bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aromatase and nonaromatase neurons in the zebra finch secondary auditory forebrain are indistinct in their song‐driven gene induction and intrinsic electrophysiological properties
Authors: de Bournonville Catherine , Mendoza Kyssia Ruth , Remage‐Healey Luke 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEstrogens support major brain functions including cognition, reproduction, neuroprotection and sensory processing. Neuroestrogens are synthesized within some brain areas by the enzyme aromatase and can rapidly modulate local circuit functions, yet the cellular physiology and sensory‐response profiles of aromatase neurons are essentially unknown. In songbirds, social and acoustic stimuli drive neuroestrogen elevations in the auditory forebrain caudomedial nidopallium (NCM). In both males and females, neuroestrogens rapidly enhance NCM auditory processing and auditory learning. Estrogen‐producing neurons in NCM may therefore exhibit distinguishing profiles for sensory‐activation and intrinsic electrophysiology. Here, we explored these questions using both immunocyctochemistry and electrophysiological recordings. Immunoreactivity for aromatase and the immediate early gene EGR1, a marker of activity and plasticity, were quantified in NCM of song‐exposed animals versus silence‐exposed controls. Using whole‐cell patch clamp recordings from NCM slices, we also documented the intrinsic excitability profiles of aromatase‐positive and aromatase‐negative neurons. We observed that a subset of aromatase neurons were significantly activated during song playback, in both males and females, and in both hemispheres. A comparable population of non‐aromatase‐expressing neurons were also similarly driven by song stimulation. Membrane properties (i.e., resting membrane potential, rheobase, input resistance and multiple action potential parameters) were similarly indistinguishable between NCM aromatase and non‐aromatase neurons. Together, these findings demonstrate that aromatase and non‐aromatase neurons in NCM are indistinct in terms of their intrinsic electrophysiology and responses to song. Nevertheless, such similarities in response properties may belie more subtle differences in underlying conductances and/or computational roles that may be crucial to their function.
Inhibition, excitation and bilateral transfer following a unilateral complex finger‐tapping task in young and older adults
Authors: Nuzum Nathan D. , Teo Wei‐Peng , Macpherson Helen , Loughman Amy , Szymlek‐Gay Ewa A. , Hendy Ashlee 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNeuroplasticity underpins motor learning, with abnormal neuroplasticity related to age‐associated motor declines. Bilateral transfer of motor learning, through rehabilitation, may mitigate these declines; however, the magnitude of transfer may be reduced in older populations. This study investigated excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the trained and untrained hemispheres following unilateral training of a complex finger‐tapping task across ageing. Fifteen young (26.2 ± 3.8 years) and 11 older adults (63.7 ± 15.4 years) received transcranial magnetic stimulation, although surface electromyography was recorded from the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB), before and after practicing a complex finger‐tapping task with the dominant hand. Excitability, inhibition (expressed as percent change scores from pre‐ to post‐training), motor task performance and bilateral transfer were assessed between groups. Investigation of hemispheric differences within each group was completed for measures that significantly differed between groups. There were no between‐group differences in task performance or bilateral transfer, with task performance improving post‐training irrespective of group for both hands (p < 0.05). Pre‐ to post‐inhibition change scores of the untrained EDC muscle increased (p = 0.034) in older compared with younger adults, indicating reduced inhibition in older adults. Inhibition change scores significantly differed between hemispheres for the young group only (p = 0.037). Only the younger group presented with hemispheric lateralisation, providing some support for the Hemispheric Asymmetry Reduction in OLDer adults (HAROLD) hypothesis. Whether this reduction is evidence of de‐differentiation or compensation will need to be confirmed with additional measures.
