bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastric gas dynamics in healthy humans
Authors: Caballero N. , Marin I. , Serra J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundTo cope with the daily increments of gastric gas, the stomach can propel gas to the small bowel or trigger the belching reflex. Our aim was to evaluate transit of free gastric gas in healthy humans, and its relationship with abdominal symptoms.MethodsIn 24 healthy volunteers a gas mixture was infused into the stomach at 0 mL/min (sham infusion), 25 mL/min, 50 mL/min, and 100 mL/min (n = 6 each) up to 1500 mL. Belching, rectal gas evacuation, and abdominal perception were continuously recorded for 90 min.Key ResultsSham infusion was associated to low rectal gas evacuation (187 ± 94 mL after 90 min), and belching (0 ± 0). In contrast, gastric gas infusion increased rectal gas evacuation (1198 ± 176 mL; P = .025) and belching (4 ± 1 belches; P = .0520) without differences between the infusion rates tested. Overall, there was a negative correlation between rectal gas evacuation and belching (r = −.72; P < .0001): 6 subjects had frequent belching (14 ± 2 belches) and minor rectal gas evacuation (330 ± 112 mL), whereas 12 subjects had virtually no belches (1 ± 1 belches) and greater rectal gas evacuation (1630 ± 147 mL; P < .001 vs belchers for both). Gas infusion induced lower abdominal symptoms in belchers (score increment 0.7 ± 0.3) than in rectal gas evacuators (score increment 1.7 ± 0.5; P = .033).Conclusions and InferencesAn excellent balance between belching and distal gastric empting allows the stomach to adapt to great variations in gas intake. In general, most gastric gas is emptied to distal intestinal segments, but in some circumstances gastric gas induces belching, a mechanism that may improve gas tolerance.
The pitfalls of in vivo imaging techniques: evidence for cellular damage caused by synchrotron X‐ray computed micro‐tomography
Authors: Petruzzellis Francesco , Pagliarani Chiara , Savi Tadeja , Losso Adriano , Cavalletto Silvia , Tromba Giuliana , Dullin Christian , Bär Andreas , Ganthaler Andrea , Miotto Andrea , Mayr Stefan , Zwieniecki Maciej A. , Nardini Andrea , Secchi Francesca 
Published: July 2018

Summary

Synchrotron X‐ray computed micro‐tomography (microCT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive technique for in vivo monitoring of xylem function, including embolism build‐up under drought and hydraulic recovery following re‐irrigation. Yet, the possible harmful effects of ionizing radiation on plant tissues have never been quantified.

We specifically investigated the eventual damage suffered by stem living cells of three different species exposed to repeated microCT scans. Stem samples exposed to one, two or three scans were used to measure cell membrane and RNA integrity, and compared to controls never exposed to X‐rays.

Samples exposed to microCT scans suffered serious alterations to cell membranes, as revealed by marked increase in relative electrolyte leakage, and also underwent severe damage to RNA integrity. The negative effects of X‐rays were apparent in all species tested, but the magnitude of damage and the minimum number of scans inducing negative effects were species‐specific.

Our data show that multiple microCT scans lead to disruption of fundamental cellular functions and processes. Hence, microCT investigation of phenomena that depend on physiological activity of living cells may produce erroneous results and lead to incorrect conclusions.
Transgenic microRNA‐14 rice shows high resistance to rice stem borer
Authors: He Kang , Xiao Huamei , Sun Yang , Ding Simin , Situ Gongming , Li Fei 
Published: July 2018

