bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting obstructive coronary artery disease using carotid ultrasound parameters: A nomogram from a large real‐world clinical data
Authors: Wu Na , Chen Xinghua , Li Mingyang , Qu Xiaolong , Li Yueli , Xie Weijia , Wu Long , Xiang Ying , Li Yafei , Zhong Li 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundCarotid ultrasound is a noninvasive tool for risk assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD). There is no consensus on which carotid ultrasound parameter constitutes the best measurement of atherosclerosis. We investigated which model of carotid ultrasound parameters and clinical risk factors (CRF) has the highest predictive value for CAD.Materials and methodsWe enrolled 2431 consecutive patients who have suspected CAD and underwent coronary angiography and carotid ultrasound with measurements of carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT), total number of plaques and areas of different types of plaques classified by echogenicity.ResultsTotal number of plaques demonstrated the highest incremental prediction ability to predict CAD over CRF (area under the curve [AUC] 0.752 vs 0.701, net reclassification index [NRI] = 0.514, P < .001), followed by area of maximum mixed and soft plaques. CIMT had no significant incremental value over CRF (AUC 0.704 vs 0.701, P = .241; NRI = 0.062, P = .168). The model comprising total number of plaques, areas of maximum soft, hard and mixed plaques plus CRF had the highest discriminatory (AUC = 0.757) and reclassification value (NRI = 0.567) for CAD. A nomogram based on this model was developed to predict CAD. For subjects at low and intermediate risk, the model comprising total number of plaques plus CRF was the best.ConclusionsTotal number of plaques, area of maximum soft, hard and mixed plaques showed significantly incremental prediction ability over CRF. A nomogram based on these factors provided an intuitive and practical method in detecting CAD.
Role of mu, but not delta or kappa, opioid receptors in context‐induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking
Authors: Bossert Jennifer M. , Hoots Jennifer K. , Fredriksson Ida , Adhikary Sweta , Zhang Michelle , Venniro Marco , Shaham Yavin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRelapse to non‐medical use of prescription opioids often occurs after exposure to places previously associated with drug use. Here, we describe a rat model of context‐induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking after repeated cycles of drug self‐administration and extinction‐induced abstinence. We also determined the role of mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors (MOR, DOR, KOR) in this reinstatement. We trained rats to self‐administer oxycodone for 6 h/day in context A; lever pressing was paired with a discrete cue. Next, we extinguished the lever pressing in the presence of the discrete cue in context B and then tested the rats for reinstatement of oxycodone seeking in both contexts. We retrained rats to self‐administer oxycodone in context A, re‐extinguished their lever pressing in context B and retested them for reinstatement in both contexts. Prior to testing, we injected the rats with vehicle or antagonists of MOR (naltrexone; 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg), DOR (naltrindole; 7.5 or 15 mg/kg) or KOR (LY2456302; 5 or 10 mg/kg). We also tested the effect of naltrexone, naltrindole and LY2456302 on oxycodone self‐administration under fixed‐ratio‐1 (FR1) and progressive ratio (PR) reinforcement schedules. We observed context‐induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking after repeated cycles of drug self‐administration and extinction. Naltrexone, but not naltrindole or LY2456302, injections decreased this reinstatement. Additionally, naltrexone increased oxycodone self‐administration under the FR1 schedule and decreased oxycodone self‐administration under the PR schedule; naltrindole and LY2456302 were ineffective. Results demonstrate a critical role of MOR, but not DOR or KOR, in context‐induced reinstatement of oxycodone seeking and oxycodone self‐administration.
