bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Dry’ and ‘wet’ cough: how reliable is parental reporting?
Authors: Donnelly Deirdre , Everard Mark L 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionChronic cough in childhood is common and causes much parental anxiety. Eliciting a diagnosis can be difficult as it is a non-specific symptom indicating airways inflammation and this may be due to a variety of aetiologies. A key part of assessment is obtaining an accurate cough history. It has previously been shown that parental reporting of ‘wheeze’ is frequently inaccurate. This study aimed to determine whether parental reporting of the quality of a child’s cough is likely to be accurate.MethodsParents of 48 ‘new’ patients presenting to a respiratory clinic with chronic cough were asked to describe the nature of their child’s cough. They were then shown video clips of different types of cough using age-appropriate examples, and their initial report was compared with the types of cough chosen from the video.ResultsIn a quarter of cases, the parents chose a video clip of a ‘dry’ or ‘wet’ cough having given the opposite description. In a further 20% parents chose examples of both ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ coughs despite having used only one descriptor.DiscussionWhile the characteristics of a child’s cough carry important information that may be helpful in reaching a diagnosis, clinicians should interpret parental reporting of the nature of a child’s cough with some caution in that one person’s ‘dry’ cough may very well be another person’s ‘wet’ cough.
Geographically linked risk factors for enrolment into a fast breathing child pneumonia trial in Lilongwe, Malawi: an Innovative Treatments in Pneumonia (ITIP) secondary analysis
Authors: Nkwopara Evangelyn , Schmicker Robert , Mvalo Tisungane , May Susanne , Ginsburg Amy Sarah 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundPneumonia is the leading infectious killer of children less than 5 years of age worldwide. In addition to vaccines that help prevent pneumonia, understanding the environmental and socioeconomic risk factors for child pneumonia is critical to further prevention.MethodsData from children with fast breathing pneumonia enrolled in a non-inferiority clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of 3-day placebo versus antibiotic treatment in Lilongwe, Malawi were used to examine environmental and socioeconomic characteristics within the study population. Location of residence was collected for enrolled children, and spatial enrolment rates were compared across Lilongwe using a spatial scan statistic.ResultsData from 1101 children were analysed. Three urban subdistricts (locally known as ‘Areas’) (Areas 24, 36 and 38) out of 51 were identified with higher than expected enrolment. These three areas were associated with higher rates of poverty (37.8% vs 23.9%) as well as informal settlements and poorer sanitation (42.4% vs 7.4%) than other areas. Parents of enrolled children from these areas also had lower rates of secondary education compared with parents of children enrolled from other areas (55% vs 67% (p<0.01) among fathers; 47% vs 54% (p<0.01) among mothers).ConclusionIn Lilongwe, areas with higher rates of poverty, informal settlements and poor sanitation contributed higher than expected enrolment of children to our fast breathing child pneumonia clinical trial when compared with other areas. Additional research is needed to evaluate the impact of environmental and socioeconomic risk factors, along with vaccination status, on the incidence of fast breathing pneumonia in children living in this region.
Aquaporin-4 and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies in immune-mediated optic neuritis at long-term follow-up
Authors: Petzold Axel , Woodhall Mark , Khaleeli Z , Tobin W Oliver , Pittock Sean J , Weinshenker B G , Vincent Angela , Waters Patrick , Plant Gordon T 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo re-evaluate serum samples from our 2007 cohort of patients with single-episode isolated ON (SION), recurrent isolated ON (RION), chronic relapsing inflammatory optic neuropathy (CRION), multiple sclerosis-associated ON (MSON) and neuromyelitis optica (NMO).MethodsWe re-screened 103/114 patients with available serum on live cell-based assays (CBA) for aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-M23-IgG and myelin-oligodendrocyte
glycoprotein (MOG)-α1-IgG. Further testing included oligoclonal bands, serum levels of glial fibrillar acidic and neurofilament proteins and S100B. We show the impact of updated serology on these patients.ResultsReanalysis of our original cohort revealed that AQP4-IgG seropositivity increased from 56% to 75% for NMO, 5% to 22% for CRION, 6% to 7% for RION, 0% to 7% for MSON and 5% to 6% for SION. MOG-IgG1 was identified in 25% of RION, 25% of CRION, 10% of SION, 0% of MSON and 0% of NMO. As a result, patients have been reclassified incorporating their autoantibody status. Presenting visual acuity was significantly worse in patients who were AQP4-IgG seropositive (p=0.034), but there was no relationship between antibody seropositivity and either ON relapse rate or visual acuity outcome.ConclusionsThe number of patients with seronegative CRION and RION has decreased due to improved detection of autoantibodies over the past decade. It remains essential that the clinical phenotype guides both antibody testing and clinical management. Careful monitoring of the disease course is key when considering whether to treat with prophylactic immune suppression.
Upper trunk block for shoulder analgesia with potential phrenic nerve sparing: a preliminary anatomical report
Authors: Cros Campoy José , Domingo Bosch Oscar , Pomés Jaume , Lee Jing , Fox Ben , Sala-Blanch Xavier 
Published: May 2019

