bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TREM2 variants as a possible cause of frontotemporal dementia with distinct neuroimaging features
Authors: Samanci Bedia , Bilgiç Başar , Gelişin Özlem , Tepgeç Fatih , Guven Gamze , Tüfekçioğlu Zeynep , Alaylıoğlu Merve , Hanagasi Hasmet A. , Gürvit Hakan , Guerreiro Rita , Hardy John , Emre Murat 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeNasu–Hakola disease (NHD) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by skeletal and neurological symptoms. Behavioral symptoms with cognitive impairment may mimic the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and other early‐onset dementias. Our patients were analyzed and the literature was reviewed to delineate neurological and neuroimaging findings suggestive of NHD.MethodFourteen patients carrying a pathogenic mutation in the TREM2 gene were found in our database. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were retrieved and analyzed.ResultsThe presenting clinical picture was behavioral changes with cognitive decline resembling bvFTD in all patients. The mean age was 37.1 ± 4.97 years and the mean duration of the disease was 8.9 ± 3.51 years. Only two patients had typical bone cysts. Seven patients had bilateral calcification of the basal ganglia in computed tomography of the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed severe atrophy of the corpus callosum, enlargement of the ventricles, atrophy of the caudate nuclei and periventricular white matter changes in all patients. Symmetrical global atrophy of the brain mainly affecting frontoparietal and lateral temporal regions were observed in all cases, and 13 patients had atrophy of the hippocampus. Cerebrospinal fluid examination of 10 patients showed elevated protein levels in six and the presence of oligoclonal bands in four patients.ConclusionA combination of white matter changes, enlarged ventricles, atrophy of the caudate nuclei and thinning of the corpus callosum in magnetic resonance imaging strongly suggests NHD in patients with FTD syndrome. Molecular genetic analysis should be performed in suspected cases, and families should receive genetic counseling.
Serum and cerebrospinal fluid phosphorylated neurofilament heavy protein concentrations in equine neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Edwards Lisa A. , Donnelly Callum G. , Reed Stephen M. , Valberg Stephanie , Chigerwe Munashe , Johnson Amy L. , Finno Carrie J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, there is little information regarding the concentrations of phosphorylated neurofilament heavy protein (pNfH) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of horses with neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, pNfH concentrations have not yet been evaluated in horses with equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (eNAD/EDM).ObjectivesTo determine pNfH concentrations using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in serum and CSF from control horses and horses with eNAD/EDM, cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) and Shivers.Study designCase‐control study using biobanked samples from diseased horses and prospective or biobanked samples from control horses.MethodsThe pNfH ELISA was performed on samples from horses diagnosed with eNAD/EDM (n = 64), CVCM (n = 26) and Shivers (n = 9) and 51 neurologically normal control horses.ResultsMedian and 95% confidence interval (CI) serum pNfH concentrations in control, CVCM, and eNAD/EDM horses were 0.08 ng/mL (0.07‐0.15), 0.07 ng/mL (0.07‐0.15) and 0.07 ng/mL (0.07‐1.13), respectively. Serum pNfH concentrations were below the limit of detection (<0.07 ng/mL) for all Shivers horses. CSF pNfH concentrations in control, CVCM‐, eNAD/EDM‐ and Shivers‐affected horses were 1.26 ng/mL (1.06‐1.5), 3.07 ng/mL (1.15‐29.9), 1.78 ng/mL (1.5‐2.28) and 1.39 ng/mL (0.74‐3.89), respectively. CSF pNfH concentrations were significantly higher in CVCM (P = .001) and eNAD/EDM (P = .01) affected horses compared to control horses. Serum pNfH concentrations >1 ng/mL were significantly associated with eNAD/EDM (P = .01) with only 12% sensitivity but 99% specificity. CSF pNfH concentrations >3 ng/mL were significantly associated with CVCM (P = .0002), with 50% sensitivity and 86% specificity.Main limitationsA limited number of control horses tested were <1 year of age.ConclusionsSerum pNfH concentrations are specifically increased (>1 ng/mL) in some horses with eNAD/EDM. Increased CSF pNfH concentrations (>3 ng/mL) can be observed with eNAD/EDM or CVCM.
