bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The hypertrophic cartilage induction influences the building‐block capacity of human adipose stem/stromal cell spheroids for biofabrication
Authors: Kronemberger Gabriela S. , Beatrici Anderson , Dalmônico Gisele M. L. , Rossi André L. , Miranda Guilherme A. S. C. , Boldrini Leonardo C. , Mauro Granjeiro José , Baptista Leandra Santos 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs an alternative to the classical tissue engineering approach, bottom‐up tissue engineering emerges using building blocks in bioassembly technologies. Spheroids can be used as building blocks to reach a highly complex ordered tissue by their fusion (bioassembly), representing the foundation of biofabrication. In this study, we analyzed the biomechanical properties and the fusion capacity of human adipose stem/stromal cell (ASC) we spheroids during an in vitro model of hypertrophic cartilage established by our research group. Hypertrophic induced‐ASC spheroids showed a statistically significant higher Young's modulus at weeks 2 (P < .001) and 3 (P < .0005) compared with non‐induced. After fusion, non‐induced and induced‐ASC spheroids increased the contact area and decreased their pairs' total length. At weeks 3 and 5, induced‐ASC spheroids did not fuse completely, and the cells migrate preferentially in the fusion contact region. Alizarin red O staining showed the highest intensity of staining in the fused induced‐ASC spheroids at week 5, together with intense staining for collagen type I and osteocalcin. Transmission electron microscopy and element content analysis (X‐ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy) revealed in the fused quartet at week 3 a crystal‐like structure. Hypertrophic induction interferes with the intrinsic capacity of spheroids to fuse. The measurements of contact between spheroids during the fusion process, together with the change in viscoelastic profile to the plastic, will impact the establishment of bioassembly protocols using hypertrophic induced‐ASC spheroids as building blocks in biofabrication.
Oxidative stress, inflammation, and peritoneal dialysis: A molecular biology approach
Authors: Innico Georgie , Gobbi Laura , Bertoldi Giovanni , Rigato Matteo , Basso Anna , Bonfante Luciana , Calò Lorenzo A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe key role of oxidative stress (OxSt) and inflammation for the induction of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of excess morbidity/mortality in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients, is known and both the activations of NADPH oxidase and RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway are pivotal for their effects. While specific hemodialysis procedures, such as hemodiafiltration with on‐line reinfusion of ultrafiltrate and/or the use of vitamin E‐coated dialyzers, are beneficial for OxSt and inflammation, studies in peritoneal dialysis (PD) are instead scarce and results seem not favorable. In nine patients under PD OxSt in terms of mononuclear cell protein level of p22phox(Western blot), subunit of NADPH oxidase, essential for the generation of OxSt, and MYPT‐1 phosphorylation state (Western blot), a marker of ROCK activity, have been measured at the beginning and after 3 and 6 months of PD. Blood levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6), ferritin, and albumin have been considered for evaluating the inflammatory state. p22phoxprotein expression, MYPT‐1‐phosphorylation, and ferritin level were increased both at baseline vs healthy subjects (P = .02,P < .0001,P = .004, respectively) and vs baseline after 3 and 6 months of peritoneal dialysis (P = .007,P < .001,P = .004, respectively). Albumin was lower after 6 months of PD (P = .0014). IL‐6 was increased at baseline vs reference values and remained unchanged at 3 and 6 months. OxSt and inflammation increase during PD confirming via molecular biology approach a report at biochemical level. To improve OxSt state in PD, a multitarget approach is necessary. It might include the use of more physiologic pH, low glucose degradation products, low lactate and iso‐osmolar PD solutions, patients’ strict glycemic control, optimal volume management, and antioxidant administration, such as N‐acetylcysteine.
How does collaborative economy contribute to common good?
