bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal exposure to alcohol impairs responses of cerebral arterioles to activation of potassium channels: Role of oxidative stress
Authors: Saha Partha S. , Knecht Tiffany M. , Arrick Denise M. , Watt Michael J. , Scholl Jamie L. , Mayhan William G. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundPotassium channels play an important role in the basal tone and dilation of cerebral resistance arterioles in response to many stimuli. However, the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on specific potassium channel function remains unknown. The first goal of this study was to determine the influence of PAE on the reactivity of cerebral arterioles to activation of ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) and BK channels. Our second goal was to determine whether oxidative stress contributed to potassium channel dysfunction of cerebral arterioles following PAE.MethodsWe fed Sprague–Dawley dams a liquid diet with or without alcohol (3% EtOH) for the duration of their pregnancy (21 to 23 days). We examined in vivo responses of cerebral arterioles in control and PAE male and female offspring (14 to 16 weeks after birth) to activators of potassium channels (Iloprost [BK channels] and pinacidil [KATP channels]), before and following inhibition of oxidative stress with apocynin.ResultsWe found that PAE impaired dilation of cerebral arterioles in response to activation of potassium channels with iloprost and pinacidil, and this impairment was similar in male and female rats. In addition, treatment with apocynin reversed the impaired vasodilation to iloprost and pinacidil in PAE rats to levels observed in control rats. This effect of apocynin also was similar in male and female rats.ConclusionsPAE induces dysfunction in the ability of specific potassium channels to dilate cerebral arterioles which appears to be mediated by an increase in oxidative stress. We suggest that these alterations in potassium channel function may contribute to the pathogenesis of cerebral vascular abnormalities and/or behavioral/cognitive deficits observed in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Ineffectiveness of ants in protecting two sympatric myrmecophilous plants against endophytic beetles
Authors: Mendes‐Silva Isamara , Queiroga Drielly , Calixto Eduardo Soares , Torezan‐Silingardi Helena Maura , Del‐Claro Kleber 
Published: November 2022

AbstractExtrafloral nectarized plants attract ants, which may protect them against herbivory and increase plant fruit set production. In some cases, however, ants are ineffective against herbivores. Such events occur, for instance, when herbivores present adaptations to avoid ant predation. Thus, the outputs of these interactions depend on factors such as ant identity, plant phenology and herbivore features. Here, we investigated the endophytic florivorous beetles' impact on the reproductive success of their host plants, two sympatric Banisteriopsis (Malpighiaceae) species, depending on the action of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) visiting ants. We experimentally manipulated the presence of ants and herbivores on B. malifolia and B. laevifolia species during their reproductive period to test the effectiveness of ants‐EFNs mutualism on plant fruit set production. We performed treatments where three similar inflorescences were selected to be (I) control branch, with no manipulations, (II) beetle‐free branch, isolated with textile cover and (III) ant‐free branch, isolated at the base with atoxic wax. We hypothesized that endophytic herbivores have a negative impact on the plant reproductive success because they escape the action of ants (biotic defences). As a result, we observed (i) that florivorous Anthonomus beetles have a negative impact on Banisteriopsis reproductive success; (ii) ants fail in protecting plants against floral endophytic beetles; and (iii) most of the results were species‐specific. Our results indicate that these systems present very conditional outcomes that depend on the intrinsic factors of each plant species.
Micro‐Politics of a Makeshift Refugee Camp: The Grafosrem Factory in Šid, Serbia
Authors: Jordan Joanna , Minca Claudio 
Published: November 2022

AbstractWith the EU's increasingly militarised and violent external borders, makeshift refugee camps have developed into crucial nodes along the “Balkan Route” where refugees reside between their clandestine border‐crossing attempts. Though a rich body of scholarship has recently emerged on the makeshift camp, there remains limited engagement on the complex and dynamic social and political lives produced within these spaces. Building upon ethnographic fieldwork in the makeshift camp of the abandoned Grafosrem factory in the border town of Šid, Serbia, this paper examines, in particular, the micro‐politics produced by the camp's different actors (leaders, residents, outcasts, volunteers). This paper also emphasises how aspects such as race, gender, age, class, and language are at play in dictating the differential access, power, privileges, violence, and exclusion taking place among Grafosrem's diverse subjects, and in generating a multiplicity of lived experiences of the makeshift camp and the corridor more generally.
