bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of pulse oximetry and cerebral oxygenation in children with severe sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Olmo Arroyo Jorge , Khirani Sonia , Amaddeo Alessandro , Griffon Lucie , De Sanctis Livio , Pouard Philippe , Fauroux Brigitte 
Published: May 2017

SummaryNear infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used to assess the impact of obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) on cerebral oxygenation. However, the relationship between the variations in the cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (ΔTOI) and pulse oximetry (ΔSpO2) has not been assessed in children with OSAHS. Consecutive clinically stable children with severe OSAHS [apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) >15 events h−1] diagnosed during a night‐time polygraphy with simultaneous recording of cerebral oxygenation with NIRS (NIRO‐200NX, Hamamatsu Photonics KK) were included between September 2015 and June 2016. Maximal ΔSpO2 (SpO2 drop from the value preceding desaturation to nadir) and concomitant variations in transcutaneous carbon dioxide (ΔPtcCO2), maximal ΔTOI and maximal variations in cerebral oxygenated (O2Hb) and deoxygenated (HHb) haemoglobin were reported. The relationships between ΔSpO2, ΔPtcCO2 and ΔTOI, ΔO2Hb and ΔHHb were investigated. The data from five children (three boys, aged 9.6 ± 6.7 years, AHI 16–91 events h−1) were analysed. Strong correlations were found between ΔSpO2 and ΔTOI (r = 0.887, P < 0.001), but also with ΔO2Hb and ΔHHb with a particular pattern in the youngest child with a dark skin pigmentation. Mean ΔSpO2 was 20 ± 17% and mean ΔTOI was 8 ± 7%. Maximal ΔSpO2 of approximately 70% were coupled with ΔTOI of no more than 35%. ΔPtcCO2 correlated only weakly with the cerebral oxygenation indexes. This pilot study shows a strong relationship between pulse oximetry and cerebral oxygenation in children with OSAHS, with lower changes in TOI compared to SpO2. Future studies should address the clinical impact of respiratory events on cerebral oxygenation and its consequences.
The effects of rapid eye movement sleep deprivation during late pregnancy on newborns' sleep
Authors: Aswathy B.S. , Kumar Velayudhan M. , Gulia Kamalesh K. 
Published: May 2017

SummarySleep deprivation during pregnancy is an emerging concern, as it can adversely affect the development of the offspring brain. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of deprivation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep during the third term of pregnancy on the sleep–wake profiles of neonates in the Wistar rat model. Sleep–wake patterns were assessed through electrophysiological measures and behavioural observations during postnatal days 1–21 on pups born to REM sleep‐deprived dams and control rats. Pups of REM sleep‐deprived dams had active sleep that was not only markedly higher in percentage during all the days studied, but also had reduced latency during later postnatal days 15–21. Quiet sleep and wake periods were lower. These factors, along with less frequent but longer sleep–wake cycles, indicated maturational delay in the sleep–wake neural networks. The disruption of time‐bound growth of sleep–wake neural networks was substantiated further by the decreased slope of survival plots in the sleep bouts. Examination of altered sleep–wake patterns during early development may provide crucial information concerning deranged neural development in the offspring. This is the first report, to our knowledge, to show that maternal sleep deprivation during pregnancy can delay and impair the development of sleep–wake profile in the offspring.
