bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of RAGE leads to the release of glutamate from astrocytes and stimulates calcium signal in neurons
Authors: Kamynina Anna , Esteras Noemi , Koroev Dmitry O. , Angelova Plamena R. , Volpina Olga M. , Abramov Andrey Y. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a signal receptor first shown to be activated by advanced glycation end products, but also by a variety of signal molecules, including pathological advanced oxidation protein products and β‐amyloid. However, most of the RAGE activators have multiple intracellular targets, making it difficult to unravel the exact pathway of RAGE activation. Here, we show that the cell‐impermeable RAGE fragment sequence (60–76) of the V‐domain of the receptor is able to activate RAGE present on the plasma membrane of neurons and, preferentially, astrocytes. This leads to the exocytosis of vesicular glutamate transporter vesicles and the release of glutamate from astrocytes, which stimulate NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptors, resulting in calcium signals predominantly in neurons. Thus, we show a specific mechanism of RAGE activation by the RAGE fragment and propose a mechanism by which RAGE activation can contribute to the neuronal‐astrocytic communication in physiology and pathology.
Effect of multi‐professional education on the perceptions and awareness of oral health care among undergraduate nursing students in a nursing school
Authors: Haresaku Satoru , Kubota Keiko , Yoshida Rie , Aoki Hisae , Nakashima Fuyuko , Iino Hidechika , Uchida Souhei , Miyazono Mami , Naito Toru 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates the effects of a study course in oral health care on the perceptions of nursing students. The course was designed and evaluated by a multi‐professional team at a Japanese nursing school.MethodThe subjects were 119 nursing students. They participated in the oral health course that comprised 45h of training in 4 years. These were designed and taught by oral health professionals, a certified speech‐hearing therapist, and nurses. Questionnaires were distributed to subjects to compare their perceptions and awareness about oral health care before, in between, and after the courses. A chi‐square test was used to compare the data.ResultsAfter completing the courses, more than 95% of the participants were interested in the oral health care practice and expected to collaborate with oral health professionals after getting qualified. Additionally, they understood the effectiveness of oral health care for the prevention of aspiration pneumonia and perceived that oral health care should be provided to hospitalized patients and community‐dwelling older adults. Their awareness of the need to learn techniques for tooth brushing support, salivary gland massage, oral management, swallowing training, removing tongue coating, and gargling, both in theory and practice, was significantly improved.ConclusionMulti‐professional education has the potential to improve the awareness of nursing students of oral health care and promote collaborative oral health care in the future.
Pollen micromorphology of eastern Chinese Polygonatum and its role in taxonomy by using scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Ali Maroof , Liu Yu‐Jun , Xia Qi‐Ping , Bahadur Saraj , Hussain Abrar , Shao Jian‐Wen , Shuaib Muhammad 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlthough considerable progress has recently been made in the taxonomic study of Asparagaceae, but the Polygonatum remains one of the most poorly investigated genus. Therefore, the present study was designed with the aim, to document the pollen micromorphology of closely related Polygonatum taxa and its taxonomic significance. Pollen micro‐morphological features were observed using scanning electron microscopy—SEM). The pollen grains are monad, navicular, monocolpate, and radially symmetrical. A significant variation was observed in the exine sculpturing. Moreover, most of the Polygonatum taxa have perforate pollen while some of them were mixed with psilate to perforate, perforate to microreticulate, sometimes scabrate, gemmate with baculate. Hence, this study documented the pollen morphology of Polygonatum taxa and strengthens the taxonomic identification of the genus Polygonatum based on pollen characters, which helps and can be used as an additional tool for the correct identification and discrimination of the species of Polygonatum at generic and species level.
