bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of immunocastration and housing conditions on pig carcass and meat quality traits1
Authors: Škrlep Martin , Poklukar Klavdija , Kress Kevin , Vrecl Milka , Fazarinc Gregor , Batorek Lukač Nina , Weiler Ulrike , Stefanski Volker , Čandek-Potokar Marjeta 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe present study investigated the effects of immunocastration and housing conditions on carcass, meat, and fat quality traits. Immunocastrates (IC, n = 48), entire (EM, n = 48), and surgical castrates (SC, n = 48) male pigs were reared under three different housing conditions. The conditions were standard (n = 36), enriched (n = 36, twice as much space as standard and additional outdoor access), or standard with repeated social mixing (n = 72). Pigs of the IC group were vaccinated at the age of 12 and 22 wk. The animals were slaughtered in four batches, balanced for sex category and housing, at the age of 27 wk reaching 124.7 ± 1.0 kg. Immunocastration led to increased fat deposition (i.e., thicker subcutaneous fat at different anatomical locations, more leaf fat, fatter belly in IC than EM, P &lt; 0.05) but did not affect muscularity traits. As a result, EM exhibited higher and SC lower (P &lt; 0.05) carcass leanness than IC. Fatty acids composition of either subcutaneous or intramuscular fat (IMF) agreed with general adiposity, that is, IC were intermediate between EM and SC exhibiting the lowest and highest fat saturation (P &lt; 0.05), respectively. Compared to SC, EM exhibited higher (P &lt; 0.05) levels of muscle oxidation and collagen content than SC, with IC taking an intermediate position in the case of the level of peroxidation and collagen content, or closer to SC as regards to oxidation of muscle proteins (i.e., carbonyl groups). Meat quality (including marbling score, cooking loss, subjective color redness, and chroma) of IC was similar to EM, and both differed (P &lt; 0.05) from SC. However, IC and SC had less (P &lt; 0.05) tough meat than EM, consistent with protein oxidation. The effect of housing was less evident. Mixing of pigs resulted in lower (P &lt; 0.05) carcass weight and fatness in all sex categories with lower (P &lt; 0.05) oleic and higher (P &lt; 0.05) arachidonic acid in IMF of EM.
Integrative taxonomic investigation ofPetaurus breviceps(Marsupialia: Petauridae) reveals three distinct species
Authors: Cremona Teigan , Baker Andrew M , Cooper Steven J B , Montague-Drake Rebecca , Stobo-Wilson Alyson M , Carthew Susan M 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Australian sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps s.l., is widely distributed across eastern and northern Australia. Examination of historical and contemporary collections of Petaurus specimens and phylogenetic analyses have revealed considerable taxonomic diversity within the genus. We aimed to utilize an integrative taxonomic approach, combining genetic and morphological evidence, to resolve the taxonomy of Australian gliders currently recognized as Petaurus breviceps. Herein, we confirm the existence of three distinct species: P. breviceps, P. notatus comb. nov. and P. ariel comb. nov.. Petaurus breviceps and P. notatus are each represented by major mtDNA lineages in P. breviceps, while P. ariel forms a sister-lineage to P. norfolcensis and P. gracilis. Subtle morphological differences distinguish P. breviceps from the closely related P. notatus, while the morphological distinctions between P. ariel and its genetically similar sister-taxa, P. norfolcensis and P. gracilis, are more obvious. Given the purported broad geographic distribution of the taxon, P. breviceps s.l. was not listed as threatened, but dividing this taxon into three species has important conservation implications for all taxa in the group, particularly given the lamentable record for mammal extinctions in Australia. Concerted and targeted conservation efforts are necessary to preserve these distinct, newly described species.
Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Occurrence and Correlations
Authors: CITKOWSKA-KISIELEWSKA ANNA , RUTKOWSKI KRZYSZTOF , MIELIMĄKA MICHAŁ , SOBAŃSKI JERZY A. , DEMBIŃSKA EDYTA 
Published: May 2020

Objective:
Because of the heterogeneity of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) and their co-occurrence with anxiety disorders, we investigated the prevalence, severity, and correlations between obsessive and compulsive symptoms reported by patients diagnosed with OCD or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted in 2 groups of patients: 76 patients diagnosed with OCD [F42 according to the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10)], and 186 patients diagnosed with GAD (F41.1 according to ICD-10), who had presented for therapy at the day ward. The Symptom Questionnaire “O,” based on the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) questionnaire, was used to assess obsessive, compulsive, and anxiety symptoms. The analysis took into account the impact of sex and the presence or absence of cognitive dysfunction (as assessed using the Bender Benton Visual Retention and Bender-Gestalt tests) on the associations being investigated.

