bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experience modulates motor imagery‐based brain activity
Authors: Kraeutner Sarah N. , McWhinney Sean R. , Solomon Jack P. , Dithurbide Lori , Boe Shaun G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWhether or not brain activation during motor imagery (MI), the mental rehearsal of movement, is modulated by experience (i.e. skilled performance, achieved through long‐term practice) remains unclear. Specifically,MIis generally associated with diffuse activation patterns that closely resemble novice physical performance, which may be attributable to a lack of experience with the task being imagined vs. being a distinguishing feature ofMI. We sought to examine how experience modulates brain activity driven viaMI, implementing a within‐ and between‐group design to manipulate experience across tasks as well as expertise of the participants. Two groups of ‘experts’ (basketball/volleyball athletes) and ‘novices’ (recreational controls) underwent magnetoencephalography (MEG) while performingMIof four multi‐articular tasks, selected to ensure that the degree of experience that participants had with each task varied. Source‐level analysis was applied toMEGdata and linear mixed effects modelling was conducted to examine task‐related changes in activity. Within‐ and between‐group comparisons were completedpost hocand difference maps were plotted. Brain activation patterns observed duringMIof tasks for which participants had a low degree of experience were more widespread and bilateral (i.e. within‐groups), with limited differences observed duringMIof tasks for which participants had similar experience (i.e. between‐groups). Thus, we show that brain activity duringMIis modulated by experience; specifically, that novice performance is associated with the additional recruitment of regions across both hemispheres. Future investigations of the neural correlates ofMIshould consider prior experience when selecting the task to be performed.
Re‐emergent tremor in Parkinson's disease: the effect of dopaminergic treatment
Authors: Belvisi D. , Conte A. , Cutrona C. , Costanzo M. , Ferrazzano G. , Fabbrini G. , Berardelli A. 
Published: March 2018

Background and purposePatients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with resting tremor may be affected by a tremor that appears after a varying latency while a posture is maintained, a phenomenon referred to as re‐emergent tremor (RET). The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and clinical features of RET in patients with PD tested off and on treatment, and to compare the effect of dopaminergic treatment on RET with the effect on resting and action tremor.MethodsWe consecutively enrolled 100 patients with PD. Patients were clinically evaluated 24 h after withdrawal of therapy (off‐treatment phase) and 60 min after therapy administration (on‐treatment phase). We collected the demographic and clinical data of patients with PD. The severity of the disease was assessed by means of the Hoehn and Yahr scale and Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III. We evaluated the latency, severity and body side affected both off and on treatment in patients with RET.ResultsRe‐emergent tremor was present in 24% of the patients with PD off treatment and in 19% of the patients on treatment. Dopaminergic treatment reduced the clinical severity of RET. Dopaminergic treatment increased the number of patients with unilateral RET and reduced the number of those who had bilateral RET. RET and resting tremor responded similarly to dopaminergic treatment, whereas action tremor was less responsive. Patients with RET had milder motor symptoms than patients without RET both off and on treatment.ConclusionsDopaminergic treatment modified RET occurrence, severity and body distribution. Dopaminergic depletion plays a role in the pathophysiology of RET.
Altered vaccine‐induced immunity in children with Dravet syndrome
Authors: Auvin Stéphane , Jeljeli Mohamed , Desnous Béatrice , Soussi‐Yanicostas Nadia , Dournaud Pascal , Sterkers Ghislaine 
Published: March 2018

SummaryDravet syndrome (DS) is a refractory epileptic syndrome. Vaccination is the trigger of the first seizure in about 50% of cases. Fever remains a trigger of seizures during the course of the disease. We compared ex vivo cytokine responses to a combined aluminium‐adjuvanted vaccine of children with DS to sex‐ and age‐matched heathy children. Using ex vivo cytokine responses of peripheral‐blood mononuclear cells and monocytes, we found that vaccine responsiveness is biased toward a proinflammatory profile in DS with a M1 phenotype of monocytes. We provide new insight into immune mechanisms associated with DS that might guide research for the development of new immunotherapeutic agents in this epilepsy syndrome.
