bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Letrozole Protects Against Cadmium-induced Inhibition of Spermatogenesis via LHCGR and Hsd3b6 to Activate Testosterone Synthesis in Mice
Authors: Yao Yao , Wan Yangyang , Shi Xiaoyun , Guo Lan , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng , Xu Bo , Hua Juan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The heavy metal cadmium is believed to be one of the environmental endocrine disruptors of spermatogenesis. Cadmium-induced inhibition of spermatogenesis is associated with hormone secretion disorder. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor that can raise peripheral androgen levels and stimulate spermatogenesis. However, the potential protective effects of letrozole against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity remain to be elucidated. In this study, male mice were administered CdCl2 (4 mg/kg BW) orally by gavage alone or in combination with letrozole (0.25 mg/kg BW) for 30 days. Cd exposure caused a significant decrease in body weight, sperm count, motility, vitality and plasma testosterone levels. Histopathological changes revealed extensive vacuolization and decreased spermatozoa in the lumen. However, in the Cd+letrozole group, letrozole treatment compensated for deficits in sperm parameters (count, motility, and vitality) induced by Cd. Letrozole treatment significantly increased serum testosterone levels, which were reduced by Cd. Histopathological studies revealed a systematic array of all germ cells, a preserved basement membrane and relatively less vacuolization. For mechanistic exploration, RNA-seq was used to profile alterations in gene expression in response to letrozole. Compared with that in the Cd-treated group, RNA-Seq analysis showed that 214 genes were differentially expressed in the presence of letrozole. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and KEGG signaling pathway analysis showed that steroid biosynthetic processes were the processes most affected by letrozole treatment. Furthermore, we found that the expression of the testosterone synthesis-related genes LHCGR (luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor) and Hsd3b6 (3 beta- and steroid delta-isomerase 6) was significantly downregulated in Cd‐induced testes, but in letrozole-treated testes, these genes maintained similar expression levels as the control group. However, the transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β and IL-6, and oxidative stress-related genes (Nrf2, Nqo1, and Ho-1) showed no changes. The present study suggests that the protective potential of letrozole against Cd-induced reproductive toxicity might be due to upregulation of LHCGR and Hsd3b6, which could beneficially increase testosterone synthesis to achieve optimum protection in sperm quality and spermatogenesis.
Tissue-engineered Collagenous Fibrous Cap Models to Systematically Elucidate Atherosclerotic Plaque Rupture.
Authors: Wissing T.B. , Heiden K. Van der , Serra S.M. , Smits A.I.P.M. , Bouten C.V.C. , Gijsen F.J.H. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
A significant amount of vascular thrombotic events is associated with rupture of the fibrous cap that overlie atherosclerotic plaques. Cap rupture is however difficult to predict due to the heterogenous composition of the plaque, unknown material properties, and the stochastic nature of the event. Here, we aim to create tissue engineered human fibrous cap models with a variable but controllable collagen composition, suitable for mechanical testing, to scrutinize the reciprocal relationships between composition and mechanical properties. Myofibroblasts were cultured in 1 x 1.5 cm-sized fibrin-based constrained gels for 21 days according to established (dynamic) culture protocols (i.e. static, intermittent or continuous loading) to vary collagen composition (e.g. amount, type and organization). At day 7, a soft 2 mm ∅ fibrin inclusion was introduced in the centre of each tissue to mimic the soft lipid core, simulating the heterogeneity of a plaque. Results demonstrate reproducible collagenous tissues, that mimic the bulk mechanical properties of human caps and vary in collagen composition due to the presence of an successfully integrated soft inclusion and the culture protocol applied. The models can be deployed to assess tissue mechanics, evolution and failure of fibrous caps or complex heterogeneous tissues in general.
