bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a theoretical model for upright postural control in lower limb prosthesis users
Authors: Rusaw David F. , Alinder Rasmus , Edholm Sigurd , Hallstedt Karin L. L. , Runesson Jessika , Barnett Cleveland T. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMethods used to assess quiet standing in unilateral prosthesis users often assume validity of an inverted pendulum model despite this being shown as invalid in some instances. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the validity of a proposed unilaterally-constrained pin-controller model in explaining postural control in unilateral prosthesis users. Prosthesis users were contrasted against the theoretical model as were able-bodied controls that stood on a platform which unilaterally constrained movement of the CoP. All participants completed bouts of quiet standing with eyes open, eyes closed and with feedback on inter-limb weight bearing asymmetry. Correlation coefficients were used to infer inverted pendulum behavior in both the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions and were derived from both kinematic (body attached markers) and kinetic (centre of pressure) experimental data. Larger, negative correlation coefficients reflected better model adherence, whilst low or no correlation reflected poorer model adherence. Inverted pendulum behavior derived from kinematic data, indicated coefficients of high magnitude in both mediolateral (all cases range 0.71–0.78) and anteroposterior (0.88–0.91) directions, irrespective of groups. Inverted pendulum behavior derived from kinetic data in the anteroposterior direction indicated validity of the model with large negative coefficients associated with the unconstrained/intact limbs (prosthesis users: − 0.45 to − 0.65, control group: − 0.43 to − 0.72), small coefficients in constrained/prosthetic limbs (prosthesis users: − 0.02 to 0.07, control group: 0.13–0.26) and large negative coefficients in combined conditions (prosthesis users: − 0.36 to − 0.56, control group: − 0.71 to − 0.82). For the mediolateral direction, coefficients were negligible for individual limbs (0.03–0.17) and moderate to large negative correlations, irrespective of group (− 0.31 to − 0.73). Data suggested both prosthesis users’ and able-bodied individuals’ postural control conforms well to that predicted by a unilaterally-constrained pin-controller model, which has implications for the fundamental control of posture in transtibial prosthesis users.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the encystment-related lncRNA expression profile and coexpressed mRNAs in Pseudourostyla cristata
Authors: Pan Nan , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Zhang Wen , Ni Bing , Fan Xinpeng , Chen Jiwu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCiliated protozoans form dormant cysts for survival under adverse conditions. The molecular mechanisms regulating this process are critical for understanding how single-celled eukaryotes adapt to the environment. Despite the accumulated data on morphology and gene coding sequences, the molecular mechanism by which lncRNAs regulate ciliate encystment remains unknown. Here, we first detected and analyzed the lncRNA expression profile and coexpressed mRNAs in dormant cysts versus vegetative cells in the hypotrich ciliate Pseudourostyla cristata by high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR. A total of 853 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. Compared to vegetative cells, 439 and 414 lncRNAs were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, while 47 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in dormant cysts. A lncRNA-mRNA coexpression network was constructed, and the possible roles of lncRNAs were screened. Three of the identified lncRNAs, DN12058, DN20924 and DN30855, were found to play roles in fostering encystment via their coexpressed mRNAs. These lncRNAs can regulate a variety of physiological activities that are essential for encystment, including autophagy, protein degradation, the intracellular calcium concentration, microtubule-associated dynein and microtubule interactions, and cell proliferation inhibition. These findings provide the first insight into the potentially functional lncRNAs and their coexpressed mRNAs involved in the dormancy of ciliated protozoa and contribute new evidence for understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating encystment.
