bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRI detection of the malignant transformation of stem cells through reporter gene expression driven by a tumor-specific promoter
Authors: Sun Jun , Huang Jie , Bao Guangcheng , Zheng Helin , Wang Cui , Wei Jie , Fu Yuanqiao , Qiu Jiawen , Liao Yifan , Cai Jinhua 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Existing evidence has shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can undergo malignant transformation, which is a serious limitation of MSC-based therapies. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor malignant transformation of MSCs via a noninvasive imaging method. Although reporter gene-based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been successfully applied to longitudinally monitor MSCs, this technique cannot distinguish the cells before and after malignant transformation. Herein, we investigated the feasibility of using a tumor-specific promoter to drive reporter gene expression for MRI detection of the malignant transformation of MSCs.

Methods
The reporter gene ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) was modified by adding a promoter from the tumor-specific gene progression elevated gene-3 (PEG3) and transduced into MSCs to obtain MSCs-PEG3-FTH1. Cells were induced to undergo malignant transformation via indirect coculture with C6 glioma cells, and these transformed cells were named MTMSCs-PEG3-FTH1. Western blot analysis of FTH1 expression, Prussian blue staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to detect intracellular iron, and MRI to detect signal changes were performed before and after malignant transformation. Then, the cells before and after malignant transformation were inoculated subcutaneously into nude mice, and MRI was performed to observe the signal changes in the xenografts.

Results
After induction of malignant transformation, MTMSCs demonstrated tumor-like features in morphology, proliferation, migration, and invasion. FTH1 expression was significantly increased in MTMSCs-PEG3-FTH1 compared with MSCs-PEG3-FTH1. Prussian blue staining and TEM showed a large amount of iron particles in MTMSCs-PEG3-FTH1 but a minimal amount in MSCs-PEG3-FTH1. MRI demonstrated that the T2 value was significantly decreased in MTMSCs-PEG3-FTH1 compared with MSCs-PEG3-FTH1. In vivo, mass formation was observed in the MTMSCs-PEG3-FTH1 group but not the MSCs-PEG3-FTH1 group. T2-weighted MRI showed a significant signal decrease, which was correlated with iron accumulation in the tissue mass.

Conclusions
We developed a novel MRI model based on FTH1 reporter gene expression driven by the tumor-specific PEG3 promoter. This approach could be applied to sensitively detect the occurrence of MSC malignant transformation.
Prevalence and incidence of venous leg ulcers—a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Probst S. , Weller C. D. , Bobbink P. , Saini C. , Pugliese M. , Skinner Monika Buehrer , Gethin G. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are chronic wounds characterized by slow healing and high recurrence. Information on prevalence and incidence is essential for ascertaining the burden of VLU on the health care system and to inform epidemiological research, priority setting, and health care planning. The objective of this protocol is to present a transparent process for how we plan to review the existing international literature on the prevalence and incidence of VLU as well as the characteristics of the population reported within these studies.

Methods
An exploratory search was performed using MEDLINE via PubMed and CINHAL via Ebsco to identify concepts, keywords, MeSH terms, and headings to identify study types looking at data of VLU prevalence and/or incidence and related patient characteristics. The findings of this exploratory search will determine the final search strategy. The titles and abstracts of the identified articles will be screened independently be two authors for relevance. Study which pass the quality assessment will be included. Data extraction will be performed independently by two authors and in accordance with a pre-designed data extraction form. If the data allows, a meta-analysis will be performed otherwise a descriptive summary of the findings will be conducted.

