bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of microbubbles in extracorporeal life support and assessment of new elimination strategies
Authors: Born Frank , König Fabian , Chen Jinchi , Günther Sabina , Hagl Christian , Thierfelder Nikolaus 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOccurrence of microbubbles (MB) is a major problem during venoarterial extracorporeal life support (ECLS) with partially severe clinical complications. The aim of this study was to establish an in vitro ECLS setup for the generation and detection of MB. Furthermore, we assessed different MB elimination strategies. Patient and ECLS circuit were simulated using reservoirs, a centrifugal pump, a membrane oxygenator, and an occluder (modified roller pump). The system was primed with a glycerin solution of 44%. Three different revolution speeds (2500, 3000, and 3400 rpm) were applied. For MB generation, the inflow line of the pump was either statically or dynamically (15 rpm) occluded. A bubble counter was used for MB detection. The effectiveness of the oxygenator and dynamic bubble traps (DBTs) was evaluated in regard to MB elimination capacities. MB generation was highly dependent on negative pressure at the inflow line. Increasing revolution speeds and restriction of the inflow led to increased MB activity. The significant difference between inflow and outflow MB volume identified the centrifugal pump as a main source. We could show that the oxygenator’s ability to withhold larger MB is limited. The application of one or multiple DBTs leads to a significant reduction in MB count and overall gas volume. The application of DBT can significantly reduce the overall gas volume, especially at high flow rates. Moreover, large MB can effectively be broken down for faster absorption. In general, the incidence of MBs is significantly dependent on pump speed and restriction of the inflow. The centrifugal pump was identified as a major source of MB generation.
Metagenomic profiles of the rumen microbiota during the transition period in low‐yield and high‐yield dairy cows
Authors: Sofyan Ahmad , Uyeno Yutaka , Shinkai Takumi , Hirako Makoto , Kushibiki Shiro , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Mori Satomi , Katayose Yuichi , Mitsumori Makoto 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe investigated potential relationships between rumen microbiota and milk production in dairy cows during the transition period. Twelve dairy cows were divided into a low‐yield (LY) or high‐yield (HY) group based on their milk yield. Rumen samples were taken from dairy cows at 3 weeks before parturition, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after parturition. 16S rDNA‐based metagenomic analysis showed that diversities of rumen microbiota in both groups were similar and the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was lower in the postpartum than prepartum period in both groups. The abundance of Bacteroidetes and ratio of Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes was higher in the HY than the LY group. OTUs assigned to Prevotella bryantii, Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and Succinivibrio sp. were abundant in the HY group. These OTUs were significantly related to the propionate molar proportion of rumen fluids in the HY group. OTUs assigned to Lachnospiraceae, Bifidobacterium sp. and Saccharofermentans were dominant in the LY group. Predictive functional profiling revealed that abundance of gene families involved in amino acid and vitamin metabolism was higher in the HY than the LY group. These results suggest that the community structure and fermentation products of rumen microbiota could be associated with milk production of dairy cows.
Multinodular goitre is a gateway for molecular testing of DICER1 syndrome
Authors: Oliver‐Petit Isabelle , Bertozzi Anne‐Isabelle , Grunenwald Solange , Gambart Marion , Pigeon‐Kerchiche Patricia , Sadoul Jean‐Louis , Caron Philippe J. , Savagner Frédérique 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundDICER1 syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder that predisposes individuals to develop benign or malignant tumours from infancy to adulthood. There is low‐to‐moderate penetrance of tumour development, which is sex‐ and age‐dependent. Multinodular goitre (MNG) is among the most highly penetrant phenotype of the disorder, especially in females.Patients and MethodsWe report a series of eight families referred for childhood‐onset of MNG or DICER1‐related tumours with familial history of MNG in relatives. No additional families with these criteria stated were identified during the same date. We screened DNA samples from the probands and members of their family (40) for constitutional DICER1 variants using Next Generation Sequencing tools.ResultsGermline pathogenic DICER1 gene variants were identified in all probands and several of their relatives: 64% presented with MNG/thyroidectomy as the phenotypic expression of the syndrome. DICER1 gene variants were identified in the RNAseIII and the PAZ domains. All tumour tissues studied presented clonal pathogenic variants in hotspot regions. Early identification of DICER1 variant carriers has permitted diagnosis and therapeutic scheme correction for two patients and cascade testing in relatives.ConclusionsMultinodular goitre is uncommon in children. Childhood‐onset MNG, multiple occurrences of the disease within the same family, or its association with rare benign or malignant tumours should raise suspicions of anomalies in the DICER1 gene, as proposed by recent international recommendations. Early detection of DICER1 pathogenic variants has important consequences in terms of therapeutic strategy, early tumour screening, and genetic counselling.
