bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Lyophilized Exosomes Derived from Porcine Liver Against Acetaminophen Damage on HepG2 Cells
Authors: Tassinari Riccardo , Cavallini Claudia , Olivi Elena , Taglioli Valentina , Chiara Zannini , Ferroni Orlando , Ventura Carlo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background. Recently, extracellular vesicles have come to the fore following their emerging role in cell communication, thanks to their ability to reach cells into the human body without dissipating their cargo, transferring biological active molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc. They appear as a promising tool in medicine, because of their capability to modulate cellular response in recipient cells. Moreover, a considerable number of publications suggests that exosome uptake is selective but not specific, and it can cross species and cell-type boundaries. This study aims to explore the potential role of porcine liver derived extracellular vesicles, exosomes in particular, to protect human cells from acute damage induced by acetaminophen. Methods. Extracellular vesicles were isolated from porcine lyophilized liver using polymer-based precipitation and a further enrichment was performed using affinity beads. The effects of obtained fractions, total extracellular vesicles and enriched extracellular vesicles, were assessed on human liver derived HepG2 cells. Cell growth and survival were tested, with MTT and area coverage analysis designed by us, as well as protein expression, with immunofluorescence and Western blot. Oxidative stress in live cells was also measured with fluorogenic probes.Results. After proving that porcine extracellular vesicles did not have a toxic effect on HepG2, quite the contrary total extracellular vesicle fraction improved cell growth, we investigated their protective capability with a preconditioning strategy in APAP-induced damage. EVs displayed not only the ability to strongly modulate cell survival responses, but they also were able to boost cell cycle progression.Conclusions. Extracellular vesicles derived from farm animal food derivatives are able to modulate human hepatic cell metabolism, also improving cell survival in a damaged context.
A Review of the Prevalence, Trends, and Determinants of Coexisting Forms of Malnutrition
Authors: Khaliq Asif , Wraith Darren , Nambiar-Mann Smita , Miller Yvette 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Objective: Coexisting Forms of Malnutrition (CFM) refers to the presence of more than one type of nutritional disorder in an individual. Worldwide, CFM affects more than half of all malnourished children, and compared to standalone forms of malnutrition, CFM is associated with a higher risk of illness and death. This review examined published literature for assessing the prevalence, trends, and determinants of CFM. Methods: A review of community-based observational studies was conducted. Seven databases, (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were used in May-2021 to retrieve literature. Google, Google Scholar and TROVE were used to search for grey literature. Key stakeholders were also contacted for unpublished documents. Studies which measured either the prevalence, trends, and/or determinants of CFM presenting in individuals were included. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools for prevalence and longitudinal studies. Results: The search retrieved 14,180 articles, of which 22 were included in this review. The prevalence of CFM varied by geographical area and specific types. Coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity ranged from 0.8% in United States to over 10% in Ukraine and Syria, while the prevalence of coexisting wasting with stunting ranged from 0.1% in most of the South American countries to 9.2% in Niger. A decrease in the prevalence of CFM was observed in all countries, except Indonesia. Studies in China and Indonesia showed a positive association between rurality of residence and coexisting stunting with overweight/obesity. Evidence for other risk and protective factors for CFM is too minimal or conflicting to be conclusive. Conclusion: Evidence regarding the prevalence, determinants, and trends for CFM is scarce. Apart from coexistence of stunting with overweight/obesity, the determinants of other types of CFM are unclear. CFM in any form results in an increased risk of health adversities which can be different from comparable standalone forms, thus, there is an urgent need to explore the determinants and distribution of different types of CFM.