Using Satellite Data to Estimate Risk of Mercury Exposure in the Amazonian Wayana Language Territory between Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil
Authors: Peplow Daniel 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThere is a need for methods that measure the public and environmental health risks of mercury from small-scale gold mines (SSGMs) at a regional scale in tropical forests. Mercury is poisonous, with mercury toxicity in humans most commonly affecting the neurologic, gastrointestinal and renal organ systems at the individual, community and population scale. Economic development policies and projects responsible for SSGM in regions held by indigenous people are developed at the regional scale.MethodsThe synoptic regional-scale perspective of overhead remote imaging technology was used to supplement previous ground-level community risk and health assessment studies. The objective was to evaluate the usefulness of remote sensing as a method for measuring mercury impacts over large areas and test whether regional-level vegetation index values are lower in a test area where mercury contamination from SSGMs are known to impact human health compared to index values in a pristine reference area.ResultsLow vegetation index values were obtained in the test area compared to the high index values at the pristine reference location where vegetation stress is low. Public policy solutions to system-level causes of indigenous health issues caused by natural resource extraction projects are limited in this region where policymakers and economists perform cost-benefit analyses, ostensibly to develop rational economic development policies, that are built on the legal principle terra nullius codified in Western civil law as the Doctrine of Discovery. This principle designates the land and resources held by indigenous people as vacant and empty thus rendering the value of the lives of indigenous people equal to zero. Conclusions﻿ Vegetation index values were lower in the test area where there was mercury contamination from SSGMs when compared to a pristine reference area. These results suggest that remote sensing methods can be useful for measuring mercury contamination at scales that support the supranational policy development processes and address health issues caused by factors that lie outside the health sector and are economically formed. At this scale, the ratio comparing the cost of prevention to the benefits is revealed to be an irrational number when the benefit value of the lives saved is set at zero.
Potentially Probiotic Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum Strains From Indian Foods: Isolation, Characterization and Comparative Genomics
Authors: Surve Sarvesh , Shinde Dasharath , Kulkarni Ram 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
L. plantarum is one of the most diverse species of lactic acid bacteria found in various habitats. Here we report the isolation of two distinct strains of L. plantarum from Indian foods, one each from dhokla batter and jaggery, and analysis of their probiotic potential, technical properties, and genomic features. Both the strains were bile and acid tolerant, utilized various sugars, adhered to intestinal epithelial cells, produced exopolysaccharides, were susceptible for tetracycline, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol, did not cause hemolysis, and exhibited antimicrobial activity against a few pathogenic bacteria. The genetic determinants of bile tolerance, cell-adhesion, bacteriocins production, riboflavin and folate biosynthesis, plant polyphenols utilization, and exopolysaccharide production were found in both the strains. One of the strains contained a large number of unique genes while the other had a simultaneous presence of glucansucrase and fructansucrase genes which is a rare trait in L. plantarum. Comparative genome analysis of 149 L. plantarum strains highlighted high variation in the cell-adhesion and sugar metabolism genes while the genomic regions for some other properties were relatively conserved. This work highlights the unique properties of our strains along with the probiotic and technically important genomic features of a large number of L. plantarum strains.
