bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ganaxolone enhances microglial clearance activity and promotes remyelination in focal demyelination in the corpus callosum of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Mouihate Abdeslam , Kalakh Samah
Published: July 2019

Aim

Experimental studies have shown that the progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone, is endowed with promyelinating effects. The mechanisms underlying these promyelinating effects are not well understood. Therefore, we explored the impact of allopregnanolone's synthetic analogue, ganaxolone, on remyelination and microglial activation following focal demyelination in the corpus callosum of ovariectomized rats.

Methods

Ovariectomized adult Sprague Dawley rats received a stereotaxic injection of 2 µL of 1% lysolecithin solution in the corpus callosum followed by daily injections of either ganaxolone (intraperitoneal injection [i.p.], 2.5 mg/kg) or vehicle. The demyelination lesion was assessed 3 and 7 days postdemyelination insult using Luxol fast blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. The expression levels of myelin proteins (MBP, MAG, MOG, CNPase) were explored using Western blot. The inflammatory response and clearance of damaged myelin were evaluated using immunofluorescent staining (Iba1, dMBP, GFAP) and multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐6).

Results

Systemic administration of ganaxolone promoted remyelination of lysolecithin‐induced demyelination, upregulated the expression of major myelin proteins, and enhanced microglial clearance of damaged myelin. Astrocytosis, as well as locally produced pro‐ and antiinflammatory cytokines, was not affected by ganaxolone treatment.

Conclusion

Ganaxolone promotes remyelination in response to focal demyelination of the corpus callosum of ovariectomized rats. This effect is, at least in part, mediated by enhancing microglial clearance of myelin debris, which creates a conducive environment for a successful remyelination process.
Skin reactions among Bulgarian dental students: A self‐report questionnaire survey
Authors: Stoeva Iliyana , Dencheva Maria , Georgiev Nikolai , Chonin Atanas
Published: July 2019

Background

Dental students are at high risk of developing adverse skin reactions following practical work during the dentistry degree program. They encounter multiple irritants and allergens that may cause skin reactions on exposed parts of the body, notably the hands.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of skin reactions related to the pre‐clinical and clinical training courses of the dentistry program and associated risk factors in Bulgarian dental students.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was performed using a self‐report questionnaire.

Results

A total of 467 dental students completed the questionnaire (response 51.8%). The prevalence of self‐reported skin symptoms was 21.2%. According to logistic regression analysis, the most important risk factors for work‐related skin symptoms were a personal history of atopic dermatitis (odds ratio [OR] 3.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99‐7.72), allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or asthma (OR 1.94, 95%CI: 1.03‐3.68), personal history of contact allergy (OR 2.19, 95%CI: 1.06‐4.55), and hand washing >16 times a day (OR 2.42, 95%CI: 1.06‐5.52).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that work‐related skin symptoms are frequent among dental students and indicate the need to establish effective primary preventive programs for occupational skin disorders at a national level.
Ground object recognition and segmentation from aerial image‐based 3D point cloud
Authors: Ogura Katsuya , Yamada Yuma , Kajita Shugo , Yamaguchi Hirozumi , Higashino Teruo , Takai Mineo
Published: July 2019

Several attempts have been made to grasp three‐dimensional (3D) ground shape from a 3D point cloud generated by aerial vehicles, which help fast situation recognition. However, identifying such objects on the ground from a 3D point cloud, which consists of 3D coordinates and color information, is not straightforward due to the gap between the low‐level point information (coordinates and colors) and high‐level context information (objects). In this paper, we propose a ground object recognition and segmentation method from a geo‐referenced point cloud. Basically, we rely on some existing tools to generate such a point cloud from aerial images, and our method tries to give semantics to each set of clustered points. In our method, firstly, such points that correspond to the ground surface are removed using the elevation data from the Geographical Survey Institute. Next, we apply an interpoint distance‐based clustering and color‐based clustering. Then, such clusters that share some regions are merged to correctly identify a cluster that corresponds to a single object. We have evaluated our method in several experiments in real fields. We have confirmed that our method can remove the ground surface within 20 cm error and can recognize most of the objects.
MicroRNA‐191 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation by has_circ_0000204/miR‐191/KLF6 axis
Authors: Tian Fang , Yu Chengtao , Wu Min , Wu Xiaoyu , Wan Lingfeng , Zhu Xuejun
Published: July 2019

Objectives

MicroRNAs are powerful regulators in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis. MicoRNA‐191 (miR‐191) has been reported to play an important role in HCC, However, the regulatory mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of miR‐191 in HCC and studied its underlying mechanisms of action.

Materials and methods

The expression of miR‐191 in HCC tissues was determined by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The role of miR‐191 in HCC cells was examined by using both in vitro and in vivo assays. Downstream targets of miR‐191 were determined by qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis. Dual‐luciferase assays were performed to validate the interaction between miR‐191 and its targets.

