bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic arterial buffer response: activation in donor fetuses and the effect of laser ablation of intertwin anastomosis
Authors: de Jesus Cruz Jader , Bernardeco Joana , Rijo Claudia , Cohen Alvaro , Serrano Fatima 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Hepatic arterial buffer response (HABR) is an important defence mechanism for maintaining liver blood flow. It is suspected that HABR is active in monochorionic diamniotic twins (MCDA) with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) where donor compensates a setting of volume depletion and the recipient an overload. The present study investigates whether in TTTS, HABR is active in donor and/or recipient individually and try to determine if the activation of HABR is a direct response to TTTS.

Methods
Hepatic artery (HA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) was measured in normal MCDA fetuses and TTTS. Correlation with relevant fetal Dopplers and characteristics were determined. Z-scores for HA-PSV (HAV-Z) were calculated and its association with TTTS in donors and recipients were determined as well as changes in HAV-Z after laser treatment.

Results
In this study 118 MCDA were included, 61.9 % normal and 38.1 % TTTS. Of the TTTS 22 required laser treatment. A total of 382 scans were performed in normal group and 155 in TTTS. Our data demonstrates that in donors HAV-Z was 2.4 Z-scores higher compared to normal fetuses (β=2.429 95 % CI 1.887, 2.971; p<0.001) and after laser treatment HAV-Z reduced (β=−1.829 95 % CI −2.593, −1.064; p<0.001). There was no significant difference between recipients and normal (β=−0.092 95 % CI −0.633, 0.449; p=0.738).

Conclusions
HABR is active in TTTS, promoting an increased hepatic blood flow in donors. The activation is direct response to TTTS as shown by the reduction in HAV-Z after laser. This finding provides important insights into the pathophysiology of TTTS.
Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection discovered at the time of delivery: a tertiary center experience in North Italy
Authors: Libretti Alessandro , Troìa Libera , Cappello Anna Maria , Casarotti Carolina , D’Amato Alessia Tony , Dallarda Gloria , Ghio Matilda , Nicosia Anthony , Ricci Daria , Savasta Federica , Sonzini Michela , Villa Diletta , De Pedrini Alberto , Surico Daniela , Remorgida Valentino 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Although the knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy has greatly improved, there is still a lack of information on its role in the later stages of gestation. The aim of this study is to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 discovered at delivery is associated with any obstetric or neonatal complications.

Methods
A retrospective case-control study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy, from March 2020 to March 2023. Pregnant women admitted were tested for SARS-CoV-2. 168 women resulted positive at the time of delivery; the women were asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic. 170 negative women were selected as controls, selecting, for each SARS-CoV-2 positive patient, the patient who gave birth right before, if negative. Demographic and anamnestic characteristics, pregnancy, labor, and neonatal outcomes were evaluated.

Results
SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were more likely to have gestational diabetes (13.7 vs. 5.3 %) and required less frequently intrapartum analgesia (11.3 vs. 27 %) and labor augmentation (7.3 vs. 16.5 %). Post-partum hemorrhage rate was lower (13.7 vs. 22.9 %) and a shorter length of first and second stage of labor occurred. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding the mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes.

