bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial Content, but Not Function, Is Altered With a Multimodal Resistance Training Protocol and Adequate Protein Intake in Leucine-Supplemented Pre/Frail Women
Authors: Jacob Kathryn J. , Sonjak Vita , Spendiff Sally , Hepple Russell T. , Chevalier Stéphanie , Perez Anna , Morais José A. 
Published: January 2021

Background: Frailty is a clinical condition associated with loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia). Mitochondria are centrally implicated in frailty and sarcopenia. Leucine (Leu) can alter mitochondrial content in myocytes, while resistance training (RT) is the strongest stimulus to counteract sarcopenia and may enhance mitochondrial biogenesis.Objective: We determined the effects of Leu supplementation and RT on mitochondrial content and function in pre/frail elderly women in a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study.Methods: Nineteen pre/frail elderly women (77.5 ± 1.3 y, BMI: 25.1 ± 0.9 kg/m2), based on the Frailty Phenotype, underwent 3-months of RT 3×/week with protein-optimized diet and were randomized to 7.5 g/d of Leu supplementation or placebo alanine (Ala). Pre/post-intervention mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, calcium retention capacity (CRC), time to permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) protein content, leg press 1-repetition maximum (1RM), and 6-min walk test (6MWT) were measured.Results: No time, supplementation, or interaction effects were observed for respiration, ROS, time to mPTP opening, and CRC. VDAC levels significantly increased in the Leu group post-intervention (p = 0.012). Both groups significantly increased leg press 1RM and 6MWT, with no effect of supplementation.Discussion: Leu supplementation with 3 months of RT increased mitochondrial content. Future studies should investigate if there is an increase in mitochondrial turnover or a shift in quality control (mitophagy) in leucine supplemented pre/frail elderly women who undergo 12 weeks of RT.Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01922167.
Comprehensive Characterization of Immunological Profiles and Clinical Significance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tao Ping , Hong Liang , Tang Wenqing , Lu Qun , Zhao Yanrong , Zhang Si , Ma Lijie , Xue Ruyi 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundTherapies targeting immune molecules have rapidly been adopted and advanced the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, no studies have reported a systematic analysis between immunological profiles and clinical significance in HCC.MethodsWe comprehensively investigated immune patterns and systematically correlated 22 types of both adaptive and innate immune cells with genomic characteristics and clinical outcomes based on 370 HCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database through a metagene approach (known as CIBERSORT). Based on the Quantitative Pathology Imaging and Analysis System coupled with integrated high-dimensional bioinformatics analysis, we further independently validated six immune subsets (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD20+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes, CD56+ NK cells, and CD68+ macrophages), and shortlisted three (CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD56+ NK cells) of which to investigate their association with clinical outcomes in two independent Zhongshan cohorts of HCC patients (n = 258 and n = 178). Patient prognosis was further evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsBy using the CIBERSORT method, the immunome landscape of HCC was constructed based on integrated transcriptomics analysis and multiplexed sequential immunohistochemistry. Further, the patients were categorized into four immune subgroups featured with distinct clinical outcomes. Strikingly, significant inter-tumoral and intra-tumoral immune heterogeneity was further identified according to the in-depth interrogation of the immune landscape.ConclusionThis work represents a potential useful resource for the immunoscore establishment for prognostic prediction in HCC patients.
