bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of Protocadherin 19 (PCDH19) in Neurodevelopment and in the Pathophysiology of Early Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy‐9 (EIEE9)
Authors: Gerosa Laura , Francolini Maura , Bassani Silvia , Passafaro Maria 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPCDH19is considered one of the most clinically relevant genes in epilepsy, second only toSCN1A. To date about 150 mutations have been identified as causative forPCDH19‐female epilepsy (also known as early infantile epileptic encephalopathy‐9, EIEE9), which is characterized by early onset epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disturbances. Although little is known about the physiological role of PCDH19 and the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to EIEE9, in this review, we will present latest researches focused on these aspects, underlining protein expression, its known functions and the mechanisms by which the protein acts, with particular interest in PCDH19 extracellular and intracellular roles in neurons.
Folivory has long‐term effects on sexual but not on asexual reproduction in woodland strawberry
Authors: Muola Anne , Stenberg Johan A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPlant fitness is often a result of both sexual and asexual reproductive success and, in perennial plants, over several years. Folivory can affect both modes of reproduction. However, little is known about the effects of folivory on resource allocation to the two modes of reproduction simultaneously and across years. In a 2‐year common garden experiment, we examined the effects of different levels of folivory by the strawberry leaf beetle, Galerucella tenella, on current growth, as well as current and future sexual and asexual reproduction (runners) of perennial woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca. In addition, we measured the chlorophyll content in leaves in the year of experimental damage to determine whether there was increased photosynthetic activity, and, thus, a compensatory response to herbivory. Finally, we tested whether the previous year's folivory, as a result of its effect on plant fitness, affected the level of natural herbivory the plant experienced during the subsequent year. In the year of experimental damage, plants that were exposed to moderate and high levels of folivory (25% and 50% leaf area consumed, respectively) increased their photosynthetic activity compared to control plants. However, only plants exposed to high folivory exhibited negative effects, with a lower probability of flowering compared to control plants, indicating that plants exposed to low or moderate folivory were able to compensate for the damage. Negative effects of folivory were carried over to the subsequent year. Plants that were exposed to moderate folivory (25% leaf area consumed) during first year produced fewer flowers and fruits in the subsequent year. Runner production was consistently unaffected by folivory. The effects of experimental folivory on the level of natural herbivory were mediated via its effects on plant fitness. Our results show that the negative effects of folivory only influence sexual reproduction in woodland strawberry. Furthermore, even though woodland strawberry can tolerate moderate amounts of folivory in the short term, the negative effects on fitness appear later; this highlights the importance of studying the effects of herbivory over consecutive years in perennial plants.
Comparative Chemical Composition and Bioactivity of Opuntia ficus‐indica Sanguigna and Surfarina Seed Oils Obtained by Traditional and Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction Procedures
Authors: Loizzo Monica R. , Bruno Maurizio , Balzano Michele , Giardinieri Alessandra , Pacetti Deborah , Frega Natale G. , Sicari Vincenzo , Leporini Mariarosaria , Tundis Rosa 
Published: November 2018

This study investigates the seed oils obtained from two different varieties of Opuntia ficus‐indica (Sanguigna and Surfarina) growing in Sicily, Italy. Soxhlet and ultrasound‐assisted extraction procedures are used to obtain the seed oils. The fatty acid profile, γ‐tocopherols, carotenoid content, and the bioactivity in terms of the antioxidant effects (using ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and β‐carotene bleaching tests), and carbohydrate‐hydrolysing enzyme inhibitory activity (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase) are determined. The extraction procedure does not significantly affect the fatty acid composition of the oil, but it does affect the tocopherol and carotenoid contents, as well as the antioxidant and inhibitory activities. All the oil samples are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic, and oleic acids. Soxhlet extraction proves to be the best extraction procedure to enrich the oils in γ‐tocopherol. Relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI) and global antioxidant score (GAS) analyses are applied to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the Sanguigna variety oil extracted with the Soxhlet apparatus that is shown to be the most active. The same oil also shows the highest α‐amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 40.9 μg mL−1), which is better than that reported for acarbose used as a positive control.Practical Applications: This study is the first to evaluate the effect of oil extraction technologies on the bioactive compound levels and antioxidant and hypoglycaemic activities of cactus pear seed oil, which is a by‐product of fruit processing. The findings will contribute to the valorization of food by‐products. The results provide useful information to select the most valuable technological conditions for oil extraction to preserve the bioactive compounds and the biological activity of the vegetable by‐product extracts, such as seed oil. Cactus pear seed oil obtained by the traditional extraction procedure (Soxhlet) represents a promising source of healthy compounds, particularly of carotenoids and γ‐tocopherol, used not only as antioxidants to preserve lipid components in food preparation but also as functional ingredients due to their hypoglycaemic effect.Effect of extraction procedure on chemical composition, antioxidant potential, and hypoglycaemic activity of cactus pear seed oils.
