cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632799
title: The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on upper limb function in chronic stroke: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

description: <i>Purpose</i>: This pilot double-blind sham-controlled randomized trial aimed to determine if the addition of anodal tDCS on the affected hemisphere or cathodal tDCS on unaffected hemisphere to modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) would be superior to constraints therapy alone in improving upper limb function in chronic stroke patients. <i>Methods</i>: Twenty-one patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to receive 12 sessions of either (i) anodal, (ii) cathodal or (iii) sham tDCS combined with mCIMT. Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA), motor activity log scale (MAL), and handgrip strength were analyzed before, immediately, and 1 month (follow-up) after the treatment. Minimal clinically important difference (mCID) was defined as an increase of ≥5.25 in the upper limb FMA. <i>Results</i>: An increase in the FMA scores between the baseline and post-intervention and follow-up for active tDCS group was observed, whereas no difference was observed in the sham group. At post-intervention and follow-up, when compared with the sham group, only the anodal tDCS group achieved an improvement in the FMA scores. ANOVA showed that all groups demonstrated similar improvement over time for MAL and handgrip strength. In the active tDCS groups, 7/7 (anodal tDCS) 5/7 (cathodal tDCS) of patients experienced mCID against 3/7 in the sham group. <i>Conclusion</i>: The results support the merit of association of mCIMT with brain stimulation to augment clinical gains in rehabilitation after stroke. However, the anodal tDCS seems to have greater impact than the cathodal tDCS in increasing the mCIMT effects on motor function of chronic stroke patients.Implications for RehabilitationThe association of mCIMT with brain stimulation improves clinical gains in rehabilitation after stroke.The improvement in motor recovery (assessed by Fugl–Meyer scale) was only observed after anodal tDCS.The modulation of damaged hemisphere demonstrated greater improvements than the modulation of unaffected hemispheres.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632801.v1
title: Historical ambient airborne asbestos concentrations in the United States – an analysis of published and unpublished literature (1960s–2000s)

description: Outdoor concentrations of airborne asbestos have been measured throughout the US over time. However, a thorough review and analysis of these data has not been conducted. The purpose of this study is to characterize asbestos concentrations in ambient air by environment type (urban, rural) and by decade, using measurements collected in the absence of known asbestos emission sources. A total of 17 published and unpublished studies and datasets were identified that reported the results of 2058 samples collected from the 1960s through the 2000s across the US. Most studies did not report asbestos fiber type, and data based on different analytical methods (e.g. Phase Contrast Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, etc.) were combined in the dataset; however, only fibers ≥5 μm in length were considered. For a small subset of the measurements (<i>n</i> = 186, 9.0%), a conversion factor was used to convert mass-based data (e.g. ng/m<sup>3</sup>) to count-based values (i.e. f/cc ≥5 μm). The estimated overall mean and median ambient asbestos concentrations for the 1960s through 2000s were 0.00093 f/cc and 0.00022 f/cc, respectively. Concentrations generally increased from the 1960s through the early 1980s, after which they declined considerably. While asbestos use decreased throughout the 1970s, these results indicate that ambient concentrations peaked during the early 1980s, which suggests the possible contribution of abatement or demolition activities. Lastly, ambient asbestos concentrations were higher in urban than rural settings, which is consistent with the greater use of asbestos-containing materials in more densely populated areas.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632799.v1
title: The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on upper limb function in chronic stroke: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

