bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of HMGB1 in regulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Jin Shuiling , Yang Zhenzhen , Hao Xin , Tang Wenxue , Ma Wang , Zong Hong 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are notable contributors to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and are closely associated with tumor progression; in addition, MDSCs are present in most patients with cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate MDSCs in the etiopathogenesis of human tumor immunity remain unclear. The secreted alarmin high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a proinflammatory factor and inducer of many inflammatory molecules during MDSC development. In this review, we detail the currently reported characteristics of MDSCs in tumor immune escape and the regulatory role of secreted HMGB1 in MDSC differentiation, proliferation, activity and survival. Notably, different posttranslational modifications of HMGB1 may have various effects on MDSCs, and these effects need further identification. Moreover, exosome-derived HMGB1 is speculated to exert a regulatory effect on MDSCs, but no report has confirmed this hypothesis. Therefore, the effects of HMGB1 on MDSCs need more research attention, and additional investigations should be conducted.
Adansonia digitata germination tests. Elephants or heat: what causes scarification of seed to facilitate germination?
Authors: Lautenschläger Thea , Teutloff Nele , Günther Markus , Neinhuis Christoph 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe dormancy ofAdansonia digitataseeds is well known. For propagation purposes, plenty of germination tests were conducted, however, rarely taking the ecology of baobab into account. Our main goal, therefore, is to identify the decisive natural trigger for breaking the dormancy. We therefore performed 31 different tests and their influence on the germination rate (time to germination and proportion of seeds germinating).ResultsThe highest germination rates were reached in the heat tests while elephant’s digestion seems to stimulate germination ofAdansonia digitataonly to a limited extent. The chalazal slit of the seed represents the primary site of water entry. Tannins concentrated in this region that are influenced by temperature play an important role for inhibiting the germination.ConclusionAs a result, the hypothesis is formulated that germination success strongly depends on heat, provoked by wildfires or prolonged exposition to the sun causing decomposition of tannins by high temperatures rather than on digestion.
Improving MR sequence of 18F-FDG PET/MR for diagnosing and staging gastric Cancer: a comparison study to 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Zheng Dong , Liu Yi , Liu Jiajin , Li Ke , Lin Mu , Schmidt Holger , Xu Baixuan , Tian Jiahe 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Evaluate the feasibility of fluorine-18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with gastric cancer by optimizing the scan protocol and to compare the image quality to 18F FDG PET and computed tomography (CT).

Methods
The PET/CT and PET/MR imaging were sequentially performed in 30 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed by gastroscope using a single-injection-with-dual-imaging protocol. After intravenous injection of 18F-FDG (mean, 249 MBq), PET/CT imaging including low-dose CT was performed (mean uptake time, 47 ± 6 min), and PET/MR imaging including a T1-weighted Dixon sequence for attenuation correction and two different T2-weighted sequences was subsequently acquired (88 ± 15 min after 18F-FDG injection). Four series of images (CT from PET/CT, T1W, T2W Half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo [T2W-HASTE] and T2W-BLADE from PET/MR) were visually evaluated using a 3–4 points scale for: (1) image artifacts, (2) lesion conspicuity and (3) image fusion quality. The characteristics of the primary lesions were assessed and compared between the PET/CT and PET/MR acquisitions.

Results
The image quality and lesion conspicuity of the T2W-HASTE images were significantly improved compared to that of the T2W-BLADE images. A significantly higher number of artifacts were seen in the T2W-HASTE images compared with the T1W and CT images (p < 0. 05). No differences in the accuracy of image fusion between PET/MR and PET/CT (p > 0. 05); however, significant difference was seen in the lesion conspicuity measurements (p < 0.05) with T2W-HASTE being superior. For information about the primary lesion characteristics, the T2W-HASTE images provided the most successful identifications compared with those of the T1W and PET/CT (13vs7vs5) images.

Conclusions
PET/MR with the T2W-HASTE was better at revealing the details of local stomach lesions compared with PET/CT imaging. Combining the PET/MR with the T2W-HASTE technique is a promising imaging method for diagnosing and staging gastric cancer.
bolA gene involved in curli amyloids and fimbriae production in E. coli: exploring pathways to inhibit biofilm and amyloid formation
Authors: Azam Mohd W. , Zuberi Azna , Khan Asad U. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Biofilm formation is a complex phenomenon of bacterial cells, involved in several human infections. Its formation is regulated and controlled by several protein factors. The BolA-like proteins (bolA gene) are conserved in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The BolA protein is a transcription factor involved in bacterial cell motility and biofilm formation. This study was initiated to elucidate the role of the bolA gene in the curli biogenesis and amyloid production as well as to observe changes in the expression of fimH, a fimbriae gene.

