bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decomposition and nutrient release of grass and tree fine roots along an environmental gradient in southern Patagonia
Authors: Gargaglione Verónica , Bahamonde Héctor Alejandro , Peri Pablo Luis 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDecomposition of fine roots is a fundamental ecosystem process that relates to carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, this important ecosystem process has been hardly studied in Patagonian ecosystems. The aim of this work was to study root decomposition and nutrient release from fine roots of grasses and trees (Nothofagus antarctica) across a range of Patagonian ecosystems that included steppe, primary forest and silvopastoral forests. After 2.2 years of decomposition in the field all roots retained 70–90% of their original mass, and decomposition rates were 0.09 and 0.15 year−1 for grass roots in steppe and primary forest, respectively. For N. antarctica roots, no significant differences were found in rates of decay between primary and silvopastoral forests (k = 0.07 year−1). Possibly low temperatures of these southern sites restricted decomposition by microorganisms. Nutrient release differed between sites and root types. Across all ecosystem categories, nitrogen (N) retention in decomposing biomass followed the order: tree roots > roots of forest grasses > roots of steppe grasses. Phosphorus (P) was retained in grass roots in forest plots but was released during decomposition of tree and steppe grass roots. Calcium (Ca) dynamics also was different between root types, since trees showed retention during the initial phase, whereas grass roots showed a slow and consistent Ca release during decomposition. Potassium (K) was the only nutrient that was rapidly released from both grass and tree roots in both grasslands and woodlands. We found that silvopastoral use of N. antarctica forests does not affect grass or tree root decomposition and/or nutrient release, since no significant differences were found for any nutrient according to ecosystem type. Information about tree and grass root decomposition found in this work could be useful to understand C and nutrient cycling in these southern ecosystems, which are characterized by extreme climatic conditions.
An update of the pathogenesis of frontal fibrosing alopecia: What does the current evidence tell us?
Authors: Photiou Louise , Nixon Rosemary L , Tam Mei , Green Jack , Yip Leona 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFrontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is a primary patterned cicatricial alopecia with a complicated pathogenesis yet to be fully understood. FFA appears to be increasing in incidence worldwide, especially in the last decade. In order to consider current treatment options, we reviewed current evidence for its pathogenesis comprising immune‐mediated, genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. Th1‐mediated inflammation with collapse of hair follicle immune privilege and bulge epithelial stem cell destruction, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) depletion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition are key events leading to permanent hair follicle destruction in FFA. Although the vast majority of cases are sporadic, familial reports of FFA implicate genetic or epigenetic mechanisms in its pathogenesis. The frequent onset of FFA in post‐menopausal women, similar patterning and co‐existence with female pattern hair loss, together with a reportedly good response to 5α‐reductase inhibitors suggest a role for sex steroid hormones. The reported increasing incidence invites speculation for, yet unproven, environmental triggers such as sun exposure and topical allergens. More robust research into this unique entity is required to help understand the complexity of the pathogenesis of FFA in order to find satisfactory therapeutic targets for this often distressing condition.
Prospective randomized comparative study of pigtail catheter drainage versus percutaneous needle aspiration in treatment of liver abscess
Authors: Kulhari Mukesh , Mandia Rajendra 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundThis prospective randomized comparative study is designed to compare outcomes of ultrasonography‐guided pigtail catheter drainage (PCD) and needle aspiration for the treatment of liver abscesses in terms of days to achieve clinical improvement, 50% reduction in cavity size and duration of hospital stay.MethodsThis is a hospital‐based comparative study conducted in SMS Hospital, Jaipur, India, from May 2015 to May 2017. Sample size was calculated to be 95 subjects in each of the two groups at α error of 0.05 and power of 80%. Independent t‐test was used for statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 190 patients of liver abscess were included in this study and we treated 95 patients with percutaneous needle aspiration (PNA) and remaining patients with PCD along with systemic antibiotics. Mean time for clinical improvement in PNA group (6.96 ± 1.33 days) was higher as compared to PCD group (4.22 ± 1.25 days). The mean time for reduction of cavity size to 50% of original size in PNA group (7.05 ± 1.25 days) was higher as compared to PCD group (4.43 ± 1.27 days). Mean hospital stay of patients in PNA group (12.9 ± 4.02 days) was higher as compared to PCD group (11.44 ± 4.15 days).ConclusionPercutaneous catheter drainage is a better modality as compared to PNA especially in larger abscesses which are partially liquefied.
