bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological investigation of motor axonal excitability in a mouse model of nerve constriction injury
Authors: Makker Preet G. S. , Keating Brooke A. , Lees Justin G. , Burke David , Howells James , Moalem‐Taylor Gila 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPeripheral nerve injuries caused by focal constriction are characterised by local nerve ischaemia, axonal degeneration, demyelination, and neuroinflammation. The aim of this study was to understand temporal changes in the excitability properties of injured motor axons in a mouse model of nerve constriction injury (NCI). The excitability of motor axons following unilateral sciatic NCI was studied in male C57BL/6J mice distal to the site of injury at the acute (6 hours‐1 week) and chronic (up to 20 weeks) phases of injury, using threshold tracking. Multiple measures of nerve excitability, including strength‐duration properties, threshold electrotonus, current‐threshold relationship, and recovery cycle were examined using the automated nerve excitability protocol (TRONDNF). Acutely, injured motor axons developed a pattern of excitability characteristic of ischemic depolarisation. In most cases, the sciatic nerve became transiently inexcitable. When a liminal compound muscle action potential could again be recorded, it had an increase in threshold and latency, compared to both pre‐injury baseline and sham‐injured groups. These axons showed a greater threshold change in response to hyperpolarising threshold electrotonus and a significant upward shift in the recovery cycle. Mathematical modelling suggested that the changes seen in chronically injured axons involve shortened internodes, reduced myelination, and exposed juxtaparanodal fast K+ conductances. The findings of this study demonstrate long‐term changes in motor excitability following NCI (involving alterations in axonal properties and ion channel activity) and are important for understanding the mechanisms of neurapraxic injuries and traumatic mononeuropathies.
The association of photo‐induced collagen degeneration and the development of telangiectasias in rosacea
Authors: Thompson Katherine G. , Rainer Barbara M. , Leung Sherry , Qi Ji , Kang Sewon , Chien Anna L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRosacea is a chronic, often progressive disorder characterized by facial erythema, telangiectasias, papules, pustules, and/or rhinophyma. In this study, we investigated the tissue structure in rosacea compared to controls. We performed a case–control study between five patients with mild‐to‐moderate erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) and five matched controls. Facial biopsy samples from rosacea patients and controls were stained with picrosirius red for collagen and CD31 for microvessel identification. Mean collagen content was significantly greater in control samples (19.603% ±8.821%) compared to rosacea samples (16.812% ± 7.787%, p = 0.030). In contrast, mean microvessel density was significantly higher in rosacea patients (4.775 E‐5 ± 1.493 E‐5 µm−3) compared to controls (2.559 E‐5 ± 8.732 E‐6 µm−3, p = 0.004). Mean microvessel lumen area was also significantly higher in rosacea patients (491.710 ± 610.188 µm2) compared to controls (347.879 ± 539.624 µm2, p = 0.003). We identified a correlation between decreased collagen content and increased microvessel size and density in rosacea patients that was not observed in controls. These structural changes to the dermal matrix may contribute to the characteristic vessel growth and dilation in rosacea.
Analysis of the effectiveness of chemical peelings in the treatment of acne vulgaris assessed using high‐frequency ultrasound—A comparative study
Authors: Zdrada Julita , Odrzywołek Wiktoria , Deda Anna , Wilczyński Sławomir , Błońska‐Fajfrowska Barbara 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe use of high‐frequency ultrasound for noninvasive assessment of skin during chemical peeling therapies may be a useful tool.AimsTo determine whether high‐frequency ultrasound is a useful tool to noninvasive assessment of skin and evaluation therapy progress.Patients/MethodsThe 14 women underwent four treatments with chemical peelings at 2‐week intervals. Before, after 4 weeks and after 9 weeks, photographic documentation and scans were recorded using a high‐resolution ultrasound system.ResultsAs a result of applying pyruvic acid peeling, the thickness of the entrance echo on the forehead, cheek, and chin was reduced. After applying the peeling consisting of a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids, the thickness of the entrance echo of the epidermis decreased on the forehead, cheek, and chin. As a result of applying a 50% pyruvic acid peeling, the density of dermis on the forehead, cheeks, and chin increased. A similar increase in the density of dermis was observed on the forehead, cheeks, and chin after applying a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acid.ConclusionHigh‐frequency ultrasound is a useful tool for monitoring the progress in the treatment of acne vulgaris using chemical peelings.
