bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential links between wood‐inhabiting and soil fungal communities: Evidence from high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: Purahong Witoon , Pietsch Katherina A. , Bruelheide Helge , Wirth Christian , Buscot François , Wubet Tesfaye 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWood‐inhabiting fungi (WIF) are pivotal to wood decomposition, which in turn strongly influences nutrient dynamics in forest soils. However, their dispersal mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized that the majority of WIF are soil‐borne. For this reason, the presented research aimed to quantify the contribution of soil as a source and medium for the dispersal of WIF to deadwood using high‐throughput sequencing. We tested effects of tree species (specifically Schima superba and Pinus massoniana) on the percentage of WIF shared between soil and deadwood in a Chinese subtropical forest ecosystem. We also assessed the taxonomic and ecological functional group affiliations of the fungal community shared between soil and deadwood. Our results indicate that soil is a major route for WIF colonization as 12%–15% (depending on the tree species) of soil fungi were simultaneously detected in deadwood. We also demonstrate that tree species (p < 0.01) significantly shapes the composition of the shared soil and deadwood fungal community. The pH of decomposing wood was shown to significantly correspond (p < 0.01) with the shared community of wood‐inhabiting (of both studied tree species) and soil fungi. Furthermore, our data suggest that a wide range of fungal taxonomic (Rozellida, Zygomycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota) and ecological functional groups (saprotrophs, ectomycorrhizal, mycoparasites, and plant pathogens) may use soil as a source and medium for transport to deadwood in subtropical forest ecosystem. While 12%–62% of saprotrophic, ectomycorrhizal, and mycoparasitic WIF may utilize soil to colonize deadwood, only 5% of the detected plant pathogens were detected in both soil and deadwood, implying that these fungi use other dispersal routes. Animal endosymbionts and lichenized WIF were not detected in the soil samples. Future studies should consider assessing the relative contributions of other possible dispersal mechanisms (e.g. wind, water splash, water dispersal, animal dispersal, and mycelial network) in the colonization of deadwood by soil fungi.
How Do I Explain the Diagnosis of Functional Movement Disorder to a Patient?
Authors: Stone Jon , Hoeritzauer Ingrid 
Published: May 2019

AbstractFunctional movement disorders (FMDs) are common in neurological practice and a source of significant distress and disability. There is consensus that successful explanation which helps the patient feel confident that the diagnosis is correct is an essential platform for further treatment. Many doctors find delivering the diagnosis difficult. In these two short films, we explore why certain ways of approaching the explanation of an FMD can cause difficulties, especially failure to give an explicit diagnostic label, and a tendency to jump to a speculative etiological discussion about possible psychological factors instead of helping the patient understand the nature and mechanism of the movement disorder itself. Demonstrating the physical signs to the patient is often of key importance in helping the patient to understand that, first, the diagnosis is made positively and not just because the tests are normal. Crucially, it also shows the potential for symptom reversibility, which can then feed in to an understanding of how physiotherapy promotes automatic movement and “retrains the brain.” Seeing the patient again is important in assessing the patient's confidence and readiness for therapy as well as calibrating your own communication skills.
