bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plants expressing murine pro-apoptotic protein Bid do not have enhanced PCD
Authors: Manara Anna , Imanifard Zahra , Fracasso Linda , Bellin Diana , Crimi Massimo 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to explore whether plant programmed cell death (PCD) cascade can sense the presence of the animal-only BH3 protein Bid, a BCL-2 family protein known to play a regulatory role in the signaling cascade of animal apoptosis.

Results
We have expressed the mouse pro-apoptotic protein Bid in Arabidopsis thaliana and in Nicotiana tabacum. We did not obtain any transformed plant constitutively expressing the truncated protein (tBid—i.e. the caspase-activated form) whereas ectopic expression of the full-length protein (flBid) does not interfere with growth and development of the transformed plants. To verify whether the presence of this animal pro-apoptotic protein modified stress responses and PCD execution, both N. tabacum and A. thaliana plants constitutively expressing flBid have been studied under different stress conditions triggering cell death activation. The results show that the presence of flBid in transgenic plants did not significantly change the responses to abiotic stress (H2O2 or NO) and biotic stress treatments. Moreover, the finding that no Bid active form was present in treated tobacco plants suggests an absence of a proper activation of Bid.
Low-dose DNA demethylating therapy induces reprogramming of diverse cancer-related pathways at the single-cell level
Authors: Takeshima Hideyuki , Yoda Yukie , Wakabayashi Mika , Hattori Naoko , Yamashita Satoshi , Ushijima Toshikazu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Epigenetic reprogramming using DNA demethylating drugs is a promising approach for cancer therapy, but its efficacy is highly dependent on the dosing regimen. Low-dose treatment for a prolonged period shows a remarkable therapeutic efficacy, despite its small demethylating effect. Here, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of how such low-dose treatment shows this remarkable efficacy by focusing on epigenetic reprograming at the single-cell level.

Methods
Expression profiles in HCT116 cells treated with decitabine (DAC) were analyzed by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). Functional consequences and DNA demethylation at the single-cell level were analyzed using cloned HCT116 cells after DAC treatment.

Results
scRNA-seq revealed that DAC-treated cells had highly diverse expression profiles at the single-cell level, and tumor-suppressor genes, endogenous retroviruses, and interferon-stimulated genes were upregulated in random fractions of cells. DNA methylation analysis of cloned HCT116 cells revealed that, while only partial reduction of DNA methylation levels was observed in bulk cells, complete demethylation of specific cancer-related genes, such as cell cycle regulation, WNT pathway, p53 pathway, and TGF-β pathway, was observed, depending upon clones. Functionally, a clone with complete demethylation of CDKN2A (p16) had a larger fraction of cells with tetraploid than parental cells, indicating induction of cellular senescence due to normalization of cell cycle regulation.