Intraosseous Ganglion Cyst Mimicking Chondrosarcoma On MRI: A Case Report
Authors: Seo Eunhye , Yoon Yu Sung , Kim Hee Kyung 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe intraosseous ganglia is a benign cyst, rarely locate in the olecranon process. As intraosseous ganglia can mimic malignant bone tumor, computed tomography (CT) is improtant for diagnosis even when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggests malignant bone tumor such as chondrosarcoma.Case presentationIn this paper, we report a 42-year-old woman with intraosseous ganglia in the olecranon process of the ulna. She complained pain in right elbow for 3 weeks. MRI revealed an intraosseous mass which initially diagnosed as chondrosarcoma. However, followed computed tomography (CT) demonstrated scattered intralesional gas and no underlying mineralization, and we can exclude chondrosarcoma from diagnosis. ConclusionsThe intraosseous ganglia can mimic bone tumor in MRI, therefore CT is essential for accurate characterization of bone tumor. Even if MR imaging strongly suggests chondrosarcoma of the bone, CT should be performed as additional study.
Total or Partial Tonsillar Resection (Tonsillectomy or Tonsillotomy) To Change Quality of Life for Adults with Recurrent or Chronic Tonsillitis: Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Laajala Aleksi , Tokola Paulus , Autio Timo , Koskenkorva Timo , Tastula Mikko , Ohtonen Pasi , Läärä Esa , Alho Olli-Pekka 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background

Tonsillar surgery has been used for decades to treat recurrent and chronic tonsillitis in adults. Recurrent and chronic tonsillitis result in disturbing symptoms, treatment costs, sick leave and impaired quality of life (QoL). Theoretically, removing all or part of the altered pathological palatal lymphoid tissue alleviates the symptoms and enhances the QoL. Whether this is true with total or partial tonsillar resection (tonsillectomy (TE) and tonsillotomy (TT), respectively) has not been reported in a randomised trial yet.
Methods

We conduct a multicentre, partly blinded, randomised, 6-month, parallel-group clinical study including 285 adult participants referred to surgical treatment for chronic or recurrent tonsillitis. The participants will either have TE, TT or watchful waiting (WW). The primary outcome will be the difference between the mean disease-specific Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory − 14 (QoL questionnaire) scores at six months. Comparison is made firstly between the combined TE + TT and WW groups (superiority analysis), and secondly between the TE and TT groups (non-inferiority analysis).
Discussion

This study will add significant new information to the effects and harms of TE and TT procedures in the treatment of adults with chronic or recurrent tonsillitis.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04657549
A crack propagation-based life prediction model for lithium-ion batteries with Ni-rich layered cathodes
Authors: Park Sun Ho , Park Joonam , Roh Youngjun , Byun Seoungwoo , Lee Hyobin , Jung Seungwon , Kim Nayeon , Lee Yong Min 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The formation and growth of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) are key parameters governing battery life prediction models of lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). However, as conventional battery life prediction models do not reflect other degradation parameters such as crack formation and propagation in high-nickel cathode materials, their accuracy is greatly reduced as the nickel content increases in layered oxide cathodes. Herein, we propose an advanced prediction model that includes both crack propagation and SEI growth. The reliability of this model was verified using experimental data of over 50 commercial 18650 LiB cells, which were tested under depths of discharge and current rates, from 500 to 5,000 cycles. The proposed model can predict capacity retention values with less than 5% error, even in real operations at energy storage systems and electric vehicles. This model can provide a standard solution for predicting the cycle life of LiBs with high-nickel layered cathodes.
Male Characteristics and Contraception In Four Districts Of The Central Region, Ghana
Authors: Longla Terence Acheliu , Ogum-Alangea Deda , Addo-Lartey Adolphina , Manu Adom A. , Adanu Richard M.K. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Introduction: A lack of male involvement in contraception can negatively affect its practice. This study focuses on the male characteristics that influence the practice of both traditional and modern methods of contraception. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of quantitative data obtained from the baseline assessment of the Ghana Community-Based Action Teams Study that aimed to prevent violence against women in the Central Region of Ghana in 2016. The analysis included 1742 partnered males aged 18-60 years. Chi-square test, t-test and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between male characteristics and the practice of contraception (significance level=0.05). Results: The prevalence of contraception was 24.4% (95% CI=20.8-28.5). Significant male characteristics that predicted the practice of contraception in adjusted models were: post-primary education (AOR=1.44, 95% CI=0.92-2.25), male controlling behaviour (AOR=0.7, 95% CI=0.49-0.99); perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence (AOR=1.83, 95% CI=1.49-2.26); number of main sexual partners (AOR=1.78, 95% CI=1.15-2.75); and whether the first child was wanted (AOR=0.71, 95% CI=0.54-0.94).Conclusion: Adequate measures need to be taken to actively involve men in family planning programs to promote the practice of contraception. Family planning sensitization and education programs should target males who are less likely to practice contraception.