Discussion
The results of this review will contribute to the evidence base on VLU occurrence and may inform the decision making of healthcare professionals, policy-makers, and consumers. It will also inform future research in this area of VLU care.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020205855
Oral administration of Moringa oleifera leaf powder relieves oxidative stress, modulates mucosal immune response and cecal microbiota after exposure to heat stress in New Zealand White rabbits
Authors: Yasoob Talat Bilal , Yu Defu , Khalid Abdur Rauf , Zhang Zhen , Zhu Xiaofeng , Saad Heba M. , Hang Suqin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundHeat stress (HS) disrupts the gut barrier allowing the uptake of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and leads to an inflammatory response and changes in gut microbiota composition.Moringa oleiferaleaf powder (MOLP) has been proposed to combat HS, yet its alleviate role is currently under investigation. The current study investigated the effects of chronic HS and MOLP supplementation on changes in redox status and immune response of cecal mucosa along with alteration in cecal microbiota.MethodsA total of 21 young New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits (male) about 32 weeks old (mean body weight of 3318 ± 171 g) reared on a commercial pelleted diet were employed; divided into three groups (n = 7): control (CON, 25 °C), heat stress (HS, 35 °C for 7 h daily), and HS supplemented orally with MOLP (HSM, 35 °C) at 200 mg/kg body weight per day for 4 weeks.ResultsThe results demonstrated that MOLP supplementation increased organ index of cecal tissue compared with the HS group (P > 0.05). Levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were reduced in the cecal mucosa of the HSM group compared with the HS group. MOLP downregulated the contents of cecal mucosa LPS, several inflammatory markers (TNF-α/IL-1α/IL-1β), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the HSM group (P < 0.05). Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) was increased in the HSM group compared with the HS group (P < 0.05). The transcriptome of cecal mucosa showed that MOLP reduced gene expression relative to several immune factors, includingIL-10,IFNG, andRLA, whereas both HS and MOLP increased the gene expression of fat digestion and absorption pathway, includingAPOA1,FABP1,FABP2,MTTP, andLOC100344166, compared to the CON group (P < 0.001). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was increased by HS, while Actinobacteria was significantly increased by HSM compared to other groups (P < 0.05). At genus level,Papillibacterwas higher in abundance in HSM groups compared to CON and HS groups (P < 0.05). Higher butyrate concentrations were observed in the HSM group than HS and CON groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn conclusion, HS in growing rabbits resulted in alteration of cecal microbiota at phyla level as well as increased oxidative stress and expression of mucosal inflammatory genes. Whereas, oral MOLP supplementation elevated the relative weight of cecum, affected their immunological and cecal micro-ecosystem function by improving antioxidant status and down-regulating mucosal tissue inflammatory response.
A multiscale model of terrain dynamics for real-time earthmoving simulation
Authors: Servin Martin , Berglund Tomas , Nystedt Samuel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA multiscale model for real-time simulation of terrain dynamics is explored. To represent the dynamics on different scales the model combines the description of soil as a continuous solid, as distinct particles and as rigid multibodies. The models are dynamically coupled to each other and to the earthmoving equipment. Agitated soil is represented by a hybrid of contacting particles and continuum solid, with the moving equipment and resting soil as geometric boundaries. Each zone of active soil is aggregated into distinct bodies, with the proper mass, momentum and frictional-cohesive properties, which constrain the equipment’s multibody dynamics. The particle model parameters are pre-calibrated to the bulk mechanical parameters for a wide range of different soils. The result is a computationally efficient model for earthmoving operations that resolve the motion of the soil, using a fast iterative solver, and provide realistic forces and dynamic for the equipment, using a direct solver for high numerical precision. Numerical simulations of excavation and bulldozing operations are performed to test the model and measure the computational performance. Reference data is produced using coupled discrete element and multibody dynamics simulations at relatively high resolution. The digging resistance and soil displacements with the real-time multiscale model agree with the reference model up to 10–25%, and run more than three orders of magnitude faster.
The degree of astrocyte activation is predictive of the incubation time to prion disease
Authors: Makarava Natallia , Mychko Olga , Chang Jennifer Chen-Yu , Molesworth Kara , Baskakov Ilia V. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and prion diseases, astrocytes acquire disease-associated reactive phenotypes. With growing appreciation of their role in chronic neurodegeneration, the questions whether astrocytes lose their ability to perform homeostatic functions in the reactive states and whether the reactive phenotypes are neurotoxic or neuroprotective remain unsettled. The current work examined region-specific changes in expression of genes, which report on astrocyte physiological functions and their reactive states, in C57Black/6J mice challenged with four prion strains via two inoculation routes. Unexpectedly, strong reverse correlation between the incubation time to the diseases and the degree of astrocyte activation along with disturbance in functional pathways was observed. The animal groups with the most severe astrocyte response and degree of activation showed the most rapid disease progression. The degree of activation tightly intertwined with the global transformation of the homeostatic state, characterized by disturbances in multiple gene sets responsible for normal physiological functions producing a neurotoxic, reactive phenotype as a net result. The neurotoxic reactive phenotype exhibited a universal gene signature regardless of the prion strain. The current work suggests that the degree of astrocyte activation along with the disturbance in their physiological pathways contribute to the faster progression of disease and perhaps even drive prion pathogenesis.
Motivation, pedagogy, and gender: examining the multifaceted and dynamic situational responses of women and men in college STEM courses
Authors: Stolk Jonathan D. , Gross Michael D. , Zastavker Yevgeniya V. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Research illustrates that student motivations influence learning engagement, persistence, and achievement in powerful ways and that positive motivations are linked to deeper learning, critical thinking, pro-social behavior, and better performance. Most studies of learner motivation, however, are conducted outside of STEM and are focused at the contextual level, which may describe why students attend college or choose a degree program, but not why they engage in classroom activities. Furthermore, there is little research that meaningfully connects learner motivations with gender identity and course pedagogy. This study addresses these gaps by examining the interconnections among course pedagogy, gender, and situational-level motivations, which reveal why learners engage in different course activities and how engagement may vary over time. This detailed perspective on learner motivations is essential for instructors to gain insights into how their pedagogical and course design choices influence students’ motivational responses and to more effectively develop interventions that support positive forms of motivation among all students.

