bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stromal cells protect against vascular damage and depression-like behavior in mice surviving cerebral malaria
Authors: Lima Maiara N. , Oliveira Helena A. , Fagundes Paula M. , Estato Vanessa , Silva Adriano Y. O. , Freitas Rodrigo J. R. X. , Passos Beatriz A. B. R. , Oliveira Karina S. , Batista Camila N. , Vallochi Adriana L. , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Castro-Faria-Neto Hugo C. , Maron-Gutierrez Tatiana 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Malaria is one of the most critical global infectious diseases. Severe systemic inflammatory diseases, such as cerebral malaria, lead to the development of cognitive and behavioral alterations, such as learning disabilities and loss of memory capacity, as well as increased anxiety and depression. The consequences are profound and usually contribute to reduce the patient’s quality of life. There are no therapies to treat the neurological sequelae of cerebral malaria. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may be an alternative, since they have been used as therapy for neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic lesions of the central nervous system. So far, no study has investigated the effects of MSC therapy on the blood-brain barrier, leukocyte rolling and adherence in the brain, and depression like-behavior in experimental cerebral malaria.

Methods
Male C57BL/6 mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA (PbA, 1 × 106 PbA-parasitized red blood cells, intraperitoneally). At day 6, PbA-infected animals received chloroquine (25 mg/kg orally for seven consecutive days) as the antimalarial treatment and were then randomized to receive MSCs (1 × 105 cells in 0.05 ml of saline/mouse) or saline (0.05 ml) intravenously. Parasitemia, clinical score, and survival rate were analyzed throughout the experiments. Evans blue assay was performed at 6, 7, and 15 days post-infection (dpi). Behavioral tests were performed at 5 and 15 dpi. Intravital microscopy experiments and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression analyses were performed at 7 dpi, whereas inflammatory mediators were measured at 15 dpi. In vitro, endothelial cells were used to evaluate the effects of conditioned media derived from MSCs (CMMSC) on cell viability by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release.

Results
PbA-infected mice presented increased parasitemia, adherent leukocytes, blood-brain barrier permeability, and reduced BDNF protein levels, as well as depression-like behavior. MSCs mitigated behavioral alterations, restored BDNF and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β protein levels, and reduced blood-brain barrier dysfunction and leukocyte adhesion in the brain microvasculature. In a cultured endothelial cell line stimulated with heme, CMMSC reduced LDH release, suggesting a paracrine mechanism of action.

