bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual reproduction in the soft coralLobophytum schoedeiin Bolinao‐Anda Reef Complex, Pangasinan, northwestern Philippines
Authors: Baran Christine C. , Baria‐Rodriguez Maria Vanessa 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe characterization of early life‐history strategies of soft corals is important in understanding population maintenance, replenishment, and recovery in disturbed coral reefs. This study examined the sexual reproduction of the soft coralLobophytum schoedeiin the Bolinao‐Anda Reef Complex (BARC), a degraded reef in northwestern Philippines. Reproductive strategies such as sexuality, sex ratio, fecundity, and reproductive timing were examined. Random colonies ofL. schoedeiwere sampled a few weeks before the predicted time of spawning to assess fecundity (n = 73 colonies), and sexuality and sex ratio (n = 221 colonies). Monthly sampling of tagged colonies ofL. schoedei(n = 20) was done over 13 months to determine the reproductive timing through polyp dissection. Peak of annual spawning was inferred based on the presence of large gametes and their absence in the next sampling period. Results showed thatL.schoedeiis a gonochoric broadcast spawner with 1:1.1 sex ratio. Although oogenesis and spermatogenesis exhibited overlapping cycles, both gametes matured and spawned in April, coinciding with increasing sea surface temperature. Prior to spawning, oocytes and spermaries ranged 300–633 µm and 150–337 µm in diameter, respectively. Mean female fecundity was 6.7 ± 3.9 oocytes per polyp and male fecundity was 39.2 ± 22.5 (±SD) spermaries per polyp. Some of these results, including the low number of oocytes produced by female polyps, may be caused by sexual reproduction in a degraded reef environment. Understanding these reproductive traits may be useful for predicting the resiliency of populations ofL. schoedeiin response to ongoing and future environmental change.
ISG15 is downregulated by KLF12 and implicated in maintenance of cancer stem cell‐like features in cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Jiamei , Qiao Huaiyu , Huyan Lingyue , Liu Baoqin , Li Chao , Jiang Jingyi , Zhao Fuying , Wang Huaqin , Yan Jing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDrug resistance is often developed during clinical chemotherapy of ovarian cancers. The ubiquitin‐like protein interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is possibly dependent on tumour context to promote or suppress progression of various tumours. The ubiquitin‐like protein interferon‐stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) was decreased in cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer cells. The current study identified that both ectopic wild type and nonISGylatable mutant ISG15 expression inhibited CSC‐like phenotypes of cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, ectopic ISG15 expression suppressed tumour formation in nude mice. In addition, ISG15 downregulation promoted CSC‐like features of cisplatin‐sensitive ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, low ISG15 expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Transcriptional repressor Krüppel‐like factor 12 (KLF12) downregulated ISG15 in cisplatin‐resistant cells. Our data indicated that downregulating ISG15 expression, via weakening effect of KLF12, might be considered as new therapeutic strategy to inhibit CSC phenotypes in the treatment of cisplatin‐resistant ovarian cancer.
Anal cancer screening and prevention: a review for dermatologists
Authors: McGovern J. , Fuller C. , Burris K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe incidence of and mortality from anal cancer, predominantly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), have been increasing since the 1980s, during an era when many common malignancies have seen decreases in mortality. Dermatologists may be more likely to see patients at an increased risk for anal SCC, such as those living with HIV, MSM and those presenting for management of anogenital warts, yet there is little guidance in the field on how to manage these patients. We underwent a project to review the evidence surrounding screening and prevention of anal SCC. HPV vaccination, the main preventative measure for anal SCC, is often underutilized and may not be effective for those most at risk. Screening methods currently include high‐risk HPV and anal cytology testing, with high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA) reserved for biopsy and confirmatory testing. High‐risk HPV testing has been associated with high sensitivity for intraepithelial neoplasia, but low specificity in high‐risk groups. Recent meta‐analyses examining AIN detection using anal cytology estimate a similarly high sensitivity of 74–87%, with a relatively higher specificity (44–66%) for identifying high‐grade AIN. HRA is the gold standard for diagnosis, but its accessibility and cost are deterrents from its use as a screening tool. Cervical cancer screening, initially adopted without significant evidence of its impact, has significantly decreased cervical cancer rates. The argument can be made that rates of anal SCC may also benefit from appropriate screening methods, particularly anal cytology. It is prudent for dermatologists to be aware of the methods available to them in the management of at‐risk patients, the data supporting them, and the potential benefits of screening in order to counsel patients appropriately and address the increasing burden of disease.
