bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analysis of the serum proteome during early pregnancy in mares
Authors: Deng Liang , Li Zheng , Tang Chi , Han Yuwei , Zhang Linxi , Liao Qingchao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEquine pregnancy is currently diagnosed by rectal palpation, ultrasonographic examination, or by measuring changes in hormones in the blood. In the present study, we identified proteins that are differentially expressed in the sera of early pregnant and non‐pregnant mares in order to develop a novel method for diagnosing equine pregnancy. Serum samples were obtained from 18 adult mares, pregnancy at day 32 after ovulation (n = 9) and in diestrus (n = 9). Proteomic analysis of the samples was conducted using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry. We identified 467 proteins from a total of 3514 peptides. Thirty‐two proteins (15 upregulated and 17 downregulated) were significantly differentially expressed between the two groups. The Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that they are related to extracellular matrix assembly, blood coagulation, and hemostasis, and the prominent molecular functions were integrin binding, cell adhesion molecule binding, and glycine C‐acetyltransferase activity. The pathway analysis of Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes showed that the top three pathways identified were glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism; cysteine and methionine metabolism; and ether lipid metabolism. The selected five serum proteins were newly potential candidates for pregnancy diagnosis in mares.
Vaptans for oedematous and hyponatraemic disorders in childhood: A systematic literature review
Authors: Piffer Arianna , Bianchetti Mario G. , Leoni‐Foglia Corinna , Simonetti Giacomo D. , Milani Gregorio P. , Lava Sebastiano A. G. 
Published: April 2022

AimsThe aim of this study was to systematically review the use of vaptans (nonpeptide vasopressin receptor antagonists) in children.MethodsThrough a database search (Web of Science, the National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica), we identified case series and case reports and extracted clinical and laboratory data.ResultsTwenty‐six articles, published since 2008, reported on 226 patients. Among 115 children with hyponatraemic (n = 63) and oedematous disorders (n = 52), a 48 hour course of tolvaptan with an initial dose of 0.38 ± 0.27 mg/kg was administered in 106 cases, while intravenous conivaptan was reported in nine cases. An increase (P < .02) in urine output was shown in both oedematous (from 3.2 ± 2.0 to 5.3 ± 6.7 mL/kg/day) and hyponatraemic (from 3.0 ± 1.5 to 4.4 ± 2.3 mL/kg/day) patients. In these latter, sodium increased from 125 ± 6 to 133 ± 6 mmol/L (P < .0001). The increase in sodium level correlated with its basal value, but not with the administered vaptan dose. Among 111 children undergoing cardiac surgery, after tolvaptan 0.21 ± 0.01 mg/kg/day, mostly combined with conventional diuretics, an increase in diuresis by 41 ± 4% was seen within 24 hours (P < .0001). Similarly, a single add‐on dose of tolvaptan 0.45 mg/kg allowed a reduced additional intravenous furosemide administration (0.26 ± 0.23 vs 0.62 ± 0.48 mg/kg, P < .005). Side effects were rarely reported, and included excessive thirst and xerostomia in seven, skin rash in one and elevated aminotransferases in one patient(s).ConclusionVaptans appear to be safe for oedematous and hyponatraemic disorders also in children. Although they increase diuresis and natraemia, no superiority to traditional diuretics and sodium supplements has been demonstrated. Reported side effects are rare and non‐serious.
3D FIB‐SEM structural insights into the architecture of sub‐pellicular microtubules of Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes
Authors: Vidal Juliana C. , De Souza Wanderley 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground informationTrypanosomatidae, which includes eukaryotic species agents of diseases like leishmaniasis, sleeping sickness, and Chagas disease, have special structures and organelles not found in mammalian cells. They present a layer of microtubules, known as subpellicular microtubules (SPMT), located underneath the plasma membrane and responsible for preserving cell morphology, cell polarity, the position of single copy organelles, and morphological changes that occur throughout the protozoan life cycle. Even though a lot of knowledge about the SPMT is available, we still do not know exactly how each microtubule in the system is organized in three dimensions. Here, we use focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) to analyze the tridimensional organization of epimastigotes SPMT.ResultsThe high‐resolution 3D analyses revealed that certain microtubules of the SPMT end more prematurely than the neighboring ones.ConclusionsThese microtubules could (1) be shorter or (2) have the same length as the neighboring ones, assuming that those end up earlier at their other end, might be treadmilling/catastrophe events that have not yet been described in trypanosomatids.
