bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ECT2 promotes lung adenocarcinoma progression through extracellular matrix dynamics and focal adhesion signaling
Authors: Kosibaty Zeinab , Murata Yoshihiko , Minami Yuko , Noguchi Masayuki , Sakamoto Noriaki 
Published: November 2020

AbstractLung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer. Epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (ECT2) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that has been implicated in oncogenic and malignant phenotypes of LAC. Here, we identified an oncogenic role of ECT2 in the extracellular matrix (ECM) dynamics of LAC cells. We showed that suppression of ECT2 decreased adhesion and spreading of LAC cells on ECM components. Morphologically, ECT2‐depleted cells exhibited a rounded shape and cytoskeletal changes. Examination of transcriptional changes by RNA sequencing revealed a total of 1569 and 828 genes whose expressions were altered (absolute fold change and a difference of >2 fold) in response to suppression of ECT2 in two LAC cells (Calu‐3 and NCI‐H2342), respectively, along with 298 genes that were common to both cell lines. Functional enrichment analysis of common genes demonstrated a significant enrichment of focal adhesions. In accord with this observation, we found that ECT2 suppression decreased the expression level of proteins involved in focal adhesion signaling including focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Crk, integrin β1, paxillin, and p130Cas. FAK knockdown leads to impaired cell proliferation, adhesion, and spreading of LAC cells. Moreover, in LAC cells, ECT2 binds to and stabilizes FAK and is associated with the formation of the focal adhesions. Our findings provide new insights into the underlying role of ECT2 in cell‐ECM dynamics during LAC progression and suggest that ECT2 could be a promising therapeutic avenue for lung cancer.
Clinical signs, symptoms, perceptions, and impact on quality of life in patients suffering from peri‐implant diseases: a university‐representative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Romandini Mario , Lima Cristina , Pedrinaci Ignacio , Araoz Ana , Costanza Soldini Maria , Sanz Mariano 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo study the symptoms and perception reported by patients with peri‐implant diseases, as well as their signs and their potential impact on the oral health quality of life.Material and MethodsTwo hundred and forty randomly selected patients were invited to participate. As part of the history assessment, the patient OHIP‐14Sp was evaluated together with, for each implant, the patient perception regarding the peri‐implant health status and the history of pain, spontaneous discomfort, bleeding, suppuration, swelling, and discomfort during brushing. As part of the clinical examination, the following potential signs of peri‐implant diseases were collected: probing pocket depth (PPD), mucosal dehiscence (MD), extent of BoP, presence of SoP, and visual signs of redness and swelling. Those parameters were analyzed in relation to the actual peri‐implant health diagnosis.ResultsNinety‐nine patients with a total of 458 dental implants were studied. Even in case of peri‐implantitis, 88.9% of the implants were perceived by the patients as healthy. The total OHIP‐14Sp sum score did not differ in relation to the peri‐implant health diagnosis. Increased reports of spontaneous discomfort, bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during brushing were observed in presence of disease. However, only a minor proportion of implants with peri‐implant diseases presented symptoms. PPD ≥ 6 mm was more frequent in diseased than in healthy implants (p < .01), while PPD ≥ 8 in pre‐peri‐implantitis/peri‐implantitis than in healthy/mucositis implants (p < .01). Implants with peri‐implantitis showed higher MD than implants without peri‐implantitis (p < .01).ConclusionPeri‐implant diseases are in most cases asymptomatic and not perceived by the patients. Despite being unable to accurately discriminate between peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis, PPD and MD resulted as the only two clinical signs associated with pre‐peri‐implantitis/peri‐implantitis.