Improving nutritional status of children with Cerebral palsy: a qualitative study of caregiver experiences and community‐based training in Ghana
Authors: Donkor Claudia Mary , Lee Jackie , Lelijveld Natasha , Adams Melanie , Baltussen Marjolein Meande , Nyante Gifty Gyamah , Kerac Marko , Polack Sarah , Zuurmond Maria 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disability worldwide, and evidence shows that children with CP are at an increased risk of malnutrition due to feeding difficulties. This qualitative study explores caregiver experiences of feeding before and after a community‐based training program in Ghana.MethodsThirteen caregivers of children with CP, who were severely undernourished, were interviewed at the start of the training program. Eleven of these were interviewed again after a year of monthly group trainings and home visits, which included guidance on feeding. Four additional caregivers were interviewed at end line. Interviews explored caregivers’ mealtime experiences, as well as a 24‐hr dietary recall and a structured feeding observation checklist. Children's nutritional status was assessed by anthropometry.ResultsCaregivers found mealtimes stressful due to time demands, messiness, and the pressure of providing enough quality food. They felt that the training program had helped reduced this stress and dietary recall data suggested some improved dietary quality. However, there was neither improvement nor deterioration in anthropometric status of the children.ConclusionGroup trainings were welcomed by caregivers and notably reduced stress around feeding times. However, future work is needed in order to improve anthropometric outcomes, including, but not limited to, greater focus on nutritional requirements during caregiver training interventions. Therapeutic feeding programs must also be better utilized and need to be better equipped to care for this group of children, including deviating from standard admission and treatment protocols.
Intracortical astrocyte subpopulations defined by astrocyte reporter Mice in the adult brain
Authors: Morel Lydie , Men Yuqin , Chiang Ming S. R. , Tian Yang , Jin Shijie , Yelick Julia , Higashimori Haruki , Yang Yongjie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlthough historically regarded as a homogeneous cell population, astrocytes in different brain regions exhibit differences in their physiological properties, such as gap‐junction coupling, glutamate uptake dynamics, and intracellular Ca2+ response. Recent in vivo RNA profiles have further demonstrated the molecular heterogeneity of astrocytes in the adult CNS. Astrocyte heterogeneity exists not only inter‐regionally but also intra‐regionally. Despite the characteristic laminal organization of cortical layers and multiple sources of radial glia progenitors for (astro)gliogenesis, the molecular profile and functional properties of astroglial subpopulations in the adult cerebral cortex remain essentially undefined. Using two astrocyte reporter mouse lines: eaat2‐tdTomato and Bac aldh1l1‐eGFP, we identified tdT−eGFP+, tdTloweGFP+, and tdThigheGFP+ astroglial subpopulations (in an approximate 1:7:2 ratio) within the cortex. The tdT−eGFP+ astrocyte population is selectively localized at layers I–II and exhibits increased resting membrane potential and membrane resistance but reduced functional expression of the potassium channel Kir4.1. We also isolated individual astrocyte subpopulations through fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and examined their transcriptome differences by RNA‐seq. We found that the whole‐genome transcriptional profiles of tdT−eGFP+ astrocytes are drastically different from that of tdTloweGFP+ and tdThigheGFP+ astrocytes. Particularly, elevated levels of several nonastrocyte genes that are typically specific to other glial cells, such as mog, mobp, Iba1, and pdgfrα, are observed in tdT−eGFP+ astrocytes, suggesting a less‐specific molecular identity of these astrocytes. Overall, our study has unveiled molecular differences between adult cortical astroglial subpopulations, shedding new light on understanding their unique functions in the adult cortex.