Effects of Bakuchiol on chondrocyte proliferation via the PI3K‐Akt and ERK1/2 pathways mediated by the estrogen receptor for promotion of the regeneration of knee articular cartilage defects
Authors: Xu Kang , Sha Yongqiang , Wang Sixiang , Chi Qingjia , Liu Yanju , Wang Chunli , Yang Li 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesCartilaginous tissue degradation occurs because of the lack of survival of chondrocytes. Here, we ascertained whether bakuchiol (BAK) has the capability of activating chondrocyte proliferation.Materials and methodsThe effect of BAK on the proliferation of rat chondrocytes at a concentration of 10 and 20 µmol/L was investigated. The molecular mechanisms involving target binding and signalling pathways were elucidated by RNA‐sequencing, qPCR, molecular docking and Western blotting. Matrigel mixed with bakuchiol was implanted locally into rat knee articular cartilage defects to verify the activation of chondrocytes due to bakuchiol in vivo.ResultsBakuchiol implantation resulted in the activation of rat chondrocyte proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. RNA‐sequencing revealed 107 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 75 that were up‐regulated and 32 that were down‐regulated, indicating increased activation of the PI3K‐Akt and cell cycle pathways. Activation of the phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2 and their inhibitors blocked the proliferative effect of bakuchiol treatment, confirming its direct involvement in these signal transduction pathways. Molecular docking and siRNA silencing revealed that estrogen receptor‐α (ERα) was the target of bakuchiol in terms of its cell proliferative effect via PI3K activation. Two weeks after implantation of bakuchiol, the appearance and physiological structure of the articular cartilage was more integrated with abundant chondrocytes and cartilage matrix compared to that of the control.ConclusionsBakuchiol demonstrated significant bioactivity towards chondrocyte proliferation via the PI3K‐Akt and ERK1/2 pathways mediated by estrogen receptor activation and exhibited enhanced promotion of the remodelling of injured cartilage.
Positive evidence for neonatal imitation: A general response, adaptive engagement
Authors: Nagy Emese , Pilling Karen , Blake Victoria , Orvos Hajnalka 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe study employed four gestural models using frame‐by‐frame microanalytic methods, and followed how the behaviours unfolded over time. Forty‐two human newborns (0–3 days) were examined for their imitation of tongue protrusion, ‘head tilt with looking up’, three‐finger and two‐finger gestures. The results showed that all three gesture groups were imitated. Results of the temporal analyses revealed an early and a later, second stage of responses. Later responses were characterized by a suppression of similar, but non‐matching movements. Perinatal imitation is not a phenomenon served by a single underlying mechanism; it has at least two different stages. An early phase is followed by voluntary matching behaviour by the neonatal infant.
A sinister subject: Quantifying handedness‐based recruitment biases in current neuroimaging research
Authors: Bailey Lyam M. , McMillan Laura E. , Newman Aaron J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractApproximately ten per cent of humans are left‐handed or ambidextrous (adextral). It has been suggested that, despite their sizable representation at the whole‐population level, this demographic is largely avoided by researchers within the neuroimaging community. To date, however, no formal effort has been made to quantify the extent to which adextrals are excluded from neuroimaging‐based research. Here, we aimed to address this question in a review of over 1,000 recent articles published in high‐impact, peer‐reviewed, neuroimaging‐focused journals. Specifically, we sought to ascertain whether, and the extent to which adextrals are underrepresented in neuroimaging study samples, and to delineate potential trends in this bias. Handedness data were available for over 30,000 research subjects; only around 3%–4% of these individuals were adextral—considerably less than the 10% benchmark one would expect if neuroimaging samples were truly representative of the general population. This observation was generally consistent across different areas of research, but was modulated by the demographic characteristics of neuroimaging participants. The epistemological and ethical implications of these findings are discussed.
