bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Weaning Immunosuppressant in Patients with Failing Kidney Grafts and The Outcomes: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ryu Hyunjin , Kim Yong Chul , Moon Jong Joo , Song Eun Young , Min Sang-il , Ha Jongwon , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Ahn Curie , Lee Hajeong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAn immunosuppressant weaning protocol in failing allografts has not yet been established. Maintaining immunosuppressants would preserve residual renal function (RRF) and prevent graft intolerance syndrome and sensitization but would increase the risks of infection and malignancy. In this study, graft failure cases after kidney transplantation in a single center were reviewed retrospectively. The outcome differences in all-cause mortality, infection-related hospitalization, cancer, graft intolerance syndrome, re-transplantation, and RRF duration between the immunosuppressant maintaining and weaning groups 6 months after graft failure were compared. Among the weaning group, the outcome differences according to low-dose steroid use were also compared at 6 and 12 months. In a total of 131 graft failure cases, 18 mortalities, 42 infection-related hospitalizations, 22 cancer cases, 11 graft intolerance syndrome cases, and 28 re-transplantations occurred during the 94-month follow-up. Immunosuppressant maintenance significantly decreased the patient survival rate 6 months after graft failure compared with weaning (log-rank P = 0.008) and was an independent risk factor for mortality, even after adjustments (hazard ratio, 3.01; P = 0.025). Infection-related hospitalization, graft intolerance syndrome development, and re-transplantation were not affected by the immunosuppressant weaning protocol. Among the immunosuppressant weaning group, low-dose steroid maintenance at 6 and 12 months helped preserved RRF (P = 0.008 and P = 0.003, respectively).
Association of prenatal psychological distress and postpartum depression with varying physical activity intensity: Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Susukida Ryoko , Usuda Kentaro , Hamazaki Kei , Tsuchida Akiko , Matsumura Kenta , Nishi Daisuke , Inadera Hidekuni ,   Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEvidence is mixed on the associations between physical activity during pregnancy and perinatal depression, and it is limited for different physical activity intensities. Data for 92,743 pregnant women from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study were analyzed in this study. Psychological distress during pregnancy was assessed as moderate or severe using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6 5–12 and ≥13, respectively). Postpartum depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS; cut-off score 9). Women with only light physical activity had significantly lower odds of psychological distress during pregnancy than those with no physical activity (K6 5–12: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.82, 0.90; K6 ≥ 13: AOR 0.64, 95%CI 0.58, 0.72). Women with a combination of light, moderate and vigorous physical activity had significantly higher odds of psychological distress during pregnancy (K6 5–12: AOR 1.32, 95%CI 1.18, 1.48; K6 ≥ 13: AOR 1.45, 95%CI 1.16, 1.81) and depression after childbirth (EPDS ≥ 9: AOR 1.42, 95%CI 1.24, 1.61). Physical activity intensity should be considered when assessing psychological distress risk during pregnancy and depression risk after delivery. Future research should evaluate specific physical activity programs with optimal intensity for pregnant women to prevent and treat their psychological distress and depression.
Estimation and correction of bias in network simulations based on respondent-driven sampling data
Authors: Zhu Lin , Menzies Nicolas A. , Wang Jianing , Linas Benjamin P. , Goodreau Steven M. , Salomon Joshua A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractRespondent-driven sampling (RDS) is widely used for collecting data on hard-to-reach populations, including information about the structure of the networks connecting the individuals. Characterizing network features can be important for designing and evaluating health programs, particularly those that involve infectious disease transmission. While the validity of population proportions estimated from RDS-based datasets has been well studied, little is known about potential biases in inference about network structure from RDS. We developed a mathematical and statistical platform to simulate network structures with exponential random graph models, and to mimic the data generation mechanisms produced by RDS. We used this framework to characterize biases in three important network statistics – density/mean degree, homophily, and transitivity. Generalized linear models were used to predict the network statistics of the original network from the network statistics of the sample network and observable sample design features. We found that RDS may introduce significant biases in the estimation of density/mean degree and transitivity, and may exaggerate homophily when preferential recruitment occurs. Adjustments to network-generating statistics derived from the prediction models could substantially improve validity of simulated networks in terms of density, and could reduce bias in replicating mean degree, homophily, and transitivity from the original network.
