bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered electrophysiological characteristics of developing rat cortical neurones after chronic methylmercury chloride treatment
Authors: Világi Ildikó , Dóczi Judit , Banczerowski‐Pelyhe Ilona 
Published: July 2002

AbstractThe effect of methylmercury chloride on the excitability of developing cortical neurons was tested. Methylmercury was administered in the drinking water to pregnant rats during gestation and suckling period and the offspring were investigated. The electrical characteristics of the neuronal membranes as well as the synaptic responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the corpus callosum were measured in brain slices. Slices prepared from the somatosensory cortex of 4‐week‐old rats were analyzed using sharp electrode intracellular microelectrophysiological recording technique. Long‐lasting treatment with low doses of methylmercury chloride caused a slight decrease in the membrane potential and in the amplitude of spikes together with an enhanced excitability. Some of the treated animals were grown up without any further methylmercury application, and their offspring (second generation) were also studied electrophysiologically. These untreated offspring had normal neuronal characteristics. The altered membrane characteristics detected in the 4‐week‐old MeHg treated animals might be the consequence of the abnormal developmental processes taking place in the presence of MeHg which may alter the normal neuronal excitability. Besides this, the acute toxic effect of Hg2+, which was present in the brain at the time of investigations, has to be taken into consideration.
The Zoology Department at Washington University (1944–1954): from undergraduate to graduate studies with Viktor Hamburger
Authors: Dunnebacke Thelma H. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBeginning from an undergraduate's perspective and continuing through graduate school, this student's experiences in the Department of Zoology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri was a time of many rewarding experiences. Now, on this occasion of his 100th birthday, I wish to express my appreciation to the Chairman, Dr. Viktor Hamburger, for his teachings, his encouragement, and his friendship that has lasted over the past 56 years.
N‐tert‐butyl‐alpha‐phenylnitrone, a free radical scavenger with anticholinesterase activity does not improve the cognitive performance of scopolamine‐challenged rats
Authors: Milivojevic Nataša , Babic Ksenja , Milatovic Dejan , Dettbarn Wolf‐D. , Sket Dusan , Zivin Marko 
Published: July 2002

AbstractReversible inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase improve spatial learning and memory in animal models of cognitive impairment. Here we investigate if the beneficial effects of free radical scavenger N‐tert‐butyl‐alpha‐phenylnitrone (PBN) on cognitive performance could be explained by its recently discovered anticholinesterase activity. Morris water maze experiment was performed to examine the effect of PBN on the impairment of spatial learning and memory induced by the antagonist of cholinergic muscarinic transmission scopolamine. In situ hybridization histochemistry experiment was performed to study its effects on the induction of immediate early gene expression (c‐fos, c‐jun) by dopamine D1 receptor agonist SKF‐82958 and on the augmentation of the SKF‐82958‐induced expression of these genes by scopolamine. In both experiments, the effects of PBN were compared to the effects of reversible anticholinesterase physostigmine. We found that physostigmine but not PBN significantly reversed the cognitive impairment in scopolamine‐challenged rats, prevented the induction of c‐fos and c‐jun mRNAs by SKF‐82958 and attenuated the augmentation of the SKF‐82958‐induced expression of these genes by scopolamine. The present experiments did not reveal a significant in vivo anticholinesterase activity of PBN.
Deliberate self-poisoning presenting at a rural hospital in Northern Ireland 1976–1996: relationship to prescribing
Authors: Kelly C.B. , Weir J. , Rafferty T. , Galloway R. 