Methods
Knockdown mutants of Escherichia coli MG1655 bolA gene (bolA-KD) were generated using CRISPR interference. The results obtained, were validated through gene expression using RT-PCR, microscopic analysis and different biofilm and amyloid assays.

Results
The bolA knockdown mutants showed a decrement in curli amyloid fibers, in fimbriae production and biofilm formation. We have also observed a reduction in EPS formation, eDNA production and extracellular protein content. Gene expression data showed that bolA downregulation caused the suppression of csgA and csgD of curli that led to the reduction in curli fiber and the amyloid formation and also the suppression of fimH, leading to the loss of fimbriae.

Conclusions
Curli fibers and fimbriae are found to be involved in biofilm formation leading to the pathogenicity of the bacterial cell. BolA is a conserved protein and is found to play a significant role in curli and fimbriae formation in E. coli. This study further proved that CRISPRi mediated suppression of the bolA gene leads to inhibition of biofilm formation through curli and fimbriae inhibition. Hence, it may be proposed as a possible target for intervention of biofilm mediated infections.
Dyspnea due to an uncommon vascular tumor: leiomyosarcoma of the infrahepatic vena cava inferior
Authors: Gafarli Samra , Igna Dorian , Wagner Mathias , Nistor Adriana , Glanemann Matthias , Stange Barbara 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare malignancy that originated from the smooth muscle tissue of the vascular wall. Diagnoses, as well as, treatment of the disease are still challenging and to date, a radical surgical resection of the tumor is the only curative approach.

Case report
We report on the case of a 49-year old male patient who presented with suddenly experienced dyspnea. Besides bilateral pulmonary arterial embolism, a lesion close to the head of the pancreas was found using CT scan, infiltrating the infrahepatic IVC. Percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsy revealed a low-grade LMS. Intraoperatively, a tumor of the IVC was observed without infiltration of surrounding organs or distant metastases. Consequently, the tumor was removed successfully, by en-bloc resection including prosthetic graft placement of the IVC. Histological workup revealed a completely resected (R0) moderately differentiated LMS of the IVC.

Conclusion
LMS of the infrahepatic IVC is an uncommon tumor, which may present with dyspnea as its first clinical sign. Patients benefit from radical tumor resection. However, due to the poor prognosis of vascular LMS, a careful follow-up is mandatory.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis confined to extrahepatic bile duct causing sclerosing cholangitis in child: a case report
Authors: Murakami Masakazu , Onishi Shun , Ohya Yuki , Kawabata Seiichi , Isono Kaori , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Asato Tsuguharu , Honda Yumi , Mikami Yoshiki , Inomata Yukihiro , Hibi Taizo , Ieiri Satoshi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an abnormal accumulation of Langerhans cells in various organs that sometimes induces organ dysfunction. LCH can affect the liver, resulting in sclerosing cholangitis and biliary cirrhosis. However, liver and bile duct involvement is usually observed in the disseminated form of LCH. We herein report a rare case of LCH localized only in the extrahepatic bile duct that resulted in severe liver cirrhosis.

Case presentation
A 3-year-old boy with elevated liver enzymes, obstructive jaundice, and dilation of the common bile duct was referred to our institution. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed atrophy of the right hepatic lobe, relative hypertrophy of the left hepatic lobe, choledocholiths, and biliary debris extensively with biliary duct dilation. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed dilation of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts and multiple choleliths in the gallbladder and common bile duct. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intraoperative cholangiography, liver biopsy, and gastrointestinal fiberscopy were performed. A liver specimen showed severe biliary cirrhosis due to sclerosing cholangitis. The patient then underwent living-donor liver transplantation because of severe liver cirrhosis 3 months after the first surgery. The common bile duct was not suitable for duct-to-duct anastomosis and was resected because of severe inflammation. Histologic sections of the common bile duct showed histiocytic cell proliferation. Immunohistochemistry revealed histiocytoses that were positive for Langerin, S-100 protein, and CD1a. However, no histiocytic cell proliferation was noted in the liver tissue. The definitive diagnosis was LCH localized to the extrahepatic bile duct. LCH in the extrahepatic bile duct seemed to cause sclerosing cholangitis. The patient was discharged uneventfully 2 months after living-donor liver transplantation.