Capturing genetic variation in crop wild relatives: An evolutionary approach
Authors: Egan Paul A. , Muola Anne , Stenberg Johan A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCrop wild relatives (CWRs) offer novel genetic resources for crop improvement. To assist in the urgent need to collect and conserve CWR germplasm, we advance here the concept of an “evolutionary” approach. Central to this approach is the predictive use of spatial proxies of evolutionary processes (natural selection, gene flow and genetic drift) to locate and capture genetic variation. As a means to help validate this concept, we screened wild‐collected genotypes of woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) in a common garden. A quantitative genetic approach was then used to test the ability of two such proxies—mesoclimatic variation (a proxy of natural selection) and landscape isolation and geographic distance between populations (proxies of gene flow potential)—to predict spatial genetic variation in three quantitative traits (plant size, early season flower number and flower frost tolerance). Our results indicated a significant but variable effect of mesoclimatic conditions in structuring genetic variation in the wild, in addition to other undetermined regional scale processes. As a proxy of gene flow potential, landscape isolation was also a likely determinant of observed patterns—as opposed to, and regardless of, geographic distance between populations. We conclude that harnessing proxies of adaptive and nonadaptive evolutionary processes could provide a robust and valuable means to identify genetic variation in CWRs. We thus advocate wider use and development of this approach amongst researchers, breeders and practitioners, to expedite the capture and in situ conservation of genetic resources provided by crop wild relatives.
Study of low‐temperature effect on the fracture locus of a 420‐MPa structural steel with the edge tracing method
Authors: Tu S. , Ren X. , Kristensen T.A. , He J. , Zhang Z. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractQuasi‐static tensile tests with smooth round bar and axisymmetric notched tensile specimens have been performed to study the low‐temperature effect on the fracture locus of a 420‐MPa structural steel. Combined with a digital high‐speed camera and a 2‐plane mirror system, specimen deformation was recorded in 2 orthogonal planes. Pictures taken were then analysed with the edge tracing method to calculate the minimum cross‐section diameter reduction of the necked/notched specimen. Obvious temperature effect was observed on the load‐strain curves for smooth and notched specimens. Both the strength and strain hardening characterized by the strain at maximum load increase with temperature decrease down to −60°C. Somewhat unexpected, the fracture strains (ductility) of both smooth and notched specimens at temperatures down to −60°C do not deteriorate, compared with those at room temperature. Combined with numerical analyses, it shows that the effect of low temperatures (down to −60°C) on fracture locus is insignificant. These findings shed new light on material selection for Arctic operation.
Prevalence of restless legs syndrome in a tertiary cohort of ambulant patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Ma Michael X. , Huang Yi , Adams Leon A. , Gilpin Robert , Garas George , MacQuillan Gerry , Jeffrey Gary P. , Nicholas Ross Mac 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA cross‐sectional survey of 188 ambulant patients with chronic liver disease was performed to determine the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) using a validated patient completed questionnaire. Patient responses were verified by standardised telephone interview. RLS was identified in 64 (34%) patients. Significantly, more patients with cirrhosis had RLS than patients without RLS (43.9 vs 23.3%, P = 0.003, respectively). Cirrhotic patients with a history of hepatic encephalopathy were also more likely to have RLS than patients without hepatic encephalopathy (odds ratio = 4.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.40–13.37, P = 0.011). Patients with chronic liver disease may be at risk for RLS; early detection and treatment may improve patient outcomes.
Severe methanol poisoning with neurological sequelae: implications for diagnosis and management
Authors: Holt Nicolette R. , Nickson Christopher P. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA 22‐year‐old woman presented with methanol toxicity manifesting as headache, reduced conscious state and visual change after consuming home‐made grappa. She progressed to a coma with fixed mydriasis and severe acidaemia (pH 6.55). She was treated with empirical antidote administration (intravenous ethanol) and enhanced elimination through haemodialysis. She survived despite her delayed presentation but developed significant neurological sequelae, including visual impairment. We provide an overview of key elements of diagnosis and recent updates in treatment recommendations.