Authors: Gomez‐Alvarez Rosario , Morales‐Sánchez Rafael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCollaborative economy emerged as a response to the need of people to exchange, produce and share in a more humane and cooperative manner. However, the growth of collaborative economy organizations and the terminological confusion have led to debates about their possible effects, both positive and negative. In this study, we have created a guideline that can be used to evaluate the contribution of organizations considered within collaborative economy to common good. We used the conceptualization of common good, which, from its Aristotelian‐Thomist philosophy, was developed by the personalist‐humanist perspective of management. Our analysis leads us to conclude that the evaluation of the contribution of any organization to the common good must take into account how the participants develop their virtues, the creation of the community and its impact on the common good of society. At the end of the article, we present the aspects that society must take into account regarding collaborative economy. Firstly, society, in general, must approach collaborative economy as a tool that must complement others in the search for solutions to economic and social problems and, secondly, the governance of the platform‐network is essential to foster organizational models that favour the common good.
Heparanase confers temozolomide resistance by regulation of exosome secretion and circular RNA composition in glioma
Authors: Si Jinchao , Li Wei , Li Xin , Cao Lixing , Chen Zhiqiang , Jiang Zhi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTemozolomide (TMZ) resistance is the main challenge in the management of glioma patients. Heparanase can mediate the secretion and function of exosomes, which are considered to be a promising molecular delivery system for cancer therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether heparanase‐mediated delivery of exosomes was related to TMZ resistance of glioma. Heparanase was upregulated in TMZ‐resistant glioma cells, and overexpression of heparanase led to increased resistance of U87 cells to TMZ. Knockdown of heparanase led to increased sensitivity of TMZ‐resistant U251 cells (U251R) cells to TMZ. Heparanase promoted the secretion of exosomes from glioma cells, and coculture with exosomes derived from heparanase knockdown U251R cells partly restored the sensitivity of U251 cells to TMZ compared with exosomes derived from si‐control transfected U251R cells. It was identified by circular RNA microarrays that hsa_circ_0042003 was upregulated in exosomes derived from U251R, which could be positively regulated by heparanase. U251R cell‐derived exosomal hsa_circ_0042003 conferred the resistance of U251 cells to TMZ. In vivo studies also showed that U251R cell‐derived exosomes induced resistance of U251 cells to TMZ, and the combination of tail‐injected exosomal si‐heparanase or exosomal si‐hsa_circ_0042003 and intraperitoneal TMZ applied to nude mice abolished TMZ resistance. Heparanase mediated the transfer of exosomal hsa_circ_0042003 from TMZ‐resistant glioma cells to drug‐sensitive cells, which contributed to the chemoresistance of glioma to TMZ.
Fucosyltransferase 8 regulation and breast cancer suppression by transcription factor activator protein 2γ
Authors: Ma Minxing , Guo Dong , Tan Zengqi , Du Jun , Guan Feng , Li Xiang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlterations of glycosyltransferase expression are often associated with tumor occurrence and progression. Among the many glycosyltransferases, increased expression of fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) has been frequently observed to be involved in progression and metastasis of various types of cancer. The regulatory mechanisms of FUT8 expression remain unclear. FUT8 expression was shown, in this study, to be elevated in breast cancer. Systematic analysis revealed that transcription factor activator protein 2γ (AP‐2γ) is the target gene of microRNA‐10b (miR‐10b), which we previously identified as a positive regulator of FUT8. Overexpression of AP‐2γ inhibited FUT8 expression, with associated reduction of cell invasiveness and migration ability. AP‐2γ was capable of binding to transcription factor STAT3, and phosphorylation of STAT3 induced transcription of the FUT8 gene. On the basis of our findings, we propose that binding of AP‐2γ to STAT3 results in formation of the AP‐2γ/STAT3 complex and consequent inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation, thereby preventing entry of p‐STAT3 into the nucleus to initiate FUT8 transcription. This study clarifies the molecular mechanisms whereby transcription factor AP‐2γ regulates FUT8 expression in breast cancer.
Community structure and collapses in multichannel food webs: Role of consumer body sizes and mesohabitat productivities
Authors: Dijoux Samuel , Boukal David S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMultichannel food webs are shaped by the ability of apex predators to link asymmetric energy flows in mesohabitats differing in productivity and community traits. While body size is a fundamental trait underlying life histories and demography, its implications for structuring multichannel food webs are unexplored. To fill this gap, we develop a model that links population responses to predation, and resource availability to community‐level patterns, using a tri‐trophic food web model with two populations of intermediate consumers and a size‐selective top predator. We show that asymmetries in mesohabitat productivities and consumer body sizes drive food web structure, merging previously separate theory on apparent competition and emergent Allee effects (i.e. abrupt population collapses) of top predators. Our results yield theoretical support for empirically observed stability of asymmetric multichannel food webs and discover three novel types of emergent Allee effects involving intermediate consumers, multiple populations or multiple alternative stable states.