Conclusions
SARS-CoV-2 positive patients have shorter labor length and a lower incidence of postpartum hemorrhage. Fewer obstetric interventions, as well as less use of intrapartum analgesia and oxytocin, could explain these findings. Moreover, gestational diabetes could increase susceptibility to infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection discovered at the time of delivery in asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic patients does not appear to increase the rate of cesarean delivery or other obstetric complications, and neonatal outcomes have not worsened.
Anti-S100A4 antibody administration alleviates bronchial epithelial–mesenchymal transition in asthmatic mice
Authors: Liu Shuang , Liu Min , Zhong Jinnan , Chen Shi , Wang Ziming , Gao Xiaoyan , Li Fajiu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
We elucidated the effect of S100A4 on airway remodeling by regulating airway inflammation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in mouse models of asthma. Asthmatic mouse models were established by sensitization and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Anti-S100A4 antibody or control IgG antibody was administered daily before the OVA challenge. After the last challenge, airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness were measured; lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested. Lung tissue sections were stained and evaluated for pathological changes. Levels of inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA. Levels of S100A4 and EMT markers were determined via western blotting analysis. Human bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with 100 mg/mL house dust mites (HDMs) to evaluate the effect of S100A4 downregulation on EMT in vitro. S100A4 was increased in lung tissues and BALF from asthmatic mice. The asthmatic mice presented airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, and airway remodeling. After anti-S100A4 antibody administration, pathophysiological signs, including airway hyperresponsiveness and increased infiltration of inflammatory cells, were attenuated. Additionally, anti-S100A4 administration downregulated vimentin and α-SMA expression and upregulated E-cadherin expression in OVA-challenged mice. S100A4 downregulation also inhibited EMT process in HDM-stimulated 16HBE cells. Anti-S100A4 antibody administration alters airway remodeling by preventing EMT in mouse models of asthma.
Synthesis of biopolymer-polypeptide conjugates and their potential therapeutic interests
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Kumari Kamlesh , Kundu Patit Paban 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Biopolymer-based conjugates are widely used for numbers of biomedical applications. Materials scientists have become progressively interested in compounding biological-relevant entities with biopolymers into polymeric biohybrid framework. Biopolymer are conjugated with various fragments such as enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids as well as their analogues, peptidomimetics, peptides, fluorescent composites, avidin or streptavidin, biotin, polyethylene glycol, and various other bioactive compounds in order to serve a particular functionality in biomedical applications. In current chapter, a summary of various methods to synthesize biopolymer-peptide biohybrid conjugates and their prospective applications in biomedical field is presented.
Spinal-Specific Super Enhancer in Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Tao Yang , Wang Qi-Hui , Li Xiao-Tong , Liu Ya , Sun Run-Hang , Xu Heng-Jun , Zhang Ming , Li Si-Yuan , Yang Li , Wang Hong-Jun , Hao Ling-Yun , Cao Jun-Li , Pan Zhiqiang 
Published: October 2023

Dysfunctional gene expression in nociceptive pathways plays a critical role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Super enhancers (SEs), composed of a large cluster of transcriptional enhancers, are emerging as new players in the regulation of gene expression. However, whether SEs participate in nociceptive responses remains unknown. Here, we report a spinal-specific SE (SS-SE) that regulates chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain by drivingNtmt1andPrrx2transcription in dorsal horn neurons. Peripheral nerve injury significantly enhanced the activity of SS-SE and increased the expression of NTMT1 and PRRX2 in the dorsal horn of male mice in a bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4)-dependent manner. Both intrathecal administration of a pharmacological BRD4 inhibitor JQ1 and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated SE deletion abolished the increased NTMT1 and PRRX2 in CCI mice and attenuated their nociceptive hypersensitivities. Furthermore, knocking downNtmt1orPrrx2with siRNA suppressed the injury-induced elevation of phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the dorsal horn and alleviated neuropathic pain behaviors. Mimicking the increase in spinalNtmt1orPrrx2in naive mice increased p-ERK and GFAP expression and led to the genesis of neuropathic pain-like behavior. These results redefine our understanding of the regulation of pain-related genes and demonstrate that BRD4-driven increases in SS-SE activity is responsible for the genesis of neuropathic pain through the governance of NTMT1 and PRRX2 expression in dorsal horn neurons. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of BRD4 inhibitors for the treatment of neuropathic pain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTSEs drive gene expression by recruiting master transcription factors, cofactors, and RNA polymerase, but their role in the development of neuropathic pain remains unknown. Here, we report that the activity of an SS-SE, located upstream of the genesNtmt1andPrrx2, was elevated in the dorsal horn of mice with neuropathic pain. SS-SE contributes to the genesis of neuropathic pain by driving expression ofNtmt1andPrrx2. Both inhibition of SS-SE with a pharmacological BRD4 inhibitor and genetic deletion of SS-SE attenuated pain hypersensitivities. This study suggests an effective and novel therapeutic strategy for neuropathic pain.
A Pathogenic Missense Mutation in Kainate Receptors Elevates Dendritic Excitability and Synaptic Integration through Dysregulation of SK Channels
Authors: Nomura Toshihiro , Taniguchi Sakiko , Wang Yi-Zhi , Yeh Nai-Hsing , Wilen Anika P. , Castillon Charlotte C.M. , Foote Kendall M. , Xu Jian , Armstrong John N. , Savas Jeffrey N. , Swanson Geoffrey T. , Contractor Anis 
Published: October 2023