Parafoveal thinning of inner retina is associated with visual dysfunction in Lewy body diseases
Authors: Murueta‐Goyena Ane , del Pino Rocío , Reyero Paula , Galdós Marta , Arana Begoña , Lucas‐Jiménez Olaia , Acera Marian , Tijero Beatriz , Ibarretxe‐Bilbao Naroa , Ojeda Natalia , Peña Javier , Cortés Jesús , Gómez‐Esteban Juan Carlos , Gabilondo Iñigo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundRetinal optical coherence tomography findings in Lewy body diseases and their implications for visual outcomes remain controversial. We investigated whether region‐specific thickness analysis of retinal layers could improve the detection of macular atrophy and unravel its association with visual disability in Parkinson's disease.MethodsPatients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (n = 63), dementia with Lewy bodies (n = 8), and E46K mutation carriers in the α‐synuclein gene (E46K‐SNCA) (n = 4) and 34 controls underwent Spectralis optical coherence tomography macular scans and a comprehensive battery of visual function and cognition tests. We computed mean retinal layer thicknesses of both eyes within 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 6‐mm diameter macular discs and in concentric parafoveal (1‐ to 2‐mm, 2‐ to 3‐mm, 1‐ to 3‐mm) and perifoveal (3‐ to 6‐mm) rings. Group differences in imaging parameters and their relationship with visual outcomes were analyzed. A multivariate logistic model was developed to predict visual impairment from optical coherence tomography measurements in Parkinson's disease, and cutoff values were determined with receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsWhen compared with controls, patients with dementia with Lewy bodies had significant thinning of the ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer complex within the central 3‐mm disc mainly because of differences in 1‐ to 3‐mm parafoveal thickness. This parameter was strongly correlated in patients, but not in controls, with low contrast visual acuity and visual cognition outcomes (P < .05, False Discovery Rate), achieving 88% of accuracy in predicting visual impairment in Parkinson's disease.ConclusionOur findings support that parafoveal thinning of ganglion cell–inner plexiform complex is a sensitive and clinically relevant imaging biomarker for Lewy body diseases, specifically for Parkinson's disease. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
A four‐alternative forced choice (4AFC) methodology for evaluating microcalcification detection in clinical full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) systems using an inkjet‐printed anthropomorphic phantom
Authors: Ikejimba Lynda C. , Salad Jesse , Graff Christian G. , Ghammraoui Bahaa , Cheng Wei‐Chung , Lo Joseph Y. , Glick Stephen J. 
Published: May 2019

PurposeThe advent of three‐dimensional breast imaging systems such as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) has great promise for improving the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. With these new technologies comes an essential need for testing methods to assess the resultant image quality. Although randomized clinical trials are the gold standard for assessing image quality, phantom‐based studies can provide a simpler and less burdensome approach. In this work, a complete framework is presented for task‐based evaluation of microcalcification (MCs) detection performance for DBT imaging systems.MethodsThe framework consists of three parts. The first part is a realistic anthropomorphic physical breast phantom created through inkjet printing, with parchment paper and iodine‐doped ink. The second is a method for inserting realistic MCs fabricated from calcium hydroxyapatite. The reproducibility and stability of the phantom materials were investigated through multiple samples of parchment and ink over 6 months. The final part is an analysis using a four‐alternative forced choice (4AFC) reader study. To demonstrate the framework, a task‐based 4AFC study was conducted using a clinical system to compare performance from DBT, synthetic mammography (SM), and full‐field digital mammography (FFDM). Nine human observers read images containing MC clusters imaged with all three modalities and tried to correctly locate the MCs. The proportion correct (PC) was measured as the number of correctly detected clusters out of all trials.ResultsOverall, readers scored the highest with FFDM, (PC = 0.95 ± 0.03) then DBT (0.85 ± 0.04), and finally SM (0.44 ± 0.06). For the parchment and ink samples, the linear attenuation properties were very stable over 6 months. In addition, little difference was found between the various parchment and ink samples, indicating good reproducibility.ConclusionsThis framework presents a promising methodology for evaluating diagnostic task performance of clinical breast DBT systems.
Functional importance of palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1) expression by Sertoli cells in mediating cholesterol metabolism and maintenance of sperm quality
Authors: Zhao Wenzhen , Su Juan , Wang Yuntao , Qian Tijun , Liu Yue 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSertoli cells are a type of nurse cell in the seminiferous epithelium that are crucial for sustaining spermatogenesis by extending nutritional and energy support to the developing germ cells. Dysfunction of Sertoli cells could cause disordered spermatogenesis and reduced fertility in males. In this study, we focused on the expression and function of palmitoyl protein thioesterase 1 (PPT1), a lysosomal depalmitoylating enzyme, in Sertoli cells. Here, we show that PPT1 expression in Sertoli cells is responsive to cholesterol treatment and that specific knockout of Ppt1 in Sertoli cells causes male subfertility associated with poor sperm quality and a high ratio of sperm deformity. Specifically, Ppt1 deficiency leads to poor cell variably accompanied with abnormal lysosome accumulation and increased cholesterol levels in Sertoli cells. Further, Ppt1 deficiency results in poor adhesion of developing germ cells to Sertoli cells in the seminiferous epithelium, which is likely to be responsible for the reduced male fertility as a consequence of declines in sperm count and motility as well as a high incidence of sperm head deformity. In summary, PPT1 affects sperm quality and male fertility through regulating lysosomal function and cholesterol metabolism in Sertoli cells.
