bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TRADISI NGELEGI MARGA DALAM MASYARAKAT KARO: PROBLEMA IDENTITAS INTEGRASI ATAU MULTIKULTUR (The Tradition of Ngelegi Marga in Karo Society: The Problem of Integrated or Multicultural Identity)
Authors: Sembiring Raharja , Butar butar Rut Debora 
Published: March 2021

This article aims to describe and to explain the tradition of ngelegi marga in Karo society. It is intended to answer the problem of integrated or multicultural identity due to this tradition. The tradition of ngelegi merga or beru (picking up clans) is a cultural solution for the Karo people to respond to the increasingly complex interactions and expansion of Karo community. This tradition often generates a dilemma between Integration and multiculturalism. The research used in this paper is ethnographic and phenomonological studies, data was obtained through participatory observation, interview and literature study. The tradition of ngelegi merga or trying to embrace all people becomes the subject in the community, so that there is no other subject. The tradition of ngelegi merga or beru does not ignore initial identities but the way of living and establishing relationship within the Karo community.
Keywords: Integration, Karo, multicultural, Ngelegi merga or beru.
Proinflammatory Cytokine Modulates Intracellular Calcium Handling and Enhances Ventricular Arrhythmia Susceptibility
Authors: Tsai Yung-Nan , Hsiao Ya-Wen , Lin Shien-Fong , Chan Yi-Hsin , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Tang Wei-Hua , Lee An-Sheng , Huang Yu-Ting , Li Hsing-Yuan , Chao Tze-Fan , Higa Satoshi , Wu Tsu-Juey , Chang Shih-Lin , Chen Shih-Ann 
Published: March 2021

Background: The mechanism of Interleukin-17 (IL-17) induced ventricular arrhythmia (VA) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intracellular calcium (Cai) handling and VA susceptibility by IL-17.Methods: The electrophysiological properties of isolated perfused rabbit hearts under IL-17 (20 ng/ml, N = 6) and the IL-17 with neutralizer (0.4 μg/ml, N = 6) were evaluated using an optical mapping system. The action potential duration (APD) and Cai transient duration (CaiTD) were examined, and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis of ion channels was performed.Results: There were longer APD80, CaiTD80 and increased thresholds of APD and CaiTD alternans, the maximum slope of APD restitution and induction of VA threshold in IL-17 group compared with those in IL-17 neutralizer and baseline groups. During ventricular fibrillation, the number of phase singularities and dominant frequency were both significantly greater in IL-17 group than in baseline group. The mRNA expressions of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, phospholamban, and ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channel were upregulated, and the subunit of L-type Ca2+ current and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2a were significantly reduced in IL-17 group compared to baseline and IL-17 neutralizer group.Conclusions: IL-17 enhanced CaiTD and APD alternans through disturbances in calcium handling, which may increase VA susceptibility.
Validation and Feasibility of Echocardiographic Assessment of Systemic Right Ventricular Function: Serial Correlation With MRI
Authors: Zandstra Tjitske E. , Jongbloed Monique R. M. , Widya Ralph L. , ten Harkel Arend D. J. , Holman Eduard R. , Mertens Bart J. A. , Vliegen Hubert W. , Egorova Anastasia D. , Schalij Martin J. , Kiès Philippine 
Published: March 2021

Background: Inherent to its geometry, echocardiographic imaging of the systemic right ventricle (RV) is challenging. Therefore, echocardiographic assessment of systemic RV function may not always be feasible and/or reproducible in daily practice. Here, we aim to validate the usefulness of a comprehensive range of 32 echocardiographic measurements of systemic RV function in a longitudinal cohort by serial assessment of their correlations with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived systemic RV ejection fraction (RVEF).Methods: A single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed. Adult patients with a systemic RV who underwent a combination of both CMR and echocardiography at two different points in time were included. Off-line analysis of echocardiographic images was blinded to off-line CMR analysis and vice versa. In half of the echocardiograms, measurements were repeated by a second observer blinded to the results of the first. Correlations between echocardiographic and CMR measures were assessed with Pearson's correlation coefficient and interobserver agreement was quantified with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).Results: Fourteen patients were included, of which 4 had congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) and 10 patients had TGA late after an atrial switch operation. Eight patients (57%) were female. There was a mean of 8 years between the first and second imaging assessment. Only global systemic RV function, fractional area change (FAC), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were consistently, i.e., at both time points, correlated with CMR-RVEF (global RV function: r = −0.77/r = −0.63; FAC: r = 0.79/r = 0.67; GLS: r = −0.73/r = −0.70, all p-values &lt; 0.05). The ICC of GLS (0.82 at t = 1, p = 0.006, 0.77 at t = 2, p = 0.024) was higher than the ICC of FAC (0.35 at t = 1, p = 0.196, 0.70 at t = 2, p = 0.051) at both time points.Conclusion: GLS appears to be the most robust echocardiographic measurement of systemic RV function with good correlation with CMR-RVEF and reproducibility.