Long Non-Coding RNA PCAT6 Induces M2 Polarization of Macrophages in Cholangiocarcinoma via Modulating miR-326 and RhoA-ROCK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tu Jianfei , Wu Fazong , Chen Li , Zheng Liyun , Yang Yang , Ying Xihui , Song Jingjing , Chen Chunmiao , Hu Xianghua , Zhao Zhongwei , Ji Jiansong 
Published: January 2021

LncRNAs can act crucial roles in multiple tumors including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). M2 polarization of macrophages is crucial for their biological roles in immunologic tolerance, which is able to induce tumorigenesis. Given that increasing evidence have suggested that lncRNAs could participate in modulating immune cell differentiation and function. Our current study was aimed to identify the underlying mechanism of lncRNA prostate cancer-associated transcript 6 (PCAT6) in CCA progression via regulating M2 macrophage polarization. PCAT6 has been reported as an oncogene in many cancers. In our work, we observed increased expression of PCAT6 in CCA patients. PCAT6 expression in various types of immune cells derived from CCA patients was tested by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). It was revealed that PCAT6 was highly expressed in macrophages, which indicated that PCAT6 might regulate the function of macrophages to promote CCA progression. Then, via establishing CCA xenograft mouse model, we found loss of PCAT6 obviously triggered the immune response and reduced the in vivo tumor growth. In addition, overexpression of PCAT6 led to the M2 polarization of THP-1-differentiated macrophages. Moreover, miR-326 was predicted and proved as a target for PCAT6. In addition, down-regulation of PCAT6 repressed M2 polarization of macrophages, which was reversed by miR-326 inhibitors. The increase of PCAT6 induced the accumulation of ROS, mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction in macrophages and mimics of miR-326 exhibited an opposite process. RohA has been recognized as a significant regulator of immune cell function. In our current work, we observed that RohA function as a downstream target for miR-326. In conclusion, our study highlighted a significant role of PCAT6/miR-326/RohA in immune response of macrophages in CCA and indicated PCAT6 as a potential target of immunotherapy in CCA.
Surgical Management of Tentorial Notch Meningioma Guided by Further Classification: A Consecutive Study of 53 Clinical Cases
Authors: Qin Chaoying , Wang Junquan , Long Wenyong , Xiao Kai , Wu Changwu , Yuan Jian , Pan Yimin , Zhang Chi , Su Jun , Yuan Xianrui , Liu Qing 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundManagement of tentorial notch meningiomas (TNM) remains a challenge for neurosurgeons. We demonstrate the clinical characteristics and surgical experiences of TNM based on our cases according to a proposed further classification.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical and follow-up data in a consecutive series of 53 TNM patients who underwent microsurgical operation from 2011 to 2019 in our institution. The operations were performed using various approaches. Clinical history, preoperative and postoperative neurofunction, imaging results, and surgical outcomes were collected for further classification of TNM.ResultsAll TNM cases were divided into anterior (T1), middle (T2), and posterior notch (T3). According to the direction of tumor extension and correlation with the neurovascular structures, detailed subtypes of anterior TNMs were identified as the central (T1a), posterior (T1b), and medial type (T1c). The middle TNMs were divided into the infratentorial (T2a), supratentorial (T2b), and supra-infratentorial type (T2c). The posterior TNMs were divided into superior (T3a), inferior (T3b), lateral (T3c), and straight sinus type (T3d) in reference to Bassiouni’s classification. Total removal of the tumor was achieved in 46 cases, with five cases of subtotal and two cases of partial removal without any recorded deaths in our series. In total, five subtotal resected cases underwent gamma-knife treatment and achieved stable disease. Postoperative aggravation or new onset cranial nerve dysfunction occurred in some individual cases, with incidences ranging from 3.77 to 15.10% and improved preoperative neurological deficits ranging from 0 to 100%.ConclusionFurther, TNM classification based on the intracranial location, extension direction, relationship with brainstem, and neurovascular structures guides preoperative evaluation, rational surgical approach selection, and surgical strategy formulation. Taking microsurgery as the main body, a satisfactory outcome of TNM treatment can be achieved for complicated tumors by combining stereotactic radiotherapy. This study demonstrates the surgical outcomes and complications in detail. Further classification might be helpful for treatment decisions in the future.