Results:
We observed that obsessive and compulsive symptoms were more prevalent and more strongly expressed in the group with OCD than in the group with GAD. However, almost all patients with GAD (94%) confirmed the presence of some obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The study revealed differences in correlations with obsessions and compulsions between the OCD and GAD groups. In the group with OCD, no significant correlation between the severity of obsessions and compulsions was identified, whereas in the group with GAD, a significant positive correlation was found between the severity of those symptoms. In both the GAD and OCD groups, a greater intensity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms was accompanied by an increase in the severity of anxiety symptoms (with this effect noted to a greater extent with obsessions than compulsions).

Conclusions:
The study revealed that patients with GAD often have coexisting obsessive-compulsive symptoms, which may not be identified during routine psychiatric examination. Obsessive-compulsive symptoms observed in patients with GAD may show a different structure than obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with OCD. The results of this study suggest that compulsions are more specific for the diagnosis of OCD than obsessions. Compulsions, such as counting related to the need for order and symmetry, may be associated with some cognitive dysfunctions and male sex, a finding that requires further research.
Outcome of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for Treating Achalasia Compared With Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy (LHM)
Authors: Peng Lijun , Tian Shuni , Du Chao , Yuan Ziying , Guo Mingxiao , Lu Lin 
Published: May 2020

Objective:
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging endoscopic treatment for achalasia and the long-term efficacy of POEM remains to be evaluated. This study compared the outcomes of POEM with that of the standard laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) for achalasia.

Materials and Methods:
Achalasia patients treated by POEM or LHM were retrospectively analyzed, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 3 years. Perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes including treatment success (Eckardt score ≤3), occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (GerdQ score ≥9) and quality of life (36-item short form) were compared.

Results:
Thirteen patients who underwent POEM were compared with 18 patients who received LHM. These patients were similar in age, sex, symptoms duration, Eckardt score, and previous therapy (all P>0.05). Mean myotomy lengths were similar (P=0.73). Operation time was shorter in the POEM group (P=0.001). One patient (7.7%) developed pneumothorax after POEM and 1 patient (5.6%) experienced postoperative infection after LHM (P=1.00). Treatment success was achieved in 83.3% (9/12) of POEM patients and 80.0% (12/15) of LHM patients (P=1.00). Both POEM and LHM significantly reduced Eckardt score (both P=0.00). GERD rate was similar (8.3% vs. 6.7%, P=1.00). There was no difference in all aspects of quality of life between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:
Long-term outcomes indicate that POEM is an effective treatment that is comparable with LHM. More data of randomized trials comparing POEM with LHM will enrich the existing evidence.
Laparoscopic Anterior Partial Fundoplication is Comparable With Nissen Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Lal Pawanindra , Shah Swati H. , Leekha Nitin , Puri Amarender Singh 
Published: May 2020

Background:
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) has been the gold standard for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but the side effects of dysphagia and bloating have lead to interest in partial fundoplication as an alternative.

Aim:
To compare the symptomatic and objective parameters after LNF and laparoscopic anterior partial fundoplication (LAPF) in patients with GERD.

Patients and Methods:
The study was conducted in the Division of Minimal Access Surgery, Maulana Azad Medical College from June 2008 to October 2016. Patients with GERD with high score on 24-hour pH monitoring were selected for surgery (LAPF) and were compared with our historical control of 25 patients who underwent LNF. The preoperative and postoperative symptom score and objective parameters were analyzed.

