bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective potential of cinnamon and its metabolites in Parkinson's disease: Mechanistic insights, limitations, and novel therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Angelopoulou Efthalia , Paudel Yam N. , Piperi Christina , Mishra Awanish 
Published: January 2021

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder with obscure etiology and no disease‐modifying therapy to date. Hence, novel, safe, and low cost‐effective approaches employing medicinal plants are currently receiving increased attention. A growing body of evidence has revealed that cinnamon, being widely used as a spice of unique flavor and aroma, may exert neuroprotective effects in several neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. In vitro evidence has indicated that the essential oils of Cinnamomum species, mainly cinnamaldehyde and sodium benzoate may protect against oxidative stress‐induced cell death, reactive oxygen species generation, and autophagy dysregulation, thus acting in a potentially neuroprotective manner. In vivo evidence has demonstrated that oral administration of cinnamon powder and sodium benzoate may protect against dopaminergic cell death, striatal neurotransmitter dysregulation, and motor deficits in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine mouse models of PD. The underlying mechanisms of its action include autophagy regulation, antioxidant effects, upregulation of Parkin, DJ‐1, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor, as well as modulation of the TLR/NF‐κB pathway and inhibition of the excessive proinflammatory responses. In addition, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that cinnamon extracts may affect the oligomerization process and aggregation of α‐synuclein. Herein, we discuss recent evidence on the novel therapeutic opportunities of this phytochemical against PD, indicating additional mechanistic aspects that should be explored, and potential obstacles/limitations that need to be overcome, for its inclusion in experimental PD therapeutics.
LncRNA Snhg8 attenuates microglial inflammation response and blood–brain barrier damage in ischemic stroke through regulating miR‐425‐5p mediated SIRT1/NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Tian Jianan , Liu Yihang , Wang Zhenqi , Zhang Siqi , Yang Yue , Zhu Yulan , Yang Chunxiao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIncreasing studies have indicated that abnormal expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a vital role in ischemic stroke. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 8 (Snhg8), a member of lncRNAs, has been found to induce neuronal apoptosis in chronic cerebral ischemia models. Here, we aim to explore the function and molecular mechanism of Snhg8 in modulating microglial inflammation as well as brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) damage following ischemic injury. Our data suggested that Snhg8 was low‐expressed in the brain tissues of mice that underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery and oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD)‐treated primary microglia and BMECs. Gain‐ or loss‐of function approaches found that Snhg8 upregulation not only attenuated ischemic induced inflammatory response in microglia but also relieved BMECs injury both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to explore the underlying mechanism of Snhg8. The results indicated that Snhg8 served as a competitive endogenous RNA by sponging miR‐425‐5p, which was proved to promote microglial inflammation and BMECs injury by targeting sirtuin1 (SIRT1)‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) pathway. Overall, these results revealed that the Snhg8/miR‐425‐5p/SIRT1/NF‐κB axis plays a critical role in the regulation of cerebral ischemia‐induced microglial inflammation and brain–blood barrier damage.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles conditionally ameliorate bone marrow failure symptoms in an immune‐mediated aplastic anemia mouse model
Authors: Gholampour Mohammad A. , Abroun Saeid , Nieuwland Rienk , Mowla Seyed J. , Soudi Sara 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAcquired forms of Aplastic anemia (AA) are characterized by T cell‐mediated immune disease resulting in bone marrow (BM) failure and marrow hypoplasia. In these cases, it is a major challenge to modulate autoreactive T cell activity and thereby decrease the pro‐inflammatory cytokine storm. Emerging evidence indicates that extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC‐EVs) control and modulate immunity. The therapeutic potential of MSC‐EVs has not been investigated in acquired AA. Hence, in this study, we constructed an AA mice model through irradiation and splenocyte infusion to test the benefits of hypoxic MSC‐EVs (Hx‐EVs) and normoxic MSC‐EVs (Nx‐EVs). We found that MSC‐EVs treatment significantly prolonged the survival rate and increased the platelet (PLT) counts of the AA mice. Immunohistochemical staining and colony assay confirmed amelioration of hypoplasia in the BM and increased numbers of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). These effects of MSC‐EVs were mediated by T cell suppression and inhibition of interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) production in the AA mouse model. In addition, an in vitro study revealed that MSC‐EVs led to reduced IFN‐γ and TNF‐α levels and there was an association with decreased splenocyte viability. Previous studies examined the diagnostic and prognostic values of microRNAs (miRNAs) in AA and identified miR‐199a, miR‐146a, miR‐223, and miR‐126. We used quantitative real‐time PCR to evaluate the expression of these miRNAs on isolated BM mononuclear cells (BM‐MNCs) from treated and untreated AA mice. miR‐223, miR‐146a, and miR‐199a expressions increased in the MSC‐EVs treated AA mice. Treatment with MSC‐EVs increased expression of miR‐223 and miR‐146a. Our findings showed that treatment with MSC‐EVs significantly ameliorated immune destruction of HSCs in the AA mouse model and confirmed the importance of miRNAs in the clinical status of this model.