Conclusions
Epigenetic reprogramming of specific cancer-related pathways at the single-cell level is likely to underlie the remarkable efficacy of low-dose DNA demethylating therapy.
Energy efficiency in an integrated agro-ecosystem within an acidic soil area of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Thao Nguyen Thi Thu , Van Tung Tra , Thao Nguyen Thi Phuong , Le Thanh Son , Braunegg Sibylle , Braunegg Gerhart , Schnitzer Hans , Hai Le Thanh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundBoth exergy and energy analysis methodologies are used for analysing energy efficiencies in various processes, including agriculture. This study focuses on the connection of three main process components (husbandry-crop-fishpond) in a typical farming household located within an acid soil region of rural Vietnam. The concept of exergy analysis is used to underline the potential for resource efficiency in alternative processes in the agricultural system. For development of an integrated ecological system aiming towards zero emissions, the analytical methods of material cycles and energy flows utilized a set of indicators of resource efficiency in a sustainable agriculture.ResultsThe design of the ideal integrated farming system “Agro-Industrial Zero Emissions Systems” (AIZES) can increase the system efficiency by making use of indigenous natural materials and waste reuse/recycling. Recycling waste produce energy, fish feed and fertilizer can result in a decreased environmental load of approximately half. Using exergy analysis to calculate an indicator non-renewable yield ratio (NRYR), the systems verified sustainability of agriculture production.ConclusionsThe farming household will be able to subsidize their fuel and electricity consumption by utilizing biogas. Surplus biogas will be distributed to proximate households, further creating sustainable goals. Biochar, created by mixing the biomass residues with local plants, will improve soil quality and pig sludge, mixed with biomass residue, will create high-quality fertilizer.
SPECT imaging of distribution and retention of a brain-penetrating bispecific amyloid-β antibody in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gustavsson Tobias , Syvänen Stina , O’Callaghan Paul , Sehlin Dag 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) immunotherapy with antibodies targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) has been extensively explored in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to study the long-term brain distribution of two radiolabeled monoclonal Aβ antibody variants – RmAb158, the recombinant murine version of BAN2401, which has recently demonstrated amyloid removal and reduced cognitive decline in AD patients, and the bispecific RmAb158-scFv8D3, which has been engineered for enhanced brain uptake via transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis.MethodsA single intravenous injection of iodine-125 (125I)-labeled RmAb158-scFv8D3 or RmAb158 was administered to AD transgenic mice (tg-ArcSwe). In vivo single-photon emission computed tomography was used to investigate brain retention and intrabrain distribution of the antibodies over a period of 4 weeks. Activity in blood and brain tissue was measured ex vivo and autoradiography was performed in combination with Aβ and CD31 immunostaining to investigate the intrabrain distribution of the antibodies and their interactions with Aβ.ResultsDespite faster blood clearance, [125I]RmAb158-scFv8D3 displayed higher brain exposure than [125I]RmAb158 throughout the study. The brain distribution of [125I]RmAb158-scFv8D3 was more uniform and coincided with parenchymal Aβ pathology, while [125I]RmAb158 displayed a more scattered distribution pattern and accumulated in central parts of the brain at later times. Ex vivo autoradiography indicated greater vascular escape and parenchymal Aβ interactions for [125I]RmAb158-scFv8D3, whereas [125I]RmAb158 displayed retention and Aβ interactions in lateral ventricles.ConclusionsThe high brain uptake and uniform intrabrain distribution of RmAb158-scFv8D3 highlight the benefits of receptor-mediated transcytosis for antibody-based brain imaging. Moreover, it suggests that the alternative transport route of the bispecific antibody contributes to improved efficacy of brain-directed immunotherapy.
Integrated lipidomics and proteomics network analysis highlights lipid and immunity pathways associated with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Xu Jin , Bankov Giulia , Kim Min , Wretlind Asger , Lord Jodie , Green Rebecca , Hodges Angela , Hye Abdul , Aarsland Dag , Velayudhan Latha , Dobson Richard J. B. , Proitsi Petroula , Legido-Quigley Cristina ,   on behalf of the AddNeuroMed Consortium
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is an urgent need to understand the pathways and processes underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD) for early diagnosis and development of effective treatments. This study was aimed to investigate Alzheimer’s dementia using an unsupervised lipid, protein and gene multi-omics integrative approach.MethodsA lipidomics dataset comprising 185 AD patients, 40 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) individuals and 185 controls, and two proteomics datasets (295 AD, 159 MCI and 197 controls) were used for weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA). Correlations of modules created within each modality with clinical AD diagnosis, brain atrophy measures and disease progression, as well as their correlations with each other, were analyzed. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was employed to examine the biological processes and molecular and cellular functions of protein modules associated with AD phenotypes. Lipid species were annotated in the lipid modules associated with AD phenotypes. The associations between established AD risk loci and the lipid/protein modules that showed high correlation with AD phenotypes were also explored.ResultsFive of the 20 identified lipid modules and five of the 17 identified protein modules were correlated with clinical AD diagnosis, brain atrophy measures and disease progression. The lipid modules comprising phospholipids, triglycerides, sphingolipids and cholesterol esters were correlated with AD risk loci involved in immune response and lipid metabolism. The five protein modules involved in positive regulation of cytokine production, neutrophil-mediated immunity, and humoral immune responses were correlated with AD risk loci involved in immune and complement systems and in lipid metabolism (the APOE ε4 genotype).ConclusionsModules of tightly regulated lipids and proteins, drivers in lipid homeostasis and innate immunity, are strongly associated with AD phenotypes.
Anterior skull base reconstruction using nasoseptal flap: Cadaveric feasibility study and clinical implication [SevEN-001]
Authors: Sung Kyoung Su , Lim Jaejoon , Na Minkyun , Lee Sanghun , Kim Ju-Seong , Hong Je Beom , Hong Chang-Ki , Moon Ju Hyung 
Published: September 2020

