bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nicotine stimulates ion transport via metabotropic β4 subunit containing nicotinic ACh receptors
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Scholze Petra , Fronius Martin , Krasteva‐Christ Gabriela , Hollenhorst Monika I. 
Published: September 2020

Background and PurposeMucociliary clearance is an innate immune process of the airways, essential for removal of respiratory pathogens. It depends on ciliary beat and ion and fluid homeostasis of the epithelium. We have shown that nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) activate ion transport in mouse tracheal epithelium. Yet the receptor subtypes and signalling pathways involved remained unknown.Experimental ApproachTransepithelial short circuit currents (ISC) of freshly isolated mouse tracheae were recorded using the Ussing chamber technique. Changes in [Ca2+]i were studied on freshly dissociated mouse tracheal epithelial cells.Key ResultsApical application of the nAChR agonist nicotine transiently increased ISC. The nicotine effect was abolished by the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine. α‐Bungarotoxin (α7 antagonist) had no effect. The agonists epibatidine (α3β2, α4β2, α4β4 and α3β4) and A‐85380 (α4β2 and α3β4) increased ISC. The antagonists dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (α4β2, α3β2, α4β4 and α3β4), α‐conotoxin MII (α3β2) and α‐conotoxin PnIA (α3β2) reduced the nicotine effect. Nicotine‐ and epibatidine‐induced currents were unaltered in β2−/−mice, but in β4−/− mice no increase was observed. In the presence of thapsigargin (endoplasmatic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor) or the ryanodine receptor antagonists JTV‐519 and dantrolene there was a reduction in the nicotine‐effect, indicating involvement of Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Additionally, the PKA inhibitor H‐89 and the TMEM16A (Ca2+‐activated chloride channel) inhibitor T16Ainh‐A01 significantly reduced the nicotine‐effect.Conclusion and Implicationsα3β4 nAChRs are responsible for the nicotine‐induced current changes via Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, PKA and ryanodine receptor activation. These nAChRs might be possible targets to stimulate chloride transport via TMEM16A.
Synthesis and activity of novel indirubin derivatives
Authors: Sun Bin , Wang Jiahao , Liu Luohua , Mao Longfei , Peng Lizeng , Wang Yuwei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA series of indirubin derivatives hydrochloride were obtained using a convenient and mild method from indirubin. The newly synthesized compounds and their derivatives were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and MS. Furthermore, we tested their IDO1 enzyme inhibitory activity and anti‐proliferative activities in K562 tumor cells. The experimental results revealed that some of the compounds showed potential anti‐enzyme and anti‐tumor activity. Among of them, compound 4b exhibited certain inhibitory activity on IDO1 (IC50: 29.52 μmol/L), and compound 4a displayed activity similar to indirubin in K562 tumor cells (IC50: 24.96 μmol/L). This type of indirubin derivative is expected to have the potential to act as an immunologically active anti‐tumor drug, indicating that further research will be worthwhile.
Measuring and decomposing socioeconomic‐related inequality in the use of oral health services among Chinese adults
Authors: Xu Mengru , Gao Xiaoli , Wu Huijing , Ding Min , Zhang Chunzi , Du Shuo , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Xu Tao , Si Yan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to measure socioeconomic‐related inequality and horizontal inequity in the use of oral health services and decompose this inequality among adults of different age groups in China.MethodsIn total, 10 973 adults (3669 aged 35‐44 years, 3767 aged 55‐64 years and 3537 aged 65‐74 years) who participated in the 4th National Oral Health Survey (2015‐2016) in China were included. Concentration curves and the Erreygers‐corrected concentration index (EI) were employed to measure socioeconomic‐related inequality in the use of oral health services. Then, inequity in this utilization was measured by the horizontal inequity index (HI). Furthermore, decomposition analyses were conducted for the three groups to explain the contributions of income level, need factors (ie self‐assessed oral health and evaluated oral health status), other factors (ie sex, residential location, educational attainment level and type of basic insurance) and a residual term to overall inequality in oral health service utilization.ResultsThe significant positive EI and HI values indicated that pro‐rich inequality and inequity in oral health service utilization exist among Chinese adults. Income and type of basic medical insurance contributed the most to socioeconomic‐related inequality in the use of oral health services among adults aged 55‐64 and 65‐74 years. However, the main driving factors of socioeconomic inequality among adults aged 35‐44 years in dental care use included income, educational achievement, type of basic medical insurance and residential location. The need variables accounted for a very small proportion of overall socioeconomic‐related inequality in oral health service use in all three groups.ConclusionsOral healthcare service utilization was disproportionately concentrated among better‐off Chinese adults. The primary determinants of inequality in dental care use in different age groups provide information for policymakers to create more targeted policies to achieve equity in the oral healthcare system in China.
