors: Bauerly Kim R. , Mefferd Antje 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this pilot study was to assess speech motor variability in adults who stutter (AWS) compared to adults who do not stutter (ANS) when speaking under different attention focus condition with and without social stress. We also aimed to verify procedures and methods for eliciting social stress prior to the recruitment of a larger sample size.

Method
Three AWS (aged 24–32 years) and five ANS (aged 19–49 years) completed the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (Speilberger et al., 1983), the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (Mattick & Clark, 1998), and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation (Leary, 1983). Participants were required to repeat sentences under internal and external attentional focus conditions as well as in front of an audience. Objective measures of social stress were obtained by measuring skin conductance levels (SCL), an index of sympathetic nervous system activity, before and during an audience condition. Measures of posterior tongue variability were used as a measure of articulatory coordination.

Results
Descriptive analysis revealed some of the AWS self-reported higher scores on tests of anxiety. SCL increased from baseline to social stress conditions in both AWS and ANS, supporting the use of this procedure for eliciting feelings of social stress. AWS showed higher levels of SCL compared to ANS during both baseline and social stress conditions. Descriptive analysis indicated notable between-groups differences for posterior tongue variability during attention focus and social stress conditions.

Conclusions
Our findings offer preliminary insights into the role attention may play as a contributing factor to the effects of social stress on speech motor control. Although individual response patterns varied, findings can be used to make inferences about the role of attention on speech motor control in AWS and ANS.
Factors Influencing Postoperative Recovery and Time Off Work of Patients with Benign Indications for Surgery – Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Strozyk Sophie , Wernecke Klaus-Dieter , Sehouli Jalid , David Matthias 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Objectives The study aimed to answer a number of questions: Which medical, psychological and sociodemographic factors affect the recovery of women after gynecological surgery for benign indications? Does patientsʼ health-related quality of life improve after surgical intervention? How long are patients signed off work postoperatively? How do patients assess their own capacity to work?
Method Study population: All women between the ages of 18 and 67 years who underwent gynecological surgery for benign indications at the Charité Campus Virchow Clinic over a 7-month period were consecutively enrolled in the study. Four standardized patient surveys (the first survey [T0] was carried out in hospital, T1 at 1 week, T2 at 6 weeks and T3 at 7 – 8 months after discharge by telephone interview) were carried out using evaluated questionnaires to record patientsʼ recovery (Recovery Index), quality of life (RAND-36), satisfaction, complications, sociodemographic information and time off work with a medical sick note. Relevant medical and demographic data were also collected. Statistical analysis was carried out using univariate statistical tests for descriptive analysis and complex multifactorial statistical procedures to record observations over time.
Results A total of 182 patients were included in this study (participation rate: 70%). Relevant prior operations (p = 0.01), in-hospital (p = 0.004) and postoperative complications (p < 0.001), preoperative psychological wellbeing (p = 0.01), physical functioning (p = 0.005) and postoperative anxiety (p = 0,006) had a significant impact on recovery (Recovery Index) and changed significantly over time (p < 0.001). The invasiveness of the surgery or sociodemographic parameters (including migration background) had no significant effect. Health-related quality of life (measured with the RAND-36 questionnaire) also improved postoperatively. More invasive surgical interventions were associated with longer sick leave times and, to a certain extent, with a poorer evaluation of patientsʼ capacity to work.
Conclusion Recovery after gynecological surgery is a multifactorial process. This survey of a patient population identified psychological and physical factors which influence recovery but did not find significant sociodemographic parameters affecting recovery. Irrespective of these findings, gynecological surgery for benign indications resulted in an improvement in health-related quality of life. Prospective studies need to investigate whether psychological interventions could reduce preoperative fear and thereby improve postoperative recovery.
Proptosis in Otorhinolaryngology: An Overview
