bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Young stem and leaf anatomy of 15 Malagasy-endemicDiospyrosspecies (Ebenaceae): taxonomic implications
Authors: Sandratriniaina Ninah Andrianasolo , Ramanantsialonina Ravo Nantenaina , Rakouth Bakolimalala , Wiemann Michael C , Hermanson John C , Ravaomanalina Bako Harisoa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEighty-eight of the 255 Diospyros species from Madagascar are potential sources of ebony wood. Unfortunately, several species are currently threatened with extinction due in part to illegal and unsustainable logging. Reliable identification of living Diospyros species is necessary prior to any sustainable exploitation, so as not to compromise those species threatened with extinction. This study aims to identify features that might contribute to supporting taxonomic studies and to provide a complementary tool for the identification of standing trees. Fifteen species of Diospyros endemic to Madagascar were studied using standard anatomical methods. Each species showed a different shape of the leaf midrib and some have distinctive leaf anatomical characteristics, such as the presence of extrafloral nectaries in the distal part of the petiole in Diospyros baronii and filiform sclerenchyma in the mesophyll in Diospyros lewisiae. Statistical analysis showed that petiole and midrib vascular patterns, spongy parenchyma structure, the presence of papillae, thickness of epidermis, presence of extrafloral nectaries, stratification of epidermis, and presence of a cuticle are useful to distinguish species groups and even some species. The anatomy of young stems and leaves of Diospyros species from Madagascar is examined for the first time; the study will be extended to other potentially exploitable species.
The current landscape of therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Coffman-D’Annibale Kelley , Xie Changqing , Hrones Donna M , Ghabra Shadin , Greten Tim F , Monge Cecilia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Globally, primary liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with approximately 830 000 deaths worldwide in 2020, accounting for 8.3% of total deaths from all cancer types (1). This disease disproportionately affects those in countries with low or medium Human Development Index scores in Eastern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, and Northern and Western Africa (2). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, often develops in the background of chronic liver disease, caused by hepatitis B or C virus, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), or other diseases that cause cirrhosis. Prognosis can vary dramatically based on number, size, and location of tumors. Hepatic synthetic dysfunction and performance status (PS) also impact survival. The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system best accounts for these variations, providing a reliable prognostic stratification. Therapeutic considerations of this complex disease necessitate a multidisciplinary approach and can range from curative-intent surgical resection, liver transplantation or image-guided ablation to more complex liver-directed therapies like transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and systemic therapy. Recent advances in the understanding of the tumor biology and microenvironment have brought new advances and approvals for systemic therapeutic agents, often utilizing immunotherapy or VEGF-targeted agents to modulate the immune response. This review will discuss the current landscape in the treatments available for early, intermediate, and advanced stage HCC.
Effects of mesenchymal stem cells on Treg cells in rats with colitis
Authors: Zhang Heng , Cai Wei , Xu Dan , Liu Jing , Zhao Qiu , Shao Su’E 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The aim was to investigate the therapeutic effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in rats and its effect on regulatory T cells (Treg). A model of DSS-induced colitis was established. BM-MSC was isolated and cultured to observe the efficacy of BM-MSC on colitis, including general vital signs, weight changes, colonic length changes, colonic histopathological changes, and colonic tissue MPO activity. The expression of inflammatory factors (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, TGF-β) in colonic tissues was measured by real-time PCR. The amount of CD4 + CD25 + Treg was detected by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR was used to detect Foxp3+mRNA in CD4 + CD25 + Treg, western to detect Foxp3+protein expression in CD4 + CD25 + Treg, and ELISA was used to detect IL-35 and IL-10 cytokines in CD4 + CD25 + Treg culture supernatant. Results show that intravenous injection of BM-MSC significantly improved the clinical manifestations and histopathological changes in rats with experimental DSS colitis; significantly down-regulated the expression of inflammatory factors IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 and up-regulated the expression of TGF-β in colon tissues; BM-MSC also increased the number of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg and enhanced the function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg in colon tissues, and up-regulated the expression of IL-35. In conclusion, BM-MSC has a certain therapeutic effect on DSS-induced colitis. It can improve the general signs of colitis rats and reduce intestinal injury and inflammatory response. The immunoregulatory effect of BM-MSC is achieved by enhancing the function of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Treg and up-regulating the secretion of immunosuppressive inflammatory factors.
Three-dimensional topography of eye-specific domains in the lateral geniculate nucleus of pigmented and albino rats
Authors: Li Hangqi , Zhou Qiuying , Chen Yanlu , Hu Huijie , Gao Liang , Takahata Toru 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We previously revealed the presence of ocular dominance columns (ODCs) in the primary visual cortex (V1) of pigmented rats. On the other hand, previous studies have shown that the ipsilateral-eye domains of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) are segregated into a handful of patches in pigmented rats. To investigate the three-dimensional (3D) topography of the eye-specific patches of the dLGN and its relationship with ODCs, we injected different tracers into the right and left eyes and examined strain difference, development, and plasticity of the patches. Furthermore, we applied the tissue clearing technique to reveal the 3D morphology of the LGN and were able to observe entire retinotopic map of the rat dLGN at a certain angle. Our results show that the ipsilateral domains of the dLGN appear mesh-like at any angle and are developed at around time of eye-opening. Their development was moderately affected by abnormal visual experience, but the patch formation was not disrupted. In albino Wistar rats, ipsilateral patches were observed in the dLGN, but they were much fewer, especially near the central visual field. These results provide insights into how ipsilateral patches of the dLGN arise, and how the geniculo-cortical arrangement is different between rodents and primates.
