bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Propofol Attenuates Isoflurane-Induced Neurotoxicity and Cognitive Impairment in Fetal and Offspring Mice
Authors: Nie Yangyang , Li Shuai , Yan Tao , Ma Yiming , Ni Cheng , Wang Hongying , Zheng Hui 
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND:
Anesthesia in pregnant rodents causes neurotoxicity in fetal and offspring rodents. However, the underlying mechanisms and targeted treatments remain largely to be determined. Isoflurane and propofol are among commonly used anesthetics. Thus, we set out to investigate whether propofol can mitigate the isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in mice.

METHODS:
Pregnant C57BL/6 mice at gestational day 15 (G15) were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, isoflurane, propofol, and isoflurane plus propofol. Levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) fragment were measured in the brains of G15 embryos, and levels of postsynaptic density (PSD)-95 and synaptophysin were determined in the hippocampal tissues of postnatal day 31 (P31) offspring using Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Learning and memory functions in P31 offspring were determined using a Morris water maze test.

RESULTS:
Isoflurane anesthesia in pregnant mice at G15 significantly increased brain IL-6 (222.6% ± 36.45% vs 100.5% ± 3.43%, P < .0001) and PARP fragment (384.2% ± 50.87% vs 99.59% ± 3.25%, P < .0001) levels in fetal mice and reduced brain PSD-95 (30.76% ± 2.03% vs 100.8% ± 2.25%, P < .0001) and synaptophysin levels in cornu ammonis (CA) 1 region (57.08% ± 4.90% vs 100.6% ± 2.20%, P < .0001) and dentate gyrus (DG; 56.47% ± 3.76% vs 99.76% ± 1.09%, P < .0001) in P31 offspring. Isoflurane anesthesia also impaired cognitive function in offspring at P31. Propofol significantly mitigated isoflurane-induced increases in brain IL-6 (117.5% ± 10.37% vs 222.6% ± 36.45%, P < .0001) and PARP fragment (205.1% ± 35.99% vs 384.2% ± 50.87%, P < .0001) levels in fetal mice, as well as reductions in PSD-95 (49.79% ± 3.43% vs 30.76% ± 2.03%, P < .0001) and synaptophysin levels in CA1 region (85.57% ± 2.97% vs 57.08% ± 4.90%, P < .0001) and DG (85.05% ± 1.87% vs 56.47% ± 3.76%, P < .0001) in hippocampus of P31 offspring. Finally, propofol attenuated isoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in offspring.