Published: July 2002

summaryPurpose – This study reports on a project to monitor deliberate self-poisoning in a rural area of Northern Ireland over a 20-year period. Comparison is made with reports from large urban centres. In addition, a local prescribing database allows assessment of any association between psychotropic drug prescription and use for deliberate self-poisoning. Materials and methods – Frequency of self-poisoning, demographic details and drugs used were recorded for all episodes of deliberate self-poisoning occurring at Craigavon Area Hospital for the years 1976, 1986, 1991 and 1996. It was possible to compare prescriptions of psychotropic drugs with their use for deliberate self-poisoning between the years 1991 and 1996 in the region served by the hospital, using the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) system. Results – In this rural area the pattern of deliberate self-poisoning has changed, as in urban centres, with a rise in frequency and the male/female ratio approaching unity. The pattern of drug use has altered, with paracetamol overtaking benzodiazepines as the most commonly used agent. More recently, antidepressants have become the second most frequently used drug class for this purpose. Psychotropic medications used for self-poisoning altered in proportion to their prescription between the years 1991 and 1996. Conclusions – In the face of a continuing rise in deliberate self-poisoning, which is effecting both urban and rural areas, care should be taken to prescribe the least toxic agent available as this is associated with likely frequency of self-poisoning for most classes of psychotropic drug.
Genetic and epigenetic factors associated with increased severity of Covid‐19
Authors: Yildirim Zafer , Sahin Oyku Semahat , Yazar Seyhan , Bozok Cetintas Vildan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSince December 2019, a new form of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) from a novel strain of coronavirus (SARS coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2]) has been spreading worldwide. The disease caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 was named Covid‐19 and declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Clinical symptoms of Covid‐19 range from common cold to more severe disease defined as pneumonia, hypoxia, and severe respiratory distress. In the next stage, disease can become more critical with respiratory failure, sepsis, septic shock, and/or multiorgan failure. Outcomes of Covid‐19 indicate large gaps between the male–female and the young–elder groups. Several theories have been proposed to explain variations, such as gender, age, comorbidity, and genetic factors. It is likely that mixture of genetic and nongenetic factors interplays between virus and host genetics and determines the severity of disease outcome. In this review, we aimed to summarize current literature in terms of potential host genetic and epigenetic factors that associated with increased severity of Covid‐19. Several studies indicated that the genetic variants of the SARS‐CoV‐2 entry mechanism‐related (angiotensin‐converting enzymes, transmembrane serine protease‐2, furin) and host innate immune response‐related genes (interferons [IFNs], interleukins, toll‐like receptors), and human leukocyte antigen, ABO, 3p21.31, and 9q34.2 loci are critical host determinants related to Covid‐19 severity. Epigenetic mechanisms also affect Covid‐19 outcomes by regulating IFN signaling, angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2, and immunity‐related genes that particularly escape from X chromosome inactivation. Enhanced understanding of host genetic and epigenetic factors and viral interactions of SARS‐CoV‐2 is critical for improved prognostic tools and innovative therapeutics.
Unilateral repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with dilatation of incomplete subglottic stenosis
Authors: Marzban‐Rad Saeid , Sattari Parastesh , Taheri Hamid Reza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA case of TEF along with subglottic stenosis in a patient as a result of prolong intubation. We performed left unilateral tracheal repair to avoid injury to left recurrent laryngeal nerve followed by endoscopic balloon repair of stenosis. Due to critical condition of the patient and COVID‐19 infection, she expired.
Exploring Aluminum‐Ion Insertion into Magnesium‐Doped Manjiroite (MnO2) Nanorods in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Joseph Jickson , Fernando Joseph F. S. , Sayeed Md Abu , Tang Cheng , Golberg Dmitri , Du Aijun , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , O'Mullane Anthony P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInvited for this month's cover picture is Professor Anthony O'Mullane and colleagues from Queensland University of Technology (Australia). The picture shows Mg‐doped MnO2 nanorods that are used as an electrode material capable of intercalating/de‐intercalating Al ions. The open tunnel structure of the nanomaterial as well as the presence of dopant Mg cations facilitates this process, opening up the possibility of using this material as an electrode in aqueous Al‐ion batteries or supercapatteries. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202001408.
