bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐11 regulates the fate of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells via STAT3 signalling pathways
Authors: Yang Wenlong , Zhang Shuning , Ou Tiantong , Jiang Hao , Jia Daile , Qi Zhiyong , Zou Yunzeng , Qian Juying , Sun Aijun , Ge Junbo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveAdipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) offer great promise as cell therapy for ischaemic diseases. Due to their poor survival in the ischaemic environment, the therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs is still relatively low. Interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) has been shown to play a key role in promoting cell proliferation and protecting cells from oxidative stress injury. The aim of this study was to determine whether IL‐11 could improve therapeutic efficacy of ADSCs in ischaemic diseases.Methods and ResultsADSCs were prepared from inguinal subcutaneous adipose tissue and exposed to hypoxic environment. The protein expression of IL‐11 was decreased after hypoxic treatment. In addition, ADSCs viability was increased after IL‐11 treatment under hypoxia. Moreover, IL‐11 enhanced ADSCs viability in a dose‐dependent manner under normoxia. Importantly, IL‐11 promoted ADSCs proliferation and migration and protected ADSCs against hydrogen peroxide‐induced cellular death. Notably, IL‐11 enhanced ADSCs proliferation and migration, also promoted cell survival and apoptosis resistance by STAT3 signalling. In vivo, mice were subjected to limb ischaemia and treated with IL‐11 overexpression ADSCs and control ADSCs. IL‐11 overexpression ADSCs improved perfusion recovery in the ischaemic muscles.ConclusionsWe provide the evidence that IL‐11 promoted ADSCs proliferation, stimulated ADSCs migration and attenuated ADSCs apoptosis by activation of STAT3 signalling. These results suggest that IL‐11 facilitated ADSCs engraftment in ischaemic tissue, thereby enhanced ADSCs therapeutic efficacy.
Fisheries‐induced evolution of alternative male life history tactics in Coho salmon
Authors: Young Kyle A. , Cluney Victoria A. , Weir Laura K. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFisheries‐induced evolution (FIE) can result when harvest imposes artificial selection on variation in heritable phenotypic traits. While there is evidence for FIE, it remains difficult to disentangle the contributions of within‐generation demographic adjustment, phenotypic plasticity, and genetic adaption to observed changes in life history traits. We present evidence for FIE using dozens of Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) populations in which males adopt one of two age‐invariant, heritable life history tactics: most mature as large three‐year‐old “hooknose” and typically fight for spawning opportunities, while some mature as small two‐year‐old “jacks” and fertilize eggs through sneaking. The closure of a fishery targeting three‐year‐old fish provided an experimental test of the prediction that fishery‐imposed selection against hooknose males drives an evolutionary increase in the proportion of males adopting the jack tactic. The data support the prediction: 43 of 46 populations had higher jack proportions during than after the fishery. The data further suggest that changes in jack proportion were not solely the result of demographic adjustments to harvest. We suggest that systems where fisheries differentially exploit phenotypically discrete, age‐invariant life histories provide excellent opportunities for detecting FIE.
Which serum uric acid levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk in the general adult population?
Authors: Krajčoviechová Alena , Wohlfahrt Peter , Bruthans Jan , Šulc Pavel , Lánská Věra , Eremiášová Lenka , Pudil Jan , Linhart Aleš , Filipovský Jan , Mayer Otto , Widimský Jiří , Blaha Milan , Borghi Claudio , Cífková Renata 
Published: April 2020

AbstractOur aim was to determine the serum uric acid (SUA) levels associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) and all‐cause death in the general adult population. We analyzed data obtained in two independent cross‐sectional surveys performed in the Czech Republic in 2006‐09 and 2015‐18, involving 1% population random samples in nine districts, aged 25‐64 years, stratified by age and gender. Ten‐year mortality data were obtained in a cohort with examination in 2006‐09. Final analyses included 3542 individuals (48.2% men) examined in 2006‐09, and 2304 (47.4% men) examined in 2015‐18. From a cohort examined in 2006‐09, 122 men and 60 women were reported dead (33% and 27% from CV disease). In men, there was no association of baseline SUA levels with baseline SCORE category or 10‐year mortality rates. In women, each 10 µmol/L increase in baseline SUA levels was associated with an increase in baseline SCORE category (P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses in women identified the baseline SUA cutoff values discriminating: 1. between low/intermediate and high/very high SCORE categories (309 µmol/L), 2. CV mortality (325 µmol/L), and 3. all‐cause mortality (298 µmol/L). After adjusting for confounders including SCORE, Cox regression analysis confirmed that the baseline SUA cutoffs of 309 µmol/L and 325 µmol/L were associated with 4‐times (P = .010) and 6‐times (P = .036) greater risk of CV mortality, whereas the cutoff of 298 µmol/L was associated with 87% greater risk of all‐cause mortality (P = .025). In conclusion, the SUA cutoff value of 309 µmol/L identified women at high/very high SCORE category and was associated with 4‐times greater risk of observed CV mortality over 10 years.