Thermal performance under constant temperatures can accurately predict insect development times across naturally variable microclimates
Authors: von Schmalensee Loke , Hulda Gunnarsdóttir Katrín , Näslund Joacim , Gotthard Karl , Lehmann Philipp 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExternal conditions can drive biological rates in ectotherms by directly influencing body temperatures. While estimating the temperature dependence of performance traits such as growth and development rate is feasible under controlled laboratory settings, predictions in nature are difficult. One major challenge lies in translating performance under constant conditions to fluctuating environments. Using the butterfly Pieris napi as model system, we show that development rate, an important fitness trait, can be accurately predicted in the field using models parameterized under constant laboratory temperatures. Additionally, using a factorial design, we show that accurate predictions can be made across microhabitats but critically hinge on adequate consideration of non‐linearity in reaction norms, spatial heterogeneity in microclimate and temporal variation in temperature. Our empirical results are also supported by a comparison of published and simulated data. Conclusively, our combined results suggest that, discounting direct effects of temperature, insect development rates are generally unaffected by thermal fluctuations.
Family firms going international: Integrating corporate identity‐building processes and socioemotional wealth dimensions
Authors: Tomo Andrea , Mangia Gianluigi , Pezzillo Iacono Mario , Canonico Paolo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study aims to improve understanding of how identity‐building processes shape corporate identity and how dimensions of socioemotional wealth affect internationalization pathways in a family firm. The paper uses an in‐depth case study of an Italian family firm internationally recognized as excellent in its industry. We developed an integrative theoretical model, combining socioemotional wealth frameworks and elements of the corporate identity mix. This enabled us to incorporate more theoretical knowledge from the field of international management into the domain of family business research. The latent construct of socioemotional wealth provides an in‐depth understanding of the multidimensional nature of corporate identity‐building processes and shows the intertwined nature of corporate identity and the “affective endowment” in the development of internationalization strategies.
Brain transcriptomic responses of Yarrow's spiny lizard, Sceloporus jarrovii, to conspecific visual or chemical signals
Authors: Romero‐Diaz Cristina , Xu Cindy , Campos Stephanie M. , Herrmann Morgan A. , Kusumi Kenro , Hews Diana K. , Martins Emília P. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSpecies with multimodal communication integrate information from social cues in different modalities into behavioral responses that are mediated by changes in gene expression in the brain. Differences in patterns of gene expression between signal modalities may shed light on the neuromolecular mechanisms underlying multisensory processing. Here, we use RNA‐Seq to analyze brain transcriptome responses to either chemical or visual social signals in a territorial lizard with multimodal communication. Using an intruder challenge paradigm, we exposed 18 wild‐caught, adult, male Sceloporus jarrovii to either male conspecific scents (femoral gland secretions placed on a small pebble), the species‐specific push‐up display (a programmed robotic model), or a control (an unscented pebble). We conducted differential expression analysis with both a de novo S. jarrovii transcriptome assembly and the reference genome of a closely related species, Sceloporus undulatus. Despite some inter‐individual variation, we found significant differences in gene expression in the brain across signal modalities and the control in both analyses. The most notable differences occurred between chemical and visual stimulus treatments, closely followed by visual stimulus versus the control. Altered expression profiles could explain documented aggression differences in the immediate behavioral response to conspecific signals from different sensory modalities. Shared differentially expressed genes between visually‐ or chemically‐stimulated males are involved in neural activity and neurodevelopment and several other differentially expressed genes in stimulus‐challenged males are involved in conserved signal‐transduction pathways associated with the social stress response, aggression and the response to territory intruders across vertebrates.