Numerous rare variants that cause neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) occur within genes encoding synaptic proteins, including ionotropic glutamate receptors. However, in many cases, it remains unclear how damaging missense variants affect brain function. We determined the physiological consequences of an NDD causing missense mutation in theGRIK2kainate receptor (KAR) gene, that results in a single amino acid change p.Ala657Thr in the GluK2 receptor subunit. We engineered this mutation in the mouseGrik2gene, yielding a GluK2(A657T) mouse, and studied mice of both sexes to determine how hippocampal neuronal function is disrupted. Synaptic KAR currents in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons from heterozygous A657T mice exhibited slow decay kinetics, consistent with incorporation of the mutant subunit into functional receptors. Unexpectedly, CA3 neurons demonstrated elevated action potential spiking because of downregulation of the small-conductance Ca2+activated K+channel (SK), which mediates the post-spike afterhyperpolarization. The reduction in SK activity resulted in increased CA3 dendritic excitability, increased EPSP-spike coupling, and lowered the threshold for the induction of LTP of the associational-commissural synapses in CA3 neurons. Pharmacological inhibition of SK channels in WT mice increased dendritic excitability and EPSP-spike coupling, mimicking the phenotype in A657T mice and suggesting a causative role for attenuated SK activity in aberrant excitability observed in the mutant mice. These findings demonstrate that a disease-associated missense mutation inGRIK2leads to altered signaling through neuronal KARs, pleiotropic effects on neuronal and dendritic excitability, and implicate these processes in neuropathology in patients with genetic NDDs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDamaging mutations in genes encoding synaptic proteins have been identified in various neurodevelopmental disorders, but the functional consequences at the cellular and circuit level remain elusive. By generating a novel knock-in mutant mouse, this study examined the role of a pathogenic mutation in the GluK2 kainate receptor (KAR) subunit, a subclass of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Analyses of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons determined elevated action potential firing because of an increase in dendritic excitability. Increased dendritic excitability was attributable to reduced activity of a Ca2+activated K+channel. These results indicate that a pathogenic KAR mutation results in dysregulation of dendritic K+channels, which leads to an increase in synaptic integration and backpropagation of action potentials into distal dendrites.
CCR4‐NOT differentially controls host versus virus poly(a)‐tail length and regulates HCMV infection
Authors: Burgess Hannah M , Grande Rebecca , Riccio Sofia , Dinesh Ikshitaa , Winkler Gerlof Sebastiaan , Depledge Daniel P , Mohr Ian 
Published: October 2023

AbstractUnlike most RNA and DNA viruses that broadly stimulate mRNA decay and interfere with host gene expression, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) extensively remodels the host translatome without producing an mRNA decay enzyme. By performing a targeted loss‐of‐function screen in primary human fibroblasts, we here identify the host CCR4‐NOT deadenylase complex members CNOT1 and CNOT3 as unexpected pro‐viral host factors that selectively regulate HCMV reproduction. We find that the scaffold subunit CNOT1 is specifically required for late viral gene expression and genome‐wide host responses in CCR4‐NOT‐disrupted cells. By profiling poly(A)‐tail lengths of individual HCMV and host mRNAs using nanopore direct RNA sequencing, we reveal poly(A)‐tails of viral messages to be markedly longer than those of cellular mRNAs and significantly less sensitive to CCR4‐NOT disruption. Our data establish that mRNA deadenylation by host CCR4‐NOT is critical for productive HCMV replication and define a new mechanism whereby herpesvirus infection subverts cellular mRNA metabolism to remodel the gene expression landscape of the infected cell. Moreover, we expose an unanticipated host factor with potential to become a therapeutic anti‐HCMV target.
IFNT stimulates lysosomal function via type I IFN signaling pathway in pregnant bovine leukocytes
Authors: Talukder Md Abdus Shabur , Balboula Ahmed Zaky , Bai Hanako , Kawahara Manabu , Kimura Koji , Takahashi Masashi 
Published: October 2023

