bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of mitochondria in the hallmarks of metastasis
Authors: Scheid Adam D. , Beadnell Thomas C. , Welch Danny R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAlthough mitochondrial contributions to cancer have been recognised for approximately a century, given that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is dwarfed by the size of the nuclear genome (nDNA), nuclear genetics has represented a focal point in cancer biology, often at the expense of mtDNA and mitochondria. However, genomic sequencing and advances in in vivo models underscore the importance of mtDNA and mitochondria in cancer and metastasis. In this review, we explore the roles of mitochondria in the four defined ‘hallmarks of metastasis’: motility and invasion, microenvironment modulation, plasticity and colonisation. Biochemical processes within the mitochondria of both cancer cells and the stromal cells with which they interact are critical for each metastatic hallmark. We unravel complex dynamics in mitochondrial contributions to cancer, which are context-dependent and capable of either promoting metastasis or being leveraged to prevent it at various points of the metastatic cascade. Ultimately, mitochondrial contributions to cancer and metastasis are rooted in the capacity of these organelles to tune metabolic and genetic responses to dynamic microenvironmental cues.
Deletion of immune evasion genes provides an effective vaccine design for tumor-associated herpesviruses
Authors: Brar Gurpreet , Farhat Nisar A. , Sukhina Alisa , Lam Alex K. , Kim Yong Hoon , Hsu Tiffany , Tong Leming , Lin Wai Wai , Ware Carl F. , Blackman Marcia A. , Sun Ren , Wu Ting-Ting 
Published: November 2020

