bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune Infiltration, Cancer Stemness, and Targeted Therapy in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Ren Hui , Wu Wenhui , Zeng Qianlin , Chen Jingyao , Han Juanjuan , Lin Minquan , Zhang Changhua , He Yulong , Li Mingzhe 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of the tumor immune microenvironment in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and identify cancer stem-like properties of GIST to screen potential druggable molecular targets.MethodsThe gene expression data of 60 patients with GIST was retrieved from the Array Express database. CIBERSORT was applied to calculate the level of immune infiltration. ssGSEA and ESTIMATE were used to calculate the cancer stemness index and tissue purity. The Connectivity Map (CMAP) database was implemented to screen targeted drugs based on cancer stem-like properties of GIST.ResultThere was a difference in the level of immune infiltration between the metastasis and non-metastasis GIST groups. The low level of T-cell infiltration was correlated with high tumor purity and tumor stemness index, and the correlation coefficients were -0.87 and -0.61 (p &lt; 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between cancer stemness index and cell purity (p &lt; 0.001). The cancer stemness index in the metastasis group was higher than that in the non-metastasis group (p = 0.0017). After adjusting for tumor purity, there was no significant correlation between T-cell infiltration and cancer stemness index (p = 0.086). Through the pharmacological mechanism of topoisomerase inhibitors, six molecular complexes may be the targets of GIST treatment.ConclusionImmune infiltration in GIST patients is related to cancer stem-like properties, and the correlation relies on tumor purity. Cancer stemness index can be used as a new predictive biomarker of tumor metastasis and targets of drug therapy for GIST patients.
The Humoral Immune Response to BNT162b2 Vaccine Is Associated With Circulating CD19+ B Lymphocytes and the Naïve CD45RA to Memory CD45RO CD4+ T Helper Cells Ratio in Hemodialysis Patients and Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Duni Anila , Markopoulos Georgios S. , Mallioras Ioannis , Pappas Haralampos , Pappas Efthymios , Koutlas Vasileios , Tzalavra Eirini , Baxevanos Gerasimos , Priska Silvia , Gartzonika Konstantina , Mitsis Michael , Dounousi Evangelia 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe humoral and cellular immune responses to SARS-COV-2 vaccination remain to be elucidated in hemodialysis (HD) patients and kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), considering their baseline immunosuppressed status. The aim of our study was to assess the associations of vaccine-induced antibody responses with circulating lymphocytes sub-populations and their respective patterns of alterations in maintenance HD patients and KTRs.Materials and MethodsWe included 34 HD patients and 54 KTRs who received two doses of the mRNA-vaccine BNT162b2. Lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed by flow cytometry before vaccination (T0), before the second vaccine dose (T1) and 2 weeks after the second dose (T2). The anti-SARS-CoV2 antibody response was assessed at T1 and at T2.Results31 HD patients (91.8%) and 16 KTRs (29.6%) became seropositive at T2. HD patients who became seropositive following the first dose displayed higher CD19+ B lymphocytes compared to their seronegative HD counterparts. A positive correlation was established between CD19+ B cells counts and antibody titers at all time-points in both groups (p &lt; 0.001). KTRs showed higher naïve CD4+CD45RA+ T helper cells compared to HD patients at baseline and T2 whereas HD patients displayed higher memory CD45RO+ T cells compared to KTRs at T2. The naïve CD4+CD45RA to memory CD4+CD45RO+ T helper cells fraction was negatively associated with antibody production in both groups.ConclusionsOur study provides a potential conceptual framework for monitoring vaccination efficacy in HD patients and KTRs considering the correlation established between CD19+ B cells, generation of memory CD4+ T helper cells and anti SARS-CoV2 antibody response to vaccination.