The Gut Microbiome as Mediator Between Diet and its Impact on Immune Function
Authors: Shi Huiqing , Horst Rob ter , Nielen Suzanne , Bloemendaal Mirjam , Jaeger Martin , Joosten Irma , Koenen Hans , Joosten Leo A.B. , Schweren Lizanne JS , Vasquez Alejandro Arias , Netea Mihai G. , Buitelaar Jan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background. Dietary habits may influence chronic low-grade inflammation in humans. Here we explore this interaction as well as the potential mediating role of the gut microbiome (GM), given that the GM is both involved in processing of dietary components and influences the immune system. Methods. A cross-sectional analysis of a sample of 482 healthy participants (207 males and 275 females) was performed. Dietary intake was assessed by a semiquantitative food questionnaire. Adipokines and soluble inflammatory mediators were assayed with multiple immunoassays and ELISA. Microbial DNA was extracted from frozen stool samples of the 471 participants. Polychoric correlation analysis was used to establish dietary patterns, and joint multivariate associations between these dietary patterns and immune biomarkers were studied using regression analyses with adjustment for sex, age, BMI, smoking, education levels and physical exercise and other dietary patterns. Non-parametric entropy mediation (NPEM) was applied to investigate whether diet-immune relationships are mediated by abundance of microbial species. Results. We identified 3 dietary patterns, characterized as “high-meat” (meat and sweetened drink), “prudent diet” (fish, fruit, legumes and vegetables) and “high alcohol” (higher alcohol consumption). Higher adherence to prudent diet was associated with a higher adiponectin level. The high alcohol pattern was associated with high concentrations of circulating concentrations of pro-inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, VEGF). Dialister invisus was found to mediate the relationship between a prudent dietary pattern and adiponectin, AAT, CRP, IL-6, and VEGF. Conclusion. A meat-based diet and a diet with high alcohol consumption were associated with high concentrations of biomarkers of chronic low-grade inflammation, and conversely, a prudent diet was associated with anti-inflammatory biomarkers. Diet-inflammation regulation may differ between sexes. Mediation analyses revealed that the association between prudent diet and immune function was partially mediated by the GM. Our study adds to our understanding of the associations between diet, the immune system and the GM in a healthy population.
Dose-dependent Effects of Perfluorocarbon Based Blood Substitute Perftoran on Cardyodinamics in Animal Model of Ischemia-reperfusion Injury
Authors: Jakovljevic Vladimir , Vorobyev Sergey , Bolevich Sergey , Morozova Elena , Bolevich Stefani , Saltykov Alexander , Litvickiy Peter , Fisenko Vladimir , Tsymbal Alexander , Orlova Alexandra , Sinelnikova Tatiana , Kruglova Maria , Silina Ekaterina , Mikhaleva Anastasia , Milosavljevic Isidora , Jeremic Jovana , Turnic Tamara Nikolic 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
The main goal of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective properties in terms of effects on cardiodynamics of perfluorocarbon emulsion in ex vivo-induced ischemic-reperfusion injury of an isolated rat heart. The first part of the study aims to determine the dose of 10% perfluoroemulsion (PFT) that will show the best cardioprotective effect in rats on ex vivo-induced ischemic / reperfusion injury of an isolated rat heart. Depending on whether the animals received saline or PFT, the animals were divided into a control or experimental group, and depending on the application of a dose (8, 12, 16 ml / kg body weight) of saline or PFT. At a dose of 8 ml / kg, the results indicate statistically significantly lower values ​​of the maximum pressure growth rate in the group treated with 10% PFT compared to the control group treated with saline at R5 and R25 points. At a dose of 12 ml / kg, the maximum left ventricular pressure growth rate differed statistically significantly in the PFT group, ie there was an increase in this parameter at points R25 and R30, and the minimum left ventricular pressure growth rate in R15-R30 compared to saline-treated group. At a dose of 16 ml / kg, PFT also had a statistically significant effect on the change in cardiodynamic parameters in an isolated rat heart organ. Based on all the above, we can conclude that Peftoran administered immediately before ischemia (1 hour) has less positive effects on myocardial function in a model of an isolated rat heart compared to earlier administration (10 and 20 hours). Also, the effects of 10% peftoran solution are more pronounced if there is a longer period of time from application to ischemia, ie immediate application of peftoran before ischemia (1 hour) gave the weakest effects on the change of cardiodynamics of isolated rat heart.