Results

The expression of miR‐191 was significantly higher in HCC patients and a higher miR‐191 expression predicted poorer prognosis. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas data sets suggested that miR‐191 positively correlated with cell cycle progression. Gain and loss of function assays showed that miR‐191 promoted cell cycle progression and proliferation. Luciferase reporter assay showed that miR‐191 directly targeted the 3'‐untranslated region of KLF6 mRNA. Furthermore, circular RNA has_circ_0000204 could sponge with miR‐191, resulting in inactivation of miR‐191.

Conclusions

Our study sheds light on the novel underlying mechanism of miR‐191 in HCC, which may accelerate the development of cancer therapy.
Predicting Self‐declared Movie Watching Behavior Using Facebook Data and Information‐Fusion Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Bogaert Matthias , Ballings Michel , Bergmans Rob , Van den Poel Dirk
Published: July 2019

The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility of predicting whether yes or no a Facebook user has self‐reported to have watched a given movie genre. Therefore, we apply a data analytical framework that (1) builds and evaluates several predictive models explaining self‐declared movie watching behavior, and (2) provides insight into the importance of the predictors and their relationship with self‐reported movie watching behavior. For the first outcome, we benchmark several algorithms (logistic regression, random forest, adaptive boosting, rotation forest, and naive Bayes) and evaluate their performance using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. For the second outcome, we evaluate variable importance and build partial dependence plots using information‐fusion sensitivity analysis for different movie genres. To gather the data, we developed a custom native Facebook app. We resampled our dataset to make it representative of the general Facebook population with respect to age and gender. The results indicate that adaptive boosting outperforms all other algorithms. Time‐ and frequency‐based variables related to media (movies, videos, and music) consumption constitute the list of top variables. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to fit predictive models of self‐reported movie watching behavior and provide insights into the relationships that govern these models. Our models can be used as a decision tool for movie producers to target potential movie‐watchers and market their movies more efficiently.
Developmental symbiosis facilitates the multiple origins of herbivory
Authors: Gilbert Scott F.
Published: July 2019

Developmental bias toward particular evolutionary trajectories can be facilitated through symbiosis. Organisms are holobionts, consisting of zygote‐derived cells and a consortia of microbes, and the development, physiology, and immunity of animals are properties of complex interactions between the zygote‐derived cells and microbial symbionts. Such symbionts can be agents of developmental plasticity, allowing an organism to develop in particular directions. This plasticity can lead to genetic assimilation either through the incorporation of microbial genes into host genomes or through the direct maternal transmission of the microbes. Such plasticity can lead to niche construction, enabling the microbes to remodel host anatomy and/or physiology. In this article, I will focus on the ability of symbionts to bias development toward the evolution of herbivory. I will posit that the behavioral and morphological manifestations of herbivorous phenotypes must be preceded by the successful establishment of a community of symbiotic microbes that can digest cell walls and detoxify plant poisons. The ability of holobionts to digest plant materials can range from being a plastic trait, dependent on the transient incorporation of environmental microbes, to becoming a heritable trait of the holobiont organism, transmitted through the maternal propagation of symbionts or their genes.
Diet and movements of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in a large oligotrophic lake with an exceptionally high pikeperch yield
Authors: Huuskonen Hannu , Piironen Jorma , Syväranta Jari , Eronen Risto , Biasi Christina , Kiiskinen Päivi , Kortet Raine , Vainikka Anssi
Published: July 2019

Through the recent increases in abundance, pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) has not only become a valuable target for recreational and commercial fishing, but also the most important top predator in many lakes. Generally oligotrophic Lake Höytiäinen (283 km2) sustains one of the most economically valuable pikeperch stocks in Finland, and its annual fisheries yield (up to 5.5 kg/ha) is exceptionally high among Finnish lakes. Here, we followed seasonal movements of fish using conventional tagging, and studied short‐term and long‐term diet of pikeperch by stomach content and stable isotope analyses to examine if the movements were motivated by prey availability. A clear seasonal migration pattern was observed: in summer, 80% of the tag recoveries were obtained from the shallow and mesotrophic northern and western areas, whereas in autumn and winter, the deep and oligotrophic southern area dominated in the recaptures. The diet of pikeperch consisted of the most abundant fish species in the lake, perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus), as well as insects. Stable isotope analysis indicated a shift from a dominance of pelagic food sources to littoral food sources during the growing season of pikeperch. Our results suggest that the pikeperch migrations facilitate efficient material transfer from the mesotrophic part while the deeper and oligotrophic part offers a favourable overwintering environment.
Effects of oxytocin‐family peptides and substance P on locomotor activity and filial preferences in visually naïve chicks
Authors: Loveland Jasmine L. , Stewart Michael G. , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: July 2019