Thirty‐day outcomes in Indigenous Australians following coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: O'Brien Jessica , Saxena Akshat , Reid Christopher M. , Tran Lavinia , Baker Robert A. , Newcomb Andrew , Smith Julian , Huq Molla M. , Duffy Stephen J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundIndigenous Australians have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and comorbidities compared to their non‐indigenous counterparts.AimsWe sought to evaluate whether indigenous status per se portends a worse prognosis following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsThe outcomes of 778 Indigenous Australians (55 ± 10 years; 32% female) enrolled in the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons registry were compared to 36 124 non‐Indigenous Australians (66 ± 10 years; 21% female) following isolated CABG. In a secondary analysis, patients were propensity‐matched by age, sex, renal function, diabetes and ejection fraction (778 individuals in each group).ResultsIndigenous Australians were younger and more likely to be female and current smokers and to have diabetes, hypertension, renal impairment, heart failure and previous CABG (all P < 0.04). Indigenous patients had fewer bypasses with arterial conduits (including less internal mammary artery use) and a higher number of distal vein anastomoses (P < 0.001). Postoperative bleeding rates were higher in indigenous patients (P = 0.001). However, in‐hospital and 30‐day all‐cause mortality and rates of 30‐day readmission were similar between both groups, although cardiac mortality was higher in the indigenous cohort (1.5% vs 0.8%, P = 0.02). With propensity‐matching, rates of postoperative complications were similar among the two groups, with the exception of bleeding, which remained higher in Indigenous Australians (P = 0.03).ConclusionsDespite procedural differences and higher rates of baseline comorbidities, Indigenous Australians do not have worse short‐term outcomes following isolated CABG. Given the higher rates of baseline comorbidities and lower rates of arterial conduit use, it will be essential to determine long‐term outcomes.
Inflammation in CNS neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Stephenson Jodie , Nutma Erik , van der Valk Paul , Amor Sandra 
Published: March 2018

SummaryNeurodegenerative diseases, the leading cause of morbidity and disability, are gaining increased attention as they impose a considerable socioeconomic impact, due in part to the ageing community. Neuronal damage is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, spinocerebellar ataxia and multiple sclerosis, although such damage is also observed following neurotropic viral infections, stroke, genetic white matter diseases and paraneoplastic disorders. Despite the different aetiologies, for example, infections, genetic mutations, trauma and protein aggregations, neuronal damage is frequently associated with chronic activation of an innate immune response in the CNS. The growing awareness that the immune system is inextricably involved in shaping the brain during development as well as mediating damage, but also regeneration and repair, has stimulated therapeutic approaches to modulate the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review the current understanding of how astrocytes and microglia, as well as neurons and oligodendrocytes, shape the neuroimmune response during development, and how aberrant responses that arise due to genetic or environmental triggers may predispose the CNS to neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss the known interactions between the peripheral immune system and the brain, and review the current concepts on how immune cells enter and leave the CNS. A better understanding of neuroimmune interactions during development and disease will be key to further manipulating these responses and the development of effective therapies to improve quality of life, and reduce the impact of neuroinflammatory and degenerative diseases.
Increased salt exposure affects both lymphoid and myeloid effector functions, influencing innate‐associated disease but not T‐cell‐associated autoimmunity
Authors: Vaartjes Daniëlle , Nandakumar Kutty‐Selva , Holmdahl Rikard , Raposo Bruno 
Published: March 2018

SummaryHigh salt consumption has since long been associated with elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Recently, mouse studies suggested that a high dietary salt intake exacerbates the clinical manifestations of autoimmunity. Using naïve cells ex vivo after pre‐exposure of mice to high salt intake, we showed that increased salt exposure affects the viability and effector functions of immune cells. CD4+ T‐cells evidenced a pro‐inflammatory phenotype characterized by increased secretion of IFNγ and IL‐17A, when exposed to high salt concentrations in vitro. Interestingly, this phenotype was associated with osmotic pressure, as replacing salt for d‐mannitol resulted in similar observations. However, high salt intake did not alter the development of T‐cell‐dependent autoimmunity. Instead, recruitment of peritoneal macrophages was increased in mice pre‐exposed to high salt concentrations. These cells had an increased production of both TNFα and IL‐10, suggesting that salt stimulates expansion and differentiation of different subsets of macrophages. Moreover, mice pre‐exposed to high salt intake developed exacerbated symptoms of colitis, when induced by dextran sulphate sodium. The aggravated colitis in salt‐exposed animals was associated with a higher frequency of CD4+ T‐cells and CD11b+ CD64+ macrophages producing TNFα. These phenotypes correlated with elevated titres of faecal IgA and higher lymphocytic cellularity in the colon, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. In conclusion, we report here that high salt intake affects both lymphoid and myeloid cells ex vivo. However, the effects of high salt intake in vivo seem less pronounced in terms of CD4+ T‐cell responses, whereas macrophage‐dependent pathologies are significantly influenced.