Leaf anatomy of two medicinal Croton species: Contribution to plant recognition
Authors: Rosa Aline Camargo , Ferraro Alexandre , da Silva Rosa Helena , Pott Vali Joana , Victório Cristiane Pimentel , Arruda Rosani do Carmo de Oliveira 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCroton L. (Euphorbiaceae) is the second largest genus of the Euphorbiaceae s.l. family, which is composed of about 1,200 taxa. Several species are widely used medicinally in various parts of the world to treat cancer, digestive problems, skin diseases, malaria, ulcers, and obesity. The leaves and stems are sold as dehydrated fragments, or in powder form, and used in the preparation of teas and various types of formulations. The aim of this study was to accurately characterize the leaf anatomy of Croton bonplandianus Baill. and Croton gracilipes Baill. and to perform histochemical analysis of laticifers to provide subsidies for botanical certification. To accomplish this, leaf blade and petiole samples were fixed and prepared following standard techniques for scanning electron and light microscopy. Histochemical tests were carried out on sections to detect the compounds present in the secretions. Results showed neutral and acidic lipids, as well as phenolic compounds, in the latex. In addition, leaf anatomical structures of these two species were studied for specific identification of morphological characters and for quality assessment of these medicinal plants.
Structure of the Eurasian moorhen spleen: A comprehensive study using gross anatomy, light, and transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Abdellatif Ahmed M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe spleen is the largest secondary lymphoid organ with major roles in the removal of blood‐borne antigens. The Eurasian moorhen is a wild aquatic bird that revealed the adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. Information regarding the structural features of moorhen's spleen is lacking. The present study aimed to describe the composition of moorhen's spleen using anatomical dissection, histology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. The spleen appeared as a brownish red sickle‐shaped organ close to the proventriculus and gizzard. The splenic capsule was very thin, and the trabeculae were poorly developed. The white pulp formed of the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath, lymphoid follicles, and periellipsoidal lymphatic sheath. The red pulp composed of sinusoids and cords and contained various types of blood cells. Blood vessels were observed within the splenic capsule and inside the parenchyma. Notably, penicillar capillaries (PCs) appeared branched and surrounded by well‐developed ellipsoids. Direct connections were observed between PCs and splenic sinusoids suggesting a closed type of circulation. Ultrastructurally, intercellular spaces and vascular channels were evident in the wall of PCs. Ellipsoid‐associated cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and heterophils were observed within splenic ellipsoids. Ellipsoids were thus suggested as a crucial component of moorhen's spleen. Numerous MafB‐immunoreactive (IR) macrophages were seen within the red pulp. Splenic cords contained the highest number of PHH3‐IR cells, while CCASP3‐IR cells were exclusive to follicles of the white pulp. In conclusion, the structure of moorhen's spleen revealed species‐specific features. The findings of the present study could help to improve the immunity of domestic birds.
Pollen morphology of different species of Iris barbata and its systematic significance with scanning electron microscopy methods
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Huang Dazhuang , Zhao Xiaojie , Hou Xueyan , Di Dongliu , Wang Shaokun , Qian Jinsen , Sun Pai 
Published: February 2021

AbstractForty‐eight cultivars of Iris barbata were used as research materials, and observations of their pollen morphologies were made using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The pollen of I. barbata consisted of a single grain, which was subspheroidal or subprolate and boat‐shaped in equatorial view and oval or nearly round in polar view. The pollen was symmetrical or radially symmetrical on both sides, and there were five types of germination furrows: monocolpate, dicolpate, monocolpate‐colpoidal, 2‐syncolpate, and parasyncolpate. The exine ornamentation was mostly crass‐reticulate and occasionally verrucate or pilate. Variation in the equatorial axis length of I. barbata pollen was the lowest, and variation in pollen morphology was stable. Q‐type cluster analysis was conducted using seven indexes: polar axis length (P), equatorial axis length (E), P/E, mesh diameter (D), net ridge width (W), D/W, and germination furrow width (WG). The 48 cultivars were divided into three groups. Three dwarf cultivars were clustered in one group, and the degree of evolution of this group was higher than that of the other two groups. This paper systematically describes the characteristics of I. barbata for the first time, and thus provides important palynological insights into the classification and cross‐breeding of I. barbata.
