bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver Disease and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Children With Mutations in TALDO1
Authors: Grammatikopoulos Tassos , Hadzic Nedim , Foskett Pierre , Strautnieks Sandra , Samyn Marianne , Vara Roshni , Dhawan Anil , Hertecant Jozef , Al Jasmi Fatma , Rahman Obydur ,   University of Washington Center for Mendelian Genomics, Deheragoda Maesha , Bull Laura N. , Thompson Richard J 
Published: October 2021

Mutations in the transaldolase 1 (TALDO1) gene have been described in a limited number of cases. Several organs can be affected and clinical manifestations are variable, but often include liver dysfunction and/or hepatosplenomegaly. We report 4 patients presenting with liver disease: 2 with early‐onset hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with cholestasis and mutations in TALDO1 were identified by next‐generation sequencing. Clinical, laboratory, and histological data were collected. Four (1 male) patients were identified with variants predicted to be damaging in TALDO1. Three patients were homozygous (two protein truncating/one missense mutations), 1 one was compound heterozygous (two missense mutations). Median age at presentation was 4 months (range, 2‐210 days) with jaundice (3), hepatosplenomegaly (3), and pancytopaenia (1). The diagnosis was corroborated by detection of minimal transaldolase enzyme activity in skin fibroblasts in two cases and raised urine polyols in the third. Three patients underwent liver transplantation (LT), 2 of whom had confirmed HCC on explanted liver. One patient suddenly died shortly after LT. The nontransplanted case has a chronic liver disease with multiple dysplastic liver nodules, but normal liver biochemistry and alpha‐fetoprotein. Median follow‐up was 4 years (range, 1‐21). Conclusion: Transaldolase deficiency can include early‐onset normal gamma‐glutamyltransferase liver disease with multisystem involvement and variable progression. Patients with this disease are at risk of early‐onset HCC and may require early LT.
Low Lipoprotein(a) Levels Predict Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Meroni Marica , Longo Miriam , Lombardi Rosa , Paolini Erika , Macchi Chiara , Corsini Alberto , Sirtori Cesare R. , Fracanzani Anna Ludovica , Ruscica Massimiliano , Dongiovanni Paola 
Published: October 2021

Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular complications are comorbidities of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis up to hepatocellular carcinoma. Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) has been associated with cardiovascular risk and metabolic abnormalities, but its impact on the severity of liver damage in patients with NAFLD remains to be clarified. Circulating Lp(a) levels were assessed in 600 patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD. The association of Lp(a) with liver damage was explored by categorizing serum Lp(a) into quartiles. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the accuracy of serum Lp(a) in hepatic fibrosis prediction. Hepatic expression of lipoprotein A (LPA) and of genes involved in lipid metabolism and fibrogenic processes were evaluated by RNA sequencing in a subset of patients with NAFLD for whom Lp(a) dosage was available (n = 183). In patients with NAFLD, elevated Lp(a) levels were modestly associated with circulating lipids, carotid plaques, and hypertension (P < 0.05). Conversely, patients with low serum Lp(a) displayed insulin resistance (P < 0.05), transaminase elevation (P < 0.05), and increased risk of developing severe fibrosis (P = 0.007) and cirrhosis (P = 0.002). In addition, the diagnostic accuracy of Lp(a) in predicting fibrosis increased by combining it with transaminases (area under the curve fibrosis stage 4, 0.87; P < 0.0001). Hepatic LPA expression reflected serum Lp(a) levels (P = 0.018), and both were reduced with the progression of NAFLD (P < 0.05). Hepatic LPA messenger RNA levels correlated with those of genes involved in lipoprotein release, lipid synthesis, and fibrogenesis (P < 0.05). Finally, transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) rs58542926, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) rs445925, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) rs7552841, known variants that modulate circulating lipids, may influence serum Lp(a) levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Circulating Lp(a) combined with transaminases may represent a novel noninvasive biomarker to predict advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