A nationwide study on inpatient opportunistic infections in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the pre‐ibrutinib era
Authors: Steingrímsson Vilhjálmur , Gíslason Gauti Kjartan , Þorsteinsdóttir Sigrún , Rögnvaldsson Sæmundur , Gottfreðsson Magnús , Aspelund Thor , Turesson Ingemar , Björkholm Magnus , Landgren Ola , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveOpportunistic infections in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have been described in clinical trials, single‐center studies, and case reports. We performed a nationwide study to estimate the incidence and impact of inpatient opportunistic infections.MethodsThe incidence rate (IR) and incidence rate ratio (IRR) for Swedish CLL patients diagnosed 1994‐2013, and matched controls were calculated, as well as the case‐fatality ratio (CFR).ResultsAmong 8989 CLL patients, a total of 829 opportunistic infections were registered (IR 16.6 per 1000 person‐years) compared with 252 opportunistic infections in 34 283 matched controls (IR 0.99). The highest incidence in the CLL cohort was for Pneumocystis pneumonia (200 infections, IR 4.03); Herpes zoster (146 infections, IR 2.94), and Pseudomonas (83 infections, IR 1.66) infections. The highest risk relative to matched controls was observed for Pneumocystis pneumonia (IRR 114, 95% confidence interval 58.7‐252). The 60‐day CFR for CLL patients with opportunistic infections was 23% (188/821), highest for progressive multifocal encephalopathy (5/7, 71%) and aspergillosis (25/60, 42%).ConclusionWe have uniquely depicted the incidence of rare and serious infections in CLL patients and found a relatively high incidence of Pneumocystis pneumonia. Of the most common opportunistic infections, CLL patients with aspergillosis had the poorest prognosis.
The impact of global dimming on crop yields is determined by the source–sink imbalance of carbon during grain filling
Authors: Shao Liping , Liu Zijuan , Li Haozheng , Zhang Yaling , Dong Mingming , Guo Xuanhe , Zhang Han , Huang Baowei , Ni Rongbing , Li Gang , Cai Chuang , Chen Weiping , Luo Weihong , Yin Xinyou 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGlobal dimming reduces incident global radiation but increases the fraction of diffuse radiation, and thus affects crop yields; however, the underlying mechanisms of such an effect have not been revealed. We hypothesized that crop source–sink imbalance of either carbon (C) or nitrogen (N) during grain filling is a key factor underlying the effect of global dimming on yields. We presented a practical framework to assess both C and N source–sink relationships, using data of biomass and N accumulation from periodical sampling conducted in field experiments for wheat and rice from 2013 to 2016. We found a fertilization effect of the increased diffuse radiation fraction under global dimming, which alleviated the negative impact of decreased global radiation on source supply and sink growth, but the source supply and sink growth were still decreased by dimming, for both C and N. In wheat, the C source supply decreased more than the C sink demand, and as a result, crops remobilized more pre‐heading C reserves, in response to dimming. However, these responses were converse in rice, which presumably stemmed from the more increment in radiation use efficiency and the more limited sink size in rice than wheat. The global dimming affected source supply and sink growth of C more significantly than that of N. Therefore, yields in both crops were dependent more on the source–sink imbalance of C than that of N during grain filling. Our revealed source–sink relationships, and their differences and similarities between wheat and rice, provide a basis for designing strategies to alleviate the impact of global dimming on crop productivity.
Parental mental health screening in a neuropaediatric sample: Psychometric properties of the Everyday Feeling Questionnaire and variables associated with parental mental health
Authors: Kjærandsen Katarina Smejda , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Brøndbo Per Håkan , Halvorsen Marianne Berg 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany previous studies have highlighted distress in parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Further knowledge about the relationship between parental mental health and children's characteristics could help neuropaediatric services improve treatment. The current study examined the applicability of the Everyday Feeling Questionnaire (EFQ) as a screening tool for parental mental health in a neuropaediatric sample.MethodsChildren and adolescents (N = 299) referred to neurodevelopmental/neurological assessment at neuropaediatric outpatient clinics in Northern Norway were assessed for concurrent mental health problems; one of their parents completed the EFQ.ResultsThe EFQ items loaded highly on a general mental health factor. Parental mental health was more strongly associated with child functional impairment than child emotional/conduct difficulties; it was not associated with child neurodevelopmental disorders.ConclusionsThe EFQ is a suitable screening tool for parental mental health in a neuropaediatric population. Child functional impairment seems an important predictor of parental mental health.