Easy albumin–bilirubin score as a new prognostic predictor in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ho Shu‐Yein , Liu Po‐Hong , Hsu Chia‐Yang , Ko Chih‐Chieh , Huang Yi‐Hsiang , Su Chien‐Wei , Hsia Cheng‐Yuan , Tsai Ping‐Hsing , Chou Shih‐Jie , Lee Rheun‐Chuan , Hou Ming‐Chih , Huo Teh‐Ia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundLiver functional reserve is a major prognostic determinant in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score is an objective method to assess the severity of cirrhosis in this setting. However, calculation of the ALBI score is complex and difficult to access in clinical practice. Recently, the EZ (easy)‐ALBI score was proposed as an alternative biomarker of liver injury. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the EZ‐ALBI score in HCC from early to advanced stages.MethodsA total of 3794 newly diagnosed HCC patients were prospectively enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. Independent prognostic predictors were determined by using the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe EZ‐ALBI score showed good correlation with the ALBI score (correlation coefficient, 0.965; p < 0.001). The correlation of the EZ‐ALBI score was highly preserved in different Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) classifications, treatment methods, and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stages (correlation coefficients, 0.90–0.97). In the Cox multivariate analysis, age >65 years, male sex, serum α‐fetoprotein >20 ng/ml, large or multiple tumors, total tumor volume >100 cm3, vascular invasion or distant metastasis, ascites, poor performance status, EZ‐ALBI grade 2 and 3, and noncurative treatments were independently associated with increased mortality (all p < 0.05). Moreover, EZ‐ALBI grade can stratify long‐term survival in patients with different CTP class, treatment strategy, and BCLC stage.ConclusionsThe EZ‐ALBI score is an easy and feasible method to evaluate liver functional reserve. As a new prognostic biomarker in HCC, the predictive power of the EZ‐ALBI grade is independent across different cancer stages and treatments.
Enhancing employability opportunities for Pharmacy students; a case study of processes to implement competency‐based education in Pharmacy in Kenya
Authors: Ruparelia Jalpa , McMullen Jessica , Anderson Claire , Munene Daniella , Arakawa Naoko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper challenges the western concept of graduate employability as a measure of student success through a case study of a collaboration between pharmacy colleagues in universities in Nairobi, Kenya and Nottingham, UK. As Pharmacy programmes globally adapt their courses to a competency‐based education (CBE) approach, we outline the implications of this for graduate success in Kenya. The Ministry of Education in Kenya recently announced a move to CBE across all educational sectors. This has led to a reconfiguring of how pharmacy is not only taught, but also assessed, and what success means for pharmacy graduates in Kenya. The collaboration has highlighted the need for key stakeholders to work together and influence policy change, and redefine employability in terms of behaviours that meet country‐wide needs. We outline some of the processes and collaborations we formed to redevelop pharmacy programmes in Kenya, and suggest recommendations for continuing partnerships and sustainability.
Aberrant expression of SATB2, CDX2, CDH17 and CK20 in hepatocellular carcinoma: a pathological, clinical and outcome study
Authors: Kmeid Michel , Lukose Georgi , Hodge Kyle , Cho Daniel , Kim Kelly‐Ann , Lee Hwajeong 
Published: May 2021

AimsData regarding expression of intestinal markers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited. We determined the clinicopathological associations of cytokeratin (CK)19, a progenitor liver epithelial cell marker as well as biliary epithelial marker, and intestinal immunohistochemical markers expression in HCC and assessed their prognostic value.Methods and resultsTissue sections and/or tissue microarrays (TMAs) from 202 known HCCs were immunostained using CK19, CK20, CDH17, CDX2 and SATB2 antibodies. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained slides were reviewed for tumour grading. Clinical and oncological outcomes were retrieved. Associations of staining with clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were evaluated. CK19, CK20, CDH17, CDX2 and SATB2 were positive in 12.8, 5.4, 10.3, 8.6 and 59.9%, respectively. All but SATB2 were strongly associated with higher tumour grade and AFP levels > 400 ng/ml (P < 0.05). CK19‐positive HCC were more likely to express CDX2 (P = 0.001), CDH17 (P < 0.001) and/or CK20 (P = 0.012). CK20, CDX2 and CDH17 co‐expression was seen in five cases (2.5%). CK19 and SATB2 positivity, tumour size ≥ 5 cm, background cirrhosis, AFP > 400 ng/ml and having no treatment were associated with decreased overall survival by log‐rank test and univariable proportional hazards regression. However, in a multivariable model, CK19 and SATB2 positivity were not independent predictors of decreased survival while their association with known poor prognosticators in HCC was evident.ConclusionsHCC can express markers of intestinal differentiation. This phenotypical aberrancy correlates with variable clinicopathological parameters, some of which are independent predictors of poor survival.