Hepatitis B treatment eligibility in West Africa: Uncertainties and need for prospective cohort studies
Authors: Jaquet Antoine , Nouaman Marcellin , Tine Judicaël , Tanon Aristophane , Anoma Camille , Inwoley André , Attia Alain , Ekouevi Didier K. , Seydi Moussa , Dabis François , Wandeler Gilles 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsWhile universal screening of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is recommended in high burden countries, little is known about the proportion of HBV‐infected persons in need of antiviral therapy in these settings.MethodsPrisoners in Senegal and Togo as well as female sex workers and men who have sex with men in Cote d'Ivoire were screened for HBV infection. All HBsAg‐positive participants underwent transient elastography, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV viral load (VL) quantification. Individuals with cirrhosis or those aged >30 years with an HBV replication ≥20 000 IU/mL and elevated ALT were considered eligible for antiviral therapy.ResultsOf 1256 participants, 110 (8.8%) were HBsAg positive; their median age was 30 years [interquartile range: 25‐33] and 96 (86.5%) were men. Three individuals (2.7%) had cirrhosis, while 28 (29.5%) of 94 participants with available measurements had an HBV VL ≥20 000 IU/mL. Overall, 11 (10.0%) subjects were considered eligible for immediate antiviral treatment (2.1% of participants in Dakar, 7.7% in Abidjan and 21.6% in Lome, P=.001) and 59 (53.4%) for close monitoring due to the presence of significant liver fibrosis, elevated ALT or significant HBV replication.ConclusionsAmong vulnerable populations in West Africa, a minority of HBV‐infected individuals were eligible for immediate antiviral therapy. Prospective cohort studies are necessary to evaluate anti‐HBV treatment eligibility facing the significant proportion of individuals with active chronic HBV infection.
Intestinal microbiota in patients with chronic hepatitis C with and without cirrhosis compared with healthy controls
Authors: Heidrich Benjamin , Vital Marius , Plumeier Iris , Döscher Nico , Kahl Silke , Kirschner Janina , Ziegert Szilvia , Solbach Philipp , Lenzen Henrike , Potthoff Andrej , Manns Michael Peter , Wedemeyer Heiner , Pieper Dietmar Helmut 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsThe importance of the intestinal microbiota for the onset and clinical course of many diseases, including liver diseases like non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, is increasingly recognized. However, the role of intestinal microbiota in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unclear.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional approach, the intestinal microbiota of 95 patients chronically infected with HCV (n=57 without cirrhosis [NO‐CIR]; n=38 with cirrhosis [CIR]) and 50 healthy controls (HC) without documented liver diseases was analysed.ResultsAlpha diversity, measured by number of phylotypes (S) and Shannon diversity index (H′), decreased significantly from HC to NO‐CIR to CIR. S and H′ correlated negatively with liver elastography. Analysis of similarities revealed highly statistically significant differences in the microbial communities between HC, NO‐CIR and CIR (R=.090; P<1.0×10−6). Stratifying for HCV genotypes even increased the differences. In addition, we observed distinct patterns in the relative abundance of genera being either positive or negative correlated with diseases status.ConclusionsThis study shows that not only the stage of liver disease but also HCV infection is associated with a reduced alpha diversity and different microbial community patterns. These differences might be caused by direct interactions between HCV and the microbiota or indirect interactions facilitated by the immune system.
Early Experiences of Contact Laser Vaporization of the Prostate using the 980 nm High Power Diode Laser for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: MIYAZAKI Hideyo , HIRANO Yoshikazu , KATO Shinobu , IORITANI Naomasa , ICHIKAWA Takaharu , TAKAMOTO Hitoshi , HOMMA Yukio 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesWe report early experiences of contact laser vaporization of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsA total of 80 patients recruited at four institutions in Japan from April 2013 through September 2014 underwent contact laser vaporization of the prostate using 980 nm high power diode laser with an end‐firing fiber in the contact mode. Patients were followed prospectively at 1 day, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks, postoperatively per protocol, and at 1 and 2 years post‐protocol.ResultsOf 76 eligible patients, 64 (84.2%) achieved more than 50% decrease in International Prostate Symptom Score at 24 weeks (95% confidence interval: 74.0–91.6%), clearing the pre‐fixed non‐inferiority efficacy level to transurethral resection of the prostate (65%). Symptom scores, maximum flow rate, post‐void residual urine, and prostate volume showed significant improvements at 12 and 24 weeks after the surgery. Perioperative complications included transient urinary retention (n = 20), retrograde ejaculation (5), bladder neck contracture (4), urethral stricture (3), stone in prostatic bed (3), bladder stone (2), bladder perforation (1), bladder deformity (1), and transient urgency incontinence (1). Urinary retention and bladder neck contracture occurred almost exclusively at one institution. Improved symptom scores, maximum flow rate, and post‐void residual urine observed at 24 weeks remained virtually unchanged at 1 and 2 years.ConclusionsEarly experience of contact laser vaporization in Japan showed efficacy comparable to transurethral resection of the prostate as a surgical procedure for BPH at 24 weeks. Long‐term efficacy of the procedure remains uncertain.