The Effectiveness of a Teen Outreach Pregnancy Prevention Program: Results From Youth After‐School Clubs
Authors: Sturgill Ronda , Martinasek Mary , Manke Laura 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDTeen pregnancy continues to burden families, communities, and society. Programs continue to educate and impower youth and young adults to make positive behavioral decisions.METHODSWe evaluated a program aimed at high‐risk youth in after‐school programs. The goal of the program was to instill a sense of community and empathy, as well as sexual health decision‐making. The evaluation was a multiyear evaluation from external evaluators.RESULTSThere were statistically significant changes in empathy toward others in the community and a feeling of safety at school. Other positive changes noted were that students felt empowered to use condoms, other barriers, or birth control in the future when having sexual relations. The program noted a positive direction in students feeling they develop plans or goals and stick to them.CONCLUSIONSThese programs serve to instill a sense of empowerment, community, and responsibility in students. Evaluation data can serve as a metric of the merit of these programs and the impact on school health programs and communities.
Investigating paediatric hypoglycaemia: Dynamic studies at a tertiary paediatric hospital
Authors: Graves Lara E , Stewart Kelly , Ambler Geoffrey R , Bhattacharya Kaustuv , Srinivasan Shubha 
Published: January 2021

AimPaediatric hypoglycaemia often requires specific investigations to determine aetiology. Samples from the time of hypoglycaemia may not be available and a diagnostic fasting test may be required. Additionally, fasting studies can determine safe fasting intervals and prolonged oral glucose challenges can assess hypoglycaemia due to abnormal post‐prandial glucose handling. This audit reviewed the current utility and yield of fasting studies, prolonged oral glucose challenges and starch loads.MethodsRetrospective audit of clinical record to determine purpose and outcome of tests performed at a Tertiary Paediatric Endocrine/Metabolic Testing Unit in Sydney, Australia, from 2013 to 2018 inclusive.ResultsOne hundred and thirty‐eight children (aged 3 weeks–17 years) underwent 170 tests: 122 fasting studies, 20 five‐hour OGTTs, 22 uncooked corn starch loads and six modified waxy maize starch (Glycosade) loads. The majority were for diagnostic purposes (n = 113, 66%), with 57 (34%) to guide management in patients with known diagnoses. Following diagnostic studies, 35 (31%) patients received a pathological diagnosis, the most common of which (n = 19, 17%) was accelerated starvation. Hypoglycaemia developed in n = 15/113 (13%) during the diagnostic studies. Management studies helped determine length of safe fast, adjustment of medication or diet and document resolution of pathology.ConclusionFasting studies remain a safe and effective method to assist with diagnoses, confirm or exclude pathological causes of childhood hypoglycaemia and to guide management of known diagnoses in the paediatric population.
Influence of physical properties on the taste and flavor of strawberry jam
Authors: Kurotobi Tomoka , Hoshino Takayoshi , Kazami Yukari , Hayakawa Fumiyo , Hagura Yoshio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the influence of the type and concentration of pectin on the sensory attributes and physical properties of a model strawberry jam. The methods used for the sensory evaluation and determination of physical characteristics that affect human taste and flavor perception are outlined. Increasing pectin concentration altered the solid (elastic) properties of the model strawberry jam. Each sensory attribute showed high correlation with various physical properties as determined by viscosity measurements. These results allowed us to predict the human oral cavity conditions during taste and flavor perception. From this study, it is clear that humans assess the physical properties of foods by the tongue movements and adjustments in the oral cavity conditions according to the taste and flavor characteristics.