Systematic review: early feeding practices and the risk of coeliac disease. A 2022 update and revision
Authors: Szajewska Hania , Shamir Raanan , Stróżyk Agata , Chmielewska Anna , Zalewski Bartłomiej M. , Auricchio Renata , Koletzko Sibylle , Korponay‐Szabo Ilma R. , Mearin M. Luisa , Meijer Caroline , Ribes‐Koninckx Carmen , Troncone Riccardo ,   the PreventCD project group
Published: November 2022

SummaryBackgroundThe effects of early feeding practices on the risk of coeliac disease (CD) remain debated.AimsTo update evidence on these practices on the risk of CD and/or CD‐related autoimmunity (CDA), defined as anti‐transglutaminase or anti‐endomysial antibody positivityMethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library to May 2022 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.ResultsWe included 36 publications (30 studies). In the population at genetic risk of developing CD (HLA DQ2/DQ8‐positive), exclusive or any breastfeeding and longer breastfeeding duration did not reduce the risk of developing CD/CDA during childhood. While a meta‐analysis of four case–control studies showed a decreased risk for CD when gluten was introduced during breastfeeding, this was not shown in RCTs and cohort studies. Age at gluten introduction was not associated with cumulative CD/CDA risk, although two RCTs suggested that earlier gluten introduction was associated with earlier CDA appearance. Evidence from six observational studies suggests that consumption of a higher amount of gluten at weaning and/or thereafter may increase CD risk. There is insufficient evidence to determine the amount of gluten associated with an increased CD/CDA risk. Regarding whether infant feeding practices modulate the risk conferred by different HLA genotypes results were inconsistent.ConclusionsFor the population at genetic risk of CD, breastfeeding and age at gluten introduction have no effect on its cumulative incidence during childhood. There is some evidence for an effect of the amount of gluten consumed at weaning and/or thereafter on CD/CDA risk.
Prednisolone pharmacokinetics after oral prednisone administration in paediatric patients with kidney transplant
Authors: de Truchis Camille , Bouazza Naïm , Foissac Frantz , Charbit Marina , Dehoux Laurène , Lui Gabrielle , Ribot Mégane , Briand Nelly , Zheng Yi , Tréluyer Jean‐Marc , Boyer Olivia 
Published: November 2022

AimsGlucocorticoids are 1 of the primary treatments in paediatric kidney transplantation. The aims of this study were: (i) to build a population pharmacokinetics (PPK) model of free prednisolone, which is the active form of prednisone, in paediatric kidney transplant recipients; (ii) to identify covariates accounting for interindividual variability (IIV) of pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters; and (iii) to investigate drug exposure–safety relationships.MethodsNinety‐seven samples were obtained from 39 paediatric kidney transplant recipients (aged 3.4–17.2 years) in order to investigate prednisone PPK. We selected children receiving oral prednisone as part of their immunosuppressive regimen. A PPK analysis was performed using Monolix.ResultsA 1‐compartment model best described prednisolone concentrations. Large IIV was observed as prednisolone was undetectable at H12 in some patients but could still be detected at H24 in others. Both bodyweight and ciclosporin cotreatment influenced the PK. The clearance (CLU) and volume of distribution of free prednisolone allometrically scaled to 70 kg were 27.6 L/h and 101 L. Ciclosporin cotreatment decreased CLU by 67%. High blood pressure and new onset diabetes after transplantation were associated with daily free prednisolone exposure.ConclusionThis study is the first analysis of prednisolone PPK in kidney‐transplanted children. Some of the IIV in the PK parameters was explained by bodyweight and ciclosporin cotreatment. These data suggest that dose adjustment is required after identifying variability factors to optimize efficacy and limit side effects. The use of therapeutic drug monitoring in kidney‐transplanted children may be useful, especially with respect to safety issues.
