bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Citrulline Blunts Aortic Systolic Pressure during Exercise and Sympathoactivation in Hypertensive Postmenopausal Women
Authors: MAHARAJ ARUN , FISCHER STEPHEN M. , DILLON KATHERINE N. , KANG YEJIN , MARTINEZ MAURICIO A. , FIGUEROA ARTURO 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Hypertensive postmenopausal women (PMW) have exaggerated exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) due to impaired functional sympatholysis. l-Citrulline (CIT) supplementation attenuates aortic SBP responses to cold pressor test (CPT)–induced vasoconstriction in young men. We hypothesized that acute CIT ingestion would attenuate aortic SBP and leg hemodynamic responses during exercise and CPT (EX + CPT).

Methods
Fifteen hypertensive PMW (61 ± 7 yr) were randomly assigned to consume either 6 g of CIT or placebo (PL) separated by a minimum 3-d washout phase. Brachial and aortic blood pressure, femoral artery blood flow (FBF), and vascular conductance (FVC) were measured at rest and during 5 min of unilateral plantarflexion exercise with a CPT applied during minutes 4 and 5.

Results
No differences between conditions were found in FBF, FVC, and brachial and aortic blood pressure at rest and during exercise alone. Changes in brachial SBP (CIT vs PL, 29 ± 12 vs 40 ± 10 mm Hg) and mean arterial pressure (CIT vs PL, 21 ± 10 vs 33 ± 11 mm Hg), and aortic SBP (CIT vs PL, 27 ± 11 vs 38 ± 9 mm Hg) and mean arterial pressure (CIT vs PL, 23 ± 9 vs 33 ± 11 mm Hg) to EX + CPT were lower in the CIT versus PL condition (P < 0.05). FBF, FVC, and functional sympatholysis (%ΔFVC) were not significantly different between conditions.

Conclusions
Acute CIT ingestion attenuated aortic SBP response to exercise and cold-induced sympathetic activation that may prevent left ventricle overload in hypertensive PMW.
Energy Expenditure of Female International Standard Soccer Players: A Doubly Labeled Water Investigation
Authors: MOREHEN JAMES C. , ROSIMUS CHRISTOPHER , CAVANAGH BRYCE P. , HAMBLY CATHERINE , SPEAKMAN JOHN R. , ELLIOTT-SALE KIRSTY J. , HANNON MARCUS P. , MORTON JAMES P. 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to quantify total daily energy expenditure (TEE) of international adult female soccer players.

Methods
Twenty-four professional players were studied during a 12-d period where they participated in an international training camp (also inclusive of two competitive games) representing the English national team. The TEE was assessed via the doubly labeled water method during the full 12 d as well as the initial 4-d period before game one. Energy intake was also assessed (via weighed food analysis) during the initial 4-d period to permit estimation of energy availability (EA).

Results
Mean TEE did not differ (P = 0.31) between the 12-d (2693 ± 432 kcal·d−1; range, 2105–3507 kcal·d−1; 54 ± 6 kcal·kg−1 fat-free mass [FFM]) versus the 4-d assessment period (2753 ± 359 kcal·d−1; range, 1942–3280 kcal·d−1; 56 ± 8 kcal·kg−1 FFM). Mean 4-d energy intake was 1923 ± 357 kcal·d−1 (range, 1639–2172 kcal·d−1) and mean activity energy expenditure was 1069 ± 278 kcal·d−1 (range, 155–1549 kcal·d−1). When assessed for estimated EA, 88% of players were categorized with low EA status according to the threshold of <30 kcal·kg−1 FFM. Mean daily carbohydrate intake equated to 3.3 ± 0.7 g·kg−1 body mass.