Authors: Nazeer Novshaba , Ivaturi Phani Bhushan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIntroduction Ear, nose and throat (ENT)pathologies can present with proptosis as the early manifestation. The majority of ENT pathologies present with ocular manifestations, due to close anatomical relationship.Objective To study proptosis in ENT disorders in terms of etiology, pathogenesis, and management.Methods The present article is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary care center, in Telangana, India. Patients presenting with proptosis secondary to ENT disorders were thoroughly evaluated and subjected to surgical exploration after providing a signed informed consent.Results Sixty cases of proptosis secondary to ENT disorders have been reported. The most common cause was sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma followed by juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis.Conclusion Many ENT disorders can present with proptosis. Proptosis needs to be evaluated completely for proper management and to limit the morbidity associated with it.
Nonsurgical Management of Cartilage Defects of the Knee: Who, When, Why, and How?
Authors: Hanaoka Chad , Fausett Cameron , Jayabalan Prakash 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe nonoperative practitioner managing individuals with cartilage defects should use a patient-centered, multifaceted approach that aims to individualize treatment to provide optimal benefit. These include addressing modifiable risk factors for disease progression and instituting interventions such as weight loss, nutrition, physical activity, and potentially regenerative medicine strategies. This review will focus on these nonoperative treatment strategies with a focus on when treatments are necessary, who will benefit from these approaches, why they are specifically appropriate, and, finally, how these treatments directly modify the structure of a patient's cartilage and resulting symptoms.
A Revisited Diagnosis of Collagen VI Related Muscular Dystrophy in a Patient with a Novel COL6A2 Variant and 21q22.3 Deletion
Authors: Simsek-Kiper Pelin Ozlem , Oguz Sumeyra , Ergen Fatma Bilge , Utine Gulen Eda , Alikasifoglu Mehmet , Haliloglu Goknur 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe genetic etiology of collagen VI related muscular dystrophies is heterogenous. Genomic deletions in one allele involving COL6A2 or both COL6A1 and COL6A2 unmasking a pathogenic variant in the second nondeleted allele have been described in the etiology. We aimed to report the clinical and molecular findings of a 13-year-old boy with ring chromosome 21 who presented to our clinic with easy fatigability, muscle weakness, and waddling gait. Phenotypic delineation along with chromosomal microarray analysis and DNA sequencing were performed. Affymetrix CytoScan Optima array platform and DNA sequencing revealed a 2,202 kb de novo deletion at 21q22.3, including COL6A1 and COL6A2, and a novel heterozygous variant at position c.2875G > A;p.(Glu959Lys) in COL6A2, respectively. Before his admission to our center, the patient was evaluated for hypotonia elsewhere when he was 15 months old. He was diagnosed with ring chromosome 21 on peripheral blood karyotype analysis; however, no further assessment was performed at that time. He had normal growth with mild dysmorphic facial features, distal laxity, gastrocnemius hypertrophy, proximal muscle weakness, increased lordotic posture with mild flexion contractures at the knees, and gait disturbance. Although the phenotype does not fit into classical Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophies, muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a complementary pattern consistent with collagen VI related myopathies. Genetic testing confirmed the clinical diagnosis as well. This patient yet represents another example of the effect of large genomic deletions leading to recessive disorders through unmasking a pathogenic variant in the second nondeleted allele.
Do guide dogs have culture? The case of indirect social learning
Authors: Guillo Dominique , Claidière Nicolas 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIn the study of animal behaviour, culture is often seen as the result of direct social transmission from a model to a conspecific. In this essay, we show that unrecognised cultural phenomena are sustained by a special form of indirect social learning (ISL). ISL occurs when an individual B learns a behaviour from an individual A through something produced by A. A’s behavioural products can be chemicals, artefacts, but also, we argue, behaviours of another group or species that are the consequence of A’s actions. For instance, a behaviour—guiding a blind person—can be transmitted from dog A to dog B, because the fact that dog A learns the behaviour creates in the mind of the trainer representations about the efficacy of the training practice that can be transmitted to another human, who can then train dog B. These dog behaviours have all the properties of standard cultural behaviours and spread in some dog populations through the exploitation of the social learning capacities of another group/species. Following this idea requires a change in perspective on how we see the social transmission of behaviours and brings forward the fact that certain cultural practices can spread among animals through a cultural co-evolutionary dynamic with humans or other animals.
Fetal public Vγ9Vδ2 T cells expand and gain potent cytotoxic functions early after birth
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria , Dimova Tanya , Shey Muki , Briel Libby , Veldtsman Helen , Khomba Nondumiso , Africa Hadn , Steyn Marcia , Hanekom Willem A. , Scriba Thomas J. , Nemes Elisa , Vermijlen David 
Published: July 2020