Molecular pathophysiology of human MICU1 deficiency
Authors: Kohlschmidt Nicolai , Elbracht Miriam , Czech Artur , Häusler Martin , Phan Vietxuan , Töpf Ana , Huang Kai‐Ting , Bartok Adam , Eggermann Katja , Zippel Stephanie , Eggermann Thomas , Freier Erik , Groß Claudia , Lochmüller Hanns , Horvath Rita , Hajnóczky György , Weis Joachim , Roos Andreas 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimsMICU1 encodes the gatekeeper of the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter, MICU1 and biallelic loss‐of‐function mutations cause a complex, neuromuscular disorder in children. Although the role of the protein is well understood, the precise molecular pathophysiology leading to this neuropaediatric phenotype has not been fully elucidated. Here we aimed to obtain novel insights into MICU1 pathophysiology.MethodsMolecular genetic studies along with proteomic profiling, electron‐, light‐ and Coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering microscopy and immuno‐based studies of protein abundances and Ca2+ transport studies were employed to examine the pathophysiology of MICU1 deficiency in humans.ResultsWe describe two patients carrying MICU1 mutations, two nonsense (c.52C>T; p.(Arg18*) and c.553C>T; p.(Arg185*)) and an intragenic exon 2‐deletion presenting with ataxia, developmental delay and early onset myopathy, clinodactyly, attention deficits, insomnia and impaired cognitive pain perception. Muscle biopsies revealed signs of dystrophy and neurogenic atrophy, severe mitochondrial perturbations, altered Golgi structure, vacuoles and altered lipid homeostasis. Comparative mitochondrial Ca2+ transport and proteomic studies on lymphoblastoid cells revealed that the [Ca2+] threshold and the cooperative activation of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake were lost in MICU1‐deficient cells and that 39 proteins were altered in abundance. Several of those proteins are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and/or perturbed Ca2+ homeostasis, also impacting on regular cytoskeleton (affecting Spectrin) and Golgi architecture, as well as cellular survival mechanisms.ConclusionsOur findings (i) link dysregulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake with muscle pathology (including perturbed lipid homeostasis and ER–Golgi morphology), (ii) support the concept of a functional interplay of ER–Golgi and mitochondria in lipid homeostasis and (iii) reveal the vulnerability of the cellular proteome as part of the MICU1‐related pathophysiology.
Challenging the German Empire: Strategic nationalism in Alsace‐Lorraine in the First World War
Authors: Prott Volker 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis article introduces the concept of ‘strategic nationalism’ to explain the shift of national allegiance of most Alsatians and Lorrainers from Germany to France during the First World War. Combining the historiographical concept of ‘national indifference’ with rational‐choice theories of nationalism, the article examines why a growing number of local citizens came to defy the authorities' relentless demand of national loyalty. Contrary to previous studies that emphasize the dictatorial character of the regime and the passivity of local citizens, the article argues that national attitudes were shaped by strategic interests and highly responsive to shifts in state policy, regional circumstances and the course of the war. From mid‐1918, it was less escalating state repression or dormant Francophile sympathies, but half‐hearted liberalization of policy, the authorities' unfaltering insistence on national loyalty and imminent military and economic collapse that prompted people to see France as an attractive alternative to German rule.
Professional values and professional quality of life among mental health nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Başoğul Ceyda , Baysan Arabaci Leyla , Mutlu Satıl Ece , Büyükbayram Aslan Ayşe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the relationship between the professional values and professional quality of life of nurses working in mental health units. This descriptive, cross‐sectional, and correlational study was conducted with a sample of 120 nurses working in mental health units of one regional, one public, and one university hospital in western Turkey. Data were collected using an introductory information form, the Nurses Professional Values Scale‐Revised, and the Professional Quality of Life‐IV Scale. A statistically positive relationship was found between nurses' professional values, compassion satisfaction, and burnout. Nurses' professional values, education level, whether considering changing units, and allocation of time to social life were significant predictors of professional quality of life, explaining 44% of the total variance for Compassion Satisfaction and 24% for Burnout. Whether considering changing units was the most important predictor of compassion satisfaction, and truth value was the most important predictor of burnout. Nurses providing care based on professional values were found to have higher compassion satisfaction and burnout levels, and nurses with higher compassion satisfaction were found to experience less compassion fatigue.
