bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel inhibitory role of microRNA‐224 in particulate matter 2.5‐induced asthmatic mice by inhibiting TLR2
Authors: Li Ping , Wang Jinpeng , Guo Fengjun , Zheng Baihong , Zhang Xuelei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEpidemiological studies have shown that elevated concentrations of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) correlate with increased incidence of asthma. Studies have highlighted the implication of microRNAs (miRNAs) in asthmatic response. Here, the objective of this study is to explore the effect of miR‐224 on PM2.5‐induced asthmatic mice. Ovalbumin (OVA) was utilized to establish asthmatic mouse models, which were then exposed to PM2.5, followed by miR‐224 expression detection. Next, lesions and collagen deposition area in lung tissue, ratio Treg/Th17, the expression of TLR4 and MYD88, inflammation, eosinophils (EOS) and airway remodelling were evaluated in OVA mice after injection with miR‐224 agomir. Following isolation of mouse primary bronchial epithelial cells, miR‐224 mimic and TLR2/TLR4 inhibitor were introduced to assess inflammation and the expression of TGF‐β, MMP9, TIMP‐1, Foxp3, RORγt, TLR2, TLR4 and MYD88. After exposure to PM2.5, lesions and collagen deposition were promoted in lung tissues, inflammation and EOS were increased in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and airway remodelling was enhanced in OVA mice. miR‐224 was down‐regulated, whereas TLR2/TLR4/MYD88 was up‐regulated in OVA mice after treatment with PM2.5, accompanied by Treg/Th17 immune imbalance. Of note, bioinformatic prediction and dual luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that TLR2 was a target gene of miR‐224. Overexpressed miR‐224 reduced expression of TGF‐β, MMP9, TIMP‐1 and RORγt and inflammation but increased Foxp3 expression in bronchial epithelial cells through down‐regulating TLR2. In summary, overexpressed miR‐224 suppressed airway epithelial cell inflammation and airway remodelling in PM2.5‐induced asthmatic mice through decreasing TLR2 expression.
NLRP3 inflammasome mediates M1 macrophage polarization and IL‐1β production in inflammatory root resorption
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Xinqiang , Wan Chunyan , Liu Yang , Wang Yaqi , Meng Chenda , Zhang Yipeng , Jiang Chunmiao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsTo explore the involvement of NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and M1 macrophage in root resorption (RR).MethodsA rat RR model was established by excessive orthodontic force. After different force‐loading time, the expression levels of NLRP3, caspase‐1, and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and distribution of M1 macrophages were analysed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining in vivo. Then, the mechanism of NLRP3 activation was further verified by macrophage and human periodontal ligament cell (hPDLC) co‐culture system in vitro. The production levels of NLRP3, caspase‐1, pro‐caspase‐1, and IL‐1β in M1 macrophages in the co‐culture system were detected by Western blot, and the polarization of CD68+IL‐1β+ M1 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence staining.ResultsIn the rat RR model, NLRP3, caspase‐1, IL‐1β, and M1 macrophages were expressed in periodontal ligament, mainly concentrated around RR areas. Force‐pre‐treated hPDLCs promoted M1 macrophage polarization and the production of NLRP3, caspase‐1, and IL‐1β in M1 macrophages in co‐culture system. When MCC950, an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome, was added, NLRP3 activation and M1 macrophage polarization were inhibited.ConclusionsIn periodontal tissues, hPDLCs stimulated by force promoted M1 macrophage polarization and increased IL‐1β production by activating NLRP3 inflammasome in M1 macrophages, thus initiating the occurrence of RR.