Acceptability of an online relational intimacy and sexual enhancement (iRISE) intervention after breast cancer
Authors: Cullen Kimberley , Fergus Karen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate an online relational intimacy and sexual enhancement (iRISE) intervention for couples experiencing sexual difficulties following breast cancer (BC). The acceptability of iRISE was evaluated using a single‐arm, qualitative design, with 14 couples completing satisfaction surveys and posttreatment interviews. The intervention was found to be acceptable, as demonstrated by high satisfaction ratings and qualitative feedback regarding iRISE and its online delivery. Couples spoke about the helpfulness of iRISE and how the intervention improved their sexual relationship. The use of video conferencing (eTherapy) was widely accepted by participants, who highlighted several advantages of this modality. Overall, the results support the acceptability of this online psychosexual intervention for couples affected by BC. The empirical and theoretical basis for the design of iRISE along with findings from a qualitative analysis of couples’ experiences of the intervention's helpfulness to them is discussed.
Convolutional neural networks for segmentation of FIB‐SEM nanotomography data from porous polymer films for controlled drug release
Authors: Skärberg Fredrik , Fager Cecilia , Mendoza‐Lara Francisco , Josefson Mats , Olsson Eva , Lorén Niklas , Röding Magnus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPhase‐separated polymer films are commonly used as coatings around pharmaceutical oral dosage forms (tablets or pellets) to facilitate controlled drug release. A typical choice is to use ethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose (EC/HPC) polymer blends. When an EC/HPC film is in contact with water, the leaching out of the water‐soluble HPC phase produces an EC film with a porous network through which the drug is transported. The drug release can be tailored by controlling the structure of this porous network. Imaging and characterization of such EC porous films facilitates understanding of how to control and tailor film formation and ultimately drug release. Combined focused ion beam and scanning electron microscope (FIB‐SEM) tomography is a well‐established technique for high‐resolution imaging, and suitable for this application. However, for segmenting image data, in this case to correctly identify the porous network, FIB‐SEM is a challenging technique to work with. In this work, we implement convolutional neural networks for segmentation of FIB‐SEM image data. The data are acquired from three EC porous films where the HPC phases have been leached out. The three data sets have varying porosities in a range of interest for controlled drug release applications. We demonstrate very good agreement with manual segmentations. In particular, we demonstrate an improvement in comparison to previous work on the same data sets that utilized a random forest classifier trained on Gaussian scale‐space features. Finally, we facilitate further development of FIB‐SEM segmentation methods by making the data and software used open access.
Florence Nightingale's legacy for clinical academics: A framework analysis of a clinical professorial network and a model for clinical academia
Authors: Pattison Natalie , Deaton Christi , McCabe Candy , Coates Vivien , Johnston Bridget , Nolan Fiona , Whiting Lisa , Briggs Michelle 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical academic nursing roles are rare, and clinical academic leadership positions even more scarce. Amongst the United Kingdom (UK) academia, only 3% of nurses who are employed within universities are clinically active. Furthermore, access to research fellowships and research grant funding for nurses in clinical or academic practice is also limited. The work of Florence Nightingale, the original role model for clinical academic nursing, is discussed in terms of how this has shaped and influenced that of clinical academic nurse leaders in modern UK healthcare settings. We analysed case studies with a view to providing exemplars and informing a new model by which to visualise a trajectory of clinical academic careers.MethodsA Framework analysis of seven exemplar cases was conducted for a network of Clinical Academic Nursing Professors (n = 7), using a structured template. Independent analysis highlighted shared features of the roles: (a) model of clinical academic practice, (b) infrastructure for the post, (c) capacity‐building initiatives, (d) strategic influence, (e) wider influence, (f) local and national implementation initiatives, (g) research area and focus and (h) impact and contribution.FindingsAll seven of the professors of nursing involved in this discourse were based in both universities and healthcare organisations in an equal split. All had national and international profiles in their specialist clinical areas and were implementing innovation in their clinical and teaching settings through boundary spanning. We outline a model for career trajectories in clinical academia, and how leadership is crucial.ConclusionThe model outlined emphasises the different stages of clinical academic roles in nursing. Nursing as a discipline needs to embrace the value of these roles, which have great potential to raise the standards of healthcare and the status of the profession.
