bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of stable hypoxia-preconditioned dental pulp stem cells compared with mobilized dental pulp stem cells for application for pulp regenerative therapy
Authors: Zayed Mohammed , Iohara Koichiro , Watanabe Hideto , Ishikawa Mami , Tominaga Michiyo , Nakashima Misako
Published: May 2021

Background

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been developed as a potential source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for regeneration of dental pulp and other tissues. However, further strategies to isolate highly functional DPSCs beyond the colony-forming methods are required. We have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of DPSCs isolated by G-CSF-induced mobilization and cultured under normoxia (mobilized DPSCs, MDPSCs) for pulp regeneration. The device for isolation of MDPSCs, however, is not cost-effective and requires a prolonged cell culture period. It is well known that MSCs cultured under hypoxic-preconditions improved MSC proliferation activity and stemness. Therefore, in this investigation, we attempted to improve the clinical utility of DPSCs by hypoxia-preconditioned DPSCs (hpDPSCs) compared with MDPSCs to improve the potential clinical utility for pulp regeneration in endodontic dentistry.

Methods

Colony-forming DPSCs were isolated and preconditioned with hypoxia in a stable closed cultured system and compared with MDPSCs isolated from the individual dog teeth. We examined the proliferation rate, migration potential, anti-apoptotic activity, and gene expression of the stem cell markers and angiogenic/neurotrophic factors. Trophic effects of the conditioned medium (CM) were also evaluated. In addition, the expression of immunomodulatory molecules upon stimulation with IFN-γ was investigated. The pulp regenerative potential and transplantation safety of hpDPSCs were further assessed in pulpectomized teeth in dogs by histological and immunohistochemical analyses and by chemistry of the blood and urine tests.

Results

hpDPSCs demonstrated higher proliferation rate and expression of a major regulator of oxygen homeostasis, HIF-1α, and a stem cell marker, CXCR-4. The direct migratory activity of hpDPSCs in response to G-CSF was significantly higher than MDPSCs. The CM of hpDPSCs stimulated neurite extension. However, there were no changes in angiogenic, migration, and anti-apoptotic activities compared with the CM of MDPSCs. The expression of immunomodulatory gene, PTGE was significantly upregulated by IFN gamma in hpDPSCs compared with MDPSCs. However, no difference in nitric oxide was observed. The regenerated pulp tissue was quantitatively and qualitatively similar in hpDPSC transplants compared with MDPSC transplants in dog teeth. There was no evidence of toxicity or adverse events of the hpDPSC transplantation.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the efficacy of hpDPSCs for pulp regeneration was identical, although hpDPSCs improved stem cell properties compared to MDPSCs, suggesting their potential clinical utility for pulp regeneration.
3D-printed nerve guidance conduits multi-functionalized with canine multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells promote neuroregeneration after sciatic nerve injury in rats
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Diego Noé , Pinto Giovana Boff Araujo , Cartarozzi Luciana Politti , de Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues , Bovolato Ana Livia Carvalho , de Carvalho Marcio , da Silva Jorge Vicente Lopes , Dernowsek Janaina de Andréa , Golim Marjorie , Barraviera Benedito , Ferreira Rui Seabra , Deffune Elenice , Bertanha Mathues , Amorim Rogério Martins
Published: May 2021

Background

Nerve injuries are debilitating, leading to long-term motor deficits. Remyelination and axonal growth are supported and enhanced by growth factor and cytokines. Combination of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) with adipose-tissue-derived multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (AdMSCs) has been performing promising strategy for nerve regeneration.

Methods

3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL)-NGCs were fabricated. Wistar rats subjected to critical sciatic nerve damage (12-mm gap) were divided into sham, autograft, PCL (empty NGC), and PCL + MSCs (NGC multi-functionalized with 106 canine AdMSCs embedded in heterologous fibrin biopolymer) groups. In vitro, the cells were characterized and directly stimulated with interferon-gamma to evaluate their neuroregeneration potential. In vivo, the sciatic and tibial functional indices were evaluated for 12 weeks. Gait analysis and nerve conduction velocity were analyzed after 8 and 12 weeks. Morphometric analysis was performed after 8 and 12 weeks following lesion development. Real-time PCR was performed to evaluate the neurotrophic factors BDNF, GDNF, and HGF, and the cytokine and IL-10. Immunohistochemical analysis for the p75NTR neurotrophic receptor, S100, and neurofilament was performed with the sciatic nerve.

Results

The inflammatory environment in vitro have increased the expression of neurotrophins BDNF, GDNF, HGF, and IL-10 in canine AdMSCs. Nerve guidance conduits multi-functionalized with canine AdMSCs embedded in HFB improved functional motor and electrophysiological recovery compared with PCL group after 12 weeks. However, the results were not significantly different than those obtained using autografts. These findings were associated with a shift in the regeneration process towards the formation of myelinated fibers. Increased immunostaining of BDNF, GDNF, and growth factor receptor p75NTR was associated with the upregulation of BDNF, GDNF, and HGF in the spinal cord of the PCL + MSCs group. A trend demonstrating higher reactivity of Schwann cells and axonal branching in the sciatic nerve was observed, and canine AdMSCs were engrafted at 30 days following repair.