Conclusion
A single dose of MSCs as adjuvant therapy protected against vascular damage and improved depression-like behavior in mice that survived experimental cerebral malaria.
Bioconversion of biphenyl to a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer by Alcaligenes denitrificans A41
Authors: Yajima Taito , Nagatomo Mizuki , Wakabayashi Aiko , Sato Michio , Taguchi Seiichi , Maeda Michihisa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) copolymer, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)], was biosynthesized from biphenyl as the sole carbon source using Alcaligenes (currently Achromobacter) denitrificans A41. This strain is capable of degrading polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and biphenyl. This proof-of-concept of the conversion of aromatic chemicals such as the environmental pollutant PCBs/biphenyl to eco-friendly products such as biodegradable polyester PHA was inspired by the uncovering of two genes encoding PHA synthases in the A. denitrificans A41 genome. When the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio was set at 21, the cellular P(3HB-co-3HV) content in strain A41 reached its highest value of 10.1% of the cell dry weight (CDW). A two-step cultivation protocol improved the accumulation of P(3HB-co-3HV) by up to 26.2% of the CDW, consisting of 13.0 mol % 3HV when grown on minimum salt medium without nitrogen sources. The highest cellular content of P(3HB-co-3HV) (47.6% of the CDW) was obtained through the two-step cultivation of strain A41 on biphenyl as the sole carbon source. The purified copolymer had ultra-high molecular weight (weight-average molecular weight of 3.5 × 106), as revealed through gel-permeation chromatography. Based on the genomic information related to both polymer synthesis and biphenyl degradation, we finally proposed a metabolic pathway for the production of P(3HB-co-3HV) associated with the degradation of biphenyl by strain A41.
Modeling dynamics of cancer virotherapy with immune response
Authors: Al-Tuwairqi Salma M. , Al-Johani Najwa O. , Simbawa Eman A. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractVirotherapy is a therapeutic treatment for cancer. It uses genetically engineered viruses to selectively infect, replicate in, and destroy cancer cells without damaging normal cells. In this paper, we present a modified model to include, within the dynamics of virotherapy, the interaction between uninfected tumor cells and immune response. The model is analyzed qualitatively to produce five equilibrium points. One of these equilibriums demonstrates the effect observed in virotherapy, where the immune system demolishes infected cells as well as viruses. Moreover, the existence and stability of the equilibrium points are established under certain criteria. Numerical simulations are performed to display the agreement with the analytical results. Finally, parameter analysis is carried out to illustrate which parameters in the model affect the outcome of virotherapy.
Stochastic dynamics in a delayed epidemic system with Markovian switching and media coverage
Authors: Liu Chao , Heffernan Jane 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA stochastic SIR system with Lévy jumps and distributed delay is developed and employed to study the combined effects of Markovian switching and media coverage on stochastic epidemiological dynamics and outcomes. Stochastic Lyapunov functions are used to prove the existence of a stationary distribution to the positive solution. Sufficient conditions for persistence in mean and the extinction of an infectious disease are also shown.
68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI: determining ideal acquisition times to reduce noise and increase image quality
Authors: Murthy Vishnu , Smith Raven L. , Tao Dora H. , Lawhn-Heath Courtney A. , Korenchan Dave E. , Larson Peder E. Z. , Flavell Robert R. , Hope Thomas A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
In this study, we investigate the impact of increased PET acquisition time per bed position on lesion detectability, standard uptake value, and image noise in 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI scans.

Methods
Scans of twenty patients were analyzed in this study. Patients were injected with 68Ga-PSMA-11 (mean, 5.50 ± 1.49 mCi) and imaged on a 3.0 T time-of-flight PET/MRI. PET images were retrospectively reconstructed using 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 min of PET data. Lesion detectability was evaluated on a 5-point Likert Scale for each lesion in each reconstruction. Quantitative analysis was performed measuring image noise and lesion uptake.

Results
A total of 55 lesions were identified, and lesion detectability increased from 2.07 ± 1.14 for 0.5 min to 4.93 ± 0.26 for 10 min (p < 0.001), with no significant difference detected between 7 and 10 min of scan time. Average SUVmax decreased from 9.89 ± 6.62 for 0.5 min to 8.64 ± 6.81 for 10 min. Noise decreased from 0.72 ± 0.22 for 0.5 min to 0.31 ± 0.12 for 10 min (p < 0.001) and were nearly equivalent between 7 and 10 min. Pairwise interaction terms between size, SUVmax, and scan time were all found to be significant, although the interaction term between SUVmax and scan time was found to be the most significant.

Conclusions
Increased acquisition duration improves image quality by increasing detectability and reducing noise. In patients with biochemical recurrence, increased acquisition time up to 7 min improves lesion detection.
Altered thalamic neurotransmitters metabolism and functional connectivity during the development of chronic constriction injury induced neuropathic pain
Authors: Wang Zhifu , Huang Sheng , Yu Xiangmei , Li Long , Yang Minguang , Liang Shengxiang , Liu Weilin , Tao Jing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
To investigate the thalamic neurotransmitters and functional connections in the development of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain.

Methods
The paw withdrawal threshold was measured by mechanical stimulation the right hind paw with the von frey hair in the rats of CCI-induced neuropathic pain. The N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and Glutamate (Glu) in thalamus were detected by magnetic resonance spectrum (MRS) process. The thalamic functional connectivity with other brain regions was scanned by functional magnetic resonance image (fMRI).