Multiplex‐multiphoton microscopy and computational strategy for biomedical imaging
Authors: Hortholary Thomas , Carrion Claire , Chouzenoux Emilie , Pesquet Jean‐Christophe , Lefort Claire 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe demonstrate the benefit of a novel laser strategy in multiphoton microscopy (MPM). The cheap, simple, and turn‐key supercontinuum laser system with its spectral shaping module, constitutes an ideal approach for the one‐shot microscopic imaging of many fluorophores without modification of the excitation parameters: central wavelength, spectral bandwidth, and average power. The polyvalence of the resulting multiplex‐multiphoton microscopy (M‐MPM) device is illustrated by images of many biomedical models from several origins (biological, medical, or vegetal), generated while keeping constant the spectral parameters of excitation. The resolution of the M‐MPM device is quantified by a procedure of point‐spread‐function (PSF) assessment led by an original, robust, and reliable computational approach FIGARO. The estimated values for the PSF width for our M‐MPM system are shown to be comparable to standard values found in optical microscopy. The simplification of the excitation system constitutes a significant instrumental progress in biomedical MPM, paving the way to the imaging of many fluorophores with a single shot of excitation without any modification of the lighting device.Research HighlightsA new solution of multiplex‐multiphoton microscopy device is shown, resting on a supercontinuum laser. The one‐shot excitation device has imaged biomedical and vegetal models. Our original computational strategy measures usual microscopy resolution.
LINC02288 promotes chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation through miR‐374a‐3p targeting RTN3
Authors: Fu Qiwei , Zhu Jun , Wang Bo , Wu Jun , Li Haobo , Han Yaguang , Xiang Dong , Chen Yi , Li Lexiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDysregulation of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is related to the occurrence of osteoarthritis (OA). In the present study, we explored the role of LINC02288 and its regulatory mechanism in OA development.MethodsGSE113825 was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and analyzed to identify the differentially expressed lncRNAs in OA. Gene enrichment analyses and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes biological process analysis were performed through Metascape (http://metascape.org/gp). The interactions among LINC02288, miR‐374a‐3p and RTN3 were determined using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays and dual luciferase reporter assays. Chondrocyte apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry. Western blot assays were conducted to assess the pro‐apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic markers.ResultsWe identified a total of 4,491 differentially expressed lncRNAs. We focused on LINC02288 as the top‐ranked up‐regulated lncRNA in OA as indicated by a significant p‐value. LINC02288 was significantly up‐regulated, which was further verified by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Down‐regulation of LINC02288 significantly reduced the apoptosis of OA chondrocytes induced by interleukin‐1β and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. These effects were further verified in an OA rat model. An RIP assay and dual luciferase assay further confirmed that LINC02288 served as a sponge of miR‐374a‐3p. Moreover, the overexpression of RTN3 could partially reverse the effects of LINC02288 knockdown, mediating inhibitory effects on chondrocyte apoptosis and the inflammatory response. Down‐regulation of LINC02288 alleviated OA development in an in vivo OA animal model.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that LINC02288 contributes to OA progression by targeting the miR‐374a‐3p/RTN3 axis, which might provide a promising molecular therapy strategy for OA.