“Communities Change When Individuals Change”: The sustainability of system‐challenging collective action
Authors: Rao Neomi , Power Séamus A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPeople who challenge the status quo through collective action face tremendous obstacles—not just practically, but in their ways of thinking, existing, and relating to others. This article addresses how collective actors sustain their engagement in the face of such high costs. System‐challenging collective actors must reimagine and enact new, non‐normative ways of thinking, existing, and relating that transform the status quo. This article explores the social psychological processes underlying sustained system‐challenging collective action through activists’ narratives of politicization, experiences of identity change, and reimagination of social structures. We draw on contributions from social psychological theories of system justification and social identity to examine how system‐challenging collective action is motivated and sustained. Through interviews with Chicago‐based activists and organizers engaged in system‐challenging collective action, we implement a qualitative thematic analysis to propose that sustainability arises from three integrated factors: shared identity, system‐challenging ideology, and intentional community.
Spatial dependence of extreme seas in the North East Atlantic from satellite altimeter measurements
Authors: Shooter R. , Ross E. , Ribal A. , Young I. R. , Jonathan P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe extremal spatial dependence of significant wave height in the North East Atlantic is explored using Joint Altimetry Satellite Oceanography Network satellite altimeter observations for the period 2002–2018, and a spatial conditional extremes model motivated by the work of Heffernan and Tawn. The analysis involves (a) registering individual satellite passes onto a template transect, (b) marginal extreme value analysis at a set of locations on the template transect and transformation from physical to standard Laplace scale, (c) estimation of the spatial conditional extremes model for a set of locations on a template transect, and (d) comparison of extreme spatial dependence for different template transects. Inferences for two transects considered are qualitatively similar; however, for the “normal ascending” transect running approximately south‐west to north‐east lying between Iceland and the United Kingdom, extremal spatial dependence is found to decay more quickly than for the second “opposite descending” transect running approximately north‐west to south‐east to the west of Ireland.
Hepatic Gene Expression Profiling of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) Liver after Exposure to Organophosphate Flame Retardants Revealed Altered Cholesterol Biosynthesis and Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Aluru Neelakanteswar , G. Hallanger Ingeborg , McMonagle Helena , Harju Mikael 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Since the phasing out and eventual ban on the production of organohalogen flame retardants, the use of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) has increased rapidly. This has led to the detection of OPFRs in various environments including the Arctic. Two of the most prevalent OPFRs found in the Arctic are tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP), and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP). The impacts of exposure to OPFRs on Arctic organisms is poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of exposure to TCPP, EHDPP, and a mixture of OPFRs on gene expression patterns in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Precision-cut liver slices from Atlantic cod in vitro were exposed to either TCPP or EHDPP alone or in a mixture and sampled at 2 different time points to quantify gene expression patterns using RNA sequencing. We exposed the liver slices to 2 concentrations of TCPP and EHDPP, one of which was chosen based on the levels found in the Arctic environment. The RNA sequencing results demonstrated differential expression of hundreds of genes in response to exposure. The genes representing cholesterol biosynthesis and lipid metabolism pathway were significantly enriched in all the treatment groups. Almost all the cholesterol biosynthesis genes were significantly down-regulated in response to OPFR exposure. The effects on these pathways could involve various physiological processes including reproduction, growth, and behavior as well as adaptation to changing temperatures. Membrane fluidity is an important adaptive mechanism among aquatic organisms. Altered cholesterol homeostasis could have long-term consequences by altering the adaptive potential of aquatic organisms to changing water temperatures, particularly those living in polar environments. These results suggest that OPFRs could have unique effects on the organisms living in the Arctic compared with other environments. Further studies are needed to understand the long-term impacts of exposure to environmentally realistic concentrations using laboratory and field-based studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1639–1648. © 2021 SETAC
Effects of physical exercise on the aging brain across imaging modalities: A meta‐analysis of neuroimaging studies in randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ji Lanxin , Steffens David C. , Wang Lihong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPhysical exercise is effective in protecting against age‐related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. Although there are many neuroimaging studies to evaluate the effect of physical exercise on aging brains, consistent conclusions are limited due to the wide variety of measuring techniques and small sample sizes.ObjectiveIdentify brain regions that show exercise‐induced neuroplasticity consistently across various imaging modalities and correlate regional neuroplasticity with cognitive changes in older adults.MethodsAn electronic literature search for randomized controlled trials with magnetic resonance imaging measures was performed. We conducted a series of quantitative meta‐analyses using activation likelihood estimation on included studies with voxel‐based neuroimaging findings. Nonvoxelbased findings were summarized as a descriptive review.ResultsOut of 839 publications identified from the literature search, 30 experiments including 2670 participants from 22 papers met the criteria of meta‐analyses. Overall, physical exercise consistently results in structural and functional changes in the hippocampus/parahippocampusl area and a cluster within the cerebellum. Although changes of medial/superior prefrontal cortex did not pass the stringent threshold, they were associated with cognitive changes.ConclusionsThis study highlights the effectiveness of physical exercise in inducing hippocampus plasticity, which may be crucially relevant for maintaining memory function in older adults.
Laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement to preserve the natural anti‐reflux system: An initial case report
Authors: Shinohara Mayuka , Shin Toshitaka , Shibuya Tadamasa , Ando Tadasuke , Mimata Hiromitsu 
Published: February 2021

IntroductionIleal ureteral replacement is one of the treatment options for long ureteral strictures. Most ileal ureteral replacements anastomose the distal side of the ileal segment directly to the bladder. We have reported here an initial case of laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement for preserving the natural anti‐reflux system.Case presentationA 29‐year‐old male presented with right flank pain, and his imaging results revealed multiple strictures of the right upper‐middle ureter. Hence, we performed a laparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement surgery. The normal distal ureter was preserved, and the distal side of the ileal segment was anastomosed to it. As such, the natural anti‐reflux system could be completely preserved. Following this, the renal function was maintained, and no urinary tract infection was recorded.ConclusionLaparoscopic ileal ureteral replacement, which preserves the natural anti‐reflux system, can be considered as a treatment option for refractory upper‐middle ureteral strictures.
Finding underlying genetic mechanisms of two patients with autism spectrum disorder carrying familial apparently balanced chromosomal translocations
Authors: Toraman Bayram , Bilginer Samiye Çilem , Hesapçıoğlu Selma Tural , Göker Zeynep , Soykam Hüseyin Okan , Ergüner Bekir , Dinçer Tuba , Yıldız Gökhan , Ünsal Serbülent , Kasap Burak Kaan , Kandil Sema , Kalay Ersan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundGenetic etiologies of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex, and the genetic factors identified so far are very diverse. In complex genetic diseases such as ASD, de novo or inherited chromosomal abnormalities are valuable findings for researchers with respect to identifying the underlying genetic risk factors. With gene mapping studies on these chromosomal abnormalities, dozens of genes have been associated with ASD and other neurodevelopmental genetic diseases. In the present study, we aimed to idenitfy the causative genetic factors in patients with ASD who have an apparently balanced chromosomal translocation in their karyotypes.MethodsFor mapping the broken genes as a result of chromosomal translocations, we performed whole genome DNA sequencing. Chromosomal breakpoints and large DNA copy number variations (CNV) were determined after genome alignment. Identified CNVs and single nucleotide variations (SNV) were evaluated with VCF‐BED intersect and Gemini tools, respectively. A targeted resequencing approach was performed on the JMJD1C gene in all of the ASD cohorts (220 patients). For molecular modeling, we used a homology modeling approach via the SWISS‐MODEL.ResultsWe found that there was no contribution of the broken genes or regulator DNA sequences to ASD, whereas the SNVs on the JMJD1C, CNKSR2 and DDX11 genes were the most convincing genetic risk factors for underlying ASD phenotypes.ConclusionsGenetic etiologies of ASD should be analyzed comprehensively by taking into account of the all chromosomal structural abnormalities and de novo or inherited CNV/SNVs with all possible inheritance patterns.
