bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracerebroventricular streptozotocin‐induced Alzheimer's disease‐like sleep disorders in rats: Role of the GABAergic system in the parabrachial complex
Authors: Cui Su‐Ying , Song Jin‐Zhi , Cui Xiang‐Yu , Hu Xiao , Ma Yu‐Nu , Shi Yu‐Tong , Luo Ying , Ge Yan‐Ru , Ding Hui , Ye Hui , Zhang Yong‐He 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAimSleep disorders are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and assumed to directly influence cognitive function and disease progression. This study evaluated sleep characteristics in a rat model of AD that was induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ) administration and assessed the possible underlying mechanisms.MethodsCognition ability was assessed in the Morris water maze in rats. Sleep parameters were analyzed by electroencephalographic and electromyographic recordings. Neuronal activity in brain areas that regulate sleep‐wake states was evaluated by double‐staining immunohistochemistry. High‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection was used to detect neurotransmitter levels.ResultsFourteen days after the STZ injection, the rats exhibited sleep disorders that were similar to those in AD patients, reflected by a significant increase in wakefulness and decreases in nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. The c‐Fos expression analysis indicated that neuronal activity and the number of neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus and locus coeruleus decreased in STZ‐injected rats. In the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO), the activity of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons was suppressed. In the arousal‐driving parabrachial nucleus (PBN), GABAergic activity was suppressed, whereas glutamatergic activity was promoted. The neurotransmitter analysis revealed a reduction in GABA in the VLPO and PBN and elevation of glutamate in the PBN. A direct injection of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline in the PBN in normal rats induced a similar pattern of sleep disorder as in STZ‐injected rats. A microinjection of GABA in the PBN improved sleep disorders that were induced by STZ.ConclusionThese results suggest that the reduction in GABAergic inhibition in the PBN and VLPO may be involved in sleep disorders that are induced by STZ. Our novel findings encourage further studies that investigate mechanisms of sleep regulation in sporadic AD.
Information structures in set‐valued information systems from granular computing viewpoint
Authors: Xia Fei , Tang Hongxiang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGranular computing is a mathematical tool in artificial intelligence. An information system is an important model in the field of artificial intelligence, and an information structure is its basic structure. Set‐valued information systems are the generalization of single‐valued information systems. This paper investigates information structures in a set‐valued information system from granular computing viewpoint, that is, information structures are viewed as granular structures. Information structures in a set‐valued information system are first described through set vectors. Then, the dependence between information structures in the same set‐valued information system is depicted from 2 aspects, and information distance for calculating the difference between information structures in the same set‐valued information system is proposed. Next, properties of information structures in a set‐valued information system are given by means of inclusion degree, information distance, condition information amount, and lower approximation operator. Finally, group, mapping, and lattice characterizations of information structures in a set‐valued information system are obtained. These results will be helpful for understanding the essence of structure and uncertainty in set‐valued information systems.
Development of a novel clustering tool for linear peptide sequences
Authors: Dhanda Sandeep K. , Vaughan Kerrie , Schulten Veronique , Grifoni Alba , Weiskopf Daniela , Sidney John , Peters Bjoern , Sette Alessandro 
Published: July 2018

SummaryEpitopes identified in large‐scale screens of overlapping peptides often share significant levels of sequence identity, complicating the analysis of epitope‐related data. Clustering algorithms are often used to facilitate these analyses, but available methods are generally insufficient in their capacity to define biologically meaningful epitope clusters in the context of the immune response. To fulfil this need we developed an algorithm that generates epitope clusters based on representative or consensus sequences. This tool allows the user to cluster peptide sequences on the basis of a specified level of identity by selecting among three different method options. These include the ‘clique method’, in which all members of the cluster must share the same minimal level of identity with each other, and the ‘connected graph method’, in which all members of a cluster must share a defined level of identity with at least one other member of the cluster. In cases where it is not possible to define a clear consensus sequence with the connected graph method, a third option provides a novel ‘cluster‐breaking algorithm’ for consensus sequence driven sub‐clustering. Herein we demonstrate the tool's clustering performance and applicability using (i) a selection of dengue virus epitopes for the ‘clique method’, (ii) sets of allergen‐derived peptides from related species for the ‘connected graph method’ and (iii) large data sets of eluted ligand, major histocompatibility complex binding and T‐cell recognition data captured within the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) with the newly developed ‘cluster‐breaking algorithm’. This novel clustering tool is accessible at http://tools.iedb.org/cluster2/.
