bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple synaptic connections into a single cortical pyramidal cell or interneuron in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice
Authors: Lee Jung-Hyun Alex , Miao Zhuang , Chen Qi-Yu , Li Xu-Hui , Zhuo Min 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe ACC is an important brain area for the processing of pain-related information. Studies of synaptic connections within the ACC provide an understanding of basic cellular and molecular mechanisms for brain functions such as pain, emotion and related cognitive functions. Previous study of ACC synaptic transmission mainly focused on presumably thalamic inputs into pyramidal cells. In the present study, we developed a new mapping technique by combining single neuron whole-cell patch-clamp recording with 64 multi-channel field potential recording (MED64) to examine the properties of excitatory inputs into a single neuron in the ACC. We found that a single patched pyramidal neuron or interneuron simultaneously received heterogeneous excitatory synaptic innervations from different subregions (ventral, dorsal, deep, and superficial layers) in the ACC. Conduction velocity is faster as stimulation distance increases in pyramidal neurons. Fast-spiking interneurons (FS-IN) show slower inactivation when compared to pyramidal neurons and regular-spiking interneurons (RS-IN) while pyramidal neurons displayed the most rapid activation. Bath application of non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist GYKI 53655 followed by CNQX revealed that both FS-INs and RS-INs have AMPA and KA mediated components. Our studies provide a new strategy and technique for studying the network of synaptic connections.
Atg7 deficiency in microglia drives an altered transcriptomic profile associated with an impaired neuroinflammatory response
Authors: Friess Lara , Cheray Mathilde , Keane Lily , Grabert Kathleen , Joseph Bertrand 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMicroglia, resident immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system, can display a range of reaction states and thereby exhibit distinct biological functions across development, adulthood and under disease conditions. Distinct gene expression profiles are reported to define each of these microglial reaction states. Hence, the identification of modulators of selective microglial transcriptomic signature, which have the potential to regulate unique microglial function has gained interest. Here, we report the identification of ATG7 (Autophagy-related 7) as a selective modulator of an NF-κB-dependent transcriptional program controlling the pro-inflammatory response of microglia. We also uncover that microglialAtg7-deficiency was associated with reduced microglia-mediated neurotoxicity, and thus a loss of biological function associated with the pro-inflammatory microglial reactive state. Further, we show thatAtg7-deficiency in microglia did not impact on their ability to respond to alternative stimulus, such as one driving them towards an anti-inflammatory/tumor supportive phenotype. The identification of distinct regulators, such asAtg7, controlling specific microglial transcriptional programs could lead to developing novel therapeutic strategies aiming to manipulate selected microglial phenotypes, instead of the whole microglial population with is associated with several pitfalls.
Determination of calcium and parathyroid hormone levels following hemithyroidectomy
Authors: Palop Isabel Fernández , Martínez Cristina Fernández , Giménez María Jesús Segura , Azorin Samper M. Carmen , Fuster Rafael García 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background and objective
Hypocalcemia is one of the main complications of thyroid surgery. We hypothesized that hemithyroidectomy may have an impact on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels despite only one thyroid lobe is manipulated. The objective of this study was to analyze changes in serum PTH and calcium levels following hemithyroidectomy.

Methods
This is a prospective study of 53 patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy. The serum PTH level was determined in the preoperative period, 15 min after extraction of the surgical specimen, and 24 h and 3 weeks after surgery. Serum ionized calcium was also measured in the preoperative period and at 6 h, 24 h and 3 weeks after surgery. We assessed the postoperative calcium value and its relationship with the extent of fall in PTH levels in the postoperative period.

Results
None of the patients had the postoperative serum ionised calcium level less than 4 mg/dl. The decrease in postoperative calcium was statistically significant at 6 and 24 h after surgery; there was no difference at 3 weeks post-surgery. The change in post-operative serum PTH levels followed a similar trend to postoperative serum calcium levels.