description: <i>Purpose</i>: This pilot double-blind sham-controlled randomized trial aimed to determine if the addition of anodal tDCS on the affected hemisphere or cathodal tDCS on unaffected hemisphere to modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) would be superior to constraints therapy alone in improving upper limb function in chronic stroke patients. <i>Methods</i>: Twenty-one patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to receive 12 sessions of either (i) anodal, (ii) cathodal or (iii) sham tDCS combined with mCIMT. Fugl–Meyer assessment (FMA), motor activity log scale (MAL), and handgrip strength were analyzed before, immediately, and 1 month (follow-up) after the treatment. Minimal clinically important difference (mCID) was defined as an increase of ≥5.25 in the upper limb FMA. <i>Results</i>: An increase in the FMA scores between the baseline and post-intervention and follow-up for active tDCS group was observed, whereas no difference was observed in the sham group. At post-intervention and follow-up, when compared with the sham group, only the anodal tDCS group achieved an improvement in the FMA scores. ANOVA showed that all groups demonstrated similar improvement over time for MAL and handgrip strength. In the active tDCS groups, 7/7 (anodal tDCS) 5/7 (cathodal tDCS) of patients experienced mCID against 3/7 in the sham group. <i>Conclusion</i>: The results support the merit of association of mCIMT with brain stimulation to augment clinical gains in rehabilitation after stroke. However, the anodal tDCS seems to have greater impact than the cathodal tDCS in increasing the mCIMT effects on motor function of chronic stroke patients.Implications for RehabilitationThe association of mCIMT with brain stimulation improves clinical gains in rehabilitation after stroke.The improvement in motor recovery (assessed by Fugl–Meyer scale) was only observed after anodal tDCS.The modulation of damaged hemisphere demonstrated greater improvements than the modulation of unaffected hemispheres.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632793
title: Dopamine transporter scanning in the evaluation of patients with suspected Parkinsonism: a case-based user’s guide

description: Given the wide range of manifestations of parkinsonism and its mimics, the diagnosis may remain elusive or be misattributed in some patients. Dopamine transporter (DAT) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (DaTscan), an imaging technique that probes the integrity of the presynaptic nigrostriatal system, can be useful in the evaluation of clinically complex parkinsonian disorders in the appropriate context and when adequately interpreted. Pearls and pitfalls in the use of DaTscan for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonisms are reviewed using a case-based format. While the DaTscan is no replacement for a careful neurological examination in ascertaining the likelihood of Parkinson disease or other parkinsonisms in most clinical scenarios, it can be useful in the assessment of disorders where an abducting resting tremor, a prominent postural tremor, or incongruent features are not sufficiently clear on exam to distinguish neurodegenerative parkinsonism from dystonia, drug-induced parkinsonism and functional (psychogenic) parkinsonism, respectively.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632793.v1
title: Dopamine transporter scanning in the evaluation of patients with suspected Parkinsonism: a case-based user’s guide

description: Given the wide range of manifestations of parkinsonism and its mimics, the diagnosis may remain elusive or be misattributed in some patients. Dopamine transporter (DAT) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) (DaTscan), an imaging technique that probes the integrity of the presynaptic nigrostriatal system, can be useful in the evaluation of clinically complex parkinsonian disorders in the appropriate context and when adequately interpreted. Pearls and pitfalls in the use of DaTscan for the differential diagnosis of parkinsonisms are reviewed using a case-based format. While the DaTscan is no replacement for a careful neurological examination in ascertaining the likelihood of Parkinson disease or other parkinsonisms in most clinical scenarios, it can be useful in the assessment of disorders where an abducting resting tremor, a prominent postural tremor, or incongruent features are not sufficiently clear on exam to distinguish neurodegenerative parkinsonism from dystonia, drug-induced parkinsonism and functional (psychogenic) parkinsonism, respectively.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632788
title: CCN1 (CYR61) and CCN3 (NOV) signaling drives human trophoblast cells into senescence and stimulates migration properties

description: During placental development, continuous invasion of trophoblasts into the maternal compartment depends on the support of proliferating extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Unlike tumor cells, EVTs escape from the cell cycle before invasion into the decidua and spiral arteries. This study focused on the regulation properties of glycosylated and non-glycosylated matricellular CCN1 and CCN3, primarily for proliferation control in the benign SGHPL-5 trophoblast cell line, which originates from the first-trimester placenta. Treating SGHPL-5 trophoblast cells with the glycosylated forms of recombinant CCN1 and CCN3 decreased cell proliferation by bringing about G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, which was accompanied by the upregulation of activated Notch-1 and its target gene p21. Interestingly, both CCN proteins increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and the expression of the senescence marker p16. The migration capability of SGHPL-5 cells was mostly enhanced in response to CCN1 and CCN3, by the activation of FAK and Akt kinase but not by the activation of ERK1/2. In summary, both CCN proteins play a key role in regulating trophoblast cell differentiation by inducing senescence and enhancing migration properties. Reduced levels of CCN1 and CCN3, as found in early-onset preeclampsia, could contribute to a shift from invasive to proliferative EVTs and may explain their shallow invasion properties in this disease.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632788.v1
title: CCN1 (CYR61) and CCN3 (NOV) signaling drives human trophoblast cells into senescence and stimulates migration properties