Nonapeptides from the vasopressin/oxytocin family have been implicated in a wide variety of social behaviours across vertebrates. Experimental manipulations that alter nonapeptide levels or receptor function in the brain have provided evidence for understanding how nonapeptides influence responses to social stimuli in adults. While behaviours in adults have been extensively studied, much less in known about roles of nonapeptides in early life and the development of affiliative social behaviours. We examined an experience‐independent preference (social predisposition) that is present at hatching and is characterized by the tendency of visually naïve chicks (Gallus gallus) to prefer to approach a stuffed hen stimulus over a control stimulus in a choice test. Among chicks that show the social predisposition preference, bilateral intracranial mesotocin injections resulted in higher mean hen preference scores compared with saline‐injected controls. Equimolar doses of mesotocin and vasotocin injections had different effects on locomotor activity: vasotocin, but not mesotocin, resulted in hypoactivity. We also tested whether intraperitoneal substance P had an effect on hen preference scores because previous research has proposed that vasotocin effects on social approach are mediated by peripheral release of substance P, but found no significant effect. All together, our data suggest that mesotocin signalling may be important for social predispositions and can potentially enhance the perceived salience of social stimuli soon after hatching. Specifically, mesotocin release and signalling in the brain may regulate the ability to recognize naturalistic stimuli and/or to act on the motivation to approach naturalistic stimuli.
Postural and muscle responses to galvanic vestibular stimulation reveal a vestibular deficit in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Hatzilazaridis Ioannis , Hatzitaki Vassilia , Antoniadou Nikoleta , Samoladas Efthimios
Published: July 2019

One of the most appealing hypotheses around the aetiopathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis attributes the development of the spine deformity to an imbalance in the descending vestibulospinal drive to the muscles resulting in a differential mechanical pull on the spine during the early life stages. In this study, we explored this hypothesis by examining postural and muscle responses to binaural bipolar galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) of randomly alternating polarity. Adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (n = 12) and healthy age‐matched controls (n = 12) stood quietly with feet together (stance duration 66–102 s), eyes closed and facing forward, while 10 short (2s), transmastoidal, bipolar square wave GVS pulses (0.3–2.0 mA) of randomly alternating polarity were delivered at varying time intervals. Responses depicted in the electromyographic (EMG) activity of bilateral axial and appendicular muscles, vertical reaction forces and segment kinematics were recorded and analysed. Scoliotic patients demonstrated smaller ankle muscle responses and a delayed postural shift to the right relative to controls during anode right/cathode left GVS. When GVS polarity was reversed, patients had a greater soleus short‐latency response on the left anodal side, while the rest of the muscle and postural responses were similar between groups. Vestibular stimulation also evoked greater head and upper trunk sway in scoliotic compared with healthy adolescents irrespective of stimulus polarity. Results provide new preliminary evidence for a vestibular imbalance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis that is compensated by somatosensory, load‐related afferent feedback from the lower limbs during the latter part of the response.
Large herbivore assemblages in a changing climate: incorporating water dependence and thermoregulation
Authors: Veldhuis M. P. , Kihwele E. S. , Cromsigt J. P. G. M. , Ogutu J. O. , Hopcraft J. G. C. , Owen‐Smith N. , Olff H.
Published: July 2019

The coexistence of different species of large herbivores (ungulates) in grasslands and savannas has fascinated ecologists for decades. However, changes in climate, land‐use and trophic structure of ecosystems increasingly jeopardise the persistence of such diverse assemblages. Body size has been used successfully to explain ungulate niche differentiation with regard to food requirements and predation sensitivity. But this single trait axis insufficiently captures interspecific differences in water requirements and thermoregulatory capacity and thus sensitivity to climate change. Here, we develop a two‐dimensional trait space of body size and minimum dung moisture content that characterises the combined food and water requirements of large herbivores. From this, we predict that increased spatial homogeneity in water availability in drylands reduces the number of ungulate species that will coexist. But we also predict that extreme droughts will cause the larger, water‐dependent grazers as wildebeest, zebra and buffalo–dominant species in savanna ecosystems – to be replaced by smaller, less water‐dependent species. Subsequently, we explore how other constraints such as predation risk and thermoregulation are connected to this two‐dimensional framework. Our novel framework integrates multiple simultaneous stressors for herbivores and yields an extensive set of testable hypotheses about the expected changes in large herbivore community composition following climate change.
Getting Better All the Time? An Illustrative Investigation of Multilevel Longitudinal Measurement Invariance Based on School Climate Surveys
Authors: Schweig Jonathan D. , Yuan Kun
Published: July 2019

School climate surveys are central to school improvement and principal evaluation policies. The quality of school climate has been linked both to student achievement and to teacher retention. Oftentimes, policymakers and practitioners are concerned with monitoring change in school climate quality in each academic year. Such applications assume longitudinal factorial invariance—it is presupposed that the surveys are measuring the same things in the same metric at each time point. While there is considerable research examining the validity of inferences based on survey‐derived climate indicators, this research is almost exclusively based on cross‐sectional data. There is little literature describing procedures for gathering evidence of factorial invariance of school climate indicators. This study proposes to adapt existing methods for evaluating factorial invariance in longitudinal designs into multilevel frameworks, and in doing so, articulates a novel method for evaluating longitudinal measurement invariance in school climate research. This technique is illustrated on a widely used school climate survey.
The role of Tetrastichus giffardianus Silvestri (Eulophidae: Hymenoptera) in natural control of Bactrocera zonata (Saunders) (Tephritidae: Diptera) and its temporal abundance in Sudan
Authors: Mahmoud M. E. E. , Mohamed S. A. , Khamis F. M. , Basher M. A. I. , Ekesi S.
Published: July 2019