CONCLUSIONS:
These findings suggest that gestational isoflurane exposure in mice induces neuroinflammation and apoptosis in embryos and causes cognitive impairment in offspring. Propofol can attenuate these isoflurane-induced detrimental effects.
Reclaiming Warburg: using developmental biology to gain insight into human metabolic diseases
Authors: Drummond-Barbosa Daniela , Tennessen Jason M. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
Developmental biologists have frequently pushed the frontiers of modern biomedical research. From the discovery and characterization of novel signal transduction pathways to exploring the molecular underpinnings of genetic inheritance, transcription, the cell cycle, cell death and stem cell biology, studies of metazoan development have historically opened new fields of study and consistently revealed previously unforeseen avenues of clinical therapies. From this perspective, it is not surprising that our community is now an integral part of the current renaissance in metabolic research. Amidst the global rise in metabolic syndrome, the discovery of novel signaling roles for metabolites, and the increasing links between altered metabolism and many human diseases, we as developmental biologists can contribute skills and expertise that are uniquely suited for investigating the mechanisms underpinning human metabolic health and disease. Here, we summarize the opportunities and challenges that our community faces, and discuss how developmental biologists can make unique and valuable contributions to the field of metabolism and physiology.
Cytoskeletal organization through multivalent interactions
Authors: Braun Marcus , Diez Stefan , Lansky Zdenek 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
The cytoskeleton consists of polymeric protein filaments with periodic lattices displaying identical binding sites, which establish a multivalent platform for the binding of a plethora of filament-associated ligand proteins. Multivalent ligand proteins can tether themselves to the filaments through one of their binding sites, resulting in an enhanced reaction kinetics for the remaining binding sites. In this Opinion, we discuss a number of cytoskeletal phenomena underpinned by such multivalent interactions, namely (1) generation of entropic forces by filament crosslinkers, (2) processivity of molecular motors, (3) spatial sorting of proteins, and (4) concentration-dependent unbinding of filament-associated proteins. These examples highlight that cytoskeletal filaments constitute the basis for the formation of microenvironments, which cytoskeletal ligand proteins can associate with and, once engaged, can act within at altered reaction kinetics. We thus argue that multivalency is one of the properties crucial for the functionality of the cytoskeleton.
αvβ8 integrin adhesion and signaling pathways in development, physiology and disease
Authors: McCarty Joseph H. 
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
Cells must interpret a complex milieu of extracellular cues to modulate intracellular signaling events linked to proliferation, differentiation, migration and other cellular processes. Integrins are heterodimeric transmembrane proteins that link the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton and control intracellular signaling events. A great deal is known about the structural and functional properties for most integrins; however, the adhesion and signaling pathways controlled by αvβ8 integrin, which was discovered nearly 30 years ago, have only recently been characterized. αvβ8 integrin is a receptor for ECM-bound forms of latent transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) proteins and promotes the activation of TGFβ signaling pathways. Studies of the brain, lung and immune system reveal that the αvβ8 integrin–TGFβ axis mediates cell–cell contact and communication within complex multicellular structures. Perturbing components of this axis results in aberrant cell–cell adhesion and signaling leading to the initiation of various pathologies, including neurodegeneration, fibrosis and cancer. As discussed in this Review, understanding the functions for αvβ8 integrin, its ECM ligands and intracellular effector proteins is not only an important topic in cell biology, but may lead to new therapeutic strategies to treat human pathologies related to integrin dysfunction.
Quantitative and Spatial Analysis of CD8+/PD-1 Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as a Predictive Biomarker for Clinical Response of Melanoma In-Transit Metastases to Topical Immunotherapy
Authors: Haywood Sophia , Garioch Jennifer , Ramaiya Arjun , Moncrieff Marc 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Melanoma in-transit metastases (ITMs) are a challenge to treat and associated with systemic disease and poor prognosis. Topical diphencyprone (DPCP), a potent contact sensitizer, is an established treatment for melanoma ITMs. This exploratory study investigated the utility of BRAF mutation status, CD8, PD-1, PD-L1, and TILs distribution as biomarkers for response of ITMs to topical immunotherapy (DPCP).

Methods
The ITM deposits of 40 patients treated with DPCP were subjected to biomarker analysis for BRAF status, CD8 and PD-1 expression on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), and tumor PD-L1 expression. Response to DPCP and overall survival (OS) were compared by biomarker status.

Results
After 12 weeks, 10 patients (25%) had a complete response, 12 patients (30%) had a partial response, and 18 patients (45%) had no response. No significant association was found between any individual biomarker and response to DPCP or OS. The BRAF mutation rate was 25% (10/40). All the patients with a complete response had BRAF wild-type tumor. Peritumoral CD8+ T-cells were associated with complete response (P = 0.041). Both CD8+ and PD-1 expressions were highly correlated (P < 0.0001), and the highest levels of PD-1 expression were detected at the peritumoral interface (P = 0.0004). Only two cases were PD-L1-positive, and both had a complete response to DPCP (P = 0.043).