Testicular heat stress, a historical perspective and two postulates for why male germ cells are heat sensitive
Authors: Robinson Benjamin R. , Netherton Jacob K. , Ogle Rachel A. , Baker Mark A. 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACTHerein, we compare the different experimental regimes used to induce testicular heat stress and summarise their impact on sperm production and male fertility. Irrespective of the protocol used, scrotal heat stress causes loss of sperm production. This is first seen 1–2 weeks post heat stress, peaking 4–5 weeks thereafter. The higher the temperature, or the longer the duration of heat, the more pronounced germ cell loss becomes, within extreme cases this leads to azoospermia. The second, and often underappreciated impact of testicular hyperthermia is the production of poor‐quality spermatozoa. Typically, those cells that survive hyperthermia develop into morphologically abnormal and poorly motile spermatozoa. While both apoptotic and non‐apoptotic pathways are known to contribute to hyperthermic germ cell loss, the mechanisms leading to formation of poor‐quality sperm remain unclear.Mechanistically, it is unlikely that testicular hyperthermia affects messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance, as a comparison of four different mammalian studies shows no consistent single gene changes. Using available evidence, we propose two novel models to explain how testicular hyperthermia impairs sperm formation. Our first model suggests aberrant alternative splicing, while the second model proposes a loss of RNA repression. Importantly, neither model requires consistent changes in RNA species.
An in silico comparative study of curcumin and 2‐deoxyuridine nucleoside derivatives: Reveals the role of angiogenin in ER stress‐induced apoptosis signaling
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Lakshmi Palanisamy Thanga Velan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAngiogenin (ANG) protein plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, neovascularization, and cancer metastasis in NSCLC (non‐small cell lung cancer) via non‐coding tiRNA. It protects the cell under ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress‐induced apoptosis through the translational reprogramming process. Although B82 (Curcumin derivatives) induces ER stress‐induced apoptosis, its mechanism of action was not studied. Therefore, it was hypothesized that the ribonucleolytic activity of ANG may be regulated by B82, resulting in modulated ER stress signaling for apoptosis. Hence, we designed and proposed a synthesis scheme for RNA‐based anti‐angiogenic derivatives of 2‐deoxyuridine nucleoside forming peptide bond with amino acids like serine (Ser‐3) and para‐hydroxy‐phenyl glycine (Normtyr‐1) and compared B82 with them to know the binding affinity with ANG, anti‐angiogenic potential, and its probable mechanism of anti‐RNase activity through MD simulation study. Therefore, using Gromos96 43a1 and 43a2 force fields, MD simulation was performed to investigate binding affinity, ligand‐induced molecular surface area change, conformational change, and dynamics of catalytic site residues to predict ligand binding to ANG in this study. The obtained binding free energy (∆Gbind) result showed the total average ∆Gbind as −113.480 ± 1.682 (Normtyr‐1) > −53.038 ± 33.069 (B82) > −27.909 ± 16.438 (Ser‐3) kJ/mole specify role of B82 in regulating ER stress signaling induced apoptosis through ANG ribonucleolytic activity inhibition, suitability of 43a2 force fields and methodology in ligand screening. It shows the crucial role of Leu115 and His13 residue involvement in total ∆Gbind contribution. Hence, based on the MD result, novel conformation of catalytic residues, and ∆Gbind, a promising combination candidate could be proposed for metastatic NSCLC therapy.