Removal of Different Thicknesses Influences the Repair Bond Strength of Dental Resin Composites
Authors: Yu Kai , Wan Minting , Shi Kui , Xue Longjian , Chen Zhi , Zhang Lu 
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the repair bond strength of aged resin composites after removing different thicknesses, determine the repair performance using the same or different resin composites and describe the treated surfaces after ageing. Seventy simulated class I cavities were prepared in extracted human third molars were randomly divided into two groups and restored with a nanofilled (Filtek Z350) or a microhybrid (Clearfil APX) composite. Five specimens without ageing in each group acted as a positive control for microtensile bond strength (MTBS) test. After thermocycling, each group was randomly divided into two subgroups: Group RT1, 1 mm removed and Group RT3, 3 mm removed, followed by roughening. Ten specimens in each subgroup were repaired with the same or different composites, and MTBS tests were conducted. The surface roughness (Sa), and water contact angle of the remaining five specimens in each subgroup were measured. In every combination group, Group RT3 showed significantly higher MTBS values than Group RT1, and identical composite was not compulsory for higher repair bond strength. Removal thickness had no significant effect on the Sa in same composite group. In both the Z350 and APX groups, the water contact angle decreased with increasing removal thickness.
Synergetic–Complementary Use of Industrial Solid Wastes to Prepare High-Performance Rapid Repair Mortar
Authors: Li Jingwei , Xu Dong , Wang Xujiang , Wang Kun , Wang Wenlong 
Published: December 2021

With the vigorous development of infrastructure engineering, there are growing demands for high-performance rapid repair mortar, especially those using environmental-friendly and low-carbon cementitious materials. Hereupon, this work explored an innovative approach for rapid repair mortar preparation using solid waste-based calcium sulfoaluminate cement. The calcium sulfoaluminate cement was first prepared via synergetic–complementary use of industrial solid wastes and then adopted to prepare rapid repair mortar by proportionally mixing with standard sand and four additives (i.e., polycarboxylate superplasticizer, lithium carbonate, boric acid, and latex powder). The mechanistic analysis indicated that the four additives comprehensively optimized the mechanical strengths, fluidity, and setting time of rapid repair mortar by adjusting the hydration process of calcium sulfoaluminate cement. The test results showed that the 2-h compressive and flexural strength, and 1-day bonding strength of the prepared rapid repair mortar were 32.5, 9.2, and 2.01 MPa, respectively, indicating excellent early-age mechanical performance. In addition, the 28-day compressive and flexural strengths of the rapid repair mortar reached 71.8 and 17.7 MPa. Finally, a life cycle assessment and economic analysis indicated that this approach achieved environmental-friendly utilization of industrial solid wastes, and cost-effective and energy-saving natures, which supports current trends towards a circular economy and green sustainable development.
Association Between Overweight Sarcopenic Population and Acute Vertebral Osteoporotic Compression Fractures in Females: Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Younghun , Lee Ho-Jae , Yoon Siyeong , Shin Jaeyeon , Park Kyung-Chae , Lee So-young , Lee Soonchul 
Published: December 2021

Background: This study aimed to determine whether the prevalence of acute vertebral osteoporotic compression fractures (VOCF) in the elderly population is related to the distribution of muscles and fat in the human body.Methods: Data of acute VOCF and non-VOCF patients presenting at our institution between January 2018 and May 2020 were analyzed. Patients aged 65 years and older, who underwent body composition test and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the same time were enrolled. After applying exclusion criteria, patients were divided into four groups: normal, sarcopenia without obesity, obesity without sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity. Body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 was considered obesity, and sarcopenia was defined as skeletal muscle index lower than 7.0 kg/m2 in males and 5.4 kg/m2 in females. The VOCF rate was analyzed between the groups.Discussion: A total of 461 patients were included, of whom 103 were males. Among them, 163 (35.36%) had normal body composition, 151 (32.75%) had sarcopenia without obesity, 110 (23.86%) had obesity without sarcopenia, and 37 (8.03%) had sarcopenic obesity. The sarcopenic obesity group had the highest rate of acute VOCF (37.8%), which was statistically significant. Specifically, females with sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia without obesity had significantly higher acute VOCF rates compared to those with normal body compositions. Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenic obesity was significantly associated with acute VOCF rate overall, as well as in females.Conclusion: Sarcopenic obesity is strongly associated with acute VOCF, especially in females, and it could be an essential criterion for the prevention of acute VOCF.