Conclusions

3D-printed NGCs multi-functionalized with canine AdMSCs embedded in heterologous fibrin biopolymer as cell scaffold exerted neuroregenerative effects. Our multimodal approach supports the trophic microenvironment, resulting in a pro-regenerative state after critical sciatic nerve injury in rats.
PRL-1 overexpressed placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells suppress adipogenesis in Graves’ ophthalmopathy through SREBP2/HMGCR pathway
Authors: Park Mira , Kim Jae Yeon , Kang Jun Mo , Lee Hey Jin , Banga Jasvinder Paul , Kim Gi Jin , Lew Helen
Published: May 2021

Background

Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is a disorder, in which orbital connective tissues get in inflammation and increase in volume. Stimulants such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1), IL-1, interferon γ, and platelet-derived growth factor cause differentiation into adipocytes of orbital fibroblasts (OFs) in the orbital fat and extraocular muscles. Human placental mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) are known to have immune modulation effects on disease pathogenesis. Some reports suggest that hPMSCs can elicit therapeutic effects, but to date, research on this has been insufficient. In this study, we constructed PRL-1 overexpressed hPMSCs (hPMSCsPRL-1) in an attempt to enhance the suppressive function of adipogenesis in GO animal models.

Methods

In order to investigate the anti-adipogenic effects, primary OFs were incubated with differentiation medium for 10 days. After co-culturing with hPMSCsPRL-1, the characteristics of the OFs were analyzed using Nile red stain and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. We then examined the in vivo regulatory effectiveness of hPMSCsPRL-1 in a GO mouse model that immunized by leg muscle electroporation of pTriEx1.1Neo-hTSHR A-subunit plasmid. Human PMSCsPRL-1 injection was performed in left orbit. We also analyzed the anti-adipogenic effects of hPMSCsPRL-1 in the GO model.

Results

We found that hPMSCsPRL-1 inhibited adipogenic activation factors, specifically PPARγ, C/EBPα, FABP4, SREBP2, and HMGCR, by 75.1%, 50%, 79.6%, 81.8%, and 87%, respectively, compared with naïve hPMSCs in adipogenesis-induced primary OFs from GO. Moreover, hPMSCsPRL-1 more effectively inhibited adipogenic factors ADIPONECTIN and HMGCR by 53.2% and 31.7%, respectively, than hPMSCs, compared with 15.8% and 29.8% using steroids in the orbital fat of the GO animal model.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that hPMSCsPRL-1 would restore inflammation and adipogenesis of GO model and demonstrate that they could be applied as a novel treatment for GO patients.
The whole profiling and competing endogenous RNA network analyses of noncoding RNAs in adipose-derived stem cells from diabetic, old, and young patients
Authors: Ren Sen , Xiong Hewei , Chen Jing , Yang Xiaofan , Liu Yutian , Guo Jiahe , Jiang Tao , Xu Zhao , Yuan Meng , Liu Yang , Zhou Nan , Chen Hongrui , Li Wenqing , Machens Hans-Günther , Chen Zhenbing
Published: May 2021

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells including adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have a considerable potential in the field of translational medicine. Unfortunately, multiple factors (e.g., older age, co-existing diabetes, and obesity) may impair cellular function, which hinders the overall effectiveness of autologous stem cell therapy. Noncoding RNAs—including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs)—have been shown to play important roles in stem cell biology. However, the overall diabetes-related and aging-related expression patterns and interactions of these RNAs in ASCs remain unknown.

Method

The phenotypes and functions of ASCs isolated from diabetic (D-ASCs), old (O-ASCs), and young (Y-ASCs) donors were evaluated by in vitro assays. We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in these ASCs to identify the differentially expressed (DE) RNAs. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were performed to investigate mRNAs with significant differences among groups. The lncRNA- or circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed based on bioinformatics analyses and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results. The miR-145-5p mimics were transfected into O-ASCs and verified by PCR.

Results

ASCs from diabetic and old donors showed inferior migration ability and increased cellular senescence. Furthermore, O-ASCs have decreased capacities for promoting endothelial cell angiogenesis and fibroblast migration, compared with Y-ASCs. The DE miRNAs, mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were successfully identified by RNA-seq in O-ASCs vs. Y-ASCs and D-ASCs vs. O-ASCs. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that DE mRNAs were significantly enriched in aging and cell senescence terms separately. PPI networks revealed critical DE mRNAs in the above groups. RNAs with high fold changes and low p values were validated by PCR. ceRNA networks were constructed based on bioinformatics analyses and validated RNAs. Additionally, the lncRNA RAET1E-AS1–miR-145-5p–WNT11/BMPER axis was validated by PCR and correlation analyses. Finally, the overexpression of miR-145-5p was found to rejuvenate O-ASCs phenotype and augment the functionality of these cells.