Relating white matter microstructure in theoretically defined addiction networks to relapse in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Roediger Donovan J , Griffin Claire , Marin Frances V , Verdoorn Hannah , Fiecas Mark , Mueller Bryon A , Lim Kelvin O , Camchong Jazmin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Theoretical models group maladaptive behaviors in addiction into neurocognitive domains such as incentive salience (IS), negative emotionality (NE), and executive functioning (EF). Alterations in these domains lead to relapse in alcohol use disorder (AUD). We examine whether microstructural measures in the white matter pathways supporting these domains are associated with relapse in AUD. Diffusion kurtosis imaging data were collected from 53 individuals with AUD during early abstinence. We used probabilistic tractography to delineate the fornix (IS), uncinate fasciculus (NE), and anterior thalamic radiation (EF) in each participant and extracted mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA) within each tract. Binary (abstained vs. relapsed) and continuous (number of days abstinent) relapse measures were collected over a 4-month period. Across tracts, anisotropy measures were typically (i) lower in those that relapsed during the follow-up period and (ii) positively associated with the duration of sustained abstinence during the follow-up period. However, only KFA in the right fornix reached significance in our sample. The association between microstructural measures in these fiber tracts and treatment outcome in a small sample highlights the potential utility of the three-factor model of addiction and the role of white matter alterations in AUD.
Evaluation of the default mode network using nonnegative matrix factorization in patients with cognitive impairment induced by occupational aluminum exposure
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Liu Bo , Shao Yinbo , Tan Yan , Niu Qiao , Wang Xiaochun , Zhang Hui 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Aluminum (Al) is an important environmental pathogenic factor for neurodegenerative diseases, especially mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the gray matter volume of structural covariance network alterations in patients with Al-induced MCI. Male subjects who had been exposed to Al for &gt;10 years were included in the present study. The plasma Al concentration, Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score, and verbal memory assessed by the Rey auditory verbal learning test (AVLT) score were collected from each participant. Nonnegative matrix factorization was used to identify the structural covariance network. The neural structural basis for patients with Al-induced MCI was investigated using correlation analysis and group comparison. Plasma Al concentration was inversely related to MoCA scores, particularly AVLT scores. In patients with Al-induced MCI, the gray matter volume of the default mode network (DMN) was considerably lower than that in controls. Positive correlations were discovered between the DMN and MoCA scores as well as between the DMN and AVLT scores. In sum, long-term occupational Al exposure has a negative impact on cognition, primarily by affecting delayed recognition. The reduced gray matter volume of the DMN may be the neural mechanism of Al-induced MCI.
Shedding a light on sex disparity in clinical trials in CKD patients
Authors: Mallamaci Francesca , Tripepi Giovanni 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT
Clinical studies do not include an adequate proportion of female participants, and research data on drug efficacy and safety are generally collected from studies including a majority of men and extrapolated to women. This article describes the imbalance of male and female distribution in clinical studies, including patients with chronic kidney disease. The lack of sex equity in clinical research is a real ‘public health problem’ because not reporting sex-specific results may result in the loss of information on how a drug works according to sex. Therefore, it is essential to plan more research in the field of sex disparities in clinical studies to identify why women are underrepresented and to promote initiatives to expand women’s participation in clinical studies.
Quantification of chlamydiae in the endangered Houston toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis)
Authors: Villamizar Andrea , Guerra Trina , Tocidlowski Maryanne E , Forstner Michael R J , Hahn Dittmar 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Two primer set/probe combinations targeting variable regions on the 23S rRNA gene were designed to detect and quantify chlamydiae in DNA extracted from brain swabs of the endangered Houston toad (Anaxyrus houstonensis) using SYBRGreen- and Taqman-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Prevalence and abundance values for samples were generally different between SYBRGreen- and Taqman-based detection methods, with higher specificity observed for Taqman-based detection. Of the 314 samples analyzed, initial screening with SYBRGreen-based qPCR retrieved 138 positive samples, of which 52 were confirmed by Taqman-based analyses as chlamydiae. All of these samples were subsequently identified as Chlamydia pneumoniae by specific qPCR and confirmed by comparative sequence analyses of 23S rRNA gene amplicons. These results demonstrate the usefulness of our developed qPCR methods to screen for and verify prevalence of chlamydiae in DNA of brain swabs, and ultimately specifically identify and quantify chlamydiae, specifically C. pneumoniae in these samples.
Multidrug-resistant phenotypes among biofilm-producing staphylococcal isolates from farm-raised fish: a molecular scrutiny
Authors: Hamza Muneeb , Sivaraman Gopalan Krishnan , Mothadaka Mukteswar Prasad 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Aims
To describe the molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from farm-raised fish.