Long‐term outcomes of osteotome sinus floor elevation with or without bone grafting: The 10‐year results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qian Shu‐jiao , Mo Jia‐ji , Si Mi-si , Qiao Shi‐chong , Shi Jun‐yu , Lai Hong‐chang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsTo assess the long‐term clinical and radiographic results of implants placed using osteotome sinus floor elevation (OSFE) with or without bone grafting.Materials and methodsForty‐five patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (OSFE with deproteinized bovine bone mineral) and Group 2 (OSFE without grafting). The patients were recalled at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years after surgery. The implant survival, endo‐sinus bone gain (ESBG), marginal bone loss (MBL), peri‐implant bone height (PBH, distance from the most coronal level to the most apical level of bone‐to‐implant contact), prosthesis survival and hardware complications, and peri‐implant soft tissue conditions were assessed.ResultsForty patients attended the 10‐year examination. Mean residual bone height was 4.58 ± 1.28 mm. The 10‐year cumulative survival rate was 90.7% for Group 1 and 95.0% for Group 2. The PBH was 5.89 ± 1.24 mm for Group 1 and 5.74 ± 1.43 mm for Group 2 at 10 years. The ESBG of both groups remained stable after 3 years. Two‐thirds of the implants were free of hardware complications. No significant differences in MBL and peri‐implant tissue parameters were found.ConclusionOSFE with or without grafting both yielded predictable clinical outcomes with similar PBH (ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT01619956).
Financial contracts as coordination device
Authors: Le Coq Chloé , Schwenen Sebastian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe study the use of financial contracts as bid‐coordinating device in multi‐unit uniform price auctions. Coordination is required whenever firms face a volunteer's dilemma in pricing strategies: one firm (the “volunteer") is needed to increase the market clearing price. Volunteering, however, is costly, as inframarginal suppliers sell their entire capacity whereas the volunteer only sells residual demand. We identify conditions under which signing financial contracts solves this dilemma. We test our framework exploiting data on contract positions by large producers in the New York power market. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we show that the contracting strategy is payoff dominant and provide estimates of the benefits of such strategy.
Edible insect protein for food applications: Extraction, composition, and functional properties
Authors: Mintah Benjamin K. , He Ronghai , Agyekum Akwasi A. , Dabbour Mokhtar , Golly Moses K. , Ma Haile 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis study sought to establish an optimized procedure for extraction of protein from microwave‐dried larvae of an edible insect,Hermetia illucens(HIL), and to determine and compare the amino acid (AA) component, intrinsic fluorescence (IF), and physicochemical/functional properties (PFPs) of protein isolates. Box–Behnken's design with the Box–Wilson methodology was applied in the optimization process. Following single‐factor investigations, the relational analysis indicated that the polynomial model could be used to illustrate the influence of extraction parameters on protein yield. Response–surface plots showed that extraction variables influenced (p< .05) protein yield of HIL. The optimized extraction (optimized protocol [OP]) conditions with highest yield (64.44%) were time—59.43 min, alkaline solution to sample ratio—24.85:1.00, and temperature—52.23°C. The protein extract obtained using the OP, compared with a modified protocol (MP) (with conditions: 60 min, 15:1 alkaline solution to sample ratio, and 40°C) showed content of 80.42 ± 0.90% and 76.91 ± 0.91%, respectively (p< .05). The AA‐scores were above that recommended by FAO. Variations existed between OP and MP extracts regarding PFPs, consistent with IF/AA‐values. The optimized extraction process was feasible, and the functional properties of HIL protein could be enhanced/modified for different food formulations.Practical applicationsHermetia illucens(HIL), an edible insect rich in protein, is one most promising insect species for food applications with extra benefits to the environment. Consumption, however, is limited by many due to association of insects to vermin/dirt. The need to increase consumption globally is paramount, as there is high demand on the already scarce protein sources available worldwide. Extracting the constituents of edible insects for novel/food applications is a promising approach to upturn global consumption in the next 2–3 decades where humans may rely on insect protein. The success of scale‐up processing in this regard depends on process conditions for better yields. Therefore, determining an optimized technique for extraction of protein from HIL larvae was investigated as well as physicochemical/technofunctional properties, and fluorescence attribute. The extraction approach was feasible and the outcome of the study may benefit industry in extraction and/or modification of edible insect protein in novel applications.