Bidirectional association between alopecia areata and atopic dermatitis: A population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Wei Yu‐Hsun , Tai Ying‐Hsuan , Dai Ying‐Xiu , Chang Yun‐Ting , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Chen Mu‐Hong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundAn association between alopecia areata (AA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) has been reported in previous studies. However, the temporality of this relationship remains unclear based on prior cross‐sectional and case‐control studies.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the bidirectional association between AA and AD.MethodsParticipants were recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. In analysis 1, we included 12 022 AA patients and 48 088 matched controls to assess the association between AA and AD risks. In analysis 2, 40 307 AD patients and 161 228 matched controls were included to assess the association between AD and AA risks. A Cox regression model was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsCompared with controls, AA patients had a significantly increased risk of developing AD (aHR: 5.47; 95% CI: 4.76‐6.28) after adjustment for potential confounders. Likewise, AD patients had a significantly increased risk of developing AA (aHR: 6.00; 95% CI: 5.04‐7.14).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated a bidirectional association between AA and AD, suggesting that these two diseases may share common pathogenic mechanisms. This finding has implications for follow‐up and screening of AA patients for AD and vice versa.
Relationship between natural and infection-induced antibodies in systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD): SLE, SSc and RA
Authors: Böröcz K , Simon D , Erdő-Bonyár S , Kovács K T , Tuba É , Czirják L , Németh P , Berki T 
Published: September 2020

Summary
Infection or vaccine-induced T cell-dependent immune response and the subsequent high-affinity neutralizing antibody production have been extensively studied, while the connection between natural autoantibodies (nAAbs) and disease-specific antibodies has not been thoroughly investigated. Our goal was to find the relationship between immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG isotype nAAbs and infection or vaccine-induced and disease-related autoantibody levels in systemic autoimmune diseases (SAD). A previously described indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test was used for detection of IgM/IgG nAAbs against citrate synthase (anti-CS) and F4 fragment (anti-F4) of DNA topoisomerase I in 374 SAD samples, with a special focus on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (n = 92), rheumatoid arthritis (n = 73) and systemic sclerosis (n = 157) disease groups. Anti-measles IgG and anti-dsDNA IgG/IgM autoantibodies were measured using commercial and in-house indirect ELISA tests. In all SAD groups the anti-measles IgG-seropositive cases showed significantly higher anti-CS IgG titers (P = 0·011). In anti-dsDNA IgG-positive SLE patients, we detected significantly higher levels of anti-CS and anti-F4 IgG nAAbs (P = 0·001 and &lt; 0·001, respectively). Additionally, we found increased levels of IgM isotypes of anti-CS and anti-F4 nAAbs in anti-dsDNA IgM-positive SLE patients (P = 0·002 and 0·016, respectively). The association between IgG isotypes of pathogen- or autoimmune disease-related antibodies and the IgG nAAbs may underscore the immune response-inducible nature of the diseases investigated. The relationship between protective anti-dsDNA IgM and the IgM isotype of anti-F4 and anti-CS may provide immunoserological evidence for the beneficial roles of nAAbs in SLE patients.