Proteomic profile of melanoma cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles in patients’ plasma: a potential correlate of melanoma progression
Authors: Pietrowska Monika , Zebrowska Aneta , Gawin Marta , Marczak Lukasz , Sharma Priyanka , Mondal Sujan , Mika Justyna , Polańska Joanna , Ferrone Soldano , Kirkwood John M. , Widlak Piotr , Whiteside Theresa L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMolecular profiling of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) isolated from plasma of cancer patients emerges as promising strategy for biomarkers discovery. We investigated the proteomic profiles of sEV immunoselected using anti‐CSPG4 antibodies from 15 melanoma patients’ plasma. The proteomes of sEV separated into melanoma cell‐derived (MTEX) and non‐malignant cell‐derived (NMTEX) were compared using high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Paired analysis identified the MTEX‐associated profile of 16 proteins that discriminated MTEX from NMETEX. We also identified the MTEX profile that discriminated between seven patients with no evidence of melanoma (NED) after therapy and eight with progressive disease (PD). Among 75 MTEX proteins overexpressed in PD patients, PDCD6IP (ALIX) had the highest discriminating value, while CNTN1 (contactin‐1) was upregulated only in MTEX of NED patients. This is the first report documenting that proteomes of tumour‐derived sEV in patients’ plasma discriminate cancer from non‐cancer and identify proteins with potential to serve as prognostic biomarkers in melanoma.
Cytomegalovirus reactivation after hematopoietic stem cell transplant with CMV‐IG prophylaxis: A monocentric retrospective analysis
Authors: Gilioli Andrea , Messerotti Andrea , Bresciani Paola , Cuoghi Angela , Pioli Valeria , Colasante Corrado , Bettelli Francesca , Giusti Davide , Forghieri Fabio , Potenza Leonardo , Donatelli Francesca , Giubbolini Rachele , Galassi Laura , Marasca Roberto , Banchelli Federico , D'Amico Roberto , Pecorari Monica , Gennari William , Trenti Tommaso , Comoli Patrizia , Luppi Mario , Narni Franco 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents the most common viral infection after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), mainly occurring as reactivation from latency in seropositive patients, with a different prevalence based on the extent and timing of seroconversion in a specific population. Here, we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of patients who underwent HSCT at our Institution between 2013 and 2018, all of whom were prophylactically treated with CMV‐IG (Megalotect Biotest®), to define the incidence and clinical outcomes of CMV reactivation and clinically significant infection. CMV infection occurred in 69% of our patient series, mainly resulting from reactivation, and CMV clinically significant infection (CS‐CMVi) occurred in 48% of prophylactically treated patients. CMV infection and CS‐CMVi impacted neither on relapse incidence nor on overall survival nor on relapse‐free survival. Moreover, a very low incidence of CMV end‐organ disease was documented. CMV‐IG used alone as prophylactic therapy after HSCT does not effectively prevent CMV reactivation.
Altered intrinsic brain activity in patients with hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Cao Yuan , Wu Baolin , Chen Taolin , Diao Wei , Jia Zhiyun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNeuropsychiatric deficits are common in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), especially in those with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Previous studies reveal abnormalities in brain activity underlying the neuropsychiatric deficits in LC patients; however, the results are inconsistent. We conducted a meta‐analysis of resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging studies using anisotropic effect‐size signed differential mapping software on LC patients to characterize the most consistent regional activity alterations, and to evaluate the potential effect of liver transplantation (LT) on brain function. Meta‐regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between brain alterations and clinical variables. Compared with healthy controls, the typical patterns of increased regional activity in the fronto‐striato‐cerebellar network and decreased activity in the visuo‐sensorimotor network and cingulate gyrus were identified in LC patients, which remained significant in the subgroup meta‐analyses of minimal HE (MHE) and overt HE (OHE) patients. Functional deficits in the default mode network (DMN) were found in OHE patients compared with MHE patients. Ammonia level positively correlated with brain activity in the right middle temporal gyrus, and the completion time of number connection test A negatively correlated with brain activity in the left anterior cingulate gyrus. In addition, patients showed increased activity in the visuo‐sensorimotor network and precuneus after LT. Our study suggests that alterations in the fronto‐striato‐cerebellar and visuo‐sensorimotor networks may be the potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HE, and deficits in the DMN may indicate the progression of HE. LT may improve brain function in the visuo‐sensorimotor network. This study has registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42020212758).
