bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dj1 deficiency protects against atherosclerosis with anti-inflammatory response in macrophages
Authors: Sivasubramaniyam Tharini , Yang Jiaqi , Cheng Henry S. , Zyla Alexandra , Li Angela , Besla Rickvinder , Dotan Idit , Revelo Xavier S. , Shi Sally Yu , Le Helen , Schroer Stephanie A. , Dodington David W. , Park Yoo Jin , Kim Min Jeong , Febbraro Daniella , Ruel Isabelle , Genest Jacques , Kim Raymond H. , Mak Tak W. , Winer Daniel A. , Robbins Clinton S. , Woo Minna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInflammation is a key contributor to atherosclerosis with macrophages playing a pivotal role through the induction of oxidative stress and cytokine/chemokine secretion. DJ1, an anti-oxidant protein, has shown to paradoxically protect against chronic and acute inflammation. However, the role of DJ1 in atherosclerosis remains elusive. To assess the role ofDj1in atherogenesis, we generated whole-bodyDj1-deficient atherosclerosis-proneApoenull mice (Dj1−/−Apoe−/−). After 21 weeks of atherogenic diet,Dj1−/−Apoe−/−mice were protected against atherosclerosis with significantly reduced plaque macrophage content. To assess whether haematopoietic or parenchymalDj1contributed to atheroprotection inDj1-deficient mice, we performed bone-marrow (BM) transplantation and show thatDj1-deficient BM contributed to their attenuation in atherosclerosis. To assess cell-autonomous role of macrophageDj1in atheroprotection, BM-derived macrophages fromDj1-deficient mice andDj1-silenced macrophages were assessed in response to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). In both cases, there was an enhanced anti-inflammatory response which may have contributed to atheroprotection inDj1-deficient mice. There was also an increased trend of plasma DJ-1 levels from individuals with ischemic heart disease compared to those without. Our findings indicate an atheropromoting role ofDj1and suggests that targetingDj1may provide a novel therapeutic avenue for atherosclerosis treatment or prevention.
Novel combined single dose anti-hepatitis C therapy: a pilot study
Authors: Shiha Gamal , Soliman Reham , Elbasiony Mohamed , Darwish Noureldien H. E. , Mousa Shaker A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe new anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) molecules improve treatment regimens and outcomes, but there are drawbacks. New combinations should target the HCV infectious cycle and be effective against all HCV genotypes. We developed the novel formulation Catvira, composed of epigallocatechingallate (EGCG) + sofosbuvir + ribavirin. Here, we compared Catvira to sofosbuvir + ribavirin tablets in patients with CHC genotype 4 in a randomized open-label efficacy and safety study. Treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients (n = 80) were randomly assigned to receive a single daily fixed dose of Catvira or sofosbuvir + ribavirin for 12 or 24 weeks. Both Catvira and sofosbuvir + ribavirin yielded similar outcomes of viral load (p < 0.001). Patients receiving Catvira had a significantly more rapid rate of viral load decline with sustained virologic response (SVR12) achieved by 90% of patients receiving 12 weeks of treatment. Catvira did not impact hemoglobin levels while sofosbuvir + ribavirin showed significant decline in hemoglobin levels after 24 weeks (p < 0.05). In this clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02483156), we found that Catvira administered daily for 12 or 24 weeks is safe, effective, and well-tolerated in both naïve and treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotype 4.
Characterization of mitochondrial health from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Duong Angela , Evstratova Alesya , Sivitilli Adam , Hernandez J. Javier , Gosio Jessica , Wahedi Azizia , Sondheimer Neal , Wrana Jeff L. , Beaulieu Jean-Martin , Attisano Liliana , Andreazza Ana C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMitochondrial health plays a crucial role in human brain development and diseases. However, the evaluation of mitochondrial health in the brain is not incorporated into clinical practice due to ethical and logistical concerns. As a result, the development of targeted mitochondrial therapeutics remains a significant challenge due to the lack of appropriate patient-derived brain tissues. To address these unmet needs, we developed cerebral organoids (COs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monitored mitochondrial health from the primary, reprogrammed and differentiated stages. Our results show preserved mitochondrial genetics, function and treatment responses across PBMCs to iPSCs to COs, and measurable neuronal activity in the COs. We expect our approach will serve as a model for more widespread evaluation of mitochondrial health relevant to a wide range of human diseases using readily accessible patient peripheral (PBMCs) and stem-cell derived brain tissue samples.
Experimental and numerical perspective on the fire performance of MXene/Chitosan/Phytic acid coated flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: Lin Bo , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Chen Timothy Bo Yuan , Yu Bin , Yang Wei , Zhang Jin , Yao Yin , Wu Shuying , Wang Chun Hui , Yeoh Guan Heng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecent discoveries of two-dimensional transitional metal based materials have emerged as an excellent candidate for fabricating nanostructured flame-retardants. Herein, we report an eco-friendly flame-retardant for flexible polyurethane foam (PUF), which is synthesised by hybridising MXene (Ti$$_3\hbox {C}_2$$