Identification of nonfunctional SPATA20 causing acephalic spermatozoa syndrome in humans
Authors: Wang Xiang , Jiang Chuan , Dai Siyu , Shen Gan , Yang Yihong , Shen Ying 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAcephalic spermatozoa syndrome (ASS) is a rare and severe type of teratozoospermia characterized by the predominance of headless spermatozoa in the ejaculate. However, knowledge about the causative genes associated with ASS in humans is limited. Loss‐of‐function of SPATA20 has been suggested to result in the separation of the sperm head and flagellum in mice, whereas there have been no cases reporting SPATA20 variants leading to human male infertility. In this study, a nonsense mutation in SPATA20 (c.619C > T, p.Arg207*) was first identified in an ASS patient. Moreover, this variant contributed to the degradation of SPATA20 and was associated with decreased expression of SPATA6, which plays a vital role in the assembly of the sperm head‐tail conjunction in humans. In addition, the infertility caused by loss‐of‐function mutation of SPATA20 might not be rescued by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Collectively, our findings suggested that SPATA20 might be required for sperm head‐tail conjunction formation in humans, the nonfunction of which may lead to male infertility related to ASS. The discovery of the loss‐of‐function mutation in SPATA20 enriches the gene variant spectrum of human ASS, further contributing to improved diagnosis, genetic counseling and prognosis for male infertility.
The nature of malpractice claims related to nerve damage after dental implants insertion in Israel during 2005–2020: A descriptive study
Authors: Laviv Amir , Kolerman Roni , Barnea Eitan , Green Nirit Tagger 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIntroductionDental implant placement is a routine practice in dentistry, with a possible uncommon risk of neurosensory injury. The present study analyzed all dental implant claims involving sensory nerve disturbances between 2005 and 2020 in Israel. The study was conducted to understand implant risk management better and improve the patient's safety.Materials and methodsAll legal claims registered by Medical Consultant International (MCI) involving nerve damage claims between 2005 and 2020 were included in the study. The data included demographic details such as age, sex, event date, claim delivery date, and treatment settings. Information on the nerve damage included the damaged nerve, side of injury, and the number of implants performed in the same surgery.ResultsThere were 218 claims regarding nerve damage out of 1154 claims for dental implant therapy. The mean age for nerve damage claims was 54.1 ± 11 years.There were more female than male claims (p = 0.02), with 87% of cases concerning damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (p < 0.0001), out of those molar areas being more frequently involved in nerve damage (64.3%, p < 0.0001).The left side was 1.4 times more frequent than the right side (p = 0.043). The risk for nerve injury was 7.4 times higher when placing multiple implants compared to single dental implant (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsClinicians should be aware that placement of multiple implants, left‐side implant placement, and patient gender may increase risk for a malpractice claim for neurosensory disturbances.
Risk of colorectal cancer in patients with appendicitis over the age of 40 years
Authors: Lee Mei Sze , Thomas Alben , Pearson John F. , Purcell Rachel , Frizelle Francis , Glyn Tamara 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAimAcute appendicitis in late adulthood is hypothesized to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to establish whether patients over the age of 40 years presenting with appendicitis had an increased risk of being diagnosed with CRC over the subsequent 3 years.MethodThis is a retrospective review of patients aged 40 years and over presenting to Canterbury District Health Board with appendicitis from January 2010 to December 2015. Clinical details were obtained for these patients and cross‐referenced with the New Zealand Cancer Registry for the 3 years following diagnosis. The incidence ratio rate (IRR) and standardized incidence ratio (SIR) were calculated by establishing the incidence of CRC in this cohort and comparing it with the Canterbury population data.ResultsA total of 1099 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority (75%) underwent CT as part of their initial work‐up. The rate of colonoscopy increased with age from around 10% between 40 and 49 years to 27% for those 70 years and over.Eleven cases of CRC were identified, resulting in an IRR 2.35 (95% CI 1.17–4.21). The SIR for this population was 3.28 (95% CI 1.82–5.92).ConclusionThe rate of CRC is significantly increased compared with the background population in this cohort. The results of this study support luminal investigation of adults aged 40 years and over who present with acute appendicitis as CT alone was insufficient to detect the pathology.