Intrauterine Gardnerella vaginalis Infection Results in Fetal Growth Restriction and Alveolar Septal Hypertrophy in a Rabbit Model
Authors: Cheah Fook-Choe , Lai Chee Hoe , Tan Geok Chin , Swaminathan Anushia , Wong Kon Ken , Wong Yin Ping , Tan Tian-Lee 
Published: January 2021

Background:Gardnerella vaginalis(GV) is most frequently associated with bacterial vaginosis and is the second most common etiology causing intrauterine infection afterUreaplasma urealyticum. Intrauterine GV infection adversely affects pregnancy outcomes, resulting in preterm birth, fetal growth restriction, and neonatal pneumonia. The knowledge of how GV exerts its effects is limited. We developed anin vivoanimal model to study its effects on fetal development.Materials and Methods:A survival mini-laparotomy was conducted on New Zealand rabbits on gestational day 21 (28 weeks of human pregnancy). In each dam, fetuses in the right uterine horn received intra-amniotic 0.5 × 102colony-forming units of GV injections each, while their littermate controls in the left horn received sterile saline injections. A second laparotomy was performed seven days later. Assessment of the fetal pups, histopathology of the placenta and histomorphometric examination of the fetal lung tissues was done.Results:Three dams with a combined total of 12 fetuses were exposed to intra-amniotic GV, and 9 fetuses were unexposed. The weights of fetuses, placenta, and fetal lung were significantly lower in the GV group than the saline-inoculated control group [mean gross weight, GV (19.8 ± 3.8 g) vs. control (27.9 ± 1.7 g),p&lt; 0.001; mean placenta weight, GV (5.5 ± 1.0 g) vs. control (6.5 ± 0.7 g),p= 0.027; mean fetal lung weight, GV (0.59 ± 0.11 g) vs. control (0.91 ± 0.08 g),p= 0.002. There was a two-fold increase in the multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts in the placenta of the GV group than their littermate controls (82.9 ± 14.9 vs. 41.6 ± 13.4,p&lt; 0.001). The mean alveolar septae of GV fetuses was significantly thicker than the control (14.8 ± 2.8 μm vs. 12.4 ± 3.8 μm,p= 0.007). Correspondingly, the proliferative index in the interalveolar septum was 1.8-fold higher in the GV group than controls (24.9 ± 6.6% vs. 14.2 ± 2.9%,p= 0.011). The number of alveoli and alveolar surface area did not vary between groups.Discussion:Low-dose intra-amniotic GV injection induces fetal growth restriction, increased placental multinucleated syncytiotrophoblasts and fetal lung re-modeling characterized by alveolar septal hypertrophy with cellular proliferative changes.Conclusion:This intra-amniotic model could be utilized in future studies to elucidate the acute and chronic effects of GV intrauterine infections.
Psychological Resilience as a Protective Factor for Depression and Anxiety Among the Public During the Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Song Shasha , Yang Xin , Yang Hua , Zhou Ping , Ma Hui , Teng Changjun , Chen Haocheng , Ou Hongxia , Li Jijun , Mathews Carol A. , Nutley Sara , Liu Na , Zhang Xiangyang , Zhang Ning 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPsychological resilience may reduce the impact of psychological distress to some extent. We aimed to investigate the mental health status of the public during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and explore the level and related factors of anxiety and depression.MethodsFrom February 8 to March 9, 2020, 3,180 public completed the Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) for anxiety, Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) for depression, the Connor–Davidson resilience scale (CD-RISC) for psychological resilience, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) for the attitudes and coping styles.ResultsThe number of people with depressive symptoms (SDS &gt; 53) was 1,303 (the rate was 41.0%). The number of people with anxiety symptoms (SAS &gt; 50) was 1,184 (the rate was 37.2%). The depressed group and anxiety group had less education, more unmarried and younger age, as well as had significant different in SDS total score (P &lt; 0.001), SAS total score (P &lt; 0.001), CD-RISC total score (P &lt; 0.001), and SCSQ score (P &lt; 0.001). The binary logistic regression showed that female (B = -0.261, P = 0.026), strength (B = -0.079, P = 0.000), and the subscales of active coping style in SCSQ (B = -0.983, P = 0.000) remained protective factors and passive coping style (B = 0.293, P = 0.003) and higher SAS score (B = 0.175, P = 0.000) were risk factors for depression. Optimism (B = -0.041, P = 0.015) in CD-RISC was a protective factor, and passive coping styles (B = 0.483, P = 0.000) and higher SDS score (B = 0.134, P = 0.000) were risk factors for anxiety.LimitationsThis study adopted a cross-sectional design and used self-report questionnaires.ConclusionThe mental health of the public, especially females, the younger and less educational populations, and unmarried individuals, should be given more attention. Individuals with high level of mental resilience and active coping styles would have lower levels of anxiety and depression during the outbreak of COVID-19.