Conclusions
When compared with previously published data from adult male players, we demonstrate that the relative daily energetic requirements of engaging in professional soccer training and match play are comparable between sexes. From a practical perspective, data suggest that practitioners should likely focus education and behavior change strategies on “fuelling” for match play and training to optimize both player health and performance.
Anabolic Steroids Use Is Associated with Impairments in Atrial and Ventricular Cardiac Structure and Performance in Athletes
Authors: GRANDPERRIN ANTOINE , SCHUSTER IRIS , MORONVAL PIERRE , IZEM OMAR , RUPP THOMAS , OBERT PHILIPPE , NOTTIN STÉPHANE 
Published: January 2022

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Despite potential severe cardiac side effects, anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are increasingly used by strength athletes. However, previous echocardiographic studies focused on the left ventricular (LV) strains but did not assess LV twist and untwist mechanics. Moreover, left atrial (LA) function has been often neglected, and its stiffness, an important determinant of LA reservoir function, has never been challenged. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AAS on LA and LV morphologies and functions in strength athletes.

Methods
Fifty subjects including 20 strength-trained young athletes age 32.0 ± 8.5 yr with a mean duration of AAS use of 4.7 ± 1.8 yr (users), 15 athletes with no history of AAS use (nonusers) and 15 sedentary controls underwent speckle tracking echocardiography to assess LA and LV morphology and function.

Results
Users showed higher LA reservoir dysfunction than nonusers (33.7% ± 10.9% vs 44.9% ± 9.9% respectively, P = 0.004) and higher LA stiffness (0.13 ± 0.05 vs 0.19 ± 0.08 A.U., respectively; P = 0.02), higher LV mass index and lower global and regional LV diastolic and systolic dysfunction (global longitudinal strain: −15.5% ± 3.2% vs −18.9% ± 1.8% respectively; P = 0.003), with a drop of LV twist–untwist mechanics (untwisting velocity: 61.5°·s−1 ± 20.2°·s−1 vs 73.7°·s−1 ± 16.1°·s−1 respectively, P = 0.04). There were significant correlations between LV mass and LV apical rotation (P = 0.003, r = 0.44) and diastolic longitudinal strain rate (P = 0.015, r = 0.33).

Conclusions
Our results showing significant LA and LV remodeling and dysfunctions in young AAS using athletes are alarming. Screening echocardiography based on speckle tracking echocardiography parameters for early diagnosis, as well as a stronger awareness in athletes and in physicians are warranted in this context.
Leaky gut biomarkers in casein- and gluten-rich diet fed rat model of autism
Authors: Al Dera Hussain , Alrafaei Bahauddeen , AL Tamimi Muneerah I. , Alfawaz Hanan A. , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , Soliman Dina A. , Abuaish Sameera , El-Ansary Afaf 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
It is proposed that gluten- and casein-rich diets (GRD and CRD) can synergistically exacerbate dysbiosis as comorbidity in autism by worsening leaky gut that affects the brain through the gut–brain axis. In this study, 35 young male rats were divided into 7 groups, Group 1 serves as control; Group 2, clindamycin (CL)-treated; and Group 3, propionic acid (PPA)-induced rodent model of autism. These three groups were fed standard diet until the end of the experiment. Groups 4–7 are rats treated similarly with CL and PPA, then fed on CRD or GRD until the end of the experiment. Serum zonulin, glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxides, and gut microbial composition were measured in the seven studied groups. Data demonstrate the significant increase in serum zonulin as marker of leaky gut in the CL-treated groups fed on CRD or GRD. Lipid peroxides were significantly higher in the serum of GRD-fed rats compared to CRD-fed or normal diet-fed rats. GSH was much lower in CL-treated groups fed on CRD or GRD compared to PPA-treated rats fed on both diets. Both diets differentially affected the diversity of the gut microbiota. This study demonstrates that CRD and GRD exacerbates leaky gut, according to serum zonulin, which was used as marker for increased gut permeability.
Floristic composition, structure and environmental characterization of Cyathea costaricensis population in a remnant cloud forest in Mexico
Authors: Olvera-Vargas Miguel , Figueroa-Rangel Blanca L. , Solís Robles Christiam 
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Tree ferns are significant components of temperate, tropical and subtropical forests, contributing to shape complex forest stand structures. Objectives: 1) to describe the population structure of Cyathea costaricensis in a remnant cloud forest of West-central Mexico; 2) to characterize and relate the floristic composition and the structure of the most important tree species associated to the C. costaricensis population and; 3) to describe the environment where C. costaricensis occurs. Methods: We estimated the Importance Value Index (IVI) to select the most important canopy-dominant species associated to C. costaricensis; we constructed height and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) frequency distributions for those selected species according to IVI as well as for C. costaricensis population; we computed the asymmetry of the frequency distributions through the coefficient of skewness and the probability density function via the Kernel density estimation. We tested for differences between canopy-dominant tree species and C. costaricensis population structure by the non-parametric Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: C. costaricensis individuals presented the smallest heights and intermediate DBH sizes as compared with the canopy-dominant species, with statistically significant differences for height but not for DBH according to the Wilcoxon test. Most of the tree fern individuals were located in uneven terrains and over the base slope of the terrain; canopy openness and Total Radiation Under the Canopy values were similar to those reported for Cyathea species elsewhere. Conclusions: We confirm the hypothesis of comparable structure between the canopy-dominant species and the C. costaricensis population only for DBH; on the contrary, for trunk height, there were statistically significant differences; the small heights of C. costaricensis suggest their coexistence in the understory through sheltering from the taller canopy-dominants. Mostly all individuals of C. costaricensis were confined to local environmental conditions, particularly to physiography.
Social Interaction: Communicative Approach
Authors: Zaitseva Margaryta , Pelepeychenko Lyudmyla 
Published: January 2022

