bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Hemocompatibility Evaluation of Ventricular Assist Devices in Pediatric Flow Conditions: A Benchmark Study
Authors: Chan Chris Hoi Houng , Diab Sara , Moody Kayla , Frazier O Howard , Sampaio Luiz C. , Fraser Charles D. , Teruya Jun , Adachi Iki 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDevelopment of pediatric ventricular assist devices (VADs) has significantly lagged behind that of adult devices. This frustrating reality is reflected by the fact that the Berlin Heart EXCOR VAD is currently the only approved pediatric‐specific device in the USA. An alternative option is an off‐label use of adult continuous‐flow VADs, such as HeartMate II (HMII), which inevitably causes patient‐device size mismatch in small children. We sought to conduct in vitro hemocompatibility testing in a pediatric flow condition, with a specific aim to provide benchmark values for future pediatric device development. Given the aforementioned fact that both pulsatile and continuous‐flow devices are being used in the pediatric population, we opted to test both types of devices in the present study. The EXCOR and HMII blood pumps were tested using bovine blood under constant hemodynamic conditions (flow rate, Q = 2.5 ± 0.25L/min; differential pressure across the pump, ΔP = 68 ± 5mm Hg). Hemolysis was measured by Harboe assay. There was a steady increase in plasma free hemoglobin during in vitro testing, with a statistically significant difference between 5 and 360 min for both EXCOR (P < 0.0001) and HMII (P < 0.001). However, the degree of an increase in plasma free hemoglobin was more significant with HMII (P < 0.001). Normalized index of hemolysis for EXCOR and HMII were 0.003 ± 0.0026g/100 L and 0.085 ± 0.0119g/100 L, respectively. There was also a steady increase in platelet activation detected by CAPP2A antibody using flow cytometry, with a statistically significant difference between 5 and 360 min for both devices (P < 0.05). The degree of an increase in platelet activation was similar between the two devices (P = 0.218). High molecular weight von Willebrand factor (HMW vWF) multimer degradation measured by immunoblotting was evident for both devices, however, it was more pronounced with the EXCOR. EXCOR blood samples from all three time points (120, 240, and 360 min) were significantly different from the baseline (5 min), whereas only 360 min samples had a significant difference from the baseline with the HMII. In conclusion, we have observed similarities and differences in hemocompatibility profiles between the EXCOR and HMII, both of which are commonly used in the pediatric population. We anticipate the benchmark values in the present study will facilitate future pediatric VAD development.
Peripheral Th17 cells expressing β7 intestinal homing receptor in recent and chronic HIV infections
Authors: Márquez-Coello M , Montes-de-Oca Arjona M , Fernández-Gutiérrez del Álamo C , Ruiz-Sánchez C , Girón-González J A 
Published: August 2018

Summary
The objective of this study was to conduct an analysis of peripheral blood Th17 cells with the ability to home to gut mucosa (CD4+Th17+β7+) during recent or chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The relationship between HIV load and systemic inflammation markers was studied. Twenty-five patients with recent (n = 10) or chronic (n = 15) untreated HIV infections; 30 treated HIV-infected patients with undetectable HIV load at the time of inclusion and 30 healthy controls were included. Bacterial translocation markers (16S rDNA), soluble CD14 (sCD14) and interleukin (IL)-6 monocyte activation parameters, CD4/CD8 ratio and T helper type 17 (Th17) subpopulations [CD4+Th17+ expressing the IL-23 receptor (IL-23R) or β7] were analysed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). 16S rDNA was detected in all patients. Significantly increased serum levels of sCD14 and IL-6 and a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio were observed in patients. Similar percentages of CD4+IL-23R+ and CD4+Th17+β7+ cells were observed in healthy controls and patients at baseline. After 12 months of therapy, patients with a recent HIV infection showed significant increases of CD4+IL-23R+ and CD4+Th17+β7+ cell percentages and a decrease in IL-6 levels, although 16S rDNA continued to be detectable in all patients. No significant differences were observed in Th17 subpopulations in patients with chronic HIV infection after therapy. Early initiation of ART helps to increase the number of Th17 cells with the ability to home to the intestinal mucosa and to partially restore gut mucosal homeostasis. These results provide a rationale for initiating ART during the acute phase of HIV infection.