3

C
2

) with biomass materials including phytic acid (PA), casein, pectin, and chitosan (CH). Results show that coating PUFs with 3 layers of CH/PA/Ti$$_3\hbox {C}_2$$

3

C
2

via layer-by-layer approach reduces the peak heat release and total smoke release by 51.1% and 84.8%, respectively. These exceptional improvements exceed those achieved by a CH/Ti$$_3\hbox {C}_2$$

3

C
2

coating. To further understand the fundamental flame and smoke reduction phenomena, a pyrolysis model with surface regression was developed to simulate the flame propagation and char layer. A genetic algorithm was utilised to determine optimum parameters describing the thermal degradation rate. The superior flame-retardancy of CH/PA/Ti$$_3\hbox {C}_2$$

3

C
2

was originated from the shielding and charring effects of the hybrid MXene with biomass materials containing aromatic rings, phenolic and phosphorous compounds.
Optimal piezoelectric shunt dampers for non-deterministic substructure vibration control: estimation and parametric investigation
Authors: Muthalif Asan G. A. , Wahid Azni N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPiezoelectric (PZT) shunt damping is an effective method to dissipate energy from a vibrating structure; however, most of the applications focus on targeting specific modes for structures vibrating at low-frequency range, i.e. deterministic substructure (DS). To optimally attenuate structures vibrating at high-frequency range, i.e. non-deterministic substructure (Non-DS) using a PZT shunt damper, it is found that the impedance of the PZT patch’s terminal needs to be the complex conjugate of its inherent capacitance paralleled with the impedance ‘faced’ by its non-deterministic host structure underline moment actuation. The latter was derived in terms of estimation of the effective line moment mobility of a PZT patch on a Non-DS plate by integrating the expression of driving point moment mobility of an infinite thin plate. This paper conducts a parametric investigation to study the effect of changing the size, quantity and configuration of the PZT patch to the performance of the optimal PZT shunt dampers in dissipating the energy of its non-deterministic host structure. Results are shown in terms of energy reduction ratio of the thin plate when attached with optimal PZT shunt damper(s).
Mitochondrial function and oxidative stress markers in higher-frequency episodic migraine
Authors: Gross Elena C. , Putananickal Niveditha , Orsini Anna-Lena , Vogt Deborah R. , Sandor Peter S. , Schoenen Jean , Fischer Dirk 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIncreasing evidence points towards the role of mitochondrial functioning, energy metabolism, and oxidative stress in migraine. However not all previous research has been conclusive and some mitochondrial function/oxidative stress markers have not yet been examined. To this end, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), total thiols, total plasma antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid peroxide (PerOx), oxidised LDL (oxLDL), HbA1c and lactate were determined in the serum of 32 higher frequency episodic migraineurs (5–14 migraine days/ months, 19 with aura, 28 females) in this cross-sectional study. The majority of patients had abnormally low ALA and lactate levels (87.5% and 78.1%, respectively). 46.9% of the patients had abnormally high PerOx values, while for thiols and TAC over one third of patients had abnormally low values (31.2% and 37.5%, respectively). 21.9% of patients had abnormally low HbA1c and none had an HbA1c level above 5.6%. oxLDL was normal in all but one patient. This study provides further evidence for a role of oxidative stress and altered metabolism in migraine pathophysiology, which might represent a suitable therapeutic target. ALA, being too low in almost 90% of patients, might represent a potential biomarker for migraine. Further research is needed to replicate these results, in particular a comparison with a control group.This study is part of the trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03132233, registered on 27.04.2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03132233.
Clinical difference between fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 subclass, type IIIb and type IIIc, in gastric cancer