Results:
Of 50 GERD patients, 20 patients underwent surgery (LAPF) and these were compared with 25 patients who underwent LNF. Demester score, modified Visick grade decreased from 4.12, 3.23 in LNF; 4.35, 3.35 in LAPF to 0, 1 in both groups. There was significant and similar increase in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) length, intra-abdominal LES length, LES pressure. The 24-h pH) decreased from 10.18% and 8.08% to 0.85% and 1.09% in LNF and LAPF, respectively. At 1 year and 5 years of follow-up, symptom scores, manometric analysis, and pH metry evaluation remained to be improved in both the groups.

Conclusions:
LAPF is as effective as LNF for GERD, with less dysphagia.
Comparison of the Effects of Different Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Levels on Cerebral Oxygen Saturation With Near Infrared Spectroscopy During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Sargin Mehmet , Uluer Mehmet Selçuk , Özmen Sadik 
Published: May 2020

Purpose:
Although positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is commonly used to improve respiratory mechanics and oxygenation during pneumoperitoneum (PP), the effect of PEEP on cerebral homeostasis during carbon dioxide PP remains uncertain. This study investigated the changes in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) associated with 0, 5, and 10 cm H2O PEEP during PP while undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:
In total, 105 patients between the ages of 18 to 60 years, scheduled to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia, were studied. The patients were randomized, into 3 groups: group I (n=35) with no external PEEP, group II (n=35) with external PEEP of 5 cm H2O, group III (n=35) with external PEEP of 10 cm H2O. Heart rate, mean blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and rSO2 values were continuously recorded from awake status to tracheal extubation.