Conclusions
Although serum calcium level decreased after a lobectomy, it always remained above 4 mg/dl. We conclude that hypocalcaemia is rare following hemithyroidectomy.
Smartphone apps to support laypersons in bystander CPR are of ambivalent benefit: a controlled trial using medical simulation
Authors: Metelmann Camilla , Metelmann Bibiana , Schuffert Louisa , Hahnenkamp Klaus , Vollmer Marcus , Brinkrolf Peter 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Bystander-initiated resuscitation is essential for surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Smartphone apps can provide real-time guidance for medical laypersons in these situations. Are these apps a beneficial addition to traditional resuscitation training?

Methods
In this controlled trial, we assessed the impact of app use on the quality of resuscitation (hands-off time, assessment of the patient’s condition, quality of chest compression, body and arm positioning). Pupils who have previously undergone a standardised resuscitation training, encountered a simulated cardiac arrest either (i) without an app (control group); (ii) with facultative app usage; or (iii) with mandatory app usage. Measurements were compared using generalised linear regression.

Results
200 pupils attended this study with 74 pupils in control group, 65 in facultative group and 61 in mandatory group. Participants who had to use the app significantly delayed the check for breathing, call for help, and first compression, leading to longer total hands-off time. Hands-off time during chest compression did not differ significantly. The percentage of correct compression rate and correct compression depth was significantly higher when app use was mandatory. Assessment of the patient’s condition, and body and arm positioning did not differ.

Conclusions
Smartphone apps offering real-time guidance in resuscitation can improve the quality of chest compression but may also delay the start of resuscitation. Provided that the app gives easy-to-implement, guideline-compliant instructions and that the user is familiar with its operation, we recommend smartphone-guidance as an additional tool to hands-on CPR-training to increase the prevalence and quality of bystander-initiated CPR.
Unmatched ventilation and perfusion measured by electrical impedance tomography predicts the outcome of ARDS
Authors: Spinelli Elena , Kircher Michael , Stender Birgit , Ottaviani Irene , Basile Maria C. , Marongiu Ines , Colussi Giulia , Grasselli Giacomo , Pesenti Antonio , Mauri Tommaso 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
In acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), non-ventilated perfused regions coexist with non-perfused ventilated regions within lungs. The number of unmatched regions might reflect ARDS severity and affect the risk of ventilation-induced lung injury. Despite pathophysiological relevance, unmatched ventilation and perfusion are not routinely assessed at the bedside. The aims of this study were to quantify unmatched ventilation and perfusion at the bedside by electrical impedance tomography (EIT) investigating their association with mortality in patients with ARDS and to explore the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on unmatched ventilation and perfusion in subgroups of patients with different ARDS severity based on PaO2/FiO2 and compliance.

Methods
Prospective observational study in 50 patients with mild (36%), moderate (46%), and severe (18%) ARDS under clinical ventilation settings. EIT was applied to measure the regional distribution of ventilation and perfusion using central venous bolus of saline 5% during end-inspiratory pause. We defined unmatched units as the percentage of only ventilated units plus the percentage of only perfused units.

Results
Percentage of unmatched units was significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors (32[27–47]% vs. 21[17–27]%, p < 0.001). Percentage of unmatched units was an independent predictor of mortality (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07–1.39, p = 0.004) with an area under the ROC curve of 0.88 (95% CI 0.79–0.97, p < 0.001). The percentage of ventilation to the ventral region of the lung was higher than the percentage of ventilation to the dorsal region (32 [27–38]% vs. 18 [13–21]%, p < 0.001), while the opposite was true for perfusion (28 [22–38]% vs. 36 [32–44]%, p < 0.001).
Higher percentage of only perfused units was correlated with lower dorsal ventilation (r =  − 0.486, p < 0.001) and with lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio (r =  − 0.293, p = 0.039).