Long‐term outcomes of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and the risk factors for mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma in a Japanese population
Authors: Kogiso Tomomi , Sagawa Takaomi , Kodama Kazuhisa , Taniai Makiko , Hashimoto Etsuko , Tokushige Katsutoshi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and AimThe incidence of mortality and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported, but the long‐term outcomes of Japanese patients with NAFLD are not fully evaluated.MethodsWe enrolled 365 Japanese patients with biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD (1990–2008) followed for ≥ 6 months: 185 males (50.7%); median age (54 years); advanced fibrosis 108 (29.8%); HCC, n = 26 (7.1%); diabetes, n = 191 (52.3%); dyslipidemia, n = 234 (64.1%); and hypertension, n = 193 (52.9%). We analyzed the survival and new‐onset HCC rates for hepatic fibrosis as well as complications and the treatment of lifestyle‐related diseases.ResultsDuring the median 7.1‐year follow‐up, 44 patients (12.1%) died: n = 28 liver‐related (10 years liver‐related death, 9.4%) and n = 16 non‐liver‐related deaths (10 years non‐liver‐related death, 4.9%). Both incidence rates were significantly higher in the advanced fibrosis group. The incidence of HCC at 10 years was 20.1% in the advanced fibrosis group, and the mortality was increased in patients with higher age, history of HCC, lower seru\m level of albumin, higher level of γ‐glutamyltransferase, and insulin treatment for diabetes. Risk factors for HCC onset were higher levels of aspartate aminotransferase and triglyceride and hypertension treatment. Platelet count < 11.5 × 104/μL was revealed as a risk factor for death and HCC development.ConclusionsThe rates of both liver‐related and non‐liver‐related deaths and HCC development were significantly prominent in the patients with advanced fibrosis. It is important to identify and treat NAFLD patients who have several risk factors and advanced fibrosis, which might be predicable simply by the platelet count.
Sustained virologic response by direct‐acting antivirals suppresses skeletal muscle loss in hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Endo Kei , Sato Takuro , Suzuki Akiko , Yoshida Yuichi , Kakisaka Keisuke , Miyasaka Akio , Takikawa Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and AimAlthough chronic liver disease is associated with secondary sarcopenia, the effect of primary disease treatment (hepatitis C virus elimination) on the skeletal muscle is unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of a sustained virologic response at 24 weeks following direct‐acting antiviral therapy on the skeletal muscle in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients.MethodsHepatitis C virus‐infected patients treated with direct‐acting antivirals between 2014 and 2017 in our hospital were included. We evaluated the skeletal muscle index and intramuscular adipose tissue content at the third lumbar vertebra on abdominal computed tomography and compared the rate of change in the skeletal muscle index per year and intramuscular adipose tissue content per year before and after direct‐acting antiviral treatment.ResultsNinety‐two patients participated. At sustained virologic response at 24 weeks, liver test results, including fibrosis marker levels, were significantly improved compared to those before direct‐acting antiviral treatment. Skeletal muscle index measured before direct‐acting antiviral treatment initiation was significantly lower than that at the first computed tomography scan. However, no significant change was found between the skeletal muscle index at the second computed tomography scan and final follow up. The rate of change in skeletal muscle index measured after direct‐acting antiviral treatment was significantly higher than that before direct‐acting antiviral treatment (−0.07 vs −0.99% per year). There was no significant difference between the change in intramuscular adipose tissue content before and after direct‐acting antiviral treatment.ConclusionsViral eradication by direct‐acting antiviral treatment improved the liver function and suppressed skeletal muscle loss in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients.
Postmenopausal Breast Cancer and Physical Function Change: A Difference‐in‐Differences Analysis
Authors: Michael Yvonne L. , Wu Chengyi , Pan Kathy , Seguin‐Fowler Rebecca A. , Garcia David O. , Zaslavsky Oleg , Chlebowski Rowan T. 