α‐Synuclein activates innate immunity but suppresses interferon‐γ expression in murine astrocytes
Authors: Wang Jintang , Chen Zheng , Walston Jeremy D. , Gao Peisong , Gao Maolong , Leng Sean X. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGlial activation and neuroinflammation contribute to pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, linked to neuron loss and dysfunction. α‐Synuclein (α‐syn), as a metabolite of neuron, can induce microglia activation to trigger innate immune response. However, whether α‐syn, as well as its mutants (A53T, A30P, and E46K), induces astrocyte activation and inflammatory response is not fully elucidated. In this study, we used A53T mutant and wild‐type α‐syns to stimulate primary astrocytes in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners (0.5, 2, 8, and 20 μg/ml for 24 hr or 3, 12, 24, and 48 hr at 2 μg/ml), and evaluated activation of several canonical inflammatory pathway components. The results showed that A53T mutant or wild‐type α‐syn significantly upregulated mRNA expression of toll‐like receptor (TLR)2, TLR3, nuclear factor‐κB and interleukin (IL)‐1β, displaying a pattern of positive dose–effect correlation or negative time–effect correlation. Such upregulation was confirmed at protein levels of TLR2 (at 20 μg/ml), TLR3 (at most doses), and IL‐1β (at 3 hr) by western blotting. Blockage of TLR2 other than TLR4 inhibited TLR3 and IL‐1β mRNA expressions. By contrast, interferon (IFN)‐γ was significantly downregulated at mRNA, protein, and protein release levels, especially at high concentrations of α‐syns or early time‐points. These findings indicate that α‐syn was a TLRs‐mediated immunogenic agent (A53T mutant stronger than wild‐type α‐syn). The stimulation patterns suggest that persistent release and accumulation of α‐syn is required for the maintenance of innate immunity activation, and IFN‐γ expression inhibition by α‐syn suggests a novel immune molecule interaction mechanism underlying pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Gene editing vectors for studying nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cholinergic transmission
Authors: Peng Can , Yan Yijin , Kim Veronica J. , Engle Staci E. , Berry Jennifer N. , McIntosh J. Michael , Neve Rachael L. , Drenan Ryan M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), prototype members of the cys‐loop ligand‐gated ion channel family, are key mediators of cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system. Despite their importance, technical gaps exist in our ability to dissect the function of individual subunits in the brain. To overcome these barriers, we designed CRISPR/Cas9 small guide RNA sequences (sgRNAs) for the production of loss‐of‐function alleles in mouse nAChR genes. These sgRNAs were validated in vitro via deep sequencing. We subsequently targeted candidate nAChR genes in vivo by creating herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors delivering sgRNAs and Cas9 expression to mouse brain. The production of loss‐of‐function insertions or deletions (indels) by these ‘all‐in‐one’ HSV vectors was confirmed using brain slice patch clamp electrophysiology coupled with pharmacological analysis. Next, we developed a scheme for cell type‐specific gene editing in mouse brain. Knockin mice expressing Cas9 in a Cre‐dependent manner were validated using viral microinjections and genetic crosses to common Cre‐driver mouse lines. We subsequently confirmed functional Cas9 activity by targeting the ubiquitous neuronal protein, NeuN, using adeno‐associated virus (AAV) delivery of sgRNAs. Finally, the mouse β2 nAChR gene was successfully targeted in dopamine transporter (DAT)‐positive neurons via CRISPR/Cas9. The sgRNA sequences and viral vectors, including our scheme for Cre‐dependent gene editing, should be generally useful to the scientific research community. These tools could lead to new discoveries related to the function of nAChRs in neurotransmission and behavioral processes.
Reconciling multiple impacts of nitrogen enrichment on soil carbon: plant, microbial and geochemical controls
Authors: Ye Chenglong , Chen Dima , Hall Steven J. , Pan Shang , Yan Xuebin , Bai Tongshuo , Guo Hui , Zhang Yi , Bai Yongfei , Hu Shuijin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractImpacts of reactive nitrogen (N) inputs on ecosystem carbon (C) dynamics are highly variable, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we proposed a new conceptual framework that integrates plant, microbial and geochemical mechanisms to reconcile diverse and contrasting impacts of N on soil C. This framework was tested using long‐term N enrichment and acid addition experiments in a Mongolian steppe grassland. Distinct mechanisms could explain effects of N on particulate and mineral‐associated soil C pools, potentially explaining discrepancies among previous N addition studies. While plant production predominated particulate C changes, N‐induced soil acidification strongly affected mineral‐associated C through decreased microbial growth and pH‐sensitive associations between iron and aluminium minerals and C. Our findings suggest that effects of N‐induced acidification on microbial respiration and geochemical properties should be included in Earth system models that predict ecosystem C budgets under future N deposition/input scenarios.