Conclusions
EIT allows bedside assessment of unmatched ventilation and perfusion in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS. Measurement of unmatched units could identify patients at higher risk of death and could guide personalized treatment.
Targeted mutagenesis in mouse cells and embryos using an enhanced prime editor
Authors: Park Soo-Ji , Jeong Tae Yeong , Shin Seung Kyun , Yoon Da Eun , Lim Soo-Yeon , Kim Sol Pin , Choi Jungmin , Lee Hyunji , Hong Jeong-Im , Ahn Jinhee , Seong Je Kyung , Kim Kyoungmi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPrime editors, novel genome-editing tools consisting of a CRISPR-Cas9 nickase and an engineered reverse transcriptase, can induce targeted mutagenesis. Nevertheless, much effort is required to optimize and improve the efficiency of prime-editing. Herein, we introduce two strategies to improve the editing efficiency using proximal dead sgRNA and chromatin-modulating peptides. We used enhanced prime-editing to generateIgf2mutant mice with editing frequencies of up to 47% and observed germline transmission, no off-target effects, and a dwarf phenotype. This improved prime-editing method can be efficiently applied to cell research and to generate mouse models.
Synthesis of 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ols) and evaluation of their antioxidant and anticancer activities
Authors: Cadena-Cruz José Eduardo , Guamán-Ortiz Luis M. , Romero-Benavides Juan Carlos , Bailon-Moscoso Natalia , Murillo-Sotomayor Kevin E. , Ortiz-Guamán Nadia V. , Heredia-Moya Jorge 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Pyrazoles have attracted particular attention due to the diverse biological activities associated with this heterocyclic system, and some have been shown to be cytotoxic to several human cell lines. Several drugs currently on the market have this heterocycle as the key structural motif, and some have been approved for the treatment of different types of cancer.

Results
4,4ʹ-(Arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ols) derivatives 3a–q were synthetized by a three components reaction of 3-methyl-1-phenyl-5-pyrazolone (1) with various benzaldehydes 2 catalyzed by sodium acetate at room temperature. The structures of all synthesized compounds were characterized by physicochemical properties and spectral means (IR and NMR) and were evaluated for their radical scavenging activity by DPPH assay and tested in vitro on colorectal RKO carcinoma cells in order to determine their cytotoxic properties. All 4,4ʹ-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ols) derivatives 3a–q were synthetized in high to excellent yield, and pure products were isolated by simple filtration. All compounds have good radical scavenging activity, and half of them are more active than ascorbic acid used as standard.

Conclusion
Several derivatives proved to be cytotoxic in the RKO cell line. In particular, compound 3i proved to be a very potent scavenger with an IC50 of 6.2 ± 0.6 µM and exhibited an IC50 of 9.9 ± 1.1 μM against RKO cell. Autophagy proteins were activated as a survival mechanism, whereas the predominant pathway of death was p53-mediated apoptosis.
Losing DNA methylation at repetitive elements and breaking bad
Authors: Pappalardo Xena Giada , Barra Viviana 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
DNA methylation is an epigenetic chromatin mark that allows heterochromatin formation and gene silencing. It has a fundamental role in preserving genome stability (including chromosome stability) by controlling both gene expression and chromatin structure. Therefore, the onset of an incorrect pattern of DNA methylation is potentially dangerous for the cells. This is particularly important with respect to repetitive elements, which constitute the third of the human genome.

Main body
Repetitive sequences are involved in several cell processes, however, due to their intrinsic nature, they can be a source of genome instability. Thus, most repetitive elements are usually methylated to maintain a heterochromatic, repressed state. Notably, there is increasing evidence showing that repetitive elements (satellites, long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), Alus) are frequently hypomethylated in various of human pathologies, from cancer to psychiatric disorders. Repetitive sequences’ hypomethylation correlates with chromatin relaxation and unscheduled transcription. If these alterations are directly involved in human diseases aetiology and how, is still under investigation.

Conclusions
Hypomethylation of different families of repetitive sequences is recurrent in many different human diseases, suggesting that the methylation status of these elements can be involved in preservation of human health. This provides a promising point of view towards the research of therapeutic strategies focused on specifically tuning DNA methylation of DNA repeats.
Modified formulas for calculation of encephalization: quotient in dogs
Authors: Saganuwan Saganuwan Alhaji 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
Dogs are a breed of animals that play important roles in security service, companionship, hunting, guard, work and models of research for application in humans. Intelligence is the key factor to success in life, most especially for dogs that are used for security purposes at the airports, seaports, public places, houses, schools and farms. However, it has been reported that there is correlation between intelligence, body weight, height and craniometry in human. In view of this, literatures were searched on body weight, height and body surface areas of ten dogs with intent to determining their comparative level of intelligence using encephalization quotient.