Characterization and Pharmacological Evaluation of Anti-Cellulite Herbal Product(s) Encapsulated in 3D-Fabricated Polymeric Microneedles
Authors: Amer Reham I. , El-Osaily Ghada H. , Bakr Riham O. , El Dine Riham Salah , Fayez Ahmed M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSkin health is vital for a healthy body. Herbal remedies have long been used for skin care, and their global use has tremendously increased over the past three decades. Although cellulite is seen as a normal condition by the medical community, it is considered a serious cosmetic concern for most affected women. Many topical anti-cellulite creams are available on the market, but unfortunately, their efficacy has not been proven scientifically. Microneedles (MNs) represent a new approach to enhance the permeation of loaded medication through the skin. In this study, the anti-cellulite effects of Vitex agnus-castus and Tamarindus indica extracts were compared using safe and effective polymeric MNs. This delivery system offers a painless alternative to the combined treatment strategy of microneedling devices and anti-cellulite products. The selected standardized extracts were evaluated for their mineral, phenolic and flavonoid contents, which are correlated to a promising antioxidant effect, as demonstrated by an in vitro radical scavenging activity assay. 3D-printing techniques were chosen for fabrication of a micromold, which is inexpensive for mass production. To ensure that MNs were sufficiently strong to perforate the skin without breaking, axial failure force was measured using a micro-mechanical test machine. The anticellulite effects of MNs were assessed using an in vivo diet-induced obesity guinea pig model. Skin properties, histopathology and inflammatory markers were examined. MNs loaded with plant extracts were statistically comparable in normalizing the oxidative state and reducing inflammation, while myeloperoxidase levels were more significantly reduced by T. indica than by V. agnus-castus. This novel delivery system opens the door for new transdermal strategies for cellulite management.
Neural basis of interindividual variability in social perception in typically developing children and adolescents using diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Vinçon-Leite A. , Saitovitch A. , Lemaitre H. , Rechtman E. , Fillon L. , Grevent D. , Calmon R. , Brunelle F. , Boddaert N. , Zilbovicius M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHumans show great interindividual variability in the degree they engage in social relationship. The neural basis of this variability is still poorly understood, particularly in children. In this study, we aimed to investigate the neural basis of interindividual variability in the first step of social behavior, that is social perception, in typically developing children. For that purpose, we first used eye-tracking to objectively measure eye-gaze processing during passive visualization of social movie clips in 24 children and adolescents (10.5 ± 2.9 y). Secondly, we correlated eye-tracking data with measures of fractional anisotropy, an index of white matter microstructure, obtained using diffusion tensor imaging MRI. The results showed a large interindividual variability in the number of fixations to the eyes of characters during visualization of social scenes. In addition, whole-brain analysis showed a significant positive correlation between FA and number of fixations to the eyes,mainly in the temporal part of the superior longitudinal fasciculi bilaterally, adjacent to the posterior superior temporal cortex. Our results indicate the existence of a neural signature associated with the interindividual variability in social perception in children, contributing for better understanding the neural basis of typical and atypical development of a broader social expertise.
Modulation of stress and immune response by Amblyomin-X results in tumor cell death in a horse melanoma model
Authors: Lichtenstein Flavio , Iqbal Asif , de Lima Will Sonia Elisabete Alves , Bosch Rosemary Viola , DeOcesano-Pereira Carlos , Goldfeder Mauricio Barbugiani , Chammas Roger , Trufen Carlos Eduardo Madureira , Morais Katia Luciano Pereira , de Souza Jean Gabriel , Natalino Renato Jose Mendonça , de Azevedo Inacio Junqueira , Nishiyama Junior Milton Yutaka , Oliveira Ursula , Alves Francisco Ivanio Arruda , Araujo Jaqueline Mayara , Lobba Aline Ramos Maia , Chudzinski-Tavassi Ana Marisa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe have investigated Amblyomin-X-treated horse melanomas to better understand its mode of action through transcriptome analysis and the in vivo model. Amblyomin-X is a Kunitz-type homologous protein that selectively leads to the death of tumor cells via ER stress and apoptosis, currently under investigation as a new drug candidate for cancer treatment. Melanomas are immunogenic tumors, and a better understanding of the immune responses is warranted. Equine melanomas are spontaneous and not so aggressive as human melanomas are, as this study shows that the in vivo treatment of encapsulated horse melanoma tumors led to a significant reduction in the tumor size or even the complete disappearance of the tumor mass through intratumoral injections of Amblyomin-X. Transcriptome analysis identified ER- and mitochondria-stress, modulation of the innate immune system, apoptosis, and possibly immunogenic cell death activation. Interactome analysis showed that Amblyomin-X potentially interacts with key elements found in transcriptomics. Taken together, Amblyomin-X modulated the tumor immune microenvironment in different ways, at least contributing to induce tumor cell death.