Conclusion

Our research may provide insights regarding the underlying mechanisms of ASC dysfunction; it may also offer novel targets for restoring therapeutic properties in ASCs.
The use of a UV-C disinfection robot in the routine cleaning process: a field study in an Academic hospital
Authors: Astrid Füszl , Beata Zatorska , Van den Nest Miriam  , Julia Ebner , Elisabeth Presterl , Magda Diab-Elschahawi
Published: May 2021

Background

Environmental surface decontamination is a crucial tool to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals. However, manual cleaning and disinfection may be insufficient to eliminate pathogens from contaminated surfaces. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation deploying autonomous disinfection devices, i.e. robots, are increasingly advertised to complement standard decontamination procedures with concurrent reduction of time and workload. Although the principle of UV-C based disinfection is proven, little is known about the operational details of UV-C disinfection delivered by robots. To explore the impact of a UV-C disinfection robot in the clinical setting, we investigated its usability and the effectiveness as an add-on to standard environmental cleaning and disinfection. Additionally, its effect on Candida auris, a yeast pathogen resistant to antifungals and disinfectants, was studied.

Methods

After setting the parameters “surface distance” and “exposure time” for each area as given by the manufacturer, the robot moved autonomously and emitted UV-C irradiation in the waiting areas of two hospital outpatient clinics after routine cleaning and/or disinfection. To quantify the efficacy of the robotic UV-C disinfection, we obtained cultures from defined sampling sites in these areas at baseline, after manual cleaning/disinfection and after the use of the robot. Four different C. auris strains at two concentrations and either in a lag or in a stationary growth phase were placed in these areas and exposed to UV-C disinfection as well.

Results

The UV-C irradiation significantly reduced the microbial growth on the surfaces after manual cleaning and disinfection. C. auris growth in the lag phase was inhibited by the UV-C irradiation but not in the presence of the rim shadows. The effects on C. auris in the stationary phase were differential, but overall C. auris strains were not effectively killed by the standard UV-C disinfection cycle. Regarding usability, the robot’s interface was not intuitive, requiring advanced technical knowledge or intensive training prior to its use. Additionally, the robot required interventions by the technical operator during the disinfection process, e.g. stopping due to unforeseen minor dislocation of items during the clinical service or due to moving individuals, making it a delicate high-tech device but not yet ready for the autonomous use in the clinical routine.

Conclusions

Presently, the UV-C robot tested in this study is not ready to be integrated in the environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures in our hospital. The single standard disinfection UV-C irradiation cycle is not sufficient to inactivate pathogens with augmented environmental resilience, e.g. C. auris, particularly when microbial loads are high.
Protective effect of alamandine on doxorubicin‑induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Soltani Hekmat Ava , Chenari Ameneh , Alipanah Hiva , Javanmardi Kazem
Published: May 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of alamandine, a new member of the angiotensin family, against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Methods

Rats were intraperitoneally injected with DOX (3.750 mg/kg/week) to reach a total cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg by day 35. Alamandine (50 µg/kg/day) was administered to the rats via mini-osmotic pumps for 42 days. At the end of the experiment, rats were placed in the metabolic cages for 24 h so that their water intake and urine output could be measured. After scarification, the rats’ serum and kidney tissues were collected, and biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies were carried out.

Results

DOX administration yielded increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, pro-fibrotic proteins transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), pro-inflammatory transcription factor nuclear kappa B (NF-κB), kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), creatinine clearance, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and water intake. On the other hand, the DOX-treated group exhibited decreased renal superoxide dismutase (SOD), renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and urinary output. Alamandine co-therapy decreased these effects, as confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis.

Conclusions

The results suggest that alamandine can prevent nephrotoxicity induced by DOX‎ in rats.
Pretravel consultation on COVID-19 testing before international travel: lessons learnt from the Thai Travel Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Matsee Wasin , Pisutsan Phimphan , Piyaphanee Watcharapong
Published: May 2021

The demand for COVID-19 testing has been on the rise after many countries have eased travel restrictions for essential travel to aid their economy. Thus, we discuss our lessons learnt of the crucial points that need to be considered by the clinicians when dealing with individuals seeking COVID-19 testing before international travel.
Effectiveness of Resistance Training and Associated Program Characteristics in Patients at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Qadir Raza , Sculthorpe Nicholas F. , Todd Taylor , Brown Elise C.
Published: May 2021

Background

Resistance training (RT) is an effective intervention for glycemic control and cardiometabolic health in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the use of RT in individuals at risk for T2D to prevent or delay the onset of T2D, and RT program characteristics that are most effective are still unknown. The purpose of this review is to determine the effects of RT on cardiometabolic risk factors in those at risk for T2D and to examine RT program characteristics associated with intervention effectiveness.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase databases were systematically searched for published controlled trials that compared cardiometabolic outcomes in adults with cardiometabolic risk for those that underwent an RT intervention with those that did not. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of RT on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), body fat percentage (BF%), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG). Additional analyses examined effects of intervention duration and dietary intervention on FPG and TG.

Results

Fourteen trials with 668 participants were included. For RT compared to controls, the standardized mean difference (SMD) was −1.064 for HbA1c (95% confidence interval [CI] −1.802 to −0.327; p=0.005), −0.99 for FPG (95% CI −1.798 to −0.183; p=0.016), −0.933 for TC (95% CI −1.66 to −0.206; p=0.012), −0.840 for BF% (95% CI −1.429 to −0.251; p=0.005), −0.693 for HDL (95% CI −1.230 to −0.156; p=0.011), −1.03 for LDL (95% CI −2.03 to −0.050; p=0.039), and −0.705 for TG (95% CI −1.132 to −0.279; p=0.001).

