bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Commercial insurance delays direct‐acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C kidney transplantation into uninfected recipients
Authors: Torabi Julia , Rocca Juan P. , Ajaimy Maria , Melvin Jeffrey , Campbell Alesa , Akalin Enver , Liriano Luz E. , Azzi Yorg , Pynadath Cindy , Greenstein Stuart M. , Le Marie , Goldstein Doctor Y. , Fox Amy S. , Carrero Jin , Weiss Jeffrey M. , Powell Tia , Racine Andrew D. , Reinus John F. , Kinkhabwala Milan M. , Graham Jay A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe advent of direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) has created an avenue for transplantation of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected donors into uninfected recipients (D+/R−). The donor transmission of HCV is then countered by DAA administration during the post‐operative period. However, initiation of DAA treatment is ultimately dictated by insurance companies.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 52 D+/R− kidney recipients who underwent DAA treatment post‐transplant was performed. Patients were grouped according to their prescription coverage plans, managed by either commercial or government pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).ResultsThirty‐nine patients had government PBMs and 13 had commercial PBMs. Demographics were similar between the two groups. All patients developed HCV viremia, but cleared the virus after treatment with DAA. Patients with government PBMs were treated earlier compared to those with commercial PBMs (11 days vs 26 days, P = .01). Longer time to DAA initiation resulted in higher peak viral loads (β = 0.39, R2 = .15, P = .01) and longer time to HCV viral load clearance (β = 0.41, R2 = .17, P = .01).ConclusionsD+/R− transplantation offers patients an alternative strategy to increase access. However, treatment can be profoundly delayed by a third‐party payer authorization process that may be subjecting patients to unnecessary risks and worsened outcomes.
Surgical treatment of liver hydatid cyst before autologous stem cell transplantation; presentation of two cases with literature review
Authors: Zarbaliyev Elbrus , Hacısalihoğlu Payam 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHydatid cyst, caused by Echinococcus granulosus, is a parasitic disease which is frequently seen in endemic areas. The disease can be seen as an isolated entity or simultaneously with other diseases. Treatment of hydatid cyst in patients with malignancy as well as in patients in need of transplantation is still unclear. Although there is information in the form of case reports, a large number of patient data are needed to create a consensus on the management of these patients. We reviewed two cases with the need of autologuous stem cell transplantation which underwent liver hydatic cystectomy before transplantation.
Successful recovery from COVID‐19 in three kidney transplant recipients who received convalescent plasma therapy
Authors: Naeem Syed , Gohh Reginald , Bayliss George , Cosgrove Christopher , Farmakiotis Dimitrios , Merhi Basma , Morrissey Paul , Osband Adena , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Sweeney Joseph , Rogers Ralph 
Published: August 2020

AbstractNovel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a highly infectious, rapidly spreading viral disease that typically presents with greater severity in patients with underlying medical conditions or those who are immunosuppressed. We present a novel case series of three kidney transplant recipients with COVID‐19 who recovered after receiving COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) therapy. Physicians should be aware of this potentially useful treatment option. Larger clinical registries and randomized clinical trials should be conducted to further explore the clinical and allograft outcomes associated with CCP use in this population.