Declining mortality of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with thrombocytopenia after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination
Authors: van de Munckhof Anita , Krzywicka Katarzyna , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Sánchez van Kammen Mayte , Heldner Mirjam R. , Jood Katarina , Lindgren Erik , Tatlisumak Turgut , Putaala Jukka , Kremer Hovinga Johanna A. , Middeldorp Saskia , Levi Marcel , Arnold Marcel , Ferro José M. , Coutinho Jonathan M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeHigh mortality rates have been reported in patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) due to vaccine‐induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) after vaccination with adenoviral vector SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the mortality of patients with CVST‐VITT has decreased over time.MethodsThe EudraVigilance database of the European Medicines Agency was used to identify cases of CVST with concomitant thrombocytopenia occurring within 28 days of SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination. Vaccines were grouped based on vaccine type (adenoviral or mRNA). Cases with CVST onset until 28 March were compared to cases after 28 March 2021, which was the day when the first scientific paper on VITT was published.ResultsIn total, 270 cases of CVST with thrombocytopenia were identified, of which 266 (99%) occurred after adenoviral vector SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination (ChAdOx1 nCoV‐19, n = 243; Ad26.COV2.S, n = 23). The reported mortality amongst adenoviral cases with onset up to 28 March 2021 was 47/99 (47%, 95% confidence interval 37%–58%) compared to 36/167 (22%, 95% confidence interval 16%–29%) in cases with onset after 28 March (p < 0.001). None of the four cases of CVST with thrombocytopenia occurring after mRNA vaccination died.ConclusionThe reported mortality of CVST with thrombocytopenia after vaccination with adenoviral vector‐based SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines has significantly decreased over time, which may indicate a beneficial effect of earlier recognition and/or improved treatment on outcome after VITT.
Leveraging electrophysiologic correlates of word encoding to map seizure onset zone in focal epilepsy: Task‐dependent changes in epileptiform activity, spectral features, and functional connectivity
Authors: Saboo Krishnakant V. , Balzekas Irena , Kremen Vaclav , Varatharajah Yogatheesan , Kucewicz Michal , Iyer Ravishankar K. , Worrell Gregory A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveVerbal memory dysfunction is common in focal, drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE). Unfortunately, surgical removal of seizure‐generating brain tissue can be associated with further memory decline. Therefore, localization of both the circuits generating seizures and those underlying cognitive functions is critical in presurgical evaluations for patients who may be candidates for resective surgery. We used intracranial electroencephalographic (iEEG) recordings during a verbal memory task to investigate word encoding in focal epilepsy. We hypothesized that engagement in a memory task would exaggerate local iEEG feature differences between the seizure onset zone (SOZ) and neighboring tissue as compared to wakeful rest (“nontask”).MethodsTen participants undergoing presurgical iEEG evaluation for DRE performed a free recall verbal memory task. We evaluated three iEEG features in SOZ and non‐SOZ electrodes during successful word encoding and compared them with nontask recordings: interictal epileptiform spike (IES) rates, power in band (PIB), and relative entropy (REN; a functional connectivity measure).ResultsWe found a complex pattern of PIB and REN changes in SOZ and non‐SOZ electrodes during successful word encoding compared to nontask. Successful word encoding was associated with a reduction in local electrographic functional connectivity (increased REN), which was most exaggerated in temporal lobe SOZ. The IES rates were reduced during task, but only in the non‐SOZ electrodes. Compared with nontask, REN features during task yielded marginal improvements in SOZ classification.SignificancePrevious studies have supported REN as a biomarker for epileptic brain. We show that REN differences between SOZ and non‐SOZ are enhanced during a verbal memory task. We also show that IESs are reduced during task in non‐SOZ, but not in SOZ. These findings support the hypothesis that SOZ and non‐SOZ respond differently to task and warrant further exploration into the use of cognitive tasks to identify functioning memory circuits and localize SOZ.
