bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions between the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex as upstream regulators of the hippocampus to reconsolidate and enhance retrieved inhibitory avoidance memory
Authors: Fukushima Hotaka , Zhang Yue , Kida Satoshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMemory reconsolidation is thought to maintain or enhance an original memory or add new information to the memory. Retrieved inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory is enhanced through memory reconsolidation by activating gene expression in the amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and hippocampus. However, it remains unclear how these regions interact to reconsolidate/enhance IA memory. Here, we found the interactions between the amygdala and mPFC as upstream regulators of the hippocampus for IA memory reconsolidation. Pharmacological inactivation of the amygdala, mPFC, or hippocampus immediately after IA memory retrieval blocked IA memory enhancement. More importantly, inactivation of the amygdala or mPFC blocked the induction of c-Fos in the amygdala, mPFC, and hippocampus, whereas hippocampal blockade inhibited it only in the hippocampus. These observations suggest interactions between the amygdala and mPFC and they both function as upstream regulators of the hippocampus to reconsolidate IA memory. Our findings suggest circuitry mechanisms underlying IA memory enhancement through reconsolidation between the amygdala, mPFC, and hippocampus.
Impact of Babesia microti infection on the initiation and course of pregnancy in BALB/c mice
Authors: Tołkacz Katarzyna , Rodo Anna , Wdowiarska Agnieszka , Bajer Anna , Bednarska Małgorzata 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Protozoa in the genus Babesia are transmitted to humans through tick bites and cause babesiosis, a malaria-like illness. Vertical transmission of Babesia spp. has been reported in mammals; however, the exact timing and mechanisms involved are not currently known. The aims of this study were to evaluate the success of vertical transmission of B. microti in female mice infected before pregnancy (mated during the acute or chronic phases of Babesia infection) and that of pregnant mice infected during early and advanced pregnancy; to evaluate the possible influence of pregnancy on the course of parasite infections (parasitaemia); and to assess pathological changes induced by parasitic infection.

Methods
The first set of experiments involved two groups of female mice infected with B. microti before mating, and inseminated on the 7th day and after the 40th day post infection. A second set of experiments involved female mice infected with B. microti during pregnancy, on the 4th and 12th days of pregnancy. Blood smears and PCR targeting the 559 bp 18S rRNA gene fragment were used for the detection of B. microti. Pathology was assessed histologically.

Results
Successful development of pregnancy was recorded only in females mated during the chronic phase of infection. The success of vertical transmission of B. microti in this group was 63%. No evidence of pregnancy was found in females mated during the acute phase of infection or on the 4th day of pregnancy. In the group infected on the 12th day of pregnancy, numerous complications including loss of pregnancy and stillbirths were recorded. During the acute phase of infection, parasitaemia was lower in pregnant females in comparison to infected, non-pregnant control females.

Conclusions
Acute B. microti infection prevents the initiation of pregnancy and embryonic development if it occurs during the first trimester, and causes severe complications in foetal BALB/c mice in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Chronic B. microti infection has no detrimental impact on the initiation and development of pregnancy, but results in congenital infection of the offspring. Further study is required to determine the extent to which maternal anti-babesial immune responses contribute to compromise pregnancy in the murine model of congenital Babesia infection.

Graphical Abstract
Prevalence of schistosomiasis and its association with anemia among pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adam Ishag , ALhabardi Nadiah A. , Al-Wutayd Osama , Khamis Ammar H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Schistosomiasis is a highly prevalent parasitic disease that can lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. To our knowledge, there has been no systematic review and meta-analysis of schistosomiasis during pregnancy.

Methods
We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Relevant published studies were searched in international databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), from their inception until May 31, 2020. The retrieved studies were assessed for quality using the Modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. OpenMeta Analyst software was used for the statistical analysis.