Phylogenetic Inference of H3N2 Canine Influenza A Outbreak in Ontario, Canada in 2018
Authors: Xu Wanhong , Weese J. Scott , Ojkic Davor , Lung Oliver , Handel Katherine , Berhane Yohannes 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe first Canadian H3N2 canine influenza A outbreak involving an Asian-origin H3N2 canine influenza virus (CIV) began in southwestern Ontario, Canada, in late December 2017. More H3N2 CIV cases were identified in central and eastern Ontario between March and October 2018. Based on epidemiological investigation, 5 clusters were identified (C1, C2, C3a, C3b, and C4); however, the origin of infection has only been revealed for epidemiological cluster C1. Here, we use phylogenetic analyses to unravel the links of virus transmission between the 5 epidemiological clusters and the origin of infection for all epidemiological clusters. Our results demonstrate that the Canadian H3N2 CIV sequences were grouped into four distinct phylogenetic clusters with minimal genetic diversity between these clusters. Large scale phylogenetic analysis of H3N2 CIV from around the globe showed that the Canadian CIVs formed a distinct new clade along with CIVs that have been circulating in the USA since 2017–2018 and in China since 2017. This clade shares a common ancestor of Asian origin. This study concludes that the H3N2 CIV outbreak in Ontario was driven by multiple introductions of South Korean/Chinese-origin H3N2 CIVs over 10 months.
Cardiolipin is required in vivo for the stability of bacterial translocon and optimal membrane protein translocation and insertion
Authors: Ryabichko Sergey , Ferreira Vilena de Melo , Vitrac Heidi , Kiyamova Ramziya , Dowhan William , Bogdanov Mikhail 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTranslocation of preproteins across the Escherichia coli inner membrane requires anionic lipids by virtue of their negative head-group charge either in vivo or in situ. However, available results do not differentiate between the roles of monoanionic phosphatidylglycerol and dianionic cardiolipin (CL) in this essential membrane-related process. To define in vivo the molecular steps affected by the absence of CL in protein translocation and insertion, we analyzed translocon activity, SecYEG stability and its interaction with SecA in an E. coli mutant devoid of CL. Although no growth defects were observed, co- and post-translational translocation of α-helical proteins across inner membrane and the assembly of outer membrane β-barrel precursors were severely compromised in CL-lacking cells. Components of proton-motive force which could impair protein insertion into and translocation across the inner membrane, were unaffected. However, stability of the dimeric SecYEG complex and oligomerization properties of SecA were strongly compromised while the levels of individual SecYEG translocon components, SecA and insertase YidC were largely unaffected. These results demonstrate that CL is required in vivo for the stability of the bacterial translocon and its efficient function in co-translational insertion into and translocation across the inner membrane of E. coli.
New Insights into Mechanical, Metabolic and Muscle Oxygenation Signals During and After High-Intensity Tethered Running
Authors: Manchado-Gobatto F. B. , Marostegan A. B. , Rasteiro F. M. , Cirino C. , Cruz J. P. , Moreno M. A. , Gobatto C. A 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHigh-intensity exercises including tethered efforts are commonly used in training programs for athletes, active and even sedentary individuals. Despite this, the knowledge about the external and internal load during and after this effort is scarce. Our study aimed to characterize the kinetics of mechanical and physiological responses in all-out 30 seconds (AO30) tethered running and up to 18 minutes of passive recovery. Additionally, in an innovative way, we investigated the muscle oxygenation in more or less active muscles (vastus lateralis and biceps brachii, respectively) during and after high-intensity tethered running by near-infrared spectroscopy – NIRS. Twelve physically active young men were submitted to AO30 on a non-motorized treadmill to determine the running force, velocity and power. We used wearable technologies to monitor the muscle oxygenation and heart rate responses during rest, exercise and passive recovery. Blood lactate concentration and arterial oxygen saturation were also measured. In a synchronized analysis by high capture frequency of mechanical and physiological signals, we advance the understanding of AO30 tethered running. Muscle oxygenation responses showed rapid adjustments (both, during and after AO30) in a tissue-dependence manner, with very low tissue saturation index observed in biceps brachii during exercise when compared to vastus lateralis. Significant correlations between peak and mean blood lactate with biceps brachii oxygenation indicate an important participation of less active muscle during and after high-intensity AO30 tethered running.
Co-targeting EGFR and mTOR with gefitinib and everolimus in triple-negative breast cancer cells
Authors: El Guerrab Abderrahim , Bamdad Mahchid , Bignon Yves-Jean , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Aubel Corinne 
Published: April 2020

AbstractTriple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are unlikely to respond to hormonal therapies and anti-HER2-targeted therapies. TNBCs overexpress EGFR and exhibit constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. We hypothesized that simultaneously blocking EGFR and mTOR could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TNBC. We examined the antitumour activity of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus combined with the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in TNBC cell with or without activating mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. We demonstrated that everolimus and gefitinib induced synergistic growth inhibition in the PI3K and PTEN-mutant CAL-51 cell line but not in the PTEN-null HCC-1937 cell line. The antiproliferative effect was associated with synergistic inhibition of mTOR and P70S6K phosphorylation, as well as a significant reduction in 4E-BP1 activation in the CAL-51 cell line. We also showed that combination therapy significantly inhibited cell cycle progression and increased apoptosis in this cell line. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of cell cycle regulators after exposure to combined treatment. Collectively, these results suggested that dual inhibition of mTOR and EGFR may be an effective treatment for TNBC with activating mutations of PI3K.