The Role of Sirtuin 1 in Palmitic-acid-induced Endoplasmic-reticulum Stress in Cardiac Myoblasts
Authors: Yang Hsiang-Yu , Chen Jhao-Ying , Huo Yen-Nien , Yu Pei-Ling , Lin Pei-Zhen , Hsu Shih-Che , Huang Shih-Ming , Tsai Chien-Sung , Lin Chih-Yuan 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Lipotoxicity causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to cell apoptosis. Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) regulates gene transcription and cellular metabolism. In this study, we investigated the role of Sirt1 in palmitate-induced ER stress. Methods: H9c2 myoblasts and heart-specific Sirt1 knockout mice fed a palmitate-enriched high-fat diet were used. Results: The high-fat diet induced C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expression in both Sirt1 knockout mice and controls. Sirt1 knockout mice showed higher CHOP and ATF4 expression compared to those in control. Palmitic acid (PA) induced ATF4 and CHOP expression in H9c2 cells. PA-treated H9c2 cells showed decreased cytosolic NAD+/NADH alongside reduced Sirt1’s activity. H9c2 cells showed increased ATF4 and CHOP expression when transfected with plasmid encoding dominant negative mutant Sirt1. Sirt1 activator SRT1720 did not affect CHOP and ATF4 expression. Although SRT1720 enhanced nuclear translocation of ATF4, the extent of the binding of ATF4 to the CHOP promoter did not increase further in PA treated-H9c2 cells.Conclusion: PA-induced ER stress is mediated through upregulation of ATF4 and CHOP. Cytosolic NAD+ concentration is diminished by PA-induced ER stress, leading to decreased Sirt1 activity. The Sirt1 activator SRT1720 promotes nuclear translocation of ATF4 in PA-treated H9c2 cells.
Invasion and escalation of Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): An alarming pest in east coast region of India
Authors: SINGH SATYAPRIYA , Samant Deepa , Sahoo Manas Ranjan , Kishore Kundan , Acharya Gobinda Chandra 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Invasive species causes serious threat to the natural ecosystem. Severe and up surging phenomenon of exotic rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin became a major concern in global crop production. The present study aimed to document and assesses the host range, nature, and intensity of damage caused by this cryptic species. The roving survey was conducted to study the occurrence of RSW in the fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, ornamental crops, and avenues trees plantation in the east-coast region of India. Hierarchical clustering was performed based on its incidence on different host plants and correlated with the dissimilarity index. The RSW was identified based on morphological characteristics and the nature of the damage. RSW infested a total of twenty-seven crops was noticed. Four host plants viz., Cocos nucifera L., Musa sp., Psidium guajava L., and Syzygium cumini L. Skeels showed severe levels of infestation. An important implication from the current study is the occurrence of its incidence on the two new host crops viz., Amaranthus tricolor L. and Solanum torvum that was envisaged firstly to the scientific world. This study provides baseline information about RSW among various stakeholders and helps to develop a sustainable management strategy for timely mitigation of RSW menace.
The Relationship Between Depression and Constipation: Results From a Large Cross-sectional Study in Adults
Authors: Adibi Peyman , Abdoli Maryam , Daghaghzadeh Hamed , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Afshar Hamid , Roohafza Hamidreza , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Feizi Awat 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background and objective: accumulating evidence based on scarce studies suggests that the relation between depression and functional constipation is possible. However, more studies in order to provide more reliable evidence are needed. About one-third of depressed people experience constipation and, it has a key role in reducing the perceived quality of life of the affected individuals. In the current study, therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether depression is associated with higher risk of functional constipation and whether it is gender specific.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 3362 adults aged 18–55 years. In this study, functional gastrointestinal symptoms were determined using a Iranian reliable and valid version of the modified Rome III questionnaire. The Iranian validated version of Hospital Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate psychological health. Scores of 8 or more on depression subscale in the questionnaire were considered to indicate the presence of depression. Self-administered questionnaires have been used to collect information regarding age, sex, marital status, education level, anthropometric measures, smoking, physical activity, antipsychotic medications use, dietary intakes. History of any predisposing chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases was also asked. Simple and binary logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: mean ± SD age of participants was 36.29 ± 7.87 years and 58.5% were female. The prevalence of depression and constipation in our study sample was 28.6% and 33.6%, respectively. In crude model, in total sample depressed people showed higher significant risk of constipation OR=1.97 (95%CI:1.66-2.33). Although, we observed a significant association between depression and constipation in both genders, however the association was stronger in men than women (OR: 2.64; 95%CI: 1.91, 3.64 vs. OR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.24, 1.86).In the full adjusted model, in total sample depressed people showed higher significant risk of constipation Adjusted OR=1.69 (95%CI:1.37-2.09). Although, we observed a significant association between depression and constipation in both genders, however the association was stronger in men than women (AOR: 2.28; 95%CI: 1.50, 3.63 vs. AOR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.21, 1.99).Conclusion: Our study showed depressed people are at higher significant risk affecting by constipation. Our study findings justify mental health evaluation in all patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders particularly among constipated individuals.