Conclusions

RT is beneficial for improving glycemic control, BF%, and blood lipids in those at risk for diabetes. The addition of a dietary component did not result in larger reductions in FPG and TG than RT alone.

PROSPERO Registration ID

CRD42019122217
Children’s ability to edit their memories when learning about the environment from credible and noncredible websites
Authors: Roberts Kim P. , Wood Katherine R. , Wylie Breanne E.
Published: May 2021

One of the many sources of information easily available to children is the internet and the millions of websites providing accurate, and sometimes inaccurate, information. In the current investigation, we examined children’s ability to use credibility information about websites when learning about environmental sustainability. In two studies, children studied two different websites and were tested on what they had learned a week later using a multiple-choice test containing both website items and new distracters. Children were given either no information about the websites or were told that one of the websites (the noncredible website) contained errors and they should not use any information from that website to answer the test. In both studies, children aged 7- to 9-years reported information from the noncredible website even when instructed not to, whereas the 10- to 12-year-olds used the credibility warning to ‘edit out’ information that they had learned from the noncredible website. In Study 2, there was an indication that the older children spontaneously assessed the credibility of the website if credibility markers were made explicit. A plausible explanation is that, although children remembered information from the websites, they needed explicit instruction to bind the website content with the relevant source (the individual websites). The results have implications for children’s learning in an open-access, digital age where information comes from many sources, credible and noncredible. Education in credibility evaluation may enable children to be critical consumers of information thereby resisting misinformation provided through public sources.
Numerical simulation of water entry problems considering air effect using a multiphase Riemann-SPH model
Authors: Meng Zi-Fei , Ming Fu-Ren , Wang Ping-Ping , Zhang A-Man
Published: May 2021

The water entry is a classic fluid-structure interaction problem in ocean engineering. The prediction of impact loads on structure during the water entry is critical to some engineering applications. In this paper, a multiphase Riemann-SPH model is developed to investigate water entry problems. In this model, a special treatment, a cut-off value for the particle density, is arranged to avoid the occurrence of negative pressure. A remarkable advantage of the present multiphase SPH model is that the real speed of sound in air can be allowed when simulating water-air flows. In the present work, considering the air effect, several typical water entry problems are studied, and the evolution of multiphase interface, the motion characteristic of structure and complex fluid-structure interactions during the water entry are analyzed. Compared with the experimental data, the present multiphase SPH model can obtain satisfactory results, and it can be considered as a reliable tool in reproducing some fluid-structure interaction problems.
Progress of molecular targeted therapy for head and neck cancer in clinical aspects
Authors: Nakano Kenji
Published: May 2021

Since the body’s head and neck area affects many functions such as breathing, swallowing, and speaking, systemic treatments to head and neck cancer patients are important not only for survival but also for preserving functions and quality of life. With the progress that has been made in molecular targeted therapy, anti-EGFR antibody (cetuximab) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) have provided survival benefits to head and neck cancer patients and are approved for clinical practice. Clinical trials incorporating these new drugs for patients with locally advanced head/neck cancers are underway. However, the existing clinical evidence regarding molecular targeted drugs for head and neck cancers is based mostly on clinical trials allocated to squamous cell carcinoma patients. New targeted therapies for non-squamous cell carcinoma patients were recently reported, e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the treatment of thyroid cancers and HER2-targeted therapy for salivary gland cancers. With the goal of improving local control, molecular targeted treatment strategies as salvage local therapy are being investigated, including boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT). Herein the history and landscape of molecular targeted therapy for head and neck cancers are summarized and reviewed.
Joint Genome-Wide Association Analyses Identified 49 Novel Loci For Age at Natural Menopause
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wei Xin-Tong , Niu Jun-Jie , Lin Zi-Xuan , Xu Qian , Ni Jing-Jing , Zhang Wan-Lin , Han Bai-Xue , Yan Shan-Shan , Feng Gui-Juan , Zhang Hong , Yang Xiao-Lin , Zhang Zi-Jia , Hai Rong , Ren Hai-Gang , Zhang Feng , Pei Yu-Fang
Published: May 2021

Background

Age at natural menopause (ANM) is an important index for women’s health. Either early or late ANM is associated with a series of adverse outcomes later in life. Despite being an inheritable trait, its genetic determinant has not yet been fully understood.

Methods

Aiming to better characterize the genetic architecture of ANM, we conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analyses in European-specific as well as trans-ancestry samples by using GWAS summary statistics from the following 3 large studies: the Reproductive Genetics Consortium (ReproGen; N = 69 626), the UK Biobank cohort (UKBB; N = 111 593) and the BioBank Japan Project (BBJ; N = 43 861), followed by a series of bioinformatical assessments and functional annotations.

Results

By integrating the summary statistics from the 3 GWAS of up to 225 200 participants, this largest meta-analysis identified 49 novel loci and 3 secondary signals that were associated with ANM at the genome-wide significance level (P < 5 × 10−8). No population specificity or heterogeneity was observed at most of the associated loci. Functional annotations prioritized 90 candidate genes at the newly identified loci. Among the 26 traits that were genetically correlated with ANM, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) exerted a causal relationship, implying a causal pattern by which HRT was determined by ANM.