Background Pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNSF) has significantly improved the surgical outcomes of endoscopic endonasal approach (EEAs) by reducing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using a PNSF for anterior skull base (ASB) reconstruction and to describe a method to compensate for a short flap based on our results. Methods In this cadaveric study, ASB dissection without sphenoidotomy was performed using 10 formalin-fixed and 5 fresh adult cadaver specimens, and the sufficiency of the PNSF to cover the ASB was assessed. After the sphenoidotomy, the length by which the PNSF fell short in providing coverage at the posterior wall of the frontal sinus (CPFS), and the extent of the anterior coverage from the limbus (CL) of the sphenoid bone was measured. Results Without sphenoidotomy, the mean length of the remaining PNSF after the coverage of the posterior wall of the frontal sinus was 0.67 cm. After sphenoidotomy, the PNSF fell short by a mean length of 2.10 cm, in providing CPFS. The CL was 1.86 cm. Based on these findings, defects resulting from an endoscopic resection of ASB tumors were reconstructed using PNSF without total sphenoidotomy in 3 patients. There were no postoperative CSF leaks or complications. Conclusions The use of PNSF for ASB reconstruction may be insufficient to cover the entire ASB defect after removal of large lesions which need total sphenoidotomy. When possible, by leaving some portion of the anterior sphenoid wall for supporting the PNSF, successful ASB reconstruction could be achieved in endoscopic resection of ASB tumors. Additional methods might be needed in some cases of large ASB lesions wherein the anterior sphenoid wall should be removed totally and the ASB defect is too large.
The three-dimensional morphology of mandible and glenoid fossa as contributing factors to menton deviation in facial asymmetry—retrospective study
Authors: Oh Min-Hee , Cho Jin-Hyoung 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the three-dimensional (3D) morphology of the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, and mandible correlated with menton deviation in facial asymmetry.

Subjects and methods
Thirty adults (15 males and 15 females; mean age, 23.2 ± 3.8 years) with facial asymmetry were included. Linear, angular, and volumetric measurements of the 3D morphology of the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, and mandible were recorded using computed tomography (CT) images. The right/left differences were obtained by subtracting the left value from the right value, and an independent t test was used to compare the differences between the females and males. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the correlation between the right/left difference of the 3D morphology and menton deviation.

Results
The results of the comparative analysis did not show any statistical difference between the females and males (P > .05), so the females and males were combined. Multiple regression analysis for the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, and mandible showed that neck length, ramus length, and frontal ramal inclination had positive influences on menton deviation, with 76.5% of explanatory power. The neck length and head volume of the mandibular condyle when only the mandibular condyle was considered, and the ramus length and frontal ramal inclination when only the mandible was considered had positive influence on menton deviation with 69.9% and 68.6% explanatory power, respectively. On the other hand, when only considering glenoid fossa, the glenoid fossa had little effect on menton deviation with 15.7% of explanatory power.

Conclusions
In facial asymmetry, the right/left differences in mandibular condyle and mandible have more impact on the menton deviation than the right/left differences in glenoid fossa.