Increased risks of different grades of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in prediabetic subjects with impaired fasting glucose and glucose tolerance, including the isolated glycosylated hemoglobin levels of 5.7–6.4% in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Chung‐Hao , Chou Yu‐Tsung , Shen Wei‐Chen , Lu Feng‐Hwa , Yang Yi‐Ching , Wu Jin‐Shang , Chang Chih‐Jen 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionContrary to the results of the majority of studies on diabetes, there are some conflicting results regarding the relationship between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and prediabetes. No study has investigated the relationship between isolated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the range of 5.7–6.4% (HbA1c 5.7–6.4%) and NAFLD. Our aim was to investigate the effect of different glycemic statuses on NAFLD concomitantly categorized by fasting plasma glucose, 2‐h plasma glucose and HbA1c levels.Materials and MethodsNAFLD was classified into three groups by ultrasonographic examination results: normal, mild and moderate‐to‐severe. Glycemic status was divided into five groups: normoglycemia, isolated HbA1c 5.7–6.4%, impaired fasting glucose without impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), IGT and newly diagnosed diabetes. For multivariable logistic regression analyses, the outcome variable was the classified three grades of fatty changes in the liver after adjusting for other potential risk covariables.ResultsIn this cross‐sectional research, a total of 8,571 eligible individuals were enrolled and divided into three groups: 5,499 without fatty liver, 2,113 with mild NAFLD and 959 with moderate‐to‐severe NAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that IGT, impaired fasting glucose without IGT and isolated HbA1c 5.7–6.4% were associated with a higher risk of NAFLD in addition to newly diagnosed diabetes. Other positively predictive variables were male sex, obesity, overweight, central obesity, increased triglyceride and C‐reactive protein >1 mg/L. Negatively associated factors were elevated high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.ConclusionsBesides diabetes, the increased risks of different grades of NAFLD were found for prediabetic individuals categorized by impaired fasting glucose without IGT, IGT and isolated HbA1c 5.7–6.4%.
Protocol for the development of a core domain set for hand eczema trials
Authors: Rönsch H. , Apfelbacher C. , Brans R. , Ofenloch R. , Schuttelaar M.L.A. , Weisshaar E. , Bauer A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundClinical hand eczema trials measure a variety of outcome domains to determine the success of interventions. This considerably limits the comparability and overall confidence in the study results, and thereby the strength of recommendations for clinical practice.ObjectivesThe Hand Eczema Core Outcome Set (HECOS) initiative aims to develop a core outcome set (COS) for the standardized evaluation of interventions in future hand eczema trials and reviews. This COS will define the minimum that should be measured and reported in controlled and randomized‐controlled trials of therapeutic hand eczema interventions. The objective of this protocol is to specify the methods to develop a core domain set.MethodsIn Phase 1, a list of candidate domains will be derived from a systematic literature review concerning previously measured outcomes in hand eczema trials, from qualitative patient interviews and from expert interviews. In Phase 2, a consensus study about core domains will be conducted by an online 3‐round Delphi survey and a face‐to‐face meeting, applying predefined consensus criteria. HECOS involves hand eczema and methods experts as well as patients and further stakeholders with an interest in the initiative.OutlookWhen a set of core domains has been defined, HECOS is going to identify appropriate outcome measurement instruments in a development process that will be detailed in another protocol. The COS will considerably enhance the methodological quality, comparability and usefulness of hand eczema trials for clinical decision‐making and the development of new therapeutic options for hand eczema, and also reduce the effort of planning, conducting, and reporting individual hand eczema studies, reviews and meta‐analyses.
