bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lysosomal acid lipase does not have a propeptide and should not be considered being a proprotein
Authors: Strøm Thea B. , Vinje Terje , Bjune Katrine , da Costa Luís T. , Laerdahl Jon K. , Leren Trond P. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractLysosomal acid lipase (LAL) plays an important role in lipid metabolism by performing hydrolysis of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters in the lysosome. Based upon characteristics of LAL purified from human liver, it has been proposed that LAL is a proprotein with a 55 residue propeptide that may be essential for proper folding, intracellular transport, or enzymatic function. However, the biological significance of such a propeptide has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we have performed a series of studies in cultured HepG2 and HeLa cells to determine the role of the putative propeptide. However, by Western blot analysis and subcellular fractionation, we have not been able to identify a cleaved LAL lacking the N‐terminal 55 residues. Moreover, mutating residues surrounding the putative cleavage site at Lys76↓ in order to disrupt a proteinase recognition sequence, did not affect LAL activity. Furthermore, forcing cleavage at Lys76↓ by introducing the optimal furin cleavage site RRRR↓EL between residues 76 and 77, did not affect LAL activity. These data, in addition to bioinformatics analyses, indicate that LAL is not a proprotein. Thus, it is possible that the previously reported cleavage at Lys76↓ could have resulted from exposure to proteolytic enzymes during the multistep purification procedure.
Molluscicidal and cercaricidal activities of curcumin on Biomphalaria glabrata and Schistosoma mansoni cercariae
Authors: Matos Jaqueline L , da Silva Karen R , de Lima Paula Lucas A , Cunha Wilson R , Ramos Salvador B , Rodrigues Vanderlei , Cabral Fernanda J , Magalhães Lizandra G 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDSchistosomiasis control in endemic areas depends on several factors, including chemotherapy, snail control and adequate sanitation. In this context, the employment of compounds isolated from plants is an important issue regarding infection and snail control. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the effects of curcumin (CUR), a compound isolated from Curcuma longa, against snails and embryos of Biomphalaria glabrata, which is the most important intermediate host of schistosomiasis in the Americas, as well as in cercariae, the infecting larval stage of Schistosoma mansoni.RESULTSCUR presented high activity against B. glabrata embryos and moderate activity against newborn and adult snails. The lethal concentration (LC50) values after being exposed for 24 h and evaluated for 7 days were 6.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.86–7.30) μg mL−1 for the embryos and 42.29 (95% CI 33.82–52.87) μg mL−1 and 87.69 (95% CI 68.82–111.7) μg mL−1 for the newborn and adult snails, respectively. Moreover, CUR inhibited the development of embryos and egg hatching, and decreased the fecundity rates of adult snails. CUR also demonstrated cercaricidal activity with LC50 values lower than 10 μg mL−1 at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h, respectively.CONCLUSIONOur data show that CUR has potential molluscicidal and cercaricidal activities. Moreover, as a nutraceutical compound that is toxic to both invertebrate host and parasite, CUR has the potential to be explored as a safe new agent to combat schistosomiasis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Anatomical and behavioral impact of a lentiviral tool tapping onto hippocampal serotonin reuptake in rats
