bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rea regulates microglial polarization and attenuates neuronal apoptosis via inhibition of the NF‐κB and MAPK signalings for spinal cord injury repair
Authors: Xiao Shining , Wang Chenggui , Yang Quanming , Xu Haibin , Lu Jinwei , Xu Kan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInflammation and neuronal apoptosis aggravate the secondary damage after spinal cord injury (SCI). Rehmannioside A (Rea) is a bioactive herbal extract isolated from Rehmanniae radix with low toxicity and neuroprotection effects. Rea treatment inhibited the release of pro‐inflammatory mediators from microglial cells, and promoted M2 polarization in vitro, which in turn protected the co‐cultured neurons from apoptosis via suppression of the NF‐κB and MAPK signalling pathways. Furthermore, daily intraperitoneal injections of 80 mg/kg Rea into a rat model of SCI significantly improved the behavioural and histological indices, promoted M2 microglial polarization, alleviated neuronal apoptosis, and increased motor function recovery. Therefore, Rea is a promising therapeutic option for SCI and should be clinically explored.
The regulation of NONO by USP11 via deubiquitination is linked to the proliferation of melanoma cells
Authors: Feng Peifu , Li Ling , Dai Jing , Zhou Lingli , Liu Jing , Zhao Jinfeng , Li Xiaodong , Ling Neng , Qiu Siyuan , Zhang Lin , Xie Tiantian , Chen Yinglei , Donovan Michael J. , Peng Tianhuan , Song Jianhui , Ye Mao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractUbiquitin‐specific protease 11 (USP11) has been implicated in the regulation of DNA repair, apoptosis, signal transduction and cell cycle. It belongs to a USP subfamily of deubiquitinases. Although previous research has shown that USP11 overexpression is frequently found in melanoma and is correlated with a poor prognosis, the potential molecular mechanism of USP11 in melanoma remains indefinitive. Here, we report that USP11 and NONO colocalize and interact with each other in the nucleus of melanoma cells. As a result, the knockdown of USP11 decreases NONO levels. Whereas, overexpression of USP11 increases NONO levels in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we reveal that USP11 protects NONO protein from proteasome‐mediated degradation by removing poly‐ubiquitin chains conjugated onto NONO. Functionally, USP11 mediated melanoma cell proliferation via the regulation of NONO levels because ablation of USP11 inhibits the proliferation which could be rescued by ectopic expression of NONO protein. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between USP11 and NONO concentrations was found in clinical melanoma samples. Collectively, these results demonstrate that USP11 is a new deubiquitinase of NONO and that the signalling axis of USP11‐NONO is significantly involved in melanoma proliferation.
Topography and evidence of a separate “fascia plate” for the femoral nerve inside the iliopsoas – A dorsal approach
Authors: Kulow Charlotte , Reske Andreas , Leimert Mario , Bechmann Ingo , Winter Karsten , Steinke Hanno 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe femoral nerve stretch test is an essential part of clinical neurological examinations. This test is performed alongside Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to determine if there is any evidence of nerve root irritation, usually as a consequence of disc prolapse. The test occasionally gives false positive results. Why such false positives can occur, is subject to continued research, however, no obvious reason has yet emerged. We hypothesize that connectives of the femoral nerve may explain such a phenomenon. To see these connectives, we approached the femoral nerve from dorsal in 12 cases. With the use of ink injection into the subparaneural compartment of the femoral nerve and dissections, a thin transparent structure can clearly be seen that is separate from the epineurium, perineurium, and a paraneural sheath. A continuation of the paraneural sheath produces a fascia plate approximately 1.5 cm in width and with a thickness of around 3 mm, which not only circumnavigates the nerve but projects into the surrounding tissues. Our qualitative observations show that not only does this femoral nerve fascia plate exists, but it also contains nerves and vessels. Furthermore, we show that the femoral nerve is connected to the myofascial complex of the iliopsoas, and in a separate fascia plate from the iliopsoas fascia. This plate is a hitherto neglected connective which extends as far as the spinal dura mater. Evidence from our plastinates and histological sections suggests that when tension is applied to the femoral nerve during the femoral nerve stretch test, tension is also applied to the femoral nerve fascia plate. The femoral nerve fascia plate could be a specific factor that contributes to pain resulting in a false positive femoral nerve stretch test.
