bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ratio of fetal choroid plexus to head size: simple sonographic marker of open spina bifida at 11–13 weeks' gestation
Authors: Chaoui R. , Benoit B. , Entezami M. , Frenzel W. , Heling K. S. , Ladendorf B. , Pietzsch V. , Sarut Lopez A. , Karl K. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo measure the ratio of choroid plexus (CP) size to head size in normal fetuses and to compare it to that in fetuses with open spina bifida (OSB) and quantify the subjective sign of a ‘dry brain’.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of ultrasound images, obtained during first‐trimester screening between 11 and 13 weeks of gestation, from 34 fetuses with OSB and 160 normal fetuses. From the hospital databases, we retrieved images of the fetal head in the transventricular axial plane. We measured the areas of both CPs and the head and calculated the ratio between them. We also measured the longest diameter of each CP and calculated their mean (CP length), and measured the occipitofrontal diameter (OFD) and calculated the ratio of CP length to OFD. Measurements from the OSB fetuses were plotted on crown–rump length (CRL) reference ranges constructed using data from the normal fetuses, and Z‐scores were calculated.ResultsIn the normal fetuses, the CP area increased, while the ratios of CP area to head area and CP length to OFD decreased, with increasing CRL. In 30 of the 34 (88%) fetuses with OSB, both ratios were increased significantly and the CPs filled the entirety of the head, giving the impression of a dry brain. In these cases, the borders of the lateral ventricles could not be identified.ConclusionsAt 11–13 weeks, the majority of fetuses with OSB have reduced fluid in the lateral ventricles such that the CPs fill the head. The dry brain sign is easily visualized during routine first‐trimester ultrasound examination while measuring the biparietal diameter, and can be quantified by comparing the size of the CPs to the head size. Until prospective data confirm the usefulness of this sign in screening for OSB, it should be considered as a hint to prompt the examiner to assess thoroughly the posterior fossa and spine. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Hospital wastewater treatment reduces NDM‐positive bacteria being discharged into water bodies
Authors: Divyashree Mithoor , Mani Madhu K. , Shama Prakash Kabekkodu , Vijaya Kumar Deekshit , Veena Shetty Alandur , Shetty Avinash K. , Karunasagar Indrani 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNew Delhi metallo‐β‐lactamase‐1 (NDM‐1) is a novel type of metallo‐β‐lactamase (MBL) associated with Enterobacteriaceae constitutes an important growing public health threat. The present study aims to characterize the NDM‐1 producing Gram‐negative bacteria (GNB) from the effluents of two tertiary care hospitals in Mangalore, South India and to profile their antibiotic resistance pattern. A total of 134 GNB were isolated from 30 hospital wastewater samples (treated and untreated) and analyzed. High‐level resistance among untreated effluent sample was found toward nalidixic acid (74.52%), followed by cefotaxime (72.64%) and ampicillin (66.03%). Among the treated effluent isolates, the high resistance was found toward ampicillin (85.71%) followed by cefotaxime (85.71%) and piperacillin–tazobactam (53.57%). From untreated effluent isolates, 9 were NDM‐1 positive by PCR; no isolates from treated effluent samples harbored blaNDM‐1. Untreated hospital wastewater is found to be important reservoirs of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria carrying blaNDM‐1, and the presence of such bacteria in the effluents is a matter of great concern because they can contribute the antibiotic resistance to the natural environment. However, the absence of NDM in treated effluents emphasizes the importance of effluent treatment in reducing the dissemination of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria.Practitioner points

Hospital wastewater is the important reservoir of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria especially metallo‐β‐lactamase producers (NDM‐1).

Wastewater treatment procedures in hospitals reduce the NDM isolates in the treated effluent.