Comprehensive analysis of partial epithelial mesenchymal transition‐related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lei Yu , Yan Wei , Lin Zhuoying , Liu Jingmei , Tian Dean , Han Ping 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIncreasing evidence has revealed that cancer cells undergoing an intermediate state, partial epithelial mesenchymal transition (p‐EMT), tend to metastasize rather than complete EMT. We performed a comprehensive analysis of E‐cadherin and 25 p‐EMT‐related genes in HCC to explore the roles and regulatory mechanisms of them in HCC. We analysed E‐cadherin and 25 p‐EMT‐related genes in HCC and constructed an mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA ceRNA subnetwork containing p‐EMT‐related genes by bioinformatic approaches. IHC was used to identify the protein expression of key p‐EMT‐related genes, P4HA2, ITGA5, MMP9, MT1X and SPP1. Complete EMT is not necessary for HCC progression. Overexpression of P4HA2, ITGA5, MMP9, SPP1 and down‐regulation of MT1X were found in HCC tissues, which were significantly associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients. By means of stepwise reverse prediction and validation from mRNA to lncRNA, an mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA ceRNA subnetwork correlated with HCC prognosis was identified by expression and survival analysis. This study implied that key p‐EMT‐related genes P4HA2, ITGA5, MMP9, MT1X, SPP1 could be prognostic biomarkers and potential targets of therapy for HCC patients. We constructed an mRNA‐miRNA‐lncRNA subnetwork containing p‐EMT‐related genes successfully, among which each component might be utilized as a prognostic biomarker of HCC.
Maltol prevents the progression of osteoarthritis by targeting PI3K/Akt/NF‐κB pathway: In vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Lu Hongwei , Fu Changchang , Kong Suyan , Wang Xudong , Sun Lin , Lin Zeng , Luo Peng , Jin Haidong 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent degenerative arthritis disease, principle characterized by the destruction of cartilage and associated with the inflammatory response. Maltol, a product formed during the processing of red ginseng (Panax ginseng, CA Meyer), has been reported to have the potential effect of anti‐inflammatory. However, its specific mechanisms are not demonstrated. We investigated the protective effect of maltol in the progression of OA both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Human chondrocytes were pre‐treated with maltol (0, 20, 40, 60 μM, 24 hours) and incubated with IL‐1β (10 ng/mL, 24 hours) in vitro. Expression of PGE2, TNF‐α and NO was measured by the ELISA and Griess reaction. The expression of iNOs, COX‐2, aggrecan, ADAMTS‐5, MMP‐13, IκB‐α, p65, P‐AKT, AKT, PI3K and P‐PI3K was analysed by Western blotting. The expression of collagen II and p65‐active protein was detected by immunofluorescence. Moreover, the serious level of OA was evaluated by histological analysis in vivo. We identified that maltol could suppress the IL‐1β‐stimulated generation of PGE2 and NO. Besides, maltol not only suppressed the production of COX‐2, iNOs, TNF‐α, IL‐6, ADAMTS‐5, MMP‐13, but also attenuated the degradation of collagen II and aggrecan. Furthermore, maltol remarkably suppressed the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT and NF‐κB induced by IL‐1β in human OA chondrocytes. Moreover, maltol could block the cartilage destroy in OA mice in vivo. To date, all data indicate maltol is a potential therapeutic agent by inhibiting inflammatory response via the regulation of NF‐κB signalling for OA.
Procyanidin B2 improves endothelial progenitor cell function and promotes wound healing in diabetic mice via activating Nrf2
Authors: Fan Jiawei , Liu Hairong , Wang Jinwu , Zeng Jiang , Tan Yi , Wang Yashu , Yu Xiaoping , Li Wenlian , Wang Peijian , Yang Zheng , Dai Xiaozhen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOne of the major reasons for the delayed wound healing in diabetes is the dysfunction of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) induced by hyperglycaemia. Improvement of EPC function may be a potential strategy for accelerating wound healing in diabetes. Procyanidin B2 (PCB2) is one of the major components of procyanidins, which exhibits a variety of potent pharmacological activities. However, the effects of PCB2 on EPC function and diabetic wound repair remain elusive. We evaluated the protective effects of PCB2 in EPCs with high glucose (HG) treatment and in a diabetic wound healing model. EPCs derived from human umbilical cord blood were treated with HG. The results showed that PCB2 significantly preserved the angiogenic function, survival and migration abilities of EPCs with HG treatment, and attenuated HG‐induced oxidative stress of EPCs by scavenging excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). A mechanistic study found the protective role of PCB2 is dependent on activating nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). PCB2 increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant genes to attenuate the oxidative stress induced by HG in EPCs, which were abolished by knockdown of Nrf2 expression. An in vivo study showed that intraperitoneal administration of PCB2 promoted wound healing and angiogenesis in diabetic mice, which was accompanied by a significant reduction in ROS level and an increase in circulating EPC number. Taken together, our results indicate that PCB2 treatment accelerates wound healing and increases angiogenesis in diabetic mice, which may be mediated by improving the mobilization and function of EPCs.