Gene silencing of BnaA09.ZEP and BnaC09.ZEP confers orange color in Brassica napus flowers
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Ye Shenhua , Yuan Gaigai , Ma Xiaowei , Heng Shuangping , Yi Bin , Ma Chaozhi , Shen Jinxiong , Tu Jinxing , Fu Tingdong , Wen Jing 
Published: August 2020

SUMMARYBrassica napus is currently cultivated as an important ornamental crop in China. Flower color has attracted much attention in rapeseed genetics and breeding. Here, we characterize an orange‐flowered mutant of B. napus that exhibits an altered carotenoid profile in its petals. As revealed by map‐based cloning, the change in color from yellow to orange is attributed to the loss of BnaC09.ZEP (zeaxanthin epoxidase) and a 1695‐bp deletion in BnaA09.ZEP. HPLC analysis, genetic complementation and CRISPR/Cas9 experiments demonstrated that BnaA09.ZEP and BnaC09.ZEP have similar functions, and the abolishment of both genes led to a substantial increase in lutein content and a sharp decline in violaxanthin content in petals but not leaves. BnaA09.ZEP and BnaC09.ZEP are predominantly expressed in floral tissues, whereas their homologs, BnaA07.ZEP and BnaC07.ZEP, mainly function in leaves, indicating redundancy and tissue‐specific diversification of BnaZEP function. Transcriptome analysis in petals revealed differences in the expression of carotenoid and flavonoid biosynthesis‐related genes between the mutant and its complementary lines. Flavonoid profiles in the petals of complementary lines were greatly altered compared to the mutant, indicating potential cross‐talk between the regulatory networks underlying the carotenoid and flavonoid pathways. Additionally, our results indicate that there is functional compensation by BnaA07.ZEP and BnaC07.ZEP in the absence of BnaA09.ZEP and BnaC09.ZEP. Cloning and characterization of BnaZEPs provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying flower pigmentation in B. napus and would facilitate breeding of B. napus varieties with higher ornamental value.
Re‐estimating the effect of heterogeneous standards on trade: Endogeneity matters
Authors: Shingal Anirudh , Ehrich Malte , Foletti Liliana 
Published: August 2020

AbstractControlling for endogeneity‐induced biases and accounting for the source of heterogeneity may both matter for the proper empirical estimation of the effect of heterogeneous standards on trade. However, existing literature on the trade effects of heterogeneity in pesticides maximum residue levels (MRLs) does not directly address the problem of endogeneity in the standards–trade relationship. Using pesticides MRL data for 53 countries over 2005–14, we thus re‐examine the trade effects of stricter (than partner) standards accounting for endogeneity using panel data methods. We find that the direction of the estimated trade effects gets reversed, thereby underlining the greater demand‐enhancing effect of more stringent regulation. We also discuss why endogeneity may bias the estimates downwards. In another original contribution, we examine the standards–trade relationship by the direction of imposition of stricter standards for a large panel. Our results suggest that stricter standards do not impede trade, irrespective of who imposes them.
Supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid and linoleic acid increases the production of epidermal ceramides in in vitro canine keratinocytes
Authors: Yoon Ji‐Seon , Nishifuji Koji , Iwasaki Toshiro 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundFew studies have investigated the effects of essential fatty acids on the production of epidermal ceramide (CER) in canine keratinocytes.Hypothesis/objectivesTo investigate the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and linoleic acid (LA) supplementation on the production of CERs using an in vitro canine keratinocyte culture system.Methods and materialsCanine keratinocyte cells (MSCEK) were incubated with high Ca2+[1.8 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2)] serum‐free medium, supplemented with 3 µM EPA and 15 µM LA when the cells showed confluency. On Day 8 of application, lipid analysis using high‐performance thin layer chromatography and real‐time PCR for detecting glucosylceramide synthase and ceramidase were performed.ResultsIt was revealed that the amounts of CER (EOS) (combination of ω‐hydroxy fatty acids and sphingosines), CER [EOP] (combination of ω‐hydroxy fatty acids and phytosphingosines) and a mixture of CER [NS] (combination of nonhydroxy fatty acids and sphingosines) and [NDS] (combination of nonhydroxy fatty acids and dihydrosphingosines), as well as total CERs, were significantly increased in cells incubated with EPA and LA compared to those of the vehicle, with increased mRNA expression of glucosylceramide synthase.Conclusions and clinical importanceThese findings suggest that EPA and LA can potentially alter the CER profile of the skin and this may contribute to its epidermal barrier function in canine skin.
Sickle cell trait among blood donors in the democratic republic of the Congo: which transfusion policy for Sickle cell patients?