Results:
The measurements of hemodynamic parameters were statistically similar between 3 groups (P>0.05). rSO2 values were statistically similar between 3 groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions:
We consider that both 5 and 10 cm H2O PEEP levels can be safely used during PP applied during laparoscopic surgery, without affecting hemodynamics, and without causing a decline in rSO2.
THE PATHOGENESIS OF THROMBOEMBOLIC DISEASE IN COVID-19 PATIENTS: COULD BE A CATASTROPHIC ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME?
Authors: Previtali G , Seghezzi M , Moioli V , Sonzogni A , Cerutti L , Marozzi R , Ravasio R , Gianatti A. , Guerra G. , Alessio MG 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe most severely COVID-19 patients need intensive care and show increased risk of thromboembolic events. Although some patients meet the diagnostic criteria for the Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, the pathogenesis of the diffuse thrombotic status remains unclear.The aim of the present study is to evaluate the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in sera of deceased patients with autoptic proven thrombotic microangiopathy to evaluate if some patients may have developed Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS).MethodsThirty-five patients were enrolled. The available medical history, comorbidities, therapies, laboratory and autopsy findings were collected post-mortem from clinical records.IgA, IgG and IgM anti cardiolipin (ACA) and anti β2 glycoprotein 1 (β2GP1) antibodies, IgG and IgM anti phosphatidylserine/prothrombin (PS/PT) antibodies were tested for all the patients.Results3/35 (8.6%) patients were slightly positive for aPL: one for ACA IgG and two for ACA IgM but values were low (< 3X the cut off). No patients tested positive for ACA IgA neither for β2GP1 isotypes. 3/35 (8.6%) patients were positive for PS/PT, one for IgG and two for IgM, but values were less than 2X the cut off. No patients showed simultaneous positivity for ACA and PS/ PT.ConclusionsIt is difficult to categorize the vascular events into a conventional disease: we did not find significant association with anti-phospholipid antibodies. It is most likely that several factors contribute to trigger the hypercoagulability status and the thromboembolism but, on the basis our results, CAPS is probably not involved into the pathogenesis of these phenomena.
A non-competing pair of human neutralizing antibodies block COVID-19 virus binding to its receptor ACE2
Authors: Wu Yan , Wang Feiran , Shen Chenguang , Peng Weiyu , Li Delin , Zhao Cheng , Li Zhaohui , Li Shihua , Bi Yuhai , Yang Yang , Gong Yuhuan , Xiao Haixia , Fan Zheng , Tan Shuguang , Wu Guizhen , Tan Wenjie , Lu Xuancheng , Fan Changfa , Wang Qihui , Liu Yingxia , Zhang Chen , Qi Jianxun , Gao George Fu , Gao Feng , Liu Lei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNeutralizing antibodies could be antivirals against COVID-19 pandemics. Here, we report the isolation of four human-origin monoclonal antibodies from a convalescent patient in China. All of these isolated antibodies display neutralization abilities in vitro. Two of them (B38 and H4) block the binding between RBD and vial cellular receptor ACE2. Further competition assay indicates that B38 and H4 recognize different epitopes on the RBD, which is ideal for a virus-targeting mAb-pair to avoid immune escape in the future clinical applications. Moreover, therapeutic study on the mouse model validated that these two antibodies can reduce virus titers in the infected mouse lungs. Structure of RBD-B38 complex revealed that most residues on the epitope are overlapped with the RBD-ACE2 binding interface, which explained the blocking efficacy and neutralizing capacity. Our results highlight the promise of antibody-based therapeutics and provide the structural basis of rational vaccine design.One Sentence SummaryA pair of human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 compete cellular receptor binding but with different epitopes, and with post-exposure viral load reduction activity.
A Network-Based Stochastic Epidemic Simulator: Controlling COVID-19 with Region-Specific Policies
Authors: Kuzdeuov Askat , Baimukashev Daulet , Karabay Aknur , Ibragimov Bauyrzhan , Mirzakhmetov Almas , Nurpeiissov Mukhamet , Lewis Michael , Varol Huseyin Atakan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this work, we present an open-source stochastic epidemic simulator, calibrated with extant epidemic experience of COVID-19. Our simulator incorporates information ranging from population demographics and mobility data to health care resource capacity, by region, with interactive controls of system variables to allow dynamic and interactive modeling of events. The simulator can be generalized to model the propagation of any disease, in any territory, but for this experiment was customized to model the spread of COVID-19 in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and estimate outcomes of policy options to inform deliberations on governmental interdiction policies.
Chronic use of a sensitized bionic hand does not remap the sense of touch
Authors: Ortiz-Catalan Max , Mastinu Enzo , Bensmaia Sliman J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractElectrical stimulation of tactile nerve fibers that innervated an amputated hand results in vivid sensations experienced at a specific location on the phantom hand, a phenomenon that can be leveraged to convey tactile feedback through bionic hands. Ideally, electrically evoked tactile sensations would be experienced on the appropriate part of the hand: Touch with the bionic index fingertip, for example, would elicit a sensation experienced on the index fingertip. However, the perceived locations of sensations are determined by the idiosyncratic position of the stimulating electrode relative to the nerve fascicles and thus difficult to predict or control. This problem could be circumvented if perceived sensations shifted over time so that they became consistent with the position of the sensor that triggers them. We show that, after long term use of a neuromusculoskeletal prosthesis that featured a mismatch between the sensor location and the resulting tactile experience, the perceived location of the touch did not change.
The impact of long-term non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 epidemic dynamics and control