Bactrocera zonata is an alien fruit fly which was introduced into Sudan in 2012 and spread throughout the country, severely hampering the production and export of fruit and vegetable crops. Cataloguing indigenous natural enemies of pests, especially parasitoids, is key to successful biological control programmes, to mitigate damage and decrease reliance on insecticides. This study was conducted to determine the parasitoids of B. zonata in two orchards in Gezira State, Sudan from November 2015 to May 2016 and from February to December, 2016 and to determine their role in natural control of the pest. Three parasitoids emerged from puparia of B. zonata, these were: Tetrastichus giffardianus Silvestri (Eulophidae), an Aganaspis sp. (Figitidae: Eucoilinae) and a Psyttalia sp. (Braconidae Opiinae). Tetrastichus giffardianus was the most numerous parasitoid throughout the study period. The mean percentages of B. zonata from guava fruits that were parasitized by T. giffardianus for the whole study period were 13.7% and 13.2% with 3.1 ± 0.3 and 2.8 ± 2.4 parasitoids per puparium at Fadasi and Gazirat Elfil sites respectively. Data on the temporal abundance of T. giffardianus is presented. Strenuous efforts should be considered to involve the reported natural enemies of B. zonata in integrated management programmes for fruit flies in Sudan.
Application of an equine composite pain scale and its association with plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations and serum cortisol concentrations in horses with colic
Authors: Lawson A. L. , Opie R. R. , Stevens K. B. , Knowles E. J. , Mair T. S.
Published: July 2019

This study assessed the application of a modified equine composite pain scale (CPS) and identified the inter‐observer reliability. Associations between CPS scores and the measured concentrations of serum cortisol ([cortisol]) and plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone ([ACTH]) in horses presenting with colic were determined. The study design was prospective, uni‐centred and observational. The inter‐observer reliability of the adapted CPS was determined for 59 horses hospitalised for a variety of conditions. The associations between CPS, ACTH and cortisol were assessed in a further 49 horses admitted for medical or surgical colic. During hospitalisation, blood samples were obtained each morning and analysed for serum [cortisol] and plasma [ACTH]. Horses were pain scored using the adapted CPS score. Data from the most painful time point (n = 48 horses; n = 48 [cortisol]; n = 44 [ACTH]) and all data time points (n = 49 horses and n = 133 time points) were used for analysis of association between [cortisol], [ACTH] and CPS score. The CPS score inter‐observer reliability was excellent (n = 59 horses; n = 102 pain scores; weighted kappa 0.863). CPS score and [cortisol] were positively associated at the most painful time point (P < 0.001) and at all data time points (P < 0.001). No significant association was found between CPS score and [ACTH]. [ACTH] was associated with [cortisol] (P = 0.034) when all time points were analysed but not when only the most painful point was analysed. The significant correlation identified between CPS score and [cortisol] in medical and surgical colic cases provides physiological validation of pain scores as a marker of underlying stress in horses with colic.
Transient bilateral blindness associated with presumptive idiopathic pachymeningitis in a 22‐year‐old Irish Sport Horse
Authors: McGilvray T. , Berner D. , Beltran E. , Attipa C. , Dunkel B.
Published: July 2019

A 22‐year‐old Irish Sport Horse presented following a period of bilateral blindness with subsequent spontaneous resolution. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated features consistent with pachymeningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed increased numbers of basophils, suggestive of an immunologic or neoplastic aetiology. It was suspected that the enlarged meninges led to compression of the optic nerves in the optic canals, causing bilateral blindness. Initial spontaneous remission, as seen in this case, has been reported in human patients with this condition. Pachymeningitis should be considered as a possible cause of cranial nerve deficits, including bilateral and unilateral blindness, in horses.
Creep‐fatigue behaviour of single‐crystal Ni‐base superalloy CMSX‐8
Authors: Estrada Rodas Ernesto A. , Gorgannejad Sanam , Neu Richard W.
Published: July 2019

The creep‐fatigue behaviour of a lower cost, reduced rhenium Ni‐base superalloy, CMSX‐8, a variant of CMSX‐4, cast in a single crystal was experimentally evaluated over a broad range of conditions, from room temperature to 1100°C, and for two loading orientations: <001> and <111>. The fatigue lives depend on the orientation, cycle type, and temperature. The relative importance of these parameters on influencing the life is identified and discussed. From this understanding, a simple life model is constructed to capture the influence of these broad test conditions. The results are compared with those of the higher Re superalloy, CMSX‐4.
Collection of experimental data for multiaxial fatigue criteria verification
Authors: Morettini Giulia , Braccesi Claudio , Cianetti Filippo , Razavi Nima , Solberg Klas , Capponi Lorenzo
Published: July 2019