High-throughput enrichment and isolation of megakaryocyte progenitor cells from the mouse bone marrow
Authors: Bush Lucas M. , Healy Connor P. , Marvin James E. , Deans Tara L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMegakaryocytes are a rare population of cells that develop in the bone marrow and function to produce platelets that circulate throughout the body and form clots to stop or prevent bleeding. A major challenge in studying megakaryocyte development, and the diseases that arise from their dysfunction, is the identification, classification, and enrichment of megakaryocyte progenitor cells that are produced during hematopoiesis. Here, we present a high throughput strategy for identifying and isolating megakaryocytes and their progenitor cells from a heterogeneous population of bone marrow samples. Specifically, we couple thrombopoietin (TPO) induction, image flow cytometry, and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify and enrich for megakaryocyte progenitor cells that are capable of self-renewal and directly differentiating into mature megakaryocytes. This enrichment strategy distinguishes megakaryocyte progenitors from other lineage-committed cells in a high throughput manner. Furthermore, by using image flow cytometry with PCA, we have identified a combination of markers and characteristics that can be used to isolate megakaryocyte progenitor cells using standard flow cytometry methods. Altogether, these techniques enable the high throughput enrichment and isolation of cells in the megakaryocyte lineage and have the potential to enable rapid disease identification and diagnoses ahead of severe disease progression.
Impact of kidney size on mortality in diabetic patients receiving peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Chen Chun-Hao , Chen Chao-Yu , Yu Mei-Ching , Fu Jen-Fen , Hou Yi-Chou , Wang I.-Kuan , Chih Yu-Hsin , Weng Cheng-Hao , Huang Wen-Hung , Hsu Ching-Wei , Tam Frederick W. K. , Yen Tzung-Hai 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough patients with diabetes mellitus mostly present with enlarged or normal-sized kidneys throughout their life, a small proportion of patients have small kidneys. This longitudinal study enrolled 83 diabetic patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) between 2015 and 2019. Patients were stratified into two groups, those with enlarged or normal (n = 67) or small (n = 16) kidneys, based on their kidney sizes before dialysis. Patients with small kidney size were not only older (76.63 ± 10.63 vs. 68.03 ± 11.26 years, P = 0.007), suffered longer duration of diabetes mellitus (272.09 ± 305.09 vs. 151.44 ± 85.31 month, P = 0.006) and predominantly female (75.0 vs. 41.8%, P = 0.017), but also had lower serum levels of creatinine (9.63 ± 2.82 vs. 11.74 ± 3.32 mg/dL, P = 0.022) and albumin (3.23 ± 0.67 vs. 3.60 ± 0.47 g/dL, P = 0.010) than patients with enlarged or normal kidney size. At the end of analysis, 14 (16.9%) patients died. Patients with small kidney size demonstrated higher all-cause (50.0 vs. 9.0%, P < 0.001) and infection-related (43.8 vs. 7.5%, P < 0.001) mortality than patients with enlarged or normal kidney size. In a multivariate-logistic-regression model, small kidney size was a powerful predictor of mortality (odds ratio 6.452, 95% confidence interval 1.220–34.482, P = 0.028). Diabetic patients with small kidney size at the beginning of PD carry a substantial risk for mortality.
Identification and distribution of novel badnaviral sequences integrated in the genome of cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Authors: Muller Emmanuelle , Ullah Ihsan , Dunwell Jim M. , Daymond Andrew J. , Richardson Megan , Allainguillaume Joël , Wetten Andy 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTheobroma cacao is one of the most economically important tropical trees, being the source of chocolate. As part of an ongoing study to understand the diversity of the badnavirus complex, responsible for the cacao swollen shoot virus disease in West Africa, evidence was found recently of virus-like sequences in asymptomatic cacao plants. The present study exploited the wealth of genomic resources in this crop, and combined bioinformatic, molecular, and genetic approaches to report for the first time the presence of integrated badnaviral sequences in most of the cacao genetic groups. These sequences, which we propose to name eTcBV for endogenous T. cacao bacilliform virus, varied in type with each predominating in a specific genetic group. A diagnostic multiplex PCR method was developed to identify the homozygous or hemizygous condition of one specific insert, which was inherited as a single Mendelian trait. These data suggest that these integration events occurred before or during the species diversification in Central and South America, and prior to its cultivation in other regions. Such evidence of integrated sequences is relevant to the management of cacao quarantine facilities and may also aid novel methods to reduce the impact of such viruses in this crop.