Conclusions
LCH localized to the extrahepatic bile duct is extremely rare; however, LCH can still affect the extrahepatic bile ducts on occasion. LCH should be considered as a differential diagnosis if pediatric patients show the presence of sclerosing cholangitis.
Successful two-stage operation for esophageal necrosis due to proton beam therapy followed by sorafenib in a case of large hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Higaki Eiji , Fukaya Masahide , Miyata Kazushi , Kawai Ryosuke , Abe Tetsuya 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is unsuitable for standard locoregional therapies, remains a challenge to manage. Among the recently developed treatments, proton beam therapy (PBT) has been reported to achieve good local control. However, in patients with large HCC adjacent to the esophagus, high-dose PBT may rarely lead to radiation-induced esophageal necrosis or perforation. Furthermore, the optimal strategy to safely treat these fatal complications remains unclear.

Case presentation
A 49-year-old man who was diagnosed with a large (16 cm) HCC in the right lobe with tumor thrombosis in the main trunk of the portal vein (PVTT) received high-dose hypofractionated PBT in another hospital. A total dose of 66 GyE in 10 fractions was administered to the primary tumor and the PVTT. After 5 months, a 1-cm solitary nodule was noted in the upper lobe of the right lung. Therefore, sorafenib was started. About 6 months after the PBT, lower esophageal mucosal inflammation that progressed to an ulcer was noted. About 7 months after the PBT, the lower esophagus developed full-thickness necrosis. Therefore, emergency thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed, followed by two-stage reconstruction 2 months later. The operation and postoperative clinical course were mostly uneventful, except for a minor anastomotic leakage. The outcome of the primary HCC, including the PVTT, was graded as a complete response, which has been maintained for 51 months after the PBT.

Conclusion
PBT is a promising option for patients with locally advanced HCC; however, for large tumors adjacent to the esophagus, ischemic esophageal necrosis due to antiangiogenic effects may occur, particularly with the combined use of PBT and sorafenib. In such a life-threatening condition, the thoracoscopic esophagectomy and the two-stage reconstruction are a safe option that can prevent critical postoperative complications due to the poor general condition, effects of PBT on the remnant gastric conduit, and use of sorafenib.
A randomized pilot study to evaluate graft versus fistula vascular access strategy in older patients with advanced kidney disease: results of a feasibility study
Authors: Murea Mariana , Geary Randolph L. , Houston Denise K. , Edwards Matthew S. , Robinson Todd W. , Davis Ross P. , Hurie Justin B. , Williams Timothy K. , Velazquez-Ramirez Gabriela , Bagwell Benjamin , Tuttle Audrey B. , Moossavi Shahriar , Rocco Michael V. , Freedman Barry I. , Williamson Jeff D. , Chen Haiying , Divers Jasmin 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Although older adults encompass almost half of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, it remains unclear which long-term hemodialysis vascular access type, arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft, is optimal with respect to effectiveness and patient satisfaction. Clinical outcomes based on the initial AV access type have not been evaluated in randomized controlled trials. This pilot study tested the feasibility of randomizing older adults with advanced kidney disease to initial arteriovenous fistula versus graft vascular access surgery.

Methods
Patients 65 years or older with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease or incident end-stage kidney disease and no prior arteriovenous vascular access intervention were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo surgical placement of a fistula or a graft after providing informed consent. Trial feasibility was evaluated as (i) recruitment of ≥ 70% of eligible participants, (ii) ≥ 50 to 70% of participants undergo placement of index arteriovenous access within 90 to 180 days of enrollment, respectively, (iii) ≥ 80% adherence to study-related assessments, and (iv) ≥ 70% of participants who underwent index arteriovenous access placement will have a follow-up duration of ≥ 12 months after index surgery date.

Results
Between September 2018 and October 2019, 81% (44/54) of eligible participants consented and were enrolled in the study; 11 had pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease, and 33 had incident or prevalent end-stage kidney disease. After randomization, 100% (21/21) assigned to arteriovenous fistula surgery and 78% (18/23) assigned to arteriovenous graft surgery underwent index arteriovenous access placement within a median (1st, 3rd quartile) of 5.0 (1.0, 14.0) days and 13.0 (5.0, 44.3) days, respectively, after referral to vascular surgery. The completion rates for study-specific assessments ranged between 40.0 and 88.6%. At median follow-up of 215.0 days, 5 participants expired, 7 completed 12 months of follow-up, and 29 are actively being followed. Assessments of grip strength, functional independence, and vascular access satisfaction were completed by > 85% of patients who reached pre-specified post-operative assessment time point.

Conclusions
Results from this study reveal it is feasible to enroll and randomize older adults with advanced kidney disease to one of two different arteriovenous vascular access placement surgeries. The study can progress with minor protocol adjustments to a multisite clinical trial.