NovelNR5A1mutations found in Chinese patients with 46,XYdisorders of sex development
Authors: Yu Bingqing , Liu Zhaoxiang , Gao Yinjie , Mao Jiangfeng , Wang Xi , Hao Ming , Ma Wanlu , Huang Qibin , Zhang Rui , Nie Min , Wu Xueyan 
Published: August 2018

SummaryObjectiveTo analyze nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) gene mutations in a cohort of Chinese patients with 46,XYDisorders of Sex Development (DSD).MethodsSixty 46,XY DSDpatients were recruited at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Targeted next‐generation and Sanger sequencing were performed to investigate pathogenic gene variants and validateNR5A1gene variants, respectively. In silico tools and in vitro function studies were used to analyze the pathogenicity of rare variants. The clinical and endocrinological characteristics of patients withNR5A1variants were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsA total of four novel and three recurrentNR5A1variants were identified in seven 46,XY DSDpatients. These variants widely spread almost all the functional domains. Functional studies showed that novel mutations including p.S32N, p.N44del and p.G91D reduced transactivation ofCYP11A1, while the other missense variant p.A168E did not impact protein function. All patients withNR5A1rare variants had normal adrenal function and showed genital defects. Results of the genitalia examination showed female external genitalia (three patients), ambiguous external genitalia (two patients), female external genitalia with clitoromegaly (one patient), and hypospadias (one patient). All seven patients had bilateral testis and five of seven patients lacked Müllerian structures.ConclusionsFour novel mutations in theNR5A1gene were identified in our cohort with 46,XY DSD, expanding the spectrum ofNR5A1gene mutations. All patients withNR5A1rare variants had normal adrenal function and showed genital defects.
Food supplementation to optimize inoculative release of the predatory bug Macrolophus pygmaeus in sweet pepper
Authors: Brenard Nathalie , Sluydts Vincent , De Bruyn Luc , Leirs Herwig , Moerkens Rob 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBiological control is widespread in management of greenhouse sweet pepper crops. Several species of predatory mites, bugs, and parasitoids are used against a wide range of pest species. However, biological control of particular pests like aphids, caterpillars, and the tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, remains problematic. Macrolophus pygmaeus Rambur (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a generalist predatory bug which is used on a large scale in Western European tomato greenhouses. It has already been demonstrated that M. pygmaeus is a valuable biocontrol option in sweet pepper crops, but it has yet to find its way into common practice. Macrolophus pygmaeus should be introduced at the start of the growing season and determining an optimal release strategy is a key step in this process. In tomato crops, M. pygmaeus requires supplemental food releases to reach sufficient population numbers and dispersal levels. In this study, the need for food supplementation in sweet pepper is investigated. Three strategies were tested: (1) no food supplementation, (2) local food supplementation, and (3) full field food supplementation. Both population numbers and dispersal rates of the second generation were higher under the third strategy. Macrolophus pygmaeus oviposits near food sources, therefore dispersal rates are higher when food is more spread out. Pest control was achieved in all treatments, but faster and at lower pest levels under the full field strategy.
Do pygidial secretions of dung beetles have the potential to repel urban pest ants?
Authors: Carvalho R. , Ferreira Châline R.S. , Audino L.D. , Louzada J. , Châline N. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractVarious organisms emit malodorous secretions against competitors, and the potential use of these secretions in pest management should be investigated. For example, some ant species feed on similar resources as dung beetles, which might have led to counter chemical defences in dung beetles. We tested whether pygidial secretions of the dung beetle Canthon smaragdulus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) alter the locomotor behaviour of the exotic urban pest ant Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), specifically whether these secretions repel those ants. We also tested whether the disturbance in the locomotor behaviour of T. melanocephalum increases with the amount of pygidial secretion. We found that individual T. melanocephalum displayed changes in their locomotor behaviour when exposed to pygidial secretions of coupled dung beetles, single males, and single females. Additionally, the pygidial secretions from male and female dung beetles could repel ants. The change in the locomotor behaviour of T. melanocephalum increased with the amount of pygidial secretion. Our results suggest that the pygidial secretions of dung beetles have potential as a biological repellent of T. melanocephalum. Hence, pygidial secretions from dung beetles may be used in the future for the development of urban pest management strategies.