Predictive Model for Gastrostomy Placement in Adolescents With Developmental Disabilities and Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Bertoncelli Carlo M. , Altamura Paola , Vieira Edgar Ramos , Bertoncelli Domenico , Latalski Michal , Berthet Stéphanie , Solla Federico 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundFactors associated with gastrostomy placement in adolescents with developmental disabilities (DDs) and cerebral palsy (CP) are poorly investigated. We aimed to develop and validate a machine learning (ML) model for gastrostomy placement in adolescents with DDs and CP.MethodsWe performed a multinational, double‐blinded, case‐control study including 130 adolescents with severe DD and CP (72 males, 58 females; mean age 16 ± 2 years). Data on etiology, diagnosis, spasticity, epilepsy, clinical history, and functional assessments such as the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Gross Motor Function Classification System were collected between 2005 and 2015. Analysis included Fisher exact test, multiple logistic regressions, and a supervised ML model, named PredictMed, to identify factors associated with gastrostomy placement. “Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis” guidelines were followed.ResultsPoor motor function (P < 0.001), trunk muscle tone disorder (P < 0.001), male gender (P < 0.01), epilepsy (P = 0.01), and severe neuromuscular scoliosis (P = 0.04) were factors linked with gastrostomy placement in univariate analysis. Epilepsy (P = 0.03), poor motor function (P = 0.04), and male gender (P = 0.04) were associated with gastrostomy placement in multivariate analysis with 95% accuracy.ConclusionEpilepsy, poor motor function, trunk muscles tone disorder, and male gender were accurate, sensitive, and specific factors associated with gastrostomy need.
Unusual lymphoid malignancy and treatment response in two children with Down syndrome
Authors: Geerlinks Ashley , Keis Jennifer , Ngan Bo , Shammas Amer , Vali Reza , Hitzler Johann 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundLymphoid malignancies other than acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are rare in children with Down syndrome (DS). Information about the toxicity of chemotherapy and prognosis is largely derived from the experience of children with DS and ALL or children without DS.ProcedureWe describe the treatment and outcome of two unusual lymphoid malignancies in children with DS. One patient was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and the second, after treatment for B precursor ALL, with T‐cell EBV‐positive proliferative disorder (LPD).ResultsBL was treated with standard doses of LMB group B therapy subsequently intensified to group C therapy, including high‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX, 3–8 g/m2). The patient did not experience excessive toxicity and remains in complete remission 13 months later. Despite presentation with disseminated disease the patient with T‐cell EBV‐positive LPD after treatment for B precursor ALL responded to dexamethasone and rituximab and remains in complete remission two years later.ConclusionsUpfront reduction of the high treatment intensity, which is associated with excellent survival outcomes in BL, may not be warranted in all children with DS. Response to therapy and prognosis of T‐cell EBV‐positive LPD in a patient with DS was not predicted by reported experience in the absence of DS.
Is transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation an alternative for preventing acquired muscle weakness in the pediatric intensive care unit? A scoping review
Authors: Magalhães Paulo , Figueirêdo Bárbara Bernardo , Vasconcelos Alanna , de Andrade Érika Marinho , Dornelas de Andrade Armèle , Reinaux Cyda 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundTranscutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (TEMS) has been progressively used as add‐on therapy to reduce muscle atrophy in adults unable to carry out active mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU). There are no studies addressing TEMS in the pediatric ICU. Therefore, we decided to develop a scoping review, a type of knowledge synthesis, which unlike systematic review, identify gaps in the literature to aid the planning and commissioning of future research.ObjectiveTo provide current perspectives on the application of TEMS for combating pediatric intensive care unit acquired weakness (PICUAW).MethodsOnline databases were used to identify papers published 2006–2016, from which we selected those used musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory performance as a primary or secondary outcome variable in participants under 18 years.ResultsThe publications reported six clinical trials from 218 outpatients with 9.5 ± 8 years old. There were differences in current modulation and duration of TEMS sessions, with a predominance of high intensity and short duration in which a muscle contraction is triggered. The main use of TEMS was in pediatric neurological disorders. TEMS was more effective when compared with SHAM on spasticity, bone mineral density, disability, and gait. One study regarding spine injury showed improvement in VO2 (P = 0.035) when combined cycling with TEMS.ConclusionTEMS was an effective and safe treatment for musculoskeletal impairments and cardiorespiratory performance in children with neurological disorders. Although the physiopathology is different in outpatients, an individualized protocol with TEMS might be promising for preventing PICUAW. Its eﬀectiveness, however, deserves further investigation.