Conclusion

Our findings improved our understanding of the etiology of female menopause, as well as shed light on potential new therapies for abnormal menopause.
Adolescent Thyroid Disorders and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes in Young Adulthood
Authors: Bardugo Aya , Derazne Estela , Zucker Inbar , Bendor Cole D , Puris Gal , Lutski Miri , Pinhas-Hamiel Orit , Cukierman-Yaffe Tali , Mosenzon Ofri , Schechter Meir , Tzur Dorit , Afek Arnon , Tirosh Amir , Gerstein Hertzel C , Raz Itamar , Twig Gilad
Published: May 2021

Context

Thyroid hormones play a key role in systemic metabolism, yet the relationship between thyroid dysfunction and risk for type 2 diabetes is unclear.

Objective

To assess type 2 diabetes risk in adulthood among adolescents with thyroid disorders.

Design and Setting

A nationwide, population-based study of Israeli adolescents who were examined before military recruitment during 1988 to 2007 and were followed until December 31, 2016.

Participants

1 382 560 adolescents (mean age 17.3 years).

Interventions

The diagnosis of thyroid disorders was based on recent thyroid function tests. Data were linked to the Israeli National Diabetes Registry. Cox proportional hazard models were applied.

Main Outcome Measures

Type 2 diabetes incidence.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 18.5 years, 1.12% (69 of 6,152) of adolescents with thyroid disorders were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes vs 0.77% of adolescents without thyroid disorders. The hazard ratio (HR) for type 2 diabetes was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.8-2.9) among those with thyroid disorders, after adjustment for sex, birth-year, body mass index, and sociodemographic confounders. The increased diabetes risk was observed in both men and women, with the presence or absence of obesity, and in the absence of other health conditions and was associated with different types of thyroid disorders. It was also similar when the outcome was defined as type 2 diabetes diagnosed at or before the age of 30 years (HR 2.3, 95% CI, 1.5-3.5).

Conclusions

Thyroid disorders diagnosed in adolescence are a risk factor for early-onset type 2 diabetes in both men and women.
How professional support for young carers benefits from a salutogenic approach
Authors: Frech Marianne , Berger Fabian , Rabhi-Sidler Sarah , Nagl-Cupal Martin , Becker Saul , Leu Agnes
Published: May 2021

Carers (including young carers) experiencing negative outcomes due to their caring role are more likely to report a lower sense of coherence. This article explores young carers’ support needs for support provided by professionals. A total of 20 interviews with young carers and the persons for whom they provide care were analysed by applying Antonovsky’s paradigm of salutogenesis. The dimensions of manageability, comprehensibility and meaningfulness served to categorise the data. The findings show various needs for support within all three dimensions of the sense of coherence. The results outline key support strategies that professionals can use to build the competencies, confidence and resilience of young carers and their families.
Label-free microscopy of mitotic chromosomes using the polarization orthogonality breaking technique
Authors: Desapogu Rajesh , Le Marchand Gilles , Smith Rebecca , Ray Paulami , Gillier Émilie , Dutertre Stéphanie , Alouini Mehdi , Tramier Marc , Huet Sébastien , Fade Julien
Published: May 2021

We report how a recently developed polarization imaging technique, implementing micro-wave photonics and referred to as orthogonality-breaking (OB) imaging, can be adapted on a classical confocal fluorescence microscope, and is able to provide informative polarization images from a single scan of the cell sample. For instance, the comparison of the images of various cell lines at different cell-cycle stages obtained by OB polarization microscopy and fluorescence confocal images shows that an endogenous polarimetric contrast arizes with this instrument on compacted chromosomes during cell division.
Body composition associations with muscle strength in older adults living in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Hiol Anne N. , von Hurst Pamela R. , Conlon Cathryn A. , Mugridge Owen , Beck Kathryn L.
Published: May 2021

Background

Aging is associated with decreases in muscle strength and simultaneous changes in body composition, including decreases in muscle mass, muscle quality and increases in adiposity.

Methods

Adults (n = 369; 236 females) aged 65–74 years living independently were recruited from the cross-sectional Researching Eating Activity and Cognitive Health (REACH) study. Body fat percentage and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) (sum of lean mass in the arms and legs) were assessed using Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (Hologic, QDR Discovery A). The ASM index was calculated by ASM (kilograms) divided by height (meters) squared. Isometric grip strength was measured using a hand grip strength dynamometer (JAMAR HAND).

Results

Linear regression analyses revealed that muscle strength was positively associated with the ASM index (R2 = 0.431, p < 0.001). When exploring associations between muscle strength and muscle mass according to obesity classifications (obesity ≥30% males; ≥40% females), muscle mass was a significant predictor of muscle strength in non-obese participants. However, in participants with obesity, muscle mass was no longer a significant predictor of muscle strength.

Conclusions

Body fat percentage should be considered when measuring associations between muscle mass and muscle strength in older adults.
Surveillance Cessation for Barrett's Esophagus: A Survey of Gastroenterologists
Authors: Ozanne Elissa M. , Silver Elisabeth R. , Saini Sameer D. , Rubenstein Joel H. , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris , Bowers Nicole , Tan Sarah Xinhui , Inadomi John M. , Hur Chin
Published: May 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Regular endoscopic surveillance is the gold standard Barrett's esophagus (BE) surveillance, yet harms of surveillance for some patients may outweigh the benefits. We sought to characterize physicians' BE surveillance cessation recommendations.