Results
Thirty-two studies enrolling 21024 pregnant women were included in this meta-analysis. All 32 of these studies were conducted in Africa. Of these studies, 19, 11, and 2 investigated S. mansoni, S. haematobium, and combined S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections, respectively. The pooled prevalence estimate of schistosomiasis during pregnancy was 13.2% (95 CI 11.0–15.4). A random model was used because of high heterogeneity (Q = 99.14; P < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, the pooled prevalence estimate of S. haematobium was significantly higher than the pooled prevalence estimates of S. mansoni [22.5% (95% CI 1.6–43.5) vs 8.7% (95% CI 6.0–11.3, P = 0.016), respectively]. The results of meta-regression analyses showed a non-significant difference in the prevalence of schistosomiasis during pregnancy according to the study sample sizes and year of publication. Only six studies evaluated the association between schistosomiasis during pregnancy and anemia. Schistosomiasis was associated with anemia in these six studies (OR = 3.02, 95% = 1.25‒7.28, P = 0.014).

Conclusion
The present meta-analysis suggests that schistosomiasis during pregnancy is an existing health problem. This meta-analysis also highlights the lack of data on the determinants and outcomes of schistosomiasis during pregnancy. Preventive measures are needed and could be part of antenatal care in areas endemic with schistosomiasis.

Graphical Abstract
Metabolomics study for exploring metabolic perturbations in soybean adventitious roots by fluorescent light irradiation
Authors: Yun Dae-Yong , Kang Young-Gyu , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Donghyun , Kim Eun-Hee , Hong Young-Shick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSoybeans are the most popular cultivated crops worldwide. They contain abundant functional components. As part of the research to enhance functional components in soybean plants, soybean adventitious roots were cultured under dark and fluorescent light irradiation conditions and difference in their metabolome was explored using 1H NMR-based metabolomics approach. Results revealed that fluorescent light irradiation increased the biomass of soybean adventitious roots and caused considerable metabolic perturbations. In particular, health-beneficial secondary metabolites such as soyasaponin (3.4-fold), isoflavones (3.9-fold), and coumestrol derivatives (1.3-fold) were accumulated more in soybean adventitious roots grown under fluorescent light irradiation than in those grown under a dark condition due to increased photosynthesis that was evidenced by increased levels of glucose. The present study provides useful information on global metabolite compositions of soybean adventitious roots and their quality improvement by controlling growth conditions to enhance functional potentials of soybeans.
Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the US equity sectors: Evidence from quantile return spillovers
Authors: Shahzad Syed Jawad Hussain , Bouri Elie , Kristoufek Ladislav , Saeed Tareq 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to examine the extreme return spillovers among the US stock market sectors in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak. To this end, we extend the now-traditional Diebold-Yilmaz spillover index to the quantiles domain by building networks of generalized forecast error variance decomposition of a quantile vector autoregressive model specifically for extreme returns. Notably, we control for common movements by using the overall stock market index as a common factor for all sectors and uncover the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the dynamics of the network. The results show that the network structure and spillovers differ considerably with respect to the market state. During stable times, the network shows a nice sectoral clustering structure which, however, changes dramatically for both adverse and beneficial market conditions constituting a highly connected network structure. The pandemic period itself shows an interesting restructuring of the network as the dominant clusters become more tightly connected while the rest of the network remains well separated. The sectoral topology thus has not collapsed into a unified market during the pandemic.
Effect of copper sulfate on the external microbiota of adult common snook (Centropomus undecimalis)
Authors: Tarnecki Andrea M. , Levi Noah J. , Resley Matthew , Main Kevan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe environment exerts a strong influence on the fish external microbiota, with lower diversity and increased abundances of opportunistic bacterial groups characterizing cultured fish compared to their wild counterparts. Deviation from a healthy external microbiota structure has been associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial pathogens. Treatment of wild-caught broodstock with copper sulfate for the removal of external parasites is a common aquaculture practice. Despite the microbiota’s importance to fish health, the effects of copper sulfate on mucosal bacterial communities and their ability to recover following this chemical treatment have not been examined. The skin microbiota of adult common snook was characterized from wild individuals (Wild), and wild-caught fish maintained in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) immediately following a month-long copper sulfate treatment (Captive-1), and then two-weeks (Captive-2) and 2 years (Captive-3) after cessation of copper treatment.ResultsThe skin microbiota of wild fish were characterized by high diversity and taxa includingSynechocococcus, SAR11, and a member of theRoseobacterclade. Bacterial diversity decreased in Captive individuals during the 2-year sampling period. Captive fish harbored greater abundances ofFirmicutes, which may reflect glycan differences between aquaculture and natural feeds. Bacterial taxa with copper resistance mechanisms and indicative of metal contamination were enriched in Captive-1 and Captive-2 fish.Vibrionaceaewere dominant in Captive fish, particularly immediately and 2 weeks following copper treatment. Based on our observations and previous literature, our results suggest putatively beneficial taxa amass over time in captivity. Within 2 years, Captive individuals harboredBacilluswhich contains numerous probiotic candidates and the complex carbon degraders of the familySaprospiraceae. Predicted butanoate metabolism exceeded that of Wild fish, and its reported roles in immunity and energy provision suggest a prebiotic effect for fishes.ConclusionsThe mucosal microbiota contains bacterial taxa that may act as bioindicators of environmental pollution. Increases in mutualistic groups indicate a return to a beneficial skin microbiota following copper sulfate treatment. Our data also suggests that vastly different taxa, influenced by environmental conditions, can be associated with adult fish without noticeable health impairment, perhaps due to establishment of various mutualists to maintain fish mucosal health.
Effect of one-month treatment with methylphenidate on salivary cortisol level of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children
Authors: Kholif Esraa Yahia , Awad Salwa Mohamed , Attia Nasr Mohamed , Tawhid Ziyad Essam , Elwasify Mahmoud 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuropsychological disorders that affects children, adolescents, and adults. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) has been implicated in its pathophysiology. So, this study aimed to compare the salivary cortisol level between ADHD children and healthy children. It also compared the salivary cortisol level of ADHD children before treatment and 1 month after treatment with methylphenidate.

