bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of left atrial size and function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and in Fabry disease with left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Saccheri María Cristina , Cianciulli Tomás Francisco , Challapa Licidio Wilde , Lax Jorge A. , Beck Martín A. , Morita Luis A. , Gagliardi Juan A. ,   AADELFA
Published: February 2018

BackgroundFabry disease (FD) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are two diseases with a different pathophysiology, both cause left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and myocardial fibrosis. Although remodeling and systolic dysfunction of the left atrium (LA) are associated with atrial fibrillation and stroke in HCM, changes in the size and function of the LA have not been well studied in FD with LVH.MethodsThe following groups were studied prospectively, and their respective findings compared: 19 patients with non‐obstructive HCM (Group I), 20 patients with a diagnosis of Fabry cardiomyopathy (Group II), and 20 normal subjects matched for sex and age (Group III). Left ventricular mass index was measured using Devereux’ formula, left atrial volume with Simpson’s biplane method and left atrial mechanical function, including strain and strain rate, was measured using the speckle tracking technique. Strain and strain rate of the reservoir were measured during the three phases: reservoir (SR S), passive conduit (SR E) and atrial contraction (SR A).ResultsPatients with HCM had a larger left atrial volume than patients with FD (48.16 ± 14.3 mL/m2 vs 38.9 ± 14.9 mL/m2 respectively, P < .001), but in both disorders there was a severe decrease in left atrial function: reservoir strain in the apical four‐chamber view: 17.47% in HCM vs 22.5% in FD, P = .24), strain rate in the apical chamber view: SR A: −0.80/seconds in HCM vs −1.04/seconds in FD (P = .88), SR S: 0.69/seconds in HCM vs 0.93 in FD (P = .12), SR E: −0.80 seconds in HCM vs −0.97/seconds in FD (P = .18).ConclusionsIn this echocardiographic study we used speckle tracking to assess left atrial mechanical function and showed that FD is associated to an atrial cardiomyopathy, affecting the three phasic functions of the LA. Although in patients with HCM left atrial volume is larger than in patients with FD, both disorders exhibit severe decrease in left atrial function. These findings should be considered, given the potentially serious complications that can occur with the two diseases.
Sex matters: females in proestrus show greater diazepam anxiolysis and brain‐derived neurotrophin factor‐ and parvalbumin‐positive neurons than males
Authors: Ravenelle Rebecca , Berman Ariel K. , La Jeffrey , Mason Briana , Asumadu Evans , Yelleswarapu Chandra , Donaldson S. Tiffany 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn humans and animal models, sex differences are reported for anxiety‐like behavior and response to anxiogenic stimuli. In the current work, we studied anxiety‐like behavior and response to the prototypical anti‐anxiety drug, diazepam. We used 6th generation outbred lines of adult Long Evans rats with high and low anxiety‐like behavior phenotypes to investigate the impact of proestrus on the baseline and diazepam‐induced behavior. At three doses of diazepam (0, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/kg, i.p.), we measured anxiogenic responses on the elevated plus maze of adult male and female rats. We assessed parvalbumin and brain‐derived neurotrophin protein levels in forebrain and limbic structures implicated in anxiety/stress using immunohistochemistry. At baseline, we saw significant differences between anxiety lines, with high anxiety lines displaying less time on the open arms of the elevated plus maze, and less open arm entries, regardless of sex. During proestrus, high anxiety females showed less anxiety‐like behavior at 0.1 mg/kg, while low anxiety females displayed less anxiety‐like behavior at 0.1 and 1.0 doses, relative to males. Brain‐derived neurotrophin protein was elevated in females in the medial prefrontal cortex and central amygdala, while parvalbumin‐immunoreactive cells were greater in males in the medial prefrontal cortex. Parvalbumin‐positive cells in high anxiety females were higher in CA2 and dentate gyrus relative to males from the same line. In sum, when tested in proestrus, females showed greater anxiolytic effects of diazepam relative to males, and this correlated with increases in neurotrophin and parvalbumin neuron density in corticolimbic structures.