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of apremilast in psoriasis at 52 weeks: a retrospective, observational, multicentre study by the Spanish Psoriasis Group
Authors: del Alcázar E. , Suárez‐Pérez J.A. , Armesto S. , Rivera R. , Herrera‐Acosta E. , Herranz P. , Martín I. , Montesinos E. , Hospital M. , Vilarrasa E. , Ferran M. , Ruiz‐Villaverde R. , Sahuquillo‐Torralba A. , Ruiz‐Genao D.P. , Pérez‐Barrio S. , Muñoz C. , Llamas M. , Valentí F. , Mitxelena M.J. , López‐Ferrer A. , Carretero G. , Vidal D. , Mollet J. , Belinchón I. , Carrascosa J.M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle has been published on the real‐world effectiveness and safety of apremilast in psoriasis.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness, safety and drug survival of apremilast at 52 weeks in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or palmoplantar psoriasis in routine clinical practice.MethodsRetrospective, multicentre study of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or palmoplantar psoriasis treated with apremilast from March 2016 to March 2018.ResultsWe studied 292 patients with plaque psoriasis and 85 patients with palmoplantar psoriasis. The mean (SD) Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was 10.7 (7.0) at baseline and 3.0 (4.2) at 52 weeks. After 12 months of treatment, 73.6% of patients had a PASI score of 3 or less. In terms of relative improvement by week 52, 49.7% of patients achieved PASI‐75 (≥75% reduction in PASI score) and 26.5% achieved PASI‐90. The mean physician global assessment score for palmoplantar psoriasis fell from 4.2 (5.2) at baseline to 1.3 (1.3) at week 52. Overall drug survival after 1 year of treatment with apremilast was 54.9 %. The main reasons for treatment discontinuation were loss of efficacy (23.9%) and adverse events (15.9%). Almost half of the patients in our series (47%) experienced at least one adverse event. The most common events were gastrointestinal problems.ConclusionsApremilast may be a suitable alternative for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and palmoplantar psoriasis. Although the drug has a good safety profile, adverse gastrointestinal effects are common.
Stem rot of eucalyptus cuttings caused by Neopestalotiopsis spp. in Brazil
Authors: Santos Gizeli S. , Mafia Reginaldo G. , Aguiar Aurélio M. , Zarpelon Talyta G. , Damacena Michelle B. , Barros Aline F. , Ferreira Maria A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn Brazil, the fungus Neopestalotiopsis (= Pestalotiopsis) is known to cause disease in eucalyptus cuttings. However, although it occurs relatively frequently in cutting nurseries, the pathogenic species have yet to be identified. Thus, the aim of the present work was to perform a morphological and phylogenetic characterization to identify the aetiological agent. For this purpose, the isolates were subjected to a multilocus analysis using the two gene regions β‐tubulin (TUB) and the translation elongation factor (TEF). Based on the genomic sequences, two known species and one new species of the pathogen were identified. After confirmation of their pathogenicity, N. australis was confirmed as a new report in eucalyptus. Neopestalotiopsis rosae failed to differ from the control, however, showed internal and external lesion in eucalyptus stem. In addition, in this study, a new species called N. eucalypti was described, causing disease in hybrids eucalyptus. Morphological characterization allowed for the confirmation of the N. australis and N. rosae isolates, primarily based on differences in the size and shape of the conidia. For N. eucalypti, no morphological marker was found that separated it from the other species within the genus. The results confirm the existence of at least three Neopestalotiopsis species as aetiological agents of leaf spot and stem rot in eucalyptus cuttings in Brazil.
