bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Varicocoele and oxidative stress: New perspectives from animal and human studies
Authors: Razi Mazdak , Tavalaee Marziyeh , Sarrafzadeh‐Rezaei Farshid , Moazamian Aron , Gharagozloo Parviz , Drevet Joël R. , Nasr‐Eshafani Mohammad‐Hossein 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundVaricocoele (VCL), one of the main causes of male subfertility, negatively affects testicular function. Due to limited access to human testicular tissue, animal model studies have been used to evaluate molecular and, recently, epigenetic changes attributed to pathophysiology induced by VCL.ObjectivesThis review aims to provide an update on the latest findings regarding the link between VCL‐induced biochemical stress and molecular changes in germ cells and spermatozoa. Endocrine and antioxidant status, testicular chaperone‐specific hemostasis failure, altered testicular ion balance, metabolic disorders, and altered carbon cycling during spermatogenesis are among the many features that will be presented.DiscussionLiterature review coupled with our own findings suggests that ionic imbalance, hypoxia, hyperthermia, and altered blood flow could lead to severe chronic oxidative and nitrosative stress in patients with VCL leading to defective spermatogenesis and impairment of the integrity of all sperm cell components and compartments down to the epigenetic information they carry.ConclusionSince oxidative stress is an important feature of the reproductive pathology of VCL, therapeutic strategies such as the administration of appropriate antioxidants could be undertaken as a complementary non‐invasive treatment line.
The oxysterol receptor GPR183 in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Misselwitz Benjamin , Wyss Annika , Raselli Tina , Cerovic Vuk , Sailer Andreas W. , Krupka Niklas , Ruiz Florian , Pot Caroline , Pabst Oliver 
Published: November 2020

Immune cell trafficking is an important mechanism for the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The oxysterol receptor GPR183 and its ligands, dihydroxylated oxysterols, can mediate positioning of immune cells including innate lymphoid cells. GPR183 has been mapped to an IBD risk locus, however another gene, Ubac2 is encoded on the reverse strand and associated with Behçet's disease, therefore the role of GPR183 as a genetic risk factor requires validation. GPR183 and production of its oxysterol ligands are up‐regulated in human IBD and murine colitis. Gpr183 inactivation reduced severity of colitis in group 3 innate lymphoid cells‐dependent colitis and in IL‐10 colitis but not in dextran sodium sulphate colitis. Irrespectively, Gpr183 knockout strongly reduced accumulation of intestinal lymphoid tissue in health and all colitis models. In conclusion, genetic, translational and experimental studies implicate GPR183 in IBD pathogenesis and GPR183‐dependent cell migration might be a therapeutic drug target for IBD.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
In infancy, it’s the extremes of arousal that are ‘sticky’: Naturalistic data challenge purely homeostatic approaches to studying self‐regulation
Authors: Wass Samuel V. , Smith Celia G. , Clackson Kaili , Mirza Farhan U. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMost theoretical models of arousal/regulatory function emphasise the maintenance of homeostasis; consistent with this, most previous research into arousal has concentrated on examining individuals’ recovery following the administration of experimentally administered stressors. Here, we take a different approach: we recorded day‐long spontaneous fluctuations in autonomic arousal (indexed via electrocardiogram, heart rate variability and actigraphy) in a cohort of 82 typically developing 12‐month‐old infants while they were at home and awake. Based on the aforementioned models, we hypothesised that extreme high or low arousal states might be more short‐lived than intermediate arousal states. Our results suggested that, contrary to this, both low‐ and high‐arousal states were more persistent than intermediate arousal states. The same pattern was present when the data were viewed over multiple epoch sizes from 1 s to 5 min; over 10–15‐minute time‐scales, high‐arousal states were more persistent than low‐ and intermediate states. One possible explanation for these findings is that extreme arousal states have intrinsically greater hysteresis; another is that, through ‘metastatic’ processes, small initial increases and decreases in arousal can become progressively amplified over time. Rather than exclusively using experimental paradigms to study recovery, we argue that future research should also use naturalistic data to study the mechanisms through which states can be maintained or amplified over time.