The present paper aims to propose data from incisive multiaxial fatigue experimental tests which results from the analysis of several works within current literature. Approximately 200 experimental datasets have been collected and paired with the widest variety of materials and stress combinations. Furthermore, we carried out a critical analysis of the methods with which said datasets were obtained, also focusing on the kind of tests that were conducted, the type of specimens used, modes of data cataloging, and some other aspects which we will further analyze during the discussion. We will only refer to data which come from primary sources, avoiding data transcription errors. We thus created a unified data collection useful for all multiaxial reduction methods verification for ductile materials.
Food intake assessment in acutely ill older internal medicine patients
Authors: Tonkikh Orly , Shadmi Efrat , Zisberg Anna
Published: July 2019

Aim

Poor food intake is a major concern among hospitalized older adults. This study investigated the frequency and optimal timing of in‐hospital food intake assessment in terms of its ability to predict hospitalization functional outcomes.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a cohort study of 699 older adults (age ≥70 years) admitted to internal medicine wards for non‐disabling conditions was carried out. Daily food intake was assessed using self‐reported estimation of portions consumed at each meal and calculated according to the caloric composition of the meals. Nutritional status on admission, baseline and discharge activities of daily living, and cognitive status were assessed using validated questionnaires. Repeated measures analysis of variance (n = 263) and multiple logistic regression models (n = 475) for predicting activities of daily living and cognitive decline were used to establish required frequency and optimal timing of food‐intake monitoring.

Results

Mean daily intake significantly increased from the first 48 h from admission (0.51 ± 0.30) to the second and third assessments (0.62 ± 0.30 and 0.63 ± 0.30, respectively). Eating half or less of the served meals both within the first 48 h of admission and after 48 h was associated with higher odds of cognitive decline (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.27–2.94; OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.04–2.51, respectively). Low intake after 48 h of admission was associated with higher odds of activities of daily living decline (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.03–2.67).

Conclusions

Food intake increases from the first 48 h of admission onwards and becomes more consistent 3 days after admission. The associations between low food intake at various time points and worse functional outcomes show the importance of routine food intake monitoring for at least 3 days. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 890–895.
The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and depressive symptoms in the general population in China: The TCLSIH cohort study
Authors: Gu Yeqing , Zheng Lixiao , Kumari Shubham , Zhang Qing , Liu Li , Meng Ge , Wu Hongmei , Bao Xue , Yao Zhanxin , Sun Shaomei , Wang Xing , Zhou Ming , Jia Qiyu , Song Kun , Niu Kaijun
Published: July 2019

Background

Depressive symptoms are a common, debilitating, and costly public health issue. Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection cause changes in the normal physiological state of the gastrointestinal (GI) flora. Although the physiological state of the GI tract is closely related to mental disorders, few population studies have examined the relationship between H pylori infection and depressive symptoms in the general population. The aim of this study was to examine whether H pylori infection is related to depressive symptoms among the general adult population.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 5558 inhabitants of Tianjin, China. H pylori infection was diagnosed with the carbon 13 breath test. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Chinese version of 20‐item Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS) with three cutoffs (45, 48, and 50) to indicate elevated depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to assess the association between H pylori infection and depressive symptoms.

Results

The prevalence of depressive symptoms (SDS ≥ 45) was 12.7% in men and 17.4% in women. In multivariable models, the odds ratios and 95% confidence interval of having depressive symptoms by H pylori infection were 1.25 (1.01‐1.56), 1.46 (1.11‐1.91), and 1.46 (1.05‐2.06) for three cutoffs: 45, 48, and 50 in women. However, no significant difference was found between H pylori infection and depressive symptoms in men.

Conclusions

This study firstly suggested that H pylori infection was related to depressive symptoms in women in the general adult population. Further prospective studies or randomized trials are required to clarify the causality.
Effects of physical activity counselling in women with systemic lupus erythematosus: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Mei‐Ling , Tsai Jen‐Chen , Yu Kuang‐Hui , Chen Jin‐Jong
Published: July 2019

Background

Low physical activity is common in systemic lupus erythematosus populations.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of physical activity counselling on physical activity and the association between physical activity changes and changes in fatigue, quality of sleep, and quality of life in women with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, single‐blind trial was conducted from March 2015 to August 2016. Seventy‐six women with systemic lupus erythematosus were randomly assigned to the intervention or control groups. The intervention group received three sessions of physical activity counselling at 1, 4, and 8 weeks and three telephone follow‐ups over 13 weeks. Outcome measures, which include daily steps, fatigue, quality of sleep, and the quality of life, were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks.