Node self‐connections and metapopulation persistence: reply to Saura (2018)
Authors: Zamborain‐Mason Jessica , Russ Garry R. , Abesamis Rene A. , Bucol Abner A. , Connolly Sean R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSaura () claims that studies using the Probability of Connectivity metric (PC) had already demonstrated the importance of including node self‐connections in network metrics. As originally defined and used, PC cannot test the importance of self‐connections. However, with key terms redefined, PC could be a useful tool in future work.
Electrocorticographic high‐gamma modulation with passive listening paradigm for pediatric extraoperative language mapping
Authors: Arya Ravindra , Wilson J. Adam , Fujiwara Hisako , Vannest Jennifer , Byars Anna W. , Rozhkov Leonid , Leach James L. , Greiner Hansel M. , Buroker Jason , Scholle Craig , Horn Paul S. , Crone Nathan E. , Rose Douglas F. , Mangano Francesco T. , Holland Katherine D. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryObjectiveThis prospective study compared the topography of high‐gamma modulation (HGM) during a story‐listening task requiring negligible patient cooperation, with the conventional electrical stimulation mapping (ESM) using a picture‐naming task, for presurgical language localization in pediatric drug‐resistant epilepsy.MethodsPatients undergoing extraoperative monitoring with subdural electrodes were included. Electrocorticographic signals were recorded during quiet baseline and a story‐listening task. The likelihood of 70‐ to 150‐Hz power modulation during the listening task relative to the baseline was estimated for each electrode and plotted on a cortical surface model. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were estimated compared to ESM, using a meta‐analytic framework.ResultsNineteen patients (10 with left hemisphere electrodes) aged 4‐19 years were analyzed. HGM during story listening was observed in bilateral posterior superior temporal, angular, supramarginal, and inferior frontal gyri, along with anatomically defined language association areas. Compared to either cognitive or both cognitive and orofacial sensorimotor interference with naming during ESM, left hemisphere HGM showed high specificity (0.82‐0.84), good accuracy (0.66‐0.70), and DOR of 2.23 and 3.24, respectively. HGM was a better classifier of ESM language sites in the left temporoparietal cortex compared to the frontal lobe. Incorporating visual naming with the story‐listening task substantially improved the accuracy (0.80) and DOR (13.61) of HGM mapping, while the high specificity (0.85) was retained. In the right hemisphere, no ESM sites for aphasia were seen, and the results of HGM and ESM comparisons were not significant.SignificanceHGM associated with story listening is a specific determinant of left hemisphere ESM language sites. It can be used for presurgical language mapping in children who cannot cooperate with conventional language tasks requiring active engagement. Incorporation of additional language tasks, if feasible, can further improve the diagnostic accuracy of language localization with HGM.
Time‐lapse imaging points towards a non‐toxic, mainly immune‐driven mode of action of ingenol mebutate in the treatment of anogenital warts
Authors: Braun Stephan Alexander , Bünemann Erich , Baran Julia , Homey Bernhard , Gerber Peter Arne 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecently, it has been reported that ingenol mebutate (IM) is an effective treatment option for anogenital warts (AGW), inducing fast wart necrosis within 24 hours in vivo. With regard to its mode of action, IM is thought to act both as an inducer of direct cytotoxic effects and immunologic mechanisms. To distinguish whether the wart necrosis is mainly caused by cytotoxic effects, or whether immune mechanisms are leading, we used time‐lapse imaging to analyse IM‐treated warts ex vivo over 24 hours. Ex vivo IM‐treated warts, which have been detached from the immune system, did not show destructive necrosis, pointing towards a primarily immune‐driven mode of action of IM in the treatment of AGW.
Skin microbiota and human 3D skin models
Authors: Rademacher Franziska , Simanski Maren , Gläser Regine , Harder Jürgen 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough the role of the microbiota in skin homeostasis is still emerging, there is growing evidence that an intact microbiota supports the skin barrier. The increasing number of research efforts that are trying to shed more light on the human skin‐microbiota interaction requires the use of suitable experimental models. Three‐dimensional (3D) skin equivalents have been established as a valuable tool in dermatological research because they contain a fully differentiated epidermal barrier that reflects the morphological and molecular characteristics of normal human epidermis. In this review, we provide an overview of current 3D skin models and illustrate the potential of 3D skin models to study the human skin‐microbiota interplay.
