bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary tetrahydroaldosterone is associated with circulating FGF23 in kidney stone formers
Authors: Moor Matthias B. , Dhayat Nasser A. , Schietzel Simeon , Grössl Michael , Vogt Bruno , Fuster Daniel G. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe spectrum of diseases with overactive renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAS) or elevated circulating FGF23 overlaps, but the relationship between aldosterone and FGF23 remains unclarified. Here, we report that systemic RAS activation sensitively assessed by urinary tetrahydroaldosterone excretion is associated with circulating C-terminal FGF23. We performed a retrospective analysis in the Bern Kidney Stone Registry, a single-center observational cohort of kidney stone formers. Urinary excretion of the main aldosterone metabolite tetrahydroaldosterone was measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Plasma FGF23 concentrations were measured using a C-terminal assay. Regression models were calculated to assess the association of plasma FGF23 with 24 h urinary tetrahydroaldosterone excretion. We included 625 participants in the analysis. Mean age was 47 ± 14 years and 71% were male. Mean estimated GFR was 94 ml/min per 1.73 m2. In unadjusted analyses, we found a positive association between plasma FGF23 and 24 h urinary tetrahydroaldosterone excretion (β: 0.0027; p = 4.2 × 10–7). In multivariable regression models adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and GFR, this association remained robust (β: 0.0022; p = 2.1 × 10–5). Mineralotropic hormones, 24 h urinary sodium and potassium excretion as surrogates for sodium and potassium intake or antihypertensive drugs did not affect this association. Our data reveal a robust association of RAS activity with circulating FGF23 levels in kidney stone formers. These findings are in line with previous studies in rodents and suggest a physiological link between RAS system activation and FGF23 secretion.
Decoupling of regional neural activity and inter-regional functional connectivity in Alzheimer’s disease: a simultaneous PET/MR study
Authors: Maleki Balajoo Somayeh , Rahmani Farzaneh , Khosrowabadi Reza , Meng Chun , Eickhoff Simon B. , Grimmer Timo , Zarei Mojtaba , Drzezga Alexander , Sorg Christian , Tahmasian Masoud 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are characterized by both aberrant regional neural activity and disrupted inter-regional functional connectivity (FC). However, the effect of AD/MCI on the coupling between regional neural activity (measured by regional fluorodeoxyglucose imaging (rFDG)) and inter-regional FC (measured by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI)) is poorly understood.

Methods
We scanned 19 patients with MCI, 33 patients with AD, and 26 healthy individuals by simultaneous FDG-PET/rs-fMRI and assessed rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics (i.e., clustering coefficient and degree centrality). Next, we examined the potential moderating effect of disease status (MCI or AD) on the link between rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics using hierarchical moderated multiple regression analysis. We also tested this effect by considering interaction between disease status and inter-regional FC metrics, as well as interaction between disease status and rFDG.

Results
Our findings revealed that both rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics were disrupted in MCI and AD. Moreover, AD altered the relationship between rFDG and inter-regional FC metrics. In particular, we found that AD moderated the effect of inter-regional FC metrics of the caudate, parahippocampal gyrus, angular gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, frontal pole, inferior temporal gyrus, middle frontal, lateral occipital, supramarginal gyrus, precuneus, and thalamus on predicting their rFDG. On the other hand, AD moderated the effect of rFDG of the parietal operculum on predicting its inter-regional FC metric.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated that AD decoupled the link between regional neural activity and functional segregation and global connectivity across particular brain regions.
Processing speed dysfunction is associated with functional corticostriatal circuit alterations in childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: a PET and fMRI study
Authors: Li Yuting , Zhang Teng , Feng Jianhua , Qian Shufang , Wu Shuang , Zhou Rui , Wang Jing , Sa Guo , Wang Xiawan , Li Lina , Chen Feng , Yang Hong , Zhang Hong , Tian Mei 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (ECTS) is the most common epilepsy syndrome in children and usually presents with cognitive dysfunctions. However, little is known about the processing speed dysfunction and the associated neuroimaging mechanism in ECTS. This study aims to investigate the brain functional abnormality of processing speed dysfunction in ECTS patients by using the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods
This prospective study recruited twenty-eight ECTS patients who underwent the 18F-FDG PET, rs-fMRI, and neuropsychological examinations. Twenty children with extracranial tumors were included as PET controls, and 20 healthy children were recruited as MRI controls. The PET image analysis investigated glucose metabolism by determining standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR). The MRI image analysis explored abnormal functional connectivity (FC) within the cortical–striatal circuit through network-based statistical (NBS) analysis. Correlation analysis was performed to explore the relationship between SUVR, FC, and processing speed index (PSI).