The PERKs of mitochondria protection during stress: insights for PERK modulation in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases
Authors: Almeida Liliana M. , Pinho Brígida R. , Duchen Michael R. , Oliveira Jorge M. A. 
Published: April 2022

ABSTRACTProtein kinase RNA‐like ER kinase (PERK) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor that responds to the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Once activated, PERK initiates signalling pathways that halt general protein production, increase the efficiency of ER quality control, and maintain redox homeostasis. PERK activation also protects mitochondrial homeostasis during stress. The location of PERK at the contact sites between the ER and the mitochondria creates a PERK–mitochondria axis that allows PERK to detect stress in both organelles, adapt their functions and prevent apoptosis. During ER stress, PERK activation triggers mitochondrial hyperfusion, preventing premature apoptotic fragmentation of the mitochondria. PERK activation also increases the formation of mitochondrial cristae and the assembly of respiratory supercomplexes, enhancing cellular ATP‐generating capacity. PERK strengthens mitochondrial quality control during stress by promoting the expression of mitochondrial chaperones and proteases and by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, resulting in renewal of the mitochondrial network. But how does PERK mediate all these changes in mitochondrial homeostasis? In addition to the classic PERK–eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α)–activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) pathway, PERK can activate other protective pathways – PERK–O‐linked N‐acetyl‐glucosamine transferase (OGT), PERK–transcription factor EB (TFEB), and PERK–nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (NRF2) – contributing to broader regulation of mitochondrial dynamics, metabolism, and quality control. The pharmacological activation of PERK is protective in models of neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases, such as Huntington's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy and obesity, while the inhibition of PERK was protective in models of Parkinson's and prion diseases and diabetes. In this review, we address the molecular mechanisms by which PERK regulates mitochondrial dynamics, metabolism and quality control, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PERK in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases.
Mepolizumab decreases tissue eosinophils while increasing type‐2 cytokines in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Walter Sophie , Ho Jacqueline , Alvarado Raquel , Smith Greg , Croucher David R. , Liang Sharron , Grayson Jessica W. , Mangussi‐Gomes João , Van Es Simone L. , Earls Peter , Rimmer Janet , Campbell Raewyn , Kalish Larry , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundEosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis is an often treatment‐resistant inflammatory disease mediated by type‐2 cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐5. Mepolizumab, a monoclonal antibody drug targeting IL‐5, has demonstrated efficacy and safety in inflammatory airway disease, but there is negligible evidence on direct tissue response. The study's aim was to determine the local effect of mepolizumab on inflammatory biomarkers in sinonasal tissue of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis patients.MethodsAdult patients with eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis received 100mg mepolizumab subcutaneously at four‐weekly intervals for 24 weeks in this prospective phase 2 clinical trial. Tissue eosinophil counts, eosinophil degranulation (assessed as submucosal eosinophil peroxidase deposition by immunohistochemistry) and cytokine levels (measured in homogenates by immunoassay) were evaluated in ethmoid sinus tissue biopsies collected at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 16 and 24.ResultsTwenty patients (47.7 ± 11.7 years, 50% female) were included. Sinonasal tissue eosinophil counts decreased after 24 weeks of treatment with mepolizumab (101.64 ± 93.80 vs 41.74 ± 53.76 cells per 0.1 mm2; p = .035), eosinophil degranulation remained unchanged (5.79 ± 2.08 vs 6.07 ± 1.20, p = .662), and type‐2 cytokine levels increased in sinonasal tissue for IL‐5 (10.84 ± 18.65 vs 63.98 ± 50.66, p = .001), IL‐4 (4.48 ± 3.77 vs 9.38 ± 7.56, p = .004), IL‐13 (4.02 ± 2.57 vs 6.46 ± 3.99, p = .024) and GM‐CSF (1.51 ± 1.74 vs 4.50 ± 2.97, p = .001).ConclusionMepolizumab reduced eosinophils in sinonasal tissue, demonstrating that antagonism of IL‐5 suppresses eosinophil trafficking. With reduced tissue eosinophils, a local type‐2 inflammatory feedback loop may occur. The study exposes mechanistic factors which may explain incomplete treatment response.