Effects of preventing intercuspation on the precision of jaw movements
Authors: Hellmann Daniel , Glöggler Julia C. , Plaschke Katharina , Jäger Rudolf , Eiglsperger Ulrike , Schindler Hans J. , Lapatki Bernd G. 
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundClosing movements are among the jaw’s basic physiological motor actions. During functional movements, the jaw changes position continually, which requires appropriate proprioception. However, the significance of the various proprioceptive receptors involved and how they interact is not yet fully clear.ObjectivesThis study’s main objective was to test whether preventing intercuspation (IC) for 1 week would affect the precision of jaw‐closing movements into IC and the functional space of habitual chewing movements (HCM). A secondary objective was to compare precision of jaw‐closing movements into IC with the precision of movements into a target position (TP) far from IC.MethodsFourteen participants’ HCM and jaw‐closing movements into IC were recorded on two sessions (T1 and T2) 1 week apart. Between sessions, participants wore posterior bite plates to prevent IC. They also received a 10‐minute training session at T1 to guide their jaw‐closing movements into TP. The precision of the closing movements into IC and TP was analysed. For HCM, the vertical amplitude, lateral width and area of chewing cycles were evaluated.ResultsThe precision of jaw movements into IC increased as the jaw gap decreased, but precision did not differ significantly between T1 and T2. For HCM, the vertical amplitude and area of chewing cycles increased significantly between T1 and T2. The precision of the closing trajectory into TP increased significantly during the training session.ConclusionOur results confirm the excellent adaptability of the craniomandibular system, controlled by stringent motor programmes that are supported by continuous peripheral sensory input.
Efficacy of oral brush cytology cell block immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kujan Omar , Idrees Majdy , Anand Neeraj , Soh Brandon , Wong Elton , Farah Camile S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectivesThis study assessed the efficacy of using oral liquid–based brush cytology and cell block immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of oral leukoplakia as minimally invasive diagnostic adjuncts.MethodsSeventy‐two patients diagnosed clinically with either oral leukoplakia (OLK) or oral squamous cell carcinoma were included. Oral brush samples using Orcellex® brushes were obtained from all participants directly before undergoing surgical biopsy. Cell blocks were prepared for all samples and assessed for cytomorphology and immunocytochemistry of DNA mismatch repair proteins (MSH‐6, MSH‐2, MLH‐1 and PMS‐2). A combined index score of immunocytochemistry expression and cytology grading was compared against the gold standard (histopathological diagnosis).ResultsA significant association was observed between the cytological assessments of oral liquid–based brush cytology samples and the histopathological diagnosis (P < .005). In addition, there was a significant inverse correlation between the grade of oral epithelial dysplasia and the cumulative score of the studied DNA mismatch repair proteins (P < .005). Grading criteria for both oral liquid–based brush cytology and immunocytochemistry cumulative index scores are proposed based on the analysis of receiver operating characteristic curve coordinates. The diagnostic accuracy of this approach was outstanding in terms of discrimination between the presence or absence of oral epithelial dysplasia (0.961) and squamous cell carcinoma (0.977) separately.ConclusionOral liquid–based brush cytology cell block immunocytochemistry provides a reliable strategy to investigate oral mucosal epithelial disorders. This approach presents a minimally invasive, highly accurate and non‐technically demanding method for the surveillance of oral potentially malignant disorders and squamous cell carcinoma.