Protective role of l‐threonine against cadmium toxicity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Huang Linru , Fang Zhijia , Gao Jian , Wang Jingwen , Li Yongbin , Sun Lijun , Wang Yaling , Liao Jianmeng , Gooneratne Ravi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEnvironment and food contamination with cadmium (Cd) can cause serious toxicity, posing a severe threat to agricultural production and human health. However, how amino acids contribute to defenses against oxidative stress caused by Cd in cells is not fully understood. As a model eukaryote with a relatively clear genetic background, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been commonly used in Cd toxicity research. To gain insight into Cd toxicity and cell defenses against it, 20 amino acids were screened for protective roles against Cd stress in S. cerevisiae. The results showed that threonine (Thr, T) had the strongest protective effect against Cd‐induced mortality and membrane damage in the cells. Compared to the antioxidant vitamin C (VC), Thr exhibited a higher efficacy in restoring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity that was inhibited by Cd but not by H2O2 in vivo. Thr exhibited evident DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) activity but weak ABTS (2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐9 sulfonic acid)) scavenging activity, giving it a weaker effect against Cd‐induced lipid peroxidation and superoxide radical O2−, compared to VC. More importantly, compared to the chelating agent EDTA, Thr showed stronger chelation of Cd, giving it a stronger protective effect on SOD against Cd than VC in vitro. The results of the in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that the role Thr plays in cell defenses against Cd may be attributed to its protection of the SOD enzyme, predominantly through the preferential chelation of Cd. Our results provide insights into the protective mechanisms of amino acid Thr that ameliorate Cd toxicity and suggest that a supplement of Thr might help to reduce Cd‐induced oxidative damage.
Artificial intelligence and CT‐based 3D statistical modeling to assess transsacral corridors and plan implant positioning
Authors: Kamer Lukas , Noser Hansrudi , Arand Charlotte , Handrich Kristin , Rommens Pol Maria , Wagner Daniel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTranssacral corridors at levels S1 and S2 represent complex osseous spaces allowing percutaneous fixation of non‐ or minimally‐displaced fragility fractures of the sacrum. To safely place transsacral implants, they must be completely intraosseous. However, standard radiographs and CT do not properly demonstrate the corridor's intricate configuration. Our goal was to facilitate the three‐dimensional assessment of transsacral corridors using artificial intelligence and the planning of transsacral implant positioning. In total, 100 pelvic CTs (49 women, mean age: 58.6 ± SD 14.8 years; 51 men, mean age: 60.7 ± SD 13 years) were used to compute a 3D statistical model of the pelvic ring. On the basis of morphologic features (=predictors) and principal components scores (=response), regression learners were interactively trained, validated, and tuned to predict/sample personalized 3D pelvic models. They were matched via thin‐plate spline transformation to a series of 20 pelvic CTs with fragility fractures of the sacrum (18 women and 2 men, age: 69–9.5 years, mean age: 78.65 ± SD 8.4 years). These models demonstrated the availability, dimension, cross‐section, and symmetry of transsacral corridors S1 and S2, as well as the planned implant position, dimension, axes, and entry and exit points. The complete intraosseous pathway was controlled in CT reconstructions. We succeeded to establish a workflow determining transsacral corridors S1 and S2 using artificial intelligence and 3D statistical modeling.