Results

The study showed that daily steps, quality of sleep, and vitality in the intervention group were significantly improved compared with those in the control group at weeks 8 and 12. Mental health was significantly improved only at week 8 in the counselling group. A positive correlation between physical activity changes and changes in vitality and mental health was observed.

Conclusions

Physical activity counselling can improve physical activity. As physical activity increases, systemic lupus erythematosus women feel more energetic and happier.
RIPLET, and not TRIM25, is required for endogenous RIG‐I‐dependent antiviral responses
Authors: Hayman Thomas J , Hsu Alan C , Kolesnik Tatiana B , Dagley Laura F , Willemsen Joschka , Tate Michelle D , Baker Paul J , Kershaw Nadia J , Kedzierski Lukasz , Webb Andrew I , Wark Peter A , Kedzierska Katherine , Masters Seth L , Belz Gabrielle T , Binder Marco , Hansbro Philip M , Nicola Nicos A , Nicholson Sandra E
Published: July 2019

The innate immune system is our first line of defense against viral pathogens. Host cell pattern recognition receptors sense viral components and initiate immune signaling cascades that result in the production of an array of cytokines to combat infection. Retinoic acid–inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I) is a pattern recognition receptor that recognizes viral RNA and, when activated, results in the production of type I and III interferons (IFNs) and the upregulation of IFN‐stimulated genes. Ubiquitination of RIG‐I by the E3 ligases tripartite motif‐containing 25 (TRIM25) and Riplet is thought to be requisite for RIG‐I activation; however, recent studies have questioned the relative importance of these two enzymes for RIG‐I signaling. In this study, we show that deletion of Trim25 does not affect the IFN response to either influenza A virus (IAV), influenza B virus, Sendai virus or several RIG‐I agonists. This is in contrast to deletion of either Rig‐i or Riplet, which completely abrogated RIG‐I‐dependent IFN responses. This was consistent in both mouse and human cell lines, as well as in normal human bronchial cells. With most of the current TRIM25 literature based on exogenous expression, these findings provide critical evidence that Riplet, and not TRIM25, is required endogenously for the ubiquitination of RIG‐I. Despite this, loss of TRIM25 results in greater susceptibility to IAV infection in vivo, suggesting that it may have an alternative role in host antiviral defense. This study refines our understanding of RIG‐I signaling in viral infections and will inform future studies in the field.
Overweight/obese children are associated with lower caries experience than normal‐weight children/adolescents
Authors: Guaré Renata Oliveira , Perez Mayra Manoella , Novaes Tatiane Fernandes , Ciamponi Ana Lídia , Gorjão Renata , Diniz Michele Baffi
Published: July 2019

Aim

To compare (a) enamel carious (EC) and dentin carious (DC) lesions and (b) caries risk, between normal‐weight (NW) and overweight/obese (OW) children/adolescents.

Design

In this cross‐sectional study, 91 participants aged 6‐12 years were classified according to the body mass index (BMI): NW (n = 50) and OW (n = 41). Caries experience was evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) with two thresholds: “EC/DC” (ICDAS 1‐3/4‐6) and “DC” (ICDAS 4‐6). Caries risk was determined by the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) system. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association among OW, caries thresholds, and caries risk.

Results

Caries experience was similar for both groups at the “EC/DC” threshold (P = .477) and higher for the NW group at the “DC” threshold (P = .009). For CAMBRA, caries risk classification was similar for both groups (P = .082). The logistic regression showed the OW group was less likely to exhibit radiographically visible proximal carious lesions (odds ratio [OR] of 0.330, P = .019), thick biofilm visible on the tooth surface (OR = 0.360, P = .019), high caries risk (OR = 0.367, P = .039), and moderate‐to‐high caries levels (OR = 0.190, P = .022).

Conclusion

OW children/adolescents had lower caries experience, at both ICDAS thresholds, and lower caries risk, compared to NW children/adolescents.
LncRNA SNHG6 functions as a ceRNA to regulate neuronal cell apoptosis by modulating miR‐181c‐5p/BIM signalling in ischaemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Xi'an , Liu Zhanhui , Shu Qing , Yuan Shanqi , Xing Zhiguo , Song Jinning
Published: July 2019

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of brain and neurodegenerative disorders. As far as we know, the functions and potential mechanisms of small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG6) in ischaemic stroke have not been explored. This study aimed to examine the functional role of SNHG6 in the ischaemic stroke. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice and the oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)‐induced injury in neuronal cells were applied to mimic ischaemic stroke. TTC staining, quantitative real‐time PCR, cell apoptosis assay, caspase‐3 activity assay, Western blot, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assay were performed to evaluate the function and possible mechanisms of SNHG6 in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. The results show that SNHG6 expression was significantly increased both OGD‐induced neuronal cells and MCAO model mice. In vitro results showed that inhibition of SNHG6 increased cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity in OGD‐induced neuronal cells. Consistently, knockdown of SNHG6 reduced brain infarct size and improved neurological scores in the MCAO mice. Mechanistic study further revealed that SNHG6 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐181c‐5p, which in turn repressed its downstream target of Bcl‐2 interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) and inhibiting cell apoptosis. This study revealed a novel function of SNHG6 in the modulating neuronal apoptosis in the ischaemic stroke model, and the role of SNHG6 in the regulating of neuronal apoptosis was at least partly via targeting miR‐181c‐5p/BIM signalling pathway.
A novel role of kynureninase in the growth control of breast cancer cells and its relationships with breast cancer
Authors: Liu Yingzhe , Feng Xueping , Lai Jinping , Yi Wenjun , Yang Jiu , Du Tao , Long Xueying , Zhang Ye , Xiao Yongzhi
Published: July 2019