description: During placental development, continuous invasion of trophoblasts into the maternal compartment depends on the support of proliferating extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Unlike tumor cells, EVTs escape from the cell cycle before invasion into the decidua and spiral arteries. This study focused on the regulation properties of glycosylated and non-glycosylated matricellular CCN1 and CCN3, primarily for proliferation control in the benign SGHPL-5 trophoblast cell line, which originates from the first-trimester placenta. Treating SGHPL-5 trophoblast cells with the glycosylated forms of recombinant CCN1 and CCN3 decreased cell proliferation by bringing about G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, which was accompanied by the upregulation of activated Notch-1 and its target gene p21. Interestingly, both CCN proteins increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and the expression of the senescence marker p16. The migration capability of SGHPL-5 cells was mostly enhanced in response to CCN1 and CCN3, by the activation of FAK and Akt kinase but not by the activation of ERK1/2. In summary, both CCN proteins play a key role in regulating trophoblast cell differentiation by inducing senescence and enhancing migration properties. Reduced levels of CCN1 and CCN3, as found in early-onset preeclampsia, could contribute to a shift from invasive to proliferative EVTs and may explain their shallow invasion properties in this disease.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632786
title: DNA damage response during mouse oocyte maturation

description: Because low levels of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) appear not to activate the ATM-mediated prophase I checkpoint in full-grown oocytes, there may exist mechanisms to protect chromosome integrity during meiotic maturation. Using live imaging we demonstrate that low levels of DSBs induced by the radiomimetic drug Neocarzinostatin (NCS) increase the incidence of chromosome fragments and lagging chromosomes but do not lead to APC/C activation and anaphase onset delay. The number of DSBs, represented by γH2AX foci, significantly decreases between prophase I and metaphase II in both control and NCS-treated oocytes. Transient treatment with NCS increases &gt;2-fold the number of DSBs in prophase I oocytes, but less than 30% of these oocytes enter anaphase with segregation errors. MRE11, but not ATM, is essential to detect DSBs in prophase I and is involved in H2AX phosphorylation during metaphase I. Inhibiting MRE11 by mirin during meiotic maturation results in anaphase bridges and also increases the number of γH2AX foci in metaphase II. Compromised DNA integrity in mirin-treated oocytes indicates a role for MRE11 in chromosome integrity during meiotic maturation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632786.v1
title: DNA damage response during mouse oocyte maturation

description: Because low levels of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) appear not to activate the ATM-mediated prophase I checkpoint in full-grown oocytes, there may exist mechanisms to protect chromosome integrity during meiotic maturation. Using live imaging we demonstrate that low levels of DSBs induced by the radiomimetic drug Neocarzinostatin (NCS) increase the incidence of chromosome fragments and lagging chromosomes but do not lead to APC/C activation and anaphase onset delay. The number of DSBs, represented by γH2AX foci, significantly decreases between prophase I and metaphase II in both control and NCS-treated oocytes. Transient treatment with NCS increases &gt;2-fold the number of DSBs in prophase I oocytes, but less than 30% of these oocytes enter anaphase with segregation errors. MRE11, but not ATM, is essential to detect DSBs in prophase I and is involved in H2AX phosphorylation during metaphase I. Inhibiting MRE11 by mirin during meiotic maturation results in anaphase bridges and also increases the number of γH2AX foci in metaphase II. Compromised DNA integrity in mirin-treated oocytes indicates a role for MRE11 in chromosome integrity during meiotic maturation.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632785
title: Human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells modulate placenta angiogenesis through Slit2-Robo signaling