Brassica carinata biomass, yield, and seed chemical composition response to nitrogen rates and timing on southern Coastal Plain soils in the United States
Authors: Bashyal Mahesh , Mulvaney Michael J. , Lee Dewey , Wilson Chris , Iboyi Joseph E. , Leon Ramon G. , Landry Gabriel M. , Boote Kenneth J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBrassica carinata (carinata), a non‐food oilseed feedstock mainly used for biofuel, is a relatively new alternative winter crop in the southeastern (SE) United States (US). However, there are limited N rate and N application timing data available at the regional scale. These data are needed to expand production in the SE US. An N rate study was conducted during the winter–spring growing seasons during 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 in Florida, US, and at three locations during 2018–2019 in Georgia, US, to quantify the effects of N rate (0, 45, 90, 134, and 179 kg N ha−1) on carinata nutrient uptake, biomass, seed yield, and seed chemical composition. Seed yield showed a linear response up to 134 kg N ha−1. Seed protein and glucosinolate concentrations decreased from 0 to 90 kg N ha−1, then increased from 90 to 179 kg N ha−1. Seed oil concentration was inversely related to seed protein concentration. A two‐factor N application timing study (4 N application timing: at‐plant, pre‐bolting, at‐plant + pre‐bolting, at‐plant + pre‐bolting + bolting × 4 N rates: 0, 45, 90, and 134 kg N ha−1) was conducted in Georgia, US, over three site‐years to quantify the effect of N application timing on yield and agronomic and economic optimum N rates (AONR and EONR, respectively). All split applications increased AONR by at least 10 kg N ha−1 compared to a single at‐plant application. A two‐split N application was more profitable than either a single N application or a three‐split N application based on marginal return. A two‐way split application (at‐plant + pre‐bolting) at 134 kg N ha−1 is recommended to optimize yield and economical production. Based on uncertainty analyses, the 50% credible interval of EONR occurred between 116 and 152 kg N ha−1, with a median estimate at 130 kg N ha−1.
Horizontal transfer of domains in ssrA gene among Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Tamilmaran Nagarajan , Sankaranarayanan Ramamoorthy , Selvakumar A.S Punitha , Munavar M. Hussain 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe tmRNA (transfer messenger RNA), encoded by ssrA gene, is involved in rescuing of stalled ribosomes by a process called trans‐translation. Additionally, regions of the ssrA gene (coding for tmRNA) were reported to serve as integration sites for various bacteriophages. Though variations in ssrA genes were reported, their functional relevance is less studied. In this study, we investigated the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of ssrA among the members of Enterobacteriaceae. This was done by predicting recombination signals in ssrA gene (belonging to Enterobacteriaceae) using RDP5 (Recombination Detection Program 5). Our results revealed 7 recombination signals in ssrA gene belonging to different species. We further showed that the recombination signals were more in the domains present in the 3′ end than 5′ end of tmRNA. Of note, the mRNA region was reported in many recombination signals. Further, members belonging to genera Yersinia, Erwinia, Dickeya and Enterobacter were highly represented in the recombination signals. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of integration sites for different class of bacteriophages in ssrA gene. The locations of phage recognition sites are comparable with recombination signals. Taken together, our results revealed a diverse nature of HGT and recombination which possibly due to transduction mediated by phages.