METHODS:

We surveyed gastroenterologists about their BE surveillance recommendations varying patient age, comorbidity, and BE length.

RESULTS:

Clinicians varied in recommendations for repeat surveillance. Patient age showed the largest variation among decisions, whereas BE length varied the least.

DISCUSSION:

Age and comorbidities seem to influence BE surveillance cessation decisions, but with variation. Clear cessation guidelines balancing the risks and benefits for BE surveillance are warranted.
“Forces for peace because of the magic in them”: Processes of Anglo-Soviet musical exchange c.1959-1974
Authors: Thompson Isobel
Published: May 2021

Musical histories of the Cold War frequently emphasise the impact of American musical tours to socialist countries and the ‘weaponisation’ of modernist music, supposedly representative of the cultural freedom exclusive to the capitalist West, against the strict confines of Socialist Realism. This narrative, however, denies the vast output of classical music from the USSR and the brilliance of Soviet classical musicians, who consistently dominated international music competitions.   This paper explores the British reception of visiting Soviet classical musicians to the UK from a multi-layered perspective. Starting with an analysis of the ways Anglo-Soviet musical exchanges were carried out through official government agreements, it goes beyond the traditional political focus to highlight the hitherto neglected role of British impresarios Victor and Lilian Hochhauser in coordinating Anglo-Soviet musical exchanges, and their fundamental importance to the success of such performances in Britain. It also examines interactions between Soviet and British musicians, and the relevance of these relationships to cultural diplomacy more broadly. The final section explores how Soviet music was presented to British audiences in programme notes and received in the broadsheet press. 
'What a kitty!': Women’s physical appearance and animal metaphors in Montenegro
Authors: Vujković Violeta , Vuković-Stamatović Milica
Published: May 2021

Animals present a common source of metaphors conceptualising humanity, and, consequently, women. The aim of this paper is to explore how women's physical appearance is conceptualised through animal metaphors in Montenegrin webpages (the. me domain). We find that women's looks are most often likened to those of a cat (kitten, kitty), fish, mare, snake, tigress, and duck. The choice of an animal that a woman is compared to and the associated characteristics reflect entrenched cultural views which prioritise women's physical appearance. By comparing our results to those from the scholarly literature, we also conclude that the choice of some metaphors may be culturally specific to Montenegro and/or perhaps the wider Western Balkan region.
Hyperhomocysteinemia exacerbates ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced acute kidney injury by mediating oxidative stress, DNA damage, JNK pathway, and apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Mei , Yuan Jing , Dong Rong , Da Jingjing , Li Qian , Hu Ying , Yu Fangfang , Ran Yan , Zha Yan , Long Yanjun
Published: May 2021

Background

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) plays an important role in the progression of many kidney diseases; however, the relationship between HHcy and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced acute kidney injury (IRI-induced AKI) is far from clear. In this study, we try to investigate the effect and possible mechanisms of HHcy on IRI-induced AKI.

Methods

Twenty C57/BL6 mice were reared with a regular diet or high methionine diet for 2 weeks (to generate HHcy mice); after that, mice were subgrouped to receive sham operation or ischemia-reperfusion surgery. Twenty four hour after reperfusion, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. H&E staining for tubular injury, western blot for γH2AX, JNK, p-JNK, and cleaved caspase 3, and TUNEL assay for tubular cell apoptosis were also performed.

Results

Our results showed that HHcy did not influence the renal function and histological structure, as well as the levels of MDA, γH2AX, JNK, p-JNK, and tubular cell apoptosis in control mice. However, in IRI-induced AKI mice, HHcy caused severer renal dysfunction and tubular injury, higher levels of oxidative stress, DNA damage, JNK pathway activation, and tubular cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that HHcy could exacerbate IRI-induced AKI, which may be achieved through promoting oxidative stress, DNA damage, JNK pathway activation, and consequent apoptosis.
Brauer’s Height Zero Conjecture for principal blocks
Authors: Malle Gunter , Navarro Gabriel
Published: May 2021

We prove the other half of Brauer’s Height Zero Conjecture in the case of
principal blocks.
Evaluating the impact of Khanh Son power plant on Danang Distribution Network
Authors: Bui Thi Minh Tu , Le Hong Lam , Le Nam Khoa , Phan Quoc Thien , Nguyen Kiep Van , Dang Nam Hoang
Published: May 2021

Today, the expansion of power sources is the main task to meet the development of demand. Therefore, Da Nang City has been approved to build the Khanh Son waste incineration power plant in the near future. The Khanh Son power plant project not only helps to reduce a large amount of waste in the area but also provides electricity supply directly to the city, increasing the budget for that locality. However, the connection of this power plant to the system will modify the operating parameters of the grid which may cause some negative impact on the regional power system. Therefore, the main aim of this paper is to simulate various operation modes of the system such as steady-state mode, short circuits, and transient to evaluate the impact of the connection of the new power plant on the national power. The result shows that the Khanh Son power plant helps to reduce the overload of the main cable during the high load scenario, the stability of the system is enhanced significantly. Based on the simulation results, some recommendations to ensure the stabilizing of the grid have been proposed as well.
Crystal structure of poly[aqua-(μ2-1,3-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane-κ2
N:N′)-(μ3-2,3,5,6-tetrafluoroterephthalato-κ3
O:O′:O′′)cadmium(II)], C17H14N4O5F4Cd
Authors: Guo Yu-Mei , Tang Bo , Ge Hong-Guang , Huang Pei , Lu Jiu-Fu
Published: May 2021