Thereby reduces the risk of resistance spread in the environment.
Fbxl17 is rearranged in breast cancer and loss of its activity leads to increased global O-GlcNAcylation
Authors: Mason Bethany , Flach Susanne , Teixeira Felipe R. , Manzano Garcia Raquel , Rueda Oscar M. , Abraham Jean E. , Caldas Carlos , Edwards Paul A. W. , Laman Heike 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn cancer, many genes are mutated by genome rearrangement, but our understanding of the functional consequences of this remains rudimentary. Here we report the F-box protein encoded byFBXL17is disrupted in the region of the gene that encodes its substrate-binding leucine rich repeat (LRR) domain. Truncating Fbxl17 LRRs impaired its association with the other SCF holoenzyme subunits Skp1, Cul1 and Rbx1, and decreased ubiquitination activity. Loss of the LRRs also differentially affected Fbxl17 binding to its targets. Thus, genomic rearrangements inFBXL17are likely to disrupt SCFFbxl17-regulated networks in cancer cells. To investigate the functional effect of these rearrangements, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify Fbxl17-interacting proteins. Among the 37 binding partners Uap1, an enzyme involved inO-GlcNAcylation of proteins was identified most frequently. We demonstrate that Fbxl17 binds to UAP1 directly and inhibits its phosphorylation, which we propose regulates UAP1 activity. Knockdown of Fbxl17 expression elevatedO-GlcNAcylation in breast cancer cells, arguing for a functional role for Fbxl17 in this metabolic pathway.
Chain length of dietary fatty acids determines gastrointestinal motility and visceromotor function in mice in a fatty acid binding protein 4-dependent manner
Authors: Mosińska Paula , Szczepaniak Adrian , Wojciechowicz Tatiana , Skrzypski Marek , Nowak Krzysztof , Fichna Jakub 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
We hypothesize that different types of dietary fatty acids (FAs) affect gastrointestinal (GI) motility and visceromotor function and that this effect can be regulated by the fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4).

Methods
Mice were fed for 60 days with standard diet (STD), STD with 7% (by weight) coconut oil, rich in medium-chain FAs (MCFAs) (COCO), or with 7% evening primrose oil, rich in long-chain FAs (LCFAs) (EPO). In each group, half of the mice received FABP4 inhibitor, BMS309403 (1 mg/kg; i.p.) twice a week. Body weight (BW) and food intake were measured; well-established tests were performed to characterize the changes in GI motility and visceral pain. White adipose tissue and colonic samples were collected for cell culturing and molecular studies.

Results
COCO significantly increased GI transit, but not colonic motility. COCO and EPO delayed the onset of diarrhea, but none affected the effect of loperamide. EPO reduced BW and increased the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension (CRD). COCO and EPO reduced differentiation of preadipocytes. Treatment with BMS309403: (1) reversed the effects induced by COCO in physiological conditions and in mouse models of diarrhea; (2) prevented the effects of EPO on BW, VMR to CRD and castor oil-induced diarrhea; (3) affected proliferation of preadipocytes; (4) changed the expression of Fabp4 in colonic and adipocyte samples from COCO and EPO.

Conclusion
Modifying dietary intake of MCFAs and LCFAs may be used to control GI motility or visceral pain and thus modulate the symptoms of functional GI disorders. The effect is dependent on the expression of FABP4.
Generalised free energy and active inference
Authors: Parr Thomas , Friston Karl J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Active inference is an approach to understanding behaviour that rests upon the idea that the brain uses an internal generative model to predict incoming sensory data. The fit between this model and data may be improved in two ways. The brain could optimise probabilistic beliefs about the variables in the generative model (i.e. perceptual inference). Alternatively, by acting on the world, it could change the sensory data, such that they are more consistent with the model. This implies a common objective function (variational free energy) for action and perception that scores the fit between an internal model and the world. We compare two free energy functionals for active inference in the framework of Markov decision processes. One of these is a functional of beliefs (i.e. probability distributions) about states and policies, but a function of observations, while the second is a functional of beliefs about all three. In the former (expected free energy), prior beliefs about outcomes are not part of the generative model (because they are absorbed into the prior over policies). Conversely, in the second (generalised free energy), priors over outcomes become an explicit component of the generative model. When using the free energy function, which is blind to future observations, we equip the generative model with a prior over policies that ensure preferred (i.e. priors over) outcomes are realised. In other words, if we expect to encounter a particular kind of outcome, this lends plausibility to those policies for which this outcome is a consequence. In addition, this formulation ensures that selected policies minimise uncertainty about future outcomes by minimising the free energy expected in the future. When using the free energy functional—that effectively treats future observations as hidden states—we show that policies are inferred or selected that realise prior preferences by minimising the free energy of future expectations. Interestingly, the form of posterior beliefs about policies (and associated belief updating) turns out to be identical under both formulations, but the quantities used to compute them are not.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells predict survival of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Vihervuori H. , Autere T. A. , Repo H. , Kurki S. , Kallio L. , Lintunen M. M. , Talvinen K. , Kronqvist P. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Tumor inflammatory response was evaluated as a prognostic feature in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and compared with the clinical prognosticators of breast cancer and selected biomarkers of cancer cell proliferation.