Variability of sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence according to stand age‐related processes in a managed loblolly pine forest
Authors: Colombo Roberto , Celesti Marco , Bianchi Remo , Campbell Petya K. E. , Cogliati Sergio , Cook Bruce D. , Corp Lawrence A. , Damm Alexander , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Guanter Luis , Julitta Tommaso , Middleton Elizabeth M. , Noormets Asko , Panigada Cinzia , Pinto Francisco , Rascher Uwe , Rossini Micol , Schickling Anke 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLeaf fluorescence can be used to track plant development and stress, and is considered the most direct measurement of photosynthetic activity available from remote sensing techniques. Red and far‐red sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) maps were generated from high spatial resolution images collected with theHyPlantairborne spectrometer over even‐aged loblolly pine plantations in North Carolina (United States). Canopy fluorescence yield (i.e., the fluorescence flux normalized by the light absorbed) in the red and far‐red peaks was computed. This quantifies the fluorescence emission efficiencies that are more directly linked to canopy function compared toSIFradiances. Fluorescence fluxes and yields were investigated in relation to tree age to infer new insights on the potential of those measurements in better describing ecosystem processes. The results showed that red fluorescence yield varies with stand age. Young stands exhibited a nearly twofold higher red fluorescence yield than mature forest plantations, while the far‐red fluorescence yield remained constant. We interpreted this finding in a context of photosynthetic stomatal limitation in aging loblolly pine stands. Current and future satellite missions provide global datasets ofSIFat coarse spatial resolution, resulting in intrapixel mixture effects, which could be a confounding factor for fluorescence signal interpretation. To mitigate this effect, we propose a surrogate of the fluorescence yield, namely the Canopy Cover Fluorescence Index (CCFI) that accounts for the spatial variability in canopy structure by exploiting the vegetation fractional cover. It was found that spatial aggregation tended to mask the effective relationships, while theCCFIwas still able to maintain this link. This study is a first attempt in interpreting the fluorescence variability in aging forest stands and it may open new perspectives in understanding long‐term forest dynamics in response to future climatic conditions from remote sensing ofSIF.
Ethical agro‐food networks in global peripheries, Part II: Re‐placing commodity dependence
Authors: Bidwell Simon , Murray Warwick E , Overton John 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis is the second of a two‐part series of review articles on ethical agro‐food networks (AFNs) in global peripheries, with a focus on Latin America. This article focuses on origin or locality‐based strategies, including geographical indications (GIs) as well as alternative approaches to valorising place–product connections. It compares the impacts of origin‐based networks to fair trade and organics and identifies possibilities for alternative or hybrid conceptualisations of these networks. It concludes by suggesting some directions for future research on ethical AFNs in the Global South. These include more study of local agro‐food networks in the South, more explicit attention to the role of the State, and analysis of the discursive as well as material construction of ethical AFNs in global peripheries.
The contribution of a negative colorectal screening test result to symptom appraisal and help‐seeking behaviour among patients subsequently diagnosed with an interval colorectal cancer
Authors: Barnett Karen N , Weller David , Smith Steve , Steele Robert JC , Vedsted Peter , Orbell Sheina , Moss Sue M , Melia Jane W , Patnick Julietta , Campbell Christine 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes using a guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBt) reduce CRC mortality. Interval cancers are diagnosed between screening rounds: reassurance from a negative gFOBt has the potential to influence the pathway to diagnosis of an interval colorectal cancer.MethodsTwenty‐six semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were carried out in Scotland and England, with individuals diagnosed with an interval colorectal cancer following a negative gFOBt result.ResultsParticipants reported they were reassured by a negative gFOBt, interpreting their result as an “all clear”. Therefore, most did not suspect cancer as a possible cause of symptoms and many did not recall their screening result during symptom appraisal. Among those who did consider cancer, and did think about their screening test result, reassurance from a negative gFOBt led some to “downplay” the seriousness of their symptoms with some interviewees explicitly stating that their negative test result contributed to a delayed decision to seek help.ConclusionScreening participants need to be informed of the limitations of screening and the ongoing risk of developing colorectal cancer even when in receipt of a negative result: the importance of minimizing delay in seeking medical advice for colorectal symptoms should be emphasized.