Effects of short‐to‐long term enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) on skeletal muscle tissue in late onset Pompe disease (LOPD)
Authors: Ripolone M. , Violano R. , Ronchi D. , Mondello S. , Nascimbeni A. , Colombo I. , Fagiolari G. , Bordoni A. , Fortunato F. , Lucchini V. , Saredi S. , Filosto M. , Musumeci O. , Tonin P. , Mongini T. , Previtali S. , Morandi L. , Angelini C. , Mora M. , Sandri M. , Sciacco M. , Toscano A. , Comi G. P. , Moggio M. 
Published: June 2017

AimsPompe disease is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder resulting from deficiency of acid α‐glucosidase (GAA) enzyme. Histopathological hallmarks in skeletal muscle tissue are fibre vacuolization and autophagy. Since 2006, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the only approved treatment with human recombinant GAA alglucosidase alfa. We designed a study to examine ERT‐related skeletal muscle changes in 18 modestly to moderately affected late onset Pompe disease (LOPD) patients along with the relationship between morphological/biochemical changes and clinical outcomes. Treatment duration was short‐to‐long term.MethodsWe examined muscle biopsies from 18 LOPD patients at both histopathological and biochemical level. All patients underwent two muscle biopsies, before and after ERT administration respectively. The study is partially retrospective because the first biopsies were taken before the study was designed, whereas the second biopsy was always performed after at least 6 months of ERT administration.ResultsAfter ERT, 15 out of 18 patients showed improved 6‐min walking test (6MWT; P = 0.0007) and most of them achieved respiratory stabilization. Pretreatment muscle biopsies disclosed marked histopathological variability, ranging from an almost normal pattern to a severe vacuolar myopathy. After treatment, we detected morphological improvement in 15 patients and worsening in three patients.Post‐ERT GAA enzymatic activity was mildly increased compared with pretreatment levels in all patients. Protein levels of the mature enzyme increased in 14 of the 18 patients (mean increase = +35%; P < 0.05). Additional studies demonstrated an improved autophagic flux after ERT in some patients.ConclusionsERT positively modified skeletal muscle pathology as well as motor and respiratory outcomes in the majority of LOPD patients.
Early weaning stress induces chronic functional diarrhea, intestinal barrier defects, and increased mast cell activity in a porcine model of early life adversity
Authors: Pohl C. S. , Medland J. E. , Mackey E. , Edwards L. L. , Bagley K. D. , DeWilde M. P. , Williams K. J. , Moeser A. J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundEarly life adversity (ELA) is a risk factor for development of gastrointestinal disorders later in life. The underlying mechanisms through which ELA and sex interact to influence disease susceptibility remains poorly understood.MethodsUtilizing a porcine early weaning stress (EWS) model to mimic ELA, we investigated the long‐term effects of EWS on functional diarrhea, ileal permeability, mast cell activity and mast cell relationship with enteric ganglia.Key ResultsJuvenile and adult EWS pigs exhibited chronic, functional diarrhea (EWS 43.6% vs late wean control(LWC) 4.8%, P<.0001), increased intestinal permeability (2 fold increase EWS vs LWC, P<.0001), and mast cell numbers (at 7 weeks and 20 weeks ~1.6 fold increase EWS vs LWC, P<.05). Compared with EWS male castrates (Male‐C), females EWS pigs exhibited more frequent diarrhea (58.8% vs 29.9%, P=.0016), and increased intestinal permeability (1‐2 fold higher in EWS females, P<.001). Increased mast cell numbers and their enhanced co‐localization with neuronal ganglia were observed in both Male‐C and female EWS pigs; however, female pigs exhibited greater release of mast cell tryptase upon activation with c48/80 (~1.5 fold increase, P<.05), compared with Male‐C pigs.Conclusions and InferencesThese data demonstrate that pigs exposed to ELA exhibit increased vulnerability to functional diarrhea, intestinal permeability and mast cell activity. Further, these studies also showed that EWS female and Male‐C pigs exhibited dimorphic responses to EWS with female piglets exhibited greater susceptibility and severity of diarrhea, intestinal permeability and mast cell tryptase release. Together, these findings mimic some of the key pathophysiologic findings in human functional GI disorders functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) suggesting that the EWS porcine model could be a valuable preclinical translational model for FGID research associated with ELA.