Authors: Yashiro Masakazu , Kuroda Kenji , Masuda Go , Okuno Tomohisa , Miki Yuichiro , Yamamoto Yurie , Sera Tomohiro , Sugimoto Atsushi , Kushiyama Shuhei , Nishimura Sadaaki , Togano Shingo , Ohira Masaichi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) has two isoforms: IIIb type and IIIc type. Clinicopathologic significance of these two FGFR2 subtypes in gastric cancer remains to be known. This study aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic difference of FGFR2IIIb and/or FGFR2IIIc overexpression. A total of 562 patients who underwent gastrectomy was enrolled. The expressions of FGFR2IIIb and FGFR2IIIc were retrospectively examined by immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using the 562 gastric tumors. We evaluated the correlation between clinicopathologic features and FGFR2IIIb overexpression and/or FGFR2IIIc overexpression in gastric cancer. FGFR2IIIb overexpression was observed in 28 cases (4.9%), and FGFR2IIIc overexpression was observed in four cases (0.7%). All four FGFR2IIIc cases were also positive for FGFR2IIIb, but not in the same cancer cells. FGFR2IIIb and/or FGFR2IIIc overexpression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis and clinical stage. Both FGFR2IIIb and FGFR2IIIc were significantly associated with poor overall survival. A multivariate analysis showed that FGFR2IIIc expression was significantly correlated with overall survival. FISH analysis indicated thatFGFR2amplification was correlated with FGFR2IIIb and/or FGFR2IIIc overexpression. These findings suggested that gastric tumor overexpressed FGFR2IIIc and/or FGFR2IIIb at the frequency of 4.9%. FGFR2IIIc overexpression might be independent prognostic factor for patients with gastric cancer.
Choriocapillaris microvasculature dysfunction in systemic hypertension
Authors: Chua Jacqueline , Le Thu-Thao , Tan Bingyao , Ke Mengyuan , Li Chi , Wong Damon Wing Kee , Tan Anna C. S. , Lamoureux Ecosse , Wong Tien Yin , Chin Calvin Woon Loong , Schmetterer Leopold 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe examined the choriocapillaris microvasculature using a non-invasive swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) in 41 healthy controls and 71 hypertensive patients and determined possible correlations with BP and renal parameters. BP levels, serum creatinine and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (MCR) specimens were collected. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated based on CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation. The main outcome was choriocapillaris flow deficits (CFD) metrics (density, size and numbers). The CFD occupied a larger area and were fewer in number in the hypertensive patients with poor BP control (407 ± 10 µm2; 3260 ± 61) compared to the hypertensives with good BP control (369 ± 5 µm2; 3551 ± 41) and healthy controls (365 ± 11 µm2; 3581 ± 84). Higher systolic BP (β = 9.90, 95% CI, 2.86–16.93), lower eGFR (β =  − 0.85; 95% CI, − 1.58 to − 0.13) and higher urine MCR (β = 1.53, 95% CI, 0.32–2.78) were associated with larger areas of CFD. Similar significant associations with systolic BP, eGFR and urine MCR were found with number of CFD. These findings highlight the potential role of choriocapillaris imaging using SS-OCTA as an indicator of systemic microvascular abnormalities secondary to hypertensive disease.
Transcriptomic analysis of granulosa cell populations proximal and distal to the germinal disc of chicken preovulatory follicles
Authors: Zhu Guoqiang , Fang Chao , Mo Chunheng , Wang Yajun , Huang Yan , Li Juan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWithin the oocytes of chicken preovulatory follicles, the engulfed yolk constitutes 99% of the oocyte content, while the small germinal disc (GD) (which contains the nucleus and 99% ooplasm) occupies only less than 1%. Relative to the position of the GD, the single granulosa cell layer surrounding the oocyte can be sub-divided into two sub-populations: granulosa cells proximal (named Gp cells) and distal (Gd cells) to the GD. It was reported that Gp cells and Gd cells differ in their morphology, proliferative rate and steroidogenic capacity, however, the underlying mechanism controlling granulosa cell heterogeneity remains unclear. Here we analyzed the transcriptomes of Gd and Gp cells of preovulatory (F5 and F1) follicles in chicken ovaries. We found that: (1) genes