The impact of contextual information on the emotion recognition of children with an intellectual disability
Authors: Murray George , McKenzie Karen , Murray Aja , Whelan Kathryn , Cossar Jill , Murray Kara , Scotland Jennifer 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundResearch suggests that having relevant contextual information can help increase the accuracy of emotion recognition in typically developing (TD) individuals and adults with an intellectual disability. The impact of context on the emotion recognition of children with intellectual disability is unknown.MethodEmotion recognition tasks, which varied in terms of contextual information, were completed by 102 children (45 with and 57 without intellectual disability).ResultsThere was a significant effect of age and group, with older and TD children performing better on average. There were significant group by condition interactions, whereby children with intellectual disability were more accurate at identifying emotions depicted by line drawings compared with photos with contextual information that was not directly related to the emotion being depicted. The opposite was found for TD children.ConclusionsThese results have implications for socio‐emotional interventions, such as universal school programmes.
Laser balloon ablation for AF: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Reynolds Matthew R. , Zheng Qi , Doros Gheorghe 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe HeartLight laser balloon ablation system was US Food and Drug Administration approved in 2016 for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), but there have been numerous single‐center and multicenter studies published reporting its outcomes, in addition to a few randomized trials. We aimed to systematically review and synthesize currently published outcome data on AF ablation using the laser balloon ablation system.Methods and ResultsWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of published studies of AF ablation performed using the laser balloon ablation system. Human studies reporting acute procedural results with a minimum of 6 months follow‐up were included. Outcomes of interest included acute and 12‐month procedural efficacy, safety, and procedure duration. Aggregated data were analyzed with random effects models, using a Bayesian hierarchical approach.We identified 17 published manuscripts comprising a sample of 1188 patients (mean age 61 years, 80% paroxysmal). At procedure end, 98.8% of targeted pulmonary veins were successfully isolated. The pooled estimate for 12‐month freedom from atrial arrhythmia without use of antiarrhythmic drugs for patients with paroxysmal AF was 74.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59.9% to 86.4%), and for all AF types combined was 72.9% (65.3% to 79.9%). The most commonly reported procedural complication was phrenic nerve injury (pooled incidence 2.6%; 95% CI, 1.4% to 3.9%), which resolved during follow‐up in most cases.ConclusionLaser balloon ablation is highly effective at achieving pulmonary vein isolation. Although comparisons are mainly indirect, safety and 12‐month efficacy compare favorably with those observed using other currently used AF ablation technologies.