Sex differences in own and other body perception
Authors: Burke Sarah M. , Majid D. S. Adnan , Manzouri Amir H. , Moody Teena , Feusner Jamie D. , Savic Ivanka 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOwn body perception, and differentiating and comparing one's body to another person's body, are common cognitive functions that have relevance for self‐identity and social interactions. In several psychiatric conditions, including anorexia nervosa, body dysmorphic disorder, gender dysphoria, and autism spectrum disorder, self and own body perception, as well as aspects of social communication are disturbed. Despite most of these conditions having skewed prevalence sex ratios, little is known about whether the neural basis of own body perception differs between the sexes. We addressed this question by investigating brain activation using functional magnetic resonance imaging during a Body Perception task in 15 male and 15 female healthy participants. Participants viewed their own body, bodies of same‐sex, or opposite‐sex other people, and rated the degree that they appeared like themselves. We found that men and women did not differ in the pattern of brain activation during own body perception compared to a scrambled control image. However, when viewing images of other bodies of same‐sex or opposite‐sex, men showed significantly stronger activations in attention‐related and reward‐related brain regions, whereas women engaged stronger activations in striatal, medial‐prefrontal, and insular cortices, when viewing the own body compared to other images of the opposite sex. It is possible that other body images, particularly of the opposite sex, may be of greater salience for men, whereas images of own bodies may be more salient for women. These observations provide tentative neurobiological correlates to why women may be more vulnerable than men to conditions involving own body perception.
Genetic architecture of hippocampal subfields on standard resolution MRI: How the parts relate to the whole
Authors: Elman Jeremy A. , Panizzon Matthew S. , Gillespie Nathan A. , Hagler Donald J. , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Eyler Lisa T. , McEvoy Linda K. , Neale Michael C. , Lyons Michael J. , Franz Carol E. , Dale Anders M. , Kremen William S. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe human hippocampus can be subdivided into subfields with unique functional properties and differential vulnerability to disease or neuropsychiatric conditions. Identifying genes that confer susceptibility to such processes is an important goal in developing treatments. Recent advances in automatic subfield segmentation from magnetic resonance images make it possible to use these measures as phenotypes in large‐scale genome‐wide association studies. Such analyses are likely to rely largely on standard resolution (~1 mm isotropic) T1‐weighted images acquired on 3.0T scanners. Determining whether the genetic architecture of subfields can be detected from such images is therefore an important step. We used Freesurfer v6.0 to segment hippocampal subfields in two large twin studies, the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging and the Human Connectome Project. We estimated heritability of subfields and the genetic overlap with total hippocampal volume. Heritability was similar across samples, but little genetic variance remained after accounting for genetic influences on total hippocampal volume. Importantly, we examined genetic relationships between subfields to determine whether subfields can be grouped based on a smaller number of underlying, genetically independent factors. We identified three genetic factors in both samples, but the high degree of cross loadings precluded formation of genetically distinct groupings of subfields. These results confirm the reliability of Freesurfer v6.0 generated subfields across samples for phenotypic analyses. However, the current results suggest that it will be difficult for large‐scale genetic analyses to identify subfield‐specific genes that are distinct from both total hippocampal volume and other subfields using segmentations generated from standard resolution T1‐weighted images.