Authors: Zoratto Francesca , Buccheri Clelia , Mura Romina , Altabella Luisa , Vanneste Marion , Villotte Marie , Laviola Giovanni , Dauphin Francois , Paizanis Eleni , Adriani Walter , Canese Rossella 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe aimed at the further characterization of rats in which SERT gene silencing was achieved by hippocampal injection of a lentiviral vector, carrying three si‐RNA to block SERT mRNA at 66% of normal levels. Improved self‐control and reduced restlessness were already demonstrated in these rats. Present further studies consisted of male adult rats, bilaterally inoculated within the hippocampus; control rats received lentivirus particles inactivated with heat. Both groups were maintained in isolation for 5 months, starting from inoculation. Neurochemical changes were studied by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS): we found increased hippocampal viability and bioenergetic potential; however, rats showed a behaviorally depressive pattern, also characterized by enhanced affiliation. Based on the extent of such effects, the whole lenti‐SERT group was divided into two subgroups, termed intermediate‐ and extreme‐ phenotype profiles. While all rats had a widespread modification within dorsal/ventral striatum, amygdala, and hypothalamus, only the former subgroup showed an involvement of Raphé medialis, while, for the latter subgroup, an increase of SERT within hippocampus was unexpectedly caused. Within the less‐affected “intermediate” rats, hippocampal 5‐HT7 receptors were down‐modulated, and also similarly within substantia nigra, septum, and neocortex. This picture demonstrates that additional rather than fewer neurobiological changes accompany a lower phenotypic expression. Overall, tapping hippocampal SERT affected the balance between habits versus strategies of coping by promoting morphogenetic processes indicative of a serotonergic fiber plasticity. Supplementary studies about serotonergic dynamics and neurogenesis within fronto‐striatal circuits are needed.
Application of a cellulose filter aid in municipal sewage sludge dewatering and drying: Jar, pilot, and factory scale
Authors: Shi Qi , Lu Yufei , Guo Wenjing , Wang Tianrun , Zhu Qinyun , Zhang Yaxian , Wang Hongtao , Li Fengting , Xu Taiming , Li Chunjiang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCellulose filter aid (CFA), a skeleton builder, has been studied for sludge conditioning at laboratory scale because of its function in reducing compressibility of sludge cake. However, there are few practical applications of CFA at the pilot and factory scales. In this study, we combined CFA with an advanced sludge dewatering technology, in practical applications. For jar test, the optimum CFA dose was 3 wt.% dry solid (DS); furthermore, the combination of CFA with polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and polyacrylamide (PAM) resulted in the lowest moisture content (73.92%) and the highest calorific value (13,628 kJ/kg) of the sludge cake. In the pilot test, the 5 wt.% DS of the CFA resulted in the optimal sludge feeding amount. In the factory test, the optimal CFA dose was further increased to 10%, and the amount of sludge feeding in a single batch was 20.5% higher than that without CFA. The optimal dose of CFA in the jar–pilot–factory test increased, which may occur because the CFA more easily penetrated the cake and performed better in building the skeleton when the sludge cake was thin. This study could provide a reference for the application of CFA and other skeleton builders in sludge dewatering and drying.Practitioner points