Patient satisfaction with root canal treatment and outcomes in the Swedish public dental health service: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wigsten Emma , Al Hajj Amenah , Jonasson Peter ,   EndoReCo, Kvist Thomas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo document satisfaction with root canal treatment procedures and outcomes among patients treated at Swedish public dental clinics.MethodThe original material comprised 243 patients who began root canal treatment (RCT) at 20 public dental clinics in the county of Västra Götaland, Sweden. One to three years later, 236 (97.1%) were posted a questionnaire of eight items, rating patient perceptions of RCT completion, present pain intensity and satisfaction with the RCT. To evaluate the reliability of the original responses, the first 50 respondents were mailed a follow‐up questionnaire. Both descriptive and analytical statistics were used to compare respondents and nonrespondents and tooth groups.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐nine patients (67.4%) responded: 86 (54.1%) women and 73 (45.9%) men. The mean age 52.5 years, was higher than for nonrespondents (p < .001). A completed root filling was registered for the majority of the teeth (n = 112, 70.9%), but significantly fewer molars had been completed (n = 46, 59.7%, p = .02). Fifty per cent (n = 59) of the patients reported current pain, mostly mild in intensity (n = 45, 38.1%). One hundred and twenty‐three patients (80.9%) recalled experiencing pain during RCT. The highest satisfaction was registered for the item ‘chewing ability’ (mean = 1.6, SD = 1.9). The majority of patients (n = 114, 75.0%) stated that in retrospect they would still have chosen RCT. However, these patients belonged to the group which either registered the tooth as still present or had not experienced much discomfort during or after RCT. Forty‐four patients (88.0%) responded to the second questionnaire. The reliability of the responses was good. In summary, one to 3 years after beginning RCT at a public dental clinic, patient satisfaction was high, even though every fourth molar had been extracted or treatment had not been completed and half the patients reported persistent pain. The reliability of the patients’ responses was considered to be good.ConclusionsThe results indicate a need for further clinical observational studies of RCTs undertaken in general dental practice, with special reference to patient‐centred outcomes.
Deep‐red‐emitting SrLaLiTeO6: Mn4+ double perovskites: Correlation between Mn4+‐O2− bonding and photoluminescence
Authors: Lal Sariga C. , Naseemabeevi Jawahar I. , Ganesanpotti Subodh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMn4+‐activated deep red‐emitting SrLaLiTeO6 phosphors are investigated for indoor plant growth LED applications for the first time. The phosphors crystallize in monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry is isostructural with SrLaLiTeO6 host. B‐site substitution of Mn4+ ions is confirmed from the redshift of high energy phonon modes in both Raman and IR spectra. The phosphor exhibited a far‐red emission centered at 696 nm corresponding to the 2Eg → 4A2g spin‐forbidden transition of the Mn4+ ions. Approximate crystal field parameters depict the weak influence of neighboring ligand fields on Mn4+ ions and the least covalence of Mn4+‐ligand bonding compared to other double perovskite phosphors. Moreover, the phosphors exhibit excellent thermal stability with an activation energy of 0.23 eV. Phosphor parameters including CCT, color purity, and quantum yield are evaluated and their values meet the requirements of a red‐emitting phosphor for LED applications. Furthermore, the PL emission spectrum of SrLaLiTeO6: Mn4+ matches with the absorption spectrum of plant phytochromes denoting the prospects of this phosphor for indoor plant growth LED applications.
Design and preliminarily validation of a tool to assess the impact of chronic non‐cancer pain on people’s daily life in Spanish‐language: PAIN_Integral Scale©
Authors: Cáceres‐Matos Rocío , Gil‐García Eugenia , Rivera‐Sequeiros Adriana , López‐Millán José Manuel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo build and preliminarily validate a Spanish‐language instrument to assess the impact that CNCP has on the daily lives of people who suffer from it.BackgroundThe experience of pain is multifactorial and a correct assessment of it helps to control the intensity of pain. Although there are instruments that evaluate areas on which Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain impacts, it would be necessary to include other aspects that scientific literature identifies as relevant.DesignInstrument and construct cross‐sectional study for psychometric validation.MethodsA total of 157 items based on items from validated questionnaires were evaluated by a group of 21 chronic pain experts using Delphi methodology in three evaluation rounds. A final questionnaire of 55 items with a 5‐point Likert‐type scale was formed. This questionnaire was piloted on a total of 30 patients to assess their understanding of the items and the psychometric validation process was carried out (January to March 2020) on a subsequent sample of 395 people, all of whom attended Pain Units and Primary Care Centres of the Public Health System in Spain.ResultsThe PAIN_Integral Scale© showed acceptable internal consistency scores measured by Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory Factor Analysis indicated a structure of nine factors that explain 71.02% of the total variance, from 157 to a final total of 36 items. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showing adequate values confirmed this structure. The effect size was used to calculate the cut‐off points for the overall scale, setting them at scores of 130 and 135.ConclusionThis instrument would allow to assess other constructs and dimensions not included in the instruments previously available such as treatment compliance, proactivity, resilience, hopelessness due to pain and pain catastrophizing. However, despite the fact that the preliminary analysis shows good results, it is necessary to continue with its validation process in subsequent studies.ImpactThe PAIN_Integral Scale©, once the validation process is finished, could be a complete enough instrument to allow a comprehensive healthcare assessment of Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain's impact on daily nursing clinical practice and other healthcare professionals.
