bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting regulatory T cells for immunotherapy in melanoma
Authors: Huang Lili , Guo Yeye , Liu Shujing , Wang Huaishan , Zhu Jinjin , Ou Lingling , Xu Xiaowei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRegulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential in the maintenance of immunity, and they are also a key to immune suppressive microenvironment in solid tumors. Many studies have revealed the biology of Tregs in various human pathologies. Here we review recent understandings of the immunophenotypes and suppressive functions of Tregs in melanoma, including Treg recruitment and expansion in a tumor. Tregs are frequently accumulated in melanoma and the ratio of CD8+T cells versus Tregs in the melanoma is predictive for patient survival. Hence, depletion of Tregs is a promising strategy for the enhancement of anti-melanoma immunity. Many recent studies are aimed to target Tregs in melanoma. Distinguishing Tregs from other immune cells and understanding the function of different subsets of Tregs may contribute to better therapeutic efficacy. Depletion of functional Tregs from the tumor microenvironment has been tested to induce clinically relevant immune responses against melanomas. However, the lack of Treg specific therapeutic antibodies or Treg specific depleting strategies is a big hurdle that is yet to be overcome. Additional studies to fine-tune currently available therapies and more agents that specifically and selectively target tumor infiltrating Tregs in melanoma are urgently needed.
Ultrastructure comparée du cytoplasme périphérique des oocytes mûrs et des œufs vierges deXenopus laevis(Bactracien anoure)
Authors: Van Gansen P. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTAu cours de ces dernières années, les travaux de J. Brachet et de ses collaborateurs sur le rôle des acides nucléiques dans le développement embryonnaire des Amphibiens ont eu pour fil conducteur deux hypothèses fondamentales (Brachet, 1964,1965): (1) Les synthèses protéiniques, aux différentes étapes de la morphogenèse, se feraient dans le cytoplasme au niveau de polysomes; la synthèse de leurs RNA messagers serait dirigée par les DNA de noyaux dont l’activation (derepression) serait contrôlée par leurs territoires cytoplasmiques respectifs.(2) certaines de ces étapes, en particulier pendant les stades initiaux du développement, il existerait dans le cytoplasme des relais de l’information héréditaire, sous la forme de DNA cytoplasmique ou de m-RNA stables.
Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Responses to Different Types of Short-Term Exercise Training and Detraining in Middle-Age Men
Authors: CALLAHAN MARCUS J. , PARR EVELYN B. , SNIJDERS TIM , CONCEIÇÃO MIGUEL S. , RADFORD BRIDGET E. , TIMMINS RYAN G. , DEVLIN BROOKE L. , HAWLEY JOHN A. , CAMERA DONNY M. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Whether short-term, single-mode exercise training can improve physical fitness before a period of reduced physical activity (e.g., postsurgery recovery) is not well characterized in clinical populations or middle-age adults. We investigated skeletal muscle adaptive responses after endurance exercise training (ENT), high-intensity interval training (HIIT), or resistance exercise training (RET), and a subsequent period of detraining, in sedentary, middle-age men.

Methods
Thirty-five sedentary men (39 ± 3 yr) were randomized to parallel groups and undertook 6 wk of either ENT (n = 12), HIIT (n = 12), or RET (n = 11) followed by 2.5 wk of detraining. Skeletal muscle fiber characteristics, body composition, muscle thickness, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, resting energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis were assessed at baseline, and after exercise training and detraining.