Comparison of open and minimally invasive approaches to colon cancer resection in compliance with 12 regional lymph node harvest quality measure
Authors: Williams Austin D. , Sun Tian , Kakade Sumedh , Wong Sandra L. , Shulman Lawrence N. , Carp Ned Z. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere has been a growing trend toward minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for colon cancer. Pathological analysis of a minimum of 12 lymph nodes (LNs) is a benchmark for adequate resection. Here, we present a comparison of surgical techniques in achieving a full oncologic resection.MethodsPatients undergoing surgery for Stage I–III colon cancer (2010–2016) were identified from the National Cancer Database. Cases were stratified by surgical approach. Trends in approach were assessed, including whether the 12‐LN benchmark was met. Uni‐ and multivariate regression was used to assess overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 290,776 colectomies were analyzed. MIS increased from 32.8% to 57.2% from 2010 to 2016 (p < .001). An overall median of 18 LNs were harvested and compliance with the 12‐LN benchmark increased (84.6%–91.6%, p < .001); there were no difference between open and MIS. A subset analysis comparing hospital type revealed that regardless of approach, compliance was lower at community hospitals (p < .001). OS was better for patients treated at academic or National Cancer Institute centers, underwent MIS, and in those meeting the 12‐LN benchmark (all p ≤ .002).ConclusionAs MIS colon resections continue to increase, we demonstrate that there is no difference in the ability to achieve the 12‐LN benchmark with open and MIS approaches.
An accurate, rapid, and sensitive method for simultaneous determination of four typical heterocyclic amines in roasted pork patties: Application in the study of inhibitory effects of astaxanthin
Authors: Yan Xiao‐ting , Zhang Yuan , Yang Min‐li , Feng Xue‐song , Zhang Feng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHeterocyclic aromatic amines, as a group of mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds, have gained worldwide concern. In this study, an accurate, rapid, and sensitive confirmation and quantification method of four major heterocyclic aromatic amines in roasted pork was developed based on Q‐Orbitrap along with Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction. The limit of detections and limit of quantitations were found to be 0.2–1.2 μg/kg and 0.6–3.5 μg/kg, respectively, revealing the high sensitivity of this method. Obtained results showed recoveries ranging from 78.1 to 97.4%, depending on the different heterocyclic aromatic amines and spiked levels. Precision was in the range of 2.6–4.5% for four heterocyclic aromatic amines at different levels. In addition, the developed method had been applied to investigate the inhibitory effects of astaxanthin on the above‐mentioned heterocyclic aromatic amines in roasted pork. The amount of astaxanthin with the best inhibitory effects was 7.5 mg (0.0375%), which led to significant reduction in heterocyclic aromatic amines levels over 50%.
Characterization of Focal Liver Masses: A Multicenter Comparison of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound, Computed Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Burrowes David P. , Medellin Alexandra , Harris Allison C. , Milot Laurent , Lethebe Brendan C. , Wilson Stephanie R. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the usefulness of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for the evaluation of focal liver masses via a direct comparison to standard ultrasound and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI).MethodsA cohort of 214 patients with previously undiagnosed focal liver masses were included from 5 different centers. Each patient was imaged using CEUS and CT and/or MRI. Anonymized and randomized images were interpreted by 4 separate blind readers from 3 of the participating centers (2 readers for CEUS and 2 readers for CT/MRI). Readers were blinded to patient demographics and past medical history. Readers were asked to decide if the lesion was benign or malignant, provide a final diagnosis for the lesion, and provide a confidence interval. Results were compared to truth standard from pathology or expert consensus.ResultsIn determination of malignancy, CEUS had a sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 82%, PPV of 82%, NPV of 95%, statistically better than standard ultrasound (sensitivity 82%, specificity 56%, PPV 60%, NPV 78%) with P < .01 and not statistically different from CT (sensitivity 90%, specificity 73% PPV 81%, NPV 86%) or MRI (sensitivity 85%, specificity 79%, PPV 68%, NPV 91%) with P ≥ .01. In assigning a final diagnosis, CEUS had an accuracy of 78% statistically better than standard ultrasound (46%) with P < .01 and not statistically different from CT (68%) or MRI (71%) with P > .01.ConclusionsIn the evaluation of focal liver lesions, both for determination of malignancy and in accuracy of final diagnosis, CEUS performs better than standard ultrasound and at least equivalent to both CT and MRI.