Blocking receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) or toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) prevents posttraumatic epileptogenesis in mice
Authors: Ping Xingjie , Chai Zhi , Wang Weiping , Ma Cungen , White Fletcher A , Jin Xiaoming 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveEffective treatment for the prevention of posttraumatic epilepsy is still not available. Here, we sought to determine whether blocking receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) or toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathways would prevent posttraumatic epileptogenesis.MethodsIn a mouse undercut model of posttraumatic epilepsy, daily injections of saline, RAGE monoclonal antibody (mAb), or TAK242, a TLR4 inhibitor, were made for 1 week. Their effects on seizure susceptibility and spontaneous epileptic seizures were evaluated with a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) test in 2 weeks and with continuous video and wireless electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring between 2 and 6 weeks after injury, respectively. Seizure susceptibility after undercut in RAGE knockout mice was also evaluated with the PTZ test. The lesioned cortex was analyzed with immunohistology.ResultsUndercut animals treated with RAGE mAb or TAK242 showed significantly higher seizure threshold than saline‐treated undercut mice. Consistently, undercut injury in RAGE knockout mice did not cause a reduction in seizure threshold in the PTZ test. EEG and video recordings revealed a significant decrease in the cumulative spontaneous seizure events in the RAGE mAb‐ or TAK242‐treated group (p < 0.001, when the RAGE mAb or TAK242 group is compared with the saline group). The lesioned cortical tissues of RAGE mAb‐ or TAK242‐treated undercut group showed higher neuronal densities of Nissl staining and higher densities of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67‐immunoreactive interneurons than the saline‐treated undercut group. Immunostaining to GFAP and Iba‐1 revealed lower densities of astrocytes and microglia in the cortex of the treatment groups, suggesting reduced glia activation.SignificanceRAGE and TLR4 signaling are critically involved in posttraumatic epileptogenesis. Blocking these pathways early after traumatic brain injury is a promising strategy for preventing posttraumatic epilepsy.
Population dynamics linked to glacial cycles inCercis chunianaF. P. Metcalf (Fabaceae) endemic to the montane regions of subtropical China
Authors: Liu Wanzhen , Xie Jianguang , Zhou Hui , Kong Hanghui , Hao Gang , Fritsch Peter W. , Gong Wei 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe mountains of subtropical China are an excellent system for investigating the processes driving the geographical distribution of biodiversity and radiation of plant populations in response to Pleistocene climate fluctuations. How the major mountain ranges in subtropical China have affected the evolution of plant species in the subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest is an issue with long‐term concern. Here, we focused onCercis chuniana, a woody species endemic to the southern mountain ranges in subtropical China, to elucidate its population dynamics. We used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to investigate the spatial pattern of genetic variation among 11 populations. Geographical isolation was detected between the populations located in adjacent mountain ranges, thought to function as geographical barriers due to their complex physiography. Bayesian time estimation revealed that population divergence occurred in the middle Pleistocene, when populations in the Nanling Mts. separated from those to the east. The orientation and physiography of the mountain ranges of subtropical China appear to have contributed to the geographical pattern of genetic variation between the eastern and western populations ofC. chuniana. Complex physiography plus long‐term stable ecological conditions across glacial cycles facilitated the demographic expansion in the Nanling Mts., from which contemporary migration began. The Nanling Mts. are thus considered as a suitable area for preserving population diversity and large population sizes ofC. chunianacompared with other regions. As inferred by ecological niche modeling and coalescent simulations, secondary contact occurred during the warm Lushan–Tali Interglacial period, with intensified East Asia summer monsoon and continuous habitat available for occupation. Our data support the strong influence of both climatic history and topographic characteristics on the high regional phytodiversity of the subtropical evergreen broadleaved forest in subtropical China.