Paediatric chronic hepatitis B virus infection: are children too tolerant to treat?
Authors: El‐Raziky Mona El‐Said , Fouad Hanan Mina , Abd Elkhalak Noha Saber , Ghobrial Carolyne Morcos , El‐Karaksy Hanaa Mostafa 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimGuidelines for managing the hepatitis B (HB) virus infection in children are still evolving. We aimed to assess the eligibility of children with HB virus infections for treatment based on the current guidelines.MethodsThis observational study took place in 2016 and focused on children with isolated chronic HB infections, who attended the paediatric hepatology units at two centres in Egypt. We recruited all treatment‐naïve children aged one year to 18 years who had completed at least 12 months of follow‐up.ResultsThe study comprised 103 children aged between 1.5–18 years. Of these, 51 (50%) had the HB e antigen‐positive chronic infection, 28 (27%) had the HB‐negative chronic infection, 11 (11%) had the HB e antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis and none had the HB e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis. The remaining 13 (12%) children did not fulfil the criteria for chronic HB definitions. Only two of the children were candidates for treatment: both had HB e antigen‐positive chronic hepatitis and had undergone liver biopsies.ConclusionOnly two of the 103 children with chronic HB were eligible for treatment according to the current guidelines and every measure should be taken to prevent the HB virus infection in children.
Phosphorylation of cardiac voltage‐gated sodium channel: Potential players with multiple dimensions
Authors: Iqbal Shahid M. , Lemmens‐Gruber Rosa 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCardiomyocytes are highly coordinated cells with multiple proteins organized in micro domains. Minor changes or interference in subcellular proteins can cause major disturbances in physiology. The cardiac sodium channel (NaV1.5) is an important determinant of correct electrical activity in cardiomyocytes which are localized at intercalated discs, T‐tubules and lateral membranes in the form of a macromolecular complex with multiple interacting protein partners. The channel is tightly regulated by post‐translational modifications for smooth conduction and propagation of action potentials. Among regulatory mechanisms, phosphorylation is an enzymatic and reversible process which modulates NaV1.5 channel function by attaching phosphate groups to serine, threonine or tyrosine residues. Phosphorylation of NaV1.5 is implicated in both normal physiological and pathological processes and is carried out by multiple kinases. In this review, we discuss and summarize recent literature about the (a) structure of NaV1.5 channel, (b) formation and subcellular localization of NaV1.5 channel macromolecular complex, (c) post‐translational phosphorylation and regulation of NaV1.5 channel, and (d) how these phosphorylation events of NaV1.5 channel alter the biophysical properties and affect the channel during disease status. We expect, by reviewing these aspects will greatly improve our understanding of NaV1.5 channel biology, physiology and pathology, which will also provide an insight into the mechanism of arrythmogenesis at molecular level.
Neurons in the rat ventral lateral preoptic area are essential for the warm‐evoked inhibition of brown adipose tissue and shivering thermogenesis
Authors: Conceição Ellen P. S. , Madden Christopher J. , Morrison Shaun F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAimTo determine the role of neurons in the ventral part of the lateral preoptic area (vLPO) in CNS thermoregulation.MethodsIn vivo electrophysiological and neuropharmacological were used to evaluate the contribution of neurons in the vLPO to the regulation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis and muscle shivering in urethane/chloralose‐anaesthetized rats.ResultsNanoinjections of NMDA targeting the medial preoptic area (MPA) and the vLPO suppressed the cold‐evoked BAT sympathetic activity (SNA), reduced the BAT temperature (TBAT), expired CO2, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate. Inhibition of vLPO neurons with muscimol or AP5/CNQX elicited increases in BAT SNA, TBAT, tachycardia, and small elevations in MAP. The BAT thermogenesis evoked by AP5/CNQX in vLPO was inhibited by the activation of MPA neurons. The inhibition of BAT SNA by vLPO neurons does not require a GABAergic input to dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), but MPA provides a GABAergic input to DMH. The activation of vLPO neurons inhibits the BAT thermogenesis evoked by NMDA in the rostral raphe pallidus (rRPa), but not that after bicuculline in rRPa. The BAT thermogenesis elicited by vLPO inhibition is dependent on glutamatergic inputs to DMH and rRPa, but these excitatory inputs do not arise from MnPO neurons. The activation of neurons in the vLPO also inhibits cold‐ and prostaglandin‐evoked muscle shivering, and vLPO inhibition is sufficient to evoke shivering.ConclusionThe vLPO contains neurons that are required for the warm ambient‐evoked inhibition of muscle shivering and of BAT thermogenesis, mediated through a direct or indirect GABAergic input to rRPa from vLPO.
An evaluation of the role of mixing techniques in the observed variation in acetylcysteine infusion concentrations
Authors: Layne Kerry , Hope Louise , Rab Edmund , Archer John , Wood David M. , Dargan Paul I. 
Published: October 2018