How parenting pre‐teens compares to other child stages: Identifying opportunities to enhance adolescent mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Wade Catherine , Almendingen Alexander , Robinson Elly 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundEarly adolescence is a key stage for parents and children before increasing child independence, yet little research has explored parents' experiences during this time.MethodsSecondary analysis using a broadly representative survey of 2600 parents explored challenges and opportunities for parents of 10–12 year‐olds relative to other child ages.ResultsParents of pre‐teens are mostly confident in their parenting, satisfied with children's sleep and they were more confident in knowing where to seek professional help than parents of younger and older children. Nevertheless, there were several challenges, including the use of positive discipline and partner support. Parents of adolescents reported less favourable experiences in several areas, including concerns about children's use of electronic devices, confidence and help‐seeking.ConclusionsFindings highlight the importance of pre‐adolescence as an opportune time to support parents prior to major developmental transitions associated with adolescence.
Differences in parasite community composition support ecological differentiation in a freshwater gadoid fish
Authors: Karvonen Anssi , Horppila Petteri , Kuitunen Jere , Miettinen Miikka , Ryynänen Lauri , Marjomäki Timo J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSeveral northern freshwater fishes have gone through rapid adaptive radiation after the last glacial period, resulting in new species or intraspecific morphs with distinct life histories. Parasite infections can promote adaptive radiations and spatiotemporal differences in patterns of infections can potentially reveal incipient or ongoing speciation processes. We investigated intraspecific differentiation in a freshwater gadoid fish, burbot (Lota lota), by exploring differences in parasite infections between two potential life‐history morphs in Lake Konnevesi, Central‐Finland, one reproducing species characteristically in shallow littoral waters in February and the other possibly in deep profundal zone roughly a month later. By conducting a sampling campaign on reproducing fish over two consecutive years, we found significant differences in infections between the fish captured from littoral and profundal sites. More specifically, larval trematode and cestode infections were consistently less abundant in profundal fish, tracking long‐term exposure differences in shallow waters. In contrast, trophically transmitted metazoan infections in the fish gut, reflecting shorter‐term differences in feeding, showed higher variation between sampling years rather than depths. We also found suggestive evidence of higher trematode‐inflicted tissue damage per parasite in the profundal fish, implying lower tolerance to the infection. These results offer further evidence that burbot captured from littoral and profundal sites represent differentiated life‐history morphs. We propose that ecological and evolutionary differentiation within burbot populations across its circumpolar distribution may be more widespread than previously acknowledged.
Acoustic restoration: Using soundscapes to benchmark and fast‐track recovery of ecological communities
Authors: Znidersic Elizabeth , Watson David M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe introduce a new approach—acoustic restoration—focusing on the applied utility of soundscapes for restoration, recognising the rich ecological and social values they encapsulate. Broadcasting soundscapes in disturbed areas can accelerate recolonisation of animals and the microbes and propagules they carry; long duration recordings are also ideal sources of data for benchmarking restoration initiatives and evocative engagement tools.