Results
Compared with healthy controls, ECTS patients showed normal intelligence quotient but significantly decreased PSI (P = 0.04). PET analysis showed significantly decreased SUVRs within bilateral caudate, putamen, pallidum, left NAc, right rostral middle frontal gyrus, and frontal pole of ECTS patients (P < 0.05). Rs-fMRI analysis showed absolute values of 20 FCs were significantly decreased in ECTS patients compared with MRI controls, which connected 16 distinct ROIs. The average SUVR of right caudate and the average of 20 FCs were positively correlated with PSI in ECTS patients (P = 0.034 and P = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusion
This study indicated that ECTS patients presented significantly reduced PSI, which is closely associated with decreased SUVR and FC of cortical–striatal circuit. Caudate played an important role in processing speed dysfunction.

Clinical trial registration
NCT04954729; registered on July 8, 2021, public site, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04954729
A high-fat diet has negative effects on tendon resident cells in an in vivo rat model
Authors: Bolam Scott M. , Konar Subhajit , Park Young-Eun , Callon Karen E. , Workman Josh , Monk A. Paul , Coleman Brendan , Cornish Jillian , Vickers Mark H. , Munro Jacob T. , Musson David S. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background
Tendinopathy is a major complication of diet-induced obesity. However, the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on tendon have not been well characterised. We aimed to determine: [1] the impact of a HFD on tendon properties and gene expression; and [2] whether dietary transition to a control diet (CD) could restore normal tendon health.

Methods
Sprague–Dawley rats were randomised into three groups from weaning and fed either a: CD, HFD or HFD for 12 weeks and then CD thereafter (HF-CD). Biomechanical, histological and structural evaluation of the Achilles tendon was performed at 17 and 27 weeks of age. Tail tenocytes were isolated with growth rate and collagen production determined. Tenocytes and activated THP-1 cells were exposed to conditioned media (CM) of visceral adipose tissue explants, and gene expression was analysed.

Results
There were no differences in the biomechanical, histological or structural tendon properties between groups. However, tenocyte growth and collagen production were increased in the HFD group at 27 weeks. There was lower SOX-9 expression in the HFD and HF-CD groups at 17 weeks and higher expression of collagen-Iα1 and matrix metalloproteinase-13 in the HFD group at 27 weeks. THP-1 cells exposed to adipose tissue CM from animals fed a HFD or HF-CD had lower expression of Il-10 and higher expression of Il-1β.