Effect of bristle stiffness of manual toothbrushes on normal and demineralized human enamel—An in vitro profilometric study
Authors: AlShehab AH , AlHazoom AA , Alowa MH , AlAli HA , Abdulmohsen AA , Farooq I 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the brushing abrasion carried out by manual toothbrushes with different bristle types (hard and soft) on normal and demineralized human enamel.Materials and MethodsThirty enamel blocks (N = 30) were prepared and were randomly divided into three main groups: A, teeth kept in artificial saliva with no brushing (control, n = 2); B, teeth brushed with toothbrushes with hard bristles (n = 14); and C, teeth brushed with toothbrushes with soft bristles (n = 14). Seven teeth belonging to groups B and C were brushed normally, and the remaining seven were demineralized before brushing experiments with 6 wt.% citric acid (pH = 2.2) for 5 minutes. The brushing experiments were carried out twice a day for 2 mins for 7 days inside a toothbrush simulation machine. The changes in the surface of enamel (prebrushing and post‐brushing) were evaluated using non‐contact profilometry. The results were analysed statistically using Kruskal‐Wallis test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test.ResultsFor both normal and demineralized enamel, toothbrushes with soft bristles caused more abrasion. The results revealed significant differences (P = .055) in the surface roughness values between the four groups prebrushing. Within each group, the prebrushing and post‐brushing surface roughness value differences were all statistically significant (P < .05).ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that soft bristles caused more abrasion as compared with the hard bristles. These results could have an impact on the toothbrush recommendations for patients.
Effect of high‐pressure processing on immunoreactivity, microbial and physicochemical properties of hazelnut milk
Authors: Tsai Min‐Ju , Cheng Ming‐Ching , Chen Bang‐Yuan , Wang Chung‐Yi 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of high‐pressure processing (HPP) and thermal processing (TP) on the overall quality attributes of hazelnut milk. HPP achieved the same microbial safety as TP, and the pH, °Brix and sugar contents were maintained at the levels of fresh hazelnut milk. Although HPP caused colour changes, the ∆E was smaller than that of the TP sample. Increasing pressure significantly decreased the immunoreactivity of the hazelnut milk by 70%, while simultaneously reducing the levels of essential and non‐essential amino acids and chemical score (CS) and the essential amino acid index (EAAI) values. However, neither HPP nor TP significantly affected the fatty acid composition of hazelnut milk. HPP retained higher total phenolic and flavonoid levels of the hazelnut milk, with a better antioxidant capacity than TP samples. Thus, the HPP maintained microbial safety during cold storage, and physicochemical properties of the treated hazelnut milk were not significantly different from those of the fresh hazelnut milk.
Identification and functional analysis of a novel chorion protein essential for egg maturation in the brown planthopper
Authors: Lou Y.‐H. , Pan P.‐L. , Ye Y.‐X. , Cheng C. , Xu H.‐J. , Zhang C.‐X. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn insect eggs, the chorion has the essential function of protecting the embryo from external agents during development while allowing gas exchange for respiration. In this study, we found a novel gene, Nilaparvata lugens chorion protein (NlChP), that is involved in chorion formation in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. NlChP was highly expressed in the follicular cells of female adult brown planthoppers. Knockdown of NlChP resulted in oocyte malformation and the inability to perform oviposition, and electron microscopy showed that the malformed oocytes had thin and rough endochorion layers compared to the control group. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis of the eggshell components revealed four unique peptides that were matched to NlChP. Our results demonstrate that NlChP is a novel chorion protein essential for egg maturation in N. lugens, a hemipteran insect with telotrophic meroistic ovaries. NlChP may be a potential target in RNA interference‐based insect pest management.