Are Argonaute-Associated Tiny RNAs Junk, Inferior miRNAs, or a New Type of Functional RNAs?
Authors: Nakanishi Kotaro 
Published: December 2021

The biosynthesis pathways of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been well characterized with the identification of the required components. miRNAs are synthesized from the transcripts of miRNA genes and other RNAs, such as introns, transfer RNAs, ribosomal RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and even viral miRNAs. These small RNAs are loaded into Argonaute (AGO) proteins and recruit the effector complexes to target mRNAs, repressing their gene expression post-transcriptionally. While mature miRNAs were defined as 19–23 nucleotides (nt), tiny RNAs (tyRNAs) shorter than 19 nt have been found to bind AGOs as equivalent or lesser miRNAs compared to their full-length mature miRNAs. In contrast, my recent study revealed that when human AGO3 loads 14 nt cleavage-inducing tyRNAs (cityRNAs), comprised of the first 14 nt of their corresponding mature miRNA, it can become a comparable slicer to AGO2. This observation raises the possibility that tyRNAs play distinct roles from their mature form. This minireview focuses on human AGO-associated tyRNAs shorter than 19 nt and discusses their possible biosynthesis pathways and physiological benefits, including how tyRNAs could avoid target-directed miRNA degradation accompanied by AGO polyubiquitination.
Bi-Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Treadmill Walking Decreases Motor Cortical Activity in Young and Older Adults
Authors: Orcioli-Silva Diego , Islam Aisha , Baker Mark R. , Gobbi Lilian Teresa Bucken , Rochester Lynn , Pantall Annette 
Published: December 2021

Background: Walking in the “real world” involves motor and cognitive processes. In relation to this, declines in both motor function and cognition contribute to age-related gait dysfunction. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and treadmill walking (STW) have potential to improve gait, particularly during dual-task walking (DTW); walking whilst performing a cognitive task. Our aims were to analyze effects of combined anodal tDCS + STW intervention on cortical activity and gait during DTW.Methods: Twenty-three young adults (YA) and 21 older adults (OA) were randomly allocated to active or sham tDCS stimulation groups. Participants performed 5-min of mixed treadmill walking (alternating 30 s bouts of STW and DTW) before and after a 20-min intervention of active or sham tDCS + STW. Anodal electrodes were placed over the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the vertex (Cz) using 9 cm2 electrodes at 0.6 mA. Cortical activity of the PFC, primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), and supplementary motor area (SMA) bilaterally were recorded using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. Oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) levels were analyzed as indicators of cortical activity. An accelerometer measured gait parameters. We calculated the difference between DTW and STW for HbO2 and gait parameters. We applied linear mixed effects models which included age group (YA vs. OA), stimulation condition (sham vs. active), and time (pre- vs. post-intervention) as fixed effects. Treadmill belt speed was a covariate. Partial correlation tests were also performed.Results: A main effect of age group was observed. OA displayed higher activity bilaterally in the PFC and M1, unilaterally in the right PMC and higher gait variability than YA. M1 activity decreased in both YA and OA following active tDCS + STW. There was no overall effect of tDCS + STW on PFC activity or gait parameters. However, negative correlations were observed between changes in left PFC and stride length variability following active tDCS + STW intervention.Conclusion: Increased activity in multiple cortical areas during DTW in OA may act as a compensatory mechanism. Reduction in M1 activity following active tDCS + STW with no observed gait changes suggests improved neural efficiency.