AbstractVaccines based on live attenuated viruses often induce broad, multifaceted immune responses. However, they also usually sacrifice immunogenicity for attenuation. It is particularly difficult to elicit an effective vaccine for herpesviruses due to an armament of immune evasion genes and a latent phase. Here, to overcome the limitation of attenuation, we developed a rational herpesvirus vaccine in which viral immune evasion genes were deleted to enhance immunogenicity while also attaining safety. To test this vaccine strategy, we utilized murine gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) as a proof-of-concept model for the cancer-associated human γ-herpesviruses, Epstein–Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. We engineered a recombinant MHV-68 virus by targeted inactivation of viral antagonists of type I interferon (IFN-I) pathway and deletion of the latency locus responsible for persistent infection. This recombinant virus is highly attenuated with no measurable capacity for replication, latency, or persistence in immunocompetent hosts. It stimulates robust innate immunity, differentiates virus-specific memory T cells, and elicits neutralizing antibodies. A single vaccination affords durable protection that blocks the establishment of latency following challenge with the wild type MHV-68 for at least six months post-vaccination. These results provide a framework for effective vaccination against cancer-associated herpesviruses through the elimination of latency and key immune evasion mechanisms from the pathogen.
Traditional African remedies induce hemolysis in a glucose-6-phopshate dehydrogenase deficient zebrafish model
Authors: Arogbokun Olufunmilayo , Shevik Margaret , Slusher Tina , Farouk Zubaida , Elfstrum Alexis , Weber Jenna , Cusick Sarah E. , Lund Troy 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTraditional remedies are widely used throughout Africa in routine care for infants. However, such remedies could have detrimental effects. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) and kernicterus spectrum disorder (KSD) are common newborn health conditions in the developing world, contributing to substantial neonatal mortality and morbidity. They frequently occur in children with glucose-6-phopshate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Using our established zebrafish model of G6PD deficiency, we tested the effects of three traditional compounds used in the care of the newborn umbilical cord: eucalyptus oil, methylated spirits, and Yoruba herbal tea. We found that eucalyptus oil induced a 13.4% increase in a hemolytic phenotype versus control, while methylated spirits showed a 39.7% increase in affected phenotype. Yoruba herbal tea exposure showed no effect. While methylated spirits are already a known pro-oxidant, these data indicate that eucalyptus oil may also be a hemolytic trigger in those with G6PD deficiency. Discovering which agents may contribute to the pathophysiology of G6PD deficiency is critical to eliminate ABE and KSD, especially in countries with a high prevalence of G6PD deficiency. The next step in elucidating the role of these agents is to determine the clinical correlation between the use of these agents and ABE/KSD.
Impact of tocilizumab administration on mortality in severe COVID-19
Authors: Tsai Andrew , Diawara Oumou , Nahass Ronald G. , Brunetti Luigi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic has placed a significant burden on hospitals and healthcare providers. The immune response to this disease is thought to lead to an aberrant inflammatory response or cytokine storm, which contributes to the severity of illness. There is an urgent need to confirm whether the use of tocilizumab provides a benefit in individuals with COVID-19. A single-center propensity-score matched cohort study, including all consecutive COVID-19 patients, admitted to the medical center who were either discharged from the medical center or expired between March 1, 2020, and May 5, 2020, was performed. Patients were stratified according to the receipt of tocilizumab for cytokine storm and matched to controls using propensity scores. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A total of 274 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified and 132 patients were included in the matched dataset (tocilizumab = 66; no tocilizumab = 66). Approximately 73% of the patients were male. Hypertension (55%), diabetes mellitus (31%), and chronic pulmonary disease (15%) were the most common comorbidities present. There were 18 deaths (27.3%) in the tocilizumab group and 18 deaths (27.3%) in the no tocilizumab group (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.465 – 2.151; p = 1.00). Advanced age, history of myocardial infarction, dementia, chronic pulmonary disease, heart failure, and malignancy were significantly more common in patients who died. The current analysis does not support the use of tocilizumab for the management of cytokine storm in patients with COVID-19. Use of this therapeutic agent should be limited to the context of a clinical trial until more evidence is available.
Morphological and physicochemical diversity of snow algae from Alaska
Authors: Fiołka Marta J. , Takeuchi Nozomu , Sofińska-Chmiel Weronika , Mieszawska Sylwia , Treska Izabela 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSnow algae are photosynthetic microbes growing in thawing snow. They usually show various morphological cell types. The aim of this study was to carry out microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of different forms of cells of snow algae collected on glaciers in Alaska. Four different shapes of algal cells were observed with the use of bright field LM (Light Microscopy), DIC (Differential Interference Contrast), EDF (Extended Depth Focus), fluorescence microscopy, and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). The cells exhibited the strongest autofluorescence after the exposure to 365-nm excitation light, and the intensity differed among the cell types. Zygotes (cysts) showed the most intense fluorescence. Acridine orange staining revealed the acid nature of the algal cells. The use of Congo red and Calcofluor white fluorochromes indicated differences in the structure of polysaccharides in the cell wall in the individual types of algal cells. FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analyses showed the presence of polysaccharides not only in the algal cells but also in the fixative solution. The presence of polysaccharides in the extracellular algal fraction was confirmed by X-ray dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy imaging (SEM). The differences observed in the structure of the cell wall of the different forms of red snow algae prompt further analysis of this structure.
Vitamin D and subclinical cardiac damage in a cohort of kidney transplanted patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Alfieri C. , Vettoretti S. , Ruzhytska O. , Gandolfo M. T. , Cresseri D. , Campise M. , Caldiroli L. , Favi E. , Binda V. , Messa P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn 178-kidney transplanted patients (KTxp), the prevalence of hypovitaminosis-D, the presence and novel development of left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH) and the correlations between native Vitamin-D (25OHD) and LVH were evaluated during the 1st year of transplantation (KTx). Clinical and instrumental data were recorded at pre-KTx and at one (T1) and 12 (T12) months after KTx. 25OHD levels were considered sufficient (s25OHD, ≥ 30 ng/dL) or insufficient (i25OHD, < 30 ng/dL). 25OHD correlated at T1 with parathormone(PTH), and at T12 with 25OHD-T1 and PTH-(T1,T12). At T12, s25OHD (15%) had higher 25OH and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lower Ca, at T1, and lower PTH-(T1, T12) than i25OH-T12. At T1, KTxp with LVH (LVH-T1pos, 42%) were older and with longer dialysis vintage than LVH-T1neg. At T12, KTxp with LVH (LVH-T12pos, 53%) were older, with higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) at T12 than LVH-T12neg. No relation between 25OHD and LVH were found. Novel LVH was found in 14% of KTxp. They were older, had higher SBP-T12 and lower serum albumin-T12 than the others. LVH-modifications and 25OHD were not correlated. Hypovitaminosis-D is highly prevalent in KTxp. LVH correlates with different risk factors according to the time elapsed from KTx. However, during the 1st year of KTx, no relationship between LVH and 25OHD was observed.
Redox-structure dependence of molten iron oxides
Authors: Shi Caijuan , Alderman Oliver L. G. , Tamalonis Anthony , Weber Richard , You Jinglin , Benmore Chris J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe atomic structural arrangements of liquid iron oxides affect the thermophysical and thermodynamic properties associated with the steelmaking process and magma flows. Here, the structures of stable and supercooled iron oxide melts have been investigated as a function of oxygen fugacity and temperature, using x-ray diffraction and aerodynamic levitation with laser heating. Total x-ray structure factors and their corresponding pair distribution functions were measured for temperatures ranging from 1973 K in the stable melt, to 1573 K in the deeply supercooled liquid region, over a wide range of oxygen partial pressures. Empirical potential structure refinement yields average Fe–O coordination numbers ranging from ~4.5 to ~5 over the region FeO to Fe2O3, significantly lower than most existing reports. Ferric iron is dominated by FeO4, FeO5 and FeO6 units in the oxygen rich melt. For ferrous iron under reducing conditions FeO4 and FeO5 units dominate, in stark contrast to crystalline FeO.
Studies on the changes of uPA system in a co-culture model of bone marrow stromal cells–leukemia cells
Authors: Zhou Lanxia , Guo Hong , Jia Fang , Chen Xuan , Zhang Xiaowei , Dong Shouliang , Zhao Li 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The core of the tumor microenvironment in the hematological system is formed by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). In the present study, we explored the interaction between the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) system and the leukemia bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). We established BMSCs–HL60 and HS-5–K562 co-culture models in direct contact mode to simulate the BMM in leukemia. In BMSCs-HL60 co-culture model, the expression levels of uPA, uPA receptor (uPAR), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in BMSCs were higher than those in mono-cultured BMSCs. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 (MMP-9) was up-regulated in co-cultured HL60 cells. In HS-5–K562 co-culture model, only uPA, PAI-1, and VEGF-A were up-regulated in HS-5 cells. The levels of the uPA protein in the co-culture supernatant were significantly higher than that of mono-cultured BMSCs or HS-5 cells. Our findings demonstrate that the co-culture stimulates the production of uPA, uPAR, PAI-1, MMP-9, and VEGF-A by BMSCs. It could further explain how the uPA system in leukemia cells is involved in the growth, development, and prognosis of leukemia.
A Tool for Automatic Scoring of Spelling Performance
Authors: Themistocleous Charalambos , Neophytou Kyriaki , Rapp Brenda , Tsapkini Kyrana 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe evaluation of spelling performance in aphasia reveals deficits in written language and can facilitate the design of targeted writing treatments. Nevertheless, manual scoring of spelling performance is time-consuming, laborious, and error prone. We propose a novel method based on the use of distance metrics to automatically score spelling. This study compares six automatic distance metrics to identify the metric that best corresponds to the gold standard—manual scoring—using data from manually obtained spelling scores from individuals with primary progressive aphasia.MethodThree thousand five hundred forty word and nonword spelling productions from 42 individuals with primary progressive aphasia were scored manually. The gold standard—the manual scores—were compared to scores from six automated distance metrics: sequence matcher ratio, Damerau–Levenshtein distance, normalized Damerau–Levenshtein distance, Jaccard distance, Masi distance, and Jaro–Winkler similarity distance. We evaluated each distance metric based on its correlation with the manual spelling score.ResultsAll automatic distance scores had high correlation with the manual method for both words and nonwords. The normalized Damerau–Levenshtein distance provided the highest correlation with the manual scoring for both words (rs= .99) and nonwords (rs= .95).ConclusionsThe high correlation between the automated and manual methods suggests that automatic spelling scoring constitutes a quick and objective approach that can reliably substitute the existing manual and time-consuming spelling scoring process, an important asset for both researchers and clinicians.
Vocabulary Gains in Bilingual Narrative Intervention
Authors: Armon-Lotem Sharon , Restrepo M. Adelaida , Lipner Minna , Ahituv-Shlomo Peer , Altman Carmit 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of bilingual narrative intervention on vocabulary gains in Hebrew (school language) and English (home language) among English–Hebrew bilinguals, using a block design (one language at a time), and to determine whether there was cross-linguistic transfer to the language that was not receiving intervention.

