bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stirred culture of cartilaginous microtissues promotes chondrogenic hypertrophy through exposure to intermittent shear stress
Authors: Loverdou Niki , Cuvelier Maxim , Nilsson Hall Gabriella , Christiaens An‐Sofie , Decoene Isaak , Bernaerts Kristel , Smeets Bart , Ramon Herman , Luyten Frank P. , Geris Liesbet , Papantoniou Ioannis 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCartilage microtissues are promising tissue modules for bottom up biofabrication of implants leading to bone defect regeneration. Hitherto, most of the protocols for the development of these cartilaginous microtissues have been carried out in static setups, however, for achieving higher scales, dynamic process needs to be investigated. In the present study, we explored the impact of suspension culture on the cartilage microtissues in a novel stirred microbioreactor system. To study the effect of the process shear stress, experiments with three different impeller velocities were carried out. Moreover, we used mathematical modeling to estimate the magnitude of shear stress on the individual microtissues during dynamic culture. Identification of appropriate mixing intensity allowed dynamic bioreactor culture of the microtissues for up to 14 days maintaining microtissue suspension. Dynamic culture did not affect microtissue viability, although lower proliferation was observed as opposed to the statically cultured ones. However, when assessing cell differentiation, gene expression values showed significant upregulation of both Indian Hedgehog (IHH) and collagen type X (COLX), well known markers of chondrogenic hypertrophy, for the dynamically cultured microtissues. Exometabolomics analysis revealed similarly distinct metabolic profiles between static and dynamic conditions. Dynamic cultured microtissues showed a higher glycolytic profile compared with the statically cultured ones while several amino acids such as proline and aspartate exhibited significant differences. Furthermore, in vivo implantations proved that microtissues cultured in dynamic conditions are functional and able to undergo endochondral ossification. Our work demonstrated a suspension differentiation process for the production of cartilaginous microtissues, revealing that shear stress resulted to an acceleration of differentiation towards hypertrophic cartilage.
An innovative single‐base extension method for synchronous detection of point mutations and MSI status in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liang Li , Li Xin , Nong Lin , Cai Weijing , Zhang Jixin , Liu Ping , Li Ting 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundAn accurate genotyping analysis is one of the critical prerequisites for patients with colorectal cancer receiving matched therapies. Conventional genotyping analysis is currently used to detect either gene mutations or MSI status, delaying the detection of critical tumor biomarkers and thus the optimal time for treatment. An assay that analyzes both biomarkers in a streamlined process is eagerly needed.MethodsWe developed an assay combining Multiplex PCR Amplification, Single‐base Extension and capillary electrophoresis (CE) analysis (MASE‐CE) for synchronous detection of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations and MSI status. In a 190 colorectal cancer cohort, we identified seven somatic mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF as well as five MSI loci (D2S123/D5S346/D17S250/BAT‐25/BAT‐26) simultaneously. KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations were detected by NGS and MASE‐CE, and MSI status were detected by PCR‐CE and MASE‐CE methods.ResultsThe MASE‐CE method showed high consistency with NGS for mutation detection (Kappa value ≥0.8) and PCR‐CE (Kappa value = 0.79). In addition, the limits of detection (LOD) of MASE‐CE assay for MSI and somatic mutation were 5% and 2%, respectively.ConclusionsIn somatic mutation detection and MSI detection, the LOD of MASE‐CE assay was superior to that of qPCR and NGS. MASE‐CE assay is a highly sensitive, time‐saving and specimen‐saving method, which can greatly avoid the cumbersome testing process and provide clinical decision for doctors in time.