Simple and novel technique to confirm complete mitral isthmus block
Authors: Takigawa Masateru , Takahashi Atsushi , Tanaka Yasuaki , Martin Claire A. , Nakashima Emiko , Yamao Kazuya , Sagawa Yuichiro , Kuwahara Taishi , Okubo Kenji , Takahashi Yoshihide , Watari Yuji , Nakajima Jun , Takagi Katsumasa , Fujino Tadashi , Kimura Shigeki , Hikita Hiroyuki , Hirao Kenzo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackground: Differential pacing technique to confirm mitral isthmus (MI) block is sometimes challenging due to destroyed tissues after extensive ablation. The purpose of this study is to set an endpoint of MI ablation using conduction time around the mitral annulus (MA).Methods: Forty‐five consecutive patients with persistent atrial fibrillation who received MI linear ablation were included. The geometry and activation times of the left atrium around the MA were collected using a multipolar catheter before ablation. During coronary sinus (CS) pacing, the time between the stimulus and the wave‐front collision at the opposite side of the MA (defined as T/2) was calculated, and the doubled value was defined as the estimated perimitral conduction time (E‐PMCT). The endpoint for complete MI block was when the stimulus (at distal CS) minus the maximal delayed potential (St−MDP) on the MI interval reached the E‐PMCT.Results: St−MDP reached E‐PMCT during MI ablation in 44/45 patients. Among these 44 patients, differential pacing revealed bidirectional block in 39/44 (88.6%), whereas in 5/44 (11.4%), the differential pacing was not possible because of the loss of capture of local potentials due to extensive applications around the linear line. In one patient, the St−MDP did not reach E‐PMCT (E‐PMCT: 148 ms, St−MDP :130 ms) and differential pacing revealed no MI block. E‐PMCT values (median 176 ms) correlated strongly with St−MDP (median 185 ms, P < 0.0001, R = 0.98).Conclusions: Although E‐PMCT differs between individuals, the value is significantly correlated with the St−MDP. This technique may be useful in providing an individual endpoint of MI ablation as an alternative to differential pacing.
Effect of quorum quenching bacteria on growth, virulence factors and biofilm formation of Yersinia ruckeri in vitro and an in vivo evaluation of their probiotic effect in rainbow trout
Authors: Torabi Delshad Somayeh , Soltanian Siyavash , Sharifiyazdi Hassan , Bossier Peter 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFive N‐acyl homoserine lactone‐degrading bacteria (quorum quenching (QQ) strains) were selected to evaluate their impacts on growth, virulence factors and biofilm formation in Yersinia ruckeri in vitro. No difference was observed among the growth pattern of Y. ruckeri in monoculture and coculture with the QQ strains. To investigate the regulation of virulence factors by quorum sensing in Y. ruckeri, cultures were supplemented with 3oxo‐C8‐HSL. The results indicated that swimming motility and biofilm formation are positively regulated by QS (p < 0.05), whereas caseinase, phospholipase and haemolysin productions are not influenced by 3oxo‐C8‐HSL (p > 0.05). The QQs were able to decrease swimming motility and biofilm formation in Y. ruckeri. QQ bacteria were supplemented to trout feed at 108 CFU/g (for 40 days). Their probiotic effect was verified by Y. ruckeri challenge either by immersion or injection in trout. All strains could significantly increase fish survival with Bacillus thuringiensis and Citrobacter gillenii showing the highest and lowest relative percentage survival (RPS) values (respectively, 85% and 38%). Besides, there was no difference between the RPS values by either immersion or injection challenge expect for B. thuringiensis. The putative involvement of the QQ capacity in the protection against Yersinia is discussed.
Foliar fertilizers for the management of phoma leaf spot on coffee seedlings
Authors: Silva Júnior Manoel Batista da , Pozza Edson A. , Resende Mário L. V. , Júnior Pedro M. R. , Costa Bruno H. G. , Carvalho Camila A. , Resende Alexandre R. M. , Botelho Deila Magna dos Santos 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe growing demand for alternative strategies for plant disease management has sought a reduction in the use of fungicides via the employment of resistance inducers and foliar fertilizers, among others. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating the following foliar fertilizers for the management of phoma leaf spot: a foliar fertilizer based on macro‐ and micronutrients (Fmm: 10% N, 4% S, B, 5% Fe and 5% Zn); one based on cobalt and molybdenum (Fcm: 2% Co and 3% Mo); manganese phosphite (FMn: 30% P2O5 and 9% Mn); and the FMn+Fmm, Fcm+Fmm and FMn+Fcm+Fmm associations compared to a boscalid fungicide and a control with no treatment. The disease severity, the chlorophyll a and b contents, the net photosynthetic rate (LPR), the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activity and the lignin content in leaves were assessment. Based on the severity, the area under the disease severity progress curve (AUSPC) and the efficiency of disease control in relation to untreated plants were calculated. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments FMn+Fmm and Fcm were the most effective in reducing the AUPSC in comparison with the control and promoted an increased activity of PAL. FMn was the treatment that promoted the highest increase in the LPR. There were no effects of the treatments on the lignin content compared to the control.