Longitudinal relationship of amino acids and indole metabolites with long-term body mass index and cardiometabolic risk markers in young individuals
Authors: Oluwagbemigun Kolade , Anesi Andrea , Ulaszewska Maria , Clarke Gerard , Alexy Ute , Schmid Matthias , Roden Michael , Herder Christian , Mattivi Fulvio , Nöthlings Ute 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAmino acid metabolites in biofluids are associated with high body mass index (BMI) and cardiometabolic abnormalities. However, prospective investigations regarding these associations are few, particularly among young individuals. Moreover, little is presently known about the impact of long-term high BMI. Using data from the DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed study (111 males and 107 females), we prospectively investigated relations between repeatedly measured urinary levels of 33 metabolites and (1) previously identified long-term BMI trajectory groups from childhood into late adolescence and (2) cardiometabolic risk markers in late adolescence–young adulthood, in sex-specific linear mixed regression models. Males with long-term overweight had lower indole-3-acetic acid when compared to others. Further, methionine, isoleucine, tryptophan, xanthurenic acid, and indole-3-carboxaldehyde were negatively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), but 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid was positively associated with CRP. No associations were observed in females. Long-term overweight from childhood into late adolescence is associated with decreased urinary levels of gut bacteria-derived indole-3-acetic acid, and several urinary amino acids, including gut bacteria-derived indole-3-carboxaldehyde are associated with elevated CRP later on in life. Taken together, our data suggest that indole metabolites, and their gut bacteria producers play potentially important roles in overweight-related inflammation.
Fluid shear stress coupled with narrow constrictions induce cell type-dependent morphological and molecular changes in SK-BR-3 and MDA-MB-231 cells
Authors: Cognart Hamizah Ahmad , Viovy Jean-Louis , Villard Catherine 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCancer mortality mainly arises from metastases, due to cells that escape from a primary tumor, circulate in the blood as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), permeate across blood vessels and nest in distant organs. It is still unclear how CTCs overcome the harsh conditions of fluid shear stress and mechanical constraints within the microcirculation. Here, a minimal model of the blood microcirculation was established through the fabrication of microfluidic channels comprising constrictions. Metastatic breast cancer cells of epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like phenotypes were flowed into the microfluidic device. These cells were visualized during circulation and analyzed for their dynamical behavior, revealing long-lived plastic deformations and significant differences in biomechanics between cell types. γ-H2AX staining of cells retrieved post-circulation showed significant increase of DNA damage response in epithelial-like SK-BR-3 cells, while gene expression analysis of key regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition revealed significant changes upon circulation. This work thus documents first results of the changes at the cellular, subcellular and molecular scales induced by the two main mechanical stimuli arising from circulatory conditions, and suggest a significant role of this still elusive step of the metastatic cascade in cancer cells heterogeneity and aggressiveness.
Detection and imaging of gadolinium accumulation in human bone tissue by micro- and submicro-XRF
Authors: Turyanskaya Anna , Rauwolf Mirjam , Pichler Vanessa , Simon Rolf , Burghammer Manfred , Fox Oliver J. L. , Sawhney Kawal , Hofstaetter Jochen G. , Roschger Andreas , Roschger Paul , Wobrauschek Peter , Streli Christina 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are frequently used in patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. In GBCAs gadolinium (Gd) is present in a bound chelated form. Gadolinium is a rare-earth element, which is normally not present in human body. Though the blood elimination half-life of contrast agents is about 90 minutes, recent studies demonstrated that some tissues retain gadolinium, which might further pose a health threat due to toxic effects of free gadolinium. It is known that the bone tissue can serve as a gadolinium depot, but so far only bulk measurements were performed. Here we present a summary of experiments in which for the first time we mapped gadolinium in bone biopsy from a male patient with idiopathic osteoporosis (without indication of renal impairment), who received MRI 8 months prior to biopsy. In our studies performed by means of synchrotron radiation induced micro- and submicro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (SR-XRF), gadolinium was detected in human cortical bone tissue. The distribution of gadolinium displays a specific accumulation pattern. Correlation of elemental maps obtained at ANKA synchrotron with qBEI images (quantitative backscattered electron imaging) allowed assignment of Gd structures to the histological bone structures. Follow-up beamtimes at ESRF and Diamond Light Source using submicro-SR-XRF allowed resolving thin Gd structures in cortical bone, as well as correlating them with calcium and zinc.