The edible katydid Ruspolia differens is a selective feeder on the inflorescences and leaves of grass species
Authors: Valtonen Anu , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Junes Petra , Opoke Robert , Lehtovaara Vilma J. , Nyeko Philip , Roininen Heikki 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRuspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae, Conocephalinae) (its common names including ‘African edible bush‐cricket’, ‘edible grasshopper’, and ‘nsenene’) is an important source of food for humans in East Africa, but its ecology and biology are poorly understood. We explored the host plants of R. differens with a series of no‐choice and multiple‐choice laboratory experiments using 18 local common grass and sedge species in Uganda. In no‐choice experiments, the degree of acceptance differed significantly among the studied plant species, but in only three species were leaves rejected and in one species were inflorescences rejected. The pattern of acceptance among plant species was different in the local vs. swarming populations. Leaves were generally more accepted by the local population, whereas inflorescences were generally more accepted by the swarming population. Both leaves and inflorescences were more readily accepted by males than by females. According to the multiple‐choice experiments, R. differens preferred inflorescences over leaves. Our results demonstrate that R. differens is a facultatively oligophagous grass‐specialist, which has a clear preference for certain grass or sedge species (especially inflorescences), but it accepts many host plants if the preferred ones are not available. To preserve viable natural populations of R. differens in East Africa in the long term, our results draw special attention to the availability of grasslands where accepted and preferred host plants are available year‐round.
Does sand content in spawning substrate result in early larval emergence? Evidence from a lithophilic cyprinid fish
Authors: Bašić Tea , Britton J. Robert , Rice Stephen P. , Pledger Andrew G. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe spawning success of lithophilic salmonids is strongly influenced by the fine sediment content (“fines”) of spawning substrates, yet knowledge on the impacts of fines on the spawning of non‐salmonid lithophiles remains limited, despite their ecological and socio‐economic importance in European rivers. Consequently, the aim here was to use an ex‐situ experiment to investigate the impact of sand content on egg survival and timing of larval emergence of the surface‐spawning cyprinid European barbel Barbus barbus. Thirty incubator boxes within a recirculating system were filled with one of five experimental sediment mixtures (0%–40% sand by mass) that each contained 300 fertilised eggs at a depth of 50 mm. Emerged, free‐swimming larvae were captured and counted daily to assess grain‐size effects on larval survival and emergence. Specifically, total proportion of emerged larvae, cumulative daily proportion of emerged larvae and time required to reach 50% emergence were measured during the study. Whilst the proportion of sand in the sediments did not have a significant impact on egg‐to‐emergence survival (mean survival per treatment 75%–79%), it significantly affected the timing of larval emergence to the water column; early emergence was detected in treatments with elevated sand content (on average, 50% emergence after 12–13 days versus 19 days in the control). Similar to findings from salmonid studies, these results suggest high sand content in spawning gravels can influence timing of larval emergence and potentially cyprinid lithophilic fish survival.
Hydrogeomorphic factors drive differences in otolith morphology in fish from the Nu‐Salween River
Authors: Ding Liuyong , Tao Juan , Ding Chengzhi , Chen Liqiang , Zhang Chao , Xiang Qianqian , Sun Jie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractUnderstanding the relationship between intraspecific phenotypic variation and habitat is fundamentally important to ecology and evolution. However, it is largely unknown whether the environment drives the morphological variation in riverine fish otoliths, which are potential phenotypic markers. In this study, we investigated morphological variations in the otoliths of an endemic Chinese fish (Schizothorax nukiangensis Tsao) collected from seven sites with varying environmental gradients along the Nu‐Salween River. We compared morphological characters of S. nukiangensis otoliths among sampling sites and identified environmental sources of otolith morphological variation using multivariate regression trees and multiple factor analysis. Results showed that S. nukiangensis otoliths collected from different habitats were significantly different in morphology, mainly at the rostrum, excisura and posterior rim. Variations in otolith morphology (specifically the increase in otolith length) were predominantly governed by average river gradient; this might be a functional response to hydrogeomorphic conditions. Other environmental gradients (i.e., altitude, latitude and average annual temperature) played a minor role in otolith shape. This study highlighted the role of environmental factors in determining the otolith shape in riverine fish; thus, species and population discriminations based on otolith morphology should consider intraspecific variability.