associated with cell cycle and DNA replication (CDK1, CCNB3 etc.) have comparatively higher expression levels in Gp cells than in Gd cells, while genes associated with steroidogenesis (CYP51A1, DHCR24) are highly expressed in Gd cells, indicating that Gp cells are likely more mitotic and less steroidogenic than Gd cells; (2) genes associated with extracellular matrix remodeling, cell adhesion and sperm binding (ZP3, ZP2) are differentially expressed in Gp and Gd cells; (3) Furthermore, signaling molecules (WNT4/IHH) and receptors for NGF (NGFR), epidermal growth factor (EGFR), gonadotropins (FSHR/LHR) and prostaglandin (PTGER3) are abundantly but differentially expressed in Gp and Gd cells. Taken together, our data strongly supports the notion that Gp and Gd cells of preovulatory follicles differ in their proliferation rate, steroidogenic activity, ECM organization and sperm binding capacity, which are likely controlled by gonadotropins and local ovarian factors, such as GD-derived factors.
Identification of pathogenic genes in Campylobacter jejuni isolated from broiler carcasses and broiler slaughterhouses
Authors: Sierra-Arguello Yuli Melisa , Perdoncini Gustavo , Rodrigues Laura Beatriz , Ruschel dos Santos Luciana , Apellanis Borges Karen , Quedi Furian Thales , Pippi Salle Carlos Tadeu , de Souza Moraes Hamilton Luiz , Pereira Gomes Marcos José , Pinheiro do Nascimento Vladimir 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCampylobacter jejuni is one of the most common causes of foodborne diseases worldwide. There are few reports on Campylobacter strains isolated from Latin-American countries. Here, 140 C. jejuni strains isolated from cloacal and transport boxes swabs, water from chiller tanks, and broiler carcasses of five poultry companies in Southern Brazil were identified using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze eight C. jejuni virulence markers: flaA, cadF, and invasion-associated (iam) genes, cdtABC operon (associated with the cytolethal distending toxin), and plasmidial virB11 and wlaN genes were present in 78.5%, 77.8%, 0%, 74.2%, 22.1%, and 10.7% of samples, respectively. There were 25 different virulence profiles: 1 (cdtA, cdtB, cdtC, flaA, and cadF), 2 (cdtA, cdtB, cdtC, flaA, cadF, and virB11), and 3 (cdtA, cdtB, cdtC, flaA, cadF, and wlaN) were the most common (> 60% of strains). We provide insight into factors related to the occurrence of this pathogen and their epidemiology.
Slowly repeated evoked pain (SREP) as a central sensitization marker in episodic migraine patients
Authors: de la Coba Pablo , Bruehl Stephen , del Paso Gustavo A. Reyes 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMigraine headache is a pain condition characterized by severe and recurrent unilateral head pain. Among other mechanisms, central pain sensitization processes seem to be involved in the disorder. An experimental protocol based on slowly repeated evoked pain (SREP) has been shown to indicate pain sensitization in fibromyalgia patients and differentiate these patients from healthy individuals and rheumatoid arthritis patients. This study examined SREP sensitization in migraine patients and explored its potential usefulness as a central sensitization marker. The SREP protocol was administered to 40 episodic migraine (EM) patients not currently experiencing a headache and 40 healthy controls. SREP consisted of a series of 9 suprathreshold painful pressure stimuli of 5 s duration and a 30 s interstimulus interval. SREP sensitization was indexed by the increase in pain ratings across the stimuli. Pain threshold, pain tolerance and temporal summation of pain were also assessed. SREP sensitization was observed in EM, but not in healthy individuals (p < .001). SREP differentiated between EM and healthy individuals with up to 75% diagnostic accuracy. Pain threshold, pain tolerance and temporal summation of pain did not show significant discriminative ability. An SREP index value of 0.5 was the most sensitive cut-off for detecting central pain sensitization when prioritizing diagnostic sensitivity (0.88). Results provide evidence for SREP as a possible central sensitization marker with potential clinical utility in migraine patients. Inclusion of SREP in Quantitative Sensory Testing protocols may enhance the assessment of altered pain modulation in different pain conditions.