Multidomain intervention for the prevention of cognitive decline after stroke – a pooled patient‐level data analysis
Authors: Teuschl Y. , Ihle‐Hansen H. , Matz K. , Dachenhausen A. , Ratajczak P. , Tuomilehto J. , Ursin M. H. , Hagberg G. , Thommessen B. , Øksengård A. R. , Brainin M. ,   the ASPIS Study Group
Published: May 2018

Background and purposeThe aim of this pooled patient‐level data analysis was to test if multidomain interventions, addressing several modifiable vascular risk factors simultaneously, are more effective than usual post‐stroke care for the prevention of cognitive decline after stroke.MethodsThis pooled patient‐level data analysis included two randomized controlled trials using a multidomain approach to target vascular risk factors in stroke patients and cognition as primary outcome. Changes from baseline to 12 months in the trail making test (TMT)‐A, TMT‐B and 10‐words test were analysed using stepwise backward linear mixed models with study as random factor. Two analyses were based on the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) principle using different imputation approaches and one was based on complete cases.ResultsData from 322 patients (157 assigned to multidomain intervention and 165 to standard care) were analysed. Differences between randomization groups for TMT‐A scores were found in one ITT model (P = 0.014) and approached significance in the second ITT model (P = 0.087) and for complete cases (P = 0.091). No significant intervention effects were found for any of the other cognitive variables.ConclusionWe found indications that multidomain interventions compared with standard care can improve the scores in TMT‐A at 1 year after stroke but not those for TMT‐B or the 10‐words test. These results have to be interpreted with caution due to the small number of patients.
Skin sensitivity and skin microbiota: Is there a link?
Authors: Seite Sophie , Misery Laurent 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSensitive skin is defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations, accompanied or not by erythema, in response to stimuli which normally should not provoke such sensations and that cannot be linked to skin disease. Even if its pathophysiology is not completely known, hyper‐reactivity of the cutaneous nervous system associated with an abnormal skin barrier has been hypothesized as a primary culprit including more recently a role of the cutaneous microbiota. The objective of this short review is to discuss the relationship between the skin microbiota, skin sensitivity and the skin barrier function.
Altered expression of matrix remodelling associated 7 (MXRA7) in psoriatic epidermis: Evidence for a protective role in the psoriasis imiquimod mouse model
Authors: Ning Jinling , Shen Ying , Wang Ting , Wang Mengru , Liu Wei , Sun Yonghu , Zhang Furen , Chen Lingling , Wang Yiqiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPreliminary data mining performed with Gene Expression Omnibus data sets implied that psoriasis may involve the matrix remodelling associated 7 (MXRA7), a gene with little function information yet. To test that hypothesis, studies were performed in human samples and murine models. Immunohistochemistry in normal human skin showed that MXRA7 proteins were present across the full epidermal layer, with highest expression level detected in the basal layer. In psoriatic samples, MXRA7 proteins were absent in the basal stem cells layer, while suprabasal keratinocytes were stained at a higher level than in normal tissues. In an imiquimod‐induced psoriasis‐like disease model in mice, diseased skins manifested similar MXRA7 expression pattern and change as in human samples, and MXRA7‐deficient mice developed severer psoriasis‐like diseases than wild‐type mice did. While levels of propsoriatic genes (eg IL17, IL22, IL23) in imiquimod‐stimulated MXRA7‐deficient mice were higher than in wild‐type mice, keratinocytes isolated from MXRA7‐deficient mice showed increased proliferation upon differentiation induction in culture. These data demonstrated that MXRA7 gene might function as a negative modulator in psoriasis development when propsoriatic factors attack, presumably via expression alteration or redistribution of MXRA7 proteins in keratinocytes.