Methods
TNBC patients (n = 179) with complete clinical data and up to 18-year follow-up were obtained from Auria biobank, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and several subtypes of inflammatory cells detected with immunohistochemistry were evaluated in different tumor compartments in full tissue sections and tissue microarrays.

Results
Deficiency of stromal TILs and low number of CD8+ T cells independently predicted mortality in TNBC (HR 2.4, p 0.02 and HR 2.1, p 0.02, respectively). Each 10% decrease in stromal TILs resulted in 20% increased risk of mortality. An average of 13.2-year survival difference was observed between the majority (> 75%) of patients with low (< 14% of TILs) vs high (≥ 14% of TILs) frequency of CD8+ T cells. The prognostic value of TILs and CD8+ T cells varied when evaluated in different tumor compartments. TILs and CD8+ T cells were significantly associated with Securin and Separase, essential regulators of metaphase–anaphase transition of the cell cycle.

Discussion
TILs and CD8+ T cells provide additional prognostic value to the established clinical prognostic markers in TNBC. However, possible clinical applications would still benefit from systematic guidelines for evaluating tumor inflammatory response. Increasing understanding on the interactions between the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and inflammatory response may in future advance treatment of TNBC.
Selegiline: a molecule with innovative potential
Authors: Tábi Tamás , Vécsei László , Youdim Moussa B. , Riederer Peter , Szökő Éva 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors have an established role in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease as monotherapy or adjuvant to levodopa. Two major recognitions were required for their introduction into this therapeutic field. The first was the elucidation of the novel pharmacological properties of selegiline as a selective MAO-B inhibitor by Knoll and Magyar and the original idea of Riederer and Youdim, supported by Birkmayer, to explore its effect in parkinsonian patients with on–off phases. In the 1960s, MAO inhibitors were mainly studied as potential antidepressants, but Birkmayer found that combined use of levodopa and various MAO inhibitors improved akinesia in Parkinson’s disease. However, the serious side effects of the first non-selective MAO inhibitors prevented their further use. Later studies demonstrated that MAO-B, mainly located in glial cells, is important for dopamine metabolism in the brain. Recently, cell and molecular studies revealed interesting properties of selegiline opening new possibilities for neuroprotective mechanisms and a disease-modifying effect of MAO-B inhibitors.
Contributions to the stereochemistry of zirconium oxysalts—part III: syntheses and crystal structures of M2+Zr(SO4)3 with M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd, and a note on (Fe3+,2+,Zr)2(SO4)3 and Fe2(SO4)3
Authors: Giester Gerald , Talla Dominik , Wildner Manfred 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe novel compoundsM2+Zr(SO4)3withM = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cd as well as (Fe3+,2+,Zr)2(SO4)3were synthesized at mild hydrothermal conditions (Teflon-lined stainless steel vessels, 220 °C) from the mixtures of Zr2O2(CO3)(OH)2, the respectiveM2+(SO4)·nH2O hydrated salts, H2SO4and a minor amount of water. Crystals up to several tenths of a mm in size were obtained within a few days and studied at 200 K by single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. All these compounds belong to the structure type of monoclinic Fe2(SO4)3; they are either isotypic in space groupP21/n(No. 14),Z = 4, i.e.M2+Zr(SO4)3withM = Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cd as well as the mixed valence sulfate (Fe3+,2+,Zr)2(SO4)3or in the case of MgZr(SO4)3, closely related but with a larger unit cell, in space groupPcandZ = 8. The framework of the monoclinic Fe2(SO4)3structure is characterized by two types of isolated Fe3+O6octahedra, corner-linked with three types of sulfate groups. In the isotypicM2+Zr(SO4)3series, the Fe3+atom on the Fe(1) position is substituted by Zr4+whileM2+ions occupy the Fe(2) site in the ferric sulfate structure type. Mean cation-oxygen bond lengths (S[4]: 1.462–1.472 Å; Zr[6]: 2.053–2.060 Å as well asM2+–O distances) are generally rather short, but still within the range reported in literature.Graphic abstract
Semi-automatic segmentation from intrinsically-registered 18F-FDG–PET/MRI for treatment response assessment in a breast cancer cohort: comparison to manual DCE–MRI
Authors: Andreassen Maren Marie Sjaastad , Goa Pål Erik , Sjøbakk Torill Eidhammer , Hedayati Roja , Eikesdal Hans Petter , Deng Callie , Østlie Agnes , Lundgren Steinar , Bathen Tone Frost , Jerome Neil Peter 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate the reliability of simultaneous positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI)-derived biomarkers using semi-automated Gaussian mixture model (GMM) segmentation on PET images, against conventional manual tumor segmentation on dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) images.