From open to locked doors – From dependent to independent: Patient narratives of participation in their rehabilitation processes
Authors: Aasen Elin M. , Nilsen Halvard K. , Dahlborg Elisabeth , Helberget Lindis K. , Kjelsvik Marianne 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesThe present study aimed to explore patients' experiences of participating in their rehabilitation process in the context of specialised rehabilitation in Norway.BackgroundThe rights of patients to participate in their care and treatment is an ideology that underlines newer international and Norwegian public documents. However, there is a gap between policy statements and clinical practice, and a discrepancy between patients' and professionals' statements about patient participation in rehabilitation.DesignA qualitative approach with a narrative design.MethodsEleven patients were individually interviewed to tell their stories about the rehabilitation processes. We utilised narrative analysis with a three‐dimensional space narrative structure including temporality, sociality and spatiality. This study followed the COREQ checklist.ResultsThe analysis identified two throughout plots: ‘person‐centred culture’ and ‘time’, and three plots which constructed how the patients participate in change through the rehabilitation process: (a) dependent—‘open doors’; (b) motivation from within; and (c) independence—‘locked doors’.ConclusionsPatient participation in rehabilitation was dependent on person‐centred cultures in the unit and on different aspects of time. The dialogue and the power balance between the patients and the health personnel changed as the rehabilitation progressed. Motivation for rehabilitation had to come from within patients. The paternalistic ideology did not seem to dominate the specialised rehabilitation unit in the present study.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study gives new insight into how patients participate in change in the rehabilitation process. This can be valuable for healthcare professionals and governments. Insight into how the lack of person‐centred focus can harm the rehabilitation process, and a deeper understanding of the meaning of time in the rehabilitation process is essential. These results may provide a stimulus for discussions on how patients might participate in their rehabilitation process.
CDK4 and TERT amplification in head and neck mucosal melanoma
Authors: Lyu Jiong , Miao Yuwen , Yu Fang , Chang Chengdong , Guo Wei , Zhu Huiyong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent high‐throughput sequencing studies have revealed frequent CDK4 and TERT amplification in mucosal melanoma, suggesting that they are potential therapeutic targets. In this study, we investigated the statuses of CDK4 and TERT in head and neck mucosal melanoma (HNMM) with the aim of providing preclinical data to support future clinical trials.MethodsIn total, 29 HNMM samples were collected, including 16 oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) samples and 13 nasal cavity/sinuses melanoma (SNMM) samples. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to analyze CDK4 and TERT amplification, and immunohistochemistry was used to analyze CDK4 and TERT protein expression patterns. CDK4 expression was knocked down in the ME cells (an OMM cell line), and changes in cell cycle were analyzed. Cell viability assays were performed to determine the sensitivity of ME to abemaciclib (a CDK4 inhibitor) combined with dacarbazine (an anti‐melanoma chemotherapy drug).ResultsWe detected five samples exhibited CDK4 amplifications and nine samples exhibited TERT amplifications in our HNMM series, and found that CDK4 amplification tended to occur in combination with TERT amplification. Amplifications of CDK4 and TERT were more common in OMM than in SNMM. Amplifications of CDK4 and TERT were associated with greater CDK4 and TERT protein expression levels. CDK4 knockdown led to delayed G1/S phase transition in ME cells. Furthermore, ME cells were sensitive to abemaciclib (IC50 = 5.23 nM). Abemaciclib and dacarbazine synergistically inhibited ME cells’ viability.ConclusionWe confirmed high frequencies of CDK4 and TERT amplification in OMM. Combined therapy with a CDK4/6 inhibitor and anti‐melanoma chemotherapeutic agents will be a reasonable strategy for future clinical trials concerning unresectable or metastatic OMM.
Aromatase inhibitor anastrozole modifies cellular functions in gingival fibroblasts and endothelial cells: possible periodontal complications of aromatase inhibitor treatment
Authors: Hasegawa Shiori , Yanagita Manabu , Tatsumi Mari , Yamashita Motozo , Kitamura Masahiro , Murakami Shinya 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have shown that treatment with aromatase inhibitors contributes to an increased prevalence of periodontitis.ObjectiveIn this study, we assessed effects of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole on cellular function of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and endothelial cells.MethodsExpression levels of collagen, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) were examined in HGFs exposed to anastrozole. Furthermore, inflammatory responses in HGFs cultured with anastrozole were evaluated in the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide. We also evaluated the vascular permeability and vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin expression of endothelial cells exposed to anastrozole.ResultsAnastrozole enhanced expression levels of collagen, ECM proteins, TIMPs, and inflammatory cytokines in HGFs, as well as vascular permeability of endothelial cells. In addition, anastrozole reduced expression levels of MMPs in HGFs and VE‐cadherin in endothelial cells.ConclusionThese results suggest that anastrozole modulates various cellular functions in HGFs and endothelial cells.