LINC00152 expression in normal and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B cells
Authors: Matis Serena , Rossi Martina , Brondolo Lorenzo , Cardillo Martina , Reverberi Daniele , Massara Rosanna , Colombo Monica , Ibatici Adalberto , Angelucci Emanuele , Vaisitti Tiziana , Bruno Silvia , Fabris Sonia , Neri Antonino , Gentile Massimo , Morabito Fortunato , Cutrona Giovanna , Briata Paola , Gherzi Roberto , Fais Franco 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLong non‐coding RNAs are emerging as essential regulators of gene expression, but their role in normal and neoplastic B cells is still largely uncharacterized. Here, we report on the expression pattern of the LINC00152 in normal B cells and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B cell clones. Higher LINC00152 levels were consistently observed in memory B cell populations when compared to naïve B cells in the normal tissues analyzed [peripheral blood (PB), tonsils, and spleen]. In addition, independent stimulation via Immunoglobulins (IG), CD40, or Toll‐like Receptor 9 (TLR9) upregulated LINC00152 in PB B cells. The expression of LINC00152 in a cohort of 107 early stage Binet A CLL patients was highly variable and did not correlate with known prognostic markers or clinical evolution. TLR9 stimulation, but not CD40 or IG challenge, was able to upregulate LINC00152 expression in CLL cells. In addition, LINC00152 silencing in CLL cell lines expressing LINC00152 failed to induce significant cell survival or apoptosis changes. These data suggest that, in normal B cells, the expression of LINC00152 is regulated by immunomodulatory signals, which are only partially effective in CLL cells. However, LINC00152 does not appear to contribute to CLL cell expansion and/or survival in a cohort of newly diagnosed CLL patients.
Frequency of and risk factors for intensive care unit‐acquired sacrum pressure injuries in critically ill patients: A multicenter cross‐sectional study in China
Authors: Hu Binqin , Zhao Yang , Yang Jijun , Zeng Zhenhua , Wu Yanhong , Gui Chunmei , Gong Jiang , Gao Yi , Yang Yong , Luo Cuizhu , Wang Yu , Jiang Qingjuan , Guo Wenlong , Lu Pan , Yuan Fen , Li Xiaofang , Dai Xingui 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesHospital‐acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) prolong hospital stays and are an important health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of and risk factors for intensive care unit (ICU)‐acquired pressure injuries (IAPI) on the sacrum in critically ill patients in China.MethodsWe performed a multicenter, cross‐sectional survey of IAPI on the sacrum in 23 adult ICUs in 19 hospitals in China. Data for 421 critically ill patients were collected on December 13, 2019, and January 13, 2020, including patient characteristics, physiological, and clinical information. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for IAPI on the sacrum in the ICU.ResultsForty‐one patients presented sacrum pressure injuries in the ICU, with a frequency of 9.74%. Risk factors that significantly increased the risk of IAPI on the sacrum were lower body mass index (BMI, odds ratio [OR] = 1.115, confidence interval [CI]: 1.011‐1.229, P = .029), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, OR = 3.183, CI: 1.261‐8.037, P = .014), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS, OR = 2.670, CI: 1.031‐6.903, P = .043), and a lower Braden risk score (OR = 1.409, CI: 1.197‐1.659, P < .001).ConclusionLower BMI, COPD, MODS, and lower Braden risk score are independent risk factors for sacrum IAPI in China.