Results
Findings revealed that dogs have relationship of brain allometry with human as proven by encephalization quotient $$\left( {{\text{EQ}}} \right)\, = \,{\text{Brain Mass}}/0.{14}\, \times \,{\text{Body weight}}^{{0.{528}}} ,{\text{ Brain Mass}}/0.{12}\, \times \,{\text{Body Weight}}^{{0.{66}}}$$

EQ

=

Brain Mass

/
0.14

×

Body weight

0.528

,

Brain Mass

/
0.12

×

Body Weight

0.66

and Brain Mass (E)  =  kpβ, where p is the body weight; k  =  0.14 and β = 0.528, respectively. Saganuwa’s formula yielded better results as compared with the other formulas. Dogs with body surface area (BSA), weight and height similar to that of human are the most intelligent. Doberman pinscher is the most intelligent followed by German shepherd, Labrador retriever, Golden retriever, respectively.
Examining the relationship between interpersonal support and retention in HIV care among HIV+ nursing mothers in Uganda
Authors: Nutor Jerry John , Agbadi Pascal , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Anguyo Geoffrey , Camlin Carol S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
The global burden of HIV on women and pediatric populations are severe in sub-Saharan Africa. Global child HIV infection rates have declined, but this rate remains quite high in sub-Saharan Africa due to Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). To prevent MTCT of HIV, postpartum women living with HIV (WLHIV) are required to return to a health facility for HIV care within 60 days after childbirth (Retention in HIV care). Studies suggest that interpersonal support was positively associated with retention in HIV care. However, information on this association is lacking among postpartum WLHIV in Uganda. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between interpersonal support, measured with the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL-12), and retention in HIV care.

Results
In a total of 155 postpartum WLHIV, 84% were retained in HIV care. ISEL-12 was negatively associated with retention in HIV care. Postpartum WLHIV retained in care (24.984 ± 4.549) have lower ISEL-12 scores compared to the non-retained group (27.520 ± 4.224), t(35.572) = − 2.714, p = 0.01. In the non-income earning sample, respondents retained in care (24.110 ± 4.974) have lower ISEL scores compared to the non-retained group (27.000 ± 4.855), t(20.504) = -2.019, p = 0.049. This was not significant among income earning WLHIV.
Translation and cultural adaptation of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire into Danish using the dual-panel approach: comparison with outcomes from an alternative translation approach
Authors: Schmidt Jannie Tygesen , Nielsen Josephine , Riis Allan , Larsen Birgit Tine 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
Physical activity reduces the risk of pregnancy-related complications. However, pregnant women often reduce their physical activity levels and do not follow the WHO’s physical activity recommendations during pregnancy. To support pregnant women in monitoring physical activity, the self-administered Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire was developed in the US. We translated and cross-cultural adapted the questionnaire using the dual approach method. Meanwhile, and without knowing this, another Danish group simultaneously translated the questionnaire using the method described by Beaton et al. The aim is to present our data and discuss the unplanned purpose of comparing the results from using two different translation methods.

Results
We translated and cross-culturally adapted the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire to Danish with the following findings. Two additional items for cycling were included. Three items about spending time on a computer, reading, writing or talking on the phone were not feasible in terms of differentiating between them and these were merged into one item. The item ‘Taking care of an older adult’ was found to be irrelevant in a Danish setting and was removed. Adaptions were similar comparing the two methods. Consequently, using the dual-panel and the methods suggested by Beaton et al. yield similar results when translating and cultural adapting the PPAQ.
Three-month early change in prostate-specific antigen levels as a predictive marker for overall survival during hormonal therapy for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer
Authors: Nakanishi Shotaro , Goya Masato , Tamaki Mitsuyoshi , Oshiro Takuma , Saito Seiichi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
To date, there are no useful markers for predicting the prognosis of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). We evaluated the effect of early changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression and overall survival (OS) in mHSPC patients.