Glass eel (Anguilla anguilla) recruitment to the river Lis: Ingress dynamics in relation to oceanographic processes in the western Iberian margin and shelf
Authors: Stratoudakis Yorgos , Oliveira Paulo B. , Teles‐Machado Ana , Oliveira José Manuel , Correia Maria João , Antunes Carlos 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTo provide new information on the ingress dynamics of glass eels at the Portuguese coast, the study analyzes catch per unit effort (CPUE) data from river Lis, biometric data from recruits in basins of western Portugal and meteo‐oceanographic data from the Iberian margin and shelf. Biometric data of glass eels in western Portugal are congruent with the latitudinal size gradient of leptocephali in oceanic surveys and show clear seasonality, with longest and heaviest individuals arriving from October to December. Generalized additive models fitted to CPUEs from two experimental fishing periods (1996–1997 and 2013–2014) show that availability of glass eels to the sampling gear was inversely related to lunar phase and sea wave height. CPUE was lowest from May to September, increased towards the end of the year and peaked in February–March, when recruits were almost 40% lighter than autumn arrivals. Commercial CPUE during the 1989–1990 fishing season was significantly higher than experimental fishing data in 1996–1997. Higher variance and smaller sample size in 2013–2014 prevent conclusive interdecadal comparisons. Finally, CPUE was significantly higher during the prevalence of northward current flow off western Portugal and during strong cross‐shelf westerly winds. Findings support the suggestion that eel recruitment in Portugal occurs mainly by leptocephali travelling along the Azores Current, deflected northwards through the Iberian Poleward Current, with river ingress, and possibly oceanic metamorphosis, modulated by seasonal dynamics in coastal hydrology and shelf/upper margin oceanography.
Importance of nutrients, organic matter and light availability on epilimnetic metabolic rates in a mesotrophic tropical lake
Authors: Brighenti Ludmila S. , Staehr Peter A. , M. Brandão Luciana P. , Barbosa Francisco A. R. , Bezerra‐Neto José Fernandes 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Global changes, such as climate and land use alterations, are expected to affect freshwater ecosystems, modifying environmental conditions with ultimate effects on carbon and nutrient cycling. While effects of these changes have been the focus of several studies in temperate lakes, remarkably little effort has been dedicated to understanding the behaviour and responses of tropical lakes despite their importance in tropical environments.

In a factorial mesocosm study conducted in a tropical lake, we investigated how changes in environmental conditions, such as additions of inorganic nutrients and allochthonous organic matter, and shading, affect gross primary production (GPP), community respiration (R) and net community production (NCP) rates, and the occurrence of GPP light saturation and photoinhibition.

GPP rates in the mesocosms were enhanced by additions of inorganic nutrients (+NP) and organic matter (+C) and decreased with increasing mean light available (Ī). Apparent photoinhibition was pronounced in full light treatments (+L) without additions of nutrients (−NP) and organic matter (−C), occurring in 91% of the experimental days. This supports previous evidence of the importance of photoinhibition in the upper mixed layer of the lake, especially during nutrient depletion and high light availability in the warmer rainy season.

The main factor affecting metabolic rates was nutrients (NP), followed by organic matter (C). Effect of light (L) and the interaction between C and L were also significant for GPP and R rates.

Addition of allochthonous organic matter (+C) with a high content of coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) stimulated GPP rates and reduced the occurrence of apparent photoinhibition and light saturation. This also increased R rates in the mesocosms. However, R was strongly coupled to GPP, indicating that changes in respiration were more related to autotrophic activity than to a direct and independent stimulation of heterotrophic communities.

Our results strongly support recent evidence of the interactions between nutrients, organic matter and light conditions, which under a scenario of changes in the frequency and intensity of precipitation events and human‐mediated changes in land use, may affect the magnitude, variability and balance of metabolic processes in the productive upper mixed layers of tropical lakes.
Human impacts decouple a fundamental ecological relationship—The positive association between host diversity and parasite diversity
Authors: Wood Chelsea L. , Zgliczynski Brian J. , Haupt Alison J. , Guerra Ana Sofía , Micheli Fiorenza , Sandin Stuart A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHuman impacts on ecosystems can decouple the fundamental ecological relationships that create patterns of diversity in free‐living species. Despite the abundance, ubiquity, and ecological importance of parasites, it is unknown whether the same decoupling effects occur for parasitic species. We investigated the influence of fishing on the relationship between host diversity and parasite diversity for parasites of coral reef fishes on three fished and three unfished islands in the central equatorial Pacific. Fishing was associated with a shallowing of the positive host‐diversity–parasite‐diversity relationship. This occurred primarily through negative impacts of fishing on the presence of complex life‐cycle parasites, which created a biologically impoverished parasite fauna of directly transmitted parasites resilient to changes in host biodiversity. Parasite diversity appears to be decoupled from host diversity by fishing impacts in this coral reef ecosystem, which suggests that such decoupling might also occur for parasites in other ecosystems affected by environmental change.