In brief
Interferon tau (IFNT) stimulates lysosomal activation via the Janus-activated kinase in peripheral blood leukocytes during pregnancy recognition. IFNT-mediated lysosomal activation could serve as a novel marker for early pregnancy in cattle.

Abstract
IFNT is important in establishing pregnancy in ruminants. Secreted IFNT in the uterus induces the expression of an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) in uterine tissues and peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). In our previous study, increased lysosome and lysosomal cathepsin (CTS) activity and mRNA expression were observed in PBLs of pregnant cows on day 18 of pregnancy. However, the mechanism of IFNT stimulation in PBLs is unclear. Here, we explored the IFNT-mediated lysosomal activation mechanisms in PBLs during early pregnancy in dairy cows. PBLs collected from the peripheral blood of Holstein cows on day 18 post artificial insemination, after confirmation of their pregnancy status, were used to detect the expression of lysosomal-associated membrane protein (LAMP) 1, 2, CTSB and CTSK. Expression of all genes was significantly higher in PBLs of pregnant cows than in nonpregnant cows. In vitro IFN-mediated stimulation of PBLs collected from cows that did not undergo AI significantly increased lysosomal acidification and expression of LAMP1 and 2, as well as the activities of CTSB and CTSK. Immunodetection analysis showed an increase in LAMP1 and CTSK levels in the PBLs of day 18 pregnant cows. JAK inhibitor significantly decreased lysosomal acidification, CTSK activity, LAMP1, 2, and CTSK expression in the presence of IFNT. These results suggest that IFNT regulates lysosomal function via a type 1IFN-mediated pathway in PBLs during pregnancy recognition.
Método simple para minimizar la discrepancia en la longitud de las extremidades y restaurar el offset en la artroplastia total de cadera
Authors: López Pablo Daniel , Almada Adrián Gabriel , Iglesias Santiago Luis , Pioli Ignacio José , Gómez José Miguel , Allende Bartolomé Luis 
Published: October 2023