An advanced sludge treatment process—low‐temperature vacuum dewatering and drying was tested.

Cellulose filter aid showed good effect in jar test, pilot test, and factory test.

When the scale of the experiment was from jar to factory, the optimal dosage of the cellulose filter aid was magnified.

The amplification phenomenon of optimal dosage was related to the distribution pattern of cellulose filter aid in different thickness mud cakes.
Thoracoscopic Resection of Congenital Lung Malformation: Looking for the Right Preoperative Assessment
Authors: Macchini Francesco , Borzani Irene , Cavalli Silvia , Morandi Anna , D'Angelo Ida Daniela , Zanini Andrea , Ferrari Carlo , Ichino Martina , Leva Ernesto 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Introduction Consensus on the best postnatal radiological evaluation of congenital lung malformations (CLMs) is still lacking. In recent years, the interest on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has grown, but its role is still unknown.
Aim The aim of the study was to identify the best preoperative diagnostic assessment for CLM.
Materials and Methods All patients with a prenatal suspicion of CLM between January 2014 and February 2018 were studied. Asymptomatic newborns underwent MRI, during spontaneous sleep without contrast. Patients with a positive MRI were scheduled for computed tomography (CT) within the fourth month of life. Thoracoscopic resection was performed in cases with a pathological CT. MRI, CT, and surgical findings were compared based on dimension, localization, and features of the CLM using the Cohen's kappa test (K).
Results A total of 20 patients were included (10 males). No difference was found in the diameter and site of the lesions always localized in the same side (K = 1) and in the same pulmonary lobe (K = 1). Infants who underwent thoracoscopic resection included: three congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs), five extralobar and eight intralobar sequestrations (bronchopulmonary sequestrations [BPSs]), three bronchogenic cysts, and one congenital emphysema. The concordance between MRI and CT and between radiological investigations and pathology was satisfactory for the greatest part of the studied variables. MRI showed sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 82%, positive predictive value of 50% and negative predictive value of 100% for CPAM and 77, 100, 100, and 80% for BPS, respectively.
Conclusion MRI proved to be a reliable diagnostic investigation for CLM with high sensitivity and specificity. Early MRI in spontaneous sleep without contrast and preoperative contrast CT scan is a valuable preoperatory assessment.
Premorbid Hemostasis in Women with a History of Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Peshkova Alina D. , Safiullina Svetlana I. , Evtugina Natalia G. , Baras Yelena S. , Ataullakhanov Fazoil I. , Weisel John W. , Litvinov Rustem I. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Congenital and acquired hemostatic disorders are among the pathogenic factors of pregnancy loss. Studying mechanistic relations between impaired hemostasis and fetal losses is important for the prognosis and prophylaxis of obstetric complications.
Objective This article aims to establish latent hemostatic disorders in nonpregnant women as an important premorbid risk factor of pregnancy loss.
Methods and Results Hemostasis was characterized using two relatively new in vitro assays, namely thrombodynamics (spatial clot growth) and kinetics of blood clot contraction, which together reflect the hemostatic or thrombotic potential. In addition, platelet functionality was assessed using flow cytometry. Our study included 50 women with a history of pregnancy loss and 30 parous women without previous obstetric complications. In patients with pregnancy loss, hypercoagulability was observed along with significant impairment of blood clot contraction associated with chronic platelet activation and dysfunction. Both hypercoagulability and defective clot contraction were significantly more pronounced in patients with a history of three or more miscarriages compared with patients with a history of one or two miscarriages. In addition, a significant inhibition of clot contraction was found in patients with miscarriage occurring after 10 weeks of gestation compared with those who lost a fetus earlier in pregnancy.
Conclusion These results indicate that chronic hypercoagulability and impaired clot contraction constitute a premorbid status in patients with pregnancy loss. The data confirm a significant pathogenic role of hemostatic disorders in pregnancy loss and suggest the predictive value of thrombodynamics and blood clot contraction assays in evaluating the risk of pregnancy loss.
A simplified model for understanding the performance of two-pot enclosed mud cookstoves
Authors: Parajuli Ayush , Agrawal Saurabh , Tharu Janak Kumar , Kamat Anil Kumar , Jha Ajay Kumar , Darlami Hari Bahadur 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study is to develop a mathematical model for a two-pot enclosed mud cookstove. A new model has been developed combining transient heat transfer, combustion chemistry and fluid flow. The model can be used for variation of the operation and design parameters. The model predicts performance parameters such as efficiency, boiling time, excess air ratio (EAR), transient wall, flame and char temperature. For an input power of 5.1 kW, the estimated overall efficiency, EAR and boiling time were 17.1%, 1.97 and 43 minutes, respectively. The model outcome is compared with experimental results. Further, 10 parameters are varied and their impact on cookstove performance is analysed. The optimum dimension for the door opening, combustion-chamber height and wall thickness are suggested. Therefore, this study can serve as an effective tool for cookstove design.