Materials and methods
Twenty-four breast cancer patients underwent PET/MRI (following 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) injection) at baseline and during neoadjuvant treatment, yielding 53 data sets (24 untreated, 29 treated). Two-dimensional tumor segmentation was performed manually on DCE–MRI images (manual DCE) and using GMM with corresponding PET images (GMM–PET). Tumor area and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from both segmentation methods were compared, and spatial overlap between the segmentations was assessed with Dice similarity coefficient and center-of-gravity displacement.

Results
No significant differences were observed between mean ADC and tumor area derived from manual DCE segmentation and GMM–PET. There were strong positive correlations for tumor area and ADC derived from manual DCE and GMM–PET for untreated and treated lesions. The mean Dice score for GMM–PET was 0.770 and 0.649 for untreated and treated lesions, respectively.

Discussion
Using PET/MRI, tumor area and mean ADC value estimated with a GMM–PET can replicate manual DCE tumor definition from MRI for monitoring neoadjuvant treatment response in breast cancer.
Stand growth and structure of mixed-species and monospecific stands of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and oak (Q. robur L., Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) analysed along a productivity gradient through Europe
Authors: Pretzsch H. , Steckel M. , Heym M. , Biber P. , Ammer C. , Ehbrecht M. , Bielak K. , Bravo F. , Ordóñez C. , Collet C. , Vast F. , Drössler L. , Brazaitis G. , Godvod K. , Jansons A. , de-Dios-García J. , Löf M. , Aldea J. , Korboulewsky N. , Reventlow D. O. J. , Nothdurft A. , Engel M. , Pach M. , Skrzyszewski J. , Pardos M. , Ponette Q. , Sitko R. , Fabrika M. , Svoboda M. , Černý J. , Wolff B. , Ruíz-Peinado R. , del Río M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPast failures of monocultures, caused by wind-throw or insect damages, and ongoing climate change currently strongly stimulate research into mixed-species stands. So far, the focus has mainly been on combinations of species with obvious complementary functional traits. However, for any generalization, a broad overview of the mixing reactions of functionally different tree species in different mixing proportions, patterns and under different site conditions is needed, including assemblages of species with rather similar demands on resources such as light. Here, we studied the growth of Scots pine and oak in mixed versus monospecific stands on 36 triplets located along a productivity gradient across Europe, reaching from Sweden to Spain and from France to Georgia. The set-up represents a wide variation in precipitation (456–1250 mm year−1), mean annual temperature (6.7–11.5 °C) and drought index by de Martonne (21–63 mm °C−1). Stand inventories and increment cores of trees stemming from 40- to 132-year-old, fully stocked stands on 0.04–0.94-ha-sized plots provided insight into how species mixing modifies stand growth and structure compared with neighbouring monospecific stands. On average, the standing stem volume was 436 and 360 m3 ha−1in the monocultures of Scots pine and oak, respectively, and 418 m3 ha−1in the mixed stands. The corresponding periodical annual volume increment amounted to 10.5 and 9.1 m3 ha−1 year−1in the monocultures and 10.5 m3 ha−1 year−1in the mixed stands. Scots pine showed a 10% larger quadratic mean diameter (p < 0.05), a 7% larger dominant diameter (p < 0.01) and a 9% higher growth of basal area and volume in mixed stands compared with neighbouring monocultures. For Scots pine, the productivity advantages of growing in mixture increased with site index (p < 0.01) and water supply (p < 0.01), while for oak they decreased with site index (p < 0.01). In total, the superior productivity of mixed stands compared to monocultures increased with water supply (p < 0.10). Based on 7843 measured crowns, we found that in mixture both species, but especially oak, had significantly wider crowns (p < 0.001) than in monocultures. On average, we found relatively small effects of species mixing on stand growth and structure. Scots pine benefiting on rich, and oak on poor sites, allows for a mixture that is productive and most likely climate resistant all along a wide ecological gradient. We discuss the potential of this mixture in view of climate change.