Results
Lean mass increased after RET and HIIT (+3.2% ± 1.6% and +1.6% ± 2.1%, P < 0.05). Muscle strength (sum of leg press, leg extension, and bench press one-repetition maximums) increased after all training interventions (RET, +25% ± 5%; HIIT, +10% ± 5%; ENT, +7% ± 7%; P < 0.05). Aerobic capacity increased only after HIIT and ENT (+14% ± 7% and +11% ± 11%, P < 0.05). Type I and II muscle fiber size increased for all groups after training (main effect of time, P < 0.05). After a period of detraining, the gains in lean mass and maximal muscle strength were maintained in the RET and HIIT groups, but maximal aerobic capacity declined below posttraining levels in HIIT and ENT (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Six weeks of HIIT induced widespread adaptations before detraining in middle-age men. Exercise training–induced increases in aerobic capacity declined during 2.5 wk of detraining, but gains in lean mass and muscle strength were maintained.
The Impact of 6-Month Land versus Water Walking on Cerebrovascular Function in the Aging Brain
Authors: GREEN DANIEL J. , SMITH KURT , MASLEN BARBARA A. , COX KAY L. , LAUTENSCHLAGER NICOLA T. , PESTELL CARMELA F. , NAYLOR LOUISE H. , AINSLIE PHILIP N. , CARTER HOWARD H. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
To examine the hypothesis that exercise training induces adaptation in cerebrovascular function, we recruited 63 older adults (62 ± 7 yr, 46 females) to undertake 24 wk of either land walking or water walking, or participate in a nonexercise control group. This is the first multi-interventional study to perform a comprehensive assessment of cerebrovascular function in response to longer term (6-month) training interventions, including water-based exercise, in older healthy individuals.

Methods
Intracranial blood flow velocities (middle cerebral artery (MCAv) and posterior cerebral artery) were assessed at rest and in response to neurovascular coupling, hypercapnic reactivity, and cerebral autoregulation.

Results
We observed no change in resting MCAv in response to either training intervention (pre vs post, mean (95% confidence interval), land walking: 65 (59–70) to 63 (57–68) cm·s−1, P = 0.33; water walking: 63 (58–69) to 61 (55–67) cm·s−1, P = 0.92) compared with controls and no change in neurovascular coupling (land walking: P = 0.18, water walking: P = 0.17). There was a significant but modest improvement in autoregulatory normalized gain after the intervention in the water-walking compared with the land-walking group (P = 0.03). Hypercapnic MCAv reactivity was not different based on exercise group (land: P = 087, water: P = 0.83); however, when data were pooled from the exercise groups, increases in fitness were correlated with decreases in hypercapnic reactivity (r
2 = 0.25, P = 0.003).

Conclusions
Although exercise was not associated with systematic changes across multiple domains of cerebrovascular function, our data indicate that exercise may induce modest changes in autoregulation and CO2 reactivity. These findings should encourage further studies of the longer-term implications of exercise training on cerebrovascular health.
How to promote ‘discipline without tough love’ during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Suzuki Shunji 
Published: April 2021

Background: In Japan, the effect of education using the leaflet ‘Discipline Without Tough Love’ on mothers during caring for their infants have been reported. We examined the effect of this education on pregnant Japanese women. Methods: The present study was a prospective investigation of all Japanese women with singleton pregnancies who visited our hospital for a perinatal visit at 20-23 weeks’ gestation between November 2017 and March 2018 and gave birth at ≥ 37 weeks’ gestation at our hospital. We examined the maternal feelings (bonding situation) to babies of women who received the leaflet in comparison with that in women who did not receive it during the health check-up performed routinely at one month after delivery using the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale. Results: There were no significant differences in maternal feelings for their babies between the two groups of women. Conclusions: We did not identify any effect of health consultations cased on ‘Discipline Without Tough Love’ during pregnancy on maternal feelings toward babies at one month after delivery. A further study to enlighten pregnant women about parenting without corporal punishment will be needed in Japan. Registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials 1030190112; registered on 5 October 2019.
ASaiM-MT: a validated and optimized ASaiM workflow for metatranscriptomics analysis within Galaxy framework
Authors: Mehta Subina , Crane Marie , Leith Emma , Batut Bérénice , Hiltemann Saskia , Arntzen Magnus Ø , Kunath Benoit J. , Pope Phillip B. , Delogu Francesco , Sajulga Ray , Kumar Praveen , Johnson James E. , Griffin Timothy J. , Jagtap Pratik D. 
Published: April 2021