Par14 interacts with the androgen receptor, augmenting both its transcriptional activity and prostate cancer proliferation
Authors: Naito Miki , Ikeda Kenichiro , Aoyama Shunya , Kanamoto Mayu , Akasaka Yasuyuki , Kido Yuri , Nakanishi Mikako , Kanna Machi , Yamamotoya Takeshi , Matsubara Akio , Hinata Nobuyuki , Asano Tomoichiro , Nakatsu Yusuke 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality for men globally, and androgen signaling clearly drives its onset and progression. Androgen receptor (AR) regulation is complex and remains elusive, despite several studies tackling these issues. Therefore, elucidating the mechanism(s) underlying AR regulation is a potentially promising approach to suppressing PCa.MethodsWe report that Par14, one isoform of the prolyl isomerases homologous to Pin1, is a critical regulator of AR transcriptional activity and is essential for PCa cell growth.ResultsPar14 was shown to be overexpressed in PCa, based on analyses of deposited data. Importantly, overexpression of Par14 significantly enhanced androgen‐sensitive LNCap cell growth. In contrast, silencing of Par14 dramatically decreased cell growth in LNCap cells by causing cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, silencing of the Par14 gene dramatically induced cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor p21 at both the mRNA and the protein level through modulating the localization of p53. In addition, suppression of Par14 in LNCap cells was shown to downregulate the expressions of androgen response genes, at both the mRNA and the protein level, induced by dihydrotestosterone. Par14 was shown to directly associate with AR in nuclei via its DNA‐binding domain and augment AR transcriptional activity.ConclusionThus, Par14 plays a critical role in PCa progression, and its enhancing effects on AR signaling are likely to be involved in the underlying molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest Par14 to be a promising therapeutic target for PCa.
Teachers as curriculum designers: What knowledge is needed?
Authors: de Almeida Sílvia , Viana Joana 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn Europe, with the dissemination of curriculum autonomy policies, teachers tend to be more involved in curriculum reforms as curriculum designers. In Portugal, in 2016, the government unprecedently commissioned eighteen teachers' associations to define a curriculum benchmark – ‘Essential Learning’. Studies have shown the difficulties felt by teachers in their role as curriculum designers due to a lack of the knowledge and skills required to enact collaborative curriculum design. However, few studies have investigated the kind of knowledge, skills and support teachers need for curriculum design. This paper aims to present a theoretical model of the knowledge and skills required for curriculum design at the macro‐level, verify to what extent the eighteen associations master them, and describe the type of support that teachers need to design the curriculum. For data collection, the focus group technique was applied to the teachers' associations and to two curriculum experts hired by the Ministry of Education to support them. The results show that the associations had difficulties in three domains of knowledge and skills, regarding curriculum design expertise, pedagogical content knowledge, and knowledge required to create external curriculum consistency, presenting some guidelines to increase the quality of curriculum design in future curriculum changes.
Effects of nutrient pulses on exotic species shift from positive to neutral with decreasing water availability
Authors: Otieno Evans O. , Shen Changchao , Zhang Kaoping , Wan Jinlong , He Minyan , Tao Zhibin , Huang Wei , Siemann Evan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractTemporal fluctuation in nutrient availability generally promotes the growth of exotic plant species and has been recognized as an important driver of exotic plant invasions. However, little is known about how the impact of fluctuating nutrients on exotic species is dependent on the availability of other resources, although most ecosystems are experiencing dramatic variations in a wide variety of resources due to global change and human disturbance. Here, we explored how water availability mediates the effect of nutrient pulses on the growth of six exotic and six native plant species. We subjected individual plants of exotic and native species to well watered or water stressed conditions. For each level of water availability, we added equivalent amounts of nutrients at a constant rate, as a single large pulse, or in multiple small pulses. Under well watered conditions, nutrient pulses promoted exotic plant growth relative to nutrients supplied constantly, while they had no significant effect on natives. In contrast, under water stressed conditions, water deficiency inhibited the growth of all exotic and native species. More importantly, nutrient pulses did not increase plant growth relative to nutrients supplied constantly and these phenomena were observed for both exotic and native species. Taken together, our study shows that the impact of fluctuating nutrient availability on the growth of exotic plant species strongly depends on the variation of other resources, and that the positive effect of nutrient pulses under well watered conditions disappears under water stressed conditions. Our findings suggest that the variation in multiple resources may have complex feedback on exotic plant invasions and, therefore, it is critical to encompass multiple resources for the evaluation of fluctuating resource availability effects on exotic plant species. This will allow us to project the invasive trajectory of exotic plant species more accurately under future global change and human disturbance.