Intravenous acetylcysteine is commonly prescribed as a course of three infusions for the management of paracetamol poisoning. Previous studies have demonstrated large variation in administered doses of intravenous acetylcysteine, which has been attributed to numerous factors, including inadequate mixing of infusion bags. The aim of this study was to determine whether the amount of mixing of infusion bags contributes significantly to this variation. Using acetylcysteine doses for a 60–69 kg patient, we added the appropriate volume of acetylcysteine to 5% glucose and subsequently inverted the infusion bags 0–5 times to mix the solutions. Infusion bags were then run through using an infusion pump and acetylcysteine concentrations measured at the beginning and end of the infusions. We found no significant difference between the beginning and end concentrations of acetylcysteine regardless of whether bags were mixed or not; infusion 1 (150 mg kg−1) showed beginning and end concentrations of 44.61 and 42.48 mg ml−1 respectively after 0 mixes, whilst beginning and end concentrations were 44.45 and 44.58 mg ml−1 respectively after five mixes. The same trend was observed for infusions 2 and 3. This confirmed that mixing does not play a substantial role in variation of drug concentrations; these are likely to be caused by an accumulation of small errors in infusion preparation.
Education of children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders in Egypt
Authors: Gobrial Ereny , McAnelly Su , Shannon Patrick 
Published: October 2018