Nucleolin mediated pro‐angiogenic role of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in ischaemic cardiac dysfunction: Post‐transcriptional regulation of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9
Authors: Zou Jiang , Wang Nian , Liu Manting , Bai Yongping , Wang Hao , Liu Ke , Zhang Huali , Xiao Xianzhong , Wang Kangkai 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHydroxysafflor Yellow A (HSYA), a most representative ingredient of Carthamus tinctorius L., had long been used in treating ischaemic cardiovascular diseases in China and exhibited prominently anticoagulant and pro‐angiogenic activities, but the underlying mechanisms remained largely unknown. This study aimed to further elucidate the pro‐angiogenic effect and mechanism of HSYA on ischaemic cardiac dysfunction. A C57 mouse model of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was firstly established, and 25 mg/kg HSYA was intraperitoneally injected immediately after operation and given once, respectively, each morning and evening for 2 weeks. It was found that HSYA significantly improved ischaemia‐induced cardiac haemodynamics, enhanced the survival rate, alleviated the myocardial injury and increased the expressions of CD31, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) and nucleolin in the ischaemic myocardium. In addition, HSYA promoted the migration and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), enhanced the expressions of nucleolin, VEGF‐A and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. However, down‐regulation of nucleolin expression sharply abrogated the effect mentioned above of HSYA. Further protein‐RNA coimmunoprecipitation and immunoprecipitation‐RT‐PCR assay showed that nucleolin binded to VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 mRNA and overexpression of nucleolin up‐regulated the mRNA expressions of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 in the HUVECs through enhancing the stability of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 mRNA. Furthermore, HSYA increased the mRNA expressions of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 in the extract of antinucleolin antibody‐precipitated protein from the heart of AMI mice. Our data revealed that nucleolin mediated the pro‐angiogenic effect of HSYA through post‐transcriptional regulation of VEGF‐A and MMP‐9 expression, which contributed to the protective effect of HSYA on ischaemic cardiac dysfunction.
FGF1 improves functional recovery through inducing PRDX1 to regulate autophagy and anti‐ROS after spinal cord injury
Authors: Li Jiawei , Wang Qingqing , Cai Hanxiao , He Zili , Wang Haoli , Chen Jian , Zheng Zengming , Yin Jiayu , Liao Zhiyong , Xu Huazi , Xiao Jian , Gong Fanghua 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) is thought to exert protective and regenerative effects on neurons following spinal cord injury (SCI), although the mechanism of these effects is not well understood. The use of FGF1 as a therapeutic agent is limited by its lack of physicochemical stability and its limited capacity to cross the blood‐spinal cord barrier. Here, we demonstrated that overexpression of FGF1 in spinal cord following SCI significantly reduced tissue loss, protected neurons in the ventricornu, ameliorated pathological morphology of the lesion, dramatically improved tissue recovery via neuroprotection, and promoted axonal regeneration and remyelination both in vivo and in vivo. In addition, the autophagy and the expression levels of PRDX1 (an antioxidant protein) were induced by AAV‐FGF1 in PC12 cells after H2O2 treatment. Furthermore, the autophagy levels were not changed in PRDX1‐suppressing cells that were treated by AAV‐FGF1. Taken together, these results suggest that FGF1 improves functional recovery mainly through inducing PRDX1 expression to increase autophagy and anti‐ROS activity after SCI.