The negative impact of barriers to entry on income inequality
Authors: Overstreet Dallin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBarriers to entry such as fees, licensing, or educational requirements make it more difficult to start businesses. Problematically, many barriers to entry are due to regulatory capture and serve only to benefit incumbent firms. These regulations, which are created by government, often make it exceedingly difficult for low‐income individuals to start new businesses, denying individuals access to higher‐paying occupations. I estimate two models and find that barriers to entry increase income inequality. A one‐point decrease in the World Bank's ease of starting a business score equates to a 0.15–1.25‐point increase in the Gini coefficient.
Prenatal diagnosis of pulmonary artery sling associated with tracheal agenesis: A case report
Authors: Qi Yanhua , Huo Huanhuan , Ma Miaoyan , Wu Jinfang , Li Xiaopeng , Liu Baomin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPulmonary artery sling (PAS) and tracheal agenesis (TA) are rare diseases, and most cases of PAS are associated with tracheal bronchial malformations. However, PAS associated with TA is yet to be reported. We report a case of PAS with TA diagnosed prenatally. Due to the extremely low incidence, physicians do not have sufficient understanding of these diseases and it is challenging to diagnose these diseases by prenatal ultrasound, with high rates of misdiagnosis. Prenatal examination of the pulmonary artery branches, trachea, and esophagus is useful; therefore, improving the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis will help in perinatal management and counseling.
Diurnal and nocturnal foraging specialisation in Neotropical army ants
Authors: O'Donnell Sean , Lattke John , Powell Scott , Kaspari Michael 
Published: November 2020

Temporal segregation of species' activity periods may lessen interspecific competition.e tested for temporal segregation among Neotropical army ants (Formicidae: Dorylinae). Co‐occurring species overlap on prey resources, and regular colony movements and long‐distance raiding increase interspecific interference.We hypothesised interspecific competition selects for temporal separation of species' raid periods into diurnal versus nocturnal activity. We predicted species would differ significantly in their timing of foraging. We further predicted timing would differ among congeners because close relatives likely overlap in resource needs.Trail walk encounter rates were used to estimate species' diurnal versus nocturnal foraging activity at four Neotropical sites.Army ant species differed significantly in foraging times. There were significantly diurnal and nocturnal specialists; some species foraged at similar rates day and night. Two genera (EcitonandNeivamyrmex) included both diurnal and nocturnal specialists. Relative eye size (a morphological indicator of above‐ground activity) was positively associated with diel foraging specialisation (both diurnal and nocturnal).Temporal separation of foraging times may play a role in allowing Neotropical army ant species to occupy the same habitat. Diel specialisation may be a common mechanism for species coexistence in tropical forests where season‐based phenological changes are often moderated.
Dexamethasone and p38 MAPK inhibition of cytokine production from human lung fibroblasts
Authors: Higham Andrew , Singh Dave 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLung fibroblasts are involved in airway inflammation and remodelling in COPD. We report an investigation of the effects of combining a p38 MAPK inhibitor with a corticosteroid on cytokine production by a human lung fibroblast cell line and primary fibroblasts obtained from human lung tissue. Our main interest was to determine whether additive or synergistic anti‐inflammatory effects would be observed. We observed inhibition of IL‐6 and CXCL8 secretion from both lung fibroblast models by dexamethasone (maximal inhibition 40–90%) and the p38 MAPK inhibitor BIRB (maximal inhibition 30–60%), used alone and evidence of increased anti‐inflammatory effects when used in combination. This combination effect was more apparent for TNF‐a stimulated cytokine production (maximal inhibition increased by 10–20%). Interaction ratio analysis showed this enhanced effect to be additive rather than synergistic interaction. Similar results were obtained using both fibroblast cell culture models. Combining a p38 MAPK to corticosteroids may help reduce fibroblast mediated inflammation in COPD.