Circular economy framework for automobiles: Closing energy and material loops
Authors: Aguilar Esteva Laura C. , Kasliwal Akshat , Kinzler Michael S. , Kim Hyung Chul , Keoleian Gregory A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCorporations, including automotive manufacturers, are increasingly exploring extended circular economy strategies as a means to enhance the sustainability of their products. The circular economy paradigm focuses on reducing nonrenewable materials and energy, promoting renewable feedstocks and energy, and keeping products/materials in use across the life cycle of a system. As such, life cycle environmental burdens associated with vehicle manufacturing, use, and disposal could potentially be reduced through circular economy strategies; however, no such comprehensive circular economy framework currently exists for the automotive industry. We develop the first circular economy schematic of automobiles, derived from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's framework. Further, we characterize the current automotive circular economy using metrics of renewable energy and recycled materials. Specifically, for current U.S. average sedans, we find that internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) use ∼6% renewable life cycle primary energy and 27% recycled materials; for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), these measures are ∼8% and 21%, respectively. On a vehicle‐miles‐traveled basis, BEVs use ∼47% less nonrenewable life cycle primary energy than ICEVs, highlighting the importance of electrification as a strategy for automotive manufacturers to reduce environmental burdens. Our proposed circular economy framework is then applied to Ford Motor Company's sustainability programs and initiatives as an example. This schematic aims to provide a starting point for the automotive industry to operationalize circular economy strategies, the application of which could advance its overall sustainability performance.
Adhesion of Denture Characterizing Composites to Heat‐Cured, CAD/CAM and 3D Printed Denture Base Resins
Authors: Choi Joanne Jung Eun , Ramani Rishi Sanjay , Ganjigatti Ritu , Uy Caira Ellyse , Plaksina Polina , Waddell John Neil 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeTo measure the adhesion of the denture characterizing composite to heat‐cured, CAD/CAM and 3D printed denture base resins.Methods and MaterialsTwo different denture characterizing composites with different viscosities (SR Nexco; high viscosity (SR) and Kulzer Cre‐active; low viscosity (K)) and three denture base resins (Heat cure, CAD‐milled and 3D printed) were investigated. 60 beams (25 × 4 × 3 mm) were fabricated for each denture base resin; 30 were bonded to SR and 30 to K to form a beam 50 × 4 × 3 mm. These were further divided (n = 10/group) to simulate the effects of 0, 6, and 12 months intraorally via thermocycling. The beams were subjected to a 4‐point bend test using the chevron‐notched beam method. Fracture toughness K1C (MPa ·m1/2) and flexural bond strength (MPa) were calculated. All specimens were analyzed for the mode of failure under the light microscope and selected specimens under scanning electron microscope. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA (SPSS Ver 25).ResultsThe mean K1C was highest for the SR composite bonded to the heat‐cured denture resin group (0.28 ± 0.11), followed by CAD/CAM (0.18 ± 0.04) and 3D printed groups (0.23 ± 0.16). Differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.268). Within each group, aging showed no statistical significance between the mean K1C and flexural bond strength (p = 0.209). The mean K1C for the K composites bonded to the three different denture bases were significantly lower compared to the SR group (p < 0.001). The mean K1C for the heat‐cured denture resin group was (0.21 ± 0.1), followed by CAD/CAM (0.13 ± 0.04) and 3D printed groups (0.03 ± 0.02). Within each of the K group, aging showed a statistical significance for both the mean K1C and flexural bond strength (p = 0.002).ConclusionThe high viscosity SR showed significantly higher K1C and flexural bond strength to the lower viscosity K when bonded to heat‐cured, CAD‐milled and 3D printed denture base resins. Heat‐cured denture base resins produced the highest K1C and flexural bond strength when bonded to two different types of characterizing composites.