Excessive caffeine intake increases bone resorption associated with periapical periodontitis in rats
Authors: Dal‐Fabbro Renan , Cosme‐Silva Leopoldo , Capalbo Letícia Cabrera , Chaves‐Neto Antonio Hernandes , Ervolino Edilson , Cintra Luciano Tavares Angelo , Gomes‐Filho João Eduardo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effect of excessive caffeine intake on the inflammation/resorption processes associated with periapical periodontitis (PP) in rats.MethodologySixteen Wistar rats were used. Periapical periodontitis was induced in the four first molars in each animal. The animals were arranged into two groups: control (C)—rats with periapical periodontitis; and caffeine (CAF)—rats with periapical periodontitis under caffeine administration protocol. The CAF animals received 10 mg/100 g of body weight/day of caffeine via gavage starting fifteen days before PP induction and continuing for thirty more days until euthanasia. On the 30th day, the animals were euthanized and the jaws removed for microcomputed tomography, histological and immunohistochemical analysis for RANKL, OPG, TRAP, IL‐10, TNF‐⍺ and IL‐1β. The Mann–Whitney test was performed for nonparametric data, and Student's t test was performed for parametric data, using p < .05.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the weight change between the groups. The median score of the inflammatory process was significantly greater in the CAF group (3) compared with the C group (2), p = .0256. Bone resorption was greater in the group consuming caffeine (1.08 ± 0.15 mm3) compared with the C group (0.88 ± 0.10 mm3), p = .0346. The immunolabelling for RANKL, TRAP and IL‐1β was significantly higher in the CAF group when compared to the control, p < .05. No differences were found for the OPG, IL‐10 and TNF‐⍺ immunolabelling.ConclusionExcessive caffeine exposure via gavage in rats was able to exacerbate the volume of periapical bone destruction, and the inflammatory pattern deriving from periapical periodontitis altering the expression of RANKL, IL‐1β and TRAP.
Vulvovaginal involvement in Stevens‐Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: management and techniques used to reduce gynecologic sequelae
Authors: Crowder Carly A. , Jeney Sarah E. S. , Kraus Christina N. , Bernal Nicole , Lane Felicia 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundVulvovaginal involvement in Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is common, likely underdiagnosed, and can result in severe sequelae if not managed acutely. There are few studies on acute management of vulvovaginal SJS/TEN. Current recommendations are predominantly based on expert opinion. We aimed to determine the frequency of vulvovaginal involvement in SJS/TEN at a single institution, identify treatment modalities, and assess outcomes at a tertiary care burn center.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of vulvovaginal SJS/TEN cases between 2009 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data including exam findings, treatment regimens, and outpatient follow‐up were collected from the electronic medical record.ResultsVulvovaginal involvement was observed in 12.7% (19/149) of cases of female patients with SJS/TEN. The mean age was 38.7 years (SD 23.6), and 21% (4/19) of patients were pediatric (age 9–18). Vulvar involvement was seen in 47.3% (9/19), and vulvar plus vaginal involvement was reported in 42.1% (8/19). Treatment regimens were variable until 2017, at which time institutional guidelines were implemented including application of ultrapotent topical steroid, vaginal estrogen, and menstrual suppression. Gynecology follow‐up occurred in 15.7% (3/19) of cases. One complication of superficial vaginal agglutination was noted and was successfully treated in the office with blunt dissection.ConclusionThe most common treatment modalities employed at our institution included application of ultrapotent topical steroid, vaginal estrogen, and menstrual suppression. While follow‐up was limited for our patient population, we propose an algorithm to prevent long‐term sequalae of vulvovaginal SJS/TEN. Gynecologic surveillance is recommended to reduce urogynecologic sequelae.