C17H14N4O5F4Cd, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.6671(7) Å, b = 20.0783(13) Å, c = 10.4225(7) Å, β = 107.365(1)°, V = 1930.8(2) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0250, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0880, T = 293(2) K.
Hermann Staudinger – Organic chemist and pioneer of macromolecules
Authors: Hess Michael , Walker Martin A.
Published: May 2021

To commemorate the centenary of the birth of modern polymer science, a review of the life and accomplishments of Hermann Staudinger is given within the framework of the first half of the twentieth century. Staudinger is remembered for his discovery of ketenes and the Staudinger reaction, but his greatest contribution to chemistry was in developing the concept of macromolecules, for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1953.
Reducing lactose content of milk from livestock and humans via lactose imprinted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-i-aspartic acid) cryogels
Authors: Erol Kadir , Arslan Akveran Gönül , Köse Kazım , Ali Köse Dursun
Published: May 2021

Lactase, which can cause lactose intolerance in its deficiency, is a vital enzyme concerning digestion. To overcome lactose intolerance for patients with digestion problem depending of this kind of issue, lactose in food should be removed. In this study, lactose imprinted poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-l-aspartic acid), poly(HEMA-MAsp), cryogels were synthesized to reduce the amount of lactose content of milk samples. Occurrence of desired bounds, structural integrity, and surface characteristics were analyzed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), micro computed tomography (CT), and confocal microscope methods. Water retention characteristic were tested in solution with different electrolytic nature. Adsorption parameters were optimized in an aqueous medium. The adsorption performance of imprinted cryogels was studied in milk samples obtained from cow, sheep, goat, buffalo, and from human volunteers at different intervals after birth. Amount of lactose adsorbed in aqueous media and milk sample from humans were 322 (56.7%) and 179.5 (5.94%) mg lactose/g polymer, respectively. Selectivity studies revealed an approximately 8-fold increase in adsorption rate of molecularly imprinted cryogels as compared to that of nonimprinted cryogels. In addition, competitive adsorption was conducted using lactose-imprinted cryogels in aqueous media containing lactose, glucose, and galactose molecules resulting in adsorption rates of 220.56, 57.87, and 61.65 mg biomolecule/g polymer, respectively.
Stabilization Methods for Black-Dyed Silk Used for Seals Attachment
Authors: Škrdlantová Markéta , Drábková Klára , Nagyová Dominika , Krejčí Jan , Paulusová Hana , Ďurovič Michal , Msallamová Šárka
Published: May 2021

Textile cords and ribbons are an integral part of archival documents with pendent seals. These textiles are frequently highly degraded, especially in case of black-dyed silk. However, their maintenance in good condition is necessary for retention of the seal and thus the legal value of the document. Methods of chemical stabilization of iron-gall inks on a paper support are promising also for stabilization of degraded black-dyed silk. This chemical stabilization is based on deacidification or the use of antioxidants or a combination thereof. The deacidification is potentially dangerous for silk because of its high stability in the slightly acidic region. Therefore the stability of silk in the alkaline pH region was measured and even long-term immersion of silk in a medium with pH 9 did not result in degradation changes. The selected reagents (methoxymagnesium methyl carbonate, tetrabutylammonium bromide, cysteine, calcium phytate and tannin) were tested. The effect of stabilization procedures was studied on artificially damaged samples of black-dyed silk containing unbound ferrous ions. The effectiveness of the stabilization procedures and their influence on the long-term stability of silk were evaluated by means of colorimetry, mechanical properties (flexural rigidity, thread tensile strength), measuring the pH of the silk surface and scanning electron microscopy.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Vitamin A Deficiency among Children and Women in Senegal
Authors: Faye Mane Hélène , Idohou-Dossou Nicole , Badiane Abdou , Agne-Djigo Anta , DD Sylla Papa Mamadou , Diouf Adama , Tidiane Guiro Amadou , Wade Salimata
Published: May 2021