Conclusions
In this rodent model, a HFD negatively altered tendon cell characteristics. Dietary intervention restored some gene expression changes; however, adipose tissue secretions from the HF-CD group promoted an increased inflammatory state in macrophages. These changes may predispose tendon to injury and adverse events later in life.
Linking long-term soil phosphorus management to microbial communities involved in nitrogen reactions
Authors: O’Neill R. M. , Duff A. M. , Brennan F. P. , Gebremichael A. W. , Girkin N. T. , Lanigan G. J. , Krol D. J. , Wall D. P. , Renou-Wilson F. , Müller C. , Richards K. G. , Deveautour C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe influence of soil phosphorous (P) content on the N-cycling communities and subsequent effects on N2O emissions remains unclear. Two laboratory incubation experiments were conducted on soils collected from a long-term (est. 1995) P-addition field trial sampled in summer 2018 and winter 2019. Incubations were treated with a typical field amendment rate of N as well as a C-amendment to stimulate microbial activity. Throughout both incubations, soil subsamples were collected prior to fertiliser amendment and then throughout the incubations, to quantify the abundance of bacteria (16SrRNA), fungi (ITS) andThaumarcheota(16SrRNA) as well as functional guilds of genes involved in nitrification (bacterial and archaealamoA,and comammox) and denitrification (nirS,nirK,nosZclade I and II) using quantitative PCR (qPCR). We also evaluated the correlations between each gene abundance and the associated N2O emissions depending on P-treatments. Our results show that long-term P-application influenced N-cycling genes abundance differently. Except for comammox, overall nitrifiers’ genes were most abundant in low P while the opposite trend was found for denitrifiers’ genes. C and N-amendments strongly influenced the abundance of most genes with changes observed as soon as 24 h after application. ITS was the only gene correlated to N2O emissions in the low P-soils while microbes were mostly correlated to emissions in high P, suggesting possible changes in the organisms involved in N2O production depending on soil P-content. This study highlights the importance of long-term P addition on shaping the microbial community function which in turn stimulates a direct impact on the subsequent N emissions.
Patient-level costing analysis of paediatric short bowel syndrome care in a specialist tertiary centre
Authors: Jones Brendan C. , O’Sullivan Benjamin , Amin Sonal Parmar , Hill Susan , Eaton Simon , De Coppi Paolo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To undertake a pilot study estimating patient-level costs of care for paediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) from the healthcare provider perspective.

Methods
A pilot group of patients with anatomical SBS was selected at a single specialist tertiary centre in the United Kingdom. The Patient Level Information and Costing System (PLICS) was used to extract costing data for all hospital-based activities related to SBS, from the implementation of PLICS in 2016 to April 2021. Patient-specific and pooled data were reported descriptively in per patient-year terms.

Results
Five patients had full PLICS data available for the 5-year study period and 2 patients had 4 years of data. The median cost for hospital care of SBS was £52,834 per patient-year (range £1804–£331,489). The key cost drivers were inpatient beds, pharmacy, and staffing costs, which made up > 60% of annual costs. In the first 3 years following index admission (n = 2), there was a steady decline in the annual cost of care to a level comparable with patients with established SBS.

Conclusion
Patient-level cost of care analysis for SBS is feasible using PLICS. Hospital-related costs vary widely between and within individual patients over time. Key drivers of cost are related to complications of SBS.
Mice lacking growth-associated protein 43 develop cardiac remodeling and hypertrophy
Authors: Bevere Michele , Morabito Caterina , Guarnieri Simone , Mariggiò Maria A. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractGrowth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) is found in skeletal muscle, localized near the calcium release units. In interaction with calmodulin (CaM), it indirectly modulates the activity of dihydropyridine and ryanodine Ca2+ channels. GAP43–CaM interaction plays a key role in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and, consequently, in skeletal muscle activity. The control of intracellular Ca2+ signaling is also an important functional requisite in cardiac physiology. The aim of this study is to define the impact of GAP43 on cardiac tissue at macroscopic and cellular levels, using GAP43 knockout (GAP43−/−) newborn C57/BL6 mice. Hearts from newborn GAP43−/− mice were heavier than hearts from wild-type (WT) ones. In these GAP43−/− hearts, histological section analyses revealed a thicker ventricular wall and interventricular septum with a reduced ventricular chamber area. In addition, increased collagen deposits between fibers and increased expression levels of myosin were observed in hearts from GAP43−/− mice. Cardiac tropism and rhythm are controlled by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including cellular events such those linked to intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, in which GAP43 plays a role. Our data revealed that, in the absence of GAP43, there were cardiac morphological alterations and signs of hypertrophy, suggesting that GAP43 could play a role in the functional processes of the whole cardiac muscle. This paves the way for further studies investigating GAP43 involvement in signaling dynamics at the cellular level.
Translating Ultrasound into Clinical Practice for the Assessment of Swallowing and Laryngeal Function: A Speech and Language Pathology-Led Consensus Study
Authors: Allen Jodi E. , Clunie Gemma , Ma Joan K.-Y. , Coffey Margaret , Winiker Katharina , Richmond Sally , Lowell Soren Y. , Volkmer Anna 
Published: February 2022