Elevated lung volumes in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia measured via MRI
Authors: Yoder Lauren M. , Higano Nara S. , Schapiro Andrew H. , Fleck Robert J. , Hysinger Erik B. , Bates Alister J. , Kingma Paul S. , Merhar Stephanie L. , Fain Sean B. , Woods Jason C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease of prematurity defined by requirement for respiratory support at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), but structural sequelae like lung hyperinflation are often not quantified. Quiet‐breathing, nonsedated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows tomographic quantification of lung volumes and densities. We hypothesized that functional residual capacity (FRC) and intrapleural volume (IV) are increased in BPD and correlate with qualitative radiological scoring of hyperinflation.MethodsUltrashort echo time (UTE) MRI of 17 neonates (acquired at ~39 weeks PMA) were reconstructed at end‐expiration and end‐inspiration via the time course of the k0 point in k‐space. Images were segmented to determine total lung, tidal, parenchymal tissue, and vascular tissue volumes. FRC was calculated by subtracting parenchymal and vascular tissue volumes from IV. Respiratory rate (RR) was calculated via the UTE respiratory waveform, yielding estimates of minute ventilation when combined with tidal volumes (TVs). Two radiologists scored hyperinflation on the MR images.ResultsIV at FRC increased in BPD: for control, mild, and severe (patients the median volumes were 32.8, 33.5, and 50.9 mL/kg, respectively. TV (medians: 2.21, 3.64, and 4.84 mL/kg) and minute ventilation (medians: 493, 750, and 991 mL/min) increased with increasing severity of BPD (despite decreasing RR, medians: 75.6, 63.0, and 56.1 breaths/min). FRC increased with increasing severity of BPD (39.3, 38.3, and 56.0 mL, respectively). Findings were consistent with increased hyperinflation scored by radiologists.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that UTE MRI can quantify hyperinflation in neonatal BPD and that lung volumes significantly increase with disease severity.
The structure of a GH149 β‐(1 → 3) glucan phosphorylase reveals a new surface oligosaccharide binding site and additional domains that are absent in the disaccharide‐specific GH94 glucose‐β‐(1 → 3)‐glucose (laminaribiose) phosphorylase
Authors: Kuhaudomlarp Sakonwan , Stevenson Clare E. M. , Lawson David M. , Field Robert A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGlycoside phosphorylases (GPs) with specificity for β‐(1 → 3)‐gluco‐oligosaccharides are potential candidate biocatalysts for oligosaccharide synthesis. GPs with this linkage specificity are found in two families thus far—glycoside hydrolase family 94 (GH94) and the recently discovered glycoside hydrolase family 149 (GH149). Previously, we reported a crystallographic study of a GH94 laminaribiose phosphorylase with specificity for disaccharides, providing insight into the enzyme's ability to recognize its' sugar substrate/product. In contrast to GH94, characterized GH149 enzymes were shown to have more flexible chain length specificity, with preference for substrate/product with higher degree of polymerization. In order to advance understanding of the specificity of GH149 enzymes, we herein solved X‐ray crystallographic structures of GH149 enzyme Pro_7066 in the absence of substrate and in complex with laminarihexaose (G6). The overall domain organization of Pro_7066 is very similar to that of GH94 family enzymes. However, two additional domains flanking its catalytic domain were found only in the GH149 enzyme. Unexpectedly, the G6 complex structure revealed an oligosaccharide surface binding site remote from the catalytic site, which, we suggest, may be associated with substrate targeting. As such, this study reports the first structure of a GH149 phosphorylase enzyme acting on β‐(1 → 3)‐gluco‐oligosaccharides and identifies structural elements that may be involved in defining the specificity of the GH149 enzymes.