Background and objectivesIpsilateral phrenic nerve palsy (PNP) is an undesirable side of conventional approaches to interscalene brachial plexus blocks. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether or not the phrenic nerve can be spared by dye when injected at the division of the upper trunk of the brachial plexus.MethodsUnder ultrasound guidance, 5 mL of radiolabeled dye was injected between the anterior and posterior division of the upper trunk in two fresh, cryopreserved cadavers. CT scan analysis, cadaveric dissection, and cryosectioning were performed to examine the spread of the injectate.ResultsWe found staining of the injectate over the entire upper trunk with its anterior and posterior divisions, the suprascapular nerve under the omohyoid muscle and the lateral pectoralis nerve, and the C5 and C6 roots. The middle trunk was partially stained. There was no evidence of dye staining of the lower trunk, anterior aspect of the anterior scalene muscle, or the phrenic nerve.ConclusionsOur study offers an anatomical basis for the possibility of providing shoulder analgesia and avoiding a PNP.
The sarcoplasmic reticulum and SERCA: a nexus for muscular adaptive thermogenesis
Authors: Gamu Daniel , Juracic Emma Sara , Hall Karlee J. , Tupling A. Russell 
Published: May 2019

We are currently facing an “obesity epidemic” worldwide. Promoting inefficient metabolism in muscle represents a potential treatment for obesity and its complications. Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pumps in muscle are responsible for maintaining low cytosolic Ca2+concentration through the ATP-dependent pumping of Ca2+from the cytosol into the SR lumen. SERCA activity has the potential to be a critical regulator of body mass and adiposity given that it is estimated to contribute upwards of 20% of daily energy expenditure. More interestingly, this fraction can be modified physiologically in the face of stressors, such as ambient temperature and diet, through its physical interaction with several regulators known to inhibit Ca2+uptake and muscle function. In this review, we discuss advances in our understanding of Ca2+-cycling thermogenesis within skeletal muscle, focusing on SERCA and its protein regulators, which were thought previously to only modulate muscular contractility.Novelty ATP consumption by SERCA pumps comprises a large proportion of resting energy expenditure in muscle and is dynamically regulated through interactions with small SERCA regulatory proteins. SERCA efficiency correlates significantly with resting metabolism, such that individuals with a higher resting metabolic rate have less energetically efficient SERCA Ca2+pumping in muscle (i.e., lower coupling ratio). Futile Ca2+cycling is a versatile heat generating mechanism utilized by both skeletal muscle and beige fat.
Walking velocity and modified rivermead mobility index as discriminatory measures for functional ambulation classification of chronic stroke patients
Authors: Lim Ji Young , An Seung Heon , Park Dae-Sung 
Published: May 2019