The developmental neural substrates of item and serial order components of verbal working memory
Authors: Attout Lucie , Ordonez Magro Laura , Szmalec Arnaud , Majerus Steve 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBehavioral and developmental studies have made a critical distinction between item and serial order processing components of verbal working memory (WM). This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study determined the extent to which item and serial order WM components are characterized by specialized neural networks already in young children or whether this specialization emerges at a later developmental stage. Total of 59 children aged 7–12 years performed item and serial order short‐term probe recognition tasks in an fMRI experiment. While a left frontoparietal network was recruited in both item and serial order WM conditions, the right intraparietal sulcus was selectively involved in the serial order WM condition. This neural segregation was modulated by age, with both networks becoming increasingly separated in older children. Our results indicate a progressive specialization of networks involved in item and order WM processes during cognitive development.
Increased salivary AKR1B10 level: Association with progression and poor prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ko Hui‐Hsin , Peng Hsin‐Hui , Cheng Shih‐Jung , Kuo Mark Yen‐Ping 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAldo‐keto reductase family 1 member B10 (AKR1B10) expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue specimens is correlated with the progression and prognosis of OSCC.MethodsSaliva samples were obtained from 35 normal controls and 86 patients with OSCC before cancer surgery. The AKR1B10 levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe mean salivary AKR1B10 levels were significantly higher in the patients with OSCC than in the normal controls (P < .001). Higher salivary AKR1B10 levels were significantly associated with larger tumor size, more advanced clinical stage, and areca quid chewing habit. Patients with OSCC with a higher salivary AKR1B10 level (>646 pg/mL) had a significantly poorer survival than those with a lower (≤646 pg/mL) salivary AKR1B10 level (P = .026).ConclusionThe salivary AKR1B10 level may be a promising biomarker for screening high‐risk patients with OSCC and monitoring the progression of OSCC.
Synthesis of Various Water Soluble and Stable Copper Complexes Bearing N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands and Their Activity in DNA Alkylation
Authors: Geigle Stefanie , Rasale Dnyaneshwar B. , Gillingham Dennis 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe report here the synthesis and catalytic evaluation in DNA alkylation of a series of water‐soluble copper complexes bearing N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. The NHC ligands were chosen to cover the gamut of commonly used scaffold variations, but in many cases, copper complexes could not be obtained or were unstable. Nevertheless, we identified several complexes that were both stable and catalytically active. Our studies provide guidance and starting scaffolds for any researchers interested in aqueous copper(I) catalysis. A key practical aspect of our findings is that azide‐bearing copper‐NHC complexes are excellent substrates for the azide‐alkyne cycloaddition, which allows late‐stage tailoring of the copper complexes.
Measuring angle of progression by transperineal ultrasonography to predict successful instrumental and cesarean deliveries during prolonged second stage of labor
Authors: Chan Viola Y.T. , Lau Wai‐lam , So Mike K.P. , Leung Wing‐cheong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the angle of progression (AoP) measured by transperineal ultrasonography before indicating an instrumental delivery or cesarean delivery.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted among women with singleton term pregnancies with prolonged second stage of labor at Kwong Wah Hospital, Hong Kong, China, between May 16, 2011, and May 25, 2016. Transabdominal and transperineal ultrasonography were performed to determine fetal head position and AoP, respectively, both at rest and during uterine contraction with pushing. Mode of delivery was decided after vaginal examination without relying on ultrasonography.ResultsOf 143 women, 116 underwent successful instrumental delivery and 27 underwent cesarean delivery. Median AoP was 153.0° in the instrumental group versus 139.0° in the cesarean group at rest (P<0.001), and 182.5° in the instrumental group versus 156.5° in the cesarean group during contraction (P<0.001). The best predictive cutoff AoP for successful instrumental delivery was 138.7° at rest (sensitivity 86.2%, specificity 51.9%) and 160.9° during contraction (sensitivity 87.1%, specificity 74.1%). No between‐group differences in AoP were found for ease of vacuum extraction at rest (P=0.457) or during contraction with pushing (P=0.095).ConclusionThe AoP predicted approximately 80% of successful instrumental deliveries performed for prolonged second stage of labor.