Conclusion
Patients who have BRAF wild-type tumor are more likely to experience a complete response to DPCP. Peritumoral TILs and PD-1 expressions may predict a better response to DPCP. Expression of PD-L1 may be associated with a complete response to DPCP. A larger prospective study is required.
Frequency of depression, anxiety and stress among university students
Authors: Asif Saba , Muddassar Azka , Shahzad Talala Zainab , Raouf Mobeen , Pervaiz Tehmina 
Published: June 2020

Objective: The main objective of the present study was to explore the frequency of Depression, anxiety and stress among university students in Sialkot, Pakistan.
Method: Survey research method was used to collect data from three universities of Sialkot by using simple random sampling technique from 500 university students. The study was conducted at GC Women University, Sialkot in total duration of five months from February 2019 to June 2019. A demographic sheet and DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale) were used to measure the level of depression, anxiety and stress. Data was scored according to the standard scoring procedure for each subscale and for further analysis frequency distribution method was applied through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS. 21).
Results: The means of Depression, Anxiety and stress are M=15.08, M=18.24 and M=19.02 respectively. The frequency of depression, anxiety and stress among university students was found 75%, 88.4% and 84.4% respectively. The findings of the study showed the prevalence of Depression within the range of normal (25%), mild (16%), moderate (35.8%), severe (14.6%) and extremely severe (8.6%). The prevalence of anxiety was found to be in the range of normal (11.6%), mild (4.4%), moderate (19.4%), severe (17.8%) and extremely severe (46.8%). Stress was normal (15.6%), mild (33.8%), moderate (35.4%), severe (13.2%) and extremely severe (2.8%).
Conclusion: It is concluded that symptoms of anxiety and stress are more prevalent with moderate to extremely severe range than depression in the current sample. These findings suggest urgent need of some preventive measures and interventions to improve the mental health of students.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.1873
How to cite this:Asif S, Mudassar A, Shahzad TZ, Raouf M, Pervaiz T. Frequency of depression, anxiety and stress among university students. Pak J Med Sci. 2020;36(5):971-976. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.5.1873
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Science in the School Playground
Authors: Cavalheiro A. , Calvo E. , Santos M. A. , Costa V. 
Published: June 2020

How to improve our school playground? Based on the school plan and the surrounding area, it was decided to promote scientific activities in the playground by sharing scientific knowledge. In these activities, 20 pupils and 4 teachers participated as organizers, covering a community of 244 pupils (ages 3-10), 18 teachers and 11 other school staff. We chose a set of scientific questions, connected with the knowledge of space, the influence of the Sun in our lives, and with the protection of bats. We promote the questions through two tools: a conference and an exhibition, both organized by the students. The conferences were prepared in small groups, by exploring and using reliable scientific sources such as Ciência Viva science centres and ESERO Portugal. In the exhibition, scientific knowledge was offered at the school playground, in an experimental, interactive and dynamic approach, where we were the facilitators and guides of the other students and the educational community.
The Invasion of Microplastics
Authors: Machado C. 
Published: June 2020

The project consisted of a market study, in order to know the attitudes of the inhabitants of Vila Nova de Famalicão (VNF) towards the use of plastic and to measure the knowledge of the population of VNF about microplastics. Students of various grades that were interested in the theme carried out the project. The main goal was to change mentalities and consequent practices. It was concluded that, although the inhabitants of VNF know what microplastics areand what is at their origin, they do not reveal much concern in changing their daily practices because practical solutions are still not implemented.
Protect Bees, Save the Future
Authors: Madaleno I. , Branco S. 
Published: June 2020

In this project, students built a hive by adapting remote control systems for its internal environment (temperature and humidity) and external environment (door, fire, location). The solution was aimed at beekeepers, and anyone interested in getting started in the beekeeping industry. The main goals of the project were to facilitate the work of beekeepers and to improve the management, control, and monitoring of hives. The solution created is feasible and satisfies the project's objectives.
Let's Change the Playground Floor!
Authors: Duarte L. , Ferreira R. 
Published: June 2020

This project aims at the requalification of the floor of the school’s playground. Students organized class assemblies and students’ representative assemblies, and during these meetings they identified as a problem the floor full of irregular pebbles in the playground, very popular equipment in school. The pebbles have caused some accidents and, when it rains, they take a long time to dry, preventing the use of the park. During the assemblies, students tried to findways to solve the problem: they collected information, talked to parents and contacted different entities. The project is still ongoing but has already allowed students to learn much from it.
The School for us and us for the School
Authors: Xisto S. , Catarino D. 
Published: June 2020