Single tests of implantable cardioverter defibrillators can be performed in selected patients at a low risk of neuronal damage
Authors: Gestrich Christopher , Mellert Fritz , Schaefer Magdalena , Treede Hendrik , Schrickel Jan Wilko , Schacht Daniel , Thudium Marcus 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDefibrillator testing (DFT) is still used in selected patients to ensure adequate therapy. To do so, ventricular fibrillation is induced and terminated by the implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Studies have shown increases in neuronal damage markers without a measurable clinical effect in patients after defibrillator threshold testing with multiple shocks.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to measure clinical outcomes, neuronal damage parameters (NSE and S100), and intraoperative cerebral perfusion (Doppler, near infra‐red spectroscopy [NIRS]) in patients undergoing single DFT after transvenous ICD implantation and comparing them to untested patients.MethodWe included 23 patients. Nine underwent surgery with a single DFT, 14 were not tested. Cognitive impairment was tested using the Mini‐Mental‐Status Test (MMST) and the DEMTECt 24 h prior and postsurgery. We also measured S100 and Neuron‐Specific Enolase (NSE) at these timepoints. During surgery we measured medial cerebral artery velocity and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2).ResultsWe found no significant differences between the patient groups except for a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure and an increase in rSO2 after testing. One patient with cerebral vasculopathy had a significant increase in his NSE values without showing clinical symptoms. This patient also had low rSO2 measurements and a decrease in medial cerebral artery velocity after DFT, other than the other patients.ConclusionSingle DFT did not lead to signs of neuronal damage or cognitive impairment except in one case with pre‐existing cerebral vasculopathy. Therefore, our results support the use of DFT in carefully selected patients.
Lead age as a predictor for failure in pediatrics and congenital heart disease
Authors: Whitehill Robert D. , Chandler Stephanie F. , DeWitt Elizabeth , Abrams Dominic J. , Walsh Edward P. , Kelleman Michael , Mah Douglas Y. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) patients have a high rate of transvenous (TV) lead failure.ObjectiveTo determine whether TV lead age can aid risk assessment for lead failure to guide the decision of whether a lead should be replaced or reused at the time of a generator change.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of patients <21 years old undergoing TV device implant from 2000 to 2014 at our institution. Patient, device, and lead variables were collected. Leads were compared in groups based on how many generator changes were completed.ResultsA total of 393 leads in 257 patients met inclusion criteria, 60 leads failed (15%). Failed leads were more likely to have not yet undergone generator change (p = .048). CHD (p = .045), Tendril lead type (p = .02) and silicone insulation (p = .02) were associated with failure. In multivariate analysis, younger leads (p = .022), number of generator changes (p = .003), CHD (p = .005) and silicone insulation (p = .004) remained significant while Tendril lead type did not (p = .052). Survival curves show an early decline around 4 years.ConclusionsLead failure rate in pediatric and CHD patients is high. Leads that have not yet undergone a generator change were more likely to fail in this cohort. The strategy of serial replacement based on lead age needs further research to justify in this population.