SignificanceEarly-life immune responses have been described as suboptimal, with neonates and infants being susceptible to infections. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are the first T lymphocytes to be generated in the human fetus. Their T cell receptor-mediated responses to in vitro stimulation and their effector functions at birth are weaker compared with those in adults, possibly reflecting the need for tolerance in utero. However, here we show that upon transition to the prominent microbial exposure early after birth, public fetal-derived Vγ9Vδ2 T cells expand and differentiate into potent cytotoxic effector cells. Thus, they provide newborns with a first line of antimicrobial effector T cells in order to combat infections in early life.
Influencing choices with conversational primes: How a magic trick unconsciously influences card choices
Authors: Pailhès Alice , Kuhn Gustav 
Published: July 2020

Significance
This paper shows that naturally embedding primes within a person’s speech and gestures effectively influences people’s decision making. Likewise, our results dovetail findings from choice blindness literature, illustrating that people often do not know the real reason for their choice. Magicians’ forcing techniques may provide a powerful and reliable way of studying these mental processes, and our paper illustrates how this can be done. Moreover, our results raise the possibility that this form of mind control could be used to effectively manipulate other mental processes.
Metabolic characteristics of large and small extracellular vesicles from pleural effusion reveal biomarker candidates for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and malignancy
Authors: Luo Ping , Mao Kaimin , Xu Juanjuan , Wu Feng , Wang Xuan , Wang Sufei , Zhou Mei , Duan Limin , Tan Qi , Ma Guangzhou , Yang Guanghai , Du Ronghui , Huang Hai , Huang Qi , Li Yumei , Guo Mengfei , Jin Yang 
Published: July 2020

ABSTRACTPleural effusion is a common respiratory disease worldwide; however, rapid and accurate diagnoses of tuberculosis pleural effusion (TPE) and malignancy pleural effusion (MPE) remain challenging. Although extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been confirmed as promising sources of disease biomarkers, little is known about the metabolite compositions of its subpopulations and their roles in the diagnosis of pleural effusion. Here, we performed metabolomics and lipidomics analysis to investigate the metabolite characteristics of two EV subpopulations derived from pleural effusion by differential ultracentrifugation, namely large EVs (lEVs, pelleted at 20,000 × g) and small EVs (sEVs, pelleted at 110,000 × g), and assessed their metabolite differences between tuberculosis and malignancy. A total of 579 metabolites, including amino acids, acylcarnitines, organic acids, steroids, amides and various lipid species, were detected. The results showed that the metabolic profiles of lEVs and sEVs overlapped with and difference from each other but significantly differed from those of pleural effusion. Additionally, different type of vesicles and pleural effusion showed unique metabolic enrichments. Furthermore, lEVs displayed more significant and larger metabolic alterations between the tuberculosis and malignancy groups, and their differential metabolites were more closely related to clinical parameters than those of sEV. Finally, a panel of four biomarker candidates, including phenylalanine, leucine, phosphatidylcholine 35:0, and sphingomyelin 44:3, in pleural lEVs was defined based on the comprehensive discovery and validation workflow. This panel showed high performance for distinguishing TPE and MPE, particularly in patients with delayed or missed diagnosis, such as the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC) >0.95 in both sets. We conducted comprehensive metabolic profiling analysis of EVs, and further explored the metabolic reprogramming of tuberculosis and malignancy at the level of metabolites in lEVs and sEVs, providing insight into the mechanism of pleural effusion, and identifying novel biomarkers for diagnosing TPE and MPE.