Methods and results
Fish samples (n = 180) collected from aquaculture farms in three major districts of Kerala, yielded 45 methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS) (25%) isolates. All of the isolates were resistant to tested beta-lactams, and 19 (42.22%) were resistant to flouroquinolones. According to the resistance profile of each isolate, 33 of 45 (73.33%) are identified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates, with an average multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 0.41 ± 0.09. Notably, virulence determinants such as classical enterotoxin (sea & seb), and SE-like toxin (seg & sei) genes co-existed with Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARGs) in isolates studied. Regardless of the isolates being strong biofilm producers, only 23 (51.1%) harbored icaA and icaD genes. The heterogeneity of MRSA (n = 17) clones were evident as the species belonged to three major spa types (t345, t2526, and t1309) and sequence types (STs), viz., ST772, ST88, and ST672.

Conclusion
The current study on molecular characterization of the MRS isolates sheds light on the preventive measures that need to be implemented to limit the spread of AMR pathogens in aquaculture.
Novel resources of chitinolytic bacteria isolated from Yok Don National Park, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Dinh Minh , Huynh To Uyen , Nguyen Thi Huyen , Do Tu Oanh , Nguyen Quang Vinh , Nguyen Anh Dzung 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Aims
This study focused on the isolation and characterization of chitinolytic bacteria from Yok Don National Park, Vietnam for future studies regarding biofertilizers and biocontrol agents.

Methods and results
Chitinolytic bacteria were isolated from soils and chitin flakes soaked in river water at the National Park. On the basis of the halo zones caused by colloidal chitin degradation and colony morphologies, 12 chitinolytic strains were chosen from 15 700 isolates for various examinations. Findings from 16S rDNA analysis indicated that among these strains, 10 could be identified as different species, and the remaining 2 showed less identity to known species and genera. The 12 bacteria possess numerous properties concerning plant growth promotion and/or phytopathogenic biocontrol. Paenibacillus chitinolyticus YSY-3.1, which exhibited the highest chitinase activity and remarkable properties for plant growth, was chosen for sequencing and draft genome analysis. The results showed that the genome is 6571 781 bp in length with 6194 coding sequences, 52.2% G + C, and 96.53% ANI value. It harbors the chitinolytic system comprising 22 enzymes. Among these enzymes, PcChiQ has a loop structure different from that of known family 19 chitinases, PcChiA contains two GH18 catalytic domains rarely found in microorganisms, and PcChiF contains three GH18 catalytic domains that have never been reported.

Conclusions
The 12 identified chitinolytic bacteria exhibit great potential for further studies on plant growth-promoting and/or biocontrol properties. Among these bacteria, two strains might be good candidates for next examinations concerning novel species and/or genera, and strain YSY-3.1 could possess a novel chitinolytic system.
Cancer survivors’ health behaviors and outcomes: a population-based study of sexual and gender minorities
Authors: Boehmer Ulrike , Chang Shine , Sanchez Nelson F , Jesdale Bill M , Schabath Matthew B 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Most case-control studies compare cancer survivors with general population controls without considering sexual orientation or gender identity. This case-control analysis compared health risk behaviors and health outcomes among sexual and gender minority cancer survivors to those of matched sexual and gender minority participants without cancer (controls).

Methods
Using data from the 2014-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a population-based sample of 4507 cancer survivors who self-identified as transgender, gay men, bisexual men, lesbian women, or bisexual women were 1:1 propensity score matched, using age at survey, race and ethnicity, marital status, education, access to health care, and US census region. Within each sexual and gender minority group, behaviors and outcomes were compared between survivors and participants without cancer, and survivors’ odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals calculated.