Forest Road Status Assessment Using Airborne Laser Scanning
Authors: Waga Katalin , Tompalski Piotr , Coops Nicholas C , White Joanne C , Wulder Michael A , Malinen Jukka , Tokola Timo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Forest roads allow access for silvicultural operations, harvesting, recreational activities, wildlife management, and fire suppression. In British Columbia, Canada, roads that are no longer required must be deactivated (temporarily, semipermanently, or permanently) in order to minimize the impact on the overall forested ecosystem. However, the remoteness and size of the road network present challenges for monitoring. Our aim was to examine the utility of airborne laser scanning data to assess the status and quality of forest roads across 52,000 hectares of coastal forest in British Columbia. Within the forest estate, roads can be active or deactivated, or have an unknown status. We classified road segments based on the vegetation growth on the road surface, and edges, by classifying the height distribution of airborne laser scanning returns within each road segment into four groups: no vegetation, minor vegetation, dense understory vegetation, and dense overstory vegetation. Validation indicated that 73 percent of roads were classified correctly when compared to independent field observations. The majority were classified as active roads with no vegetation or deactivated with dense vegetation. The approach presented herein can aid forest managers in verifying the status of the roads in their management area, especially in remote areas where field assessments are costly and time-consuming.
Effiiency of the Essential Oil of Porophyllum linaria (Asteraceae) a Mexican Endemic Plant Against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Hernández-Cruz Julián , Luna-Cruz Alfonso , Loera-Alvarado Esperanza , Villanueva-Sánchez Evert , Landero-Valenzuela Nadia , Zárate-Nicolás Baldomero Hortencio , Diego-Nava Fidel , Granados-Echegoyen Carlos A 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The insecticidal and repellent effect of essential oil isolated from fresh leaves of Porophyllum linaria on maize weevil was evaluated, as well as the effect on the grain germination after treated. In total, 28 constituents were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry accounting for 99.86% of whole essential oil. The main majority compounds were β-myrcene (41.94%), D-limonene (20.29%), and estragole (20.03%). Contact toxicity significantly increased with dose and time after treatment. With the 800 ppm (highest concentration), the mortality (%) obtained for the tenth and fifteenth day was 43 and 82%, respectively, whereas with 50 ppm (lowest concentration) 30% mortality was obtained at the end of the experiment (fifteenth day). At 15 d (end of the experiment), the LC50 y LC90 were obtained with values of 329.01 ± 44.35 y 1058.86 ± 117.76 ppm, respectively. For a concentration of 800 ppm, a selection index of zero was obtained, indicating the preference of the pest to the untreated maize (control). The maize grains germination test showed a significant reduction both in the length of hypocotyl and radicle of maize grain. So, in the highest dose, the hypocotyl and radicle length was 1.40 ± 0.34 and 9.14 ± 0.55 cm, respectively, whereas the control group registered 3.28 ± 0.39 and 13.02 ± 0.97 cm, respectively. This finding is promising since as it could result in the identification of botanical substances capable of suppressing maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais development.
Composition Primer: An Educator’s Guide to Teaching Foundational Composition Skills for Music Therapy
Authors: Winter Patricia , Haines James 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The purpose of this article is to outline foundational techniques and strategies that music therapy educators can use to teach students to compose music for clinical practice. The overarching goals are to highlight the importance of therapeutic design and rational, and the intentional use of musical form and function to address clinical goals and objectives. The techniques described can be implemented in the classroom, with the goal of supporting students to transfer these skills to fieldwork and internship experiences.
Normative and isolated rapid eye movement sleep without atonia in adults without REM sleep behavior disorder
Authors: Feemster John C , Jung Youngsin , Timm Paul C , Westerland Sarah M , Gossard Thomas R , Teigen Luke N , Buchal Lauren A , Cattaneo Elena F D , Imlach Charlotte A , Mccarter Stuart J , Smith Kevin L , Boeve Bradley F , Silber Michael H , St Louis Erik K 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Study Objectives
Values for normative REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) remain unclear. Older age and male sex are associated with greater RSWA, and isolated elevated RSWA has been reported. We aimed to describe normative RSWA and characterize isolated RSWA frequency in adults without REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).