Schools, psychosocial well‐being and agency: From fragmentation to coherence
Authors: McLaughlin Colleen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis article is about the relationship between everyday practice in schools and the development of agency. It examines two areas of current concern in which agency is seen to play a key role: young people's mental health or human flourishing and their development as citizens. The argument is made that the foundation stone of agency is self‐efficacy and that related crucial attitudes and beliefs are learned in school. The role of agency in learning and its importance in young people's psychosocial development are discussed. The latter part of the article focuses upon how schools can become effectively agency orientated.
Regulator of G protein signaling 2 differentially regulates nicotine‐induced anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects in mice
Authors: Rorabaugh Boyd R. , Sprague Lisanne , Norman Haval , Seeley Sarah L. , D'Souza Manoranjan S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study assessed the role of regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) in nicotine‐induced anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects using RGS2 wildtype (WT) and RGS2 knockout (KO) mice. RGS2 negatively regulates monoaminergic neurotransmission, which is implicated in the pathology of anxiety and depression. We hypothesized that deletion of RGS2 would enhance nicotine‐induced anxiolytic‐ and antidepressant‐like effects, which were assessed using the elevated plus maze and tail suspension tests, respectively. Anxiolytic‐like effects were observed in both RGS2 WT and KO mice after administration of low dose of nicotine (0.05 mg/kg, base) compared to respective saline controls. Additionally, administration of nicotine (0.1 mg/kg, base) compared to saline resulted in anxiolytic‐like effects in RGS2 KO mice, but not RGS2 WT mice, suggesting genetic deletion of RGS2 facilitated anxiolytic‐like effects of nicotine. Administration of nicotine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, base) compared to saline resulted in antidepressant‐like effects in RGS2 WT mice. Antidepressant‐like effects were observed in RGS2 KO mice only at the highest tested dose of nicotine (1 mg/kg, base) compared to saline controls, suggesting that genetic deletion of RGS2 decreased sensitivity to antidepressant‐like effects of nicotine. Together, the data suggest that RGS2 differentially regulated nicotine‐induced affective behavioral responses. These data suggest that individuals with RGS2 polymorphisms may experience differential affective responses to tobacco smoking, which may make them vulnerable to developing nicotine addiction.
Trophic factors for Parkinson's disease: Where are we and where do we go from here?
Authors: Paul Gesine , Sullivan Aideen M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPerhaps the most important unmet clinical need in Parkinson's disease (PD) is the development of a therapy that can slow or halt disease progression. Extensive preclinical research has provided evidence for the neurorestorative properties of several growth factors, yet only a few have been evaluated in clinical studies. Attempts to achieve neuroprotection by addressing cell‐autonomous mechanisms and targeting dopaminergic neurons have been disappointing. Four different trophic factors have so far entered clinical trials in PD: glial cell line‐derived growth factor, its close structural and functional analog neurturin, platelet‐derived growth factor and cerebral dopaminergic neurotrophic factor. This article reviews the pre‐clinical evidence for the neuroprotective and neurorestorative actions of these growth factors and discusses limitations of preclinical models, which may hamper successful translation to the clinic. We summarize the previous and ongoing clinical trials using growth factors in PD and emphasize the caveats in clinical trial design that may prevent the further development and registration of potentially neuroprotective and neurorestorative treatments for individuals suffering from PD.