Results
Participants in the study are undergraduate students enrolled in 72 introductory-level STEM courses across 11 institutions, and the dataset includes over 5000 unique responses to the Situational Motivation Scale, a Self-Determination Theory-based instrument that was administered weekly in each course. Analysis reveals seven typical motivational response types, ranging from a highly control-oriented to a highly autonomous response. Most students express multiple types of motivation during an academic term in a course, illustrating the dynamic nature of motivations. Cluster distributions by gender and pedagogy indicate significant differences in lecture-based learning courses, with women reporting less self-determined motivations compared to men. Motivational response profiles of women and men are both more similar, and more positive overall, in courses that employ active learning.

Conclusions
These findings have important implications for practitioners. The concept of motivational co-expression encourages instructors to move toward a more nuanced appraisal of learner motivation. The stability analyses challenge embedded beliefs about the fixed nature of learner motivation. The gender analyses raise questions about how instructors may more effectively promote the positive motivations of all students through their course design decisions.
Preparation of β(1→3)/β(1→4) xylooligosaccharides from red alga dulse by two xylanases from Streptomyces thermogriseus
Authors: Fujii Yuki , Kobayashi Manami , Miyabe Yoshikatsu , Kishimura Hideki , Hatanaka Tadashi , Kumagai Yuya 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRed alga dulse contains xylan with β(1→3)/β(1→4) linkages. We previously prepared xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) from dulse xylan; however, the product contained many d-xylose residues and fewer XOSs with β(1→3) linkages. To improve the efficiency of XOS production, we prepared two recombinant endoxylanases from Streptomyces thermogriseus (StXyl10 and StXyl11). Comparing the kcat/Km values for dulse xylan, this value from StXyl10 was approximately two times higher than that from StXyl11. We then determined the suitable conditions for XOS production. As a result, dulse XOS was prepared by the successive hydrolysis of 10 mg/mL dulse xylan by 0.5 μg/mL StXyl10 for 4 h at 50 °C and then 2.0 μg/mL StXyl11 for 36 h at 60 °C. Xylan was converted into 95.8% XOS, including 59.7% XOS with a β(1→3) linkage and 0.97% d-xylose. Our study provides useful information for the production of XOSs with β(1→3) linkages.
Avoiding anticoagulation drugs for postoperative atrial fibrillation enabled successful conservative treatment of left atrial dissection: a case report
Authors: Kiryu Kentaro , Kadohama Takayuki , Itagaki Yoshinori , Yamaura Gembu , Tanaka Fuminobu , Takagi Daichi , Wada Takuya , Igarashi Itaru , Yamazaki YuYa , Yamamoto Hiroshi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Left atrial dissection is a rare complication of cardiac surgery, most commonly associated with mitral valve surgery. Herein, we report on the successful conservative treatment of left atrial dissection while avoiding anticoagulation therapy.

Case presentation
A 64-year-old man developed left atrial dissection during operation for acute type A aortic dissection, most likely due to retrograde cardioplegia cannulation. As there was no connection between the left atrial dissection cavity and the left atrium on enhanced computed tomography, we did not administer anticoagulants to prevent expansion of the left atrial dissection cavity. However, the patient developed atrial fibrillation, which was successfully managed by beta-blocker and amiodarone administration. Follow-up imaging showed gradual left atrial dissection reduction, and the patient was started on anticoagulation therapy.

Conclusion
We were able to resolve left atrial dissection by preventing the use of anticoagulation therapy in the acute stage by managing the atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic drugs.
Patient engagement in fertility research: bench research, ethics, and social justice
Authors: Fleming Perry R. , Swygert Makayla M. , Hasenkamp Coen , Sterling Jessica , Cartee Ginny , Russ-Sellers Rebecca , Cozad Melanie , Chosed Renee J. , Roudebush William E. , Kennedy Ann Blair 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research is increasingly being utilized to better connect patients and researchers. The Patient Engagement Studio (PES) supports PPI in research by working directly with researchers throughout various stages of their projects. Recently, two researchers presented to the PES for assistance with their project, Embryo+™. The purpose of Embryo+™ is to decrease miscarriage rates using RNA sequencing technology that screens for the most viable embryos. To date, no examples of PPI directly in the planning or implementation of bench research concerning in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer have been identified.