Validation of scoring system predicting permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Shivamurthy Poojita , Vejpongsa Pimprapa , Gurung Sidhanta , Jacob Robin , Zhao Yelin , Anderson H. Vernon , Balan Prakash , Nguyen Tom C , Estrera Anthony L , Dougherty Anne H , Smalling Richard W , Dhoble Abhijeet 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is being increasingly performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Despite newer generation valves, atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbance is a common complication, necessitating permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation in about 10% of patients. Hence, it is imperative to improve periprocedural risk stratification to predict PPM implantation after TAVR. The objective of this study was to externally validate a novel risk‐stratification model derived from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database that predicts risk of PPM from TAVR.MethodsComponents of the score included pre‐TAVR left and right bundle branch block, sinus bradycardia, second‐degree AV block, and transfemoral approach. The scoring system was applied to 917 patients undergoing TAVR at our institution from November 2011 to February 2017. We assessed its predictive accuracy by looking at two components: discrimination using the C‐statistic and calibration using the Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness of fit test.ResultsNinety patients (9.8%) required PPM. The scoring system showed good discrimination with C‐statistic score of 0.6743 (95% CI: 0.618‐0.729). Higher scores suggested increased PPM risk, that is, 7.3% with score ⩽3, 19.23% with score 4‐6, and 37.50% with score ≥7. Patients requiring PPM were older (81.4 versus 78.7 years, P = .002). Length of stay and in‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in PPM group.ConclusionsThe NIS database derived PPM risk prediction model was successfully validated in our database with acceptable discriminative and gradation capacity. It is a simple but valuable tool for patient counseling pre‐TAVR and in identifying high‐risk patients.
Association genetics identifies a specifically regulated Norway spruce laccase gene, PaLAC5, linked to Heterobasidion parviporum resistance
Authors: Elfstrand Malin , Baison John , Lundén Karl , Zhou Linghua , Vos Ingrid , Capador Hernan Dario , Åslund Matilda Stein , Chen Zhiqiang , Chaudhary Rajiv , Olson Åke , Wu Harry X. , Karlsson Bo , Stenlid Jan , García‐Gil María Rosario 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIt is important to improve the understanding of the interactions between the trees and pathogens and integrate this knowledge about disease resistance into tree breeding programs. The conifer Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an important species for the forest industry in Europe. Its major pathogen is Heterobasidion parviporum, causing stem and root rot.In this study, we identified 11 Norway spruce QTLs (Quantitative trait loci) that correlate with variation in resistance to H. parviporum in a population of 466 trees by association genetics. Individual QTLs explained between 2.1 and 5.2% of the phenotypic variance. The expression of candidate genes associated with the QTLs was analysed in silico and in response to H. parviporum hypothesizing that (a) candidate genes linked to control of fungal sapwood growth are more commonly expressed in sapwood, and; (b) candidate genes associated with induced defences are respond to H. parviporum inoculation. The Norway spruce laccase PaLAC5 associated with control of lesion length development is likely to be involved in the induced defences. Expression analyses showed that PaLAC5 responds specifically and strongly in close proximity to the H. parviporum inoculation. Thus, PaLAC5 may be associated with the lignosuberized boundary zone formation in bark adjacent to the inoculation site.
Doubly guaranteed mechanism for pollination and fertilization in Ipomoea purpurea
Authors: Liu C.-C. , Gui M.-Y. , Sun Y.-C. , Wang X.-F. , He H. , Wang T.-X. , Li J.-Y. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Flowers, the reproductive organs of angiosperms, show a high degree of diversity in morphological structure and flowering habit to ensure pollination and fertilization of the plants. Effect of flower movement on pollination and fertilization was investigated in Ipomoea purpurea (Convolvulaceae) in this study.

Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the germination of pollen grains at different temperatures.

From 04:00 to 06:00 h, the stigma was taller than the filaments, so that self‐pollination could not occur, and cross‐pollination was carried out by insects. Pollen grains germinated rapidly after falling on the stigma; the pollen tube reached the ovule to complete fertilization after 2–3 h. From 07:00 to 09:00 h, filaments of two stamens grew rapidly and reached the same height as the stigma, thus allowing self‐crossing. But at this time, the ambient temperature was already high and was not conducive to the germination of pollen grains. The corolla closed, forming an inverted bell shape, where the inner microenvironment ensured completion of pollen germination and fertilization.

Preferential cross‐pollination and delayed self‐crossing of I. purpurea provided a doubly guaranteed mechanism for pollination and fertilization, facilitating its adaptation to a high temperature climate.
Explaining fiscal decentralization and the role of ethnic Diversity
Authors: Pickard Harry 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis paper considers the causes of fiscal decentralization with a specific focus on the role of ethnic diversity. To do so, I employ an instrument for ethnic diversity based on the origin of anatomically modern human life. Using two measures of decentralization that capture decision making autonomy and accounting for the depth of divisions between ethno‐linguistic groups using the structure of language trees, I find that ethnic diversity has a positive effect on the degree of decentralization. It is the amount of fractionalization towards the leaves of the trees, where groups are more numerous and less distinct, that drive decentralization.