The article focuses on the study of requirements for communication in the social sphere and justification of their specificity in comparison with other types of verbal interaction. The relevance of the stated problem is determined by the significant influence of social communications on society and the dependence of public safety on the effectiveness of social interaction. The study aimed at identifying the types of violations of commonly known maxims in the social sphere and substantiating the specificity of requirements for social communicative interaction. Two main methods were used in the research: projecting and modeling. The well-known communication maxims were divided into two groups. The first group contains those that define the requirements for organizing the content of the message and are aimed at ensuring the fullness of its perception by the addressees. The second group includes maxims, which establish requirements for the moral climate of communication and the implementation of the principle of politeness. The data of interviews given by representatives of governmental bodies to journalists of certain TV channels and blogs, as well as the analysis of Internet news videos revealed the types of violations of the well-known maxims of communication in the social domain. The main ones are: ignoring the maxims of the second group in interviews and non-compliance with the maxims of the first group in news programs. It has been proved that the well-known maxims of communication need to be revised taking into account the conditions of social contact discourse. The specificity of maxims in social communicative interaction was substantiated.
Non-gynaecological Applications of Menstrual-derived Stem Cells: A Systematic Review
Authors: Galea Claire , Riva Nicoletta , Calleja-Agius Jean 
Published: January 2022

Menstrual-derived Stem Cells (MenSC) are a potential novel source of mesenchymal stem cells. There is an increased interest in investigating the therapeutic potential of MenSC due to the various advantages they exhibit, when compared to other types of stem cells. MenSC are obtained non-invasively from menstrual blood. Thus, collection of MenSC is simple, reproducible and can be carried out periodically, with minimal complications. MenSC are present in abundance, are highly proliferative, exhibit a low immunogenicity and lack ethical issues. MenSC have shown the ability to differentiate into several lineages. The therapeutic potential of MenSC in non-gynaecological applications has been investigated in wound healing, neurological, musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, and liver disorders, as well as in diabetes and cancer. Human clinical trials are limited. To date, therapeutic efficacy and safety have been reported in patients with Avian influenza A subtype H7N9, COVID-19, congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis and Duchene muscular dystrophy. However, further clinical trials in humans should be conducted, to study the long-term therapeutic effects of these stem cells in various diseases and to further explore their mechanism of action. This systematic review focuses on the application of MenSC in non-gynaecological diseases.
Optimization of Expression and Purification of Recombinant Mouse plac1
Authors: Rahdan Shaghayegh , Razavi Seyed Alireza , Nazari Mahboobeh , Shojaeian Sorour , Shokri Fazel , Amiri Mohammad Mehdi , Ramezani Amin , Zarnani Amir-Hassan 
Published: January 2022