The Earth Microbiome Project (EMP) aided in understanding the role of microbial communities and the influence of collective genetic material (the ‘microbiome’) and microbial diversity patterns across the habitats of our planet. With the evolution of new sequencing technologies, researchers can now investigate the microbiome and map its influence on the environment and human health. Advances in bioinformatics methods for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis have helped researchers to gain an in-depth knowledge about the taxonomic and genetic composition of microbial communities. Metagenomic-based methods have been the most commonly used approaches for microbiome analysis; however, it primarily extracts information about taxonomic composition and genetic potential of the microbiome under study, lacking quantification of the gene products (RNA and proteins). On the other hand, metatranscriptomics, the study of a microbial community’s RNA expression, can reveal the dynamic gene expression of individual microbial populations and the community as a whole, ultimately providing information about the active pathways in the microbiome. In order to address the analysis of NGS data, the ASaiM analysis framework was previously developed and made available via the Galaxy platform. Although developed for both metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, the original publication demonstrated the use of ASaiM only for metagenomics, while thorough testing for metatranscriptomics data was lacking. In the current study, we have focused on validating and optimizing the tools within ASaiM for metatranscriptomics data. As a result, we deliver a robust workflow that will enable researchers to understand dynamic functional response of the microbiome in a wide variety of metatranscriptomics studies. This improved and optimized ASaiM-metatranscriptomics (ASaiM-MT) workflow is publicly available via the ASaiM framework, documented and supported with training material so that users can interrogate and characterize metatranscriptomic data, as part of larger meta-omic studies of microbiomes.
Case Report: Polyvinylpyrrolidone deposition disease from repeated injection of opioid substitution drugs: report of a case with a fatal outcome
Authors: Stalund Ida Viken , Riise Gro Nygard , Leh Friedemann , Bjånes Tormod Karlsen , Riise Lars , Svarstad Einar , Leh Sabine 
Published: April 2021

Background: Intravenous injection of oral opioid substitution drugs (OSD) is widespread among injecting drug users. Several OSDs contain the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an excipient. Parenterally administered PVP of high molecular weight may accumulate in tissues and organs. This phenomenon was first described in the 1950s, when PVP was utilised in medication for parenteral use. We report a case of an opioid-addicted patient with extensive PVP–deposition caused by repeated injections of OSDs. Case presentation: A 30-year-old male drug addicted patient in opioid substitution therapy (OST) was repeatedly referred to his local hospital in a poor general condition. Work-up revealed severe normocytic anaemia, renal insufficiency, pancreas insufficiency and pathological fractures. Biopsies from fractured bones, bone marrow and gastric mucosa showed extensive infiltrates of histiocytes with intracytoplasmic vacuoles. Vacuole content stained slightly bluish in hematoxylin and eosin stain, red in Congo red stain and black in periodic acid methenamine silver stain. The morphological appearance and staining properties were in accordance with the diagnosis of PVP deposition. The patient had been injecting both buprenorphine tablets and a specific methadone syrup for several years. The methadone syrup contained large amounts of high molecular weight PVP, making it the most likely cause of the deposition. His health quickly deteriorated and he died, impaired by multi-organ failure and cachexia, five years after the first diagnosis of PVP-deposition. The autopsy revealed extensive PVP-deposition in all sampled organs and tissues. Conclusions: Histological investigation and the correct identification of PVP in the biopsies led to the discovery of a severe adverse effect from long-standing misuse of a drug. The disseminated PVP deposition likely contributed to multi-organ dysfunction and cachexia with a fatal outcome. The deposited PVP likely originated from repeated injections of a certain methadone syrup.
Medical students’ relative immunity, or lack thereof, against COVID-19 emotional distress and psychological challenges; a descriptive study from Jordan
Authors: Kheirallah Khalid , Bloukh Sarah , Khasawneh Wasim , Alsulaiman Jomana , Khassawneh Adi , Al-Mistarehi Abdel-Hameed , Alqudah Mohammad , Elsalem Lina , Al Bashir Samir , Awad Hasan H. , Al-Shatanawi Tariq , Saleh Tareq 
Published: April 2021