The main purpose of this project was to make the school more appealing, by working in the greenhouse, green spaces and leisure places. Transforming the school and making it a more active and welcoming place, was, from the beginning, the problem that was identified by the students. In their opinion, the school looked a little sad and they knew they would need help to transform it into a better place, where they could feel like home. With this purpose in mind, students attended a meeting with the local authorities and the Parents’ Association. To start the project, students made healthy gums to offer to other students, on Valentine’s Day, andthey also made soaps to sell to the community. These activities allowed us to begin the greenhouse project. The occupation of these young people’s free time became different and it was a very enriching experience. The seed of the OSOS project is germinating, and we believe that, in the future, it will continue to give beautiful flowers. Together we were able to make thedifference!
Green School
Authors: Serra S. , Afonso P. , Duarte T. 
Published: June 2020

The interdisciplinary project, including the school disciplines of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Expressions, Portuguese, ICT, History, and geography of Portugal. The project emerged from the students' interests and needs when observing the school space. An action plan for the improvement of green spaces was created through the creation of a school garden. The students were involved in planning, creating partnerships, executing and maintaining theproject. During the school year, there was a change in behaviour in relation to the garden and the care for the school green spaces by the students involved, but also by the school community.
Growing with Values
Authors: Santos S. , Fonseca C. 
Published: June 2020

This project aims to alert, raise awareness, research and learn from an environmental protection perspective. The project intends to explore the ecosystems and biodiversity, from the school curriculum of different subject areas (Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Portuguese, Citizenship and Artistic Expressions). This is made through the principles of the scientific method, observation, data collection, experimentation, fieldwork, exchange andcommunication of ideas, as well as cooperation and partnership with different entities. With this project, it is intended to make children observe the surrounding environment, collect information outside the classroom, categorize what they observed and find solutions to real environmental problems. In this way, it is possible to bring students closer to biodiversityissues, such as “Pollination in urban environments”, “Why are there few insects in urban environments?” and "What is the importance of insects for pollination and the balance of ecosystems?"
Learning to make informed health choices: Protocol for a pilot study in schools in Barcelona
Authors: Martínez García Laura , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Asso Ministral Laia , Ballesté-Delpierre Clara , Canelo Aybar Carlos , de Britos Carol , Fernández Rodríguez Ana , Gallego Iborra Ana , Leo Rosas Victoria , Llaquet Paloma , Niño de Guzmán Quispe Ena Pery , Pérez-Gaxiola Giordano , Requeijo Carolina , Salas-Gama Karla , Samsó Jofra Laura , Terres Jordi , Urreta Iratxe , Rosenbaum Sarah 
Published: June 2020

Introduction: The Informed Health Choices (IHC) project has developed learning resources to teach primary school children (10 to 12-year-olds) to assess treatment claims and make informed health choices. The aim of our study is to explore both the students’ and teachers’ experience when using these resources in the context of Barcelona (Spain). Methods: During the 2019-2020 school year, we will conduct a pilot study with 4 th and 5 th-year primary school students (9 to 11-year-olds) from three schools in Barcelona. The intervention in the schools will include: 1) a workshop with the teachers, and 2) lessons to the students. The data collection will include: 1) assessment of the IHC resources by the teachers before the lessons, 2) non-participatory observations during the lessons, 3) semi-structured interviews with the students after a lesson, 4) assessment of the lessons by the teachers after a lesson, 5) treatment claim assessment by the students at the end of the lessons, and 6) assessment of the IHC resources by the teachers at the end of the lessons. We will use ad hoc questionnaires and guides to register the data. We will perform a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data to explore understandability, desirability, suitability, usefulness, facilitators and barriers of the resources. The most relevant results will be discussed and some recommendations on how to use, how to adapt (if needed), and how to implement the IHC resources to this context will be agreed. The findings of the contextualization activities could inform the design of a cluster-randomised trial, to determine the effectiveness of the IHC resources in this context prior to scaling-up its use. Ethical considerations: The study protocol has obtained an approval exemption from the Ethics Committee of the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (Barcelona, Spain).
Case Report: Dilated cardiomyopathy with biventricular thrombus secondary to impaired coagulation in a patient with HIV
Authors: Kammari Chetan Brahma , Rallabandi Suhasini , Rallabandi Harsha , Daggubati Subba Rao , Adapa Sreedhar , Naramala Srikanth , Konala Venu Madhav 
Published: June 2020