Background: Placenta-specific 1 (PLAC1) is one of the recently-discovered Cancer-Testis-Placenta (CTP) antigen with restricted normal tissue and ectopic expression in a wide range of cancer cells from different histological origins. The production of recombinant human PLAC1 has already been optimized; however, no study has been reported so far on the production and purification of mouse plac1. In this study, mouse plac1 expression and purification was optimized in a prokaryotic system and the effects of the generated proteins on inducing humoral responses in mice were investigated.
Methods: A fusion protein containing full extracellular domain of mouse plac1, immunostimulatory peptides, tetanus toxin P2P30 and PADRE and KDEL3 signal (main plac1), and the same fragment without immunostimulatory peptides (control plac1) was produced. To optimize production and purification steps, different parameters including bacterial strain, cultivation temperature, cultivation time, IPTG concentration, culture medium, and also different buffers for purification of the recombinant proteins were tested. After confirming the identity of recombinant plac1 proteins with Western Blotting (WB) and ELISA assays, these proteins were subcutaneously injected in mice with Freund's adjuvant and the anti-plac1 antibody response was detected by ELISA.
Results: The optimal expression level of main and control plac1 was obtained in BL21 (DE3) and TB culture medium in the presence of 0.25 mM IPTG after 24 hr of induction at 15°C. The buffer containing 2% sarkosyl produced higher yield and purity. Our results showed specific reactivity of anti-human recombinant plac1 polyclonal antibody with both main and control plac1 recombinant proteins in WB and ELISA analysis. Both proteins induced humoral responses in mice; however, anti-plac1 antibody titer was significantly higher in sera of mice immunized with main compared to control plac1.
Conclusion: In this study, an optimized protocol for production and purification of mouse plac1 was reported and it was shown that insertion of immunostimulatory peptides in gene construct could efficiently enhance humoral immune responses against mouse plac1, which could potentially augment cellular immune responses against plac1 leading to more effective anti-cancer responses.
Modern Paradigm Towards Potential Target Identification for Antiviral (SARS-nCoV-2) and Anticancer Lipopeptides: A Pharmacophore-Based Approach
Authors: Yadav Manisha , Eswari J. Satya 
Published: January 2022

Background: Lipopeptides are potential microbial metabolites that are abandoned with broad spectrum biopharmaceutical properties ranging from antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer, etc. Clinical studies are not much explored beyond the experimental methods to understand drug mechanisms on target proteins at the molecular level for large molecules. Due to the less available studies on potential target proteins of lipopeptide based drugs, their potential inhibitory role for more obvious treatment on disease have not been explored in the direction of lead optimization. However, Computational approaches need to be utilized to explore drug discovery aspects on lipopeptide based drugs, which are time saving and cost-effective techniques.
Methods: Here a ligand-based drug discovery approach is coupled with reverse pharmacophore-mapping for the prediction of potential targets for antiviral (SARS-nCoV-2) and anticancer lipopeptides. Web-based servers PharmMapper and Swiss Target Prediction are used for the identification of target proteins for lipopeptides surfactin and iturin produced by Bacillus subtilis.
Results: The studies have given the insight to treat the diseases with next-generation large molecule therapeutics. Results also indicate the affinity for Angiotensin-Converting Enzymes (ACE) and proteases as the potential viral targets for these categories of peptide therapeutics. A target protein for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has also been mapped.
Conclusion: The work will further help in exploring computer-aided drug designing of novel compounds with greater efficiency where the structure of the target proteins and lead compounds are known.
Antitumor Activities of Green Tea by Up-regulation of miR-181a Expression in LNCaP Cells Using 3D Cell Culture Model
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Rayat Azad Narjes , Alizadeh Ezdiny Ali , Pakizehkar Safoora , Khazaei Koohpar Zeinab , Ranji Najmeh 
Published: January 2022