Results
In 71 primary mHSPC patients treated with ADT, the median times to CRPC and OS were 15 months and 92 months, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a Gleason score of ≥ 8 (p = 0.004), an extent of disease value (EOD) of ≥ 2 (p = 0.004), and a 3-month PSA level > 1% of the pretreatment level (p = 0.017) were independent predictors of shorter time to CRPC. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was feasible at 0.822. A 3-month PSA level > 1% of the pretreatment level was an independent predictor of OS (p = 0.004). Three factors were independent predictors of shorter time to CRPC. A 3-month PSA level > 1% of the pretreatment level correlated with a poor prognosis.
Demographic and policy-based differences in behaviors and attitudes towards driving after marijuana use: an analysis of the 2013–2017 Traffic Safety Culture Index
Authors: Benedetti Marco H. , Li Li , Neuroth Lucas M. , Humphries Kayleigh D. , Brooks-Russell Ashley , Zhu Motao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective
Marijuana policies in the United States have become more permissive, motivating research on demographic and policy-based differences in behaviors and attitudes towards driving after marijuana use. The Traffic Safety Culture Index is an annual survey with national scope and multiple measures relevant to driving after marijuana use. We tabulated responses to questions about driving after marijuana use from the Traffic Safety Culture Index based on demographic factors, recreational and medical marijuana policies, and per-se marijuana laws.

Results
Male, younger, lower-income, and lower-education respondents self-reported driving after marijuana use more than their demographic counterparts, more often reported such behavior to be personally acceptable, and exhibited lower support per-se laws. Drivers in states that legalized medical marijuana self-reported driving after marijuana use slightly more than drivers in states where both medical and recreational were illegal. Support for per-se laws was higher among those in states that legalized recreational marijuana and in states with per-se laws. Demographic differences in our outcomes were consistent and cohesive. On the other hand, we found no predominant pattern suggesting that those in states with liberal marijuana policies were more tolerant of driving after marijuana use.
Diagnostic methods and therapeutic options of uveal melanoma with emphasis on MR imaging—Part I: MR imaging with pathologic correlation and technical considerations
Authors: Foti Pietro Valerio , Travali Mario , Farina Renato , Palmucci Stefano , Spatola Corrado , Raffaele Luigi , Salamone Vincenzo , Caltabiano Rosario , Broggi Giuseppe , Puzzo Lidia , Russo Andrea , Reibaldi Michele , Longo Antonio , Vigneri Paolo , Avitabile Teresio , Ettorre Giovani Carlo , Basile Antonio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUveal melanoma is a malignant neoplasm that derives from pigmented melanocytes of the uvea and involves, in order of decreasing prevalence, the choroid, ciliary body and iris. Its prognosis is related to histopathologic and genetic features, tumor size and location, extraocular extension. The diagnosis is fundamentally based on clinical evaluation (ophthalmoscopy, biomicroscopy) and ultrasonography. MRI is useful in case of untransparent lens or subretinal effusion. Moreover, MRI has a significant role to confirm the diagnosis, in the evaluation of the local extent of the disease with implications for treatment planning, and in the follow-up after radiotherapy treatment. Uveal melanoma can show different morphologic features (lentiform, dome or mushroom shape) and often determines retinal detachment. MR appearance of uveal melanoma mainly depends on the melanin content. Uveal melanoma typically displays high signal intensity on T1-weighted images and low signal intensity on T2-weighted images. Nevertheless, imaging appearance may be variable based on the degree of pigmentation and the presence of areas of necrosis or cavitation. Differential diagnosis includes other uveal lesions. The radiologists and in particular MRI play a significant role in the clinical management of uveal melanoma. The purpose of this pictorial review is to provide the radiologists with awareness about diagnostic methods and therapeutic options of uveal melanoma. In the present first section we summarize the MR anatomy of the eye and describe ophthalmological and radiological imaging techniques to diagnose uveal melanomas, with emphasis on the role of MR imaging. Additionally, we review MR imaging appearance of uveal melanomas.