Authors: Batina‐Agasa Salomon , Kambale‐Kombi Paul , Kabamba Paul , Tonen‐Wolyec Serge , Kayembe Tshilumba Charles , Marini Djang'eing'a Roland , Kabinda Maotela Jeef 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundPrevalence of sickle cell trait is high in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Blood services, therefore, face the risk of collecting blood units from donors with sickle cell trait.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the frequency of haemoglobin S among blood donors in Kinshasa.Materials and MethodsThe study was carried out in the period from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2015, and 250 blood donors, who gave their consent, were selected using convenience sampling method when donating blood at the National Blood Transfusion Centre in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For the testing, blood samples (2 ml) were obtained at the time of blood donation, added to EDTA tubes, mixed and processed within 24 h. The haemoglobin variants were determined by electrophoresis on alkaline agarose gel and confirmed on acid gel.ResultsAmong the 250 blood donors, 20·8 % were female and 79·2%, male. Blood donors in the age range from 25 to 29 years were the most represented, accounting for 23·2%. The youngest donor was 19 years old and the oldest, 58 years old. None of the donors were aware of the HbS status and all have donated previously. According to the haemoglobin variants, 23·6% were confirmed as AS and 76·4%, as AA.ConclusionThe proportion of blood donors with HbS is high in the DRC. The possibility of implementing the compulsory routine screening of sickle cell trait (SCT), using sickle cell rapid test, should be explored and the supply of blood units from donors with SCT to patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) should be avoided, whenever possible.
Evaluation of transanal minimally invasive surgery for submucosal rectal resection in cadaveric canine specimens
Authors: Mayhew Philipp D. , Balsa Ingrid M. , Guerzon Christian N. , Gibson Erin A. , Keel M. Kevin , Brun Maurício Veloso , Lillo Araya Felipe J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for submucosal rectal resection in large breed dogs.Study designCadaveric study.Sample populationCanine cadavers (n = 6) weighing between 37.5 and 60 kg.MethodsDogs were positioned in sternal recumbency. After rectal cleansing, a transanal access platform was placed in the rectum, and a pneumorectum was established. An area of ventral rectal wall approximately 2 × 2 cm was resected in a submucosal plane by using laparoscopic instruments and submitted for histopathological evaluation. The rectal wall defect was closed with a single‐layer continuous suture pattern with barbed suture. Postoperatively, the rectum was removed en bloc and evaluated for suture or surgical penetration of the serosal surface.ResultsSubmucosal rectal resection was successfully completed by using TAMIS in all dogs. The median length of resected specimens after fixation was 24.5 mm (range 9.8‐26.5). In two of six dogs, suture was macroscopically visible on the serosal surface, but no dogs had evidence of iatrogenic full‐thickness surgical penetration of the rectum. The median distance from the aborad extent of the suture closure line to the anocutaneous junction was 35 mm (range, 35‐105).ConclusionSubmucosal resection of the canine rectal wall was feasible in large breed dogs by using TAMIS. No evidence of full‐thickness penetration of the rectal wall was seen in these cadaveric specimens.Clinical significanceTransanal minimally invasive surgery may provide an alternative minimally invasive approach for resection for benign adenomatous rectal polyps in large breed dogs that might otherwise require a rectal pull‐through.