Health‐related lifestyle of Spanish informal caregivers: Results from two national health surveys
Authors: García‐Mayor Jesús , Moreno‐Llamas Antonio , De la Cruz‐Sánchez Ernesto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveWe examine the health‐related lifestyle behaviors of informal Spanish caregivers while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics.BackgroundInformal caregiving is an essential, albeit invisible, component of any health care delivery system that results in vast savings for national economies. Nevertheless, it remains unknown whether healthy lifestyle behaviors and the subsequent well‐being of informal caregivers may compromise their ability to continue providing their essential service.MethodWe compared the health‐related lifestyle behaviors between informal caregivers and non‐caregivers, applying generalized estimating equations analysis.ResultsWe observed no significant differences in self‐rated health status between caregivers and non‐caregivers. Women and men older than 44 years of age with less than 20 hours of care per week were more likely to eat fruit and engage in physical activity. Younger women caregivers (18–44 years) with less than 20 hours of care per week were also more physically active. However, younger men with less than 20 hours of care per week smoked more, and women were more likely to use alcohol. No differences were observed between non‐caregivers and caregivers with 20 or more of care per week.ConclusionsInformal caregiving affects women and men equally, being hours of care per week a determinant of caregiver/non‐caregiver differences on diet, physical activity, smoking, and drinking.ImplicationsThe results from these nationally representative data suggest both a healthy and unhealthy lifestyle caregiver effect for both women and men. This effect differs on the different health‐related behaviors and is related to the amount of time devoted to care.
Predictors of tooth loss in Brazilian older adults: An 8‐year follow‐up
Authors: Tôrres Luísa Helena do Nascimento , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot , Hugo Fernando Neves , Sousa Maria da Luz Rosário de , De Marchi Renato José 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the risk factors for tooth loss after 8 years among community‐dwelling older adults in a southern Brazilian city.MethodsIn 2004, 388 dentate community‐dwelling older adults from Carlos Barbosa, southern Brazil, were selected using simple random sampling. In 2012, the follow‐up consisted of 199 (51.3%) participants. Data collection comprised an interview with data about socio‐demographic, behavioural and access to services and an oral examination. The outcome variable of this study is the ratio between the sum of the teeth lost during the 8‐year period of follow‐up, and the sum of the teeth present in 2004, per person, modelled through binomial regression analysis.ResultsBeing older (IOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06), living in a rural area (IOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.17–2.07), earning two or more monthly minimum wages (IOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09–1.96), living alone (single, widowed or divorced; IOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.00–1.85), having more gingival bleeding sites (IOR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02) and wearing partial removable prosthesis (IOR = 2.82, 95% CI: 2.15–3.71) were risk factors for tooth loss. Approximately 48% of the participants lost one or more teeth over the 8‐year follow‐up period.ConclusionSocio‐demographic, economic and clinical variables were associated with the risk for tooth loss. This might be a result of social determinants of health influencing people’s access to oral health care, oral health behaviours and oral health status. Public policy aimed at older adults living in rural areas, living alone and using removable dentures may contribute to reducing the risk of tooth loss.
Question prompt lists and endorsement of question‐asking support patients to get the information they seek—A longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Tracy Marguerite , Ayre Julie , Mac Olivia , Copp Tessa , Trevena Emerita Lyndal , Shepherd Heather 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionQuestion prompt lists (QPLs) have been found to support patients to ask questions and improve the information they receive from doctors. However, some QPL tools, which have been available online for almost 15 years, have little published data on their impact in real‐world settings. This study's aim was to understand patients' attitudes and experiences accessing health information and to assess the impact of introducing two generic QPLs over 3 months.MethodsA longitudinal qualitative study consisting of three semi‐structured interviews over a three‐month period was conducted with 31 purposively selected participants, adults ≥18 years, recruited online and through social media. Participants were introduced to two different QPLs currently available online (‘Question Builder’; ‘AskShareKnow’). Inductive thematic analysis of a total of 92 semi‐structured telephone interviews was conducted during May–November 2020.ResultsThree main themes are described. (1) Participants described barriers and facilitators to accessing health information: navigating a complex health system; difficulty asking questions of their healthcare professionals and that they value doctors with good communication skills. (2) QPLs helped some participants recognize the role of question‐asking in consultations, made them feel more empowered and helped them prepare and prioritize. (3) Participants wanted QPLs to be easier to use, be accessible when needed and that question‐asking and QPLs should be normalized in medical consultations.ConclusionsWell‐designed and easily accessible QPLs can empower people to ask questions and be more involved in decisions about their health care. Endorsement of question‐asking in consultations by healthcare professionals and providing QPL tools at the point of contact with health services will be key to realizing the potential of QPLs.Patient or Public ContributionThis study was completed in conjunction with a reference group consisting of a consumer representative, representatives from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Healthdirect Australia Ltd., and the research team.