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide. Kynureninase (KYNU) located in 2q22.2, which was associated with tryptophan utilization and metabolic diseases including cardiac, renal and limb defects syndrome 2. However, the role of KYNU in breast cancer (BC) development remains unclear. The expression of KYNU was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 137 primary BC tissues, and the correlation of KYNU expression with clinical pathological characteristics and the biomarkers (ER, PR, HER2, E‐cad and Ki‐67) was analysed. The role of KYNU in cancer cell proliferation, tumour growth and development was evaluated by MTT assay, soft agar colony formation assay and xenograft mouse models. Among 137 primary BC tissues, 46.7% (64/137) had high KYNU expression (IHC scores >4) while 53.3% (73/137) had low KYNU expression (IHC scores ≤4). The expression of KYNU was positively correlated with the expressions of ER (P = .002), PR (P = .007) and E‐cad (P = .03), while negatively associated with tumour grade (P = .008), tumour stage (P < .001) and the expressions of HER2 (P = .04) and Ki‐67 (P = .019). Overexpression of KYNU significantly inhibited cell proliferation in cell culture, colony formation in soft agar and xenograft BC development in NOD/SCID mice. Kynureninase suppresses BC cell proliferation, tumour growth and development. Kynureninase may function as a tumour suppressor in BC.
Berberine ameliorates renal impairment and inhibits podocyte dysfunction by targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase–protein kinase B pathway in diabetic rats
Authors: Ni Wei‐Jian , Zhou Hong , Ding Hai‐Hua , Tang Li‐Qin
Published: July 2019

Aims/Introduction

Amelioration of renal impairment is the key to diabetic nephropathy (DN) therapy. The progression of DN is closely related to podocyte dysfunction, but the detailed mechanism has not yet been clarified. The present study aimed to explore the renal impairment amelioration effect of berberine and related mechanisms targeting podocyte dysfunction under the diabetic state.

Materials and Methods

Streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) was used to develop a DN rat model together with a high‐glucose/high‐lipid diet. Renal functional parameters and glomerular ultrastructure changes were recorded. The alterations of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated Akt in the kidney cortex were determined by western blot. Meanwhile, podocyte dysfunction was induced and treated with berberine and LY294002. After that, podocyte adhesion functional parameters, protein biomarker and the alterations of the PI3K–Akt pathway were detected.

Results

Berberine reduces the increased levels of biochemical indicators, and significantly improves the abnormal expression of PI3K, Akt and phosphorylated Akt in a rat kidney model. In vitro, a costimulating factor could obviously reduce the podocyte adhesion activity, including decreased expression of nephrin, podocin and adhesion molecule α3β1 levels, to induce podocyte dysfunction, and the trends were markedly reversed by berberine and LY294002 therapy. Furthermore, reduction of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt levels were observed in the berberine (30 and 60 μmol/L) and LY294002 (40 μmol/L) treatment group, but the Akt protein expression showed little change.

Conclusions

Berberine could be a promising antidiabetic nephropathy drug through ameliorating renal impairment and inhibiting podocyte dysfunction in diabetic rats, and the underlying molecular mechanisms might be involved in the regulation of the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway.
No association between proton pump inhibitor use and risk of dementia: Evidence from a meta‐analysis
Authors: Hussain Salman , Singh Ambrish , Zameer Saima , Jamali Mohammad Chand , Baxi Harveen , Rahman Syed Obaidur , Alam Mahtab , Altamish Mohammad , Singh Avinash Kumar , Anil Dasari , Hussain Md Sarfaraj , Ahmad Adil , Najmi Abul Kalam
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim

A growing body of literature suggests the association between dementia risk and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between PPI use and dementia risk.

Methods

An extensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane till March 31, 2019. All the studies (cohort and case–control) assessing the association between PPI use and dementia risk were eligible for inclusion. Articles were selected based on the screening of title and abstract, data were extracted, and risk of bias was assessed using Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The primary outcome was pooled risk of dementia among PPI user as compared with non‐PPI user. Secondary outcomes include dementia risk based on subgroups. Statistical analysis was performed using review manager software.