Background: Emotional distress is a major impact of COVID-19 among not only the general public but also healthcare workers including medical students. This study aimed at describing self-reported changes in emotional reactions associated with COVID-19 among medical students in Jordan and to assessing the potential effect of social media utilization on emotional distress among this group. Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized to collect data early on during the outbreak in Jordan. All medical students in Jordan were eligible to complete an online questionnaire assessing self-reported emotional reactions to COVID-19 that covered four main domains: negative emotion (anxiety, worry, depression, panic, loneliness, and nervousness), positive emotion (happiness, joy, and excitement), sleep disorders (insomnia, shallow sleep, nightmares, and insufficient sleep), and aggression (verbal argument and physical fighting). The frequency of social media utilization as a main source of COVID-19 information was also assessed. Results: 59.9% of participants were females, 64.9% were enrolled at the two major medical schools in Jordan, and 59.6% were in the pre-clinical stage (years). A significant proportion of participants self-reported increased negative emotional levels of anxiety (49.2%), worry (72.4%), depression (23.1%), panic (22.6%), and nervousness (38.2%) and decreased positive emotional levels of happiness (44.8%), joy (47.3%), and feelings of excitement (45.1%). Self-reported sleep disorders were not as common (less than 15% for any of the four items), while arguing with others was at 26.7%. Significant differences by gender and academic year were detected. Almost half of participants reported using social media as a main source of COVID-19 information “most/all-the-times” with a significant effect of such on reducing emotional distress. Conclusion: The results suggest a potential effect of COVID-19 on the emotional distress of medical students. Addressing and mitigating such effects is crucial. The buffering effect of social media should be further investigated.
Study of Antibodies to Cytolethal Distending Toxin B (CdtB) and Antibodies to Vinculin in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Zaki Maysaa El Sayed , Elhammady Dina , Foda Salama Mona , Abdelsalam Mostafa , Osman Asmaa Osama Bakr 
Published: April 2021

Background:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder, categorized into various subtypes. Post-infection IBS may be attributed to the release of cytolethal distending toxin B (CdtB), which cross-reacts with the adhesion protein vinculin responsible for normal intestinal contractility.Objective:This study aims to identify anti-CdtB and anti-vinculin levels in IBS patients compared to healthy control.Subjects and methods:This retrospective case-control study was conducted on 100 patients with IBS, as determined by a questionnaire based on Rome IV criteria, recruited from the outpatient clinics of the Tropical Medicine at Mansoura University Hospital from January 2019 to January 2020.Results:Anti-vinculin and anti-CdtB levels were significantly elevated in patients with IBS (1.58±0.496ng/ml, 2.47±0.60ng/ml) when compared to control subjects (1.13±0.249ng/ml, 2.1±0.24 ng/ml), respectively with P=0.001 for both. Anti-vinculin level was significantly higher in the IBS-D subtype than the other subtypes (P=0.001) while, Anti-CdtB was significantly elevated in IBS-C, IBS-D subgroups compared to control subjects (P=0.001).Conclusion:Findings of the present study support the hypothesis that IBS results from post-infectious disorders initiated by bacterial enteritis. A hypothesis could be applied to all IBS subgroups. On the other hand. These biomarkers might reflect the post-infectious state's severity. These findings need further extensive longitudinal studies in patients with IBS.
Global prevalence of prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 survivors and potential pathogenesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yusuf Fauzi , Fahriani Marhami , Mamada Sukamto S. , Frediansyah Andri , Abubakar Azzaki , Maghfirah Desi , Fajar Jonny Karunia , Maliga Helnida Anggun , Ilmawan Muhammad , Emran Talha Bin , Ophinni Youdiil , Innayah Meutia Rizki , Masyeni Sri , Ghouth Abdulla Salem Bin , Yusuf Hanifah , Dhama Kuldeep , Nainu Firzan , Harapan Harapan 
Published: April 2021