Elements of a counter‐exhibition: Excavating and countering a Canadian history and legacy of eugenics
Authors: Kelly Evadne , Manning Dolleen Tisawii'ashii , Boye Seika , Rice Carla , Owen Dawn , Stonefish Sky , Stonefish Mona 
Published: January 2021

AbstractInto the Light, a recently mounted collectively curated museum exhibition, exposed and countered histories and legacies of 20th‐century “race betterment” pedagogies taught in Ontario's postsecondary institutions that targeted some groups of people, including Anishinaabe, Black, and other racialized populations, and disabled and poor people, with dehumanizing ideas and practices. This article advances understandings of the transformative potential of centralizing marginalized stories in accessible and creative ways to disrupt, counter, and draw critical attention to the brutal impacts of oppressive knowledge. The “counter‐exhibition” prioritized stories of groups unevenly targeted by such oppression to contest and defy singular narratives circulating in institutional knowledge systems of what it means to be human. The authors draw on feminist, decolonial and disability scholarship to analyze the exhibition's curation for the ways it collectively and creatively: (1) brought the past to the present through materializing history and memory in ways that challenged archival silences; and (2) engaged community collaboration using accessible, multisensory, multimedia storytelling to “speak the hard truths of colonialism” (Lonetree) while constructing a new methodology for curating disability and access (Cachia). The authors show how the exhibition used several elements, including counter‐stories, to end legacies of colonial eugenic violence and to proliferate accounts that build solidarity across differences implicated in and impacted by uneven power (Gaztambide‐Fernández).
Comparative study of collagen distribution in the dermis of the embryonic carapace of soft‐ and hard‐shelled cryptodiran turtles
Authors: Yang Jie , Song Wei , Li Caiyan , Fang Chanlin , Zhang Yuting , Wang Qingqing , Zhang Mingxing , Qian Guoying 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTurtles are characterized by their typical carapace, which is primarily composed of corneous beta proteins in the horny part and collagen in the dermal part. The formation of the extracellular matrix in the dermis of the carapace in a hard‐shelled and a soft‐shelled turtle has been compared. The study examines carapace development, with an emphasis on collagen accumulation, in the soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis and hard‐shelled turtle Trachemys scripta elegans, using comparative morphological and embryological analyses. The histological results showed that collagen deposition in the turtle carapace increased as the embryos developed. However, significant differences were observed between the two turtle species at the developmental stages examined. The microstructure of the dermis of the carapace of P. sinensis showed light and dark banding of collagen bundles, with a higher overall collagen content, whereas the carapacial matrix of T. scripta was characterized by loosely packed and thinner collagenous fiber bundles with a lower percentage of type I collagen. Overall, the formation and distribution of collagen fibrils at specific developmental stages are different between the soft‐and hard‐shelled turtles. These results indicate that the pliable epidermis of the soft‐shelled turtle is supported by a strong dermis that is regularly distributed with collagen and that it allows improved maneuvering, whereas a strong but inflexible epidermis as observed in case of hard‐shelled turtles limits movement.
Unique hip and stifle extensor muscle patterns in the Eurasian lynx, Lynx lynx (Carnivora: Felidae)
Authors: Viranta Suvi , Holmala Katja , Laakkonen Juha 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is a medium‐sized felid, with a tendency to hunt for prey larger than itself. We studied the lynx hindlimb musculoskeletal anatomy in order to determine possible anatomical adaptations to hunting large prey. In our previous work, we had found characters of both large and small felids in the lynx forelimb. The crouched limbs, typical of all felids, increase the energy demands for the antigravity muscles during locomotion. As a powerful pounce is required for the smaller felid to bring down large prey, strong hindquarters may be needed. We hypothesized that the muscle attachments are more mechanically advantageous and muscles heavier in the lynx as compared to other felids to compensate for the energy requirements. In support of this, we found unique patterns in the hindlimb musculature of the lynx. Insertion of the m. gluteus medius was large with a short moment arm around the hip joint, providing mechanical disadvantage, but rapid movement. The musculus vastus medialis was relatively heavier than in other felids emphasizing the role of the m. quadriceps femoris as a powerful stifle extensor. The extensor muscles support the crouched hind limbs, which is crucial when tackling large prey, and they are also responsible for the swift powerful pounce brought by extending the hindlimbs. However, we cannot rule out the possibility the characters are shared with other Lynx spp. or they are adaptations to other aspects of the locomotor strategy in the Eurasian lynx.