Increased pericarp cell length underlies a major quantitative trait locus for grain weight in hexaploid wheat
Authors: Brinton Jemima , Simmonds James , Minter Francesca , Leverington‐Waite Michelle , Snape John , Uauy Cristobal 
Published: June 2017

Summary

Crop yields must increase to address food insecurity. Grain weight, determined by grain length and width, is an important yield component, but our understanding of the underlying genes and mechanisms is limited.

We used genetic mapping and near isogenic lines (NILs) to identify, validate and fine‐map a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on wheat chromosome 5A associated with grain weight. Detailed phenotypic characterisation of developing and mature grains from the NILs was performed.

We identified a stable and robust QTL associated with a 6.9% increase in grain weight. The positive interval leads to 4.0% longer grains, with differences first visible 12 d after fertilization. This grain length effect was fine‐mapped to a 4.3 cM interval. The locus also has a pleiotropic effect on grain width (1.5%) during late grain development that determines the relative magnitude of the grain weight increase. Positive NILs have increased maternal pericarp cell length, an effect which is independent of absolute grain length.

These results provide direct genetic evidence that pericarp cell length affects final grain size and weight in polyploid wheat. We propose that combining genes that control distinct biological mechanisms, such as cell expansion and proliferation, will enhance crop yields.
Genomics of antibiotic‐resistance prediction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Jeukens Julie , Freschi Luca , Kukavica‐Ibrulj Irena , Emond‐Rheault Jean‐Guillaume , Tucker Nicholas P. , Levesque Roger C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAntibiotic resistance is a worldwide health issue spreading quickly among human and animal pathogens, as well as environmental bacteria. Misuse of antibiotics has an impact on the selection of resistant bacteria, thus contributing to an increase in the occurrence of resistant genotypes that emerge via spontaneous mutation or are acquired by horizontal gene transfer. There is a specific and urgent need not only to detect antimicrobial resistance but also to predict antibiotic resistance in silico. We now have the capability to sequence hundreds of bacterial genomes per week, including assembly and annotation. Novel and forthcoming bioinformatics tools can predict the resistome and the mobilome with a level of sophistication not previously possible. Coupled with bacterial strain collections and databases containing strain metadata, prediction of antibiotic resistance and the potential for virulence are moving rapidly toward a novel approach in molecular epidemiology. Here, we present a model system in antibiotic‐resistance prediction, along with its promises and limitations. As it is commonly multidrug resistant, Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes infections that are often difficult to eradicate. We review novel approaches for genotype prediction of antibiotic resistance. We discuss the generation of microbial sequence data for real‐time patient management and the prediction of antimicrobial resistance.
Critical threshold meal size and molt initiation in Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Saenz Roberto A. , Medone Paula , di Clemente Natalia , Tongen Anthony , Rabinovich Jorge 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe molting process and body growth in Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) (Ståhl, 1859) are significantly influenced by the availability and quality of food. Based on the body weight of each stage, the present study provides estimates of a potential critical weight threshold required for molt initiation in R. prolixus. In addition, a new measure given by the area under the weight curve is proposed, which encapsulates both body weight and time. It is shown that this measure is consistent with the data, and allows the estimation of a pre‐refractory period (i.e. the time interval between the moment at which the critical weight threshold is reached and the moment when no further meals are accepted). The present analysis estimates the critical weight threshold as 1.6, 5.3, 12.9, 42.0 and 97.0 mg for stages 1–5, respectively, whereas the values of the area under the curve threshold as 5, 16, 31.2, 159.7 and 329.9 mg days for stages 1–5, respectively. The results of the present study confirm the existence of a weight‐dependent mechanism for the initiation of molting in R. prolixus.