Atypical anorexia nervosa: In need of further study
Authors: Crow Scott J. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn this issue of International Journal of Eating Disorders, Walsh et al. review the research to date comparing atypical anorexia nervosa (atypical AN) and AN. Most of the differences observed related to weight; eating disorder and noneating disorder psychopathology and complications were similar. The results could suggest that atypical AN and AN are not really different, and these findings should spur further research. Whether informative weight thresholds exist is a critical question. Beyond, why weight differs in these two groups is of great interest. If the two entities can be separated, does this separation predict longitudinal outcome or response to treatment? The high prevalence of atypical AN in clinical settings emphasizes the urgency of continuing research.
Abiotic and biotic drivers of tree trait effects on soil microbial biomass and soil carbon concentration
Authors: Beugnon Rémy , Bu Wensheng , Bruelheide Helge , Davrinche Andréa , Du Jianqing , Haider Sylvia , Kunz Matthias , von Oheimb Goddert , Perles‐Garcia Maria D. , Saadani Mariem , Scholten Thomas , Seitz Steffen , Singavarapu Bala , Trogisch Stefan , Wang Yanfen , Wubet Tesfaye , Xue Kai , Yang Bo , Cesarz Simone , Eisenhauer Nico 
Published: December 2022

AbstractForests are ecosystems critical to understanding the global carbon budget, due to their carbon sequestration potential in both aboveground and belowground compartments, especially in species‐rich forests. Soil carbon sequestration is strongly linked to soil microbial communities, and this link is mediated by the tree community, likely due to modifications of microenvironmental conditions (i.e., biotic conditions, soil properties, and microclimate). We studied soil carbon concentration and the soil microbial biomass of 180 local neighborhoods along a gradient of tree species richness ranging from 1 to 16 tree species per plot in a Chinese subtropical forest experiment (BEF‐China). Tree productivity and different tree functional traits were measured at the neighborhood level. We tested the effects of tree productivity, functional trait identity, and dissimilarity on soil carbon concentrations, and their mediation by the soil microbial biomass and microenvironmental conditions. Our analyses showed a strong positive correlation between soil microbial biomass and soil carbon concentrations. In addition, soil carbon concentration increased with tree productivity and tree root diameter, while it decreased with litterfall C:N content. Moreover, tree productivity and tree functional traits (e.g., fungal root association and litterfall C:N ratio) modulated microenvironmental conditions with substantial consequences for soil microbial biomass. We also showed that soil history and topography should be considered in future experiments and tree plantations, as soil carbon concentrations were higher at sites where historical (i.e., at the beginning of the experiment) carbon concentrations were high, themselves being strongly affected by the topography. Altogether, these results implied that the quantification of the different soil carbon pools is critical for understanding microbial community–soil carbon stock relationships and their dependence on tree diversity and microenvironmental conditions.
The influence of COVID‐19 on modes of governance for climate change—Expert views from the Netherlands and the UK
Authors: Bulder Cas , Todd Iain , McCauley Darren , Burns Mary‐Kate 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWhile the world is still in the grasp of COVID‐19, countries are contemplating how to get their economies back on their feet. With a unique opportunity to do so in a sustainable manner, there is an urgent need to revisit the governance of climate change. Opportunities are clearly there: the resurgence in top‐down policies in the pandemic might spill‐over to climate governance; green economic stimuli might cause an increase in market‐based approaches; or an increased focus on solidarity, inclusion and collective buy‐in may drive more inclusive network‐based governance. Using the classic trichotomy of hierarchy, market and network governance, we have analysed the findings of 60 interviews with expert representatives from government, industry and third sector parties in the UK and the Netherlands. Their consideration of the key policies and measures needed to help the transition forward point towards a clear desire for a more hierarchical approach. In addition, mixing the three approaches, especially market and hierarchy, is considered the best way forward.