Accessible Summary

This paper reviews the present educational needs of children and young people and autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in Egypt.

Children with ASD are largely unrecognised by the educational provision in Egypt.

This paper highlights the need for an improved educational programme for children with ASD who also experience an associated learning disability and learning difficulties.

It is crucial to develop teacher support programmes and empower teachers to enable children and young people with ASD develop their fullest potential.

AbstractThis paper outlines, through a transnational discourse between partners in Egypt and the UK, an overview of the literature on the definition and features of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) with associated learning needs and health conditions as applied to children and young people in Egypt. As a low‐ to middle‐income country, Egypt has a poor and underdeveloped health, education and social service to support children with ASD and very little research has investigated this phenomenon. This paper adds to the discussion through the shared knowledge and practice in the educational curriculum of children with ASD in Egypt.
Stratigraphic response to spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing in rifted continental basin: Insight from a coupled tectonic‐stratigraphic numerical model
Authors: Wu Heng , Ji Youliang , Wu Chenliang , Duclaux Guillaume , Wu Hao , Gao Chonglong , Li Longdi , Chang Liang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe role of spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing in the development of stratigraphic patterns along passive margins and continental rift basins has been recognized for decades, but the exact nature of the stratigraphic response is still debated. This study develops a coupled tectonic‐stratigraphic numerical model with a fixed absolute lake level and constant climate conditions to quantify the signatures of spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing on the stratigraphic record. This model consists of a three‐dimensional rift basin with a range of geomorphic features and produces a number of well‐recognized stratigraphic patterns, which are commonly interpreted to be caused by lake‐/sea‐level or climate fluctuations. This study demonstrates that the shoreline and grain‐size front are decoupled through the adjustment of the depositional slope and sediment dispersal under spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing, especially in underfilled basins. Under such a decoupled situation, the pathway of the migrating subsidence centre correlates with the pathway of the grain‐size front, a result of competition between spatiotemporally varying tectonic forcing and autogenic sediment transport. The model results also highlight the significance of three‐dimensional variability in the stratigraphic response to tectonic forcing, which may be overlooked or misinterpreted and suggests a high degree of uncertainty in re‐establishing the base‐level cycles from the stratigraphic record alone. Moreover, spectral analysis of the modelled stratigraphy and tectonic forcing suggests that low‐frequency tectonic signals are more likely to be recorded in the stratigraphy with a lag time, whereas high‐frequency tectonic signals are likely to be shredded, mixed with autogenic signals, or buffered through sediment‐routing systems. Finally, quantitative measurements of the stratigraphic architecture of the Nanpu sag in the Bohai Bay Basin, China are used to tune the numerical model of this study to illustrate how to evaluate the role of tectonic forcing on the development of characteristic stratigraphic sequences.
LncRNA XIST mediates bovine mammary epithelial cell inflammatory response via NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Ma Mengru , Pei Yifei , Wang Xixi , Feng Jiaxin , Zhang Yong , Gao Ming‐Qing 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe correlations between long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and diverse mammal diseases have been clarified by many researches, but the cognition about bovine mastitis‐related lncRNAs remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of lncRNA X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST) in the inflammatory response of bovine mammary epithelial cells.Materials and methodsTwo inflammatory bovine mammary alveolar cell‐T (MAC‐T) models were established by infecting the cells with Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The expressions of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were measured, and the proliferation, viability and apoptosis of the inflammatory cells were evaluated after XIST was knocked down by an siRNA. The relationship among XIST, NF‐κB pathway and NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was investigated using an inhibitor of NF‐κB signal pathway.ResultsThe expression of XIST was abnormally increased in bovine mastitic tissues and inflammatory MAC‐T cells. Silencing of XIST significantly increased the expression of E. coli or S. aureus‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, knockdown of XIST could inhibit cell proliferation, suppress cell viability and promote cell apoptosis under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, XIST inhibited E. coli or S. aureus‐induced NF‐κB phosphorylation and the production of NLRP3 inflammasome.ConclusionsThe expression of XIST was promoted by activated NF‐κB pathway and, in turn, XIST generated a negative feedback loop to regulate NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway for mediating the process of inflammation.
Emerging roles of long non‐coding RNAs in neuropathic pain
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Xingye , Chen Xin , Li Shugang , Ho Idy H. T. , Liu Xiaodong , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNeuropathic pain, a type of chronic and potentially disabling pain resulting from primary injury/dysfunction of the somatosensory nervous system and spinal cord injury, is one of the most intense types of chronic pain, which incurs a significant economic and public health burden. However, our understanding of its cellular and molecular pathogenesis is still far from complete. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression and have recently been characterized as key modulators of neuronal functions. Emerging evidence suggested that lncRNAs are deregulated and play pivotal roles in the development of neuropathic pain. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the roles of deregulated lncRNAs (eg, KCNA2‐AS, uc.48+, NONRATT021972, MRAK009713, XIST, CCAT1) in the development of neuropathic pain. These studies suggested that specific regulation of lncRNAs or their downstream targets might provide novel therapeutic avenues for this refractory disease.
Effects of liver transplantation on health‐related quality of life in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Krawczyk Marcin , Koźma Małgorzata , Szymańska Agnieszka , Leszko Katarzyna , Przedniczek Marta , Mucha Krzysztof , Foroncewicz Bartosz , Pączek Leszek , Moszczuk Barbara , Milkiewicz Piotr , Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundPatients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have decreased health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Here, we investigate HRQoL in two cohorts of transplanted patients with PBC and compare their results to healthy subjects.Patients and MethodsWe used generic SF‐36 and disease‐specific PBC‐40 questionnaires to evaluate HRQoL in 26 patients with PBC (23 females, age 59.4 ± 5.7 years) before and after liver transplantation (LT), and in 107 patients with PBC (99 females, age 62.8 ± 6.7 years) who were previously transplanted. The control group was comprised of 60 healthy controls (55 females, age 54.6 ± 8.8 years).ResultsHealth‐related quality of life improved after LT in 85% of PBC patients. The SF‐36 measure showed significant (all P < 0.05) improvements in the majority of domains after LT, and in the summary scores both physical and mental. We also documented significant improvements in pruritus and fatigue after LT (all P < 0.01). However, liver graft recipients had significantly worse physical functioning, physical role, and emotional role domains, and physical component score (all P < 0.001), as compared to healthy subjects. No differences in HRQoL were detected between patients evaluated after short and prolonged post‐LT periods (P > 0.05).ConclusionLiver transplantation substantially improves most aspects of life quality in PBC patients. Nevertheless, their HRQoL remains worse in comparison to healthy individuals, mainly in physical aspects.
ADMA and NT pro‐BNP are associated with overall mortality in elderly
Authors: Sheikh Rezaei Safoura , Weisshaar Stefan , Litschauer Brigitte , Gouya Ghazaleh , Ohrenberger Gerald , Wolzt Michael 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIncreased asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NT pro‐BNP concentrations have been associated with mortality in patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease and the general population. The use of these prognostic markers in an older population is not established yet. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of age, sex, BMI, co‐medication and CV laboratory risk markers in geriatric care patients.Materials and methodsIn this prospective observational single‐centre cohort study data of long‐term geriatric care patients were collected. Blood samples were collected between 14.09.2009 and 16.12.2009, and mortality was recorded up to 90 months. ADMA, its symmetric isomer SDMA, L‐arginine, NT pro‐BNP and CRP were determined at study entry. Simple associations of risk factors for survival period were explored by Spearman correlation coefficient. Significant univariate predictors for survival period were used in the Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsA total of 481 patients were screened, and data from 449 patients were analysed. A total of 381 patients died during the observation period. Full data sets from 344 patients were used for Cox regression analysis. Male sex, older age, lower BMI, use of neuroleptic medicine, peripheral artery disease, and elevated plasma concentrations of ADMA, NT pro‐BNP, and CRP were significant predictors of mortality.ConclusionThe concentration of ADMA and NT pro‐BNP may be used as an early risk marker for overall mortality in geriatric care. Neuroleptic medicine is associated with increased mortality in this population.