Level and determinants of contraceptive uptake among women attending facilities with abortion‐related complications in East and Southern Africa
Authors: Qureshi Zahida , Jamner Alanna , Filippi Veronique , Gwako George , Osoti Alfred , Mehrtash Hedieh , Baguiya Adama , Bello Folasade Adenike , Compaoré Rachidatou , Gadama Luis , Kim Caron R. , Msusa Ausbert Thoko , Tunçalp Ӧzge , Calvert Clara 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the level and determinants of nonreceipt of contraception among women admitted to facilities with abortion‐related complications in East and Southern Africa.MethodsCross‐sectional data from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Uganda collected as part of the World Health Organization (WHO) Multi‐Country Survey on Abortion‐related morbidity. Medical record review and the audio computer‐assisted self‐interviewing system were used to collect information on women's demographic and clinical characteristics and their experience of care. The percentage of women who did not receive a contraceptive was estimated and the methods of choice for different types of contraceptives were identified. Potential determinants of nonreceipt of contraception were grouped into three categories: sociodemographic, clinical, and service‐related characteristics. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify the determinants of nonreceipt of a contraceptive following a hierarchical approach.ResultsA total of 1190 women with abortion‐related complications were included in the analysis, of which 33.9% (n = 403) did not receive a contraceptive. We found evidence that urban location of facility, no previous pregnancy, and not receiving contraceptive counselling were risk factors for nonreceipt of a contraceptive. Women from nonurban areas were less likely not to receive a contraceptive than those in urban areas (AOR 0.52; 95% CI, 0.30–0.91). Compared with women who had a previous pregnancy, women who had no previous pregnancy were 60% more likely to not receive a contraceptive (95% CI, 1.14–2.24). Women who did not receive contraceptive counselling were over four times more likely to not receive a contraceptive (AOR 4.01; 95% CI, 2.88–5.59).ConclusionMany women leave postabortion care having not received contraceptive counselling and without a contraceptive method. There is a clear need to ensure all women receive high‐quality contraceptive information and counselling at the facility to increase contraceptive acceptance and informed decision‐making.
Copper induces oxidative stress and apoptosis of hippocampal neuron via pCREB/BDNF/ and Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 pathway
Authors: Lu Qiang , Zhang Ying , Zhao Chao , Zhang Hu , Pu Yuepu , Yin Lihong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDisordered copper metabolism has been suggested to occur to several neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. However, the underlying mechanism was still unclear. This might link to copper‐induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and decrease in neurons viability. Our vitro experiment showed copper exposure induced oxidative stress and promoted apoptosis of HT22 murine hippocampal neuronal cell. Mechanistically, we found copper, on the one hand, prevented phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) to decrease expression its downstream target protein Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and to decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and Bcl‐2/Bax ratio; on the other hand, copper‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoted lipid peroxidation, reduced antioxidant enzyme activity of GSH‐Px. Copper‐induced oxidative damage further decreased the phosphorylation of CREB, decreased expression of Bcl‐2, enhanced expression of Bax, and accelerated the dissociation of keap1‐Nrf2 complex, promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, stimulate the expression of antioxidant molecules HO‐1 and NQO1. In conclusion, we found copper inhibited pCREB/BDNF signaling pathway by prevent CREB from phosphorylation, further found that oxidative damage not only inhibited neuroprotective signaling pathways and induced apoptosis, but activated antioxidant protection signals Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 signaling pathway.
Cefepime and diclofenac sodium combined treatment‐potentiated multiple organ injury: Role of oxidative damage and disrupted lipid metabolism
Authors: Aboubakr Mohamed , Abdelkader Afaf , Habotta Ola A. , Adel Nisreen , Emam Mahmoud A. , Abdelhiee Ehab Y. , Shanab Obeid , Shoghy Khaled , Elnoury Heba , Soliman Mohamed M. , Ibrahim Samah F. , Abdeen Ahmed 
Published: October 2021

AbstractConcurrent exposure to antimicrobial and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is usually inevitable in most infections and postsurgery. Consequently, the present study was designed to assess the intertwining impact of coadministration of cefepime (CP, a wide spectrum antibiotic) and diclofenac sodium (DF, an NSAID) on rat's liver, kidney, and testes. Rats received saline, CP (180 mg/kg/day, IM), DF (10 mg/kg/day, IM), or a combination of CP and DF. After 14 days, CP or DF induced tissue damage expressed by marked biochemical alterations in hepatic and renal function tests. Besides this, disrupted lipid metabolism and testosterone levels along with significant histological changes in hepatic, renal, and testicular tissues were noticed. A significant increase in malondialdehyde and decreases in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities alongside significant upregulated caspase 3 expression in tissues following CP or DF treatment suggested a bearable influence of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Accordingly, the simultaneous therapy of CP and DF evoked more obvious tissue damage than their individual treatment. Overall, data concluded that concurrent use of CP and DF in medical practice is a worrisome matter, so it should be done cautiously to avoid synergistic deleterious outcomes.