Psychosocial factors partially explain gender differences in health‐related quality of life in heart failure patients
Authors: Tapia Javier , Basalo María , Enjuanes Cristina , Calero Esther , José Nuria , Ruíz Marta , Calvo Elena , Garcimartín Paloma , Moliner Pedro , Hidalgo Encarna , Yun Sergi , Garay Alberto , Jiménez‐Marrero Santiago , Pons Alexandra , Corbella Xavier , Colet Josep Comín 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimsThere is little information about the influence of gender on quality of life (QoL) in heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the health‐related QoL gap between men and women can be explained by the interaction between psychosocial factors and clinical determinants in a real‐word cohort of patients with chronic heart failure.Methods and resultsWe conducted a single‐centre, observational, prospective cohort study of 1236 consecutive patients diagnosed with chronic heart failure recruited between 2004 and 2014. To assess QoL, we used the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Female gender was associated with worse global QoL compared to male gender (MLHFQ overall summary score: 49 ± 23 vs. 43 ± 24; P value <0.001, respectively) and similarly had poorer scores in physical and emotional dimensions but scored better on social dimension. In univariate models and in models adjusted for clinical determinants, female gender behaved as a predictor of worse global, physical and emotional QoL, and better social QoL compared with men. In models only including psychosocial determinants and in comprehensive models including all psychosocial and clinical factors, these differences according to gender were no longer significant.ConclusionsIn this study, we have shown that the gap in health‐related QoL between men and women with chronic heart failure can be partially explained by the interaction between biological and psychosocial factors. Biological factors are the main drivers of QoL in HF patients. However, the contribution of psychosocial factors is essential to definitively understand the role of gender in this field.
The Complex Interplay Between Antibiotic Resistance and Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in the Environment
Authors: Manaia Célia M. , Aga Diana S. , Cytryn Eddie , Gaze William H. , Graham David W. , Guo Jianhua , Leonard Anne F. C. , Li Liguan , Murray Aimee K. , Nunes Olga C. , Rodriguez-Mozaz Sara , Topp Edward , Zhang Tong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are important environmental contaminants. Nonetheless, what drives the evolution, spread, and transmission of antibiotic resistance dissemination is still poorly understood. The abundance of ARB and ARGs is often elevated in human-impacted areas, especially in environments receiving fecal wastes, or in the presence of complex mixtures of chemical contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Self-replication, mutation, horizontal gene transfer, and adaptation to different environmental conditions contribute to the persistence and proliferation of ARB in habitats under strong anthropogenic influence. Our review discusses the interplay between chemical contaminants and ARB and their respective genes, specifically in reference to co-occurrence, potential biostimulation, and selective pressure effects, and gives an overview of mitigation by existing man-made and natural barriers. Evidence and strategies to improve the assessment of human health risks due to environmental antibiotic resistance are also discussed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:637–652. © 2022 SETAC
Influence of polypropylene mesh degradation on tissue inflammatory reaction
Authors: Wang Hongshi , Klosterhalfen Bernd , Klinge Uwe , Müllen Andreas , Jockenhoevel Stefan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPolypropylene degradation in vivo appears as mesh surface cracking and peeling. This aging process of the mesh, resulting in the lack of bio‐stability, contradicts the requirement of biocompatibility. However, to date, it is still not clearly established how much this mesh degradation influences the local tissue response with subsequent clinical consequences. This study aims to find out whether mesh degradation is correlated with elevated inflammatory tissue reaction through analyzing 100 human PP meshes explanted from the pelvic floor. A degradation classification method, based on standard pathological H&E stained slides of the explanted mesh via light microscope, was developed to classify the mesh degradation into four classes (no, mild, moderate and severe degradation). The peri‐filamentary tissue inflammatory reaction was analyzed by scoring the expression of the most common cell markers for the innate immune reaction: CD68 as marker for macrophage, CD86 for M1 subtype, CD163 for M2 subtype, CD3 for T‐lymphocyte and CD15 for neutrophil granulocytes. The correlation between immune cell expression, degradation classification and time of implantation of the meshes are evaluated with Spearman‐Rho‐Test. Mesh degradation worsens significantly (p < .001) with longer time of implantation. The increasing tendency of CD68 expression by mesh with higher degradation class indicates that the number of macrophages increases with worsening mesh degradation. The significantly increased expression of CD163 and CD3 cell by severely degraded mesh demonstrate the increased number of M2 and T‐Lymphocyte when mesh degradation becomes severe. None of the inflammatory cells show the usual declining expression with longer time of implantation. The result of this study suggests that the degradation of PP mesh results in an elevated local inflammatory reaction in female pelvic floor. A material with better bio‐stability for mesh implant in pelvic floor is required.