Measurement of UV Emission from a Diffusing Optical Fiber Using Radiochromic Film
Authors: Welch David , Spotnitz Henry M. , Brenner David J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAnalysis of the emission pattern from optical diffuser tips is vital to their usage in biomedical applications, especially as they find growing functionality beyond established phototherapy techniques. The use of ultraviolet radiation with diffuser tips increases the need to accurately characterize these devices, both for effective application and to avoid potentially dangerous exposure conditions. This study presents a new method to capture the diffusion pattern at a high resolution through the use of radiochromic film. The film is positioned in a cylinder around the diffuser, light is emitted from the diffuser onto the film and the film expresses a color change relative to the exposure amount. The resulting emission map shows the distribution of power from the diffuser in all direction. This method, which is both quick and inexpensive, generates high‐resolution data much simpler than previously published works which required precise goniometric positioning.
Attending to the heart is associated with posterior alpha band increase and a reduction in sensitivity to concurrent visual stimuli
Authors: Villena‐González Mario , Moënne‐Loccoz Cristóbal , Lagos Rodrigo A. , Alliende Luz M. , Billeke Pablo , Aboitiz Francisco , López Vladimir , Cosmelli Diego 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAttentional mechanisms have been studied mostly in specific sensory domains, such as auditory, visuospatial, or tactile modalities. In contrast, attention to internal interoceptive visceral targets has only recently begun to be studied, despite its potential importance in emotion, empathy, and self‐awareness. Here, we studied the effects of shifting attention to the heart using a cue‐target detection paradigm during continuous EEG recordings. Subjects were instructed to count either a series of visual stimuli (visual condition) or their own heartbeats (heart condition). Visual checkerboard stimuli were used as attentional probes throughout the task. Consistent with previous findings, attention modulated the amplitude of the heartbeat‐evoked potentials. Directing attention to the heart significantly reduced the visual P1/N1 amplitude evoked by the attentional probe. ERPs locked to the attention‐directing cue revealed a novel frontal positivity around 300 ms postcue. Finally, spectral power in the alpha band over parieto‐occipital regions was higher while attending to the heart—when compared to the visual task—and correlated with subject's performance in the interoceptive task. These results are consistent with a shared, resource‐based attentional mechanism whereby allocating attention to bodily signals can affect early responses to visual stimuli.
The time course of pupil dilation evoked by visual sexual stimuli: Exploring the underlying ANS mechanisms
Authors: Finke Johannes B. , Deuter Christian E. , Hengesch Xenia , Schächinger Hartmut 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe early processing of visual sexual stimuli shows signs of automaticity. Moreover, there is evidence for sex‐specific patterns in cognitive and physiological responding to erotica. However, little is known about the time course of rapid pupillary responses to sexual stimuli and their correspondence with other measures of autonomic activity in women and men. To study pupil dilation as an implicit measure of sexual arousal at various stages of picture processing, we presented 35 heterosexual participants with pictures showing either erotic couples or single (male/female) erotic nudes, contrasted with people involved in everyday situations. Brightness‐adjusted grayscale pictures were shown for a duration of 2,500 ms within the central visual field, alternating with perceptually matched patches. Left pupil diameter was recorded at 500 Hz using a video‐based eye tracker. Skin conductance and heart rate were coregistered and correlated with latent components of pupil dilation (dissociated by temporal PCA). Whereas stimulus‐evoked changes in pupil size indicated virtually no initial constriction, a rapid effect of appetence emerged (dilation to erotica within 500 ms). Responses at early stages of processing were remarkably consistent across both sexes. In contrast, later phases of pupil dilation, subjective ratings, and skin conductance responses showed a sex‐specific pattern. Moreover, evidence for an association of early‐onset pupil dilation and heart rate acceleration was found, suggestive of parasympathetic inhibition, whereas the late component was mainly related to sympathetically mediated skin conductance. Taken together, our results indicate that different temporal components of pupil responses to erotic stimuli may reflect divergent underlying neural mechanisms.