A study of abnormal cannabidiols system‐mediated cardiovascular protection in disrupted gut/brain axis associated depression
Authors: Hassan Almalki Waleed 
Published: October 2021

AbstractUncontrolled stress can lead to vascular injury, hypertension, arrhythmia, compromised immune system alteration in microbiota activity, and neurobehavioral changes, including depression. The gut microbiota has been recently developed, not only for major depressive disorders but also cardiovascular problems, as a therapeutic concern. Since then, >100 studies have studied the link between depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and have shown that depression is common (≈20%–35%) in patients with CVD, and seems to be indicative of negative heart effects in patients. Depressive symptoms patients have demonstrated an elevated platelet reactivity, reduced cardiac variability, and enhanced proinflammatory signals, which are all cardiovascular‐related risk factors. The pathophysiology of depression‐related CVD is nevertheless a challenge because of the heterogeneous depressive syndromes and the etiologies. The cardiovascular effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (the key psychotropic credential of cannabis) and endocannabinoids (THC endogenous equivalents which cause type 1 [CB1] and 2 [CB2] cannabinoids) have been extensively examined based on well‐documented effects of marijuana smoke on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Therefore, the aim of the review article is to establish the relationship of abnormal cannabidiols system‐mediated cardiovascular protection in disrupted gut/brain axis associated depression to determine the translational potential of targeting abnormal cannabidiols receptors in clinical studies.
Benchmark ab initio proton affinity and gas‐phase basicity of α‐alanine based on coupled‐cluster theory and statistical mechanics
Authors: Dékány Attila Á. , Czakó Gábor 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe determine the proton affinity (PA) and gas‐phase basicity (GB) of amino acid α‐alanine at a chemically accurate level by performing explicitly‐correlated CCSD(T)‐F12b/aug‐cc‐pVDZ geometry optimizations and normal mode vibrational frequency calculations as well as CCSD(T)‐F12b/aug‐cc‐pVTZ energy computations at the possible neutral and protonated geometries. Temperature effects at 298.15 K considering translational, rotational, and vibrational enthalpy and entropy corrections are obtained via standard statistical mechanics utilizing the molecular geometries and the harmonic vibrational energy levels. Both the amino nitrogen (N) and the carbonyl oxygen (O) atoms are proven to be potential protonation sites and a systematic conformational search reveals 3 N‐ and 9 O‐protonated conformers in the 0.00–7.88 and 25.43–30.43 kcal/mol energy ranges at 0 K, respectively. The final computed PA and GB values at (0)298.15 K in case of N‐protonation are (214.47)216.80 and 207.07 kcal/mol, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for O‐protonation are (189.04)190.63 and 182.31 kcal/mol. The results of the benchmark high‐level coupled‐cluster computations are utilized to assess the accuracy of several lower‐level cost‐effective methods such as MP2 and density functional theory with various functionals (SOGGA11‐X, M06‐2X, PBE0, B3LYP, M06, TPSS).