Body image, internalized stigma and enacted stigma predict psychological distress in women with breast cancer: A serial mediation model
Authors: Amini‐Tehrani Mohammadali , Zamanian Hadi , Daryaafzoon Mona , Andikolaei Seyedehroja , Mohebbi Mahshid , Imani Arefeh , Tahmasbi Bita , Foroozanfar Sahar , Jalali Zahra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate the roles of total stigma, enacted stigma, and internalized stigma in the prediction of psychological distress among breast cancer patients, and to evaluate the mediating effect of body image in this process.DesignCross‐sectional.MethodsBetween Oct‐2014 to May‐2015, a cross‐sectional study was conducted with participation of 223 patients from three cancer centres located in Tehran, Iran. The study variables were assessed using the stigma scale for chronic illnesses 8‐item version (SSCI‐8), body image scale (BIS), and depression anxiety stress scale (DASS‐21). Structural equation modelling using MLR estimator was employed based on the two‐step procedure to validate both the full measurement models and the structural models. Five models were tested to determine predictability of all stigma constructs for psychological distress, including stress, anxiety, and depression, through the mediation of body image. Three equivalent models were further examined to re‐evaluate the direction of the relationships.ResultsPsychological distress and body image were largely predicted by total stigma, enacted stigma, and internalized stigma. The effect of stigma on psychological distress was mediated through body image. In a serial mediation model, the significance of the pathway of enacted stigma > internalized stigma > body image > psychological distress was confirmed. The serial model in which internalized stigma precedes body image was also supported by the equivalent models.ConclusionStigma has been identified as a major source of psychological distress among women with breast cancer. Enacted stigma not only psychologically disturbs the patients but also triggers a chain of other identity transformations (i.e. internalization of stigma and distortion of body image), their ultimate result being a full‐blown psychological distress.ImpactBoth enacted and internalized stigma distorts breast cancer patients' perception of their body image, which in turn renders them psychologically distressed. The serial process of enacted stigma, internalized stigma, and body image plays an important role in perpetuating distress in these patients. To break this chain of psychological consequences and for interventions to have a greater impact on overall well‐being of patients, the effect of enacted stigma on distress via the sequence of two mediators needs to be specifically targeted at each stage.
Interplay between SARS‐CoV‐2 and human long non‐coding RNAs
Authors: Moazzam‐Jazi Maryam , Lanjanian Hossein , Maleknia Samaneh , Hedayati Mehdi , Daneshpour Maryam S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical regulatory role in the host response to the viral infection. However, little is understood about the transcriptome architecture, especially lncRNAs pattern during the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In the present study, using publicly available RNA sequencing data of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples from COVID‐19 patients and healthy individuals, three interesting findings highlighted: (a) More than half of the interactions between lncRNAs‐PCGs of BALF samples established by three trans‐acting lncRNAs (HOTAIRM1, PVT1 and AL392172.1), which also exhibited the high affinity for binding to the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, suggesting the major regulatory role of these lncRNAs during the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. (b) lncRNAs of MALAT1 and NEAT1 are possibly contributed to the inflammation development in the SARS‐CoV‐2 infected cells. (c) In contrast to the 3′ part of the SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, the 5′ part can interact with many human lncRNAs. Therefore, the mRNA‐based vaccines will not show any side effects because of the off‐label interactions with the human lncRNAs. Overall, the putative functionalities of lncRNAs can be promising to design the non‐coding RNA‐based drugs and to inspect the efficiency of vaccines to overcome the current pandemic.