ECG markers of malignant arrhythmias and in‐hospital outcome of COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Shaghee Foaad , Nafakhi Hussein , Alareedh Mohammed , Nafakhi Ahmed , Al‐Buthabhak Karrar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundECG abnormalities associated with COVID‐19 pneumonia and adverse outcome are undefined and poorly described in prior studies.ObjectivesTo assess the predictive role of baseline ECG markers of increased risk of malignant arrhythmias and cardiac death for adverse in‐hospital outcomes.Patients and methodsA retrospective study included 93 patients of newly diagnosed COVID‐19 with features consistent with pneumonia who were admitted to the hospital from August 20 to September 20, 2020. The main outcomes were defined as receiving mechanical ventilation, in‐hospital cardiac arrest, length of ICU stay, and degree of lung damage according to computed tomography (CT) score.ResultsIncreased QTc (QT corrected) interval, Tp‐e (T from peak to end) interval, and transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) were independent predictors of prolonged ICU stay (P < .0001) after adjustment for baseline clinical characteristics. Increasing age (P < .0001) followed by increased QTc interval (P = .02) and history of chronic lung disease (P = .04) were independent predictors of extensive lung damage. The independent predictors for in‐hospital cardiac arrest were increased QTc (P = .02) followed by increasing age (P = .04) and increased Tp‐e interval (P = .04).ConclusionRepolarization abnormalities on baseline ECG may be useful prognostic markers in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Complete genome sequence of plant growth‐promoting and heavy metal‐tolerant Enterobacter tabaci 4M9 (CCB‐MBL 5004)
Authors: Abdullahi Saidu , Haris Hazzeman , Zarkasi Kamarul Z. , Amir Hamzah G. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEnterobacter tabaci 4M9 (CCB‐MBL 5004) was reported to have plant growth‐promoting and heavy metal tolerance traits. It was able to tolerate more than 300 mg/L Cd, 600 mg/L As, and 500 mg/L Pb and still maintained the ability to produce plant growth‐promoting substances under metal stress conditions. To explore the genetic basis of these beneficial traits, the complete genome sequencing of 4M9 was carried out using Pacific Bioscience (PacBio) sequencing technology. The complete genome consisted of one chromosome of 4,654,430 bp with a GC content of 54.6% and one plasmid of 51,135 bp with a GC content of 49.4%. Genome annotation revealed several genes involved in plant growth‐promoting traits, including the production of siderophore, indole acetic acid, and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase; solubilization of phosphate and potassium; and nitrogen metabolism. Similarly, genes involved in heavy metals (As, Co, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Cd, and Fe) tolerance were detected. These support its potential as a heavy metal‐tolerant plant growth‐promoting bacterium and a good genetic resource that can be employed to improve phytoremediation efficiency of heavy metal‐contaminated soil via biotechnological techniques. This, to the best of our knowledge, is the first report on the complete genome sequence of heavy metal‐tolerant plant growth‐promoting E. tabaci.
Leukotriene receptor antagonist reduces inflammation and alveolar bone loss in a rat model of experimental periodontitis
Authors: Moro Marcella G. , Oliveira Marilia D. S. , Santana Maria M. , de Jesus Flavia N. , Feitosa Karla , Teixeira Simone A. , Franco Gilson C. N. , Spolidorio Luis Carlos , Muscará Marcelo N. , Holzhausen Marinella 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLeukotrienes (LTs) participate in the process of tissue damage in periodontal disease by leukocyte chemotaxis and osteoclastic activation. The activation of Cysteinyl‐LT receptor is associated with increased expression of proinflammatory molecules and osteoclastogenesis. However, its implications on periodontal disease progression have not been studied. The present study evaluated the effect of the cysteinyl‐LT receptor antagonist (montelukast [MT]) on ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats.MethodsAdult male Wistar rats were subjected to bilateral ligature‐induced periodontitis and orally treated with MT (at doses of 10 or 30 mg/kg/d, MT10, and MT30, respectively). Sham animals had the ligatures immediately removed and received placebo treatment. Sets of animals were euthanized 7, 14, or 21 days after ligature placement and the mandibles were removed for macroscopic evaluation of alveolar bone loss (ABL). In addition, histological analysis of periodontal tissues, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of gingival tissues, and periodontal tissue expression of collagen type I, RUNX2, RANK, RANKL, OPG, BLT1, Cys‐LTR1, LTA4H, and LTC4S were also analyzed.ResultsMT significantly reduced ABL at 14 (MT10 and MT30) and 21 days (MT10) (P < 0.05), gingival MPO at 7 (MT10) and 14 days (MT30) (P < 0.05), LTA4H, BLT1 and LTC4S gene expression on day 14 day (MT30,P < 0.05) and increased RUNX2 expression on day 14 (MT30,P < 0.05).ConclusionSystemic therapy with MT decreases periodontal inflammation and ABL in ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats.