Method
Sixteen English–Hebrew bilingual children participated in the study using an adaptation of the Puente de Cuentos intervention. Vocabulary was examined using a word definition task before the intervention, post English intervention, post Hebrew intervention, and 4 weeks after the interventions ended to examine maintenance of skills.

Results
Repeated-measures analyses of variance revealed that children made significant gains in vocabulary in the language of intervention as expected. In addition, children made cross-linguistic gains in Hebrew during the English intervention, but made no gains in English following Hebrew intervention.

Conclusion
These results underscore the need to provide language support in the home language to ensure growth and that intervention in the home language does not hinder growth in the school language.
Efficiency‐enhanced and high‐precision of input common‐mode feedback control using OSA–CLS technique
Authors: Wang Yu‐Heng , Lai Xin‐Quan , Li Qin‐Qin , Habib Kashif 
Published: November 2020

Efficiency‐enhanced and high‐precision input common‐mode feedback control (ICMFB) is proposed for a fully differential readout circuit of the MEMS capacitive sensor. This ICMFB improves the efficiency and performance of input common‐mode voltage control using a smaller feedback capacitor. The noise performance of the readout circuit is improved as a decrease of a feedback capacitor. The correlated level shift (CLS) technique is used to improve the output swing of the amplifier therefore reduce the value of a feedback capacitor. Also, the oversampling successive approximation (OSA) technique is used to improve the accuracy of input common‐mode voltage control using a low‐gain op‐amp. Simulation results show that the input common‐mode voltage error decreases to 0.01% when the value of the feedback capacitor is the same as the MEMS sensor. Also, the noise power spectral density of the readout circuit increases by 10 dB.
Assessing membership projection errors in star forming regions
Authors: Roland T. , Boily C. M. , Cambrésy L. 
Published: November 2020