Aldosterone-Regulating Receptors and Aldosterone-Driver Somatic Mutations
Authors: Lim Jung Soo , Plaska Samuel W. , Rege Juilee , Rainey William E. , Turcu Adina F. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSomatic gene mutations that facilitate inappropriate intracellular calcium entrance have been identified in most aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). Studies suggest that angiotensin II and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) augment aldosterone production from APAs. Little is known, however, regarding possible variations in response to hormonal stimuli between APAs with different aldosterone-driver mutations.ObjectiveTo analyze the transcript expression of type 1 angiotensin II receptors (AGTR1), ACTH receptors (MC2R), and melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) in APAs with known aldosterone-driver somatic mutations.MethodsRNA was isolated from APAs with mutations in: KCNJ5 (n = 14), ATP1A1 (n = 14), CACNA1D (n = 14), and ATP2B3 (n = 5), and from normal adjacent adrenal tissue (n = 45). Transcript expression of MC2R, MRAP, AGTR1, aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2), 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1), and 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) were quantified using quantitative RT-PCR and normalized to β-actin.ResultsCompared to adjacent normal adrenal tissue, APAs had higher transcript levels of CYP11B2 (2,216.4 [1,112.0, 2,813.5]-fold, p &lt; 0.001), MC2R (2.88 [2.00, 4.52]-fold, p &lt; 0.001), and AGTR1 (1.80 [1.02, 2.80]-fold, p &lt; 0.001]), and lower transcript levels of MRAP, CYP17A1, and CYP11B1 (0.28–0.36, p &lt; 0.001 for all). MC2R and CYP11B2 transcripts were lower in APAs with KCNJ5 vs. other mutations (p &lt; 0.01 for both). MC2R expression correlated positively with that of AGTR1 in APAs harboring KCNJ5 and CACNA1D mutations, and with MRAP expression in APAs harboring ATPase mutations.ConclusionsWhile MC2R and AGTR1 are expressed in all APAs, differences were observed based on the underlying aldosterone-driver somatic mutations. In tandem, our findings suggest that APAs with ATPase-mutations are more responsive to ACTH than KCNJ5-mutated APAs.
2-Methoxyestradiol Protects Against Lung Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Upregulating Annexin A1 Protein Expression
Authors: Liao Wen-I , Wu Shu-Yu , Tsai Shih-Hung , Pao Hsin-Ping , Huang Kun-Lun , Chu Shi-Jye 
Published: March 2021

Background: 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME), a natural 17-β estradiol metabolite, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, but its effect on ischemia/reperfusion (IR)-induced acute lung inflammation remains unknown. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), a glucocorticoid-regulated protein, is effective at inhibiting neutrophil transendothelial migration by binding the formyl peptide receptors (FPRs). We aimed to investigate whether 2ME upregulates the expression of AnxA1 and protects against IR-induced lung damage.Methods: IR-mediated acute lung inflammation was induced by ischemia for 40 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min in an isolated, perfused rat lung model. The rat lungs were randomly treated with vehicle or 2ME, and the functional relevance of AnxA1 was determined using an anti-AnxA1 antibody or BOC2 (a pan-receptor antagonist of the FPR). In vitro, human primary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAECs) and rat neutrophils were pretreated with 2ME and an AnxA1 siRNA or anti-AnxA1 antibody and subjected to hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR).Results: 2ME significantly decreased all lung edema parameters, neutrophil infiltration, oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokine production, lung cell apoptosis, tight junction protein disruption, and lung tissue injury in the IR-induced acute lung inflammation model. 2ME also increased the expression of the AnxA1 mRNA and protein and suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). In vitro, 2ME attenuated HR-triggered NF-κB activation and interleukin-8 production in HPAECs, decreased transendothelial migration, tumor necrosis factor-α production, and increased apoptosis in neutrophils exposed to HR. These protective effects of 2ME were significantly abrogated by BOC2, the anti-AnxA1 antibody, or AnxA1 siRNA.Conclusions: 2ME ameliorates IR-induced acute lung inflammation by increasing AnxA1 expression. Based on these results, 2ME may be a promising agent for attenuating IR-induced lung injury.