Impact of thymoquinone on cyclosporine A pharmacokinetics and toxicity in rodents
Authors: Alrashedi Mohsen G , Ali Ahmed S , Ali Soad S , Khan Lateef M 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosupprsant drug used to prevent graft rejection and in the treatment of several autoimmune diseases. Thyomquinone (TQ), a bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has strong antioxidant properties and has been used in prevention of many toxicities, hence its protective effect and pharmacokinetic interactions with CsA was investigated in this study.

Methods
For bioavailability study, the rats were divided into four groups: TQ (PO, 10 mg/kg) was given alone for 7 days, then TQ plus CsA for another 5 days, CsA was given by two routes (po) and (IP) in a dose of 10 mg/kg 1 h after administration of TQ. Blood samples were taken at the 12th day at specified times, CsA level was determined by immune assays. The protective effect of TQ was studied. Blood samples for lab investigations and histopathology were taken at the 28th day.

Key findings
Thyomquinone reduced the bioavailability of oral CsA by around 32% (P &gt; 0.05). However, bioavailability of IP administered CsA was not affected. Chronic administration of CsA increased concentrations of fasting glucose and Cystatin C and produced marked s kidney alteration of parenchyma which was reversed by concomitant administration of TQ.

Conclusions
A potential drug interaction between TQ and CsA, which may reduced its oral bioavailability. Independently TQ caused significant attenuation of CsA induced renal toxicity and diabetogenic effect.
Detecting introgression despite phylogenetic uncertainty: The case of the South American siskins
Authors: Beckman Elizabeth J. , Benham Phred M. , Cheviron Zachary A. , Witt Christopher C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGenetic introgression among closely related species is a widespread phenomenon across the Tree of Life and could be an important source of adaptive variation during early stages of diversification. In particular, genomic studies have revealed that many rapidly radiating clades tend to have complex, reticulate evolutionary histories. Although rapid radiations appear to be susceptible to introgression, they present special challenges for its detection because formal tests require accurate phylogenies, and paradoxically, introgression itself may obscure evolutionary relationships. To address this methodological challenge, we assessed introgression in a recent, rapid avian radiation in the Andes, the South American siskins (Spinus). Using ~45,000 SNPs, we estimated the Spinus phylogeny using multiple analytical approaches and recovered four strongly conflicting topologies. We performed a series of complimentary introgression tests that included valid tests for each of the likely species trees. From the consilience of test results, we inferred multiple introgression events among Andean Spinus in a way that was robust to phylogenetic uncertainty in the species tree. Positive tests for introgression were corroborated by independent population structure and ancestral assignment analyses, as well as a striking geographic pattern of mitochondrial haplotype sharing among species. The methodological approach we describe could be applied using any genomewide data, including SNP data, for clades without fully resolvable species trees. Our discovery of multiple introgression events within the Andean radiation of Spinus siskins is consistent with an emerging paradigm, that introgression tends to accompany the early stages of diversification.