Growth stimulation of Bifidobacterium from human colon using daikenchuto in an in vitro model of human intestinal microbiota
Authors: Sasaki Kengo , Sasaki Daisuke , Sasaki Katsunori , Nishidono Yuto , Yamamori Akihiro , Tanaka Ken , Kondo Akihiko 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDaikenchuto (DKT) is a Japanese traditional herbal (Kampo) medicine containing ginseng, processed ginger, and Japanese or Chinese pepper. We aimed to determine how DKT affects human colonic microbiota. An in vitro microbiota model was established using fecal inocula collected from nine healthy volunteers, and each model was found to retain operational taxonomic units similar to the ones in the original human fecal samples. DKT was added to the in vitro microbiota model culture at a concentration of 0.5% by weight. Next-generation sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed a significant increase in the relative abundance of bacteria related to the Bifidobacterium genus in the model after incubation with DKT. In pure cultures, DKT significantly promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis, but not that of Fusobacterium nucleatum or Escherichia coli. Additionally, in pure cultures, B. adolescentis transformed ginsenoside Rc to Rd, which was then probably utilized for its growth. Our study reveals the in vitro bifidogenic effect of DKT that likely contributes to its beneficial effects on the human colon.
A synthetic peptide rescues rat cortical neurons from anesthetic-induced cell death, perturbation of growth and synaptic assembly
Authors: Iqbal Fahad , Pehar Marcus , Thompson Andrew J. , Azeem Urva , Jahanbakhsh Kiana , Jimenez-Tellez Nerea , Sabouny Rasha , Batool Shadab , Syeda Atika , Chow Jennifer , Machiraju Pranav , Shutt Timothy , Yusuf Kamran , Shearer Jane , Rice Tiffany , Syed Naweed I. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAnesthetics are deemed necessary for all major surgical procedures. However, they have also been found to exert neurotoxic effects when tested on various experimental models, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Earlier studies have implicated mitochondrial fragmentation as a potential target of anesthetic-induced toxicity, although clinical strategies to protect their structure and function remain sparse. Here, we sought to determine if preserving mitochondrial networks with a non-toxic, short-life synthetic peptide—P110, would protect cortical neurons against both inhalational and intravenous anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity. This study provides the first direct and comparative account of three key anesthetics (desflurane, propofol, and ketamine) when used under identical conditions, and demonstrates their impact on neonatal, rat cortical neuronal viability, neurite outgrowth and synaptic assembly. Furthermore, we discovered that inhibiting Fis1-mediated mitochondrial fission reverses anesthetic-induced aberrations in an agent-specific manner. This study underscores the importance of designing mitigation strategies invoking mitochondria-mediated protection from anesthetic-induced toxicity in both animals and humans.
On the ridge of instability in ferrofluidic Couette flow via alternating magnetic field
Authors: Altmeyer Sebastian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThere is a huge number of natural and industrial flows, which are subjected to time-dependent boundary conditions. The flow of a magnetic fluid under the influence of temporal modulations is such an example. Here, we perform numerical simulations of ferrofluidic Couette flow subject to time-periodic modulation (with frequency$$\Omega _H$$ΩH) in a spatially homogeneous magnetic field and report how such a modulation can lead to a significant Reynolds numberReenhancement. Consider a modified Niklas approximation we explain the relation between modulation amplitude, driving frequency and stabilization effect. From this, we describe the system response around the primary instability to be sensitive/critical by an alternating field. We detected that such an alternating field provides aneasyand in particularaccuratecontrollable key parameter to trigger the system to change from subcritical to supercritical and vice versa. Our findings provide a framework to study other types of magnetic flows driven by time-dependent forcing.