SummaryRice stem borer (RSB, Chilo suppressalis) is an insect pest that causes huge economic losses every year. Control efforts rely heavily on chemical insecticides, which leads to serious problems such as insecticide resistance, environment pollution, and food safety issues. Therefore, developing alternative pest control methods is an important task. Here, we identified an insect‐specific microRNA, miR‐14, in RSB, which was predicted to target Spook (Spo) and Ecdysone receptor (EcR) in the ecdysone signalling network. In‐vitro dual luciferase assays using HEK293T cells confirmed the interactions of Csu‐miR‐14 with CsSpo and with CsEcR. Csu‐miR‐14 exhibited high levels of expression at the end of each larval instar stage, and its expression was negatively correlated with the expression of its two target genes. Overexpression of Csu‐miR‐14 at the third day of the fifth instar stage led to high mortality and developmental defects in RSB individuals. We produced 35 rice transformants to express miR‐14 and found that three lines had a single copy with highly abundant miR‐14 mature transcripts. Feeding bioassays using both T0 and T1 generations of transgenic miR‐14 rice indicated that at least one line (C#24) showed high resistance to RSB. These results indicated that the approach of miRNAs as targets has potential for improving pest control methods. Moreover, using insect‐specific miRNAs rather than protein‐encoding genes for pest control may prove benign to non‐insect species, and thus is worthy of further exploration.
Investigation of hydrostatic pressure‐induced stress preconditioning of boar semen using modified cryopreservation
Authors: Horváth András , Harnos Andrea , Szenci Otto , Pribenszky Csaba 
Published: July 2018

ContentsThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of varying hydrostatic pressure treatments (HP) on the boar semen quality during the modified cryopreservation. In Experiment I, combinations of pressure level (20/40/80 MPa) and duration of application (40/80/120 min) were used. Before freezing, only the magnitude but not the duration influenced the total (TM%) and progressive motilities (PM%). The 20/40 MPa levels yielded a significant (p < 0.05) improvement compared to control samples (atmospheric), but the 80 MPa was detrimental. The post‐freezing‐thawing (FT) motilities were influenced significantly by both the HP level and its duration. For TM%, the 40 MPa:120 min gave the highest post‐FT result (54.8% ± 3.3%); however, the 40 MPa:80 min (41.0% ± 3.1%) application showed the largest and significant improvement (18.4% ± 3.1%) compared to its control (22.6% ± 3.1%) and compared to the improvement (12.9% ± 3.6%) achieved by 40 MPa:120 min. For PM%, the improvement with the 40 MPa:120 min application was slightly larger than with the 40 MPa:80 min one (15.2% ± 4.2% vs. 13.8% ± 3.3%); furthermore, the difference was not significant. In Experiment II, the 40 MPa:80 min combination was tested at four different stages of the semen handling. By pressurization after dilution with the freezing extender without glycerol, significantly higher post‐FT values (TM%, intact acrosome% and head membrane%) were obtained. The two experiments demonstrated possible improvement in post‐FT semen quality achievable through the appropriate application of HP to boar semen during cryopreservation.
Role of tissue perfusion, muscle strength recovery, and pain in rehabilitation after acute muscle strain injury: A randomized controlled trial comparing early and delayed rehabilitation
Authors: Bayer Monika L. , Hoegberget‐Kalisz Maren , Jensen Mikkel H. , Olesen Jens L. , Svensson Rene B. , Couppé Christian , Boesen Mikael , Nybing Janus D. , Kurt Engin Y. , Magnusson S. Peter , Kjaer Michael 
Published: July 2018

Muscle strain injuries disrupt the muscle‐tendon unit, early rehabilitation is associated with a faster return to sports (RTS), but the time course of tissue healing remains sparsely described. The purpose was to examine tissue regeneration and the effectiveness of early versus delayed rehabilitation onset on functional and structural recovery after strain injuries. A total of 50 recreational athletes with a severe acute strain injury in their thigh or calf muscles were randomized to early or delayed rehabilitation onset. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained initially, 3 and 6 months postinjury, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) estimated tissue inflammation initially and after 6 months. Muscle strength was determined 5 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postinjury, and a questionnaire determined soreness, pain, and confidence. DCE‐MRI microvascular perfusion was higher in the injured compared to an uninjured muscle acutely (P < 0.01) and after 6 months (P < 0.01), for both groups (P > 0.05) and unrelated to RTS (P > 0.05). Total volume of the injured muscle decreased from the acute to the 3‐month scan, and to the 6‐month scan (P < 0.01) in both groups. Muscle strength was similar in both groups at any time. There was a nonsignificant trend (P ≤ 0.1) toward less pain and higher confidence with early rehabilitation. One reinjury was recorded. In conclusion, our data showed prolonged tissue repair with the initial response linked to muscle atrophy but did not explain why early rehabilitation onset accelerated recovery considering that structural and functional recovery was similar with early and delayed rehabilitation.
AtRsgA from Arabidopsis thaliana is important for maturation of the small subunit of the chloroplast ribosome
Authors: Janowski Marcin , Zoschke Reimo , Scharff Lars B. , Martinez Jaime Silvia , Ferrari Camilla , Proost Sebastian , Ng Wei Xiong Jonathan , Omranian Nooshin , Musialak‐Lange Magdalena , Nikoloski Zoran , Graf Alexander , Schöttler Mark A. , Sampathkumar Arun , Vaid Neha , Mutwil Marek 
Published: July 2018