Bottleneck‐associated changes in the genomic landscape of genetic diversity in wild lynx populations
Authors: Lucena‐Perez Maria , Kleinman‐Ruiz Daniel , Marmesat Elena , Saveljev Alexander P. , Schmidt Krzysztof , Godoy José A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDemographic bottlenecks generally reduce genetic diversity through more intense genetic drift, but their net effect may vary along the genome due to the random nature of genetic drift and to local effects of recombination, mutation, and selection. Here, we analyzed the changes in genetic diversity following a bottleneck by comparing whole‐genome diversity patterns in populations with and without severe recent documented declines of Iberian (Lynx pardinus, n = 31) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx, n = 29). As expected, overall genomic diversity correlated negatively with bottleneck intensity and/or duration. Correlations of genetic diversity with divergence, chromosome size, gene or functional site content, GC content, or recombination were observed in nonbottlenecked populations, but were weaker in bottlenecked populations. Also, functional features under intense purifying selection and the X chromosome showed an increase in the observed density of variants, even resulting in higher θW diversity than in nonbottlenecked populations. Increased diversity seems to be related to both a higher mutational input in those regions creating a large collection of low‐frequency variants, a few of which increase in frequency during the bottleneck to the point they become detectable with our limited sample, and the reduced efficacy of purifying selection, which affects not only protein structure and function but also the regulation of gene expression. The results of this study alert to the possible reduction of fitness and adaptive potential associated with the genomic erosion in regulatory elements. Further, the detection of a gain of diversity in ultra‐conserved elements can be used as a sensitive and easy‐to‐apply signature of genetic erosion in wild populations.
Reframing resilience as resistance: Situating disaster recovery within colonialism
Authors: Sou Gemma 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper challenges resilience literature, which often strips grassroots actors of their political agency and reduces their resilient actions to no more than adapting, mitigating or recovering from an exogenous hazard. I apply an everyday resistance framework to unpack Puerto Ricans’ responses to the impacts of Hurricane Maria, which devastated the Caribbean Island in 2017. This methodological approach situates acts of resilience within the colonial relations that characterise the United States−Puerto Rico relationship. First, people’s acts of resilience are shown to signify acts of resistance to pursue self‐determination and relinquish their dependency on the United States for their everyday lives and disaster recovery. Second, the paper demonstrates how resistance is enacted by women in the domestic space, which challenges masculinist and patriarchal notions of resistance. Third, exploring resilience “from below” is suggested to expose how state‐centric conceptualisations of resilience do not fit neatly with how disaster‐affected people define and intuitively enact resilience.
Physical, chemical and oxidative changes in raw peanuts: Effect of relative humidity
Authors: Guo Yajing , Liu Ying , Liu Kunlun 
Published: September 2021

SummaryPeanuts are susceptible to oxidative deterioration due to various factors during storage. This research studied the proximate composition (lipid, protein, total sugar, moisture and ash.), composition and content of amino acids and fatty acids, peroxide value (PV), carbonyl value (CV), malondialdehyde content (MDA), protein composition and structure changes in the peanuts stored for 320 days under different relative humidity (RH; 50%, 65% and 80%) conditions. Lipid oxidation was delayed at low RH (50% and 65%) storage conditions. At high RH (80%), the contents of unsaturated fatty acids, amino acids, protein and lipids decreased significantly during storage (P < 0.05), whereas the PV, CV and MDA contents increased significantly (P < 0.05). The CV values of YH‐9326 and YH‐22 increased by 14.46 and 17.48 times respectively. In addition, the protein structure changed throughout the whole storage period (P < 0.05). This research provides a theoretical reference for maintaining storage quality and extending shelf life.
Nutritional and functional characterisation of hydrolysates from quinoa flour (Chenopodium quinoa) using two proteases
Authors: Gremasqui Ileana de los A. , Giménez Maria A. , Lobo Manuel O. , Sammán Norma C. 
Published: September 2021

SummaryThe objective was to study the nutritional and functional properties of hydrolysates from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of defatted quinoa flour (DQF). The commercial enzymes alcalase and flavourzyme were used to obtain the hydrolysates defatted quinoa flour hydrolysate with alcalase (DQFA) and defatted quinoa flour hydrolysate with flavourzyme (DQFF), respectively, after 3 h of digestion at 50°C and pH 8. The degree of hydrolysis (47.32%), yield (31.05%) and protein recovery (88.80%) values were higher in DQFA; however, its protein content (48.34%) was lower compared to that of DQFF (55.06%). Also, DQFA had a solubility greater than 57% over a wide pH range (2–10) and good foam stability (70–90%). On the other hand, DQFF presented adequate emulsifying activity (61.30 m2/g), emulsifying stability (158.62 min) and foaming capacity (131%). Due to the high content of macro‐ and micronutrients and adequate emulsifying and foaming properties, DQFA and DQFF could be used as ingredients in various processed food products and protein supplements.