Trial registration
CNUDH, CNUDH-EXP-2017-016. Registered 28 September 2017
School learning climate in the lens of parental involvement and school leadership: lessons for inclusiveness among public schools
Authors: Alinsunurin Jason 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPrior literature has shown that school learning climate is critical in helping individual learners meet their educational objectives. In this paper, the role of parental involvement in shaping the school learning climate is explored within a multilevel and hierarchical modeling framework using data from the 2015 PISA round.As the schools’ social and relational character, we find that reducing learning barriers is a critical challenge for school leadership. A welcoming environment for parents, as well as the effective design of effective forms of two-way communications, are positively associated with a substantial reduction in the barriers to improving teacher management’s learning climate.We also find that public schools facing social and educational inclusiveness challenges can dramatically enhance their learning environment by activating specific parental involvement mechanisms. Similarly, principal’s leadership in framing and communicating goals and curricular development to the school is also found to be significant for inclusiveness.However, parental involvement is also found to have potential tensions with school management. The worsening of the learning climate may arise due to pressures brought about by laws requiring parental involvement in schools. Because the learning climate is composed of a wide variety of relationships between and within schools, this work demonstrates that parental involvement is an integral part of school leadership and the school improvement process. Further research attention is encouraged to understand the tensions between teacher roles, principal leadership, and parental involvement through employing other quantitative or qualitative research designs.
Assessing the acceptability of a text messaging service and smartphone app to support patient adherence to medications prescribed for high blood pressure: a pilot study
Authors: Kassavou Aikaterini , A’Court Charlotte Emily , Chauhan Jagmohan , Brimicombe James David , Bhattacharya Debi , Naughton Felix , Hardeman Wendy , Mascolo Cecilia , Sutton Stephen 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aims and objectives
This paper describes a pilot non-randomised controlled study of a highly tailored 56-day text messaging and smartphone app prototype intervention to increase adherence to anti-hypertensive medication in primary care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability of the intervention and obtain patients’ views about the intervention content, the delivery mode, and the mechanisms by which the intervention supported medication adherence.

Methods
Patients diagnosed with hypertension were invited and recruited to the study via general practice text messages and attended a face to face meeting with a member of the researcher team. Participants were asked to test the text messaging intervention for 28 consecutive days and switch to the smartphone app for 28 more days. Participants completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires and took part in semi-structured telephone interviews. Digital log files captured patients’ engagement with the intervention. Participant transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data from questionnaires and log files. A mixed methods analysis generated data to respond to the research questions.

Results
Seventy-nine patients expressed interest to participate in this study, of whom 23 (64% male, 82% above 60 years old) were registered to take part. With one drop-out, 22 participants tested the text messaging delivery mode (with 20 being interviewed) and four of them (17%) switched to the app (with 3 being interviewed). All participants engaged and interacted with the text messages and app notifications, and all participants found the intervention content and delivery mode acceptable. They also self-reported that the interactive elements of the intervention motivated them to take their medications as prescribed.

Conclusion
This study provides evidence that the digital intervention is acceptable by hypertensive patients recruited in primary care. Future research could usefully investigate its feasibility and effectiveness using rigorous research methods.