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a known hypercoagulable state with venous thromboembolism with a high mortality rate compared to the general population. The homeostatic balance in HIV infected patients improves with treatment compared to those who are not. A decreased hypercoagulable state noted by low levels of Von Willebrand factor, factor VIII and d-dimer levels along with higher protein C and S activity in patients on treatment suggests that hypercoagulable state is partially correctable with highly active antiretroviral therapy. HIV with heart muscle involvement can present as myocarditis or as dilated cardiomyopathy with left or right ventricular dysfunction. Here we present a case of a 57-year-old man with a known history of HIV infection, noncompliant with medical therapy presenting with dilated cardiomyopathy with biventricular thrombi with reduced protein C, protein S, and Antithrombin III levels.
Further investigation of gateway effects using the PATH study
Authors: Lee Peter N , Fry John S 
Published: June 2020

Background: Interest exists in whether youth e-cigarette use (“vaping”) increases risk of initiating cigarette smoking. Using Waves 1 and 2 of the US PATH study we reported that adjustment for vaping propensity using Wave 1 variables explained about 80% of the unadjusted relationship. Here we use data from Waves 1 to 3 to avoid over-adjustment if Wave 1 vaping affected variables recorded then. Methods: Our main analysis M1 concerned Wave 2 never smokers who never vaped by Wave 1, linking Wave 2 vaping to Wave 3 smoking initiation, adjusting for Wave 1 predictors. We conducted sensitivity analyses that: excluded Wave 1 other tobacco product users; included other product use as an extra predictor; or considered propensity for smoking or any tobacco use, rather than vaping. We also conducted analyses that: adjusted for propensity as derived originally; ignored Wave 1 data; used exact age (not previously available) as a confounder rather than grouped age; attempted residual confounding adjustment by modifying predictor values using data recorded later; or considered interactions with age. Results: In M1, adjustment removed about half the excess OR (i.e. OR–1), the unadjusted OR, 5.60 (95% CI 4.52-6.93), becoming 3.37 (2.65-4.28), 3.11 (2.47-3.92) or 3.27 (2.57-4.16), depending whether adjustment was for propensity as a continuous variable, as quintiles, or for the variables making up the propensity score. Many factors had little effect: using grouped or exact age; considering other products; including interactions; or using predictors of smoking or tobacco use rather than vaping. The clearest conclusion was that analyses avoiding over-adjustment explained about half the excess OR, whereas analyses subject to over-adjustment explained about 80%. Conclusions: Although much of the unadjusted gateway effect results from confounding, we provide stronger evidence than previously of some causal effect of vaping, though some doubts still remain about the completeness of adjustment.
Is Less More? A conservative multidisciplinary approach to ameloblastoma
Authors: Mohamedbhai Hussein , Dasgupta Debipriya , Hubbett Charlotte , Ali Nayeem 
Published: June 2020

This case report outlines a novel conservative surgical approach to the management of a unicystic ameloblastoma with the use of marsupialisation, enucleation, cryotherapy and orthodontic extrusion to enable successful treatment without neurological damage or deformity. It has been increasingly recognized that conservative treatment of unicystic ameloblastomas, instead of wide local excision, can reduce morbidity whilst maintaining an acceptably low recurrence rate. Several case series have also demonstrated orthodontic extrusion of impacted third molars in moving the apex of the roots away from the inferior alveolar nerve. This is possibly the first case report of the combination of these two procedures in an adult with a large unicystic ameloblastoma. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This is not an infrequently seen neoplasia: this paper therefore has the opportunity to inform management of this condition amongst clinicians.