Background: The cut-off values of walking velocity and classification of functional mobility both have a role in clinical settings for assessing the walking function of stroke patients and setting rehabilitation goals and treatment plans. Objective: The present study investigated whether the cut-off values of the modified Rivermead Mobility Index (mRMI) and walking velocity accurately differentiated the walking ability of stroke patients according to the modified Functional Ambulation Category (mFAC). Methods: Eighty two chronic stroke patients were included in the study. The comfortable/maximum walking velocities and mRMI were used to measure the mobility outcomes of these patients. To compare the walking velocities and mRMI scores for each mFAC point, one-way analysis of variance and the post-hoc test using Scheffe’s method were performed. The patients were categorized according to gait ability into either [Formula: see text] or mFAC[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]VI group. The cut-off values for mRMI and walking velocities were calculated using a receiver-operating characteristic curve. The odds ratios of logistic regression analysis (Wald Forward) were analyzed to examine whether the cut-off values of walking velocity and mRMI can be utilized to differentiate functional walking levels. Results: Except for mFACs III and IV, maximum walking velocity differed between mFAC IV and mFAC V [Formula: see text], between mFAC V and mFAC VI [Formula: see text], and between mFAC VI and mFAC VII [Formula: see text]. The cut-off value of mRMI is [Formula: see text] and the area under the curve is 0.87, respectively; the cut-off value for comfortable walking velocity is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m/s and the area under the curve is 0.92, respectively; also, the cut-off value for maximum walking velocity is [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m/s and the area under the curve is 0.97, respectively. In the logistic regression analysis, the maximum walking velocity [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m/s, [Formula: see text] and mRMI [Formula: see text] scores, [Formula: see text] are able to distinguish [Formula: see text] from mFAC[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]VI. Conclusion: The cut-off values of maximum walking velocity and mRMI are recommended as useful outcome measures for assessing ambulation levels in chronic stroke patients during rehabilitation.
Microstructural integrity of corticospinal and medial lemniscus tracts: insights from diffusion tensor tractography of right-hand amputees
Authors: Peng Huiling , Cirstea Carmen M. , Kaufman Christina L. , Frey Scott H. 
Published: May 2019

Reductions in sensory and motor activity following unilateral upper limb amputation during adulthood are associated with widespread, activity-dependent reorganization of the gray matter and white matter through the central nervous system. Likewise, in cases of congenital limb absence there is evidence that limited afferent or efferent activity affects the structural integrity of white matter pathways serving the affected side. Evidence that the structural integrity of mature sensory and motor tracts controlling the lost upper limb exhibits similar activity dependence is, however, sparse and inconsistent. Here we used diffusion tensor tractography to test whether amputation of the dominant right hand during adulthood ( n = 16) alters the microstructural integrity of the major sensory (medial lemniscus, ML) and motor (corticospinal tract, CST) pathways controlling missing hand function. Consistent with prior findings, healthy control subjects ( n = 27) exhibited higher fractional anisotropy (FA), an index of white matter microstructural integrity, within dominant left CST and nondominant right ML. Critically, in contrast to what might be expected if the microstructural organization of these tracts is activity dependent, these asymmetries persisted in amputees. Moreover, we failed to detect any differences in dominant left ML or CST between healthy control subjects and amputees. Our results are consistent with these white matter tracts being robust to changes in activity once mature or that continued use of the residual limb (in a compensatory fashion or with prosthesis) provides stimulation sufficient to maintain tract integrity. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We report that unilateral hand amputation in adults has no significant effects on the structure of major sensory or motor pathways contralateral to the amputation. Our results are consistent with the organization of these white matter tracts being robust to changes in activity once mature or that continued use of the residual limb (with or without a prosthesis) provides stimulation sufficient to maintain tract integrity.
Infraslow activity as a potential modulator of corticomotor excitability
Authors: de Goede Annika A. , van Putten Michel J. A. M. 
Published: May 2019