Authors: Childs Marissa L. , Kain Morgan P. , Kirk Devin , Harris Mallory , Couper Lisa , Nova Nicole , Delwel Isabel , Ritchie Jacob , Mordecai Erin A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractNon-pharmaceutical interventions to combat COVID-19 transmission have worked to slow the spread of the epidemic but can have high socio-economic costs. It is critical we understand the efficacy of non-pharmaceutical interventions to choose a safe exit strategy. Many current models are not suitable for assessing exit strategies because they do not account for epidemic resurgence when social distancing ends prematurely (e.g., statistical curve fits) nor permit scenario exploration in specific locations.We developed an SEIR-type mechanistic epidemiological model of COVID-19 dynamics to explore temporally variable non-pharmaceutical interventions. We provide an interactive tool and code to estimate the transmission parameter, β, and the effective reproduction number, . We fit the model to Santa Clara County, California, where an early epidemic start date and early shelter-in-place orders could provide a model for other regions.As of April 22, 2020, we estimate an of 0.982 (95% CI: 0.849 - 1.107) in Santa Clara County. After June 1 (the end-date for Santa Clara County shelter-in-place as of April 27), we estimate a shift to partial social distancing, combined with rigorous testing and isolation of symptomatic individuals, is a viable alternative to indefinitely maintaining shelter-in-place. We also estimate that if Santa Clara County had waited one week longer before issuing shelter-in-place orders, 95 additional people would have died by April 22 (95% CI: 7 - 283).Given early life-saving shelter-in-place orders in Santa Clara County, longer-term moderate social distancing and testing and isolation of symptomatic individuals have the potential to contain the size and toll of the COVID-19 pandemic in Santa Clara County, and may be effective in other locations.
Association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HIV-exposed uninfected children in a South African birth cohort
Authors: Sevenoaks Tatum , Wedderburn Catherine J. , Donald Kirsten A. , Barnett Whitney , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J. , Naudé Petrus J.W. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTHIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children may have altered immune regulation and poorer neurodevelopment outcomes compared to their HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts. However, studies investigating the association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HEU children are limited and longitudinal data are lacking. This study investigated serum inflammatory markers in HIV-infected vs. uninfected women during pregnancy and in their children, as well as associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of age in an African birth cohort study. A sub-group of mother-child dyads from the Drakenstein Child Health Study had serum inflammatory markers measured at ≈26 week’s gestation (n=77 HIV-infected mothers; n=190 HIV-uninfected mothers), at 6-10 weeks (n=63 HEU infants and n=159 HU infants) and at 24-28 months (n=77 HEU children and n=190 HU children). Serum inflammatory markers [granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)] were analyzed with a multiplex bead array and ELISA assays. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, was used to assess neurodevelopment at 24-28 months. After correcting for multiple comparisons, HIV-infection during pregnancy was associated with lower serum levels of inflammatory markers in mothers at 26 weeks gestation (GM-CSF and MMP9, p<0.05) and HEU children at 6-10 weeks (IFN-γ and IL-1β, p<0.01), and at 24-28 months (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-4, p<0.05) compared to HIV-uninfected mothers and HU children. In HEU infants at 6-10 weeks, inflammatory markers (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-1P, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and NGAL, all p<0.05) were associated with poorer motor function at two years of age. This is the first study to evaluate the associations of follow-up immune markers in HEU children with neurodevelopment. These findings suggest that maternal HIV infection is associated with immune dysregulation in mothers and their children through two years of age. An altered immune system in HEU infants is associated with poorer follow-up motor neurodevelopment. These data highlight the important role of the immune system in early neurodevelopment and provide a foundation for future research.
Methylated PP2A stabilizes Gcn4 to enable a methionine-induced anabolic program
Authors: Walvekar Adhish S. , Kadamur Ganesh , Sreedharan Sreesa , Gupta Ritu , Srinivasan Rajalakshmi , Laxman Sunil 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMethionine, through S-adenosylmethionine, activates multifaceted growth programs where ribosome biogenesis, carbon metabolism, amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis are induced. This growth program requires activity of the Gcn4 transcription factor (called ATF4 in mammals), which enables metabolic precursor supply essential for anabolism. Here, we discover how the Gcn4 protein is induced by methionine, despite conditions of high translation and anabolism. This induction mechanism is independent of transcription, as well as the conventional Gcn2/eIF2α mediated increased translation of Gcn4. Instead, when methionine is abundant, Gcn4 ubiqitination and therefore degradation is reduced, due to the decreased phosphorylation of this protein. This Gcn4 stabilization is mediated by the activity of the conserved methyltransferase, Ppm1, which specifically methylates the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase PP2A when methionine is abundant. This methylation of PP2A shifts the balance of Gcn4 to a dephosphorylated state, which stabilizes the protein. The loss of Ppm1, or PP2A-methylation destabilizes Gcn4 when methionine is abundant, and the Gcn4-dependent anabolic program collapses. These findings reveal a novel signaling and regulatory axis, where methionine directs a conserved methyltransferase Ppm1, via its target phosphatase PP2A, to selectively stabilize Gcn4. Thereby, when methionine is abundant, cells conditionally modify a major phosphatase in order to stabilize a metabolic master-regulator and drive anabolism.