Trajectory of left ventricular ejection fraction among individuals eligible for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator
Authors: Carlson Selma , Gravely Amy , Adabag Selçuk 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveExamine the trajectory of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) among patients eligible for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) therapy.BackgroundEF is the cornerstone criterion for ICD therapy, but the risk of sudden cardiac death remains after an improvement in EF.MethodsWe examined the trajectory of EF among 1178 participants of the Sudden Cardiac Death in Heart Failure Trial (SCD‐HeFT) who had three or more assessments of EF, at least 90 days apart. A follow‐up EF > 35% or >10% absolute increase in EF from baseline were examined as the criteria for EF improvement.ResultsAt first follow‐up, 381 (32%) patients had an improvement of EF to >35%. However, EF had returned back to ≤35% in 109 (27%) of these patients at second follow‐up. Similarly, 446 (38%) patients experienced a >10% improvement in EF at first follow‐up, but 109 (24%) of these had a subsequent >10% decrease in EF at the second follow‐up. Of the 32 patients with normalized EF (≥55%) at first follow‐up, 18 (56%) had a subsequent >10% decrease in EF. The fluctuation in EF was present in both ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy but a higher proportion of patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy had an improvement in EF to >35% at first follow‐up compared to those with ischemic cardiomyopathy (38% vs. 27%, p = < .0001).ConclusionThere is substantial fluctuation of EF among patients who are eligible for ICD therapy.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemaker implant in a patient with ARTO mitral device in situ
Authors: Nguyen Thomas , Williams Steven E. , Falkner Gillian , Shetty Anoop K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ARTO device is a percutaneous device for functional mitral regurgitation composed of a transseptal anchor and a T‐bar sitting in the coronary sinus which reduce the minor axis of the mitral valve. We present a case showing the technical feasibility of an LV lead implant in patients with an ARTO device in situ.
Elevation of vitellogenin expression in Sunn pest is associated with pre‐migration and migration phases of the life cycle
Authors: Dageri Asli , Guz Nurper , Gurkan Mehmet Oktay 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSunn pest, Eurygaster maura L. (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae), a species with an obligatory diapause, is a major destructive pest of cereal products in central Asia, Europe and North Africa. Adults feed voraciously, causing total destruction of wheat fields in just a couple of days. Insect vitellogenins (Vgs) play a major role in reproduction by supplying the resources needed for oocyte development. In this study, we identified and characterized three E. maura Vg genes (EmVgs: EmVg1, EmVg2 and EmVg3) in the cDNA library generated from the fat body of overwintering E. maura. We examined expression levels of EmVgs in the phases of the life cycle, different tissues and at different developmental stages. mRNA levels in the female adults started to increase in the pre‐migration phase and reached peak level in the adults that freshly migrated to lowlands. This pattern suggests that the elevation of EmVg expression is associated with pre‐migration and migration phases of the insect's life cycle. EmVgs were primarily expressed in the fat body, which could be a possible EmVg expression site. EmVgs were expressed throughout developmental stages, suggesting that they might be prominent for nymphal development of E. maura.
Protein deficiency during Trichinella spiralis infection impairs lung immunity against newborn larvae
Authors: Vila Cecilia C. , Saracino María P. , Lombardo Tomás , Falduto Guido H. , Díaz Mariángeles , Calcagno Marcela A. , Pallaro Anabel N. , Baldi Pablo C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe goal of this study was to analyse the effects of a protein‐deficient (PD) diet on antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro against newborn larvae (NBL) of Trichinella spiralis in the lungs of infected rats. Two groups of weaning Wistar rats received a PD diet (6.5% casein) and other two received a control diet (C, 20% casein). After ten days, one group of each diet was infected (PDI and CI) with muscle larvae. Lung tissue extracts (LTE) and lung cell suspension (LCS) were obtained. PDI had lower titres of anti‐NBL antibodies in LTE than CI. In ADCC assays using control cells, NBL mortality percentage was lower with LTE from PDI than LTE from CI (P < .01). In assays using control cytotoxic sera, ADCC was exerted by LCS from CI at all days post‐infection (p.i.), but only by LCS from 13 days p.i. from PDI. ADCC assays combining LTE and LCS from the same group showed a lower response for PDI than for CI (P < .0001). LCS from PDI contained lower numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils and FcεRI+ cells than CI. PD may diminish ADCC activity against T spiralis NBL in lungs through alterations in specific antibodies and effector cells.