A mechanistic and stochastic approach to fatigue crack nucleation in coarse grain RR1000 using local stored energy
Authors: Pan Yan Bin , Dunne Fionn P.E. , MacLachlan Duncan W. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) method is used in conjunction with a critical local stored energy criterion to predict crack nucleation life for Coarse Grain (CG) nickel superalloy RR1000. Artificial representative microstructures are generated using Dream3D, and through simulation of multiple microstructural instantiations, a distribution of simulated fatigue response is generated. Fatigue of CG RR1000 is studied at 300°C and 700°C and at two R ratios of R = 0.1 and R = −1 giving a range of conditions to test the stored energy method. At higher temperature failure frequently occurs from inclusions, these are represented in the model by adding an inclusion with cohesive zones between inclusion and matrix. The results at 300°C are very good with the one parameter model (the critical stored energy) able to predict the mean, slope and distribution of fatigue data. At 700°C, the results are also good; however, fatigue life at high strain amplitude is overpredicted.
Long non‐coding RNA GAS5 overexpression inhibits M2‐like polarization of tumour‐associated macrophages in SMCC‐7721 cells by promoting PTEN expression
Authors: Wang Xun , Li Fang‐yuan , Zhao Wei , Gao Zhi‐kang , Shen Bin , Xu Hao , Cui Yan‐feng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTumour‐associated macrophage (TAM) polarization is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma but the molecular mechanism of this polarization is still unknown. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were induced to differentiate into M0, M1 and M2 macrophages and TAMs. TAMs were transfected with pcDNA3.1‐GAS5, pcDNA3.1‐NC, si‐GAS5, si‐PTEN or si‐Ctrl. A human liver cancer cell line (SMCC‐7721) was incubated with the modified TAM supernatant. Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot were performed to detect gene and protein expression. The cell proliferation and invasion properties of the SMCC‐7721 cells were detected by MTT and Transwell assays. GAS5 is up‐regulated in M1 macrophages and down‐regulated in M2 macrophages and TAMs. GAS5 overexpression promoted M1‐like polarization of TAMs and inhibited M2‐like polarization of TAMs. Moreover, GAS5 promoted the expression of PTEN in TAMs. PTEN‐silenced TAM supernatant treatment promoted cell proliferative and invasive properties of the SMCC‐7721 cells and diminished the effect of GAS5‐overexpressed TAM supernatant on the cell proliferation and invasion by SMCC‐7721 cells. Our results demostrared that GAS5 overexpression inhibited M2‐like polarization of TAMs by enhancing PTEN expression, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion by SMCC‐7721 cells. Thus, our results suggest that GAS5 may be a new therapeutic target for HCC treatment.
Stigma model of welfare fraud and non‐take‐up: Theory and evidence from OECD panel data
Authors: Kurita Kenichi , Hori Nobuaki , Katafuchi Yuya 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper attempts to challenge two puzzles in the welfare program. The first puzzle is “non‐take‐up welfare,” which occurs when needy people do not take up welfare. Second, in some countries, the benefit level is high, but the recipient ratio is low; while the other nations have lower benefit levels but higher recipient ratios. We present a model of welfare stigma in which both non‐take‐up and welfare fraud exist within the equilibrium. This shows the possibility for the recipient ratio to decrease as the benefit level increases in the comparative statics. Our empirical results are consistent with our theoretical results.
Effects of different types of potato resistant starches on intestinal microbiota and short‐chain fatty acids under in vitro fermentation
Authors: Liang Dan , Li Nan , Dai Xiaofeng , Zhang Hong , Hu Honghai 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe prebiotic effects of potato resistant starches RS1, RS2, RS3a, RS3b and RS4 were studied using simulated gut fermentation in vitro. The intestinal microbial composition was significantly changed by resistant starch (RS) after 24‐h fermentation. All RSs (P < 0.05) decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B), and RS2 exhibited the lowest value of 0.95 ± 0.07. The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium was significantly increased by RS4, whereas Megamonas and Prevotella were promoted by RS2. Further, RS4 produced the highest levels of acetate (138.34 µM), whereas RS2 produced the highest levels of propionate (41.45 µM) and butyrate (21.65 µM). However, Bifidobacterium did not promote the production of propionate or butyrate, even though it was proficient in fermenting RS. Megamonas and Prevotella were positively associated with the higher production of propionate and butyrate. Here, different RSs played key roles in promoting intestinal health, and RS2 especially showed more abundant probiotic functions.