Older adults show elevated intermuscular coherence in eyes‐open standing but only young adults increase coherence in response to closing the eyes
Authors: Walker S. , Piitulainen H. , Manlangit T. , Avela J. , Baker S. N. 
Published: April 2020

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Can a 14‐week strength‐training programme modify intermuscular coherence levels during bipedal standing tasks with eyes open and eyes closed and reduce age‐related differences?
What is the main finding and its importance?
Older adults had more prominent common input over 4–14 Hz with eyes open, but during the eyes‐closed task the young adults were able to further enhance their common input at 6–36 Hz. This indicates that young adults are better at modulating common input in different motor tasks.AbstractUnderstanding neural control of standing balance is important to identify age‐related degeneration and design interventions to maintain function. Here, intermuscular coherence between antagonist muscle pairs around the ankle‐joint during standing balance tasks was investigated before and after strength training. Ten young (18–31 years; YOUNG) and nine older adults (66–73 years; OLDER) stood on a force plate for 120 s with eyes open followed by 120 s with eyes closed before and after 14 weeks of strength training. Postural sway was quantified from centre‐of‐pressure displacement based on 3‐D force moments. Electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), soleus (SOL) and tibilais anterior (TA) muscles of the right leg. Coherence between rectified EMG pairs (GM–TA, SOL–TA) was calculated for each 120 s epoch separately. Postural sway was lower in YOUNG compared to OLDER in eyes‐open (6.8 ± 1.3 vs. 10.3 ± 4.7 mm s−1, P = 0.028) and eyes‐closed (10.9 ± 3.1 vs. 24.4 ± 18.3 mm s−1, P = 0.032) tasks. For both muscle pairs, OLDER had more prominent common input over 4–14 Hz with eyes open, but when the proprioceptive demand was enhanced in the eyes‐closed task the YOUNG were able to further enhance their common input at 6–36 Hz (P < 0.05). Strength training reduced the instability from closing the eyes in OLDER but did not alter coherence. This may highlight a greater functional reserve in YOUNG than in OLDER and possible emerging proprioceptive degeneration in OLDER. However, the findings question the functional role of coherence for balance.
Beyond cycle lanes and large-scale infrastructure: a scoping review of initiatives that groups and organisations can implement to promote cycling for the Cycle Nation Project
Authors: Kelly Paul , Williamson Chloë , Baker Graham , Davis Adrian , Broadfield Sarah , Coles Allison , Connell Hayley , Logan Greig , Pell Jill P , Gray Cindy M , Gill Jason MR 
Published: April 2020

Background/objectivesCycling has well-established positive relationships with health. Evidence suggests that large-scale infrastructure and built-environment initiatives to promote cycling are likely to be necessary but not sufficient to maximise cycling participation. Smaller-scale initiatives that can be implemented by organisations (eg, employers) and groups (eg, community groups) are therefore also important, but the full range of feasible activities to promote cycling is not known. We aimed to scope the literature and map organisational, social and individual level activities to increase cycling.MethodsDesign: Scoping review following an established five-stage process.Eligibility criteria: Studies or publicly available reports describing cycling promotion initiatives deemed feasible for organisations or groups to implement.Sources of evidence and selection: (i) online databases (Ovid (Medline), Ovid (Embase), SportDISCUS (Ebscohost), ProQuest, Web of Science), (ii) existing systematic reviews, (iii) expert stakeholder consultation.ResultsWe extracted data from 129 studies and reports, from 20 different countries, identifying 145 cycling promotion initiatives. From these initiatives we identified 484 actions within 93 action types within 33 action categories under the nine intervention functions described by Michieet al. Environmental restructuring (micro-level), enablement, education and persuasion were the functions with the most action types, while coercion, modelling and restriction had the fewest action types.ConclusionThis is the first comprehensive map to summarise the broad range of action types feasible for implementation within organisation/group-based cycling promotion initiatives. The map will be a critical tool for communities, employers, practitioners and researchers in designing interventions to increase cycling.