Results

Twelve studies (eight cohort and four case–control) were found to be eligible for inclusion. Majority of the studies were of high quality. Dementia was diagnosed based on International Classification of Diseases 9/10 codes in majority of the included studies. PPI use was not associated with the dementia risk, with a pooled relative risk (RR) of 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–1.15), P = 0.31. Subgroup analysis based on study design (cohort: P = 0.14; case–control: P = 0.14), sex (RR 1.25 [95% CI: 0.97–1.60], P = 0.08), histamine 2 receptor antagonist blockers (P = 0.93), and Alzheimer's disease (RR 1.00 [95% CI: 0.91–1.09], P = 0.93) revealed no significant association between PPI use and dementia risk.

Conclusion

We found no significant association between PPI use and the risk of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Suboptimal treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Khoo Stanley , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Goh George Boon‐Bee , Fan Jiangao , Chan Wah Kheong , Seto Wai‐Kay , Chow Wan Cheng
Published: July 2019

Background and Aim

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients often have dyslipidemia, and optimal treatment of dyslipidemia lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Our aim was to study the prescription of statin and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment targets in NAFLD patients.

Methods

Consecutive NAFLD patients attending five clinics in Asia were included in this study. The 10‐year cardiovascular disease risk was calculated based on the Framingham Heart Study, and patients were categorized as moderate, high, or very high risk for cardiovascular disease on the basis of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist 2017 Guidelines. The low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol treatment goal for each of the risk groups was 2.6, 2.6, and 1.8 mmol/L, respectively.

Results

The data for 428 patients were analyzed (mean age 54.4 ± 11.1 years, 52.1% male). Dyslipidemia was seen in 60.5% (259/428), but only 43.2% (185/428) were on a statin. The percentage of patients who were at moderate, high, and very high risk for cardiovascular disease was 36.7% (157/428), 27.3% (117/428), and 36.0% (154/428), respectively. Among patients who were on a statin, 58.9% (109/185) did not achieve the treatment target. Among patients who were not on a statin, 74.1% (180/243) should be receiving statin therapy. The percentage of patients who were not treated to target or who should be on statin was highest among patients at very high risk for cardiovascular disease at 79.6% (78/98) or 94.6% (53/56), respectively.

Conclusion

This study highlights the suboptimal treatment of dyslipidemia and calls for action to improve the treatment of dyslipidemia in NAFLD patients.
Lipotoxicity, neuroinflammation, glial cells and oestrogenic compounds
Authors: Hidalgo‐Lanussa Oscar , Baez‐Jurado Eliana , Echeverria Valentina , Ashraf Ghulam Md , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Garcia‐Segura Luis Miguel , Melcangi Roberto C. , Barreto George E.
Published: July 2019

The high concentrations of free fatty acids as a consequence of obesity and being overweight have become risk factors for the development of different diseases, including neurodegenerative ailments. Free fatty acids are strongly related to inflammatory events, causing cellular and tissue alterations in the brain, including cell death, deficits in neurogenesis and gliogenesis, and cognitive decline. It has been reported that people with a high body mass index have a higher risk of suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Hormones such as oestradiol not only have beneficial effects on brain tissue, but also exert some adverse effects on peripheral tissues, including the ovary and breast. For this reason, some studies have evaluated the protective effect of oestrogen receptor (ER) agonists with more specific tissue activities, such as the neuroactive steroid tibolone. Activation of ERs positively affects the expression of pro‐survival factors and cell signalling pathways, thus promoting cell survival. This review aims to discuss the relationship between lipotoxicity and the development of neurodegenerative diseases. We also elaborate on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in neuroprotection induced by oestrogens.
Assessment of potential clinical cascade between oral hypofunction and physical frailty: Covariance structure analysis in a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Hihara Tsukasa , Goto Takaharu , Ichikawa Tetsuo
Published: July 2019

No report has yet examined the impact of oral hypofunction on physical frailty in relation to intra‐relationships of physical frailty assessment items. The purpose of this study was to verify the potential of a clinical cascade between oral hypofunction and physical frailty, and especially to support the hypothesis that the influence of oral hypofunction on physical frailty is greater than the intra‐relationships among elements of physical frailty and that sex differences significantly affect these relationships. The participants were 272 older adults (101 men and 171 women; mean age 75.1 ± 7.5 years). Maximum occlusal force (MOF) and oral dryness (OD), as indicators of oral hypofunction, and grip strength (GS) and walking speed (WS), as indicators of physical frailty, were measured. Mutual relationship of four variables was verified using covariance structure analysis. In men, three paths from MOF to WS and GS and from WS to GS were confirmed, and those from MOF to WS and from WS to GS were found to be significant (P < .01). In women, three paths from MOF to WS and GS and from WS to GS were also confirmed, as with the men, and those from MOF to WS and from MOF to GS were found to be significant (P < .01). Model adaptability was shown to be good for both men and women. The results suggest our hypothesis was verified, and it is expected that the early detection of oral hypofunction, that is MOF, may be important for assessing physical frailty, especially in women.