Impact of lecithin incorporation on gel properties of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi
Authors: Panpipat Worawan , Cheong Ling‐Zhi , Chaijan Manat 
Published: November 2020

SummaryGelling characteristics of bigeye snapper (Priacanthus tayenus) surimi functionalised by lecithin at different concentrations were investigated. Lecithin at ≤1 g 100 g−1 had no impact on breaking force and deformation (P > 0.05). Expressible drip tended to decrease with increasing lecithin level up to 1 g 100 g−1. Lecithin at 1–3 g 100 g−1 improved the whiteness (P < 0.05). Jointed clusters were formed in the gel microstructure with 1 g 100 g−1 lecithin. Gel without and with 1 g 100 g−1 lecithin had the same texture profile and likeness scores (texture, odour and flavour) (P > 0.05). Peroxide value, TBARS content and rancid odour score of gels were changed considerably during refrigerated storage (4 °C/polyethylene bag) for 15 days but lower values of all indices were noticeable in gel with lecithin. Therefore, lecithin at 1 g 100 g−1 was the optimum concentration for stabilising the texture, improving the water holding capacity, whitening the colour and retarding the lipid oxidation of bigeye snapper surimi gel.
Comparison of postoperative recovery after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy of T1 renal tumors through retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach: A Japanese single institutional analysis
Authors: Kobari Yuki , Takagi Toshio , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: November 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of recovery in patients who underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy and to compare the outcomes of the transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach.MethodsThis study included 121 patients who underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy under general anesthesia from April 2019 to September 2019 at Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. Quality of recovery was defined according to the QoR‐40 Japanese version. The participants responded to the QoR‐40 Japanese version on three designated days. The patients were assigned to two groups according to the surgical approach: transperitoneal or retroperitoneal. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify independent factors associated with better quality of recovery.ResultsOut of the 121 patients, 56 (46%) and 65 (54%) patients were included in the transperitoneal and retroperitoneal group, respectively. Although the QoR‐40 Japanese version scores were not different between the two groups at admission, a better quality of recovery was observed in the retroperitoneal group than in the transperitoneal group at discharge based on the total score: physical comfort, emotional state, physical independence and pain. A multivariate analysis showed that the retroperitoneal approach and male sex were associated with a better QoR‐40 Japanese version score at discharge.ConclusionsA retroperitoneal approach offers better quality of recovery than a transperitoneal approach, and therefore it might represent the optimal approach in selected patients undergoing robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.
How researchers should select the best outcomes for randomised clinical trials in paediatric dentistry?
Authors: Mendes Fausto M. , Braga Mariana M. , Pássaro Ana Laura , Moro Bruna L. P. , Freitas Raiza Dias , Gimenez Thais , Tedesco Tamara K. , Raggio Daniela P. , Pannuti Claudio M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRandomised clinical trial (RCT) is the best study design to evaluate the effect of the treatment and preventive healthcare procedures. The effects of the tested treatments on patient's health are compared in terms of outcomes, which are used to evaluate the participants' health changes. However, these outcomes should be relevant for the target population. In that way, RCTs represent the type of primary study design that provides the most reliable evidence to implement therapies into the clinical practice. In this review, an outline of some aspects related to the choice of RCTs' outcomes was presented, focusing on the conduction of relevant trials in Paediatric Dentistry. The importance and necessity of defining a primary outcome were addressed, preferentially a clinically relevant endpoint. The patients should perceive this outcome, and changes in this variable should reflect directly patient's health improvement or impairment. Moreover, considerations about the objective or subjective variables, use of surrogate outcomes, and the increasing tendency to develop core outcome sets were also presented in this review. The main idea of this manuscript is the RCTs must evaluate outcomes relevant to the children's oral health in order to contribute to the implementation of treatments in the evidence‐based health practice.
Oxidation resistance and thermal stability of the SiC‐ZrB2 composite ceramic fibers
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ge Min , Zhang Huifeng , Kong Weijia , Yu Shouquan , Zhang Weigang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, continuous SiC‐ZrB2 composite ceramic fibers were synthesized from a novel pre‐ceramic polymer of polyzirconocenecarbosilane (PZCS) via melt spinning, electron beam cross‐linking, pyrolysis, and finally sintering at 1800°C under argon. The ZrB2 particles with an average grain size of 30.7 nm were found to be uniformly dispersed in the SiC with a mean size of 59.7 nm, as calculated using the Scherrer equation. The polycrystalline fibers exhibit dense morphologies without any obvious holes or cracks. The tensile strength of the fibers was greater than 2.0 GPa, and their elastic modulus was ~380 GPa. After oxidation at 1200°C for 1 hour, the strength of the fibers did not decrease despite a small loss of elastic modulus. Compared to the advanced commercial SiC fibers of Tyranno SA, the fibers exhibited improved high‐temperature creep resistance in the temperature range 1300‐1500°C.