Results
Gay male survivors had higher odds of depression, poor mental health, limited usual activities, difficulty concentrating, and fair or poor health. Few differences were observed between bisexual male survivors and participants without cancer. Compared with controls, lesbian female survivors had greater odds of overweight–obese status, depression, poor physical health, and fair or poor health. Bisexual female survivors had the highest rates of current smoking, depression, poor mental health, and difficulty concentrating across all sexual and gender minority groups. Statistically significantly different from transgender controls, transgender survivors had greater odds of heavy alcohol use, physical inactivity, and fair or poor health.

Conclusions
This analysis revealed an urgent need to address the high prevalence of engaging in multiple health risk behaviors and not following guidelines to avoid second cancers, additional adverse outcomes, and cancer recurrences among sexual and gender minority cancer survivors.
Comparing Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome Growth in Youth With and Without Spina Bifida
Authors: Darow Eva L , Flax Marcus A , Clark Olivia E , Holmbeck Grayson N , Smith Zoe R 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objective
Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS; formally known as sluggish cognitive tempo), difficulties with social engagement, and lower levels of autonomy have been identified as maladaptive comorbidities in youth with spina bifida (SB). This study compared growth curves of CDS for youth with and without SB and examined whether these trajectories were associated with later functioning.

Methods
Longitudinal data spanning 8 years included youth with SB (n = 68, Mage = 8.34) and a demographically matched sample of typically developing (TD) peers (n = 68, Mage = 8.49). Adolescents, along with their caregivers and teachers, reported on youth social skills, behavioral functioning, and CDS. Growth curve models were examined by comparing CDS trajectories by SB status.

Results
Growth curves indicated that youth with SB had higher levels of teacher-reported CDS at ages 8 and 9, but growth curves were relatively stable for both groups. When predicting social skills, higher levels of teacher-reported (but not mother-reported) CDS at baseline predicted worse social functioning for both youth with and without SB in adolescence. For the slope findings, higher rates of mother-reported CDS over time predicted worse social skills (β = −0.43) and lower levels of youth decision-making (β = −0.43) for the SB group, while higher rates of teacher-reported CDS predicted worse social skills for the TD group.

Conclusion
Next steps include understanding the impact that impaired social functioning and restricted autonomy have on youth with and without SB due to CDS to inform interventions. Additionally, advocacy for increased awareness of CDS-related impairment is needed, particularly for youth with chronic health conditions.
(219) AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA IMPROVES ENDOTHELIAL AND TADALAFIL-INDUCED RELAXATIONS IN CORPUS CAVERNOSUM FROM PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Javier Angulo , Dr. Esaú Fernández-Pascual , Dr. Raphael Curvo , Dr. Argentina Fernández , Luis Bueno José , Ignacio Martínez-Salamanca Juan ,   Funding: Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and co-financed by FEDER funds, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, PI17/02001, Spanish Government
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Available clinical evidence suggests the potential therapeutic use of intracavernosal injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the effects of PRP on human cavernosal function have not been elucidated. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of acute exposure to autologous PRP on relaxant capacity of human corpus cavernosum (HCC) from patients with ED.

Methods
HCC strips were obtained from four ED patients undergoing penile prosthesis insertion and giving informed consent. Previous to intervention, PRP and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were obtained from patients by apheresis and stored at -20°C until functional procedures. Endothelial relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) was evaluated before and after 60 min exposure to PRP or PPP (1% v/v) in organ chamber. Relaxant response to the PDE5 inhibitor, tadalafil, was also evaluated in PRP or PPP (1%) treated HCC from the same patient.

Results
Average age of patients was 67-years-old (range 61-71) while hypertension and smoking history was present in 3/4, diabetes in 2/4, and obesity in 1/4. Mean platelet content in PRP was 1,096x10 9 /L (range 786 to 1,284 x109/L) while negligible platelet content was obtained in any PPP. Exposure to autologous PRP but not PPP significantly enhanced (p&lt;0.0001 by two-factors ANOVA) ACh-induced endothelial relaxations (pEC50 5.75±0.65 vs. 7.16±0.50; Emax 57.3±14.8% vs. 88.5±2.0%; before and after 1%PRP, respectively). Additionally, HCC treated with autologous PRP displayed augmented relaxant responses to tadalafil (p=0.0018 by two-factors ANOVA) with respect to those treated with PPP (pEC50 6.08±0.5 vs. 6.82±0.51 for PPP and PRP, respectively).

Conclusions
Acute exposure to autologous PRP improves endothelial function and functional response to PDE5 inhibition. These results support the reported clinical improvement of erectile function in patients with ED and suggest that PRP injection might induce a functional effect on cavernosal tissue in addition to the claimed restorative/regenerative effect.

Conflicts of Interest
None