Context. Young stellar clusters harbour complex spatial structures emerging from the star formation process. Identifying stellar over-densities is a key step in better constraining how these structures are formed. The high accuracy of distances derived from Gaia DR2 parallaxes still do not allow us to locate individual stars within clusters of ≈1 pc in size with certainty.
Aims. In this work, we explore how such uncertainty on distance estimates can lead to the misidentification of membership of sub-clusters selected by the minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm. Our goal is to assess how this impacts their estimated properties.
Methods. Using N-body simulations, we build gravity-driven fragmentation models that self-consistently reproduce the early stellar configurations of a star forming region. Stellar groups are then identified both in two and three dimensions by the MST algorithm, representing respectively an inaccurate and an ideal identification. We compare the properties derived for these resulting groups in order to assess the systematic bias introduced by projection and incompleteness.
Results. We show that in such fragmented configurations, the dynamical mass of groups identified in projection is systematically underestimated compared to those of groups identified in 3D. This systematic error is statistically of 50% for more than half of the groups and reaches 100% in a quarter of them. Adding incompleteness further increases this bias.
Conclusions. These results challenge our ability to accurately identify sub-clusters in most nearby star forming regions where distance estimate uncertainties are comparable to the size of the region. New clump-finding methods need to tackle this issue in order to better define the dynamical state of these substructures.
Chondrogenic Bone Tumors: The Importance of Imaging Characteristics
Authors: Engel Hannes , Herget Georg W. , Füllgraf Hannah , Sutter Reto , Benndorf Matthias , Bamberg Fabian , Jungmann Pia M. 
Published: November 2020

Background Chondrogenic tumors are the most frequent primary bone tumors. Malignant chondrogenic tumors represent about one quarter of malignant bone tumors. Benign chondrogenic bone tumors are frequent incidental findings at imaging. Radiological parameters may be helpful for identification, characterization, and differential diagnosis.Methods Systematic PubMed literature research. Identification and review of studies analyzing and describing imaging characteristics of chondrogenic bone tumors.Results and conclusions The 2020 World Health Organization (WHO) classification system differentiates between benign, intermediate (locally aggressive or rarely metastasizing), and malignant chondrogenic tumors. On imaging, typical findings of differentiated chondrogenic tumors are lobulated patterns with a high signal on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ring- and arc-like calcifications on conventional radiography and computed tomography (CT). Depending on the entity, the prevalence of this chondrogenic pattern differs. While high grade tumors may be identified due to aggressive imaging patterns, the differentiation between benign and intermediate grade chondrogenic tumors is challenging, even in an interdisciplinary approach.Key Points: Citation Format
Synthetic Study on Acremoxanthone A, Part 2: Model Study on the EFG Xanthone Moiety through a Nitrile Oxide Cycloaddition–SNAr Sequence
Authors: Suzuki Keisuke , Nakakohara Hiroshi , Hirano Yoichi , Ohmori Ken , Takikawa Hiroshi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractToward a total synthesis of acremoxanthone A, we report a model study on the construction of the EFG ring system. The key steps include (1) an intermolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of an aryl nitrile oxide with a dienone, and (2) an SNAr reaction for construction of the F ring.
(E)-3-Arylidene-4-diazopyrrolidine-2,5-diones: Preparation and Use in RhII-Catalyzed X–H Insertion Reactions towards Novel, Medicinally Important Michael Acceptors
Authors: Dar’in Dmitry , Krasavin Mikhail , Chupakhin Evgeny , Gecht Martha , Ivanov Alexander , Kantin Grigory 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe use of readily available 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones in high yielding direct diazo-transfer reactions and subsequent involvement of the resulting diazo compounds in RhII-catalyzed O–H, S–H, and N–H insertion reactions delivered 4-substituted 1-aryl-3-arylidenepyrrolidine-2,5-diones of defined regiochemistry and geometrical configuration. These products are intended to be studied as Michael acceptors capable of inhibiting thioredoxin reductase, a promising cancer target.
Repair of a Syphilitic Aneurysm of the Noncoronary Sinus
Authors: Kinsey Danielle J. , Zambrano Christopher , Suarez-Pierre Alejandro , Kumar Aruna , Isenbergh Elena , Lawton Jennifer S. , Siegenthaler Michael P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAbout one-tenth of patients with untreated chronic syphilis and tertiary syphilis develop structural complications involving the coronary ostia, ascending aorta, or aortic root. We describe a unique case of a large aortic root aneurysm of the noncoronary sinus with extrinsic compression of the right coronary artery, a complication of tertiary syphilis. Surgical intervention involved valve-sparing aortic root reconstruction with right coronary ostia reimplantation (hemi-Yacoub). The patient's postoperative course was uneventful; he is healthy approximately 2 years later.