T1 Relaxation Times in the Cortex and Thalamus Are Associated With Working Memory and Information Processing Speed in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Thaler Christian , Hartramph Isabelle , Stellmann Jan-Patrick , Heesen Christoph , Bester Maxim , Fiehler Jens , Gellißen Susanne 
Published: December 2021

Background: Cortical and thalamic pathologies have been associated with cognitive impairment in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).Objective: We aimed to quantify cortical and thalamic damage in patients with MS using a high-resolution T1 mapping technique and to evaluate the association of these changes with clinical and cognitive impairment.Methods: The study group consisted of 49 patients with mainly relapsing-remitting MS and 17 age-matched healthy controls who received 3T MRIs including a T1 mapping sequence (MP2RAGE). Mean T1 relaxation times (T1-RT) in the cortex and thalami were compared between patients with MS and healthy controls. Additionally, correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between MRI parameters and clinical and cognitive disability.Results: Patients with MS had significantly decreased normalized brain, gray matter, and white matter volumes, as well as increased T1-RT in the normal-appearing white matter, compared to healthy controls (p &lt; 0.001). Partial correlation analysis with age, sex, and disease duration as covariates revealed correlations for T1-RT in the cortex (r = −0.33, p &lt; 0.05), and thalami (right thalamus: r = −0.37, left thalamus: r = −0.50, both p &lt; 0.05) with working memory and information processing speed, as measured by the Symbol-Digit Modalities Test.Conclusion: T1-RT in the cortex and thalamus correlate with information processing speed in patients with MS.
Real-Time Neuropsychological Testing Protocol for Left Temporal Brain Tumor Surgery: A Technical Note and Case Report
Authors: Tomasino Barbara , Guarracino Ilaria , Ius Tamara , Maieron Marta , Skrap Miran 
Published: December 2021

Background: The risk of surgery in eloquent areas is related to neuropsychological dysfunctions. Maximizing the extent of resection increases the overall survival. The onco-functional balance is mandatory when surgery involves cognitive areas, and maximal information on the cognitive status of patients during awake surgery is needed. This can be achieved using direct cortical stimulation mapping and, in addition to this, a neuropsychological monitoring technique called real-time neuropsychological testing (RTNT). The RTNT includes testing protocols based on the area where the surgery is performed. We reported on tests used for left temporal lobe surgery and our RTNT decision tree.Case Report: We reported our RTNT experience with a 25-year-old right-handed man with 13 years of schooling. He reported daily partial seizures. MRI revealed the presence of a low-grade glioma involving the temporo-insular cortex. The neuropsychological status presurgery which was within the normal range was combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) information. Awake surgery plus RTNT was performed. Direct electrical stimulation during object naming elicited a motor speech arrest. Resection was continuously accompanied by the RTNT. The RTNT provided enriched information to the surgeon. Performance never dropped. A slight decrement in accuracy emerged for pseudoword repetition, short-term memory and working memory, phonological processing, and verbal comprehension. Total resection was performed, and the histological examination confirmed the nature of the lesion. Immediate postsurgery performance was within the normal range as it was the fMRI and DTI assessment.Conclusion: The RTNT provides essential information that can be used online, during surgery, for clinical aims to provide the surgeon with useful feedback on the cognitive status of patients.
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping-Derived Radiomic Features in Discriminating Multiple Sclerosis From Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Yan Zichun , Liu Huan , Chen Xiaoya , Zheng Qiao , Zeng Chun , Zheng Yineng , Ding Shuang , Peng Yuling , Li Yongmei 
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To implement a machine learning model using radiomic features extracted from quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in discriminating multiple sclerosis (MS) from neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).Materials and Methods: Forty-seven patients with MS (mean age = 40.00 ± 13.72 years) and 36 patients with NMOSD (mean age = 42.14 ± 12.34 years) who underwent enhanced gradient-echo T2*-weighted angiography (ESWAN) sequence in 3.0-T MRI were included between April 2017 and October 2019. QSM images were reconstructed from ESWAN, and QSM-derived radiomic features were obtained from seven regions of interest (ROIs), including bilateral putamen, globus pallidus, head of the caudate nucleus, thalamus, substantia nigra, red nucleus, and dentate nucleus. A machine learning model (logistic regression) was applied to classify MS and NMOSD, which combined radiomic signatures and demographic information to assess the classification accuracy using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).Results: The radiomics-only models showed better discrimination performance in almost all deep gray matter (DGM) regions than the demographic information-only model, with the highest AUC in DN of 0.902 (95% CI: 0.840–0.955). Moreover, the hybrid model combining radiomic signatures and demographic information showed the highest discrimination performance which achieved the AUC of 0.927 (95% CI: 0.871–0.984) with fivefold cross-validation.Conclusion: The hybrid model based on QSM and powered with machine learning has the potential to discriminate MS from NMOSD.