SummaryPlastid ribosomes are very similar in structure and function to the ribosomes of their bacterial ancestors. Since ribosome biogenesis is not thermodynamically favorable under biological conditions it requires the activity of many assembly factors. Here we have characterized a homolog of bacterial RsgA in Arabidopsis thaliana and show that it can complement the bacterial homolog. Functional characterization of a strong mutant in Arabidopsis revealed that the protein is essential for plant viability, while a weak mutant produced dwarf, chlorotic plants that incorporated immature pre‐16S ribosomal RNA into translating ribosomes. Physiological analysis of the mutant plants revealed smaller, but more numerous, chloroplasts in the mesophyll cells, reduction of chlorophyll a and b, depletion of proplastids from the rib meristem and decreased photosynthetic electron transport rate and efficiency. Comparative RNA sequencing and proteomic analysis of the weak mutant and wild‐type plants revealed that various biotic stress‐related, transcriptional regulation and post‐transcriptional modification pathways were repressed in the mutant. Intriguingly, while nuclear‐ and chloroplast‐encoded photosynthesis‐related proteins were less abundant in the mutant, the corresponding transcripts were increased, suggesting an elaborate compensatory mechanism, potentially via differentially active retrograde signaling pathways. To conclude, this study reveals a chloroplast ribosome assembly factor and outlines the transcriptomic and proteomic responses of the compensatory mechanism activated during decreased chloroplast function.
Genome‐wide scans of selection highlight the impact of biotic and abiotic constraints in natural populations of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Bourgeois Yann , Stritt Christoph , Walser Jean‐Claude , Gordon Sean P. , Vogel John P. , Roulin Anne C. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryGrasses are essential plants for ecosystem functioning. Quantifying the selective pressures that act on natural variation in grass species is therefore essential regarding biodiversity maintenance. In this study, we investigate the selection pressures that act on two distinct populations of the grass model Brachypodium distachyon without prior knowledge about the traits under selection. We took advantage of whole‐genome sequencing data produced for 44 natural accessions of B. distachyon and used complementary genome‐wide selection scans (GWSS) methods to detect genomic regions under balancing and positive selection. We show that selection is shaping genetic diversity at multiple temporal and spatial scales in this species, and affects different genomic regions across the two populations. Gene ontology annotation of candidate genes reveals that pathogens may constitute important factors of positive and balancing selection in B. distachyon. We eventually cross‐validated our results with quantitative trait locus data available for leaf‐rust resistance in this species and demonstrate that, when paired with classical trait mapping, GWSS can help pinpointing candidate genes for further molecular validation. Thanks to a near base‐perfect reference genome and the large collection of freely available natural accessions collected across its natural range, B. distachyon appears as a prime system for studies in ecology, population genomics and evolutionary biology.
Thirty‐three‐day storage of dithiothreitol‐treated red blood cells used to eliminate daratumumab interference in serological testing
Authors: Lorenzen Henriette , Lone Akhtar Nazia , Nielsen Maria , Svendsen Lea , Andersen Pernille 
Published: July 2018