Dependence on others for oral hygiene and its association with hand deformities and functional impairment in elders with a history of leprosy
Authors: Ferreira Raquel Conceição , Gonçalves Talita Xavier , Soares Anna Rachel dos Santos , Carvalho Luísa Rodrigues de Abreu , Campos Fernanda Lamounier , Ribeiro Marco Túlio de Freitas , Martins Andrea Maria Eleutério de Barros Lima , Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira e 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo analyse the frequency of dependence on others for oral hygiene and its association with hand deformities, frailty and dependence on others for basic activities of daily living (BADL) among elders with a history of leprosy.BackgroundDependence on others for oral hygiene has not been considered in multifunctional geriatric assessments.Material and methodsEdentulous elders with a history of leprosy who used complete dentures and resided in a former leprosy colony were classified as independent or partially/completely dependent on others for brushing their dentures or rinsing and for BADL, and as frail or robust. The presence of hand deformities was assessed by an occupational therapist.Results28.4% and 14.9% were completely/partially dependent on others for brushing and rinsing, respectively. The dependence for BADL was observed in 21.6% and hand deformities in 17.6%. A higher odds of dependence for brushing/rinsing was found among elders who were dependent on others for BADL. Brushing dependence (61.5%) was more frequent among participants with hand deformities than those without this condition (21.3%) (OR: 6.8; 95% IC: 1.2‐37.9;P = .028). There was no association between frailty and brushing (P = .068) or rinsing (P = .202) dependence.ConclusionApproximately one‐third of elders have a dependence on others for brushing; a smaller proportion is dependent on others for rinsing. Older people who are dependent on others for BADL and who present hand deformities are more likely to be dependent on others for denture brushing and rinsing. Elders may perform oral self‐care even when they present frailty.
Greater Occipital Nerve Injection versus Oral Steroids for Short Term Prophylaxis of Cluster Headache: A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Wei Jerry , Robbins Matthew S. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate our experience with oral steroid and greater occipital nerve (GON) injection with steroid as transitional treatments for cluster headache.BackgroundCluster headache is a primary headache disorder characterized by multiple episodes of intense unilateral pain with autonomic features. During cluster headache attacks, transitional therapies are useful while prophylactic dosages are initiated or increased. There are limited data comparing the efficacy of oral versus injected transitional treatments.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed charts for patients evaluated with cluster headache at our center and captured episodes of transitional therapy utilized from 1995 to 2014. Treatment benefit was categorized into complete, partial, or no response.ResultsForty‐three patients received transitional therapy over a total of 151 encounters, of which 140 were available for analysis. Encounters featured oral steroids (81, 57.9%) and GON injection (59, 42.1%). Of the 40 patients with treatment response data available, 24 patients received only one type of transitional therapy and 16 patients received both therapies. More encounters featuring oral steroids versus GON injections led to at least a partial response (82.7% vs 64.4%) and to a lesser extent a complete response (50.6% vs 35.6%). Among 16 patients treated with both therapies, 8 (50%) responded to both and 6 (37.5%) responded only to oral steroids.ConclusionsOur single‐center, retrospective data suggest the majority of patients with cluster headache responded to both prednisone and GON injections for transitional treatment, with a higher response to oral steroids. Our results may inform study design for a randomized trial, which is warranted.
Transnational research training: Chinese visiting doctoral students overseas and their host supervisors
Authors: Shen Wenqin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInternational experience during doctoral training is critical in improving the quality of research training and establishing international networks. This study makes an original contribution to the understanding of the research partnership between visiting doctoral students and their supervisors. The current research draws upon empirical evidence from a survey, semi‐structured interviews and CV analysis of Chinese visiting doctoral students sponsored by the China Scholarship Council. Findings confirm the good quality of supervision and solid research mentorship for the recipient students, who are not officially enrolled in international host universities. This study also highlights research collaboration and networking, which have long‐term international research impact.