Background: This study aimed to determine the cumulative prevalence of prolonged gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and dysgeusia, in survivors of both mild and severe COVID-19 worldwide and to discuss the potential pathogenesis. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched for relevant articles up to January 30, 2021. Data on study characteristics, clinical characteristics during follow-up, the number of patients with prolonged GI symptoms, and total number of COVID-19 survivors were retrieved according to PRISMA guidelines. The quality of eligible studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The pooled prevalence of specific prolonged GI symptoms was calculated and the association between COVID-19 severity and the occurrence of prolonged GI symptoms was assessed if appropriate. Results: The global prevalence of prolonged nausea was 3.23% (95% CI: 0.54%–16.53%) among 527 COVID-19 survivors. Vomiting persisted in 93 of 2,238 COVID-19 survivors (3.19%, 95% CI: 1.62%–6.17%) and prolonged diarrhea was found in 34 of 1,073 survivors (4.12%, 95% CI: 1.07%–14.64%). A total of 156 patients among 2,238 COVID-19 survivors (4.41%, 95% CI: 1.91%–9.94%) complained of persistent decreased or loss of appetite. The cumulative prevalence of prolonged abdominal pain was 1.68% (95% CI: 0.84%–3.32%), whereas persistent dysgeusia was identified in 130 cases among 1,887 COVID-19 survivors (7.04%, 95% CI: 5.96%–8.30%). Data was insufficient to assess the relationship between COVID-19 severity and the occurrence of all prolonged GI symptoms. Conclusion: Persistent GI symptoms among COVID-19 survivors after discharge or recovery raises a concern regarding the long-term impact of the COVID-19 infection on the quality of life of the survivors. Despite several potential explanations proposed, studies that aim to follow patients after recovery from COVID-19 and determine the pathogenesis of the prolonged symptoms of COVID-19 survivors are warranted. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021239187.
Refining livestock mortality indicators: a systematic review
Authors: Wong Johanna T. , Vance Ciara , Peters Andrew 
Published: April 2021

Background:Livestock mortality impacts farmer livelihoods and household nutrition. Capturing trends in livestock mortality at localised or national levels is essential to planning, monitoring and evaluating interventions and programs aimed at decreasing mortality rates. However, livestock mortality data is disparate, and indicators used have not been standardised. This review aims to assess livestock mortality indicator definitions reported in literature, and define the ages where mortality has greatest impact.Methods:A systematic review was conducted, limited to articles focussed on mortality of cattle, sheep and goats. Peer-reviewed articles in Web of Science until year 2020 were assessed for inclusion of age-based definitions for mortality indicators and data on age distribution of mortality. Indicator definitions for each species were collated and similar terms and age groups most targeted were compared. The cumulative distribution of age at mortality was compared across studies graphically where possible; otherwise, age patterns for mortality were collated.Results:Most studies reported mortality risk rather than rate, and there was little agreement between indicator definitions used in the literature. The most common indicators reported were perinatal and neonatal mortality in cattle, and for perinatal, neonatal and pre-weaning mortality indicators for sheep and goats. Direct comparison of age distribution of mortality was only possible for cattle, which found that approximately 80% of all mortalities within the first 12 months had occurred by six months of age. A significant finding of the study is the variation in age groups for which mortality is reported, which impedes the comparison of mortality risk across studies, particularly for sheep and goats.Conclusions:This study demonstrates the importance and value of standardising mortality risk indicators for general use, including a young stock mortality risk indicator measuring mortality in the highest risk period of birth to six months of age in cattle, sheep and goats.
Protocol for a mixed methods process evaluation of the LinkMM randomised controlled trial “Use of link workers to provide social prescribing and health and social care coordination for people with complex multimorbidity in socially deprived areas”
Authors: Kiely Bridget , O'Donnell Patrick , Byers Vivienne , Galvin Emer , Boland Fiona , Smith Susan M. , Connolly Deirdre , O'Shea Eamon , Clyne Barbara 
Published: April 2021

Background Multimorbidity, defined as two or more chronic conditions is increasing in prevalence and is associated with increased health care use, fragmented care and poorer health outcomes. Link workers are non-health or social care professionals who support people to connect with resources in their community to improve their well-being, a process commonly referred to as social prescribing. The use of link workers in primary care may be an effective intervention in helping those with long‐term conditions manage their illness and improve health and well‐being, but the evidence base in limited. The LinkMM study is a randomised controlled trial of the effectiveness of link workers based in primary care, providing social prescribing and health and social care coordination for people with multimorbidity. The aim of the LinkMM process evaluation is to investigate the implementation of the link worker intervention, mechanisms of impact and influence of the specific context on these, as per the Medical Research Council framework, using quantitative and qualitative methods. Methods Quantitative data will be gathered from a number of sources including researcher logbooks, participant baseline questionnaires, client management database, and will be analysed using descriptive statistics. Semi structured interviews with participants will investigate their experiences of the intervention. Interviews with link workers, practices and community stakeholders will explore how the intervention was implemented and barriers and facilitators to this. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts will be conducted. Discussion The process evaluation of the LinkMM trial will provide important information allowing a more in-depth understanding of how the intervention worked and lessons for future wider scale implementation.