Introducción: Existen más de 20 técnicas diferentes para corregir la discrepancia de miembros inferiores. El método que aquí se evalúa se basa en una clavija fija posicionada en el ala ilíaca asociada a un “calibre” móvil, con otra clavija con la que se marca la referencia en el trocánter mayor.
Objetivo: Evaluar la confiabilidad de este dispositivo de medición usado durante la artroplastia total de cadera para restaurar la longitud del miembro inferior y el offset femoral.
Materiales y Métodos: Se formaron dos grupos: grupo A con pacientes en quienes no se había usado el dispositivo y grupo B con pacientes en quienes sí se había usado el dispositivo. Se realizaron las mediciones en la radiografía panorámica de pelvis obtenida con el paciente de pie, antes de la cirugía y 3 meses después.
Resultados: Se obtuvo una muestra de 80 pacientes (40 por grupo). Se logró corregir la discrepancia de lalongitud de los miembros, pero no se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la corrección promedio, entre ambos grupos (p = 0,07). Sin embargo, al analizar la varianza en la corrección de la discrepancia de la longitud de cada grupo se obtuvo una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p <0,001).
Conclusiones: Este dispositivo que permite una medición cuantificable más objetiva no asegura una corrección de la discrepancia de la longitud exacta a 0 mm, pero sí permite trabajar dentro de unrango más confiable y seguro.
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) soil covering with organic matter: Results and knowledge gap
Authors: Südiné Fehér Anikó , Turóczi György , Tóth Ferenc 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPotato mulching practices and their effects often differ, and the results are sometimes contradictory in the literature, as they vary depending on climatic conditions and growing practices. In this study, we analysed 68 peer-reviewed publications to reveal which problems of potato cultivation were intended to be solved by mulching with organic materials. We have found that the main goals of mulching are the preservation of soil moisture, the reduction of soil temperature, and the suppression of weeds, in which mulching provides effective help. In different parts of the world, different organic mulches increased the yield of potatoes in 78% of the studies. Although the occurrence and damage of pests, pathogens and weeds are extremely understudied (16, 18, 29% of the studies), we can conclude that organic mulches effectively reduced their damage.
Morris method supporting building optimization
Authors: Vincze Nándor , Horváth Kristóf Roland , Kistelegdi István , Storcz Tamás , Ercsey Zsolt 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAs part of the energy design synthesis method, complex dynamic building simulation database was created with IDA ICE code for all family house building configurations for a considered problem. In this paper, the annual heat energy demand output parameter is considered to serve as basis of a building energy design investigation. The sensitivity analysis performed by Morris' elementary effect method was used. As the result of the sensitivity analysis of the output parameter, the most important input parameters can be identified, that influence the buildings' energy efficiency, that can support further building designs.
One-at-a-Time sensitivity study of a tree burning simulation
Authors: Hajdu Flóra , Környei László , Kuti Rajmund 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe aim of the research was to carry out the One-at-a-Time sensitivity analysis of a tree burning experiment simulation with a novel fuzzy logic-based method. It was observed that the precent of the remaining tree is sensitive to the moisture content, the crown-base diameter and the tree height. The other variables, which are maximum mass loss rate, maximum heat release rate, and maximum temperature at the top of the tree are moderately sensitive or not sensitive to the selected parameters. The presented results can be used in sensitivity studies and wildfire simulations.
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Complications after Insertion by Surgeons, Radiologists, or Nephrologists
Authors: Ku Elaine , Copeland Timothy , McCulloch Charles E. , Freise Christopher , Legaspi Sabrina , Weinhandl Eric , Woo Karen , Johansen Kirsten L. 
Published: October 2023

Significance Statement
The Advancing American Kidney Health Initiative aims to increase rates of utilization of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the United States. One of the first steps to PD is successful catheter placement, which can be performed by surgeons, interventional radiologists, or nephrologists. We examined the association between operator subspecialty and risk of needing a follow-up procedure in the first 90 days after initial PD catheter implantation. Overall, we found that 15.5% of catheters required revision, removal, or a second catheter placement within 90 days. The odds of requiring a follow-up procedure was 36% higher for interventional radiologists and 86% higher for interventional nephrologists compared with general surgeons. Further research is needed to understand how to optimize the function of catheters across different operator types.

Background
The US government has implemented incentives to increase the use of PD. Successful placement of PD catheters is an important step to increasing PD utilization rates. Our objective was to compare initial outcomes after PD catheter placement by different types of operators.

Methods
We included PD-naïve patients insured by Medicare who had a PD catheter inserted between 2010 and 2019. We examined the association between specialty of the operator (general surgeon, vascular surgeon, interventional radiologist, or interventional nephrologist) and odds of needing a follow-up procedure, which we defined as catheter removal, replacement, or revision within 90 days of the initial procedure. Mixed logistic regression models clustered by operator were used to examine the association between operator type and outcomes.

Results
We included 46,973 patients treated by 5205 operators (71.1% general surgeons, 17.2% vascular surgeons, 9.7% interventional radiologists, 2.0% interventional nephrologists). 15.5% of patients required a follow-up procedure within 90 days of the initial insertion, of whom 2.9% had a second PD catheter implanted, 6.6% underwent PD catheter removal, and 5.9% had a PD catheter revision within 90 days of the initial insertion. In models adjusted for patient and operator characteristics, the odds of requiring a follow-up procedure within 90 days were highest for interventional nephrologists (HR, 1.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56 to 2.22) and interventional radiologists (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.58) followed by vascular surgeons (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.14) compared with general surgeons.

Conclusions
The probability of needing a follow-up procedure after initial PD catheter placement varied by operator specialty and was higher for interventionalists and lowest for general surgeons.