On the SARS-CoV-2 “Variolation Hypothesis”: No Association Between Viral Load of Index Cases and COVID-19 Severity of Secondary Cases
Authors: Trunfio Mattia , Longo Bianca Maria , Alladio Francesca , Venuti Francesco , Cerutti Francesco , Ghisetti Valeria , Bonora Stefano , Di Perri Giovanni , Calcagno Andrea 
Published: March 2021

Background: Emerging evidence supports the “variolation hypothesis” in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), but the derivative idea that the viral load of index cases may predict disease severity in secondary cases could be unsubstantiated. We assessed whether the prevalence of symptomatic infections, hospitalization, and deaths in household contacts of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases differed according to the SARS-CoV-2 PCR cycle threshold (Ct) from nasal-pharyngeal swab at diagnosis of linked index cases.Methods: Cross-sectional study on household contacts of COVID-19 cases randomly sampled from all the infections diagnosed in March at our Microbiology Laboratory (Amedeo di Savoia, Turin). Data were retrospectively collected by phone interviews and from the Piedmont regional platform for COVID-19 emergency. Index cases were classified as high (HVl) and low viral load (LVl) according to two exploratory cut-offs of RdRp gene Ct value. Secondary cases were defined as swab confirmed or symptom based likely when not tested but presenting compatible clinical picture.Results: One hundred thirty-two index cases of whom 87.9% symptomatic and 289 household contacts were included. The latter were male and Caucasian in 44.3 and 95.8% of cases, with a median age of 34 years (19–57). Seventy-four were swab confirmed and other 28 were symptom based likely secondary cases. Considering both, the contacts of HVl and LVl did not differ in the prevalence of symptomatic infections nor COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. No difference in median Ct of index cases between symptomatic and asymptomatic, hospitalized and not hospitalized, or deceased and survived secondary cases was found. Negative findings were confirmed after adjusting for differences in time between COVID-19 onset and swab collection of index cases (median 5 days) and after removing pediatric secondary cases.Conclusions: The amount of SARS-CoV-2 of the source at diagnosis does not predict clinical outcomes of linked secondary cases. Considering the impelling release of assays for SARS-CoV-2 RNA exact quantification, these negative findings should inform clinical and public health strategies on how to interpret and use the data.
Spike Generators and Cell Signaling in the Human Auditory Nerve: An Ultrastructural, Super-Resolution, and Gene Hybridization Study
Authors: Liu Wei , Luque Maria , Li Hao , Schrott-Fischer Anneliese , Glueckert Rudolf , Tylstedt Sven , Rajan Gunesh , Ladak Hanif , Agrawal Sumit , Rask-Andersen Helge 
Published: March 2021

Background: The human auditory nerve contains 30,000 nerve fibers (NFs) that relay complex speech information to the brain with spectacular acuity. How speech is coded and influenced by various conditions is not known. It is also uncertain whether human nerve signaling involves exclusive proteins and gene manifestations compared with that of other species. Such information is difficult to determine due to the vulnerable, “esoteric,” and encapsulated human ear surrounded by the hardest bone in the body. We collected human inner ear material for nanoscale visualization combining transmission electron microscopy (TEM), super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM), and RNA-scope analysis for the first time. Our aim was to gain information about the molecular instruments in human auditory nerve processing and deviations, and ways to perform electric modeling of prosthetic devices.Material and Methods: Human tissue was collected during trans-cochlear procedures to remove petro-clival meningioma after ethical permission. Cochlear neurons were processed for electron microscopy, confocal microscopy (CM), SR-SIM, and high-sensitive in situ hybridization for labeling single mRNA transcripts to detect ion channel and transporter proteins associated with nerve signal initiation and conductance.Results: Transport proteins and RNA transcripts were localized at the subcellular level. Hemi-nodal proteins were identified beneath the inner hair cells (IHCs). Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) were expressed in the spiral ganglion (SG) and axonal initial segments (AISs). Nodes of Ranvier (NR) expressed Nav1.6 proteins, and encoding genes critical for inter-cellular coupling were disclosed.Discussion: Our results suggest that initial spike generators are located beneath the IHCs in humans. The first NRs appear at different places. Additional spike generators and transcellular communication may boost, sharpen, and synchronize afferent signals by cell clusters at different frequency bands. These instruments may be essential for the filtering of complex sounds and may be challenged by various pathological conditions.