Changes in mucogingival junction after an apically positioned flap with collagen matrix at sites with or without previous guided bone regeneration: A prospective comparative cohort study
Authors: Ko Kyung‐A , Lee Jung‐Seok , Kim Jang‐Hyun , Park Ji‐Man , Gruber Reinhard , Thoma Daniel S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo assess changes in the position of the mucogingival junction (MGJ) after an apically positioned flap (APF) with collagen matrix performed at sites with or without previous guided bone regeneration (GBR).Materials and MethodsDental implants were placed with or without GBR (group GBR or non‐GBR) depending on the available ridge width in 30 patients with a limited width of keratinized mucosa (MGJ placed more coronally than the expected prosthetic margin). An apically positioned flap with collagen matrix was performed in both groups. Changes in the position of the MGJ from the day of an apically positioned flap up to 1, 3, and 12 months thereafter were assessed on digital scans (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints were the width and thickness of the keratinized mucosa, and the position of the mucosal margin.ResultsThe position of the MGJ changed significantly from baseline to the first month, by 5.25 ± 2.10 and 4.40 ± 1.41 mm in groups GBR and non‐GBR, respectively. Thereafter, the position remained stable in both groups up to 1 year (changes from baseline of 5.46 ± 2.28 and 4.58 ± 1.92 mm, respectively; p = .34). The position of the mucosal margin did not differ between groups GBR and non‐GBR (–1.57 ± 2.04 and –1.75 ± 2.08 mm, respectively; p = .84), nor did the width of the keratinized mucosa (1.20 ± 1.03 and 0.99 ± 0.66 mm, p = .91) or its thickness (1.28 ± 0.44 and 1.40 ± 0.78 mm, p = .87).ConclusionApically positioned flap combined with a collagen matrix results in a more apical position of the MGJ at sites with or without GBR. Following a coronal shift during the first month after the apical positioning of the flap, the level of the MGJ remained stable.
Applying the CRISP‐DM Framework for Teaching Business Analytics
Authors: Jaggia Sanjiv , Kelly Alison , Lertwachara Kevin , Chen Leida 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACTExperiential learning opportunities have been proven effective in teaching applied and complex subjects such as business analytics. Current business analytics pedagogy tends to focus heavily on the modeling phase with students often lacking a comprehensive understanding of the entire analytics process including dealing with real‐life data that are not necessarily "clean" and/or small. Similarly, the emphasis on analytical rigor often comes at the expense of storytelling, which is among the most important aspects of business analytics. In this article, we demonstrate how the philosophy of the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP‐DM) framework can be infused into the teaching of business analytics through a term‐long project that simulates the real‐world analytics process. The project focuses on problem formulation, data wrangling, modeling, performance evaluation, and storytelling, using real data and the programming language R for illustration. We also discuss the pedagogical theories and techniques involved in the application of the CRISP‐DM framework. Finally, we document how the CRISP‐DM framework has proved to be effective in helping students navigate through complex analytics issues by offering a structured approach to solving real‐world problems.
Endoscopic endoclip papilloplasty preserves sphincter of oddi function
Authors: Wang Yingchun , Chang Hong , Zhang Yaopeng , Wang Kun , Zhang Hejun , Yan Xiue , Meng Lingyu , Yao Wei , Li Ke , Huang Yonghui 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) can destroy sphincter of Oddi (SO) structure and function. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of endoscopic endoclip papilloplasty (EEPP) in restoring SO function after EST.MethodsSeven 26‐week‐old domestic pigs were divided into control and EEPP groups. Necropsy and haematoxylin‐eosin staining plus anti‐α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) staining of papilla and sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) were conducted in animals at three independent time points.ResultsEST and EEPP were safely performed in all 7 pigs without serious adverse events. For primary outcome, compared to the controls, EEPP generated smaller dilation and less inflammation. Fibrous repair of the papilla was observed at 24 weeks after EEPP. For secondary outcome, in the control group, SO basal pressure (17.25 ± 18.14 to 5.50 ± 0.71 mmHg), SO contraction amplitude (46.00 ± 19.20 to 34.50 ± 48.79 mmHg), peak (4.50 ± 4.04 to 1.50 ± 2.12) and frequency (3.05 ± 3.29 to 1.41 ± 2.19/min) were reduced after EST. Further reductions to almost 0 of these SOM parameters were observed 3 weeks later, including common bile duct pressure and SO contraction period. In contrast, in the EEPP group, these manometric data were recovered to pre‐EST levels, including CBD pressure (11.5 ± 7.31 vs 11 ± 2.16 mmHg), SO pressure (17.50 ± 17.75 vs 18.20 ± 21.39 mmHg) and SO contraction amplitude (53.67 ± 21.54 vs 60.00 ± 36.08 mmHg). However, no significant differences were observed between control and EEPP groups by Student t test.ConclusionsIn this porcine study, EEPP accelerated and improved papillary healing after EST, further preserved SO function.