Results
The paw withdrawal threshold of the ipsilateral side showed a noticeable decline during the pathological process. Increased concentrations of Glu and decreased levels of NAA in the thalamus were significantly correlated with mechanical allodynia in the neuropathic pain states. The thalamic regional homogeneity (ReHo) decreased during the process of neuropathic pain. The functional connectivity among the thalamus with the insula and somatosensory cortex were significantly increased at different time points (7, 14, 21 days) after CCI surgery.

Conclusion
Our study suggests that dynamic changes in thalamic NAA and Glu levels contribute to the thalamic functional connection hyper-excitation during CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Enhanced thalamus-insula functional connection might have a significant effect on the occurrence of neuropathic pain.
Effects of intraperitoneal injection of magnetic graphene oxide on the improvement of acute liver injury induced by CCl
4
Authors: Foroutan Tahereh , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Moayer Fariborze , Khalvati Sahar 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Background

Liver failure is usually associated with the inflammation and oxidation of hepatocytes. Due to their unique properties, graphene and graphene-based nanostructures such as magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) are useful in biomedicine and engineering. In this study, synthesized MGO was used to improve the liver failure induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl
4
). The hepatoprotective effects of intraperitoneal injection of MGO on the rat model of CCl
4
-induced acute liver failure were investigated.

Materials and methods

In order to provide a rat model of acute liver failure, male rats were intraperitoneally injected with 2 ml/kg body weight CCl
4
. In the experimental groups, rats received 2 ml/kg CCl
4
and 300 mg/kg MGO body weight simultaneously. Four days after injection, symptoms of acute liver failure appeared. The control, sham, CCl
4
, and CCl
4
+ MGO groups were compared and analyzed both histologically and biochemically.

Results

The results indicated that the MGO injection reduced all CCl
4
-induced liver failure such as necrosis, fibrosis, inflammation, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the experimental groups of the rat model of acute liver failure.

Conclusion
The hepatoprotective effects of MGO might be due to histopathological suppression and inflammation inhibition in the liver.
Social contact and encounter in asylum seeker reception: the Utrecht Refugee Launchpad
Authors: Oliver Caroline , Geuijen Karin , Dekker Rianne 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Utrecht Refugee Launchpad was an experiment at city-level to create a more inclusive form of asylum seeker reception. The initiative used co-housing, bringing together young, local tenants with asylum seekers to improve social integration and local relations. This article examines the nature of social contact, and considers the value of relationships developed between asylum seekers and tenants, using qualitative data from interviews and participant observation. Our findings demonstrate the importance of context, as we show that the remote logics of the national asylum system imposed spatial and temporal limitations on the co-housing model to generate ‘adjacent’ and transient living. However, at times –through both accident and design– contact was developed with more ease: when there was an equal ratio, similarities between populations, low numbers (of around 80 people in total), access to shared space, and high commitment to the project’s ‘disposition to friendliness’. While we conclude that relationships proved ephemeral rather than sustained, the initiative nevertheless held promise by enabling asylum seekers brief escapes from landscapes of indifference encountered during reception. Recognising how wider institutional contexts impact on the development of contact however helps innovations like these to achieve a greater potential for transforming relationships and values in urban space.
Association of maxillary dental developmental abnormality with precocious puberty: a case-control study
Authors: Kim Yesel , Lee Nam-Ki , Kim Jae Hyun , Ku Jeong-Kui , Lee Bu-Kyu , Jung Hoi-In , Choi Sun-Kyu 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Dental studies of precocious puberty have focused on examination of jaw and dentition growth. The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between precocious puberty and maxillary dental developmental abnormalities (DDAs).

Methods
This retrospective study was conducted on the Korean patients in whom dental panoramic and hand-wrist radiographs had been taken before they were 15 years of age. The maxillary DDAs were assessed as mesiodens, congenital missing teeth, peg-shape lateral incisors, or impacted teeth. The chronological ages of the control group members were within the normal range of the hand-wrist bone age. Others with a peak luteinizing hormone of ≥ 5 and < 5 IU/L were allocated to central precocious puberty (CPP) and peripheral precocious puberty (PPP), respectively.