Ethanol‐soluble components in soybean meal influence the digestive physiology, hepatic and intestinal morphologies, and growth performance of the marine fish pompano (Trachinotus blochii)
Authors: Nguyen Hung Phuc , Van Do Thinh , Tran Thi Nang Thu , Trieu Trung Anh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the effects of ethanol‐soluble components (Es) in soybean meal (SBM) on gut content transit, bile acid (BA) and pancreatic digestive enzyme secretions, nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), liver and intestinal morphologies, and growth performance of pompano (Trachinotus blochii). The SBM was extracted with aqueous ethanol, then the supernatant and residue were separated and dried to produce ethanol‐extracted SBM (ESBM) and the Es. Four experimental diets were formulated with fish meal (FM), ESBM and SBM as main dietary protein sources. The diets were denoted as follows: FMD (FM diet), SBMD (SBM diet), ESBMD (ESBM diet) and ESBM + EsD (ESBM plus Es diet). Thirty‐five fingerling pompano with an initial body weight (BW) of 18.3 g were allocated to each of 12 polyvinyl chloride tanks (1000‐L holding capacity), resulting in triplicate tanks per dietary treatment. For 10 weeks, the fish were hand‐fed the experimental diets to apparent satiation twice daily. The results showed that the final BW, weight gain and specific growth rate were significantly lower, while the feed conversion ratio was higher in the SBMD and ESBM + EsD groups than in the ESBMD and FMD groups (p < 0.05). Fish fed SBMD and ESBM + EsD showed accelerated gastric transit, slowed intestinal mobility, and lowered secretions of BAs and pancreatic digestive enzymes as compared to those fed ESBMD and FMD. Morphological abnormalities in mucosal folds of the posterior intestine, but not the liver, were clearly observed in the SBMD and ESBM + EsD groups. These results indicated that the Es in SBM inhibited the digestive system, leading to decreased nutrient digestibility and growth performance in pompano. The findings of the present study suggested that removal of the Es would effectively improve the nutritional quality of SBM and enhance growth performance of pompano fed a SBM‐based diet.
Hydrophilic titanium surface modulates early stages of osseointegration in osteoporosis
Authors: Siqueira Rafael , Ferreira Jessica Afonso , Rizzante Fábio Antônio Piola , Moura Guilherme Faria , Mendonça Daniela Baccelli Silveira , de Magalhães Denildo , Cimões Renata , Mendonça Gustavo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveUsing a mouse osteoporotic model, this study aimed to determine the influence of hydrophilic titanium surfaces on gene expression and bone formation during the osseointegration process.BackgroundBased on the previous evidence, it is plausible to assume that osteoporotic bone has a different potential of bone healing. Therefore, implant surface modification study that aims at enhancing bone formation to further improve short‐ and long‐term clinical outcomes in osteoporosis is necessary.Material and MethodsFifty female, 3‐month‐old mice were included in this study. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy (OVX, test group) in 25 mice. The further 25 mice had ovaries exposed but not removed (SHAM, control group). Seven weeks following the ovariectomy procedures, one customized implant (0.7 × 8 mm) of each surface was placed in each femur for both groups. Implants had either a hydrophobic surface (SAE) or a hydrophilic treatment surface (SAE‐HD). Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content was measured by energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) after 7 days. The femurs were analyzed for bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone volume fraction (BV) by nano‐computed tomography (nano‐CT) after 14 and 28 days. Same specimens were further submitted to histological analysis. Additionally, after 3 and 7 days, implants were removed and cells were collected around the implant to access gene expression profile of key osteogenic (Runx2, Alp, Sp7, Bsp, Sost, Ocn) and inflammatory genes (IL‐1β, IL‐10, Tnf‐α, and Nos2) by qRT‐PCR assay. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and paired t test with significance at P < .05.ResultsThe amount of Ca and P deposited on the surface due to the mineralization process was higher for SAE‐HD compared to SAE on the intra‐group analysis. Nano‐CT and histology revealed more BV and BIC for SAE‐HD in SHAM and OVX groups compared to SAE. Analysis in OVX group showed that most genes (ie, ALP, Runx2) involved in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling were significantly activated in the hydrophilic treatment.ConclusionBoth surfaces were able to modulate bone responses toward osteoblast differentiation. SAE‐HD presented a faster response in terms of bone formation and osteogenic gene expression compared to SAE. Hydrophilic surface in situations of osteoporosis seems to provide additional benefits in the early stages of osseointegration.