Perception of health risks in Lao market vendors
Authors: Philavong Chanfong , Pruvot Mathieu , Reinharz Daniel , Mayxay Mayfong , Khammavong Kongsy , Milavong Phonesavanh , Rattanavong Sayapeth , Horwood Paul F. , Dussart Philippe , Douangngeun Bounlom , Theppangna Watthana , Fine Amanda E. , Robinson Matthew T. , Newton Paul N. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWet markets are a critical part of South‐East Asian culture and economy. However, their role in circulation and transmission of both endemic and emerging disease is a source of concern in a region considered a hotspot of disease emergence. In the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR, Laos), live and dead wild animals are frequently found in wet markets, despite legislation against the bushmeat trade. This is generally considered to increase the risk of disease transmission and emergence, although whether or not wildlife vendors themselves have indeed increased incidence of zoonotic disease has rarely been assessed. In preparation for a future longitudinal study of market vendors investigating vendors’ exposure to zoonotic pathogens, we conducted a pilot survey of Lao market vendors of wildlife meat, livestock meat and vegetables, to identify demographic characteristics and potential control groups within markets. We also investigated baseline risk perception for infectious diseases among market vendors and assessed the association between risk perception and risk mitigation behaviours. The surveys conducted with 177 vendors revealed similar age, sex, ethnic background and geographical origin between vendor types, but differences in professional background and work history for livestock meat vendors. The perception of disease risk was very low across all vendors, as was the reported use of personal protective equipment, and the two appeared unrelated. Personal risk discounting and assumptions about transmission routes may explain this lack of association. This information will help inform the development of future research, risk communication and risk mitigation policy, especially in the light of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Preconditioning human pharyngeal motor cortex enhances directional metaplasticity induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Cheng Ivy , Scarlett Honor , Zhang Mengqing , Hamdy Shaheen 
Published: August 2020

Key points
Recent studies have proposed therapeutic potential for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in swallowing rehabilitation, yet its outcomes vary across individuals and studies. Such variability may be related to the brain state before stimulation.
Metaplasticity is a higher order plasticity which regulates cortical response to plasticity changes. Studies have shown that preconditioning of the hand motor cortex could increase cortical capacity for neuroplastic change and enhance rTMS outcomes.
We investigated, for the first time, the directional metaplastic properties in human pharyngeal motor cortex using preconditioned rTMS.
We found that preconditioned rTMS with specific time intervals between preconditioning and conditioning rTMS had stronger stimulation effects in both swallowing neurophysiology and behaviour than that without preconditioning.
Our results provide evidence for enhanced directional metaplasticity in pharyngeal motor cortex and new insights into its clinical application for dysphagia.
AbstractDespite growing evidence that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can be used as a treatment for dysphagia, its efficacy varies across individuals. Such variability may relate to the pre‐stimulation state of neuronal activation. Previous studies found that preconditioning the hand motor cortex before rTMS could enhance stimulation outcomes through metaplasticity. No studies have investigated such mechanisms in human pharyngeal motor cortex. Therefore, we investigated the preconditioning effects of rTMS on swallowing neurophysiology and behaviour. Healthy adults were recruited for swallowing neurophysiological (n = 14) and behavioural (n = 14) experiments. They were first given eight different preconditioned (1 and 5 Hz) rTMS interventions with varying inter‐rTMS intervals. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were measured before and for 60 min post‐rTMS. Based on the changes in pharyngeal MEPs, the optimal preconditioned 1 Hz and 5 Hz rTMS protocols were then applied as interventions while assessing swallowing performance using a reaction time task. We found that 5 Hz rTMS preconditioned with 1 Hz rTMS with 30 min inter‐rTMS interval induced the greatest increase on pharyngeal cortical excitability (F1,13 = 21.244; P < 0.001). By comparison, 1 Hz rTMS preconditioned with 5 Hz rTMS with 90 min inter‐rTMS interval was most optimal for suppressing pharyngeal motor cortex (F1,13 = 13.547; P = 0.003). Behaviourally, swallowing accuracy was improved after preconditioned 5 Hz rTMS (F1,13 = 10.109, P = 0.007) and reduced after preconditioned 1 Hz rTMS (F1,13 = 14.108, P = 0.009) compared to sham. Thus, two optimal protocols for inducing functional metaplasticity in human pharyngeal motor cortex have been identified. These protocols appear superior to conventional rTMS and may be relevant to future clinical application in neurogenic dysphagia.
Dietary nitrate supplementation increases diaphragm peak power in old mice
Authors: Kumar Ravi A. , Kelley Rachel C. , Hahn Dongwoo , Ferreira Leonardo F. 
Published: August 2020

Key points
Respiratory muscle function declines with ageing, contributing to breathing complications in the elderly.
Here we report greater in vitro respiratory muscle contractile function in old mice receiving supplemental NaNO3 for 14 days compared with age‐matched controls.