The changes of chemical composition of microencapsulated roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) seed oil by co‐extrusion during accelerated storage
Authors: Goh Kok Ming , Low Soo San , Nyam Kar Lin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRoselle seed oil (RSO) is an underutilised seed oil, which is having beneficial properties to humans. Microencapsulation of vegetables and seed oil is an alternative to preserve these properties and deliver them to the human diet. In this study, microencapsulation of RSO was performed using co‐extrusion technology and 1.5% w/w sodium alginate solution with 1.5% w/w high methoxyl pectin as the wall materials. Results showed that the microencapsulation efficiency was high (95.68 ± 1.95%) and the microencapsulation indeed preserved the content of unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols. During an accelerated storage condition at 65 °C for 24 days, most of these properties remained high for the first six storage days, including tocopherol which preserved high γ‐tocopherol. Worth noting that the microencapsulated RSO (MRSO) was particularly effective in preserving the total unsaturated fatty acids (especially C18:1 and C18:2), even during the 24th day of storage. The total unsaturated fatty acids retained by MRSO were significantly (P < 0.05) higher (70 ± 0.4%) than the RSO (65.6 ± 1.6%). In short, microencapsulation was effective in preserving the RSO properties.
Myosteatosis as a novel predictor of urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy
Authors: Yamashita Shimpei , Kawabata Hiroki , Deguchi Ryusuke , Ueda Yuko , Higuchi Masatoshi , Muraoka Satoshi , Koike Hiroyuki , Kikkawa Kazuro , Kohjimoto Yasuo , Hara Isao 
Published: September 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of sarcopenia and myosteatosis on urinary incontinence after prostatectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy without nerve sparing between December 2012 and March 2019. Psoas muscle index and average total psoas density, which were measured on preoperative computed tomography images at level L3, were used to evaluate sarcopenia and myosteatosis, respectively. In addition, several magnetic resonance imaging variables associated with pelvic muscles, the urethra and the prostate were measured. Urinary continence was defined as non‐use or use of just one incontinence pad per day. Logistic regression analyses aimed to identify the predictors of urinary incontinence 3 and 12 months after surgery.ResultsOverall, 121 patients were included in the analysis. The incidence rates of urinary incontinence 3 and 12 months after surgery were 42% (51/121 cases) and 16% (19/121 cases), respectively. Logistic multivariable analysis showed that low average total psoas density was the only significant independent predictor of urinary incontinence 3 months after surgery (P < 0.01), and low obturator internus muscle thickness (P = 0.01), short membranous urethral length (P = 0.01) and low average total psoas density (P < 0.01) were significant independent predictors of urinary incontinence 12 months after surgery. By contrast, psoas muscle index was not statistically associated with urinary incontinence after surgery.ConclusionsMyosteatosis (low average total psoas density) could be a novel predictor of urinary incontinence after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy.
International Council of Nurses representing nursing at the World Health Organization: COVID‐19, policy and holding politicians to account
Authors: Catton Howard 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe International Council of Nurses is in a unique position to represent nurses at the World Health Organization, and its task has never been more urgent than this year. Amid the global COVID‐19 pandemic, the death rates of nurses and other health care workers are truly shocking, with around 115 000 deaths. However, many countries do not collect statistics on health and care workers’ deaths and infections from COVID‐19, so the full extent of this awful situation is not known.At this year's World Health Assembly, the body that sets the World Health Organization's agenda for the following year, the International Council of Nurses’ 50‐strong delegation voiced the concerns of nurses and ensured that the views and advice of nurses were heard by the World Health Organization's 194 member states’ delegates. Here, the International Council of Nurses’ Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton describes how the Council is influencing health and care policy worldwide. He urges nurses everywhere to hold their politicians to account.