Shift in lateralization during illusory self‐motion: EEG responses to visual flicker at 10 Hz and frequency‐specific modulation by tACS
Authors: Dowsett James , Herrmann Christoph S. , Dieterich Marianne , Taylor Paul C.J. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSelf‐motion perception is a key aspect of higher vestibular processing, suggested to rely upon hemispheric lateralization and alpha‐band oscillations. The first aim of this study was to test for any lateralization in the EEG alpha band during the illusory sense of self‐movement (vection) induced by large optic flow stimuli. Visual stimuli flickered at alpha frequency (approx. 10 Hz) in order to produce steady state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs), a robust EEG measure which allows probing the frequency‐specific response of the cortex. The first main result was that differential lateralization of the alpha SSVEP response was found during vection compared with a matched random motion control condition, supporting the idea of lateralization of visual–vestibular function. Additionally, this effect was frequency‐specific, not evident with lower frequency SSVEPs. The second aim of this study was to test for a causal role of the right hemisphere in producing this lateralization effect and to explore the possibility of selectively modulating the SSVEP response. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) was applied over the right hemisphere simultaneously with SSVEP recording, using a novel artefact removal strategy for combined tACS‐EEG. The second main result was that tACS enhanced SSVEP amplitudes, and the effect of tACS was not confined to the right hemisphere. Subsequent control experiments showed the effect of tACS requires the flicker frequency and tACS frequency to be closely matched and tACS to be of sufficient intensity. Combined tACS‐SSVEPs are a promising method for future investigation into the role of neural oscillations and for optimizing tACS.
Plasma levels of protein C pathway proteins and brain magnetic resonance imaging volumes in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ziliotto N. , Zivadinov R. , Baroni M. , Marchetti G. , Jakimovski D. , Bergsland N. , Ramasamy D. P. , Weinstock‐Guttman B. , Straudi S. , Manfredini F. , Ramanathan M. , Bernardi F. 
Published: August 2019

Background and purposeThe involvement of protein C (PC) pathway components in multiple sclerosis (MS) has scarcely been explored. The aim was to investigate their levels in relation to clinical and neurodegenerative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) outcomes in patients.MethodsIn all, 138 MS patients and 42 healthy individuals were studied. PC, protein S (PS) and soluble endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR) were evaluated by multiplex assays and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Regression analyses between 3 T MRI outcomes and PC pathway components were performed. ancova was used to compare MRI volumes based on protein level quartiles. Partial correlation was assessed amongst levels of PC pathway components and hemostasis protein levels, including soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), heparin cofactor II (HCII), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1) and factor XII (FXII). The variation of PC concentration across four time points was evaluated in 32 additional MS patients.ResultsThere was an association between PC concentration, mainly reflecting the zymogen PC, and MRI measures for volumes of total gray matter (GM) (P = 0.003), thalamus (P = 0.007), cortex (P = 0.008), deep GM (P = 0.009) and whole brain (P = 0.026). Patients in the highest PC level quartile were characterized by the lowest GM volumes. Correlations of PC–HCII, PC–FXII and sEPCR–sTM values were detectable in MS patients, whilst PC–PS and PS–PAI‐1 correlations were present in healthy individuals only.ConclusionsProtein C plasma concentrations might be associated with neurodegenerative MRI outcomes in MS. Several differences in correlation amongst protein plasma levels suggest dysregulation of PC pathway components in MS patients. The stability of PC concentration over time supports a PC investigation in relation to GM atrophy in MS.
Worldwide distribution and theoretical spreading of Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) depending on the main climatic elements
Authors: Keszthelyi Sándor , Fehér Balázs , Somfalvi‐Tóth Katalin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe velvet longhorned beetle, Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a serious wood‐boring pest that is a major threat to the phytosanitary condition of forests and orchards. Its worldwide expansion is a major concern for plant health. We have collected all bibliographical references, phytosanitary reports and authentic photographic evidence from entomological websites to determine the worldwide distribution of T. campestris. The theoretical directions of the spreading and actually occupied area of this arthropod pest were determined over the whole Holarctic range. Furthermore, the potential distribution area was calculated using cumulated temperature in the growing season averaged over 15 years both in the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. Holarctic expansion of the species, including the main parts of North America and Eurasia, is clearly indicated. Its populations occur in 29 countries to date, supported by documentation from 64 publications and 30 online forums. Its spread is continuously westward in the Palearctic; in the Nearctic, the spread was first southward from the Great Lakes region then eastward from Utah. The species has excellently adapted to circumstances of freight by ship and plane, as wood is often used, ensuring optimal conditions for the pest. In addition, the active spreading achieved by flying is an important factor contributing to its expansion. The primary criterion for controlling the species would be the introduction of a monitoring system in affected and exposed areas.