Background and ObjectivesDaratumumab binds CD38 on red blood cells causing interference with indirect antiglobulin tests. Dithiothreitol is used to eliminate interference allowing detection of alloantibodies. Haemolysis is observed during storage of dithiothreitol‐treated antibody identification panel cells. The objective of this study was to develop a modified method for dithiothreitol treatment to reduce the haemolysis during 33 days of storage and still be able to eliminate daratumumab interference.Materials and MethodsPanel cells were treated with various volumes of 0·2 m dithiothreitol supplied by various manufacturers. Haemolysis Index of dithiothreitol‐treated and untreated panel cells was measured and compared on days 1, 15 and 33. Antibody screening tests with dithiothreitol‐treated screening cells were performed on samples from 15 daratumumab‐treated patients (dose 16 mg/kg) and 34 patients with known alloantibodies. Antibody identifications with dithiothreitol‐treated panel cells were performed on seven additional known alloantibodies.ResultsDithiothreitol treatment with a ratio of 30:25 (red blood cells:dithiothreitol) showed the same degree of haemolysis as with untreated panel cells. Daratumumab interference was eliminated in all 15 samples from daratumumab‐treated patients. Twenty‐six of 34 alloantibodies were detected, and all seven additional alloantibodies were identified using the modified dithiothreitol treatment. Eight alloantibodies within the Kell system were negative. No decrease in the reaction strength was observed during the 33‐day storage period.ConclusionThe modified dithiothreitol method was able to reduce haemolysis during storage and to detect and identify alloantibodies in the presence of daratumumab.
RASberry - Robotic and Autonomous Systems for Berry Production
Authors: Johan From Pål , Grimstad Lars , Hanheide Marc , Pearson Simon , Cielniak Grzegorz 
Published: July 2018

The soft fruit industry is facing unprecedented challenges due to its reliance of manual labour. We are presenting a newly launched robotics initiative which will help to address the issues faced by the industry and enable automation of the main processes involved in soft fruit production. The RASberry project (Robotics and Autonomous Systems for Berry Production) aims to develop autonomous fleets of robots for horticultural industry. To achieve this goal, the project will bridge several current technological gaps including the development of a mobile platform suitable for the strawberry fields, software components for fleet management, in-field navigation and mapping, long-term operation, and safe human-robot collaboration.
In this paper, we provide a general overview of the project, describe the main system components, highlight interesting challenges from a control point of view and then present three specific applications of the robotic fleets in soft fruit production. The applications demonstrate how robotic fleets can benefit the soft fruit industry by significantly decreasing production costs, addressing labour shortages and being the first step towards fully autonomous robotic systems for agriculture.
Self-reported quit rates and quit attempts among subscribers of a mobile text messaging-based tobacco cessation programme in India
Authors: Gopinathan Preetha , Kaur Jagdish , Joshi Surabhi , Prasad Vinayak Mohan , Pujari Sameer , Panda Pradeep , Murthy Pratima 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionIn 2015, as part of the WHO and International Telecommunication Union’s ‘Be Healthy Be Mobile’ initiative using mobile technology to combat non-communicable diseases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in India developed a short text message-based mobile health programme (the ‘mCessation’ programme) to support tobacco users to quit tobacco use.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of the mCessation programme by estimating quit rates and quit attempts among registered subscribers of the programme and to understand subscriber perceptions of the programme.MethodsSubscribers to the mCessation (QuitNow) programme were telephonically interviewed 4–6 months after registration. A total of 12 502 calls were made, and completed responses recorded from 3362 ever tobacco users. A total of 6978 respondents either gave very few responses or refused to participate in the telephonic survey. Never tobacco users (1935) and subscribers to the mDiabetes programme (227) were excluded from the sample.ResultsA large proportion of registrants (1935 out of 12 502 respondents) were found to be never users. The quit rate (estimated as those who stated they had not had any tobacco in the past 30 days at 4–6 months after registering with the programme from the total sample (excluding never smokers and mDiabetes registrants)) was 19%. Sixty-six per cent of registered subscribers who were current tobacco users had made quit attempts in the period between registration and survey. Seventy-seven per cent of respondents reported that the programme was helpful/very helpful to quit tobacco.ConclusionThe mCessation programme has successfully helped tobacco users in India to quit tobacco by motivating and supporting registered participants through mobile text messages.
General practice palliative care: patient and carer expectations, advance care plans and place of death—a systematic review
Authors: Johnson Claire E , McVey Peta , Rhee Joel Jin-On , Senior Hugh , Monterosso Leanne , Williams Briony , Fallon-Ferguson Julia , Grant Matthew , Nwachukwu Harriet , Aubin Michèle , Yates Patsy , Mitchell Geoffrey 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundWith an increasing ageing population in most countries, the role of general practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs) in providing optimal end of life (EoL) care is increasingly important.ObjectiveTo explore: (1) patient and carer expectations of the role of GPs and GPNs at EoL; (2) GPs’ and GPNs’ contribution to advance care planning (ACP) and (3) if primary care involvement allows people to die in the place of preference.MethodSystematic literature review. Data sources: Papers from 2000 to 2017 were sought from Medline, Psychinfo, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane databases.ResultsFrom 6209 journal articles, 51 papers were relevant. Patients and carers expect their GPs to be competent in all aspects of palliative care. They valued easy access to their GP, a multidisciplinary approach to care and well-coordinated and informed care. They also wanted their care team to communicate openly, honestly and empathically, particularly as the patient deteriorated. ACP and the involvement of GPs were important factors which contributed to patients being cared for and dying in their preferred place. There was no reference to GPNs in any paper identified.ConclusionsPatients and carers prefer a holistic approach to care. This review shows that GPs have an important role in ACP and that their involvement facilitates dying in the place of preference. Proactive identification of people approaching EoL is likely to improve all aspects of care, including planning and communicating about EoL. More work outlining the role of GPNs in end of life care is required.
Human CPA1 mutation causes digestive enzyme misfolding and chronic pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Hegyi Eszter , Sahin-Tóth Miklós 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveChronic pancreatitis is a progressive, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, which often develops in the background of genetic susceptibility. Recently, loss-of-function mutations in CPA1, which encodes the digestive enzyme carboxypeptidase A1, were described in sporadic early onset cases and in hereditary pancreatitis. Mutation-induced misfolding of CPA1 and associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was suggested as potential disease mechanism; however, in vivo evidence has been lacking. The objective of the present study was to create a mouse model that recapitulates features of CPA1-associated chronic pancreatitis.DesignWe knocked-in the most frequently occurring p.N256K human CPA1 mutation to the mouse Cpa1 locus. Mutant mice were characterised with respect to pancreas pathology and ER stress and compared with C57BL/6N and CPA1 null control mice.ResultsIn the CPA1 N256K mutant mice, we observed hallmarks of chronic pancreatitis that included progressive acinar cell atrophy, inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis and acinar-ductal metaplasia. In contrast, similarly to the C57BL/6N mice, the CPA1 null control strain exhibited no signs of pancreatic disease. Mutation p.N256K induced misfolding of mouse CPA1 and resulted in elevated expression of ER stress markers Hspa5 (BiP) and Ddit3 (CHOP) both in cell culture and mutant mice.ConclusionThe results offer categorical evidence that CPA1 mutations elicit enzyme misfolding and cause chronic pancreatitis via an ER stress-related mechanism.
Stent retrievers with segmented design improve the efficacy of thrombectomy in tortuous vessels
Authors: Kaneko Naoki , Komuro Yutaro , Yokota Hajime , Tateshima Satoshi 
Published: July 2018