Capital inflows, sustained investment surges and the role of external economies of scale in a developing economy
Authors: Razmi Arslan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractStandard open economy macro models with unemployment predict a contractionary short‐run effect of international capital inflows. Empirical evidence, moreover, often associates such inflows with short‐term booms and developing country policy makers frequently go out of their way to welcome foreign capital. Employing a portfolio balance framework, this paper distinguishes between international financial (i.e., bond) and “real” (i.e., equity) flows to explore the different consequences for capital accumulation that may follow over the medium‐run. The presence of external economies of scale generates multiple equilibria and different kinds of capital flows may push investment in one direction or the other for sustained periods of time.
Is two a crowd? A qualitative analysis of dyad learning in an OBGYN clinical clerkship
Authors: Noerholk Laerke Marijke , Morcke Anne Mette , Bader Larsen Karlen S. , Tolsgaard Martin G. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIntroductionDyad learning occurs when two students work together to acquire new skills and knowledge. Several studies have provided evidence to support the educational rationale for dyad learning in the controlled simulated setting. However, the role of dyad learning in the clinical setting remains uncertain. Unlike the simulated setting, learning in the clinical setting depends on a complex interplay between medical students, doctors, nurses and patients potentially making dyad learning less valuable in clerkships. The objective of this study was to explore how key stakeholders perceive the value of implementing dyad learning during medical students’ clinical clerkships.MethodsIn a constructivist qualitative study, we conducted 51 semi‐structured interviews with 36 key stakeholders involved in dyad learning, including 10 medical students, 12 doctors, five nurses and nine patients. Data were coded inductively using thematic analysis, then coded deductively using stakeholder theory as a theoretical framework.ResultsWe found that stakeholders generally perceived the educational impact of dyad learning in the clinical setting similarly but disagreed on its value. Students emphasised that dyad learning made them participate more actively during patient encounters and patients did not mind having two students present. Doctors and nurses considered dyad learning disruptive to the balance between service and training and reported that it did not resonate with their perception of good patient care.ConclusionDyad learning enables students to be more active during their clinical clerkships, but it easily disrupts the balance between service and training. This disruption may be exacerbated by the shifted balance in priorities and values between different stakeholder groups, as well as by making implicit teaching obligations more explicit for supervising doctors and nurses. Consequently, implementing dyad learning may not be perceived as valuable by doctors and nurses in the clinical setting, regardless of its pedagogical rationale.
The PfAP2‐G2 transcription factor is a critical regulator of gametocyte maturation
Authors: Singh Suprita , Santos Joana M. , Orchard Lindsey M. , Yamada Naomi , van Biljon Riëtte , Painter Heather J. , Mahony Shaun , Llinás Manuel 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDifferentiation from asexual blood stages to mature sexual gametocytes is required for the transmission of malaria parasites. Here, we report that the ApiAP2 transcription factor, PfAP2‐G2 (PF3D7_1408200) plays a critical role in the maturation of Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes. PfAP2‐G2 binds to the promoters of a wide array of genes that are expressed at many stages of the parasite life cycle. Interestingly, we also find binding of PfAP2‐G2 within the gene body of almost 3,000 genes, which strongly correlates with the location of H3K36me3 and several other histone modifications as well as Heterochromatin Protein 1 (HP1), suggesting that occupancy of PfAP2‐G2 in gene bodies may serve as an alternative regulatory mechanism. Disruption of pfap2‐g2 does not impact asexual development, but the majority of sexual parasites are unable to mature beyond stage III gametocytes. The absence of pfap2‐g2 leads to overexpression of 28% of the genes bound by PfAP2‐G2 and none of the PfAP2‐G2 bound genes are downregulated, suggesting that it is a repressor. We also find that PfAP2‐G2 interacts with chromatin remodeling proteins, a microrchidia (MORC) protein, and another ApiAP2 protein (PF3D7_1139300). Overall our data demonstrate that PfAP2‐G2 establishes an essential gametocyte maturation program in association with other chromatin‐related proteins.
Early versus late time‐restricted feeding in adults at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes: Is there an optimal time to eat for metabolic health?