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESWhile breast cancer and associated therapies can influence physical function (PF), findings for breast cancer's effects on PF among postmenopausal women are not consistent. This research evaluates the effect of breast cancer on change in PF.DESIGNLongitudinal cohort study analyzed using difference‐in‐differences (DID) method to compare the changes in PF over time between women with and without breast cancer, by invasive status, stage, and age.SETTING AND PARTICIPANTSWomen's Health Initiative participants, aged 50 to 79 years at baseline, with four completed functional status assessments were eligible for inclusion (mean age = 62.1 ± 6.9 years). Women with breast cancer diagnosed between the 3rd and 11th enrollment year (n = 1636) were compared to women without breast cancer (n = 35 660).MEASUREMENTSPF was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 at baseline and years 3, 11, and 12.RESULTSCompared with women without breast cancer, women with breast cancer experienced greater PF decline (P < .0001), after adjustment for age, race, education, income, study/trial arm, and body mass index. Overall, functional declines were greatest among women with invasive breast cancer (DID = −4.87; 95% confidence interval = −7.12 to −2.62). In stratified analyses, the breast cancer effect on PF was greater among women in older age groups.CONCLUSIONWomen diagnosed with breast cancer experienced a significant decline in PF beyond what is observed in typical aging in this cohort. To optimally address survivorship issues, disease sequelae need to be distinguished from normal aging in studies incorporating a cancer‐free comparison group. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1029–1036, 2020
Mutational analysis of BFSP1, CRYBB1, GALK1, and GJA8 in captive‐bred vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)
Authors: Ngqaneka Thobile , Khoza Sanele , Magwebu Zandisiwe E. , Chauke Chesa G. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundCongenital cataract has been reported in a colony of captive‐bred vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops).MethodsMolecular tools such as genotyping and gene expression were used to identify mutations associated with congenital cataract in this vervet colony. Beaded filament structural protein 1 (BFSP1), beta‐crystallin B1 (CRYBB1), galactokinase1 (GALK1), and gap junction alpha‐8 protein (GJA8) were screened, sequenced, and analyzed for mutations in 24 vervet monkeys (control and cataract).ResultsFive missense sequence variants were identified (V147E, A167P, L212F, N55K, and T247A), three of which were found to be potentially disease‐causing. Furthermore, downregulation was observed in BFSP1, CRYBB1, and GALK1 genes.ConclusionThis study reports two cases of incomplete penetrance and/or uniparental disomy (L212F and T247A) in BSFP1. Mutations in BSFP1 together with three mutations in GALK1 and GJA8 were predicted to be disease‐causing.
Regulation of bile acid metabolism in biliary atresia: reduction of FGF19 by Kasai portoenterostomy and possible relation to early outcome
Authors: Johansson H. , Svensson J. F. , Almström M. , Van Hul N. , Rudling M. , Angelin B. , Nowak G. , Fischler B. , Ellis E. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundFibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is produced in the small intestine and is involved in suppression of hepatic bile acid (BA) synthesis. FGF19 is also expressed in the liver and serum levels are elevated in adults with cholestatic liver disease. This may reflect a rescue mechanism to dampen liver injury caused by increased intrahepatic BAs.ObjectivesTo examine circulating FGF19 at early stages of biliary atresia and at short‐term follow‐up post‐Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) in relation to noncholestatic infants. The relationship between FGF19, BAs and markers for BA synthesis and hepatic gene expression of factors involved in BA metabolism were also evaluated.MethodsLiver tissue, portal and peripheral blood samples were obtained from fifteen patients at KPE; additional blood was collected 4–6 months after surgery. Two control groups were included; to examine possible changes related to surgery and to compare FGF19 in biliary atresia to noncholestatic infants.ResultsCirculating FGF19 levels correlated to its hepatic gene expression at time of KPE in biliary atresia and levels were elevated compared to noncholestatic infants. At follow‐up, FGF19 levels were markedly reduced, and the decline coincided with reductions in bilirubin and conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid and with increased levels of the BA synthesis marker C4.ConclusionElevated circulating FGF19 in biliary atresia is of hepatic origin and reduced following KPE. Changes in serum FGF19 may reflect the level of restoration of the enterohepatic circulation, and this warrants further long‐term studies on the role of FGF19 in the cholestatic liver.
Dietary thymol supplementation promotes skeletal muscle fibre type switch in longissimus dorsi of finishing pigs
Authors: Luo Pei , Luo Lv , Zhao Weijie , Wang Leshan , Sun Lijuan , Wu Hanyu , Li Yongxiang , Zhang Ruixue , Shu Gang , Wang Songbo , Gao Ping , Zhu Xiaotong , Xi Qianyun , Zhang Yongliang , Wang Lina , Jiang Qingyan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAs one of the key points related to meat quality, skeletal muscle fibre type is determined by energy metabolism and genetic factors, but its transformation could be also greatly influenced by many factors. Thymol, the primary effective ingredients of thyme, is well known for its anti‐oxidation and anti‐inflammatory, while little is known about its effect on skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism and fibre type switch. Therefore, in order to investigate its effects and possibility to be applied in livestock production, 36 150‐day‐old fattening Pigs were fed with different diet for six‐week experiment. As a result, the drip loss ratio of longissimus dorsi (LD) was significantly reduced (p < .05). Oxidative metabolism‐related enzyme activity, the mRNA levels and protein expression of COX5B and PGC1α, mRNA level of myosin heavy chain I (MyHC I) and protein level of MyHC IIa were significantly upregulated (p < .05). While compared with control group, the protein expression of MyHC IIb was significantly decreased (p < .05). The result revealed that thymol could promote the oxidative metabolism in the muscle of pigs and improve the meat quality to a certain extent.