Evaluation of image quality of wideband single‐shot late gadolinium‐enhancement MRI in patients with a cardiac implantable electronic device
Authors: Schwartz Sarah M. , Pathrose Ashitha , Serhal Ali M. , Ragin Ann B. , Charron Jessica , Knight Bradley P. , Passman Rod S. , Avery Ryan J. , Kim Daniel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionWhile wideband segmented, breath‐hold late gadolinium‐enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been shown to suppress image artifacts associated with cardiac‐implanted electronic devices (CIEDs), it may produce image artifacts in patients with arrhythmia and/or dyspnea. Single‐shot LGE is capable of suppressing said artifacts. We sought to compare the performance of wideband single‐shot free‐breathing LGE against the standard and wideband‐segmented LGEs in CIED patients.Methods and ResultsWe retrospectively identified all 54 consecutive patients (mean age: 61 ± 15 years; 31% females) with CIED who had undergone CMR with standard segmented, wideband segmented, and/or wideband single‐shot LGE sequences as part of quality assurance for determining best clinical practice at 1.5 T. Two raters independently graded the conspicuity of myocardial scar or normal myocardium and the presence of device artifact level on a 5‐point Likert scale (1: worst; 3: acceptable; 5: best). Summed visual score (SVS) was calculated as the sum of conspicuity and artifact scores (SVS ≥ 6 defined as diagnostically interpretable). Median conspicuity and artifact scores were significantly better for wideband single‐shot LGE (F = 24.2, p < .001) and wideband‐segmented LGE (F = 20.6, p < .001) compared to standard‐segmented LGE. Among evaluated myocardial segments, 72% were deemed diagnostically interpretable—defined as SVS ≥ 6—for standard‐segmented LGE, 89% were deemed diagnostically interpretable for wideband‐segmented LGE, and 94% segments were deemed diagnostically interpretable for wideband single‐shot LGE.ConclusionsWideband single‐shot LGE and wideband‐segmented LGE produced similarly improved image quality compared to standard LGE.
Endocardial versus epicardial left atrial appendage exclusion for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation: Midterm follow‐up
Authors: Litwinowicz Radoslaw , Burysz Marian , Mazur Piotr , Kapelak Boguslaw , Bartus Magdalena , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Lee Randall J. , Malec‐Litwinowicz Michalina , Bartus Krzysztof 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundLeft atrial appendage closure (LAAC) became an alternative method for stroke prevention in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) intolerant to long term oral anticoagulation therapy. This study aimed to compare endocardial (Amulet and LAmbere occluders) and epicardial (Lariat) LAAC techniques.MethodsA retrospective, observational case‐control study included 223 consecutive CHA2DS2‐VAS score–matched patients with AF who underwent LAAC in two centers.ResultsThere were 55 matched cases with the mean CHA2DS2‐VASs score 4.4 ± 1.22 (p = 1). Overall follow‐up was 308.2 patient‐years. The Endocardial group patients were older and more often females with congestive heart failure and peripheral vascular disease. The epicardial group more frequently had a stroke/transient ischemic attack history. There were no differences in hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and indications for procedure between both groups. The mean HAS‐BLED score was significantly higher in the endocardial group than in the epicardial group (4.3 ± 0.9 vs. 3.7 ± 1.3, p = .011). There were no differences in annual rates of thromboembolic events (2.6% vs 0.5%) and annual stroke (0.87% vs. 0%) between the endocardial and epicardial groups.ConclusionEndocardial and Epicardial LAAC techniques show comparable implantation outcomes and safety profile and stroke prevention in patients with AF. Future randomized studies are needed to corroborate these initial results and assess long term mortality.