Corky off‐flavor compounds in cork planks at different storage times before processing. Influence on the quality of the final stoppers
Authors: Alañón M Elena , Alarcón Marina , Díaz‐Maroto Ignacio J , Pérez‐Coello M Soledad , Díaz‐Maroto M Consuelo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDCork companies store cork planks before processing them for a minimum of 6 months to dry up and to stabilize their texture and chemical composition, although many companies extend this storage period up to 12 months. However, there is no information about the influence of this seasoning period on their ‘corky’ off flavors. For this reason, the main compounds responsible for the ‘cork taint’ of planks stored before processing from 6 to 12 months were investigated.RESULTSFour haloanisoles and three halophenols were identified: 2,4,6‐trichloroanisole (TCA), 2,3,4,6‐tetrachloroanisole (TeCA), pentachloroanisole (PCA), 2,4,6‐tribromoanisole (TBA), 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (TCP), 2,3,4,6‐tetrachlorophenol (TeCP), and 2,4,6‐tribromophenol (TBP). All of the planks presented some haloanisole or halophenol after 6 and 9 months of storage, which practically disappeared after a year of storage. These compounds were only detected in the cork stoppers made from planks with 6 and 9 months of storage. Of the alkylmethoxypyrazines, 2‐methoxy‐3,5‐dimethylpyrazine (MDMP), 3‐isopropyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (IPMP), and 3‐isobutyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine (IBMP) were identified. The MDMP was detected in a larger number of planks with 6 months of storage and at higher concentrations than IPMP and IBMP. However, MDMP was not detected in the cork stoppers made from planks at 6, 9, and 12 months of storage.CONCLUSIONA storage time of 6 months before processing of raw cork planks would be sufficient to obtain cork stoppers with low concentrations of corky off‐flavor compounds. An increase in storage up to 9 or 12 months would result in practically ‘cork taint’‐free natural stoppers. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
End‐of‐Life Practice Patterns in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Vukkadala Neelaysh , Fardeen Touran , Ramchandran Kavitha , Divi Vasu 
Published: January 2021

Objective/HypothesisDespite the importance of symptom management and end‐of‐life (EOL) care in head and neck cancers (HNC), there is little literature on care practices in this population. This study examines EOL care practice patterns using nationally established metrics.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsReview of HNC patients who were actively followed and treated (defined as one clinic note within 90 days, two within preceding 9 months, and having received treatment at our institution) and died between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. The cohort was reviewed for performance on Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI®) and other metrics.ResultsOf 133 patients identified, 52 met inclusion criteria. The average age at death was 69.8 years. About 59% had distant metastases, 30% had locoregional disease, 11% were undergoing primary treatment. Twenty‐three percentage received chemotherapy within the last 14 days of life. Fifty percentage of patients were admitted in the last 30 days of life, and 33% died in the hospital. Fifty‐four percentage of patients had either Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment or Advanced Directive on file. Eighty‐one percentage of patients had any type of goals of care discussion documented. Sixty‐five percentage of all patients received referrals to palliative care and 46% of all patients enrolled in hospice. The median days in hospice was 12. Having a goals of care discussion was significantly associated with utilization of palliative and hospice care.ConclusionsProvider‐documented goals of care discussions were strongly correlated to referrals and enrollment in palliative and hospice care. Areas for improvement include better documentation of treatment directives and reducing low‐utility treatments.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1769–1773, 2021