description: The objective of this study was to investigate whether human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell (hPMSC)-derived Slit2 and endothelial cell Roundabout (Robo) receptors are involved in placental angiogenesis. The hPMSC-conditioned medium and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were studied for Slit2 and Robo receptor expression by immunoassay and RT-PCR. The effect of the conditioned medium of hPMSCs with or without Slit2 depletion on endothelial cells was investigated by <i>in vitro</i> angiogenesis using growth factor-reduced Matrigel. hPMSCs express Slit2 and both Robo1 and Robo4 are present in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells do not express Robo2 and Robo3. The hPMSC-conditioned medium and Slit2 recombinant protein significantly inhibit the endothelial cell migration, but not by the hPMSC-conditioned medium with Slit2 depletion. The hPMSC-conditioned medium and Slit2 significantly enhance endothelial tube formation with increased cumulated tube length, polygonal network number and vessel branching point number compared to endothelial cells alone. The tube formation is inhibited by the depletion of Slit2 from the conditioned medium, or following the expression of Robo1, Robo4, and both receptor knockdown using small interfering RNA. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation reveals Slit2 binds to Robo1 and Robo4. Robo1 interacts and forms a heterodimeric complex with Robo4. These results suggest the implication of both Robo receptors with Slit2 signaling, which is involved in endothelial cell angiogenesis. Slit2 in the conditioned medium of hPMSCs has functional effect on endothelial cells and may play a role in placental angiogenesis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632785.v1
title: Human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells modulate placenta angiogenesis through Slit2-Robo signaling

description: The objective of this study was to investigate whether human placental multipotent mesenchymal stromal cell (hPMSC)-derived Slit2 and endothelial cell Roundabout (Robo) receptors are involved in placental angiogenesis. The hPMSC-conditioned medium and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were studied for Slit2 and Robo receptor expression by immunoassay and RT-PCR. The effect of the conditioned medium of hPMSCs with or without Slit2 depletion on endothelial cells was investigated by <i>in vitro</i> angiogenesis using growth factor-reduced Matrigel. hPMSCs express Slit2 and both Robo1 and Robo4 are present in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells do not express Robo2 and Robo3. The hPMSC-conditioned medium and Slit2 recombinant protein significantly inhibit the endothelial cell migration, but not by the hPMSC-conditioned medium with Slit2 depletion. The hPMSC-conditioned medium and Slit2 significantly enhance endothelial tube formation with increased cumulated tube length, polygonal network number and vessel branching point number compared to endothelial cells alone. The tube formation is inhibited by the depletion of Slit2 from the conditioned medium, or following the expression of Robo1, Robo4, and both receptor knockdown using small interfering RNA. Furthermore, co-immunoprecipitation reveals Slit2 binds to Robo1 and Robo4. Robo1 interacts and forms a heterodimeric complex with Robo4. These results suggest the implication of both Robo receptors with Slit2 signaling, which is involved in endothelial cell angiogenesis. Slit2 in the conditioned medium of hPMSCs has functional effect on endothelial cells and may play a role in placental angiogenesis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632783
title: Consumer acceptance of reformulated food products: A systematic review and meta-analysis of salt-reduced foods

description: Food product reformulation is promoted as an effective strategy to reduce population salt intake and address the associated burden of chronic disease. Salt has a number of functions in food processing, including impacting upon physical and sensory properties. Manufacturers must ensure that reformulation of foods to reduce salt does not compromise consumer acceptability. The aim of this systematic review is to determine to what extent foods can be reduced in salt without detrimental effect on consumer acceptability. Fifty studies reported on salt reduction, replacement or compensation in processed meats, breads, cheeses, soups, and miscellaneous products. For each product category, levels of salt reduction were collapsed into four groups: &lt;40%, 40–59%, 60–79% and ≥80%. Random effects meta-analyses conducted on salt-reduced products showed that salt could be reduced by approximately 40% in breads [mean change in acceptability for reduction &lt;40% (−0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.62, 0.08; <i>p </i>= 0.13)] and approximately 70% in processed meats [mean change in acceptability for reductions 60–69% (−0.18, 95% CI −0.44, 0.07; <i>p</i> = 0.15)] without significantly impacting consumer acceptability. Results varied for other products. These results will support manufacturers to make greater reductions in salt when reformulating food products, which in turn will contribute to a healthier food supply.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632784
title: Altered energy intake and the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm are associated with changes in phase, but not amplitude, of clock gene expression in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus <i>in vivo</i>