A walk in the park? Characterizing gait‐related artifacts in mobile EEG recordings
Authors: Jacobsen Nadine Svenja Josée , Blum Sarah , Witt Karsten , Debener Stefan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBrain activity during natural walking outdoors can be captured using mobile electroencephalography (EEG). However, EEG recorded during gait is confounded with artifacts from various sources, possibly obstructing the interpretation of brain activity patterns. Currently, there is no consensus on how the amount of artifact present in these recordings should be quantified, or is there a systematic description of gait artifact properties. In the current study, we expand several features into a seven‐dimensional footprint of gait‐related artifacts, combining features of time, time‐frequency, spatial, and source domains. EEG ofN = 26 participants was recorded while standing and walking outdoors. Footprints of gait‐related artifacts before and after two different artifact attenuation strategies (after artifact subspace reconstruction (ASR) and after subsequent independent component analysis [ICA]) were systematically different. We also evaluated topographies, morphologies, and signal‐to‐noise ratios (SNR) of button‐press event‐related potentials (ERP) before and after artifact handling, to confirm gait‐artifact reduction specificity. Morphologies and SNR remained unchanged after artifact attenuation, whereas topographies improved in quality. Our results show that the footprint can provide a detailed assessment of gait‐related artifacts and can be used to estimate the sensitivity of different artifact reduction strategies. Moreover, the analysis of button‐press ERPs demonstrated its specificity, as processing did not only reduce gait‐related artifacts but ERPs of interest remained largely unchanged. We conclude that the proposed footprint is well suited to characterize individual differences in gait‐related artifact extent. In the future, it could be used to compare and optimize recording setups and processing pipelines comprehensively.
The burden of decisional uncertainty in the treatment of status epilepticus
Authors: Sánchez Fernández Iván , Gaínza‐Lein Marina , Barcia Aguilar Cristina , Amengual‐Gual Marta , Loddenkemper Tobias 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTreatments for convulsive status epilepticus (SE) have a wide range of effectiveness. The estimated effectiveness of non‐intravenous benzodiazepines (non‐IV BZDs) ranges from approximately 70% to 90% and the estimated effectiveness of non‐benzodiazepine antiseizure medications (non‐BZD ASMs) ranges from approximately 50% to 80%. This study aimed to quantify the clinical and economic burden of decisional uncertainty in the treatment of SE.MethodsWe performed a decision analysis that evaluates how decisional uncertainty on treatment choices for SE impacts hospital admissions, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and costs in the United States. We evaluated treatment effectiveness based on the available literature.ResultsUse of a non‐IV BZD with high estimated effectiveness, like intranasal midazolam, rather than one with low estimated effectiveness, like rectal diazepam, would result in a median (p25‐p75) reduction in hospital admissions from 6 (3.9‐8.8) to 1.1 (0.7‐1.8) per 100 cases and associated cost reductions of $638 ($289‐$1064) per pediatric patient and $1107 ($972‐$1281) per adult patient. For BZD‐resistant SE, use of a non‐BZD ASM with high estimated effectiveness, like phenobarbital, rather than one with low estimated effectiveness, like phenytoin/fosphenytoin, would result in a reduction in ICU admissions from 9.1 (7.3‐11.2) to 3.9 (2.6‐5.5) per 100 cases and associated cost reduction of $1261 ($445‐$2223) per pediatric patient and $319 ($‐93‐$806) per adult patient. Sensitivity analyses showed that relatively minor improvements in effectiveness may lead to substantial reductions in downstream hospital admissions, ICU admissions, and costs.SignificanceDecreasing decisional uncertainty and using the most effective treatments for SE may substantially decrease hospital admissions, ICU admissions, and costs.