Results
This study showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in salivary cortisol level of the ADHD group, specifically hyperactive/impulsive subtype compared to the control group. Furthermore, it showed a statistically significant increase of salivary cortisol level after treatment compared to before treatment in the ADHD group.

Conclusions
HPA axis dysfunction may be related to the pathophysiology of ADHD, specifically hyperactive/impulsive subtype. Methylphenidate positively affects the HPA axis of ADHD children.
Estimation of dose and cancer risk to newborn from chest X-ray in South-South Nigeria: a call for protocol optimization
Authors: Omojola Akintayo Daniel , Akpochafor Michael Onoriode , Adeneye Samuel Olaolu , Akala Isiaka Olusola , Agboje Azuka Anthonio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
The use of X-ray as a diagnostic tool for complication and anomaly in the neonatal patient has been helpful, but the effect of radiation on newborn stands to increase their cancer risk. This study aims to determine the mean, 50th percentile (quartile 2 (Q2)), and 75th percentile (quartile 3 (Q3)) entrance surface dose (ESD) from anteroposterior (AP) chest X-ray and to compare our findings with other relevant studies. The study used calibrated thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs), which was positioned on the central axis of the patient. The encapsulated TLD chips were held to the patients’ body using paper tape. The mean kilovoltage peak (kVp) and milliampere seconds (mAs) used was 56.63(52–60) and 5.7 (5–6.3). The mean background TLD counts were subtracted from the exposed TLD counts and a calibration factor was applied to determine ESD.

Results
The mean ESDs of the newborn between 1 and 7, 8 and 14, 15 and 21, and 22 and 28 days were 1.09 ± 0.43, 1.15 ± 0.50, 1.19 ± 0.45, and 1.32 ± 0.47 mGy respectively. A one-way ANOVA test shows that there were no differences in the mean doses for the 4 age groups (P = 0.597). The 50th percentile for the 4 age groups was 1.07, 1.26, 1.09, and 1.29 mGy respectively, and 75th percentile were 1.41, 1.55, 1.55, and 1.69 mGy respectively. The mean effective dose (ED) in this study was 0.74 mSv, and the estimated cancer risk was 20.7 × 10−6.