The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Can Protect Against Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Portaccio Emilio , Bellinvia Angelo , Prestipino Elio , Nacmias Benedetta , Bagnoli Silvia , Razzolini Lorenzo , Pastò Luisa , Niccolai Claudia , Goretti Benedetta , Fonderico Mattia , Zimatore Giovanni Bosco , Losignore Nunzia Alessandra , Sorbi Sandro , Amato Maria Pia 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family, involved in neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is known to reduce BDNF expression and secretion; its role in multiple sclerosis (MS) is poorly investigated.Objectives and Methods: In this multicenter, retrospective study, we assessed the role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on cognitive and motor disability in MS patients consecutively referred to the University of Florence and the Hospital of Barletta. All patients underwent a genetic analysis for the presence of Val66Met polymorphism and a comprehensive neuropsychological examination on the Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery and the Stroop Color Word Test. Possible predictors of the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and number of failed neuropsychological tests were assessed through linear multivariable regression models.Results: Ninety-eight patients were recruited. Patients with the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (35.7%) were more frequently males (p = 0.020), more disabled (p = 0.026) and, marginally, older (p = 0.064). In the multivariable analysis, BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was associated with a better cognitive performance (B = −1.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.027). Higher EDSS score was associated with a progressive disease course (B = 3.4, p &lt; 0.001) and, marginally, with the presence of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism (B = 0.56, p = 0.066).Discussion: Our results preliminarily suggest a protective role of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism against cognitive impairment in MS patients, possibly related to a detrimental effect of increased BDNF concentration in a neuroinflammatory environment.
Alteration of N6 -Methyladenosine mRNA Methylation in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Yi Dazhuang , Wang Qunhui , Zhao Yuhao , Song Yu , You Hong , Wang Jian , Liu Renjie , Shi Zhongqiang , Chen Xuan , Luo Qi 
Published: March 2021

AimThis study was conducted in order to reveal the alterations in the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification profile of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury model rats.Materials and MethodsRats were used to establish the middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) model. MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq were performed to identify differences in m6A methylation and gene expression. The expression of m6A methylation regulators was analyzed in three datasets and detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence.ResultsWe identified 1,160 differentially expressed genes with hypermethylated or hypomethylated m6A modifications. The differentially expressed genes with hypermethylated m6A modifications were involved in the pathways associated with inflammation, while hypomethylated differentially expressed genes were related to neurons and nerve synapses. Among the m6A regulators, FTO was specifically localized in neurons and significantly downregulated after MCAO/R.ConclusionOur study provided an m6A transcriptome-wide map of the MACO/R rat samples, which might provide new insights into the mechanisms of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury.
Maternal High Fat Diet Consumption Exaggerates Metabolic Disorders in Mice With Cigarette-Smoking Induced Intrauterine Undernutrition
Authors: Huang Taida , Yang Mo , Zeng Yunxin , Huang Xiaomin , Wang Nan , Chen Yun , Li Peng , Yuan Jinqiu , Chen Chun , Oliver Brian G. , Yi Chenju 
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Maternal smoking causes fetal underdevelopment and results in births which are small for gestation age due to intrauterine undernutrition, leading to various metabolic disorders in adulthood. Furthermore, postnatal high fat diet (HFD) consumption is also a potent obesogenic factor, which can interact with maternal smoking. In this study, we aimed to determine whether maternal HFD consumption during pregnancy can reverse the adverse impact of maternal smoking and change the response to postnatal HFD consumption.Methods: Female mice were exposed to cigarette smoke (SE, 2 cigarettes/day) or sham exposed for 5 weeks before mating, with half of the SE dams fed HFD (43% fat, SE+HFD). The same treatment continued throughout gestation and lactation. Male offspring from each maternal group were fed the same HFD or chow after weaning and sacrificed at 13 weeks.Results: Maternal SE alone increased body weight and fat mass in HFD-fed offspring, while SE+HFD offspring showed the highest energy intake and glucose metabolic disorder in adulthood. In addition, postnatal HFD increased the body weight and aggravated the metabolic disorder caused by maternal SE and SE+HFD.Conclusions: Maternal HFD consumption could not ameliorate the adverse effect of maternal SE but exaggerate metabolic disorders in adult offspring. Smoking cessation and a healthy diet are needed during pregnancy to optimize the health outcome in the offspring.