Methods
We visually quantified phasic, “any,” and tonic RSWA in the submentalis (SM) and anterior tibialis (AT) muscles, and the automated Ferri REM Atonia Index during polysomnography in adults without RBD aged 21–88. We calculated RSWA percentiles across age and sex deciles and compared RSWA in older (≥ 65) versus younger (<65) men and women. Isolated RSWA (exceeding diagnostic RBD cutoffs, or >95th percentile) frequency was also determined.

Results
Overall, 95th percentile RSWA percentages were SM phasic, any, tonic = 8.6%, 9.1%, 0.99%; AT phasic and “any” = 17.0%; combined SM/AT phasic, “any” = 22.3%, 25.5%; and RAI = 0.85. Most phasic RSWA burst durations were ≤1.0 s (85th percentiles: SM = 1.07, AT = 0.86 seconds). Older men had significantly higher AT RSWA than older women and younger patients (all p < 0.04). Twenty-nine (25%, 18 men) had RSWA exceeding the cohort 95th percentile, while 17 (14%, 12 men) fulfilled diagnostic cutoffs for phasic or automated RBD RSWA thresholds.

Conclusions
RSWA levels are highest in older men, mirroring the demographic characteristics of RBD, suggesting that older men frequently have altered REM sleep atonia control. These data establish normative adult RSWA values and thresholds for determination of isolated RSWA elevation, potentially aiding RBD diagnosis and discussions concerning incidental RSWA in clinical sleep medicine practice.
Predictors of long-term adherence to continuous positive airway pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Van Ryswyk Emer , Anderson Craig S , Antic Nicholas A , Barbe Ferran , Bittencourt Lia , Freed Ruth , Heeley Emma , Liu Zhihong , Loffler Kelly A , Lorenzi-Filho Geraldo , Luo Yuanming , Margalef Maria J Masdeu , McEvoy R Doug , Mediano Olga , Mukherjee Sutapa , Ou Qiong , Woodman Richard , Zhang Xilong , Chai-Coetzer Ching Li 
Published: October 2019

AbstractStudy ObjectivesPoor adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) commonly affects therapeutic response in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We aimed to determine predictors of adherence to CPAP among participants of the Sleep Apnea and cardioVascular Endpoints (SAVE) trial.MethodsSAVE was an international, randomized, open trial of CPAP plus usual care versus usual care (UC) alone in participants (45–75 years) with co-occurring moderate-to-severe OSA (≥12 episodes/h of ≥4% oxygen desaturation) and established cardiovascular (CV) disease. Baseline sociodemographic, health and lifestyle factors, OSA symptoms, and 1-month change in daytime sleepiness, as well as CPAP side effects and adherence (during sham screening, titration week, and in the first month), were entered in univariate linear regression analyses to identify predictors of CPAP adherence at 24 months. Variables with p <0.2 were assessed for inclusion in a multivariate linear mixed model with country, age, and sex included a priori and site as a random effect.ResultsSignificant univariate predictors of adherence at 24 months in 1,121 participants included: early adherence measures, improvement in daytime sleepiness at 1 month, fixed CPAP pressure, some measures of OSA severity, cardiovascular disease history, breathing pauses, and very loud snoring. While observed adherence varied between countries, adherence during sham screening, initial titration, and the first month of treatment retained independent predictive value in the multivariate model along with fixed CPAP pressure and very loud snoring.ConclusionsEarly CPAP adherence had the greatest predictive value for identifying those at highest risk of non-adherence to long-term CPAP therapy.Clinical Trial RegistrationSAVE is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00738179).
Posttraumatic stress disorder increases the odds of REM sleep behavior disorder and other parasomnias in Veterans with and without comorbid traumatic brain injury
Authors: Elliott Jonathan E , Opel Ryan A , Pleshakov Dennis , Rachakonda Tara , Chau Alexander Q , Weymann Kristianna B , Lim Miranda M 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Study Objectives
To describe the crude prevalence of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Veterans, given potential relationships between TBI, PTSD, RBD, and neurodegeneration.

Methods
Veterans (n = 394; 94% male; 54.4 ± 15.5 years of age) were prospectively/cross-sectionally recruited from the VA Portland Health Care System and completed in-lab video-polysomnography and questionnaires. TBI and PTSD were assessed via diagnostic screening and medical record review. Subjects were categorized into four groups after assessment of REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) and self-reported dream enactment: (1) “Normal,” neither RSWA nor dream enactment, (2) “Other Parasomnia,” dream enactment without RSWA, (3) “RSWA,” isolated-RSWA without dream enactment, and (4) “RBD,” RSWA with dream enactment. Crude prevalence, prevalence odds ratio, and prevalence rate for parasomnias across subjects with TBI and/or PTSD were assessed.

Results
Overall prevalence rates were 31%, 7%, and 9% for Other Parasomnia, RSWA, and RBD, respectively. The prevalence rate of RBD increased to 15% in PTSD subjects [age adjusted POR: 2.81 (1.17–4.66)] and to 21% in TBI + PTSD subjects [age adjusted POR: 3.43 (1.20–9.35)]. No subjects met all diagnostic criteria for trauma-associated sleep disorder (TASD), and no overt dream enactment was captured on video.

Conclusions
The prevalence of RBD and related parasomnias is significantly higher in Veterans compared with the general population and is associated with PTSD and TBI + PTSD. Considering the association between idiopathic-RBD and synucleinopathy, it remains unclear whether RBD (and potentially TASD) associated with PTSD or TBI + PTSD similarly increases risk for long-term neurologic sequelae.