Trial registration
ISRCTN12805654
Bifurcation analysis of a composite cantilever beam via 1:3 internal resonance
Authors: Sayed M. , Mousa A. A. , Alzaharani D. Y. , Mustafa I. H. , El-Bendary S. I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we study a multiple scales perturbation and numerical solution for vibrations analysis and control of a system which simulates the vibrations of a nonlinear composite beam model. System of second order differential equations with nonlinearity due to quadratic and cubic terms, excited by parametric and external excitations, are presented. The controller is implemented to control one frequency at primary and parametric resonance where damage in the mechanical system is probable. Active control is applied to the system. The multiple scales perturbation (MSP) method is implemented to obtain an approximate analytical solution. The stability analysis of the system is obtained by frequency response (FR). Bifurcation analysis is conducted using various control parameters such as natural frequency (ω1), detuning parameter (σ1), feedback signal gain (β), control signal gain (γ), and other parameters. The dynamic behavior of the system is predicted within various ranges of bifurcation parameters. All of the stable steady state (point attractor), stable periodic attractors, unstable steady state, and unstable periodic attractors are determined efficiently using bifurcation analysis. The controller’s influence on system behavior is examined numerically. To validate our results, the approximate analytical solution using the MSP method is compared with the numerical solution using the Runge-Kutta (RK) method of order four.
The feasibility of direct adductor canal block (DACB) as a part of periarticular injection in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Bagaria Vaibhav , Kulkarni Rajiv V. , Valavi Anisha , Choudhury Himanshu , Dhamangaonkar Anoop , Sahu Dipit 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Adductor canal block (ACB) is one of the preferred methods of analgesia in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, conventionally its use is time-consuming, requires ultrasound guidance, a trained anaesthesia team and adherence to strict asepsis by members of the allied teams. This study was done to assess the feasibility and safety of direct adductor canal block (DACB) as a part of surgeon-administered periarticular infiltration.

Materials and methods
Thirty computed tomography (CT) angiography films of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. The trajectory of the needle placement for a DACB in relation to the target region of the adductor block was determined. Fourteen knees in seven cadavers, were dissected through a medial parapatellar approach to perform TKA. After administering the DACB using the technique based on CT data, dissection was carried out to ascertain the correct placement of the dye by visualising the stained areas.

Results
The angle of approach in the coronal plane from the entry point to the medial high point and to the adductor hiatus was 10.2° (8−14°) and 6° (3.8−11°), respectively. The angle of approach in the sagittal plane from the entry point to the medial high point and to the adductor hiatus was 7° (5−10.5°) and 29° (19−43°), respectively. In all the 14 cadaveric knees, we confirmed the correct placement of the methylene blue dye as demonstrated by the staining of the adductor canal.

Conclusion
The study demonstrates the feasibility of the DACB. This surgeon-driven technique is likely to reduce the cost of the procedure, reduce operating room time and also eliminate the risks of surgical-site contamination.
Role of diffusion-weighted MRI in characterization of mediastinal masses
Authors: Raafat Tarek Ahmed , Ahmed Shimaa Mohamed , Seif Emam Mohamed Abo , Mikhael Hisham Samir Wahba , Awad Ahmed Sayed 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Diffusion MR imaging (DWI) is a widely available non-invasive non-contrast functional MR imaging technique with short acquisition time. It helps in the analysis of tissue characteristics based on the diffusion of water protons within the tissue. Quantitative assessment of a mass is possible by calculating its apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value which is inversely correlated with tissue cellularity. So, DWI has diagnostic potential to distinguish benign from malignant tumors because of the tendency of the latter to show lower ADC values and more restricted diffusion. The aim of our work is to evaluate the use of DWI and ADC value measurement in differentiation between benign and malignant mediastinal tumors.

Results
This study included 44 cases of mediastinal masses: 27 males and 17 females. The mean ADC value of malignant mediastinal lesions was significantly lower than the mean ADC value of benign mediastinal lesions, with mean ADC 1.39 ± 0.26 in benign mediastinal lesions and mean ADC 0.86 ± 0.35 in malignant mediastinal lesions. This study also revealed that the cut-off threshold of ADC value for the differentiation between malignant and benign lesions was 1.11 × 10-3 mm2/s, with an area under ROC curve of 0.93. The sensitivity and specificity of our cutoff ADC values were 90.9% and 100%, with 100% positive predictive value and 76.9% negative predictive value.

Conclusion
DWI with calculation of ADC value is functional MR imaging technique used in the analysis of tissue characteristics and quantitative assessment of a mediastinal mass. So, it can distinguish benign from malignant tumors because of the tendency of the malignant lesions to show more restricted diffusion and lower ADC values.