Systematic review of the methodological literature for integrating qualitative evidence syntheses into health guideline development
Authors: Carmona Chris , Baxter Susan , Carroll Christopher 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGuidelines produced by local, national and international bodies underpin clinical practice and healthcare services worldwide. For guidelines to be based on the best available evidence, it is critical that syntheses of both qualitative and quantitative evidence are used to inform decision‐making. As methods for qualitative evidence syntheses (QES) develop, they are increasingly able to inform health guideline production. However, the process whereby this form of evidence is considered and incorporated tends to be unclear. This systematic review synthesized existing guidance concerning the use of QES in guideline development. Sources published in English that described or prescribed methods for incorporating QES into evidence‐based health guidelines were eligible for inclusion. Seventeen relevant papers were identified. The literature indicates that there is a reasonable consensus about many stages of conducting a QES to inform guideline development. Areas needing further exploration include: the way that committees engage with QES; the usefulness of different QES methodologies; and understanding of how expert committees use evidence. Methods for producing QES for guideline committees tend to be similar to quantitative systematic review methods in terms of searching, quality appraisal, systematic management of data, and presentation of results. While this allows transparency and accountability, it could be argued that it is less “true” to the principles of being led by the data, which are fundamental to most qualitative research. Understanding the process of using QES to produce guidelines is critical to determining their validity and applicability, and to ensure that healthcare provision is based on the best available evidence.
Magnesium Oxide‐Catalyzed Conversion of Chitin to Lactic Acid
Authors: Kun‐asa Kodchakon , Reubroycharoen Prasert , Yamazaki Kiyoyuki , Mimura Naoki , Sato Osamu , Yamaguchi Aritomo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInvited for this month's cover are the groups of Prasert Reubroycharoen at the Chulalongkorn University (Thailand) and Aritomo Yamaguchi at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (Japan). The cover picture shows the the conversion of chitin, which is generated by food processing, into lactic acid with catalysis by magnesium oxides. Although chitin, a main component of the shells of crustaceans, can be converted to valuable products by means of homogeneous catalysis, most of the chitin is treated as industrial waste because use of homogeneous catalysts is compromised by difficulties associated with product separation from the catalysts and the recyclability of the catalysts. Thus, a method for converting chitin to useful chemicals, such as lactic acid, by using solid catalysts would be beneficial. Magnesium oxide catalysts can be reused twice without loss of activity. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.202000303.
Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS) peak intensity normalization for complex mixture analyses
Authors: Thompson Allison M. , Stratton Kelly G. , Bramer Lisa M. , Zavoshy Nicole S. , McCue Lee Ann 
Published: February 2021

RationaleFourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR‐MS) is a preferred technique for analyzing complex organic mixtures. Currently, there is no consensus normalization approach, nor an objective method for selecting one, for quantitative analyses of FT‐ICR‐MS data. We investigate a method to evaluate and score the amount of bias various normalization approaches introduce into the data.MethodsWe evaluate the ability of the Statistical Procedure for the Analysis of Normalization Strategies (SPANS) to guide the selection of appropriate normalization approaches for two different FT‐ICR‐MS data sets. Furthermore, we test the robustness of SPANS results to changes in SPANS parameter values and assess the impact of using various normalization approaches on downstream statistical analyses.ResultsThe normalization approach identified by SPANS differed for the two data sets. Normalization methods impacted the statistical significance of peaks differently, underscoring the importance of carefully evaluating potential methods. More consistent SPANS scores resulted when at least 120 significant peaks are used, where larger sets of peaks were obtained by increasing the p‐value threshold. Interestingly, we show that total sum scaling and highest peak normalization, used in previous studies, underperformed relative to SPANS‐recommended normalization approaches.ConclusionsAlthough there is no single, best normalization method for all data sets, SPANS provides a mechanism to identify an appropriate normalization method for analyzing FT‐ICR‐MS data quantitatively. The number of peaks used in the background distributions of SPANS contributes more significantly to the reproducibility of results than the p‐value thresholds used to obtain those peaks.