Extraction And Characterization Of Cycloartenol Isolated From Stems And Leaves of Coix Lacryma-Jobi L. And Its Potential Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Yu Qiaorong , Ye Guangbin , Li Rong , Li Tong , Huang Suoyi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
[Background] Coix lacryma-jobi L. is a nourishing food and a traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for the treatment of neuralgia, inflammatory diseases, and rheumatism. Little is known about the anti-tumor of Coix lacryma-jobi L.. In this study, the cytotoxic effects of Coix lacryma-jobi L. on HeLa, HepG2, and SGC-7901 were evaluated.[Methods] The cytotoxic active compounds were isolated and extraction from the stems and leaves of Coix lacryma-jobi L. The structural identification of the compound was determined using ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The cytotoxic activity in vitro effect of the compound was determined using CCK-8, Flow cytometry, and DNA Topo I inhibition experiments.[Results] A compound F2 was isolated and purified from the petroleum ether extract of Coix lacryma-jobi L. stems and leaves. It was identified as the cycloartenol. The minimum IC50 values of HeLa, HepG2 and SGC-7901 cells for this compound were 500, 537.7, and 336.8 μg/mL, respectively. The compound had pro-apoptotic effects on three types of tumor cells, and had a significant inhibitory effect on DNA topoisomerase I.[Conclusion] This study demonstrates that cycloartenol has good cytotoxic activity in vitro, suggesting that cycloartenol could be a potential candidate as a natural antitumor drug.
Exploring high reliable substructures in auto-reconstructions of a neuron
Authors: He Yishan , Huang Jiajin , Wu Gaowei , Yang Jian 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The digital reconstruction of a neuron is the most direct and effective way to investigate its morphology. Many automatic neuron tracing methods have been proposed, but without manual check it is difficult to know whether a reconstruction or which substructure in a reconstruction is accurate. For a neuron’s reconstructions generated by multiple automatic tracing methods with different principles or models, their common substructures are highly reliable and named individual motifs. In this work, we propose a Vaa3D based method called Lamotif to explore individual motifs in automatic reconstructions of a neuron. Lamotif utilizes the local alignment algorithm in BlastNeuron to extract local alignment pairs between a specified objective reconstruction and multiple reference reconstructions, and combines these pairs to generate individual motifs on the objective reconstruction. The proposed Lamotif is evaluated on reconstructions of 163 multiple species neurons, which are generated by four state-of-the-art tracing methods. Experimental results show that individual motifs are almost on corresponding gold standard reconstructions and have much higher precision rate than objective reconstructions themselves. Furthermore, an objective reconstruction is mostly quite accurate if its individual motifs have high recall rate. Individual motifs contain common geometry substructures in multiple reconstructions, and can be used to select some accurate substructures from a reconstruction or some accurate reconstructions from automatic reconstruction dataset of different neurons.