Territorial ants delay carrion decomposition by depressing Diptera larvae in a Tibetan alpine meadow
Authors: Wei Chunrong , Sun Wenxiao , Hu Xiaoli , Xie Mingda , Wu Xinwei , Sun Shucun 
Published: November 2022

Abstract1. Invertebrates contribute largely to the decomposition of animal carcasses in natural ecosystems. However, we currently lack experimental evidence for the impact of predatory ants on carrion decomposition. Provided that many ant species display their role in the necrophilous community as predators but not as decomposers, we hypothesized that the ants would negatively affect the carrion decomposition rates by predating on other insect decomposers.2. In a Tibetan alpine meadow, we conducted a one‐factor designed field experiment involving three treatments, that is, 20, 60, and 500 cm of yak (Bos grunniens) carrion plots away from anthills (Camponotus herculeanus), which mirrored the high, intermediate, and low ant abundance, respectively.3. Our results show that the necrophilous community assemblage differed significantly along the distance gradients from anthills, with the dominance of the necrophilous community shifting from ants in the 20 cm treatment to maggots in the 500 cm treatment. The ants significantly decreased the number of maggots through predation, resulting in a significant decrease of the carrion decomposition rates. However, ants did not change the number of other scavengers albeit they attacked them.4. These results suggest that the predatory ant C. herculeanus can modify the carrion decomposition rates through generating a strong consumptive effect on decomposers, which is important to understand the necrophilous community assemblage and the decomposition of animal‐based materials.
Light alters activity but does not disturb tandem coordination of termite mating pairs
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki , Bourguignon Thomas 
Published: November 2022

AbstractGroup‐living animals coordinate their movements via local interactions, which can be mediated by visual, tactile, and chemical communication channels. Termite mating pairs form tandems with one male imago following one female imago in a synchronised way to explore the environment and search for a nesting site. Imagoes are the only developmental stage with compound eyes in termites, but the role of vision during tandem runs remains unknown. Here, we investigate the movements during tandem runs of two termite species, Coptotermes formosanus, which swarms during the night, and Reticulitermes speratus, which swarms during the day. We performed the experiments with light and in complete darkness. We found that females and males of both species adjust their speed to each other to form a stable tandem and reunite efficiently upon separation, with or without light. However, the activity was dependent on light conditions in the diurnal R. speratus, in which termites were more active with light. On the other hand, the nocturnal C. formosanus was mostly insensitive to light environments, with termites being slightly more active in darkness. Our results suggest that termites can use light as an environmental cue to start forming mating pairs but not as means to locate mates or coordinate their movements.
Geographical and ecological analyses of multiple myeloma in Denmark: Identification of potential hotspot areas and impact of urbanisation
Authors: Bertelsen Lise Dueholm , Børty Nielsen Lars , Christensen Heidi Søgaard , Bøgsted Martin , Gregersen Henrik , Pedersen Robert Schou , Klostergaard Anja , Schnack Brian Iversen , Pedersen Per Trøllund , Abildgaard Niels , Hermansen Emil , Vangsted Annette Juul , Severinsen Marianne Tang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe aetiology of multiple myeloma (MM) is unknown but various environmental exposures are suspected as risk factors. We present the first paper analysing the geographical distribution of MM in Denmark at the municipal level to investigate variations that could be explained by environmental exposures.MethodsPatients diagnosed with MM in Denmark during 2005–2020 were identified from nationwide registries and grouped into the 98 Danish municipalities based on residence. The age‐ and sex‐standardised incidence rate (SIR) of each municipality was compared to the national incidence in a funnel plot with 95% control limits. Differences in SIRs of rural, suburban, and urban areas were evaluated with incidence rate ratios.ResultsIn total, 5243 MM patients were included. Overall, we found a heterogeneous geographical distribution of MM and a potential hotspot in southern Denmark. This hotspot contains three municipalities with SIRs above the 95% control limit assuming considerably higher rate of MM compared to the national incidence rate. A significant higher SIR was found in rural areas compared to urban areas.ConclusionThe geographical distribution of MM in Denmark indicates that the risk of developing MM depends on place of residence probably due to environmental factors.