Background: Like many developing countries, Senegal does not have data on the extent of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) that is representative of its population. The present survey was conducted to fill this gap and to identify factors associated with VAD, prior to the introduction of a large-scale vitamin A oil fortification program. Procedures: A nationwide representative cross-sectional survey involving 1887 children 12 to 59 months old and 1316 women of reproductive age (WRA) was conducted. Blood samples were collected and plasma concentrations of retinol (PR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and alpha-1-acidglycoprotein were measured. PR was adjusted for subclinical inflammation using the BRINDA regression methodology. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with VAD. Findings: The adjusted prevalence of VAD (PR ≤ 0.7 μmol/L) in children was 15.3% and differed by age group, area of residence, and socioeconomic status and half of them had subclinical inflammation. Among WRA, VAD was low (2.3%) and 18.1% had vitamin A insufficiency (VAI). Pregnant women were more affected by VAI (28.4%) and Dakar had lower figures compared with other cities and rural strata. Prevalence of VAI decreased with increasing wealth quintile. In logistic regression, abnormal CRP, poverty, scarce consumption of poultry, oysters, melon, red palm oil, palm kernel oil, Saba senegalensis fruit pulp (Maad) and cowpea, frequent consumption of leeks and consumption of Leptadenia hastata leaves (Mbuum tiakhat), were associated with VAD in children. For women, lower socioeconomic status, fair or poor health status and anemia were negatively associated with VAI. Conclusions: In Senegal, VAD is a moderate public health problem in children and slight among women. Particular attention should be paid to children older than 23 months, pregnant women, rural populations, and poorest households. Nutritional interventions should be implemented alongside morbidity prevention and control. Keywords: vitamin A deficiency, children 12-59 months, women of reproductive age, Senegal.
Structural mechanism for modulation of functional amyloid and biofilm formation by Staphylococcal Bap protein switch
Authors: Ma Junfeng , Cheng Xiang , Xu Zhonghe , Zhang Yikan , Valle Jaione , Fan Shilong , Zuo Xiaobing , Lasa Iñigo , Fang Xianyang
Published: May 2021

The Staphylococcal Bap proteins sense environmental signals (such as pH, [Ca2+]) to build amyloid scaffold biofilm matrices via unknown mechanisms. We here report the crystal structure of the aggregation‐prone region of Staphylococcus aureus Bap which adopts a dumbbell‐shaped fold. The middle module (MM) connecting the N‐terminal and C‐terminal lobes consists of a tandem of novel double‐Ca2+‐binding motifs involved in cooperative interaction networks, which undergoes Ca2+‐dependent order–disorder conformational switches. The N‐terminal lobe is sufficient to mediate amyloid aggregation through liquid–liquid phase separation and maturation, and subsequent biofilm formation under acidic conditions. Such processes are promoted by disordered MM at low [Ca2+] but inhibited by ordered MM stabilized by Ca2+ binding, with inhibition efficiency depending on structural integrity of the interaction networks. These studies illustrate a novel protein switch in pathogenic bacteria and provide insights into the mechanistic understanding of Bap proteins in modulation of functional amyloid and biofilm formation, which could be implemented in the anti‐biofilm drug design.
Obesity enhances the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells to visceral adipose tissue
Authors: de Assis-Ferreira Agatha , Saldanha-Gama Roberta , de Brito Natália Mesquita , Renovato-Martins Mariana , Simões Rafael Loureiro , Barja-Fidalgo Christina , Vargas da Silva Simone
Published: May 2021

In obesity, high levels of TNF-α in the bone marrow microenvironment induce the bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) towards a pro-adipogenic phenotype. Here, we investigated the effect of obesity on the migratory potential of BM-MSCs and their fate towards the adipose tissues. BM-MSCs were isolated from male C57Bl/06 mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity. The migratory potential of the BM-MSCs, their presence in the subcutaneous (SAT) and the visceral adipose tissues (VAT), and the possible mechanisms involved were investigated. Obesity did not affect MSC content in the bone marrow but increased the frequency of MSCs in blood, SAT, and VAT. In these animals, the SAT adipocytes presented a larger area, without any changes in adipokine production or the Sdf-1α gene expression. In contrast, in VAT, obesity increased leptin and IL-10 levels but did not modify the size of the adipocytes. The BM-MSCs from obese animals presented increased spontaneous migratory activity. Despite the augmented expression of Cxcr4, these cells exhibited decreased migratory response towards SDF-1α, compared to that of BM-MSCs from lean mice. The PI3K-AKT pathway activation seems to mediate the migration of BM-MSCs from lean mice, but not from obese mice. Additionally, we observed an increase in the spontaneous migration of BM-MSCs from lean mice when they were co-cultured with BM-HCs from obese animals, suggesting a paracrine effect. We concluded that obesity increased the migratory potential of the BM-MSCs and induced their accumulation in VAT, which may represent an adaptive mechanism in response to chronic nutrient overload.
Juicio moral de la conducta agresiva en competencia: un análisis en futbolistas universitarios
Authors: Rodríguez Castellanos Fredy Alexander , Pineda Marín Claudia Patricia
Published: May 2021

Este estudio tuvo como propósito examinar la aceptabilidad a la respuesta agresiva en competencia de un grupo de 192 practicantes de fútbol a nivel universitario de Bogotá (hombres = 141 y mujeres = 51) desde la Teoría de la Integración de la Información. Se construyó y aplicó un cuestionario con 24 escenarios combinando las variables: importancia del juego, agresión previa y tipo de respuesta agresiva. Los resultados muestran las diferencias respecto al juicio moral de esta conducta en 4 conglomerados a partir de un análisis de K-medias, y Anova. Se identificaron diferencias de acuerdo con el sexo (T = 3.37, p < 0.002) y la posición en el campo de juego (F = 2.83, p <0.05; ƞ²ρ = 0.44); sin embargo, no se encontró que la importancia del juego en disputa sea contexto para la aceptabilidad de la agresión en ningún conglomerado. Finalmente, argumentamos posibles explicaciones sobre el incumplimiento de las leyes algebraicas para el estudio del juicio moral en esta investigación y planteamos sugerencias para mejorar los estudios sobre razonamiento moral en el deporte.