Oxidation‐induced destabilization of the fibrinogen αC‐domain dimer investigated by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Pederson Eric N. , Interlandi Gianluca 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUpon activation, fibrinogen is converted to insoluble fibrin, which assembles into long strings called protofibrils. These aggregate laterally to form a fibrin matrix that stabilizes a blood clot. Lateral aggregation of protofibrils is mediated by the αC domain, a partially structured fragment located in a disordered region of fibrinogen. Polymerization of αC domains links multiple fibrin molecules with each other enabling the formation of thick fibrin fibers and a fibrin matrix that is stable but can also be digested by enzymes. However, oxidizing agents produced during the inflammatory response have been shown to cause thinner fibrin fibers resulting in denser clots, which are harder to proteolyze and pose the risk of deep vein thrombosis and lung embolism. Oxidation of Met476 located within the αC domain is thought to hinder its ability to polymerize disrupting the lateral aggregation of protofibrils and leading to the observed thinner fibers. How αC domains assemble into polymers is still unclear and yet this knowledge would shed light on the mechanism through which oxidation weakens the lateral aggregation of protofibrils. This study used temperature replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the αC‐domain dimer and how this is affected by oxidation of Met476. Analysis of the trajectories revealed that multiple stable binding modes were sampled between two αC domains while oxidation decreased the likelihood of dimer formation. Furthermore, the side chain of Met476 was observed to act as a docking spot for the binding and this function was impaired by its conversion to methionine sulfoxide.
Application of ultrasound‐guided cholecystocentesis to the evaluation of the metabolite profiling in bile of dogs and cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Dierks Elizabeth A. , Luk Chiuwa E. , Cai Hong , MacGuire Jamus , Fox Maxine , Smalley James , Fancher R. Marc , Janovitz Evan , Foster Kimberly , Sun Qin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this study, we describe a novel approach for collecting bile from dogs and cynomolgus monkeys for metabolite profiling, ultrasound‐guided cholecystocentesis (UCC). Sampling bile by UCC twice within 24 hours was well tolerated by dogs and monkeys. In studies with atorvastatin (ATV) the metabolite profiles were similar in bile obtained through UCC and from bile duct‐cannulated (BDC) dogs. Similar results were observed in UCC and BDC monkeys as well. In both monkey and dog, the primary metabolic pathway observed for ATV was oxidative metabolism. The 2‐hydroxy‐ and 4‐hydroxyatorvastatin metabolites were the major oxidation products, which is consistent with previously published metabolite profiles. S‐cysteine and glucuronide conjugates were also observed. UCC offers a viable alternative to bile duct cannulation for collection of bile for metabolite profiling of compounds that undergo biliary excretion, given the similar metabolite profiles in bile obtained via each method. Use of UCC for metabolite profiling may reduce the need for studies using BDC animals, a resource‐intensive model.
Occupational experiences of high‐skilled intra‐EU immigrants in a transnational space? How European physicians in Germany perceive their career prospects
Authors: Becker Regina 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper investigates subjective labour market incorporation of European physicians in Germany as high‐skilled intra‐EU immigrants by analysing their perceived career advancement. Applying reference frames as an analytical tool, understood as comparisons with as significant perceived social others, my approach not only scrutinises immigrants' career assessments but also disentangles the differentiation mechanisms that the physicians interviewed deem responsible for their career advancement, whilst accounting for transnational comparisons as a possible compensatory strategy. Building on an original mixed‐methods study, this paper distinguishes based on survey data (N = 963) between those who perceive themselves as disadvantaged towards German peers and those who do not. The analysis rests on 19 semi‐structured interviews. The results emphasise migrant physicians' framing focussing on the country of arrival rather than a transnational perspective. Gender more than migrant status seems to account for career obstacles for some, whereas for Eastern Europeans especially both dimensions appear to reinforce one another.