Sarcoma IL-12 overexpression facilitates NK cell immunomodulation
Authors: Rademacher Mary Jo , Cruz Anahi , Faber Mary , Oldham Robyn A. A. , Wang Dandan , Medin Jeffrey A. , Schloemer Nathan J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInterleukin-12 (IL-12) is an inflammatory cytokine that has demonstrated efficacy for cancer immunotherapy, but systemic administration has detrimental toxicities. Lentiviral transduction eliciting IL-12-producing human sarcoma for autologous reintroduction provides localized delivery for both innate and adaptive immune response augmentation. Sarcoma cell lines and primary human sarcoma samples were transduced with recombinant lentivirus engineering expression of human IL-12 (hu-IL-12). IL-12 expressing sarcomas were assessed in vitro and in vivo following implantation into humanized NSG and transgenic human IL-15 expressing (NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15)) murine models. Lentiviral transduction (LV/hu-IL-12) of human osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, as well as low-passage primary human sarcomas, engendered high-level expression of hu-IL-12. Hu-IL-12 demonstrated functional viability, eliciting specific NK cell-mediated interferon-γ (IFN-γ) release and cytotoxic growth restriction of spheroids in vitro. In orthotopic xenograft murine models, the LV/hu-IL-12 transduced human sarcoma produced detectable IL-12 and elicited an IFN-γ inflammatory immune response specific to mature human NK reconstitution in the NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15) model while restricting tumor growth. We conclude that LV/hu-IL-12 transduction of sarcoma elicits a specific immune reaction and the humanized NSG.Tg(Hu-IL-15) xenograft, with mature human NK cells, can define in vivo anti-tumor effects and systemic toxicities. IL-12 immunomodulation through autologous tumor transduction and reintroduction merits exploration for sarcoma treatment.
Estimation of carbon dioxide emissions from the megafires of Australia in 2019–2020
Authors: Shiraishi Tomohiro , Hirata Ryuichi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCatastrophic fires occurred in Australia between 2019 and 2020. These fires burned vast areas and caused extensive damage to the environment and wildlife. In this study, we estimated the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from these fires using a bottom-up method involving the improved burnt area approach and up-to-date remote sensing datasets to create monthly time series distribution maps for Australia from January 2019 to February 2020. The highest monthly CO2 emissions in Australia since 2001 were recorded in December 2019. The estimated annual CO2 emissions from March 2019 to February 2020 in Australia were 806 ± 69.7 Tg CO2 year−1, equivalent to 1.5 times its total greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) in 2017. New South Wales (NSW) emitted 181 ± 10.2 Tg CO2 month−1 in December 2019 alone, representing 64% of the average annual emissions of Australia from 2001–2018. The negative correlation observed between CO2 emissions and precipitation for 2001–2020 was 0.51 for Australia. Lower than average precipitation and fires in high biomass density areas caused significant CO2 emissions. This study helps to better assess the performance of climate models as a case study of one of the major events caused by climate.
Exploring the biomechanical responses of human cupula by numerical analysis of temperature experiments
Authors: Wu Xiang , Yu Shen , Shen Shuang , Liu Wenlong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe vestibular receptor of cupula acts an important role in maintaining body balance. However, the cupula buried in the semicircular canals (SCCs) will be destroyed if it is detached from the relevant environment. The mechanical properties of human cupula still remain ambiguous. In this paper, we explored the cupula responses changing with temperature by experiments and numerical simulation of SCCs model. We obtained 3 volunteers’ nystagmus induced by constant angular acceleration when the temperature of volunteers’ SCCs was 36 °C and 37 °C respectively. The slow-phase velocity of 3 volunteers decreased by approximately 3°/s when the temperature of SCCs reduced by 1 °C, which corresponded to the reduction of cupula deformation by 0.3–0.8 μm in the numerical model. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of the variation of endolymphatic properties induced by temperature reduction on cupula deformation through numerical simulation. We found that the decrease of cupula deformation was not caused by the change of endolymphatic properties, but probably by the increase of cupula’s elastic modulus. With the temperature reducing by 1 °C, the cupula’s elastic modulus may increase by 6–20%, suggesting that the stiffness of cupula is enhanced. This exploration of temperature characteristic of human cupula promotes the research of alleviating vestibular diseases.