Myofibrillar protein phosphorylation, which enhances contractile function, did not change in our study – a finding inconsistent with the hypothesis that this post‐translational modification is a mechanism for dietary nitrate to improve muscle contractile function.
Nitrate supplementation did not change the abundance of calcium‐handling proteins in the diaphragm of old mice, in contrast with findings from the limb muscles of young mice in previous studies.
Our findings suggest that nitrate supplementation enhances myofibrillar protein function without affecting the phosphorylation status of key myofibrillar proteins.
AbstractInspiratory muscle (diaphragm) function declines with age, contributing to ventilatory dysfunction, impaired airway clearance, and overall decreased quality of life. Diaphragm isotonic and isometric contractile properties are reduced with ageing, including maximal specific force, shortening velocity and peak power. Contractile properties of limb muscle in both humans and rodents can be improved by dietary nitrate supplementation, but effects on the diaphragm and mechanisms behind these improvements remain poorly understood. One potential explanation underlying the nitrate effects on contractile properties is increased phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins, a downstream outcome of nitrate reduction to nitrite and nitric oxide. We hypothesized that dietary nitrate supplementation would improve diaphragm contractile properties in aged mice. To test our hypothesis, we measured the diaphragm function of old (24 months) mice allocated to 1 mm NaNO3 in drinking water for 14 days (n = 8) or untreated water (n = 6). The maximal rate of isometric force development (∼30%) and peak power (40%) increased with nitrate supplementation (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the phosphorylation status of key myofibrillar proteins and abundance of Ca2+‐release proteins in nitrate vs. control animals. In general, our study demonstrates improved diaphragm contractile function with dietary nitrate supplementation and supports the use of this strategy to improve inspiratory function in ageing populations. Additionally, our findings suggest that dietary nitrate improves diaphragm contractile properties independent of changes in abundance of Ca2+‐release proteins or phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins.
Temporally‐precise basolateral amygdala activation is required for the formation of taste memories in gustatory cortex
Authors: Arieli Elor , Gerbi Ron , Shein‐Idelson Mark , Moran Anan 
Published: August 2020

Key points
The basolateral amygdala (BLA), the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM), and the gustatory cortex (GC) are involved in taste processing, taste memory formation and conditioned taste aversion (CTA) learning, but their fine‐temporal interactions that support these cognitive functions are not well understood.
We found that the formation of novel‐taste and CTA memories in the GC depend on a distinct late response (700–3000 ms) of BLA projection neurons.
In contrast, BLA activity was not essential for palatability‐related behaviour and coding in the GC prior to CTA.
We identified the BLA→NBM pathway as a potential pathway for the transmission of taste novelty information, required for the formation of taste and CTA memories in the GC.
Our results demonstrate how neuronal dynamics across multiple brain regions support long‐term memory formation.
AbstractLearning to associate malaise with the intake of novel food is critical for survival. Since food poisoning may take hours to take effect, animals developed brain circuits to transform the current novel taste experience into a taste memory trace (TMT) and bridge this time lag. Ample studies showed that the basolateral amygdala (BLA), the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM) and the gustatory cortex (GC) are involved in TMT formation and taste–malaise association. However, how dynamic activity across these brain regions during novel taste experience promotes the formation of these memories is currently unknown. We used the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) learning paradigm in combination with short‐term optogenetics and electrophysiological recording in rats to test the hypothesis that temporally specific activation of BLA projection neurons is essential for TMT formation in the GC, and consequently CTA. We found that a short late epoch (LE, 700–3000 ms), but not the early epoch (EE, 0–500 ms), of BLA activation during novel taste experience is essential for normal CTA, for early c‐Fos expression in the GC (a marker of TMT formation) and for the post‐CTA changes in GC ensemble palatability coding. Interestingly, BLA activity was not required for intact taste identity or palatability perceptions before CTA. We further show that BLA‐LE information is transmitted to GC through the BLA→NBM pathway where it affects the formation of taste memories. These results expose the dependence of long‐term memory formation on specific temporal windows during sensory responses and the distributed circuits supporting this dependence.