Effects of mussel‐inspired co‐deposition of 2‐hydroxymethyl methacrylate and poly (2‐methoxyethyl acrylate) on the hydrophilicity and binding tendency of common hemodialysis membranes: Molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking studies
Authors: Mollahosseini Arash , Saadati Shaghayegh , Abdelrasoul Amira 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTDespite advances in the field, hemoincompatibility remains a critical issue for hemodialysis (HD) as interactions between various human blood constituents and the polymeric structure of HD membranes results in complications such as activation of immune system cascades. Adding hydrophilic polymer structures to the membranes is one modification approach that can decrease the extent of protein adsorption. This study conducted molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand the interactions between three human serum proteins (fibrinogen [FB], human serum albumin, and transferrin) and common HD membranes in untreated and modified forms. Poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) and cellulose triacetate were used as the common dialyzer polymers, and membrane modifications were performed with 2‐hydroxymethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and poly (2‐methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA), using polydopamine‐assisted co‐deposition. The MD simulations were used as the framework for binding energy simulations, and molecular docking simulations were also performed to conduct molecular‐level investigations between the two modifying polymers (HEMA and PMEA) and FB. Each of the three proteins acted differently with the membranes due to their unique nature and surface chemistry. The simulations show PMEA binds less intensively to FB with a higher number of hydrogen bonds, which reflects PMEA's superior performance compared to HEMA. The simulations suggest PAES membranes could be used in modified forms for blood‐contact applications as they reflect the lowest binding energy to blood proteins.
Anti‐diabetic drugs and sarcopenia: emerging links, mechanistic insights, and clinical implications
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Zhao Yi , Chen Shuobing , Shao Hua 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSarcopenia, characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass, quality, and strength, has become a common hallmark of ageing and many chronic diseases. Diabetes mellitus patients have a higher prevalence of sarcopenia, which greatly aggravates the metabolic disturbance and compromises treatment response. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown differential impacts of anti‐diabetic drugs on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and performance, highlighting the importance of rational therapeutic regimen from the perspective of sarcopenia risk. In this review, we provide an update on the regulation of muscle mass and quality by major anti‐diabetic drugs, focusing primarily on emerging data from clinical studies. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications for optimal selection of anti‐diabetic drugs to reduce the risk of sarcopenia. In view of the lifelong use of anti‐diabetic drugs, we propose that a better understanding of the sarcopenia risk and interventional strategies is worthy of attention in future studies.
Antennal sensilla in an anophthalmic wood‐dwelling species, Clinidium canaliculatum, Costa 1839 (Coleoptera, Rhysodidae)
Authors: Giglio Anita , Mazzei Antonio , Vommaro Maria Luigia , Brandmayr Pietro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe habit of feeding on slime moulds (Myxomycetes) commonly present in litter or dead wood requires specific morphological adaptations of the mouthparts and sensory structures involved in the search for habitat and food. In this study, the external morphology of antenna and its sensilla were studied using scanning electron microscopy in the saproxylic beetle, Clinidium canaliculatum, Costa 1839 (Coleoptera, Rhysodidae). Their moniliform antennae consist of a scape, pedicel, and nine flagellomeres. We identified seven different types of sensilla, according to their morphological characteristics: two types of sensilla chaetica (sc1 and 2), two types of sensilla basiconica (sb1 and 2), one type of sensilla campaniformia, one type of sensilla coeloconica, and Böhm sensilla. No sexual dimorphism was found regarding antennal morphology and sensilla type and distribution, except for the sensilla coeloconica. The functional role of these sensilla was discussed in relation to their external structure and distribution, and compared with the current knowledge on coleopteran sense organs. Results are basic information for further physiological and behavioral studies to identify their role in the selection of habitat, food, mates and oviposition sites.
A case of Raynaud's phenomenon of toes induced by whole‐body warm stimulation
Authors: Akimoto Takashi , Kobayashi Tadashi , Maita Hiroki , Osawa Hiroshi , Kato Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRaynaud's phenomenon, induced by cold stimulation and emotional stress, is also induced by whole‐body warm stimulation. A 74‐year‐old man was referred to our department because of nocturnal toe pain from 2 years prior and immediate color change of the toes from 1 year prior when submerging himself into a warm bath. Physical examination and blood tests revealed no abnormal findings suggestive of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Two years later, the signs and symptoms persisted. When physicians confirm Reynaud's phenomenon, they should check for the possibility of secondary Reynaud's phenomenon. Additional research on Reynaud's phenomenon induced by warm stimulation is needed.