Evaluation of the renoprotective effect of nano turmeric against toxic dose of copper sulfate: Role of vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, kidney injury molecule‐1, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 protein expressions
Authors: Alharbi Bshayer , Fadda Laila , Ali Hanaa M 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the potential renoprotective effects of turmeric (TM) and nano turmeric (NTM) with those of desferrioxamine (DSM) against copper sulfate (CS)‐induced toxicity. Rats were administered a toxic dose of CS with TM, NTM, and DSM for 1 week. Next, serum‐urea creatinine, uric acid, interleukin (IL)‐10, c‐reactive protein (CRP), and caspase‐3 levels; renal nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), kidney injury molecule (KIM)‐1, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT‐3) protein expression; and nuclear factor (NF)‐κB and B‐cell lymphoma ‐2 (Bcl‐2) messenger RNA expression levels were estimated. Administration of the investigated antioxidants downregulated the marked increase in urea, creatinine, uric acid, CRP, caspase‐3, NO, MDA, VCAM‐1, kidney injury molecule (KIM‐1), STAT‐3, NF‐κB, and DNA fragmentation, and increased Bcl‐2, IL‐10, GSH, and SOD levels induced by CS. The histopathological examination confirmed the effects of the antioxidants on the investigated biochemical parameters. Interestingly, NTM exhibited a superior renoprotective effect, which was comparable with that of DSM. In conclusion, NTM was shown to be a promising candidate against CS‐induced toxicity, and several molecular mechanisms were implicated in the CS‐induced renotoxicity as well as the treatment effects of NTM.
Developmental effects of trichloroacetate in Zebrafish embryos: Association with the production of superoxide anion
Authors: Issa Omar , Hassoun Ezdihar A. , Williams Frederick E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo assess the developmental toxicity of trichloroacetate (TCA), zebrafish embryos were exposed to 8 to 48 mM of TCA and evaluated for developmental milestones from 8‐ to 144‐hour postfertilization (hpf). All developmental toxicities are reported in this paper. Embryos were found to have developed edema in response to 16 to 48 mM of TCA exposure at 32‐ to 80‐hpf, experienced delay in hatching success in response to 24 to 48 mM at 80‐hpf. Lordosis was observed in developing embryos exposed to 40 to 48 mM at 55‐ to 144‐hpf. The observed toxic effects of TCA exposure were found to be concentration and exposure period independent. Effects were found to be associated with increases in superoxide anion production, but these increases were also found to be concentration and time independent. TCA resulted in concentration‐dependent increases in embryonic lethality at 144‐hpf, with an LC50 determined to be 29.7 mM.
Correlation between SALL4 stemness marker and bone morphogenetic protein signaling genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Assarnia Sogand , Ardalan Khales Sima , Forghanifard Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSALL4, as a stemness marker, plays a key role in the maintenance of pluripotency and self‐renewal of cancer stem cells. To elucidate probable linkage between SALL4 stemness marker and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) cell signaling pathway, we aimed to analyze the expression levels of the related genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Tumoral and corresponding margin normal tissues from 50 treatment‐naive ESCC patients were subjected for expression analysis using relative comparative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. There were significant correlations between SALL4 mRNA and BMP signaling target genes expression including SIZN1, VENTX, and DIDO1 (P < 0.01). Tight associations of gene expression were observed in primary stages of tumor progression (stages I/II), and the invaded tumors to the adventitia (T3/T4). Furthermore, significant correlations between the expression of BMP signaling target genes were observed (P < 0.01). SALL4 may play role in tumorigenesis and tumor cell invasiveness of ESCC through correlation with BMP signaling genes.