The Significance of Contingency and Detours in Hans Blumenberg’s Philosophical Anthropology
Authors: Simpson Justin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlthough time was a predominate theme in Continental philosophy for the first half of the twentieth century, philosophical attention has increasingly shifted to space. This paper contributes to the phenomenology of space through Hans Blumenberg’s philosophical anthropology. Blumenberg elucidates the significance of phenomenological distance for the contingent existence of humans. Spanning from the experience of early human ancestors to history and epistemology, Blumenberg’s work reveals how contingency pervades human existence. Blumenberg understands names, myths, rhetoric, and metaphors as cultural techniques that function as means of self‐preservation by distancing an overwhelming and disorienting reality and managing the felt contingency of human existence. Developing upon Blumenberg’s insights into human contingency and distance, the paper argues that detours offer a way to address the contemporary, existential issues posed by the increasing rate of technological change and environmental problems.
MYXO‐CTERM sorting tag directs proteins to the cell surface via the type II secretion system
Authors: Sah Govind Prasad , Cao Pengbo , Wall Daniel 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCells interact with their surrounding environment through surface proteins. However, knowledge gaps remain in understanding how these important types of proteins are transported and anchored on the cell surface. In the Gram‐negative social bacterium, Myxococcus xanthus, a putative C‐terminal sorting tag (MYXO‐CTERM) is predicted to help direct 34 different proteins onto the cell surface. Here we investigate the sorting pathway for MYXO‐CTERM proteins by using the TraA cell surface receptor as a paradigm. Deleting this motif from TraA abolishes the cell surface anchoring and results in extracellular secretion. Our findings indicate that conserved cysteines within the MYXO‐CTERM are posttranslationally modified and are required for TraA cell surface localization and function. A region immediately upstream of these residues is predicted to be disordered and removing this motif caused a secretion defect and blocked cell surface anchoring. We further show that the type II secretion system is required for translocation across the outer membrane and that a cysteine‐rich region directs TraA to the T2SS. Similar results were found with another MYXO‐CTERM protein indicating our findings can be generalized. Further, we show the universal distribution of MXYO‐CTERM motif across the Myxococcales order and provide a working model for sorting of these proteins.
Intra‐strain biological and epidemiological characterization of plum pox virus
Authors: Maejima Kensaku , Hashimoto Masayoshi , Hagiwara‐Komoda Yuka , Miyazaki Akio , Nishikawa Masanobu , Tokuda Ryosuke , Kumita Kohei , Maruyama Noriko , Namba Shigetou , Yamaji Yasuyuki 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPlum pox virus (PPV) is one of the most important plant viruses causing serious economic losses. Thus far, strain typing based on the definition of 10 monophyletic strains with partially differentiable biological properties has been the sole approach used for epidemiological characterization of PPV. However, elucidating the genetic determinants underlying intra‐strain biological variation among populations or isolates remains a relevant but unexamined aspect of the epidemiology of the virus. In this study, based on complete nucleotide sequence information of 210 Japanese and 47 non‐Japanese isolates of the PPV‐Dideron (D) strain, we identified five positively selected sites in the PPV‐D genome. Among them, molecular studies showed that amino acid substitutions at position 2,635 in viral replicase correlate with viral titre and competitiveness at the systemic level, suggesting that amino acid position 2,635 is involved in aphid transmission efficiency and symptom severity. Estimation of ancestral genome sequences indicated that substitutions at amino acid position 2,635 were reversible and peculiar to one of two genetically distinct PPV‐D populations in Japan. The reversible amino acid evolution probably contributes to the dissemination of the virus population. This study provides the first genomic insight into the evolutionary epidemiology of PPV based on intra‐strain biological variation ascribed to positive selection.