Results
Of the enrolled 270 patients, 195, 52, and 23 were allocated to the control, CPP, and PPP groups, respectively. The maxillary DDAs were significantly more prevalent in the CPP group than in the other groups. Among those with maxillary DDA, the mesiodens predominated. Age- and sex-adjusted multivariate analysis revealed maxillary DDA (odds ratio, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.60-7.05) and especially mesiodens (odds ratio, 5.52; CI, 2.29-13.28) to be significantly associated with CPP.

Conclusions
Maxillary DDAs were significantly more prevalent in the CPP group than in the PPP or control groups. Among the many types of maxillary DDAs, mesiodens was significantly associated with CPP and may be considered a predictor of the development of CPP.
PP2A and tumor radiotherapy
Authors: Lei Xiao , Ma Na , Du Lehui , Liang Yanjie , Zhang Pei , Han Yanan , Qu Baolin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractProtein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine phosphatase that serves as a key regulator of cellular physiology in the context of apoptosis, mitosis, and DNA damage responses. Canonically, PP2A functions as a tumor suppressor gene. However, recent evidence suggests that inhibiting PP2A activity in tumor cells may represent a viable approach to enhancing tumor sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy as such inhibition can cause cells to enter a disordered mitotic state that renders them more susceptible to cell death. Indeed, there is evidence that inhibiting PP2A can slow tumor growth following radiotherapy in a range of cancer types including ovarian cancer, liver cancer, malignant glioma, pancreatic cancer, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In the present review, we discuss current understanding of the role of PP2A in tumor radiotherapy and the potential mechanisms whereby it may influence this process.
Hybrid classifier for fault location in active distribution networks
Authors: Jamali Sadegh , Bahmanyar Alireza , Ranjbar Siavash 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a fast hybrid fault location method for active distribution networks with distributed generation (DG) and microgrids. The method uses the voltage and current data from the measurement points at the main substation, and the connection points of DG and microgrids. The data is used in a single feedforward artificial neural network (ANN) to estimate the distances to fault from all the measuring points. A k-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifier then interprets the ANN outputs and estimates a single fault location. Simulation results validate the accuracy of the fault location method under different fault conditions including fault types, fault points, and fault resistances. The performance is also validated for non-synchronized measurements and measurement errors.
Identification and quantification of notch receptors in human cutaneous melanoma using molecular biology techniques: literature review
Authors: Sangiuliano Lorena Dal Collina , de Oliveira Filho Renato Santos , de Oliveira Daniel Arcuschin , Gomes Heitor Carvalho , Ferreira Lydia Masako 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The Notch signaling pathway and its modulators are directly related to growth, verticalization and metastasis in melanoma, being a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of this type of cancer. There are several methods of molecular biology to identify and quantify Notch receptors and it is essential to study them for understanding the different results, advantages and disadvantages of each.

Main body
The present study brings a bibliographic review on the molecular biology methods used in the identification and quantification of these molecules, aiming to facilitate research involving Notch receptors in human melanoma. We identified as main methods of molecular biology Western Blotting, Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and DNA microarrays. A brief description of these methodologies is made and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed. Results concerning the function of this pathway are also discussed.

Short conclusion
It is known that the activation of Notch receptors is tumorigenic in most cases, however, depending on the microenvironment, it can provide tumor suppression. The adequate choice and use of the methodology for identification and quantification of Notch receptors is essential for the progress of knowledge of this important signaling pathway, which, certainly, will allow advances in the treatment of cutaneous melanoma.
Heritability and correlation analysis of morphological and yield traits in genetically modified cotton
Authors: REHMAN Abdul , MUSTAFA Nida , DU Xiongming , AZHAR Muhammad Tehseen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
Cotton is known for fiber extraction and it is grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world due to having hot weather. Cotton crop has a significant role in GDP of Pakistan. Therefore, the two-years research was conducted to estimate heritability and association among various yield contributing parameters of cotton, i.e., plant height, number of bolls per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, seed cotton yield, boll weight, seed index, ginning outturn (GOT), fiber length, fiber strength, and fiber fineness.