Experimental and computational study on thermo‐mechanical fatigue life of aluminium alloy piston
Authors: Li Ziliang , Li Jianxing , Chen Zhengke , Guo Jinbao , Zhu Ye , Luo Yu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo assess the life of a new diesel aluminium alloy piston under thermal shock loads, thermo‐mechanical fatigue (TMF) testing was conducted to characterise the TMF properties of the piston alloy, and an empirical model based on the constraint ratio concept was proposed to predict the TMF life of the piston. Considering that the empirical model required expensive experimental support, a platform with high‐frequency induction heating was established to simulate the force on the piston under thermal shock loads to calculate the piston life using the thermal shock test. Additionally, a finite element method was developed to compute the distributions of temperature, strain, and stress during this process. The characteristics of crack initiation and propagation in TMF test rods and piston mock‐ups were also investigated. The results showed that the TMF test rod suffered brittle fracture with brittle quasi‐cleavage features. The microcracks mainly occurred in primary Si particles due to stress concentration around the primary Si particles induced by the difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of Si and Al. From a macro perspective, the piston initially cracked at the rim above the pinhole, where the stress is larger than that along other directions. From a micro perspective, the protrusions of various sizes on the piston rim were induced by the compression stresses at high temperature. The piston cracks usually initiate around primary Si particles, propagate along the edge of primary Si in a straight line, bifurcate and then stop at a certain depth. If the piston was only heated, cracks or plastic deformations were not produced. The piston life can be assessed using the proposed empirical model based on the constraint ratio concept or thermal shock testing based on the developed platform. The difference between the predicted and experimental life was not greater than 7%.
Identifying invasive fish species threats to RAMSAR wetland sites in the Caspian Sea region—A case study of the Anzali Wetland Complex (Iran)
Authors: Moghaddas Seyed Daryoush , Abdoli Asghar , Kiabi Bahram H. , Rahmani Hossein , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Copp Gordon H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractRisk screening tools play a crucial role in identifying potential high‐risk non‐native (NN) fish species. In this study, potentially invasive NN fish species in the Anzali Wetland Complex (AWC), which is located on the south coast of the Caspian Sea (Iran), were identified using the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS‐ISK). Twenty‐nine freshwater fish species were screened of which 13 exist in the AWC and 16 in close proximity to it (“horizon” species). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that AS‐ISK could discriminate reliably between non‐invasive and invasive fish species for the AWC. Mean threshold scores were 3.25 for the Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) and 11.75 for the BRA + CCA (BRA + Climate Change Assessment), and these, respectively, classified 89.7% and 86.2% of the species as high risk. The CCA resulted in an increase in the BRA scores for 86.2% of the species, suggesting the need to account in future NN species management for a likely increased invasiveness of those species under future climate conditions. These results suggest that AS‐ISK could prove an effective tool for identifying potentially invasive NN freshwater fishes in other wetlands of the Caspian Sea basin.
Development of cordierite/mullite composites using industrial wastes
Authors: de Brito Igor Pinheiro , de Almeida Ester Pires , de Araújo Neves Gelmires , de Lucena Lira Hélio , Menezes Romualdo Rodrigues , da Silva Valmir José , de Lima Santana Lisiane Navarro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCeramics containing cordierite and mullite as their principal phases are promising for many applications, due to properties such as a low coefficient of thermal expansion, high durability, low dielectric constant, resistance to thermal shock, and refractoriness. The objective of this study was to produce ceramic composites suitable for use as refractory materials. The raw materials were subjected to chemical characterization and the formulations to physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization. The specimens were formed by pressing, dried at 110°C, and sintered from 1150°C to 1300°C for 2 hours. The following properties were then determined: linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, and flexural modulus of rupture. The phases formed, crystal morphology, and coefficient of thermal expansion were evaluated. The cordierite and mullite phases were observed in all formulations at 1250°C and 1300°C. The results obtained from the formulations with a higher content of fine kaolin residue suggest that these formulations have the potential to be used for the manufacture of refractory materials such as furnace rollers and supports.