Lysophosphatidylserine suppression of T‐cell activation via GPR174 requires Gαs proteins
Authors: Barnes Michael J , Cyster Jason G 
Published: February 2018

AbstractG protein‐coupled receptors regulate diverse aspects of T‐cell activity and effector function. Recently, we showed that GPR174 mediates the suppression of T‐cell proliferation in vitro induced by the polar lipid lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS). Here, we investigated the in vivo activity of this pathway and characterized the mechanisms involved. Using in vivo models of T‐cell proliferation induced by sublethal irradiation or regulatory T‐cell depletion, we show that GPR174 expression can constrain T‐cell proliferation. In vitro experiments established that Gαs G proteins are needed for LysoPS/GPR174‐mediated suppression of T‐cell proliferation. Mechanistically, LysoPS acts via GPR174 and Gαs to suppress IL‐2 production by activated T cells and limit upregulation of the activation markers CD25 and CD69. Together, our findings identify GPR174 as an abundantly expressed Gαs‐dependent receptor that can negatively regulate naive T‐cell activation.See also: News and Commentary by Robert & Mackay.
The role of salt for immune cell function and disease
Authors: Willebrand Ralf , Kleinewietfeld Markus 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe immune system evolved to protect organisms from invading pathogens. A network of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cell types equipped with special effector molecules guarantees efficient elimination of intruders like viruses and bacteria. However, imbalances can lead to an excessive response of effector cells incurring autoimmune or allergic diseases. An interplay of genetic and environmental factors contributes to autoimmune diseases and recent studies provided evidence for an impact of dietary habits on the immune status and related disorders. Western societies underwent a change in lifestyle associated with changes in food consumption. Salt (sodium chloride) is one component prevalent in processed food frequently consumed in western countries. Here we summarize recent advances in understanding the mechanisms behind the effects of sodium chloride on immune cells like regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper (TH) 17 cells and its implication as a risk factor for several diseases.
Sponsor's cocreation and psychological ownership in reward‐based crowdfunding
Authors: Zheng Haichao , Xu Bo , Zhang Min , Wang Tao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCrowdfunding is a new financing channel for small and medium‐sized enterprises and individual entrepreneurs to raise funds for innovation projects online. In reward‐based crowdfunding, project sponsors invest money and receive rewards as a return. They may also participate in product development and project implementation as value cocreators. This paper investigates how sponsors' cocreation behaviours lead to their generation of psychological ownership in the crowdfunding projects. The research model was developed, and data were collected from sponsors on Zhongchou (www.zhongchou.com), a well‐known crowdfunding platform in China. The results indicated that psychological ownership is an important mental state for sponsors in crowdfunding, which significantly affects their commitment to projects. We also identified the important routes to sponsor psychological ownership in crowdfunding: perceived control and intimate knowing, through which sponsors' cocreation significantly influences the emergence of psychological ownership. The effects of cocreation process are moderated by 2 important factors: entrepreneur activeness, and sponsor's social connection, in the crowdfunding projects. This paper contributes to crowdfunding research and has practical implications for crowdfunding projects and platforms.
High‐Frequency Trading and the New Stock Market: Sense And Nonsense
Authors: Fox Merritt B. , Glosten Lawrence R. , Rauterberg Gabriel V. 
Published: February 2018

The stock market has been transformed during the last 25 years. Human suppliers of liquidity like the NASDAQ dealers and NYSE specialists have been replaced by algorithmic market making; stocks that once traded on a single venue now trade across twelve exchanges and a multitude of alternative trading systems. New venues like dark pools, and new participants like high‐frequency traders, have emerged to take on prominent roles. This new market has had more than its share of controversy and regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the wake of Michael Lewis’s bestseller Flash Boys.In this article, the authors analyze five of the most controversial new market practices, including various high‐frequency trading strategies and dark pool activities. They set out a simple conceptual framework based on adverse selection and agency problems, and apply that framework to assess the welfare effects of each of the five practices. While much that is criticized is indeed objectionable, other controversial practices are much more complex than popularly imagined and may in fact be socially desirable. They conclude by evaluating a range of potential reforms to equity market structure.