description: Circadian rhythms in mammals are driven by a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). <i>In vitro</i>, temperature cycles within the physiological range can act as potent entraining cues for biological clocks. We altered the body temperature (T<sub>c</sub>) rhythm in rats by manipulating energy intake (EI) to determine whether EI-induced changes in T<sub>c</sub> oscillations are associated with changes in SCN clock gene rhythms <i>in vivo</i>. Male Wistar rats (<i>n</i> = 16 per diet) were maintained on either an <i>ad libitum</i> diet (CON), a high energy cafeteria diet (CAF), or a calorie restricted diet (CR), and T<sub>c</sub> was recorded every 30 min for 6-7 weeks. SCN tissue was harvested from rats at <i>zeitgeber</i> time (ZT) 0, ZT6, ZT12, or ZT18. Expression of the clock genes <i>Bmal1, Per2, Cry1</i>, and <i>Rev-erbα</i>, the heat shock transcription factor <i>Hsf1</i>, and the heat shock protein <i>Hsp90aa1</i>, were determined using qPCR. The circadian profile of gene expression for each gene was characterized using cosinor analysis. Compared to the CON rats, the amplitude of T<sub>c</sub> was decreased in CAF rats by 0.1 °C (<i>p</i> p Hsp90aa1 expression was lowest in CAF rats and highest in CR rats (<i>p</i> = 0.045), but the amplitude of all of the clock genes and <i>Hsf1</i> were unaffected by diet (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.25). Compared to CON, phase advances of the T<sub>c</sub>, <i>Bmal1</i>, and <i>Per2</i> rhythms were observed with CR feeding (<i>p</i> in vivo, the SCN is largely resistant to entrainment by EI-induced changes in the T<sub>c</sub> rhythm, although some phase entrainment may occur.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.1632784.v1
title: Altered energy intake and the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm are associated with changes in phase, but not amplitude, of clock gene expression in the rat suprachiasmatic nucleus <i>in vivo</i>

description: Circadian rhythms in mammals are driven by a central clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). <i>In vitro</i>, temperature cycles within the physiological range can act as potent entraining cues for biological clocks. We altered the body temperature (T<sub>c</sub>) rhythm in rats by manipulating energy intake (EI) to determine whether EI-induced changes in T<sub>c</sub> oscillations are associated with changes in SCN clock gene rhythms <i>in vivo</i>. Male Wistar rats (<i>n</i> = 16 per diet) were maintained on either an <i>ad libitum</i> diet (CON), a high energy cafeteria diet (CAF), or a calorie restricted diet (CR), and T<sub>c</sub> was recorded every 30 min for 6-7 weeks. SCN tissue was harvested from rats at <i>zeitgeber</i> time (ZT) 0, ZT6, ZT12, or ZT18. Expression of the clock genes <i>Bmal1, Per2, Cry1</i>, and <i>Rev-erbα</i>, the heat shock transcription factor <i>Hsf1</i>, and the heat shock protein <i>Hsp90aa1</i>, were determined using qPCR. The circadian profile of gene expression for each gene was characterized using cosinor analysis. Compared to the CON rats, the amplitude of T<sub>c</sub> was decreased in CAF rats by 0.1 °C (<i>p</i> p Hsp90aa1 expression was lowest in CAF rats and highest in CR rats (<i>p</i> = 0.045), but the amplitude of all of the clock genes and <i>Hsf1</i> were unaffected by diet (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.25). Compared to CON, phase advances of the T<sub>c</sub>, <i>Bmal1</i>, and <i>Per2</i> rhythms were observed with CR feeding (<i>p</i> in vivo, the SCN is largely resistant to entrainment by EI-induced changes in the T<sub>c</sub> rhythm, although some phase entrainment may occur.