Conclusion
ESD was primarily affected by the film-focus distance (FFD) and the patient field size. The ESD at 75th percentile and ED in this study was higher compared to other national and international studies. The estimated cancer risk to a newborn was below the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) limit for fatal childhood cancer (2.8 × 10−2Sv−1).
Differential activity of PARP inhibitors in BRCA1- versus BRCA2-altered metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
Authors: Taza Fadi , Holler Albert E , Adra Nabil , Ashkar Ryan , Sokolova Alexandra , Kessel Adam , Nafissi Nellie , Barata Pedro C. , Bastos Diogo Assed , Smaletz Oren , Aggarwal Rahul Raj , Berchuck Jacob E , Vlachostergios Panagiotis J. , Su Christopher , Marshall Catherine Handy , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. 
Published: March 2021

100 Background: Two PARP inhibitors (olaparib, rucaparib) are now FDA approved for mCRPC patients with mutations in BRCA1/2, but the relative efficacy of PARP inhibition in BRCA1- vs BRCA2-altered mCRPC is understudied. Methods: We conducted a multi-center retrospective analysis involving 11 academic sites. We collected genomic and clinical data from 123 BRCA1/2-altered mCRPC patients receiving PARP inhibitor treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was PSA50 response rate (≥50% decline in PSA level). Secondary endpoints were PFS (clinical, radiographic or PSA progression, whichever occurred first) and overall survival (OS). We also captured information on other concurrent genomic alterations. We compared genomic characteristics and clinical outcomes among BRCA1- vs BRCA2-altered mCRPC. Results: A total of 123 patients (13 BRCA1, 110 BRCA2) were included. PARP inhibitors used were olaparib (n = 116), rucaparib (n = 3), talazoparib (n = 2) and veliparib (n = 2). All BRCA1 and 71% of BRCA2 patients had Gleason 8-10 disease. Compared to BRCA2 patients, BRCA1 patients were more likely to have received prior taxane chemotherapy (77% vs 62%). Age, baseline PSA, and prior enzalutamide/abiraterone treatment were similar between groups. PSA50 responses in BRCA1- vs BRCA2-altered patients were 38% vs 65% respectively ( P= 0.06). Median PFS in BRCA1 vs BRCA2 patients was 3.0 mo (95%CI, 0.9–5.1) vs 8.0 mo (95%CI, 5.3–10.6) respectively (HR 0.42, P= 0.01). Similarly, median OS in BRCA1 vs BRCA2 patients was 11.0 mo (95%CI, 9.9–12.1) vs 24.0 mo (95%CI, 18.2–29.8) respectively (HR 0.33, P= 0.005). There were roughly equal proportions of germline mutations (50% vs 45%) and biallelic mutations (31% vs 25%) in the BRCA2 and BRCA1 groups, respectively. There were numerically more TP53 mutations in the BRCA1 vs BRCA2 group (40% vs 29%, P= 0.45), but an equal number of mutations in other key genes ( PTEN, RB1 and AR). Conclusions: PARP inhibitor activity is diminished in BRCA1- vs BRCA2-altered mCRPC. In our cohort, this differential activity was not explained by mutation origin (germline vs somatic) or allelic status (mono- vs biallelic). These findings warrant validation.
UnCHAARTED territory: The role of docetaxel rechallenge following chemohormonal therapy for metastatic castrate-sensitive prostate cancer.
Authors: Mahler Mary , Al-Ezzi Esmail Mutahar , Shani Shrem Noa , Winquist Eric , Canil Christina M. , Ong Michael , Hansen Aaron Richard , Emmenegger Urban 
Published: March 2021