Absent in melanoma 2 suppresses gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration via inactivation of AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Dong , Zou Junwei , Dai Jun , Cheng Zhengwu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and poses a great threat to public health. Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), a member of the pyrin-HIN family proteins, plays various roles across different types of cancers. However, the possible role of AIM2 in GC, as well as the underling mechanisms, are equivocal and need to be further explored. Herein, we identified that AIM2 expression was significantly down-regulated in GC tissues. Furthermore, loss of AIM2 was significantly associated with tumor size, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and tumor, node, metastases (TNM) staging, as well as poor prognosis in GC patients. Knockdown of AIM2 in GC cells significantly promoted cellular proliferation and migration, whereas AIM2 overexpression did the opposite. Mechanistically, we discovered that AIM2 regulates the AKT signaling pathway. In fact, the enhanced proliferation and migration ability induced by AIM2 knockdown was partially impaired in cells treated with the AKT inhibitor. Overall, our findings suggests that AIM2 is an independent prognostic marker and highlights a new entry point for targeting the AIM2/AKT signaling axis for GC treatment.
Patch test of dental materials in Oral Lichen Planus with considering the role of saliva
Authors: Agha-Hosseini Farzaneh , Gholamrezayi Elahe , Moosavi Mahdieh-Sadat 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLichen planus is the most common skin disease that affects the oral mucosa. Oral Lichen Planus is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder. In the current study, for the first time, an oral cavity condition in skin patch tests with adding saliva is simulated. In addition, the patch results are compared with healthy subjects. Forty-one OLP patients and 63 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. All participants were provided with patch tests, including allergens, in combination with saliva in chambers. Allergens from the European baseline (standard) series selected according to the most prevalent positive results in the previous study were applied. Positive results of Mercury and Cobalt tests were significantly higher in the case group. In this study, the differentiation of patients with lichen planus and lichenoid was identified according to the Van der Meij & Van der Waal criteria. The patch test was conducted for healthy individuals as well. The most important of all was the use of patients' saliva in the patch test, done for the first time in this field. In the case of OLP, a patch test can help identify positive reactions to dental materials; thus, the replacement of dental restorations may be needed.
A clinical scoring system for predicting tumor recurrence after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for 3 cm or less hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Yong Zhu , He Kun , Huang Rui Qin , Liu Li Wen , Ye Shao Wei , Qian Jun Lin , Peng Peng , Luo Qi Jie , Wang Ze Liang , Hu Ze Min 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPreoperative prediction of tumor recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in patients with early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is helpful for clinical decision-making before treatment. A total of 162 patients with HCC of 3 cm or less who were completely ablated by percutaneous RFA were divided into a derivation cohort (n = 108) and a validation cohort (n = 54). Based on X-Tiles software, Kaplan–Meier curve analysis and COX multivariate analysis to obtain valuable predictive indicators, a clinical scoring system for predicting tumor recurrence was established. In the verall cohort, derivation cohort and validation cohort, we found circulating tumor cells (CTC) > 2/3.2 mL, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/mL, and des-γ-carboxyprothrombin (DCP) > 40 mAU/mL, maximum tumor diameter > 20 mm, and the number of multiple tumors (≥ 2) are independent risk factors affecting tumor recurrence. Each independent risk factor was assigned a score of 1 to construct a predictive clinical scoring system, and X-Tiles software was used to divide the clinical score into a low-risk group (0 score–1 score), a medium-risk group (2 scores–3 scores), and a high-risk group (4 scores–5 scores). The cumulative tumor recurrence rates of patients in the low-risk group, middle-risk group, and high-risk group in 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years were 19.4%/27.5%/30.9%, 37.0%/63.2%/79.9% and 68.2%/100%/100%, respectively (Low-risk group vs medium-risk group: P < 0.001; medium-risk group vs high-risk group: P < 0.001). This clinical scoring system can predict the prognosis of patients with HCC of 3 cm or smaller undergoing percutaneous RFA, which has certain application value for making preoperative clinical decisions.