Main body
Embryo+™ researchers met in-person with the PES two times (fall 2019; each meeting had 9 PES members in attendance) for initial feedback and protocol development. After these meetings, PES leadership and Embryo+™ researchers decided that the unique nature of the project merited a PPI evaluation. Subsequent evaluation of engagement efforts occurred by reviewing the PES reports for the Embryo+™ researchers, conducting two recorded web-based discussion meetings with the PES (summer 2020; meeting 1 n = 7; meeting 2 n = 6), and a brief survey (n = 13). The discussion meetings provided an opportunity for the PES members to define engagement themes through consensus via verbal agreement to the studio director’s periodic summaries during the discussions. Combining survey results and PES themes allowed for a broad discussion for meaningful engagement.
The Embryo+™ researchers established trust with the patients by changing some of their language in response to patient suggestions, allowing for unintended ethical conversations, and implementing the patient developed protocols. Overall, the patient experts thought this project was very meaningful and valuable, quantified by a mean loyalty score 89.43 (s.d. 10.29).

Conclusion
Bench science researchers may need additional PPI training prior to engaging with patient groups. PPI in this project was successful in large part due to this training, where the director emphasized the importance of gaining trust with the patients. The researchers applied what they learned and several examples of how to develop trust with patients are discussed. If trust is established, PPI in an ethically charged, basic science research study can be both valuable and successful.
Dutch reference values for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scale v1.2 - Global Health (PROMIS-GH)
Authors: Elsman Ellen B. M. , Roorda Leo D. , Crins Martine H. P. , Boers Maarten , Terwee Caroline B. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
To add context to the impact of medical conditions, it is important to interpret and compare health outcomes across studies and populations. We aimed to determine Dutch reference values for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scale v1.2 - Global Health (PROMIS-GH).

Methods
The PROMIS-GH, also referred to as PROMIS-10, was completed by 4370 Dutch persons, representative for the 2016 Dutch population. T-scores for the mental health (GMH) and physical health (GPH) subscales, and their shorter two-item subscales, were calculated for the entire population, age groups and gender. T-scores for GMH and GPH were compared to the US reference population, representative for the 2000 US general population. Interpretability thresholds for poor, fair, good, very good and excellent GPH and GMH were calculated based on T-scores of participants, which were categorized into five groups based on their response to item Global01. For each group the mean GPH and GMH T-score was calculated and the midpoint between two adjacent means was identified, resulting in thresholds. Thresholds based on the Dutch data were compared to US thresholds.

Results
The Dutch population had a GMH T-score of 44.7 and a GPH T-score of 45.2, both substantially worse than the US reference population T-score of 50. Lower T-scores were also found for age-range and gender subpopulations. Dutch GMH and GPH interpretability thresholds were mostly not substantially different compared to the US thresholds, although the Dutch threshold between fair and poor mental health was considerably higher (29 vs. 38).

Conclusions
This study reports reference values for the PROMIS-GH scale for the Dutch general population, including age-range and gender subpopulations. These reference values provide an important tool for healthcare professionals and researchers to better evaluate and interpret patient-reported mental health and physical health. Scores are notably worse than the US reference values. The exact reason for this remains subject for further research, although possibilities for the differences are discussed, including the presence of differential item functioning and the representativeness and recentness of the data.
Implementation of a sagittal T2-weighted DIXON turbo spin-echo sequence may shorten MRI acquisitions in the emergency setting of suspected spinal bleeding
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Rüther Charlotte , Schön Simon , Zimmer Claus , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan S. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for evaluating soft tissue damage along the spine in the emergency setting, yet access and fast protocol availability are limited. We assessed the performance of a sagittal T2-weighted DIXON turbo spin-echo sequence and investigated whether additional standard sagittal T1-weighted sequences are necessary in suspected spinal fluid collections/bleedings.

Methods
Seventy-four patients aged 62.9 ± 19.3 years (mean ± standard deviation) with MRI including a sagittal T2-weighted DIXON sequence and a T1-weighted sequence were retrospectively included. Thirty-four patients (45.9%) showed a spinal fluid collection/bleeding. Two layouts (layout 1: fat-only and water-only and in-phase images of the DIXON sequence and T1-weighted images; layout 2: fat-only and water-only and in-phase images of the DIXON sequence) were evaluated by three readers (R1, R2, and R3) concerning presence of spinal fluid collections/bleedings and diagnostic confidence from 1 (very low confidence) to 5 (very high confidence). χ2 and κ statistics were used.

Results
There was no difference in detecting spinal fluid collections/bleedings between the layouts (R1 and R2 detected all, R3 missed one spinal fluid collection/bleeding in the same patient in both layouts). Confidence was high (layout 1, R1 4.26 ± 0.81, R2 4.28 ± 0.81, R3 4.32 ± 0.79; layout 2, R1 3.93 ± 0.70, R2 4.09 ± 0.86, R3 3.97 ± 0.73), with higher inter-reader agreement for layout 1 (κ 0.691–0.780) than for layout 2 (κ 0.441–0.674).

Conclusions
A sagittal T2-weighted DIXON sequence provides diagnostic performance similar to a protocol including standard T1-weighted sequences.