Analysis of the antimicrobial potential of sericin‐coated silver nanoparticles against human pathogens
Authors: Mumtaz Shumaila , Ali Shaukat , Kazmi Syed Akif Raza , Mughal Tafail Akbar , Mumtaz Samaira , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad , Summer Muhammad , Ara Chaman , Rashid Muhammad Imran 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe antibacterial activity of synthetic antimicrobial agents is well known, but most of them have several side effects and are effective against selective microbes. Recently, major concern for the microbiologists is to investigate for some stable, non‐toxic, cheap, and eco‐friendly antimicrobial agents with a wide range of bactericidal potential. A cost‐effective and environmentally friendly alternate has been proposed in the form of green synthesized nanoparticles. The Present study was designed to fabricate sericin‐coated silver nanoparticles (S‐AgNPs) using sericin as stabilizer and reductant of silver ions and their antibacterial potential was evaluated at various concentrations and temperatures (8, 40, and 50°C). Antimicrobial activities were assessed by the agar well diffusion method. Antibacterial activity of S‐AgNPs was measured at different concentrations (1–6 mg/ml) whereas; antifungal activity was tested at 5–20 mg/ml of S‐AgNPs. Nanoparticles were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. These nanoparticles significantly subdued the growth ofClostridium difficile(18.7 ± 0.9 mm),Proteus mirabilis(12.3 ± 0.3 mm) andBacillus licheniformis(10.7 ± 0.9 mm) andAspergillus flavus(18.7 ± 2.0 mm),Mucor mycetes(13 .0 ± 1.5 mm),Candida albicans(15.3 ± 0.3 mm) andAspergillus niger(10.0 ± 0.6 mm). S‐AgNPs were stable at all temperatures and the maximum growth inhibition was found at 8°C for all pathogenic strains. We concluded that the S‐AgNPs could be a potential candidate to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal pathogens at a wide range of environmental conditions like temperature. In various biomedical applications including antimicrobial and wound dressings, S‐AgNPs can be used in the future to treat various bacterial and fungal infections.
Smoking and drinking habits relating to development of ulcerative colitis in Japanese: A multicenter case–control study
Authors: Kondo Kyoko , Ono Yu , Ohfuji Satoko , Watanabe Kenji , Yamagami Hirokazu , Watanabe Mamoru , Nishiwaki Yuji , Fukushima Wakaba , Hirota Yoshio , Suzuki Yasuo ,   for the Japanese Case‐Control Study Group for Ulcerative Colitis
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackground and AimThe number of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) has been increasing in Japan. To elucidate the risk factors for developing UC in Japan, a hospital‐based case–control study was conducted. This study examined the association between smoking/drinking habits and UC onset in detail.MethodsCases comprised 132 Japanese patients who had been newly diagnosed with UC between 2008 and 2014 at 38 collaborating hospitals in Japan, and controls comprised 167 patients without UC. Detailed data on smoking and drinking habits were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire.ResultsEx‐smokers showed an increasing odds ratio (OR) for UC development compared with never smokers (OR 2.42, 95% confidence interval 1.24–4.72). The ORs of ex‐smokers were particularly high among subjects aged less than 40 years, subjects who had smoked more than 10 pack‐years, and subjects who were within 13 years of quitting smoking. Regarding drinking habits, ex‐drinkers also showed a more than twofold higher OR for UC compared to never drinkers. Ex‐drinkers 40 years or older, ex‐drinkers who had consumed more than 364 drink‐years, and subjects who were less than 6 years after quitting drinking showed increased ORs for UC.ConclusionThese findings suggest the need for careful attention for UC onset among heavy smokers who quit smoking before 40 years of age and heavy drinkers who quit drinking at ≥40 years of age.