AbstractUltrasound (US) has an emerging evidence base for the assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function. Accessibility and technological advances support the use of US as a clinical assessment tool; however, there is insufficient evidence to support its translation into clinical practice. This study aimed to establish consensus on the priorities for translation of US into clinical practice for the assessment of swallowing and laryngeal function. Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used as a formal method of consensus development. Clinicians and academics, all members of an international US working group, were invited to participate in the study. Two NGT meetings were held, where participants silently generated and then shared ideas. Participants anonymously ranked items. Rankings were aggregated before participants re-ranked items in order of priority. Discussions regarding rankings were recorded and transcribed to inform analysis. Member-checking with participants informed the final analysis. Participants (n = 15) were speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists and sonographers representing six countries. Fifteen items were identified and prioritised 1–13 (including two equally ranked items). Reliability, validity and normative data emerged as key areas for research while development of training protocols and engagement with stakeholders were considered vital to progressing US into practice. Analysis revealed common themes that might be addressed together in research, in addition to the ranked priority. A measured approach to the translation of US into clinical practice will enable effective implementation of this tool. Priorities may evolve as clinical and professional contexts shift, but this study provides a framework to advance research and clinical practice in this field.
Morbidity following emergency and elective cholecystectomy: a retrospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Lucocq James , Radhakishnan Ganesh , Scollay John , Patil Pradeep 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Introduction
An emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (EMLC) is commonly performed for all biliary pathology, yet EMLC can be challenging due to acute inflammation. Understanding the risks of EMLC is necessary before patients can make an informed decision regarding operative management. The aim of the present study was to compare rates of operative and post-operative outcomes between EMLC and elective LC (ELLC) using a large contemporary cohort, to inform the consent process and influence surgical decision making.

Methods
All patients who underwent EMLC and ELLC in one UK health board between January 2015 and December 2019 were considered for inclusion. Data were collected retrospectively from multiple regional databases using a deterministic records-linkage methodology. Patients were followed up for 100 days post-operatively for adverse outcomes and outcomes were compared between groups using both univariate and multivariate analysis adjusting for pre-operative factors.

Results
A total of 2768 LCs were performed [age (range), 52(13–92); M:F, 1:2.7]. In both the univariate and multivariate analysis, EMLC was positively associated with subtotal cholecystectomy (RR 2.0; p < 0.001), post-operative complication (RR 2.8; p < 0.001), post-operative imaging (RR 2.0; p < 0.001), post-operative intervention (RR 2.3; p < 0.001), prolonged post-operative hospitalisation (RR 3.8; p < 0.001) and readmission (RR 2.2; p < 0.001). EMLC had higher rates of post-operative mortality in univariate analysis (RR 10.8; p = 0.01).