Fluctuations in cortical excitability are a candidate mechanism involved in the trial-to-trial variation of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We explore whether infraslow EEG activity (<0.1 Hz) modulates corticomotor excitability by evaluating the presence of temporal and phase clustering of TMS-induced MEPs. In addition, we evaluate the dependence of MEP amplitude on the phase of the infraslow activity. Twenty-three subjects were stimulated at an intensity above the resting motor threshold (rMT) and ten at the rMT. We evaluated whether temporal and phase clustering of MEP size and MEP generation were present, using 1,000 surrogates with a similar amplitude or occurrence distribution. To evaluate the MEP amplitude dependence, we used the least-square method to approximate the linear circular data by fitting a sine function. We observed significant temporal clustering at a group level, in all individual subjects stimulated at rMT and in the majority of those stimulated above rMT, suggesting underlying determinism of corticomotor excitability instead of randomly generated fluctuations. The majority of subjects showed significant phase clustering for MEP size and for MEP occurrence, and significant phase clustering was found at the group level. Furthermore, in approximately one-quarter to one-half of the subjects we found a significant correlation and dependence of MEP amplitude on the phase of infraslow activity, respectively. Although other mechanisms very likely contribute as well, our findings seem to suggest that infraslow activity is involved in the variability of cortical excitability and TMS-induced responses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cortical excitability measures are highly variable during transcranial magnetic stimulation. Although ongoing brain oscillations are assumed to modulate excitability, no consistent associations are found for the traditional frequency bands. We focus on the role of infraslow EEG activity, defined as rhythms with frequencies < 0.1 Hz. We provide experimental evidence suggesting that infraslow activity most likely modulates corticomotor excitability and that response variation could be reduced when stimulation is targeted at a specific infraslow phase.
Locomotor kinematics and EMG activity during quadrupedal versus bipedal gait in the Japanese macaque
Authors: Higurashi Yasuo , Maier Marc A. , Nakajima Katsumi , Morita Kazunori , Fujiki Soichiro , Aoi Shinya , Mori Futoshi , Murata Akira , Inase Masahiko 
Published: May 2019

Several qualitative features distinguish bipedal from quadrupedal locomotion in mammals. In this study we show quantitative differences between quadrupedal and bipedal gait in the Japanese monkey in terms of gait patterns, trunk/hindlimb kinematics, and electromyographic (EMG) activity, obtained from 3 macaques during treadmill walking. We predicted that as a consequence of an almost upright body axis, bipedal gait would show properties consistent with temporal and spatial optimization countering higher trunk/hindlimb loads and a less stable center of mass (CoM). A comparatively larger step width, an ~9% longer duty cycle, and ~20% increased relative duration of the double-support phase were all in line with such a strategy. Bipedal joint kinematics showed the strongest differences in proximal, and least in distal, hindlimb joint excursions compared with quadrupedal gait. Hindlimb joint coordination (cyclograms) revealed more periods of single-joint rotations during bipedal gait and predominance of proximal joints during single support. The CoM described a symmetrical, quasi-sinusoidal left/right path during bipedal gait, with an alternating shift toward the weight-supporting limb during stance. Trunk/hindlimb EMG activity was nonuniformally increased during bipedal gait, most prominently in proximal antigravity muscles during stance (up to 10-fold). Non-antigravity hindlimb EMG showed altered temporal profiles during liftoff or touchdown. Muscle coactivation was more, but muscle synergies less, frequent during bipedal gait. Together, these results show that behavioral and EMG properties of bipedal vs. quadrupedal gait are quantitatively distinct and suggest that the neural control of bipedal primate locomotion underwent specific adaptations to generate these particular behavioral features to counteract increased load and instability. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Bipedal locomotion imposes particular biomechanical constraints on motor control. In a within-species comparative study, we investigated joint kinematics and electromyographic characteristics of bipedal vs. quadrupedal treadmill locomotion in Japanese macaques. Because these features represent (to a large extent) emergent properties of the underlying neural control, they provide a comparative, behavioral, and neurophysiological framework for understanding the neural system dedicated to bipedal locomotion in this nonhuman primate, which constitutes a critical animal model for human bipedalism.
Deep Negative Deflection in Unipolar His-Bundle Electrogram as a Predictor of Excellent His-Bundle Pacing Threshold Postimplant
Authors: Sato Toshiaki , Soejima Kyoko , Maeda Akiko , Mohri Takato , Tashiro Mika , Momose Yuichi , Komeda Michitsugu , Nonoguchi Noriko , Hoshida Kyoko , Miwa Yosuke , Ueda Akiko , Togashi Ikuko 
Published: May 2019

Background:
His-bundle pacing (HBP) is a physiological form of pacing. Although high capture thresholds are common, few predictors of low HBP threshold have been determined. We aimed to identify electrophysiological predictors.