Trial registration
Clinical Trials ID, NCT03545113.
Effects of fire on native columnar and globular cacti of Puerto Rico: a case study of El Faro, Cabo Rojo
Authors: Carrera-Martínez Roberto , Ruiz-Arocho Jorge , Aponte-Díaz Laura , Jenkins David A. , O’Brien Joseph J. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Many Puerto Rican ecosystems evolved without a regular fire regime. As such, many native plants lack adaptations necessary to survive even low-intensity fires. Human-caused fires are increasing in frequency, in part promoted by the presence of invasive grasses. During the afternoon of 19 February 2014, a wildfire burned a large portion of the dry forest in El Faro Natural Reserve, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. Using a previously monitored population, we documented the mortality and morphological damage on three columnar and semi-epiphytic cactus species (Pilosocereus royenii [L.] Byles & Rowley, Harrisia portoricensis Britton, and Leptocereus quadricostatus Britton) and one globular species (Melocactus intortus [Mill.] Urb.) in relation to canopy cover and cactus growth strategy.

Results
Our results suggest that M. intortus and H. portoricensis were more susceptible to fire damage. Cacti growing in areas dominated by grasses and shrubs were significantly more likely to burn than those growing under a closed tree canopy. Apart from L. quadricostatus, cacti that survived at least one year after the fire had lost spines, developed scarring tissue in some or all ribs, and few were able to regrow.

Conclusions
Because extensive tissue damage and environmental alterations were observed during the post-fire survey, which occurred between 14 to 19 months after the fire, we argue there will be significant delayed mortality and that the mortality estimates presented here are conservative.
P300 cognitive assessment in patients with first-episode psychosis: a prospective case-control study
Authors: Hassan Wageeh A. , Darweesh Alaa Eldin M. , Abdel-Rahman Ahmed A. , Ahmad Hossam Eddin Khalifa , Hassaan Shehab H. , Noaman Mostafa M. , Fahmy Iman F. G. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Several studies using event-related potential (ERP) methods have reported a relationship between the cognitive dysfunction of patients with psychosis and P300 latency and amplitude. P300 follow-up studies in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotic treatment revealed that the P300 amplitudes were increased while other studies showed limited changes in the P300 amplitude even after antipsychotics use.

Results
We found that at the first presentation, all patients’ groups have significantly lower amplitude and more prolonged latency of P300 than controls. All the first-episode psychosis patients showed a significant improvement of P300 amplitude mean scores after 1 year, but with no significant change in the P300 latency. There was an inverse correlation between the patients’ PANSS scores and their P300 latency and amplitude values.

Conclusion
P300 amplitude and latency might be of clinical value in the evaluation of cognitive functions in the first-episode psychosis patients. The abnormalities in P300 may be improved with continuous control of psychotic symptoms with psychotropic medications.
Role of abbreviated MRI protocol for screening of HCC in HCV related cirrhotic patients prior to direct-acting antiviral treatment
Authors: Ahmed Nora Nabil Abdou , El Gaafary Sahar Mohamed , Elia Remon Zaher , Abdulhafiz Essam Mohamed 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Chronic HCV infection is a global health problem causing progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent advantage of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAA) with a high sustained virologic response (SVR) reduces overall HCV-related morbidity and mortality, yet recent studies report a high recurrence rate of HCC after DAA; this calls availability of a reliable screening method to properly exclude HCC before DAA treatment.
The primary objective of our cohort study was to assess the feasibility of an abbreviated MRI protocol as a screening tool for the detection of hepatic focal lesions/early HCC in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis.
The study included 41 patients with HCV-related cirrhosis candidates to DAA therapy. All patients underwent routine screening for HCC by combined abdominal ultrasound and serum alfa-fetoprotein. An abbreviated MRI protocol (Abr-MR) including combined T2-weighted image and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) followed by dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI) was performed for all subjects, assessing for presence and characterization of focal lesions.

Results
For all included 41patients, no elevation of the alpha-fetoprotein was shown. Ultrasound detected a single focal lesion in one patient. Abbreviated MR demonstrated 15 focal lesions; for detected lesions, 1 lesion shows “shine though” and the rest showing moderate and high degrees of restriction. CE-MRI characterized lesions as 1 lesion = LIRADS-1, 3 lesions = LR-M, and 11 lesions = LR-5.The standard screening using combined ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein had sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 6.6 % (95% CI = 0.0034–0.29), 100% (95% CI = 0.89–1.000), 100% (95% CI = 0.051–1.000), and 68.8% (95% CI = 0.54–0.80). Abr-MR protocol showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 100% for all parameters (95% CI = 0.79–1.000, 0.89–1.000, 0.79–1.000, and 0.89–1.000 respectively).

Conclusion
In our study, we demonstrate the superiority of a proposed cost-effective Abr-MR protocol in the detection of hepatic focal lesions and small-sized HCC compared to routine screening using alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound in HCV-related liver cirrhosis.