MicroRNA‐216a induces endothelial senescence and inflammation via Smad3/IκBα pathway
Authors: Yang Shujun , Mi Xuenan , Chen Yu , Feng Congrui , Hou Zhihui , Hui Rutai , Zhang Weili 
Published: March 2018

AbstractVascular endothelial senescence contributes to atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD), but the mechanisms are yet to be clarified. We identified that microRNA‐216a (miR‐216a) significantly increased in senescent endothelial cells. The replicative senescence model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was established to explore the role of miR‐216a in endothelial ageing and dysfunction. Luciferase assay indicated that Smad3 was a direct target of miR‐216a. Stable expression of miR‐216a induced a premature senescence‐like phenotype in HUVECs with an impairment in proliferation and migration and led to an increased adhesion to monocytes by inhibiting Smad3 expression and thereafter modulating the degradation of NF‐κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) and activation of adhesion molecules. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous miR‐216a in senescent HUVECs rescued Smad3 and IκBα expression and inhibited monocytes attachment. Plasma miR‐216a was significantly higher in old CAD patients (>50 years) and associated with increased 31% risk for CAD (odds ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 1.03‐1.66; P = .03) compared with the matched healthy controls (>50 years). Taken together, our data suggested that miR‐216a promotes endothelial senescence and inflammation as an endogenous inhibitor of Smad3/IκBα pathway, which might serve as a novel target for ageing‐related atherosclerotic diseases.
Role of hepatitis B surface antigen in hepatitis B virus relapse after entecavir or tenofovir prophylaxis in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Kuo Ming‐Te , Tseng Po‐Lin , Chou Yeh‐Pin , Chang Kuo‐Chin , Tsai Ming‐Chao , Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Hung Chao‐Hung , Wang Jing‐Houng , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Chen Chien‐Hung 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThis study investigated whether hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) could predict hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse after cessation of entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) prophylaxis for chronic hepatitis B cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsThe study enrolled 122 hepatitis B e‐antigen‐negative cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy with entecavir or TDF for antiviral prophylaxis and posttreatment follow‐up for at least 6 months.ResultsOf the 122 patients, 52 and 18 experienced virological and clinical relapse, which had 3‐year cumulative incidences of 46.6% and 18.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that end‐of‐treatment HBsAg levels and baseline HBV‐DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL were independent predictors of virological relapse. The best HBsAg cutoff value was 500 IU/mL. An end‐of‐treatment HBsAg of 500 IU/mL was useful for predicting virological relapse in patients with baseline HBV‐DNA < 2000 IU/mL (3‐year rate: 21.3% vs 46.4%, P = 0.038, in patients with HBsAg < 500 and ≥ 500 IU/mL, respectively), but not in patients with baseline HBV‐DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL. Of the 52 patients who experienced virological relapse, 13 experienced transient virological relapse. Patients with baseline HBV‐DNA level < 2000 IU/mL experienced a higher rate of transient virological relapse (42.1% vs 15.2%, P = 0.031). Three patients experienced hepatic decompensation upon alanine aminotransferase flares, and no patient died after timely retreatment. Ten patients experienced posttreatment HBsAg loss, and the 3‐year HBsAg loss rate was 30.7% in patients with end‐of‐treatment HBsAg < 100 IU/mL.ConclusionsThe baseline HBV‐DNA and end‐of‐treatment HBsAg levels could predict virological relapse after withdrawal of entecavir and TDF prophylaxis for chemotherapy.
Marking Ownership on Ainu Objects: Three Museum Collections in the United States
Authors: Lowman Christopher B. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAinu ethnographic objects in U.S. museums exist in collections mediated by collectors during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Marks and modifications on these objects provide insight into Indigenous uses and meanings that were not always present in ethnographers' accounts. This is particularly important when considering trade items, because they encompass evidence of changes in meaning as they moved through differing cultural contexts. Trade items can be hard to find in collections that were made using the paradigm of salvage ethnography. However, Japanese historical records, Ainu poetry, and Ainu language all suggest that trade goods were an important part of Ainu religious practice. Using these sources, along with an examination of Ainu‐inscribed marks of ownership, I compare collections made by Western collectors specifically for museums and reassemble their contents with a focus on Ainu understandings of the objects' meanings. [Ainu, Japan, collecting]