Mislocalisation of Pax7 and Its Interaction with Importin-α1 (KPNA2) in Dystrophin-Deficient Myoblasts
Authors: Yazid Muhammad Dain , Sulaiman Nadiah , Lam Chung-Liang , Chen Hung-Chih 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background: Pax 7 is one of the key factors in the development of tissues and organs during embryogenesis. It has been suggested that Pax7 may play a major role during myogenesis. Our previous study has shown that Pax7 cell is attenuated in the mdx embryo during gestation as well as in dystrophic muscle indicating that an absence of dystrophin in muscle affects pax7 regulation in Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the Pax7 expression pattern as well as their specific transport protein in dystrophin-deficient myoblasts at postnatal/juvenile stage. Methods: In this study, dfd13 (dystrophin-deficient) and C2C12 (non-dystrophic) myoblasts were cultured under normal conditions prior to further analyse its expression pattern at proliferating stage via western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Protein prediction and protein interaction study was done via in silico and co-immunoprecipitation analyses, respectively.Results: It was found that Pax7 localised in the cytoplasm of dystrophin-deficient myoblasts and high expression retained during differentiation. Co-localisation analysis of Pax7 with subcellular markers indicated that Pax7 is highly synthesised at their proliferative state. Interestingly, it is shown that Pax7 possess a nuclear location signal and KPNA2 was suggested as an escort protein for Pax7 translocation into the nucleus. Conclusion: For the first time, our study showed that Pax7 is mislocalised in dystrophin-deficient myoblasts and it is postulated that KPNA2 is the karyopherin-α which might be responsible for Pax7 translocation into the nucleus.
Time to Re-Think Broca: Extent of Resection and Neurological Outcome in Patients Harboring Tumors in the Dominant Inferior Frontal Gyrus
Authors: Suarez-Meade Paola , Marenco-Hillembrand Lina , Sabsevitz David , Okromelidze Lela , Perkidis Blake , Sherman Wendy J. , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Middlebrooks Erik H. , Chaichana Kaisorn L. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Introduction/Purpose: There is a general lack of consensus onboth the anatomic definition and function of Broca’s area. Given the belief that this region plays a critical role in expressive language, resective surgery is often avoided topreserve function. However, the putative role of Broca’s area in speech production has been recently challenged.The current study aims to investigatethe feasibilityof glioma resection and neurological outcomes in “Broca’s area” in 15 patients.Methods: We report a feasibility study describing the resection of gliomas within the IFG. Awake brain surgery for resection with mapping and intraoperative neuropsychological evaluation was carried out in all individuals. Results: All included patientshad tumors located in traditional “Broca’s area” and eight patients (53.33%) had tumors that additionally extendedinto the insula and subinsular regions. During stimulation, positive speech-language sites within the IFG were identified in ten patients. Two patients (13.33%) experienced a declinein naming during intraoperative cognitive monitoring and thirteen (86.66%) had a stable performance throughout surgery. With all patients had recovery of language functions at a two-week follow up. Extent of resection was stratified in anatomical regions within the IFG, being the pOr the area with the greatest EOR (97.4%), followed by the pT (84.1%), pOp (83.8%), and vPMC (80%).Conclusion: The belief that Broca’s area is not safe to resect is challenged. Adequate mapping and careful patient selection allow maximum safe resection of tumors located in thetraditional “Broca’s area”,with low risk of postoperative morbidity.