Mixed mold pulmonary infections in haematological cancer patients in a tertiary care cancer centre
Authors: Magira Eleni E. , Jiang Ying , Economides Minas , Tarrand Jeffrey , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThere is a paucity of data regarding mixed mold pulmonary infections (MMPIs) in patients with haematological malignancies with or without haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We retrospectively studied 27 such patients (2005‐2015) and compared them to patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. Factors associated with the diagnosis of MMPIs were significant corticosteroid use [20 (74%) vs 6 (22%), P < 0.001], sputum as the source specimen [13 (48%) vs 3 (11%), P = 0.003], younger age (median age: 58 vs 66 years, P = 0.006), and male sex [22 (81%) vs 13 (48%), P = 0.01]. Haematological cancers other than acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were less common in MMPIs than in IPA patients [AML/MDS: 6 (22%) vs 14 (52%), P = 0.04]. Only significant corticosteroid use [95% CI (2.7‐42.7), P < 0.001], and sputum as the source specimen [95% (1.6‐41.6), P = 0.012] were statistically significant as independently associated with increased risk of MMPIs diagnosis in multivariate analysis. Total mortality rate at day 42 postdiagnosis was comparable in both groups.
Deficient primary cilia in obese adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells: obesity, a secondary ciliopathy?
Authors: Ritter A. , Louwen F. , Yuan J. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryObesity alters the composition, structure and function of adipose tissue, characterized by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are responsible for cell renewal, spontaneous repair and immunomodulation in adipose tissue. Increasing evidence highlights that ASCs are deficient in obesity, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We have recently shown that obese ASCs have defective primary cilia, which are shortened and unable to properly respond to stimuli. Impaired cilia compromise ASC functions. This work suggests an intertwined connection of obesity, defective cilia and dysfunctional ASCs. We have here discussed the current data regarding defective cilia in various cell types in obesity. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that obesity, a systemic chronic metainflammation, could impair cilia in diverse ciliated cells, like pancreatic islet cells, stem cells and hypothalamic neurons, making these critical cells dysfunctional by shutting down their signal sensors and transducers. In this context, obesity may represent a secondary form of ciliopathy induced by obesity‐related inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Reactivation of ciliated cells might be an alternative strategy to combat obesity and its associated diseases.
Between‐ and within‐person predictors of children’s information management following rule violations
Authors: Laird Robert D. , Zeringue Megan M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to better understand both why some children disclose more about their misbehavior to their parents than do other children, as well as why a child discloses to parents about misbehavior in some situations but not in others. Analyses test parental warmth, children's beliefs regarding the legitimacy of parental authority and their own obligation to disclose misbehavior, and parent's responses to children's disclosure of disagreement with parents’ rules and children's misbehavior as predictors of both between‐person and within‐person variations in disclosing and revealing forms of information management. Parent‐child dyads (n = 218) were interviewed during the summers following the child's 5th (M age = 11.9 years) and 6th grade school years. Feeling obligated to disclose rule violations and believing that parents have legitimate authority to impose rules across more topics explained why some children reveal more and conceal less from parents than do other children. Children were more likely to conceal information about the specific topics for which they felt less obligated to disclose rule violations and following rule violations in areas in which their parents previously punished rule violations.
Evolution and Comparative Genomics of F33:A−:B− Plasmids Carrying
bla
CTX-M-55
or
bla
CTX-M-65
in
Escherichia coli
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Isolated from Animals, Food Products, and Humans in China
Authors: Wang Jing , Zeng Zhen-Ling , Huang Xin-Yi , Ma Zhen-Bao , Guo Ze-Wen , Lv Lu-Chao , Xia Ying-Bi , Zeng Li , Song Qian-Hua , Liu Jian-Hua 
Published: July 2018

Worldwide spread of antibiotic resistance genes among
Enterobacteriaceae
isolates is of great concern. F33:A−:B− plasmids are important vectors of resistance genes, such as
bla
CTX-M-55/-65
,
bla
NDM-1
,
fosA3
, and
rmtB
, among
E. coli
isolates from various sources in China. We determined and compared the complete sequences of 17 F33:A−:B− plasmids from various sources. These plasmids appear to have evolved from the same ancestor by mobile element-mediated rearrangement, acquisition, and/or loss of resistance modules and similar IncN1, IncI1, and/or IncX1 plasmid backbone segments. Our findings highlight the evolutionary potential of F33:A−:B− plasmids as efficient vectors to capture and diffuse clinically relevant resistance genes.