The solid variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a multi‐institutional retrospective study
Authors: Xu Bin , Viswanathan Kartik , Zhang Lingxin , Edmund Liz N , Ganly Olivia , Tuttle R Michael , Lubin Daniel , Ghossein Ronald A. 
Published: April 2022

AimsThe definition of papillary thyroid carcinoma, solid variant (PTC‐SV) varies from >50% to 100% of solid/trabecular/insular growth (STI). We aimed to identify prognostic factors and to establish an appropriate STI cutoff for PTC‐SV in this multi‐institutional study of 156 PTCs with STI.ResultsNodal metastases were seen in 18% and were associated with a higher percentage of papillary and STI. When substratified by infiltration/encapsulation status, the STI percentage did not impact the risk of nodal metastasis. pN1 stage was seen in 51% of infiltrative tumours and 1% of encapsulated lesions. Overall, PTC with STI had an excellent prognosis. The 10‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) was 87% in the entire cohort, 94% in encapsulated lesions, and 76% in infiltrative tumours. The STI percentage did not impact DFS. Fifty‐four patients had noninvasive encapsulated lesions with 2–100% STI. None developed recurrence. Encapsulated lesions were enriched with RAS mutations (54%), whereas infiltrative lesions lacked RAS mutations (4%). The BRAF V600E mutation was an infrequent event, being seen in 11% of the entire cohort.ConclusionIn PTC with STI, the determining factor for nodal metastasis and DFS is the encapsulation/infiltration status rather than the STI percentage. Encapsulated noninvasive tumours with STI follow an indolent course with a very low risk of nodal metastasis and recurrence. Overall, PTC with STI has an excellent prognosis, with a 10‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) and DFS of 96% and 87%, respectively. Therefore, the classification of SV‐PTC as an aggressive PTC subtype may be reconsidered.
Nomogram for predicting survival of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombus based on perioperative clinicopathological factors from a Chinese high‐volume center
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Liu Zhuo , Zhao Xiaoyu , Hong Peng , Zhao Xun , Zhu Guodong , Tang Shiying , Ge Liyuan , Zhang Shudong , Liu Cheng , Wang Shumin , Zhang Hongxian , Ma Lulin 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesTo investigate perioperative clinicopathological predictors and establish a predictive nomogram for survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus undergoing nephrectomy and thrombectomy.MethodsPatients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus undergoing nephrectomy and thrombectomy were included in the study between January 2014 and June 2020. Cox regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate survival analyses. A predictive nomogram for survival was established and internally validated using bootstrap resampling method.ResultsA total of 228 patients were enrolled in this study. The median age was 60 years (interquartile range 53–66 years), consisting of 174 (76.3%) males and 54 (23.7%) females. The median follow‐up time was 17.5 months (range 1–74 months), 26.8% (61 of 228) patients died of all causes. In multivariable analysis, hemoglobin less than the lower limit of normal (hazard ratio 1.73; 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.96; P = 0.045), sarcomatoid feature (hazard ratio 3.67; 95% confidence interval 1.97–6.82; P < 0.001), perirenal fat invasion (hazard ratio 1.80; 95% confidence interval 1.05–3.09; P = 0.033), histological subtype (hazard ratio 2.74; 95% confidence interval 1.39–5.41; P = 0.004), and metastasis at surgery (hazard ratio 1.71; 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.90; P = 0.047) were independently associated with overall survival. The result of internal validation presented that the predictive performance of the nomogram for survival measured by C‐index was 0.77.ConclusionsWe developed a predictive nomogram with well‐internal validation for survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma and venous tumor thrombus, which can greatly promote risk stratification and treatment planning.