Distribution and clinical characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the grey zone
Authors: Yao Kefang , Liu Jiacheng , Wang Jian , Yan Xiaomin , Xia Juan , Yang Yue , Wu Weihua , Liu Yong , Chen Yuxin , Zhang Zhaoping , Li Jie , Huang Rui , Wu Chao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who do not fit into any of the usual immune states are considered to be in the ‘grey zone (GZ)’. We aimed to investigate the distribution and characteristics of GZ in a large cohort of CHB patients. Four thousand seven hundred and fifty‐nine consecutive treatment‐naïve CHB patients were enrolled. The immune states were defined based on AASLD 2018 Hepatitis B Guidance. GZ CHB patients were classified into four groups: HBeAg positive, normal ALT levels and serum HBV DNA ≤106 IU/ml (GZ‐A); HBeAg positive, elevated ALT levels and serum HBV DNA ≤2 × 104 IU/ml (GZ‐B); HBeAg negative, normal ALT levels and serum HBV DNA ≥2 × 103 IU/ml (GZ‐C); HBeAg negative, elevated ALT levels and serum HBV DNA ≤2 × 103 IU/ml (GZ‐D). The distributions of different immune states were: 233 (4.90%) patients in immune‐tolerant phase, 941 (19.77%) patients in HBeAg‐positive immune active phase, 1,717 (36.08%) patients in inactive phase and 546 (11.47%) patients in HBeAg‐negative immune active phase. Of note, 1,322 (27.78%) patients did not fit into any of above phases and were defined as the GZ. A high proportion of patients in GZ‐B had advanced fibrosis (33.3%) or cirrhosis (25.8%). Older age, HBeAg‐positive status and higher ALT levels were independently risk factors of advanced disease in GZ CHB patients. Therefore, our results revealed that more than a quarter of CHB patients were classified into the GZ and a high proportion of patients in GZ‐B had advanced fibrosis or even cirrhosis.
Expression of epidermal antimicrobial peptides is increased in tinea pedis
Authors: Pham Christina Van Anh , Rademacher Franziska , Hinrichs Heilwig , Beck‐Jendroschek Vera , Harder Melanie , Brasch Jochen , Gläser Regine , Harder Jürgen 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundTinea pedis is often chronic or recurrent, but not all individuals are equally susceptible to this infection. Dermatophytes are able to induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) in human keratinocytes and certain AMPs can inhibit the growth of dermatophytes.ObjectiveThe focus of this study was to analyse the secretion of relevant AMPs, especially RNase 7, human beta‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2) and the S‐100 protein psoriasin (S100A7), in patients with confirmed tinea pedis.MethodsTo verify the diagnosis, skin scales were obtained from all patients (n = 13) and the dermatophytes were identified by potassium hydroxide mount, culture and molecular analysis. To determine the AMP concentrations, the lesional skin area of the foot was rinsed with a buffer that was subsequently analysed by ELISA. The corresponding area of the other unaffected foot as well as defined healthy skin areas of the forearm and forehead and samples from age and gender‐matched healthy volunteers served as controls.ResultsIn tinea pedis patients the AMP concentrations were higher in lesional skin than in non‐lesional skin and in healthy skin of controls. In particular, concentrations of hBD‐2 and psoriasin were significantly elevated.ConclusionsThe induction of AMPs in tinea pedis might be triggered directly by the dermatophytes; furthermore, attendant inflammation and/or differentiation processes may play a role. Our results indicate that there is no defect in the constitutive expression and induction of the analysed AMPs by dermatophytes in the epidermis of affected patients. However, it is not known why the elevated AMP concentrations fail to efficiently combat dermatophyte growth.
Identifying cellular signalling molecules in developmental disorders of the brain: Evidence from focal cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis
Authors: Li Yao‐Feng , Scerif Fatma , Picker Simon R. , Stone Thomas J. , Pickles Jessica C. , Moulding Dale A. , Avery Aimee , Virasami Alex , Fairchild Amy R. , Tisdall Martin , Harkness William , Cross J Helen , Hargrave Darren , Guillemot Francois , Paine Simon M. , Yasin Shireena A. , Jacques Thomas S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsWe understand little of the pathogenesis of developmental cortical lesions, because we understand little of the diversity of the cell types that contribute to the diseases or how those cells interact. We tested the hypothesis that cellular diversity and cell–cell interactions play an important role in these disorders by investigating the signalling molecules in the commonest cortical malformations that lead to childhood epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) and tuberous sclerosis (TS).MethodsTranscriptional profiling clustered cases into molecularly distinct groups. Using gene expression data, we identified the secretory signalling molecules in FCD/TS and characterised the cell types expressing these molecules. We developed a functional model using organotypic cultures.ResultsWe identified 113 up‐regulated secretory molecules in FCDIIB/TS. The top 12 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated by immunohistochemistry. This highlighted two molecules, Chitinase 3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) and C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) (MCP1) that were expressed in a unique population of small cells in close proximity to balloon cells (BC). We then characterised these cells and developed a functional model in organotypic slice cultures. We found that the number of CHI3L1 and CCL2 expressing cells decreased following inhibition of mTOR, the main aberrant signalling pathway in TS and FCD.ConclusionsOur findings highlight previously uncharacterised small cell populations in FCD and TS which express specific signalling molecules. These findings indicate a new level of diversity and cellular interactions in cortical malformations and provide a generalisable approach to understanding cell–cell interactions and cellular heterogeneity in developmental neuropathology.