Stereotypical and Actual Associations of Breast Size with Mating-Relevant Traits
Authors: Kościński Krzysztof , Makarewicz Rafał , Bartoszewicz Zbigniew 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBreast size varies substantially among women and influences perception of the woman by other people with regard to her attractiveness and other characteristics that are important in social contexts, including mating. The theory of sexual selection predicts that physical criteria of partner selection should be markers of the candidate’s desirable properties, mainly biological quality. Few studies, however, have examined whether breast size really signals biological quality or its components and whether observers accurately interpret these signals. Our first study encompassed 163 young women and aimed to establish actual correlates of breast size. The aim of the second study was to determine preferences and stereotypes related to breast size: 252–265 women and men evaluated female digital figures varying in, among other characteristics, breast size. Breast size (breast circumference minus chest circumference) was negatively associated with body asymmetry and positively associated with infections of the respiratory system, but did not correlate with infections of the digestive system, openness to casual sex, and testosterone and estradiol level. Women and men perceived breasts in a similar way to each other: the bigger the breasts the higher the reproductive efficiency, lactational efficiency, sexual desire, and promiscuity attributed to the woman. Nevertheless, large breasts were not regarded more attractive than average ones, though small breasts were the least attractive. In addition, big-breasted women were perceived as less faithful and less intelligent than women with average or small breasts. We discuss our results from the perspectives of evolutionary psychology, perceptual biases, and social stereotypes.
Nestin Null Mice Show Improved Reversal Place Learning
Authors: Wilhelmsson Ulrika , Kalm Marie , Pekna Marcela , Pekny Milos 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The intermediate filament protein nestin is expressed by neural stem cells, but also by some astrocytes in the neurogenic niche of the hippocampus in the adult rodent brain. We recently reported that nestin-deficient (Nes−/−) mice showed increased adult hippocampal neurogenesis, reduced Notch signaling from Nes−/− astrocytes to the neural stem cells, and impaired long-term memory. Here we assessed learning and memory of Nes−/− mice in a home cage set up using the IntelliCage system, in which the mice learn in which cage corner a nose poke earns access to drinking water. Nes−/− and wildtype mice showed comparable place learning assessed as the incorrect corner visit ratio and the incorrect nose poke ratio. However, during reversal place learning, a more challenging task, Nes−/− mice, compared to wildtype mice, showed improved learning over time demonstrated by the incorrect visit ratio and improved memory extinction over time assessed as nose pokes per visit to the previous drinking corner. In addition, Nes−/− mice showed increased explorative activity as judged by the increased total numbers of corner visits and nose pokes. We conclude that Nes−/− mice exhibit improved reversal place learning and memory extinction, a finding which together with the previous results supports the concept of the dual role of hippocampal neurogenesis in cognitive functions.