The Roles of Images in EU Politics
Authors: Lynggaard Kennet 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to advance our understanding of the role of visual discourse in day‐to‐day European Union (EU) politics. The article presents an analytical framework allowing for a fourfold view on the roles of images in politics; namely, images as: (1) emblems underpinning actors' interests, (2) representations of collective meaning‐making, (3) means of domination and (4) ordering devices for including/excluding actors and ideas in politics. The article zooms in on the EU Commission visual discourse and analyses images from three Directorate‐General flagship magazines. The article argues that, the Commission adheres – and increasingly so – to a visual discourse allowing the Commission to set policy agendas and frame policy options, while avoiding creating adversaries among other key actors in EU politics. It also allows for identity‐building, while eschewing further estranging publics sceptical of EU supranationalism and keeping political actors in favour of common EU policies on board.
The influence of castration on intramural neurons of the urinary bladder trigone in male pigs
Authors: Kaleczyc Jerzy , Sienkiewicz Waldemar , Lepiarczyk Ewa , Kasica‐Jarosz Natalia , Pidsudko Zenon 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present study investigated the influence of castration performed at neonatal age on neuronal elements in the intramural ganglia of the urinary bladder trigone (UBT) in male pigs using double‐labeling immunohistochemistry. The ganglia were examined in intact (IP) 7‐day‐old (castration day) pigs, and at 3 and 6 months after surgery. In IP and control (3‐ and 6‐month‐old noncastrated pigs) groups, virtually, all neurons were adrenergic (68%) or cholinergic (32%) in nature. Many of them (32%, 51%, and 81%, respectively; 56%, 75%, and 85% adrenergic; and 32%, 52%, and 65% cholinergic, respectively) stained for the androgen receptor (AR), and only a small number of nerve cells were caspase‐3 (CASP‐3)‐positive. In 3‐ and 6‐month‐old castrated pigs, an excessive loss (87.6% and 87.5%, respectively) of neurons and intraganglionic nerve fibers was observed. The majority of the surviving adrenergic (61% and 72%, respectively) and many cholinergic (41% and 31%, respectively) neurons expressed CASP‐3 and were also AR‐positive (61% and 66%, and 40% and 36%, respectively). This study revealed for the first time the excessive loss of intramural UBT neurons following castration, which could have resulted from apoptosis induced by androgen deprivation.
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV is required for endometrial carcinoma cell proliferation and tumorigenesis via the IL‐6/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Zhu Yi , Shi Qin , Zhao Xinxin , Huang Yan , Yao Feng , Zhang Yuquan , Wang Zhiwei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo study the functions and signaling pathways controlled by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) in endometrial carcinoma (EC).MethodsDPPIV expression in EC cells was detected by flow cytometry, reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis and Western blot. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression in the supernatant was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of signal transducers and activators of transcription‐3 (STAT3), phosphorylate STAT3, cellular Myc, and vascular endothelial growth factor in EC cells were measured by Western blot. Colony formation assays were used to assess the clonogenicity of EC cells. Ki67 immunostaining and cell counting were used to test the proliferative ability of EC cells. Nude mouse tumorigenicity assay was used to confirm DPPIV promotes the tumorigenicity of EC cells. A cell counting kit‐8 assay was used to determine the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration of sitagliptin.ResultsOverexpression of DPPIV in EC cells with low DPPIV expression promoted cell proliferation in vitro (p < 0.01) and enhanced tumorigenicity in vivo (p < 0.05). Conversely, knocking down DPPIV expression in EC cells with high DPPIV expression inhibited cell proliferation (p < 0.01) and in vivo tumorigenicity (p < 0.01). DPPIV promoted EC cell proliferation via activation of IL‐6/STAT3 signaling pathway, and that IL‐6 could trigger a positive feedback loop that increased DPPIV expression (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the DPPIV inhibitor reduced STAT3 expression (p < 0.01) and inhibited growth of EC cells (p < 0.001).ConclusionDPPIV enhances the properties that allow tumorigenesis in EC via IL‐6 and STAT3 signaling.