Acute Effects of Cannabis Concentrate on Motor Control and Speed: Smartphone-Based Mobile Assessment
Authors: Hitchcock Leah N. , Tracy Brian L. , Bryan Angela D. , Hutchison Kent E. , Bidwell L. Cinnamon 
Published: January 2021

Background: The use of cannabis concentrate is dramatically rising and sparking major safety concerns. Cannabis concentrate contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) potencies up to 90%, yet there has been little research on motor impairment after concentrate use (commonly referred to as “dabbing”). This study measured postural control and motor speed after the use of high potency concentrates in males and females.Methods: Experienced concentrate users (N = 65, Female: 46%, 17 ± 11 days/month of concentrate use) were assessed for motor performance in a mobile laboratory before, immediately after, and 1 h after ad-libitum cannabis concentrate use. Plasma levels of THC were obtained via venipuncture at each timepoint. We used a remotely deployable motor performance battery to assess arm and leg movement speed, index finger tapping rate, and balance. The sensors on a smart device (iPod Touch) attached to the participant provided quantitative measures of movement.Results: Arm speed slowed immediately after concentrate use and remained impaired after 1 h (p &lt; 0.001), leg speed slowed 1 h after use (p = 0.033), and balance decreased immediately after concentrate use (eyes open: p = 0.017, eyes closed: p = 0.013) but not at 1 h post-use. These effects were not different between sexes and there was no effect of concentrate use on finger tapping speed. Acute changes in THC plasma levels after use of concentrates were minimally correlated with acute changes in balance performance.Conclusions: Use of cannabis concentrates in frequent users impairs movement speed and balance similarly in men and women. The motor impairment is largely uncorrelated with the change in THC plasma levels. These results warrant further refinement of cannabis impairment testing and encourage caution related to use of cannabis concentrates in work and driving settings.
Preschool Communication: Early Identification of Concerns About Preschool Language Development and Social Participation
Authors: Doove Bernice M. , Feron Frans J. M. , van Os Jim , Drukker Marjan 
Published: January 2021

Background:Adverse communication development in preschool children is a risk factor influencing child health and well-being with a negative impact on social participation. Language and social skills develop and maintain human adaptability over the life course. However, the accuracy of detecting language problems in asymptomatic children in primary care needs to be improved. Therefore, it is important to identify concerns about language development as a risk factor for child health. The association between parental and professional caregivers' concerns about language development and the level of preschool social participation was assessed, as well as the possible mediating/moderating effect of the perception of social competence. In addition, validity and predictive value of parental and professional caregivers' concerns about language development were tested.Methods:To identify emerging concerns about development and social participation, a community sample of 341 preschool children was systematically assessed with a comprehensive preventive child health care “toolkit” of instruments, including parent-completed tools like the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) and child competence Visual Analog Scales (VAS). At baseline, children were aged 3 years and at follow-up ~4 years.Results:There was a statistically significant association between parental and professional caregivers' concerns about language development and the level of preschool social participation, with a mediating effect of child social competence at the age of 3 years as well as 4 years. Negative predictive value of parental and professional caregiver language concerns at the age of 3 and 4 years were 99 and 97%, respectively. Furthermore, this article showed that while some preschool children grow out of language problems, others may develop them.Conclusion:Short but valid pediatric primary care tools like the PEDS and child competence VAS can support monitoring and early identification of concerns about language development and social competence as a risk factor for preschool social participation. Personalized health care requires continued communication between parents, professional caregivers and preventive child health care about parental and professional caregiver perceptions concerning preschool language development as well as the perception of a child's social competence.