IntroductionTortuous vascular anatomy is one of the greatest challenges in mechanical thrombectomy. This study examines the impact of vascular tortuosity on the performance of stent retrievers and evaluates the efficacy of the newer generation stent retrievers with segmented design.Materials and methodsModels with mild, moderate, and severe tortuosity with an internal carotid artery (ICA) and a middle cerebral artery (MCA) were created. An elastic and cohesive clot was placed in the MCA lying from distal M1 and proximal M2. We assessed the revascularization rates of two commonly used stent retrievers (Trevo XP and Solitaire FR) and two newer stent retrievers with segmented design (Embotrap and Versi) in each vascular model.ResultsBoth the type of stent retriever and the severity of vessel tortuosity significantly affected the successful recanalization rate. Post-hoc tests showed that the rate of revascularization was significantly less in severe tortuosity than in mild or moderate tortuosity (P<0.001). The Versi resulted in higher success rates than the Solitaire (P<0.01) and the Trevo (P<0.05). The success rates of the Embotrap were higher than the Solitaire and Trevo stent retrievers, although the difference was not statistically significant.ConclusionsSevere tortuosity reduces the performance of mechanical thrombectomy. The segmented design in stent retrievers could improve the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in tortuous vessels.Trial registrationESCAPENCT01778335;SWIFT PRIME >NCT01657461; REVASCAT >NCT01692379; All post-results.