Effects of habitat complexity, dominance and personality on habitat selection: Ideal despotic cichlids
Authors: Church Kathleen D. W. , Grant James W. A. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractHabitat structure can impede visibility and movement, resulting in lower resource monopolization and aggression. Consequently, dominant individuals may prefer open habitats to maximize resource gain, or complex habitats to minimize predation risk. We explored the role of dominance on foraging, aggression and habitat choice using convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) in a two‐patch ideal free distribution experiment. Groups of six fish of four distinct sizes first competed for shrimp in one‐patch trials in both an open and complex habitat; half the groups experienced each habitat type first. Following these one‐patch trials, each group then chose between habitat types in a two‐patch trial while competing for food. Finally, each fish underwent an individual behavioural assessment using a battery of “personality” tests to determine if behaviour when alone accurately reflected behaviour within a social context. In the one‐patch trials, dominant fish showed similar food consumption between habitats, but chased more in the complex habitat. In the two‐patch choice trials, dominants preferred and defended the complex habitat, forming an ideal despotic distribution with more than half the fish and competitive weight in the open habitat. Within the groups, individual fish differed in foraging and chasing, with repeatabilities of 0.45 and 0.23 across all treatments. Although a higher foraging rate during the individual assessment predicted foraging rate and use of the complex habitat during the group trials, aggression and boldness tests were not reflective of group behaviour. Across groups, heavier dominants and those with higher foraging rate in the open habitat used the open habitat more, suggesting that both risk and energetic state affect habitat preference in dominant convict cichlids.
Individual and Dyadic Coping and Fear of Progression in Mothers and Fathers of Children with Hematologic Cancer
Authors: Clever Katharina , Schepper Florian , Maier Stephan , Christiansen Holger , Martini Julia 
Published: August 2019

This study investigated the association of individual and dyadic coping strategies with fear of progression (FoP) in mothers and fathers of children with hematologic cancer. Parental couples (N = 44) whose children had been diagnosed with hematologic cancer were recruited at a university hospital and a rehabilitation clinic in Germany between 03/2017 and 08/2017. Data included parents' self‐report on FoP (Fear of Progression Questionnaire—parent version, FoP‐Q‐SF/PR), individual coping (Coping Health Inventory for Parents, CHIP‐D), and dyadic coping (Dyadic Coping Inventory, DCI). Statistical analyses were carried out for mothers and fathers individually as well as for parental couples using dyadic data analyses (e.g., actor‐partner interdependence model, APIM). Individual and dyadic coping strategies were significantly correlated with FoP in mothers, but not in fathers. Fathers' evaluation of the couple's dyadic coping significantly predicted mothers' FoP. The more frequent use of familial integration (CHIP‐D FAM) and maintaining social support (CHIP‐D SUP) as well as a better evaluation of their partners' dyadic coping was significantly associated with lower FoP in mothers. Differences in individual and dyadic coping in parental couples were not associated with FoP. Individual and dyadic coping strategies should be addressed in the psychosocial care of mothers and fathers of children with hematologic cancer. Study results support the benefits of involving fathers in psychosocial interventions, for example, in couple‐based interventions that acknowledge interpersonal effects of coping on FoP. Future research should further explore coping strategies applied by fathers of children with hematologic cancer for the regulation of FoP.
Effects of altered river network connectivity on the distribution of Salmo trutta: Insights from a metapopulation model
Authors: González‐Ferreras Alexia M. , Bertuzzo Enrico , Barquín José , Carraro Luca , Alonso Carlos , Rinaldo Andrea 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Network connectivity is a key feature of rivers that affects patterns and processes in lotic ecosystems. Few studies have considered how changes in river reach connectivity might affect ecosystem attributes at a whole river network scale. The use of population dynamics models of keystone species at a river network scale allows exploration of how the effects of altered natural connectivity patterns might propagate through a river network.

In this study, we present a metapopulation model to estimate the spatial distribution of the population density of brown trout (Salmo trutta), an ecologically and socioeconomically important top predator, in a river network in northern Spain. The model accounts for the presence of barriers that limit longitudinal connectivity in upstream and downstream directions. The model estimates the spatial distribution of densities of three age‐classes (young‐of‐the‐year, juveniles, and adults) in all river reaches that make up the network based on topology, connectivity and population dynamics (e.g. age‐class specific mortality, spawning, age‐class dispersal, and spawning migration patterns).

Seventy‐five percent of the modelled population densities fell within the 95% confidence intervals of the empirical data (84.6% for young‐of‐the‐year, 69.2% for juveniles, and 69.2% for adults) collected in 13 reaches. The simulated removal of all longitudinal barriers to migration in the river network (re‐naturalisation of the whole catchment) produced a modelled increase in brown trout density in the most downstream reaches of the river network and lowered fish densities in the upstream portion of the network when bias in juvenile and adult movement direction was assumed. Furthermore, the simulated removal of a single obstacle affected fish density even in distant tributaries.

The proposed model is an appropriate tool for the evaluation of spatial patterns of brown trout density at a river network scale and for the assessment of the impact of altered connectivity. This might help simulate the results of management strategies regarding river connectivity and show where population decreases or increases could be expected, although empirical knowledge of overall trout movement in the studied river networks is required for drawing realistic scenarios.