117 Background: Since docetaxel has been advanced to the metastatic castrate-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) setting, there is a lack of evidence guiding its re-introduction upon castrate-resistant (CR) progression. We sought to identify clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients subjected to docetaxel rechallenge (DR) following prior docetaxel exposure in the mCSPC realm. Methods: Patients rechallenged with docetaxel following treatment in the mCSPC setting were identified from three academic centres in Ontario, Canada. Retrospective chart reviews were performed to identify clinical, treatment and outcome variables. Results: Of the 45 patients with DR initiated between 06/2015 and 07/2020, the median age was 65, 60% had a Gleason score of ≥8, and 64% had an ECOG of ≤1. 56% had bone only metastasis, 4% lymph node only metastasis, 29% bone and lymph node metastasis, and 11% had visceral metastasis. In the mCSPC setting, 98% of patients received 6 cycles of docetaxel with 13% requiring dose delays. Of 43 informative patients, all had a PSA response to chemohormonal therapy. 91% achieved at least a 50% PSA response (PSA50), of which 40% had a 50-89% PSA reduction and 51% had a ≥90% PSA reduction. 29% of patients obtained a PSA nadir of < 0.2 ng/mL. 16% had CR progression in < 6 months, 56% in 6-12 months, and 28% in > 12 months. DR was initiated after a median of 20.8 months (range 6.0-40.4) following the last dose of docetaxel for mCSPC, and was given as first line treatment for CR disease to 7%, second line to 51%, third line to 40%, and fourth line or beyond to 2% of patients. 69% of patients had received an androgen-receptor axis targeted therapy prior to DR, 18% radium 223, and 7% had received a trial drug. Notably, no patients had received cabazitaxel prior to DR. The median number of cycles of docetaxel received at rechallenge was 5 (range 1-11) with 18% of patients requiring treatment delays. 64% of patients stopped treatment due to progression, 16% due to side effects, 7% at the patient’s request, 7% due to completion of the planned number of cycles, and 6% due to death or other causes. Among 44 informative patients, 23% achieved at least a PSA50, with 18% having a 50-90% PSA reduction, and 5% having a ≥90% PSA reduction. The median time to progression (biochemical, radiographic, or death) was 2.3 months (95%CI 1.7-4.4) and the median overall survival was 11.0 months (95%CI 8.5-14.3). Conclusions: DR following exposure to docetaxel in the mCSPC setting resulted in a PSA50 in only around one quarter of patients. Both the median time to progression and overall survival were found to be short. With future investigations, we hope to identify clinical variables that will help predict which patients might benefit most from DR.
Association of the clinical cell-cycle risk score with metastasis after radiation therapy and identification of men with prostate cancer who can forgo combined androgen deprivation therapy.
Authors: Tward Jonathan David , Mantz Constantine , Shore Neal D. , Nguyen Paul , Garraway Isla , Olsson Carl A , Lee Steve Pai-hsun , Hung Arthur , Henderson R Jonathan , Liauw Stanley L. , Raben David , Fabrizio Michael D. , Saltzstein Daniel R. , Yonover Paul , Gay Hiram Alberto , Albertson Daniel Joseph , Antic Tatjana , Lenz Lauren , Stone Steven , Cohen Todd 
Published: March 2021

195 Background: This study evaluated the ability of the combined clinical cell-cycle risk score (CCR) to prognosticate the risk of prostate cancer metastasis in men receiving dose-escalated radiation therapy (RT) with or without androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Methods: The CCR score is a validated model that combines the cell cycle progression score (CCP) with the UCSF Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment score (CAPRA). The CCR score and a CCR-based multimodality threshold score (2.112) were evaluated in a retrospective, multi-institutional cohort of men with National Comprehensive Cancer Center (NCCN) intermediate- or high-risk localized disease (N = 741) who received single (RT) or multimodality therapy (ADT with RT). Effects of prognostic variables were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. Results: Median follow-up was 5.9 years. CCR predicted metastasis [hazard ratio (HR) 2.21, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.70-2.87, p < 0.001]. The CCR score was a better prognosticator of metastasis (C-index 0.78) than either NCCN-risk group (C-index 0.70), CAPRA score (C-index 0.71), or CCP score (C-index 0.69) alone. In bivariate analyses, the CCR score remained highly prognostic for metastasis when comparing any ADT vs none (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.97, p < 0.001), ADT duration as a continuous variable (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.54-2.72, p < 0.001), or ADT use given as less than or at the recommended duration for each NCCN risk group (HR 2.22, 95% CI 1.71-2.88, p < 0.001). Men with CCR scores either below or above the threshold (2.112) had a 10-year risk of metastasis of 4.2% and 25.3%, respectively. For men below the threshold receiving RT alone versus RT+ADT, the 10-year risk of metastasis was 4.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Conclusions: CCR is a highly precise and accurate predictor of metastasis in men undergoing dose-escalated RT, with or without ADT. CCR adds clinically actionable information relative to guideline recommended therapies that are based on NCCN risk groups or CAPRA alone. Men with scores below the multimodality threshold may not significantly reduce their 10-year risk of metastasis with the addition of ADT.