Methods:
Fifty-one patients (53% with atrioventricular block) underwent HBP for bradycardia with an intrinsic QRS duration of <120 ms. Attempts to anchor the HBP lead were guided by unipolar His-bundle electrograms (HB EGMs) recorded with an electrophysiology recording system. Patients were followed-up for >6 months.

Results:
In total, 153 attempts at anchoring the HBP lead were made, of which, 45 achieved acceptable HBP thresholds (≤2.5 V at 1 ms). The amplitude of negative deflection in HB EGM and the selective HBP form at fixation were independently associated with achieving an acceptable threshold. A negative amplitude of ≥0.060 mV in HB EGM was determined as the optimal value for identifying the acceptable threshold. This deep negative HB EGM was recorded with an HBP threshold of 1.4±1.3 V (in 34 attempts), significantly lower than that of positive HB EGM without deep negative deflection (2.8±1.3 V, in 31 trials; or >5 V, in 38 trials). The permanent HBP lead remained with deep negative (≥0.060 mV) or positive HB EGMs in 28 and 14 patients, respectively, and with positive or negative HB injury current in 19 and 23 patients, respectively. During follow-up, increased HBP threshold of >1 V was significantly more prevalent in the positive HB EGM group. The HBP thresholds of deep negative HB EGM and HB injury current, but not of the selective HBP group, were significantly lower than the other subgroups during follow-up.

Conclusions:
Deep negative HB EGM at fixation was associated with an excellent short-term HBP threshold, similar to HB injury current. Analysis of unipolar HB EGM postfixation may enable prediction of permanent HBP threshold.
Diversity and distribution of nematodes associated with bark beetles in Israel
Authors: Xue Qing , Slonim Ofer , Bucki Patricia , Mendel Zvi , Protasov Alex , Golan Omer , Vieira Paulo , Braun Miyara Sigal 
Published: May 2019

Summary
Bark beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) have a significant economic impact on forest stands and agricultural settings in Israel. We focus on nematodes associated with bark beetles collected from different host plants attacked by Scolytinae. The sampling was conducted in forest plantations and fruit tree orchards in several areas in Israel. A total of 430 beetle specimens of eight species were examined for the presence of nematodes. Fifteen nematode species were detected and identified based on molecular and morphological characteristics. Among the examined scolytids, the pine bark beetle, Orthotomicus erosus, the most widely distributed and frequently occurring species in Israel, was accompanied by the highest nematode diversity, with 11 species recovered. Nematode associations with the almond bark beetle (Scolytus amygdali), the olive bark beetle (Phloeotribus scarabaeoides) and the fig bark beetle (Hypoborus ficus) were recorded for the first time. Our study thus supplies novel information on scolytid-associated nematodes in Israel.
Regulation mechanisms of positive cold tolerance in Mongolian sheep
Authors: Cao Yu , Pan Jing , Zhang Yanru , Zhou Huanmin 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Mongolian sheep survive well on the Mongolian plateau during tremendously cold winters, but their cold response mechanisms are not well understood. By comparing with Dorper sheep originating from South Africa, we expected to reveal the cold tolerance mechanisms of Mongolian sheep on the basis of transcriptome data, further providing molecular evidence for the targeted breeding of sheep. Based on the mRNA data of RNA-seq, we selected candidate genes among the differentially expressed genes; 7 from adipose tissue, 33 from skeletal muscle, and 10 from the liver. According to enriched KEGG pathways and previous research results, the effects of the above candidate genes mainly involved weakening the synthesis of long-chain fatty acids, raising the adaptive thermogenesis and browning adipogenesis in fat, reducing glucose 6-phosphate, stimulating citrulline generation and enhancing lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle, and postponing cell senescence in the liver. The findings also demonstrate the regulation mechanisms of cold tolerance in different tissues of Mongolian sheep.