Insights Into Acute and Delayed Cisplatin-Induced Emesis From a Microelectrode Array, Radiotelemetry and Whole-Body Plethysmography Study of Suncus murinus (House Musk Shrew)
Authors: Tu Longlong , Liu Julia Y. H. , Lu Zengbing , Cui Dexuan , Ngan Man P. , Du Peng , Rudd John A. 
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Cancer patients receiving cisplatin therapy often experience side-effects such as nausea and emesis, but current anti-emetic regimens are suboptimal. Thus, to enable the development of efficacious anti-emetic treatments, the mechanisms of cisplatin-induced emesis must be determined. We therefore investigated these mechanisms in Suncus murinus, an insectivore that is capable of vomiting.Methods: We used a microelectrode array system to examine the effect of cisplatin on the spatiotemporal properties of slow waves in stomach antrum, duodenum, ileum and colon tissues isolated from S. murinus. In addition, we used a multi-wire radiotelemetry system to record conscious animals’ gastric myoelectric activity, core body temperature, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate viability over 96-h periods. Furthermore, we used whole-body plethysmography to simultaneously monitor animals’ respiratory activity. At the end of in vivo experiments, the stomach antrum was collected and immunohistochemistry was performed to identify c-Kit and cluster of differentiation 45 (CD45)-positive cells.Results: Our acute in vitro studies revealed that cisplatin (1–10 μM) treatment had acute region-dependent effects on pacemaking activity along the gastrointestinal tract, such that the stomach and colon responded oppositely to the duodenum and ileum. S. murinus treated with cisplatin for 90 min had a significantly lower dominant frequency (DF) in the ileum and a longer waveform period in the ileum and colon. Our 96-h recordings showed that cisplatin inhibited food and water intake and caused weight loss during the early and delayed phases. Moreover, cisplatin decreased the DF, increased the percentage power of bradygastria, and evoked a hypothermic response during the acute and delayed phases. Reductions in BP and respiratory rate were also observed. Finally, we demonstrated that treatment with cisplatin caused inflammation in the antrum of the stomach and reduced the density of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC).Conclusion: These studies indicate that cisplatin treatment of S. murinus disrupted ICC networking and viability and also affected general homeostatic mechanisms of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. The effect on the gastrointestinal tract appeared to be region-specific. Further investigations are required to comprehensively understand these mechanistic effects of cisplatin and their relationship to emesis.
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Danshen Baibixiao Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Jin Xiaoqi , Xu Hongfeng , Huang Chuanqi , Ma Haoran , Xiong Xin , Cheng Lu , Wang Fuqian , Feng Yan , Zhang Geng 
Published: December 2021

Background: Danshen Baibixiao (DB) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula, which has been used to treat psoriasis for decades. Although DB shows good efficacy in clinical practice, the pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of DB remain elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-psoriatic effects of DB and explore its underlying mechanisms in an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like mouse model.Materials and methods: DB was orally administered on IMQ-induced psoriatic mice. Psoriasis area severity index (PASI) was used to evaluate the severity of the inflammation in skin, and histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining. Levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-22 in serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA expressions of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6 and IL-22 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Expression levels of proteins related to NF-κB, STAT3 and MAPKs signaling pathways were measured by western blotting (WB).Results: DB significantly ameliorated the psoriatic symptoms in IMQ-induced mice. The serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-22) were decreased, and mRNA expressions of IL-17A, IL-23, IL-6 and IL-22 in skin tissues were down-regulated. Moreover, WB analysis indicated that DB inhibited the activation of NF-κB, STAT3 and MAPKs signaling pathways.Conclusion: This study confirms the anti-psoriatic activity of DB in IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mice. The possible mechanism may relate to the activities of regulating the IL-23/TH-17 axis and suppressing the activation of NF-κB, STAT3 and MAPKs signaling pathways.