Background: Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the major reason for the high mortality rates among men worldwide. In fact, current therapeutic approaches are not successful. It appears that discovering more effective methods considering several parameters such as availability, low cost, and no toxicity to normal cells is one of the biggest challenges for interested researchers. Green tea (extracted from the plant Camellia sinensis) with high level of polyphenolic compounds and as the most globally consumed beverage has attracted considerable interest. MicroRNAs (or miRNAs) were considered as novel tools in cancer therapy which modulate various biological events in cell by regulation of gene expression. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antitumor activity of green tea in LNCaP cells through up-regulation of miR-181a expression.
Methods: First, LNCaP cells were cultured and by using quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot methods, the expression levels of Bax and BCL2 were analyzed. Next, a 3D cell culture model was applied to evaluate the expression of miRNA-181a in LNCaP cells.
Results: It was shown that green tea induced cellular apoptosis. The high number of apoptotic nuclei was also shown by using DAPI staining. The inhibition of tumor growth was revealed by analyzing the size and number of spheroids. Also, up-regulation of miR-181a expression in LNCaP cells was revealed after treatment with green tea.
Conclusion: Our results are helpful to design antitumor regimens based on consumption of green tea through up-regulation of miRNA-181a expression and induction of apoptosis.
The second strategic plan of medical ethics: a national report
Authors: Parsapour Alireza , Shamsi Gooshki Ehsan , Malekafzali Hossein , Zahedi Farzaneh , Larijani Bagher 
Published: January 2022

Medical ethics faces several challenges in different aspects of education, research, and treatment in medicine and healthcare practice. Design and implementation of a national strategic plan can pave the way for the development of a roadmap in various countries to strengthen ethics and address these challenges.
To create a comprehensive plan compatible with the Iranian healthcare system, a multidisciplinary team of main stakeholders compiled a national strategic plan of medical ethics following several focus group discussion sessions and two workshops (2014-2017). Ultimately, the plan was confirmed by the Supreme Council for the Medical Ethics of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education.
The current paper is a national report of the process and the medical ethics strategic plan in Iran. We have also tracked signs of progress and achievements in the country.
In conclusion, this valuable effort has led to significant success in the implementation of medical ethics in clinical medicine, medical research, and education by using all the resources in our country. The participation of all the stakeholders, especially healthcare professionals in this way is required.
Incomplete Removal and Accidental Retention of Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wires in the Chest after Heart Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Khalili Ahmadali , Jodati Ahmadreza , Rahimi Mehran , Faravn Amir , Parizad Razieh 
Published: January 2022

Temporary pacemaker wires are commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias in the acute postoperative period. We herein describe a 65-year-old woman with a history of coronary artery bypass graft surgery who was referred to the hospital with a purulent discharge in the lower third of the sternal region while on antibiotics. Two years later, following treatment failure, 2 sternal wires were removed. Several years after the surgery, the patient developed a purulent discharge. On suspicion of rib osteomyelitis, the last left cartilage attached to the sternum was excised and removed together with an infectious tract.
During the operation, the right ventricle was torn, and tampons were used to control bleeding. The patient was placed under cardiopulmonary bypass via the cannulation of the left femoral artery and the right femoral vein. The sternum was opened, and the rupture site was repaired. A temporary epicardial pacing wire was found at the site of the right ventricular rupture. Several days later, the patient was taken from the intensive care unit to the operating room due to a pulsatile hematoma in the left groin and a diagnosis of a pseudoaneurysm of the femoral artery. After a week, the purulent discharge at the lower sternum improved, and the patient was discharged. At 1 month’s post-discharge follow-up, the infection was eradicated