Retrospective evaluation of the use of the International Myeloma Working Group response criteria in dogs with secretory multiple myeloma
Authors: Moore A Russell , Harris Adam , Jeffries Christina , Avery Paul R. , Vickery Kate 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundCurrent recommendations for monitoring disease progression and response to treatment in humans with multiple myeloma include evaluation of serum paraprotein (M‐protein) concentration. Densitometry, species‐specific radial immunodiffusion (RID) and ELISA methods can be used to quantify M‐proteins.ObjectiveRetrospectively evaluate use of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) response criteria for humans in dogs with multiple myeloma.AnimalsSixteen dogs with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, M‐protein documented by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation (IF) in an initial sample and subsequent electrophoretic evaluation of serial samples.MethodsRetrospectively, densitometric M‐proteins, RID and globulins were measured and characterized according to IMWG criteria. Available clinical history was reviewed. Overall survival time (OST) was calculated from initial electrophoretic evaluation to death or last contact.ResultsAll cases received some form of nonstandardized chemotherapy. Complete response (CR), a lack of detectable M‐protein by SPE and IF, was documented in 1 case. Median survival was longer for dogs that attained ≥90% densitometric M‐protein reduction (630 days) than for those that did not attain at least 50% reduction in densitometric M‐protein (284 days; log rank P = .006). Five dogs were defined as having progressive disease (M‐protein increase of >25% and at least 0.5 g/dL from nadir), which correlated with concurrent or subsequent clinical deterioration. Response criteria categorized by serum globulins or RID was not correlated with OST or clinical findings.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDensitometric M‐protein characterized using IMWG response criteria correlated with OST and clinical findings. Densitometric M‐protein detection should be used to monitor dogs with multiple myeloma.
The cross‐linguistic patterns of phonation types
Authors: Esposito Christina M. , Khan Sameer ud Dowla 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe provide an update on the state of research on phonation (the production of sound by the vocal folds) since Gordon and Ladefoged's, Journal of Phonetics, 2001 29, 383–406 overview, focusing on the acoustics of breathiness, creak, and other linguistic voice qualities. We highlight cross‐linguistic variation, introduce measuring techniques, and discuss the relationship between phonation and other phonological dimensions (e.g., tone, vowel quality). We also review perceptual literature, an area of phonation research that has greatly expanded recently. Taken together, the studies reviewed demonstrate that phonation types indeed lie not just on a single continuum, but in a multidimensional space.
RAD‐sequencing reveals patterns of diversification and hybridization, and the accumulation of reproductive isolation in a clade of partially sympatric, tropical island trees
Authors: Linan Alexander G. , Lowry Porter P. , Miller Allison J. , Schatz George E. , Sevathian Jean‐Claude , Edwards Christine E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA common pattern observed in temperate tree clades is that species are often morphologically distinct and partially interfertile but maintain species cohesion despite ongoing hybridization where ranges overlap. Although closely related species commonly occur in sympatry in tropical ecosystems, little is known about patterns of hybridization within a clade over time, and the implications of this hybridization for the maintenance of species boundaries. In this study, we focused on a clade of sympatric trees in the genus Diospyros in the Mascarene islands and investigated whether species are genetically distinct, whether they hybridize, and how patterns of hybridization are related to the time since divergence among species. We sampled multiple populations from each of 12 Mascarene Diospyros species, generated genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data using 2bRADseq, and conducted population genomic and phylogenomic analyses. We found that Mascarene Diospyros species diverged millions of years ago and are today largely genetically distinct from one another. Although hybridization was observed between closely related species belonging to the same subclade, more distantly related species showed little evidence of interspecific hybridization. Phylogenomic analyses also suggested that introgression has occurred during the evolutionary history of the clade. This suggests that, as diversification progressed, interspecific hybridization occurred among species, but became infrequent as lineages diverged from one another and evolved reproductive barriers. Species now coexist in partial sympatry, and experience limited hybridization between close relatives. Additional research is needed to better understand the role that introgression may have played in adaptation and diversification of Mascarene Diospyros, and its relevance for conservation.