Long‐term plasticity of glutamatergic input from the subthalamic nucleus to the entopeduncular nucleus
Authors: Gorodetski Lilach , Zeira Reut , Lavian Hagar , Korngreen Alon 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe hyperdirect pathway of the basal ganglia bypasses the striatum, and delivers cortical information directly to the subthalamic nucleus (STN). In rodents, the STN excites the two output nuclei of the basal ganglia, the entopeduncular nucleus (EP) and the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr). Thus, during hyperdirect pathway activation, the STN drives EP firing inhibiting the thalamus. We hypothesized that STN activity could induce long‐term changes to the STN‐>EP synapse. To test this hypothesis, we recorded in the whole‐cell mode from neurons in the EP in acute brain slices from rats while electrically stimulating the STN. Repetitive pre‐synaptic stimulation generated modest long‐term depression (LTD) in the STN‐>EP synapse. However, pairing EP firing with STN stimulation generated robust LTD that manifested for pre‐before post‐as well as for post‐ before pre‐synaptic pairing. This LTD was highly sensitive to the time difference and was not detected at a time delay of 10 ms. To investigate whether post‐synaptic calcium levels were important for LTD induction, we made dendritic recordings from EP neurons that revealed action potential back‐propagation and dendritic calcium transients. Buffering the dendritic calcium concentration in the EP neurons with EGTA generated long term potentiation instead of LTD. Finally, mild LTD could be induced by post‐synaptic activity alone that was blocked by an endocannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor blocker. These results thus suggest there may be an adaptive mechanism for buffering the impact of the hyperdirect pathway on basal ganglia output which could contribute to the de‐correlation of STN and EP firing.
The presence of heartwood decay, a precursor to hollow formation, within Eucalyptus camaldulensis in relation to stem size
Authors: Ellis Murray V. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryRiver Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) are large trees that dominated many of continental Australia's riparian areas, providing abundant hollows for nesting and denning fauna. Land clearing and forestry have reduced the availability of large trees, and much of the remaining forest is dominated by small regrowth trees that lack visible hollow entrances. Inspection of recently felled River Red Gums revealed that heartwood decay, a precursor of hollow formation, can be common in relatively small trees. Internal decay and voids remain inaccessible until stochastic damage exposes them, which may not occur until the tree is old, and hence probably large. This discrepancy indicates that there is likely to be a size range of trees into which artificial entrances can be added to quickly increase hollow availability in landscapes undergoing active restoration as fauna habitat.
Hypertension and heart disease are associated with development of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis: a 5‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Jakimovski D. , Gandhi S. , Paunkoski I. , Bergsland N. , Hagemeier J. , Ramasamy D. P. , Hojnacki D. , Kolb C. , Benedict R. H. B. , Weinstock‐Guttman B. , Zivadinov R. 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are more frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients when compared to controls. In particular, CVDs are linked with higher accumulation of lesions and advanced brain atrophy.ObjectiveTo investigate whether CVDs contribute to accelerated lesion accumulation and brain atrophy over 5 years in patients with MS.Methods194 MS patients and 43 controls without neurologic disease were followed for 5 years. Full physical, neurological evaluation, and structured questionnaire investigating CVD and risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, smoking, diabetes, obesity/overweight) were collected using interview‐based questionnaire and further cross‐reference with electronic medical records. Lesion and brain atrophy outcomes were assessed with 3T MRI. ANCOVA adjusted for age, gender, and disease duration were used accordingly. False discovery rate correction was performed using Benjamini‐Hochberg correction.ResultsPatients with diagnosis of heart disease showed higher white matter and whole brain volume loss compared to those without (−4.2% vs. −0.7%, P = 0.01 and −3.4% vs. −1.6%, P = 0.01, respectively). The percentage lateral ventricle volume change in MS patients with hypertension was higher compared to non‐hypertensive patients (24.5% vs. 14.1%, P = 0.05). Hyperlipidemia, smoking, and obesity/overweight were not associated with progression of MRI‐derived outcomes. CVDs did not contribute to larger lesion volume accrual over the 5‐year period. The presence of CVDs was not associated with MRI‐derived changes in the controls.ConclusionsHypertension and heart disease contribute to advanced brain atrophy in MS patients. CVDs did not contribute to additional lesion accrual. CVD comorbidities in MS patients may contribute to neurodegenerative tissue injury that can be detected with brain MRI.