Bioallethrin enhances generation of ROS, damages DNA, impairs the redox system and causes mitochondrial dysfunction in human lymphocytes
Authors: Arif Amin , Quds Ruhul , Mahmood Riaz 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBioallethrin is a synthetic pesticide that is widely used to control insect pests. The wide use of bioallethrin has resulted in inevitable human exposure. In this study we report the effect of different concentrations of bioallethrin (10 to 200 µM, 2 h at 37 °C) on human lymphocytes under in vitro conditions. Bioallethrin treatment resulted in loss of cell viability (> 30% at 200 µM bioallethrin). Oxidative stress markers like lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation were significantly increased accompanied by lower ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione. Enhanced ROS generation was observed through fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. Bioallethrin-induced oxidative stress also compromised the antioxidant defence as it reduced antioxidant capacity of cells and inhibited major antioxidant enzymes. Biomolecular modifications and systemic toxicity by bioallethrin resulted in plasma membrane damage with mitochondrial depolarization. Comet assay showed nuclear DNA fragmentation and strand scission with significant increase in tail length and olive tail moment. Apoptosis and necrosis of cells was confirmed through acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining and visualization under fluorescence microscope. Thus, bioallethrin causes oxidative damage and compromises the antioxidant system leading to DNA damage, cellular and organelle toxicity, resulting in apoptosis and necrosis of human lymphocytes.
A longitudinal analysis of brain extracellular free water in HIV infected individuals
Authors: Uddin Md Nasir , Faiyaz Abrar , Wang Lu , Zhuang Yuchuan , Murray Kyle D. , Descoteaux Maxime , Tivarus Madalina E. , Weber Miriam T. , Zhong Jianhui , Qiu Xing , Schifitto Giovanni 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInitiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces inflammation in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Recent studies demonstrated that diffusion MRI based extracellular free water (FW) modeling can be sensitive to neuroinflammation. Here, we investigate the FW in HIV-infection, its temporal evolution, and its association with blood markers, and cognitive scores. Using 96 age-matched participants, we found that FW was significantly elevated in grey and white matter in cART-naïve HIV+ compared to HIV-uninfected (HIV−) individuals at baseline. These increased FW values positively correlated with neurofilament light chain (NfL) and negatively correlated with CD4 counts. FW in grey and white matter, as well as NfL decreased in the HIV+ after 12 weeks of cART treatment. No significant FW differences were noted between the HIV+ and HIV− cohorts at 1 and 2-year follow-up. Results suggest that FW elevation in cART-naïve HIV+ participants is likely due to neuroinflammation. The correlation between FW and NfL, and the improvement in both FW and NfL after 12 weeks of cART treatment further reinforces this conclusion. The longer follow-up at 1 and 2 years suggests that cART helped control neuroinflammation as inferred by FW. Therefore, FW could be used as a biomarker to monitor HIV-associated neuroinflammation.
Intravital imaging of real-time endogenous actin dysregulation in proximal and distal tubules at the onset of severe ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Corridon Peter R. , Karam Shurooq H. , Khraibi Ali A. , Khan Anousha A. , Alhashmi Mohamed A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSevere renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to acute and chronic kidney dysfunction. Cytoskeletal modifications are among the main effects of this condition. The majority of studies that have contributed to the current understanding of IRI have relied on histological analyses using exogenous probes after the fact. Here we report the successful real-time visualization of actin cytoskeletal alterations in live proximal and distal tubules that arise at the onset of severe IRI. To achieve this, we induced fluorescent actin expression in these segments in rats with hydrodynamic gene delivery (HGD). Using intravital two-photon microscopy we then tracked and quantified endogenous actin dysregulation that occurred by subjecting these animals to 60 min of bilateral renal ischemia. Rapid (by 1-h post-reperfusion) and significant (up to 50%) declines in actin content were observed. The decline in fluorescence within proximal tubules was significantly greater than that observed in distal tubules. Actin-based fluorescence was not recovered during the measurement period extending 24 h post-reperfusion. Such injury decimated the renal architecture, in particular, actin brush borders, and hampered the reabsorptive and filtrative capacities of these tubular compartments. Thus, for the first time, we show that the combination of HGD and intravital microscopy can serve as an experimental tool to better understand how IRI modifies the cytoskeleton in vivo and provide an extension to current histopathological techniques.