Living Donor Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Appraisal of the United Network for Organ Sharing Modified TNM Staging
Authors: Bhatti Abu Bakar Hafeez , Waheed Anum , Khan Nasir Ayub 
Published: January 2021

Background: In deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), transplant eligibility for T3–T4 HCC requires successful downstaging (DS). Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) can be considered selectively in these patients without DS, but its role is not defined. The objective of the current study was to assess outcomes of LDLT for HCC based on UNOS staging with no prior DS.Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent LDLT for HCC (n = 262) were staged based on modified UNOS TNM staging. High-risk factors were identified and 5-year recurrence free survival was compared in patients with T2–T4 HCC.Results: Median follow-up was 30.2 (16.4–46.3) months. Recurrence rate in T1, T2, T3, T4a, and T4b HCC was 0, 10.1, 16.1, 5.9, and 37.5% (P = 0.02), respectively. On multivariate analysis, AFP &gt; 600 ng/mL [HR:11.7, P &lt; 0.001] and T4b HCC (macrovascular invasion) [HR = 5.6, P = 0.03] were predictors of recurrence. After exclusion of AFP &gt; 600 ng/mL, 5-year RFS for T2, T3, and T4a HCC was 94, 86, and 92% (P = 0.3). Rate of microvascular invasion between T2 and T3 HCC was 24.3 vs. 53.6% (P = 0.005), and between T2 and T4a HCC was 24.3 vs. 36.7% (P = 0.2). Overall, 26 (19.4%) patients were overstaged and 23 (17.1%) were understaged on preoperative imaging. The 5-year RFS in patients with identical preoperative and histopathological staging was 94, 87, and 94% (P = 0.6).Conclusion: LDLT without prior DS leads to comparable survival for UNOS T2, T3, and T4a HCC as long as AFP is &lt; 600 ng/mL.
3D Phase Field Modeling of Multi-Dendrites Evolution in Solidification and Validation by Synchrotron X-ray Tomography
Authors: Wang Shuo , Guo Zhipeng , Kang Jinwu , Zou Meishuai , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Ang , Du Wenjia , Zhang Wei , Lee Tung Lik , Xiong Shoumei , Mi Jiawei 
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the dynamics of multi-dendrite concurrent growth and coarsening of an Al-15 wt.% Cu alloy was studied using a highly computationally efficient 3D phase field model and real-time synchrotron X-ray micro-tomography. High fidelity multi-dendrite simulations were achieved and the results were compared directly with the time-evolved tomography datasets to quantify the relative importance of multi-dendritic growth and coarsening. Coarsening mechanisms under different solidification conditions were further elucidated. The dominant coarsening mechanisms change from small arm melting and interdendritic groove advancement to coalescence when the solid volume fraction approaches ~0.70. Both tomography experiments and phase field simulations indicated that multi-dendrite coarsening obeys the classical Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner theory Rn−R0n = kc(t−t0), but with a higher constant of n = 4.3.
Attitudes of transgender men and non-binary people to cervical screening: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study in the UK
Authors: Berner Alison M , Connolly Dean J , Pinnell Imogen , Wolton Aedan , MacNaughton Adriana , Challen Chloe , Nambiar Kate , Bayliss Jacob , Barrett James , Richards Christina 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundTransgender men and non-binary people assigned female at birth (TMNB) who have not had surgery to remove the cervix are recommended to undertake cervical screening with the same frequency as cisgender women, but evidence suggests that TMNB have lower odds of lifetime and up-to-date cervical screening uptake.AimTo understand the attitudes towards and preferences for cervical screening among UK-based TMNB.Design and settingCross-sectional survey of TMNB at an NHS gender identity clinic (GIC) and an NHS sexual health service specialising in care of transgender people.MethodRecruitment was via email invitations to patients of the GIC and sexual health service. Inclusion criteria were: female sex assigned at birth; transgender man, masculine, or non-binary gender identity; aged ≥18 years; and UK resident. Quantitative results were analysed using descriptive statistics, and free-text comments were analysed thematically.ResultsIn total there were 137 participants; 80% identified as transmasculine,18% as non-binary, and the remaining participants reported other noncisgender identities. Sixty-four participants (47%) were eligible for cervical screening and 37 (58%) of those had been screened. Only 34 (53%) of those eligible felt they had sufficient information about cervical screening. Just over half (n = 71/134, 53%) stated they would like the option to self-swab for high-risk human papillomavirus. Only half (n = 68/134, 51%) of participants were in favour of an automatic invitation for cervical screening. Thematic analysis identified a number of additional barriers to and facilitators of screening.ConclusionTMNB have identified numerous potential areas for change that may improve cervical screening uptake and patient experience.