Authors: Lynch S. , Johnston J. D. , Robertson M. D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTime‐restricted feeding (TRF) is a novel dietary approach where energy intake is limited to a set number of hours in the day (typically ≤12 hours), which leads to an extension of the daily fast that generally occurs overnight. Human pilot studies (based on animal experiments) have demonstrated that TRF has the potential to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2DM): mediating weight loss, the reduction of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and improving insulin sensitivity. However, it remains unclear whether it is better to restrict food intake to earlier in the day (early‐TRF) or later in the day (late‐TRF). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of TRF on established risk factors for T2DM and its application to wider society. The primary hypothesis is that 10 weeks of daily TRF will reduce food intake, bodyweight and adiposity while improving markers of metabolic disease risk, such as LDL‐cholesterol and insulin sensitivity. The secondary hypothesis is that early‐TRF will induce larger metabolic changes in comparison to late‐TRF. Eligible volunteers will be randomised to either the early‐TRF (7 am to 3 pm), late‐TRF (12 pm to 8 pm) or control group (unrestricted eating window) for 10 weeks. Changes in fasting markers, diet, bodyweight and body composition will be assessed throughout the experiment, as well as the effects on psychological wellbeing and social and family interactions.
Regulation and Corruption: Evidence from the United States*
Authors: Choudhury Sanchari 
Published: December 2020

AbstractI exploit a panel data set on United States for the time span 1990–2013 to evaluate the causal impact of government regulation on bureaucratic corruption. Despite the stylized fact that corruption and regulation are positively correlated, there is a lack of empirical evidence to substantiate a causal relationship. Using novel data on federal regulation of industries (Al‐Ubaydli and McLaughlin [2015], Regulation and Governance, 11, 109–123), and convictions of public officials from the Public Integrity Section, I apply a stochastic frontier approach to account for one‐sided measurement error in bureaucratic corruption and the Lewbel [2012, Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 30, 67–80] identification strategy to control for potential endogeneity of regulation. Results are striking. Based on the preferred model, there is evidence of endogeneity of regulation and absence of a causal link between regulation and corruption. However, if any of the above two econometric issues are ignored, evidence of a spurious relationship between corruption and regulation is found.
Better Night Lights Data, For Longer*
Authors: Gibson John 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNight lights data are increasingly used in applied economics, almost always from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). These data are old, with production ending in 2013, and are flawed by blurring, lack of calibration and top‐coding. These inaccuracies in DMSP data cause mean‐reverting errors. This paper shows newer and better VIIRS night lights data have 80% higher predictive power for real GDP in a cross‐section of 269 European NUTS2 regions. Spatial inequality is greatly understated with DMSP data, especially for the most densely populated regions. A Pareto correction for top‐coding of DMSP data has a modest effect.
Risk factors associated with osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Habib Saad , Sassoon Isabel , Thompson Ian , Patel Vinod 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimsRisk factors have a seminal role in ORN development. Recent technological advances such as intensity‐modulated radiation treatment (IMRT) and the rise of human papilloma virus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal tumours require re‐evaluation of historic risk factors and consideration of these changes. This study aims to assess potential risk factors for ORN considering recent changes in head and neck cancer (HNC).MethodsA cross‐sectional retrospective study was conducted including HNC patients who were diagnosed with ORN between 2014 and 2018. Data were collected under three main domains; patient, oncology and ORN related. The data were then grouped via tumour sub‐site and radiotherapy (RT) delivery system (IMRT vs. pre‐IMRT) for analysis.ResultsA total of 197 patients were included within the cohort. Men (79.9%) and the 60–70 age bracket (39.1%) were the most populous groups. The mandible (83.2%) and posterior regions (79.9%) dominated ORN characteristics. Two thirds of ORN cases occurred from induced causes of which dental extraction (81.1%) was the main instigator. RT supplementation with surgery or chemotherapy (p < 0.000), RT dose (p = 0.007), primary jaw location (p = 0.014) and secondary jaw location (p < 0.000) were all significant variable for ORN occurrence influenced by tumour sub‐site. Comparing risk factors with the groups sub‐divided by RT delivery systems identified HPV status (p < 0.000) as significant.ConclusionTraditional risk factors for ORN continue to be pertinent in the modern era of HNC even with novel targeted radiation delivery systems. Additionally, HPV status should be considered as a risk factor for ORN with the increasing positive oropharyngeal group of particular concern.