Identification of an Autophagy-Related lncRNA Prognostic Signature and Related Tumor Immunity Research in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chen Hang , Sang Menglu , Ni Saiqi , Lin Yao , Wu Chengfang , Mu Yinyu , Liu Kaitai , Wu Shibo , Li Ni , Xu Guodong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Autophagy is closely associated with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). In the present study, we established a signature based on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) related to autophagy (ARlncRNAs) to investigate the TIME and survival of LUAD patients.Methods: We selected ARlncRNAs associated with prognosis to construct a model, and divided each sample into different groups based on risk score. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to investigate the survival outcomes of LUAD patients in different group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis explored the enriched pathways and functions. Several bioinformatics analyses were conducted to explore the TIME of LUAD patients in different group.Results: The ARlncRNAs signature could be recognized as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD patients, and patients in the low-risk group had a greater survival advantage. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that several immune functions and pathways were enriched in different groups. A high-risk score correlated significantly negatively with high abundance of immune cells and stromal cells around the tumor and high tumor mutational burden (TMB). Low-risk patients had a higher PD-1, CTLA-4 and HAVCR2 expression, and had a better efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs), including PD-1/CTLA-4 inhibitor.Conclusions: A reliable signature based on ARlncRNAs was constructed to explore the TIME and prognosis of LUAD patients, which could provide valuable information for individualized LUAD treatment.
Extracellular Vesicles from Maternal Uterine Cells Exposed to Risk Factors cause Fetal Inflammatory Response
Authors: Shepherd Megan C , Radnaa Enkhtuya , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus , Kechichian Talar , Urrabaz-Garza Rheanna , Kammala Ananth Kumar , Sheller-Miller Samantha , Menon Ramkumar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundFetal cell-derived exosomes (extracellular vesicles, 40–160 nm) are communication channels that can signal parturition by inducing inflammatory changes in maternal decidua and myometrium. Little is known about maternal cell-derived exosomes and their functional roles on the fetal side. This study isolated and characterized exosomes from decidual and myometrial cells grown under normal and inflammatory/oxidative stress conditions and determined their impact on fetal membrane cells. MethodsDecidual and myometrial cells were grown under standard culture conditions (control) or exposed for 48 hours to cigarette smoke extract or tumor necrosis factor-α, as proxies for oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively. Exosomes were isolated from media (differential ultra-centrifugation followed by size exclusion chromatography), quantified (nano particle tracking analysis), and characterized in terms of their size and morphology (cryo-electron microscopy), markers (dot blot), and cargo contents (proteomics followed by bioinformatics analysis). Maternal exosomes (109/mL) were used to treat amnion epithelial cells and chorion trophoblast cells for 24 hrs. The exosome uptake by fetal cells (confocal microscopy) and the cytokine response (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) was determined.ResultsExosomes from both decidual and myometrial cells were round and expressed tetraspanins and endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) protein markers. The size and quantity was not different between control and treated cell exosomes. Proteomic analysis identified several common proteins in exosomes, as well as unique proteins based on cell type and treatment. Compared to control exosomes, pro-inflammatory cytokine release was higher in both amnion epithelial cell and chorion trophoblast cell media when the cells had been exposed to exosomes from decidual or myometrial cells treated with either cigarette smoke extract or tumor necrosis factor-α. In chorion trophoblast cells, anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased by exosomes from both decidual and myometrial cells.ConclusionVarious pathophysiological conditions cause maternal exosomes to carry inflammatory mediators that can result in cell type dependent fetal inflammatory response.
Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes associated with Freezing Tolerance of Winter Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack)
Authors: Wąsek Iwona , Dyda Mateusz , Golebiowska Gabriela Julia , Tyrka Mirosław , Rapacz Marcin , Szechyńska-Hebda Magdalena , Wędzony Maria 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Freezing tolerance of triticale is a major trait contributing to its winter hardiness. The identification of genomic regions – quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and molecular markers associated with freezing tolerance in winter hexaploid triticale was the aim of this study. For that purpose a new genetic linkage map was developed for the population of 92 doubled haploid lines derived from ‘Hewo’ × ‘Magnat’ F1 hybrid. Those lines, together with parents were subjected to freezing tolerance test three times during two winter seasons. Plants were grown and cold-hardened under natural fall/winter conditions and then subjected to freezing in controlled conditions. Freezing tolerance was assessed as the plants recovery (REC), the electrolyte leakage (EL) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (JIP) after freezing. Three consistent QTLs for several fluorescence parameters, electrolyte leakage and the percentage of the survived plants were identified with composite interval mapping (CIM) and single marker analysis (SMA). The first locus Qfr.hm-7A.1 explained 9 % of variation of both electrolyte leakage and plants recovery after freezing. Two QTLs explaining up to 12 % of variation in plants recovery and shared by selected chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were found on 4R and 5R chromosomes. Finally, main locus Qchl.hm-5A.1 was detected for chlorophyll fluorescence parameters that explained up to 19.6 % of phenotypic variation. The common QTLs located on chromosomes 7A.1, 4R and 5R, clearly indicated physiological and genetic relationship of the plant survival after freezing with the ability to maintain optimal photochemical activity of the photosystem II and preservation of the cell membranes integrity. The genes located in silico in the identified QTLs include those encoding transmembrane helix proteins like potassium channel and phosphoric ester hydrolase involved in response to osmotic stress as well as proteins involved in the regulation of the gene expression, chloroplast RNA processing and pyrimidine salvage pathway. Additionally, our results confirm that the JIP test is a valuable tool to evaluate freezing tolerance of triticale under unstable winter environments.
Contoured Vertical Distribution and Spatio-temporal Variation of an Intertidal Macroalgal Assemblage in King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: Ko Young Wook , Lee Dong Seok , Kim Sanghee , Kim Jeong Ha , Choi Han-Gu 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Short-term variability, spatial variability, and the vertical distribution of an intertidal macroalgal assemblage were examined on the coast of Barton Peninsula, Maxwell Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Sampling was performed during the three austral summer seasons from November 2016 to January 2019. The sampling interval for short-term variability was 1–2 months. Sampling for spatial variability was performed at two sites 400 m apart. Eighteen algal species were identified, with 75% relative coverage of the predominant red Iridaea cordata and endemic brown Phaeurus antarcticus. Summer abundance can be described as a shift from I. cordata to P. antarcticus, and the change in color is intuitively presented using a contour plot for the first time. Short-term variation in the macroalgal assemblage showed 78.35% similarity between one month and 64.61% similarity between two months. The spatial variation analysis indicated 77.13% similarity between the assemblage at the two sites. If global warming continues, the algal population of this region is expected to expand. P. antarcticus, which is primarily found in the subtidal zone, is predicted to relocate southward or higher in the near future. Long-term monitoring of this research region, which is dominated by the two species, is warranted to determine the impact of global warming on the macroalgal assemblage.
Co-expression Network and Prognosis Analyses of Pyroptosis-related Genes in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Zixiao , Liu Xudong , Zhang Yu , Zhou Yongjie , Lian Shuaibin , Wang Lei 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Lung cancer is very difficult to diagnose in the its early stages because of its initial asymptomatic characteristics. In recent years, pyrolysis has been shown identified as a novel type of programmed cell death with inflammation mediated by the gasdermin family. In this study, 33 differentially-expressed pyroptosis-related genes were commonly identified in both lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients. Tumor-related gasdermin family genes that were significantly differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues were identified by our co-expression network analysis. Among them, the mRNA level of GSDMB gene had significant impacts on tumor staging and survival rates of NSCLC patients. Therefore, this gene is a potential new therapeutic target for the treatment of NSCLC. In addition, the high expression levels of GSDMC/D were significantly correlated with the low overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (FP) and post-progression survival (PPS) of NSCLC patients. Therefore, this gene is a potential oncogene for NSCLC. Furthermore, four small molecules (erastin, cefotiam, metanephrine, and vorinostat) that could most significantly reverse the NSCLC gene expression were identified. They interacted with GSDMB proteins mainly through H-bonds and hydrophobic interactions. This study provides new therapeutic targets and prognostic makers for NSCLC patients.