Discussion
EMLC is positively associated with adverse outcomes versus ELLC. Of course this study does not focus on a specific biliary pathology; nevertheless, it illustrates the additional risk associated with EMLC. This should be clearly outlined during the consent process but should be balanced with the risk of further biliary attacks. Further studies are required to identify particular patient groups who benefit from elective surgery.
AI-based medical e-diagnosis for fast and automatic ventricular volume measurement in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Zhou Xi , Ye Qinghao , Yang Xiaolin , Chen Jiakun , Ma Haiqin , Xia Jun , Del Ser Javier , Yang Guang 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBased on CT and MRI images acquired from normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) patients, using machine learning methods, we aim to establish a multimodal and high-performance automatic ventricle segmentation method to achieve an efficient and accurate automatic measurement of the ventricular volume. First, we extract the brain CT and MRI images of 143 definite NPH patients. Second, we manually label the ventricular volume (VV) and intracranial volume (ICV). Then, we use the machine learning method to extract features and establish automatic ventricle segmentation model. Finally, we verify the reliability of the model and achieved automatic measurement of VV and ICV. In CT images, the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman analysis of the automatic and manual segmentation result of the VV were 0.95, 0.99, 0.99, and 4.2 ± 2.6, respectively. The results of ICV were 0.96, 0.99, 0.99, and 6.0 ± 3.8, respectively. The whole process takes 3.4 ± 0.3 s. In MRI images, the DSC, ICC, Pearson correlation, and Bland–Altman analysis of the automatic and manual segmentation result of the VV were 0.94, 0.99, 0.99, and 2.0 ± 0.6, respectively. The results of ICV were 0.93, 0.99, 0.99, and 7.9 ± 3.8, respectively. The whole process took 1.9 ± 0.1 s. We have established a multimodal and high-performance automatic ventricle segmentation method to achieve efficient and accurate automatic measurement of the ventricular volume of NPH patients. This can help clinicians quickly and accurately understand the situation of NPH patient's ventricles.
Common network effect-patterns after monoamine reuptake inhibition in dissociated hippocampus cultures
Authors: Trepl Julia , Dahlmanns Marc , Kornhuber Johannes , Groemer Teja Wolfgang , Dahlmanns Jana Katharina 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder with currently available antidepressant drugs is still unsatisfying as response to medication is delayed and in some patients even non-existent. To understand complex psychiatric diseases such as major depressive disorder and their treatment, research focus is shifting from investigating single neurons towards a view of the entire functional and effective neuronal network, because alterations on single synapses through antidepressant drugs may translate to alterations in the entire network. Here, we examined the effects of monoamine reuptake inhibitors on in vitro hippocampal network dynamics using calcium fluorescence imaging and analyzing the data with means of graph theoretical parameters. Hypothesizing that monoamine reuptake inhibitors operate through changes of effective connectivity on micro-scale neuronal networks, we measured the effects of the selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors GBR-12783, Sertraline, Venlafaxine, and Amitriptyline on neuronal networks. We identified a common pattern of effects of the different tested monoamine reuptake inhibitors. After treatment with GBR-12783, Sertraline, and Venlafaxine, the connectivity degree, measuring the number of existing connections in the network, was significantly decreased. All tested substances led to networks with more submodules and a reduced global efficiency. No monoamine reuptake inhibitor did affect network-wide firing rate, the characteristic path length, or the network strength. In our study, we found that monoamine reuptake inhibition in neuronal networks in vitro results in a sharpening of the network structure. These alterations could be the basis for the reorganization of a large-scale miswired network in major depressive disorder.
Tannic acid as a novel and green leaching reagent for cobalt and lithium recycling from spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Prasetyo Erik , Muryanta Widya Aryani , Anggraini Astria Gesta , Sudibyo Sudibyo , Amin Muhammad , Al Muttaqii Muhammad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractTannic acid–acetic acid is proposed as novel and green chemicals for cobalt and lithium recycling from spent lithium-ion batteries through a leaching process. The synergism of both acids was documented through batch and continuous studies. Tannic acid promotes cobalt dissolution by reducing insoluble Co3+ into soluble Co2+, while acetic acid is critical to improve the dissolution and stabilize the metals in the pregnant leach solution. Based on batch studies, the optimum conditions for metal recovery at room temperature are acetic acid 1 M, tannic acid 20 g/L, pulp density 20 g/L, and stirring speed 250 rpm (94% cobalt and 99% lithium recovery). The kinetic study shows that increasing temperature to 80 °C improves cobalt and lithium recovery from 65 to 90% (cobalt) and from 80 to 99% (lithium) within 4 h at sub-optimum condition (tannic acid 10 g/L). Kinetic modeling suggests the leaching process was endothermic, and high activation energy indicates a surface chemical process. For other metals, the pattern of manganese and nickel recovery trend follows the cobalt recovery trend. Copper recovery was negatively affected by tannic acid. Iron recovery was limited due to the weak acidic condition of pregnant leach solution, which is beneficial to improve leaching selectivity.