Results
Association analysis revealed that seed cotton yield had a significant positive correlation with plant height, number of bolls per plant, number of sympodial branches per plant, GOT, staple length and fiber strength. Staple length and fiber strength were negatively linked with each other. Estimates of heritability were high for all of the traits except the number of sympodial branches per plant and boll weight.

Conclusion
The parent IUB-222 was found to be the best for plant height, the number of bolls per plant, boll weight, GOT, seed cotton yield, and seed index. The genotypes namely, NIAB-414 and VH-367 were identified as the best parents for fiber length, strength, and fineness. Among the crosses NIAB-414 × IUB-222 was the best for the number of bolls per plant, seed index, seed cotton yield and fiber fineness, whereas, the cross of NIAB-414 × CIM-632 was good for plant height. The combination of A555 × CIM-632 was the best for the number of sympodial branches per plant, boll weight, fiber length, and strength, and VH-367 × CIM-632 proved the best for GOT.
A guide to outcome measurement in psychiatry
Authors: Ryland Howard , Carlile Jane , Kingdon David 
Published: August 2020

SUMMARYMeasuring outcomes is becoming an increasingly standard (and highly complex) part of what mental health services are expected to do. Practising psychiatrists will need to have a good understanding of approaches to outcome measurement: used well, they have the potential to amplify the patient voice, promote good-quality services and facilitate research. We discuss what constitutes an outcome measure, the different ways that such measures can be obtained and the mechanisms for assessing the quality and appropriateness of an outcome measure. We outline the rapidly evolving research and policy context regarding outcome measurement, with particular reference to the UK's National Health Service. We also consider the potential pitfalls to outcome measurement, such as added clinical burden, inappropriate incentivisation of behaviour and incorrect interpretation of results. We discuss ways that such difficulties can be avoided or their effects mitigated.
DNA Methylation of Steroidogenic Enzymes in Benign Adrenocortical Tumors: New Insights in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas
Authors: Di Dalmazi Guido , Morandi Luca , Rubin Beatrice , Pilon Catia , Asioli Sofia , Vicennati Valentina , De Leo Antonio , Ambrosi Francesca , Santini Donatella , Pagotto Uberto , Maffeis Valeria , Fassina Ambrogio , Fallo Francesco 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Context
DNA methylation has been identified among putative regulatory mechanisms for CYP11B2 expression in primary aldosteronism.

Objective
The objective of this work is to investigate DNA methylation and expression of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes in benign adrenocortical tumors.

Design and Setting
This cross-sectional study took place at university hospitals.

Patients
We collected fresh-frozen tissues from patients with benign adrenocortical adenomas (n = 48) (nonfunctioning n = 9, autonomous cortisol secretion n = 9, Cushing syndrome n = 17, aldosterone-producing [APA] n = 13) and adrenal cortex adjacent to APA (n = 12). We collected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of paired APA and concurrent aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) (n = 6).

Intervention
DNA methylation levels were evaluated by quantitative bisulfite next-generation sequencing in fresh-frozen tissues (CYP11A1, CYP11B1, CYP11B2, CYP17A1, CYP21A2, HSD3B1, HSD3B2, NR5A1, STAR, and TSPO) and FFPE APA/APCC paired samples (CYP11B2). CYP11B1, CYP11B2, CYP17, CYP21, and STAR gene expressions were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measure was DNA methylation.

Results
CYP11B2 methylation levels were significantly lower in APA than in other adrenal tissues (P &lt; .001). Methylation levels of the remaining genes were comparable among groups. Overall, CYP11B2 expression and DNA methylation were negatively correlated (ρ = –0.379; P = .003). In FFPE-paired APA/APCC samples, CYP11B2 methylation level was significantly lower in APA than in concurrent APCCs (P = .028).

Conclusions
DNA methylation plays a regulatory role for CYP11B2 expression and may contribute to aldosterone hypersecretion in APA. Lower CYP11B2 methylation levels in APA than in APCCs may suggest an APCC-to-APA switch via progressive CYP11B2 demethylation. Conversely, DNA methylation seems not to be relevant in regulating the expression of genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes other than CYP11B2.