Assessment of CPS + EG, Neo-Bioscore and Modified Neo-Bioscore in Breast Cancer Patients Treated With Preoperative Systemic Therapy: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Ling , Liu Yinhua , Fan Zhimin , Jiang Zefei , Liu Yunjiang , Ling Rui , Zhang Jianguo , Yu Zhigang , Jin Feng , Wang Chuan , Cui Shude , Wang Shu , Mao Dahua , Han Bing , Wang Tao , Zhang Geng , Wang Ting , Guo Baoliang , Yu Lixiang , Xu Yingying , Fu Fangmeng , Liu Zhenzhen , Wang Siyuan , Luo Ke , Xiang Qian , Zhang Zhuo , Liu Qianxin , Zhou Bin , Liu Zhaorui , Ma Chao , Tong Weiwei , Mao Jie , Duan Xuening , Cui Yimin 
Published: March 2021

This study was to assess the prognosis stratification of the clinical-pathologic staging system incorporating estrogen receptor (ER)-negative disease, the nuclear grade 3 tumor pathology (CPS + EG), Neo-Bioscore, and a modified Neo-Bioscore system in breast cancer patients after preoperative systemic therapy (PST). A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted from 12 participating hospitals’ databases from 2006 to 2015. Five-year disease free survival (DFS), disease specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) were calculated using Kaplan–Meier Method. Area under the curve (AUC) of the three staging systems was compared. Wald test and maximum likelihood estimates in Cox proportional hazards model were used for multivariate analysis. A total of 1,077 patients were enrolled. The CPS + EG, Neo-Bioscore, and modified Neo-Bioscore could all stratify the DFS, DSS, and OS (all P &lt; 0.001). While in the same stratum of Neo-Bioscore scores 2 and 3, the HER2-positive patients without trastuzumab therapy had much poorer DSS (P = 0.013 and P values &lt; 0.01, respectively) as compared to HER2-positive patients with trastuzumab therapy and HER2-negative patients. Only the modified Neo-Bioscore had a significantly higher stratification of 5-year DSS than PS (AUC 0.79 vs. 0.65, P = 0.03). So, the modified Neo-Bioscore could circumvent the limitation of CPS + EG or Neo-Bioscore.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03437837.
Peripheral Blood Autoantibodies Against to Tumor-Associated Antigen Predict Clinical Outcome to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Treatment in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhou Juan , Zhao Jing , Jia Qingzhu , Chu Qian , Zhou Fei , Chu Xiangling , Zhao Wencheng , Ren Shengxiang , Zhou Caicun , Su Chunxia 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPeripheral blood biomarkers to immunotherapy have attracted more and more attentions owing to noninvasive nature. This study was designed to identify a panel of tumor associated autoantibodies (TAAbs) in plasma to predict the clinical outcome of ICIs-based treatment in advanced NSCLC patients and correlation between TAAbs and checkpoint inhibitor pneumonitis (CIP) would also be investigated.Materials and MethodsBaseline plasma was collected from patients with advanced NSCLC before receiving ICIs-based treatment. ELISA was used to detect concentration of autoantibodies. Clinical efficacy was evaluated according to RECIST v1.1.ResultsWe have identified a panel of five-TAAbs to predict responses of ICIs-based treatment in a discovery cohort (n = 37), and confirmed its predictive value in a validation cohort (n = 129). In the validation cohort, the positivity of this 5-TAAbs panel was significantly associated with better response (ORR: 44.4% vs. 13.6%, P &lt; 0.001) and longer PFS (7.6 vs. 3.3m, P &lt; 0.001). This significant association was remained in subgroup of patients treated with combination therapy (ORR: 43.8% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.004,PFS: 6.7 vs. 3.7m, P = 0 .017). Furthermore, this 5-TAAs panel worked better in patients who received subsequent-line treatment (ORR: 42.4% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.001, PFS: 6.2 vs. 3.0m, P = 0.004) than those received first-line treatment (ORR: 46.7% vs. 35.7%, P = 0.345, PFS: NR vs. 10.48m, P = 0.146). In addition, the CIP incidence in patients with 5-TAAbs positive was significantly higher comparing to negative patients (20.4% vs. 5.9%, P = 0.015).ConclusionOur 5-TAAbs panel is a potential predictive biomarker for responses and toxicities to ICIs-based treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC.