bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potassium supplementation blunts the effects of high salt intake on serum retinol‐binding protein 4 levels in healthy individuals
Authors: Liu Fuqiang , Zhang Ronghuai , Zhang Wei , Zhu Ling , Yu Qi , Liu Zhongwei , Zhang Yong , Pan Shuo , Wang Yang , Chu Chao , Hu Li , Wang Qingyu , Yu Jiadong , Mu Jianjun , Wang Junkui 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionExcessive dietary salt or low potassium intakes are strongly correlated with insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In epidemiological and experimental studies, increased serum retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Herein, we hypothesized that RBP4 might be an adipocyte‐derived “signal” that plays the crucial role in salt‐related insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to assess whether salt consumption and potassium supplementation influence serum RBP4 levels in healthy individuals.Materials and MethodsA total of 42 participants (aged 25–50 years) in a rural area of Northern China were successively provided normal (3 days at baseline), low‐salt (7 days; 3 g/day NaCl) and high‐salt (7 days; 18 g/day) diets, and a high‐salt diet with potassium additive (7 days; 18 g/day NaCl and 4.5 g/day KCl). Urinary sodium and potassium were measured to ensure compliance to dietary intervention. Then, RBP4 levels were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsHigh salt intake significantly raised serum RBP4 levels in healthy participants (17.5 ± 0.68 vs 28.6 ± 1.02 µg/mL). This phenomenon was abrogated by potassium supplementation (28.6 ± 1.02 vs 17.6 ± 0.88 µg/mL). In addition, RBP4 levels presented positive (r = 0.528, P < 0.01) and negative (r = −0.506, P < 0.01) associations with 24‐h urinary sodium‐ and potassium excretion levels.ConclusionsRBP4 synthesis is motivated by high salt intake and revoked by potassium supplementation. Our pioneer work has contributed to the present understanding of salt‐induced insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The evolution of sexually dimorphic cuticular hydrocarbons in blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Butterworth Nathan J. , Wallman James F. , Drijfhout Falko P. , Johnston Nikolas P. , Keller Paul A. , Byrne Phillip G. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are organic compounds found on the cuticles of all insects which can act as close‐contact pheromones, while also providing a hydrophobic barrier to water loss. Given their widespread importance in sexual behaviour and survival, CHCs have likely contributed heavily to the adaptation and speciation of insects. Despite this, the patterns and mechanisms of their diversification have been studied in very few taxa. Here, we perform the first study of CHC diversification in blowflies, focussing on wild populations of the ecologically diverse genus Chrysomya. We convert CHC profiles into qualitative and quantitative traits and assess their inter‐ and intra‐specific variation across 10 species. We also construct a global phylogeny of Chrysomya, onto which CHCs were mapped to explore the patterns of their diversification. For the first time, we demonstrate that blowflies express an exceptional diversity of CHCs, which have diversified in a nonphylogenetic and punctuated manner, are species‐specific and sexually dimorphic. It is likely that both ecological and sexual selection have shaped these patterns of CHC diversification, and our study now provides a comprehensive framework for testing such hypotheses.
HOW DID THE FINANCIAL CRISIS AFFECT SMALL‐BUSINESS LENDING IN THE UNITED STATES?
Authors: Cole Rebel A. , Damm Jason 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe analyze changes in lending by U.S. banks to businesses from 1994 to 2011. We find that lending to businesses, and in particular to small businesses, declined precipitously following onset of the financial crisis. We also examine the relative changes in business lending by banks that did, and did not, receive Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) funds from the U.S. Treasury, and find that banks receiving capital injections from the TARP failed to increase their small‐business lending. Finally, we find strong and significant positive relations of both bank capital adequacy and profitability with small‐business lending.
The Repercussions of Parental Depression for Perceptions of Coparental Cooperation
Authors: Turney Kristin , Hardie Jessica Halliday 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates the repercussions of parental depression for perceptions of coparental cooperation.BackgroundDepression is a common mental health condition that can interrupt the family system by constraining mothers' and fathers' abilities to perform parenting roles. There are also reasons to expect that the relationship between depression and coparental cooperation varies by parents' residential and repartnership status.MethodIn this article, the authors used longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 3,494) and structural equation modeling to examine the relationship between parental prior and current depression and coparental cooperation, the explanatory power of four sets of mediators (relationship status and quality, parenting stress, economic well‐being, and child behavior), and how residential and repartnership status moderate the associations between parental depression and coparental cooperation.FindingsResults suggest three primary findings. First, both prior and current maternal and paternal depression had repercussions for coparental relationships. Second, the association between parental depression and coparental cooperation was indirect, operating predominately through relationship status and quality. Third, the association between parental depression and coparental cooperation was, by and large, not contingent on parental residential status or repartnership status.ConclusionThese findings elucidate the pathways and contingencies through which parental depression alters the coparental relationship.
Mast cells exhibit intracellular microbicidal activity against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: de Lima Heliton G. , Pinke Karen H. , Lopes Marcelo M. R. , Buzalaf Camila P. , Campanelli Ana Paula , Lara Vanessa S. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveSeveral studies have demonstrated that mast cells are equipped with versatile tools to combat and kill bacteria. Additionally, mast cells produce and secrete a variety of mediators, which either regulate the host's immune system or directly attack bacteria. In this study, the intracellular microbicidal capacity of mast cells against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was evaluated.MethodsMurine mast cells were challenged in vitro with A actinomycetemcomitans for 3, 5, 10, and 24 hours. Subsequently, the colony‐forming units were counted. Additionally, the production and release of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide were analyzed by DAF‐FM diacetate, the Griess reaction, and the Amplex Red kit, respectively. Cell death was evaluated using FITC Annexin V and propidium iodide staining.ResultsMast cells are able to efficiently eliminate periodontopathogen, with best results after 10 hours of intracellular challenge. The production/release of nitric oxide—and to a lesser extent of hydrogen peroxide—by mast cells was in agreement with its microbicidal capacity. Ninety percent of the mast cells maintained their cellular viability even after 24 hours of bacterial challenge.ConclusionsThis is—to the best of our knowledge—the first report to describe the intracellular microbicidal activity of mast cells against A actinomycetemcomitans, concerning the production and release of potentially bactericidal substances. Further, the low number of cell deaths confirms that the decreased number of colony‐forming units was due to the higher antimicrobial activity of mast cells. The results highlight the importance of these cells in the defense mechanisms of biofilm‐induced periodontal disease.
How Tony Melcher advanced our understanding of periodontal biology and regeneration
Authors: Brunette Donald M. , Ellen Richard P. , McCulloch Christopher A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTony Melcher, a highly influential and forward‐thinking scientist and teacher, focussed on the origins, behaviour and regulation of cells in periodontal tissues. His recent death in April 2020, has motivated us to highlight his multi‐level contributions to research in biology and the dental sciences. Tony was particularly adept at recognizing the inherent instructive power of the periodontium, most notably as a model system for studying the inter‐relationships between the structure, development and functions of connective tissues. Further, his mentoring of dozens of students who subsequently went on to develop their own careers in research, and his leadership in promoting collaborations in dental sciences world‐wide, engendered important advances in the importance and utility of research relating to oral tissues. Here, we reflect upon his development of a large, multi‐disciplinary research enterprise, the MRC Group in Periodontal Physiology at the University of Toronto and brief commentaries of those who worked with him there. We examine his early career development and then go on to consider some of his most highly cited publications and their impact on subsequent research trends.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Shin Jaeseung , Lee Sunyoung , Bae Heejin , Chung Yong Eun , Choi Jin‑Young , Huh Yong‐Min , Park Mi‑Suk 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground & aimsContrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) is a comprehensive system for standardizing CEUS at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We performed a meta‐analysis to determine the diagnostic performance of the CEUS LR‐5 for HCC and the pooled proportions of HCCs in each CEUS LI‐RADS category.MethodsWe searched multiple databases for studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of the CEUS LI‐RADS. Random‐effects model was used to determine summary estimates of the diagnostic performance of CEUS LR‐5 and the pooled proportions of HCCs in each CEUS LI‐RADS category. Risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability were evaluated with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.ResultsEleven studies were included in the final analysis, which consisted of 5535 observations with 3983 HCCs. The pooled per‐observation sensitivity and specificity of the CEUS LR‐5 for diagnosing HCC were 69% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64%–73%) and 92% (95% CI, 83%–96%) respectively. The pooled proportions of HCCs were 0% (95% CI, 0‐0%) for LR‐1, 1% (95% CI, 0%–4%) for CEUS LR‐2, 26% (95% CI, 14%–39%) for CEUS LR‐3, 77% (95% CI, 68%–86%) for CEUS LR‐4, 97% (95% CI, 95%–98%) for CEUS LR‐5, 57% (95% CI, 44%–69%) for CEUS LR‐M and 100% (95% CI, 93%–100%) for CEUS LR‐5V or TIV.ConclusionsThe CEUS LR‐5 category showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity for diagnosing HCC. The proportion of HCCs was higher in the higher CEUS LI‐RADS categories.
Recent developments and ongoing trials in transplant oncology
Authors: Moeckli Beat , Ivanics Tommy , Claasen Marco , Toso Christian , Sapisochin Gonzalo 
Published: July 2020

AbstractOver the past two decades since the introduction of the Milan criteria, the field of transplant oncology has undergone a rapid development with a rising proportion of liver transplantations being performed for oncological indications. For many patients with liver tumours, transplantation represents the only chance for cure. However, many challenges remain, such as the adequate patient selection, management of post‐transplant recurrence and refinement of neoadjuvant treatment protocols. This review provides an overview of the current state of the art of liver transplantation for oncological indications such as hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal liver metastasis and metastatic neuroendocrine tumours. We also summarize the ongoing research and explore future trends. Clinical trials are currently studying new diagnostic modalities, innovative pharmacological treatments, novel surgical techniques, downstaging regimens and new indications for liver transplantation. These emerging results will continue to shape the field of transplant oncology and provide us with the necessary tools to better select, treat and follow patients with liver tumours qualifying for liver transplantation.
Leptomeningeal myelomatosis with hypertrophy of the cauda equina nerve roots: A case report
Authors: Sugimoto Takamichi , Takasuka Hiroki , Ishikawa Ruoyi , Tazuma Taku , Hayashi Masahiro , Mine Naoko , Naito Hiroyuki , Nomura Eiichi , Shiote Yasuhiro , Yamawaki Takemori 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPatients with multiple myeloma often have neurologic complications, but infiltration of the leptomeninges is rare. We present a case of difficulty walking with multiple myeloma and leptomeningeal myelomatosis, which was characterized by cauda equina hypertrophy. Sciatica and positive straight leg raising test were accompanied with hypertrophy. This highlights the importance of consideration for MRI imaging to detect cauda equina lesion in patients of difficulty walking with multiple myeloma.
State‐of‐the‐art of measures of the obesogenic environment for children
Authors: Mei Kun , Huang Hong , Xia Fang , Hong Andy , Chen Xiang , Zhang Chi , Qiu Ge , Chen Gang , Wang Zhenfeng , Wang Chongjian , Yang Bo , Xiao Qian , Jia Peng 
Published: July 2020

SummaryVarious measures of the obesogenic environment have been proposed and used in childhood obesity research. The variety of measures poses methodological challenges to designing new research because methodological characteristics integral to developing the measures vary across studies. A systematic review has been conducted to examine the associations between different levels of obesogenic environmental measures (objective or perceived) and childhood obesity. The review includes all articles published in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus by 31 December 2018. A total of 339 associations in 101 studies have been identified from 18 countries, of which 78 are cross‐sectional. Overall, null associations are predominant. Among studies with non‐null associations, negative relationships between healthy food outlets in residential neighbourhoods and childhood obesity is found in seven studies; positive associations between unhealthy food outlets and childhood obesity are found in eight studies, whereas negative associations are found in three studies. Measures of recreational or physical activity facilities around the participants' home are also negatively correlated to childhood obesity in nine out of 15 studies. Results differ by the types of measurement, environmental indicators and geographic units used to characterize obesogenic environments in residential and school neighbourhoods. To improve the study quality and compare reported findings, a reporting standard for spatial epidemiological research should be adopted.
A 1.7‐Mb chromosomal inversion downstream of a PpOFP1 gene is responsible for flat fruit shape in peach
Authors: Zhou Hui , Ma Ruijuan , Gao Lei , Zhang Jinyun , Zhang Aidi , Zhang Xiujun , Ren Fei , Zhang Weihan , Liao Liao , Yang Qiurui , Xu Shengli , Otieno Ogutu Collins , Zhao Jianbo , Yu Mingliang , Jiang Quan , Korban Schuyler S. , Han Yuepeng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractFlat peaches have become popular worldwide due to their novelty and convenience. The peach flat fruit trait is genetically controlled by a single gene at the S locus, but its genetic basis remains unclear. Here, we report a 1.7‐Mb chromosomal inversion downstream of a candidate gene encoding OVATE Family Protein, designated PpOFP1, as the causal mutation for the peach flat fruit trait. Genotyping of 727 peach cultivars revealed an occurrence of this large inversion in flat peaches, but absent in round peaches. Ectopic overexpression of PpOFP1 resulted in oval‐shaped leaves and shortened siliques in Arabidopsis, suggesting its role in repressing cell elongation. Transcriptional activation of PpOFP1 by the chromosomal inversion may repress vertical elongation in flat‐shaped fruits at early stages of development, resulting in the flat fruit shape. Moreover, PpOFP1 can interact with fruit elongation activator PpTRM17, suggesting a regulatory network controlling fruit shape in peach. Additionally, screening of peach wild relatives revealed an exclusive presence of the chromosomal inversion in P. ferganensis, supporting that this species is the ancestor of the domesticated peach. This study provides new insights into mechanisms underlying fruit shape evolution and molecular tools for genetic improvement of fruit shape trait in peach breeding programmes.
Mortality salience, effort, and cardiovascular response to a bar‐press challenge: Remarkably nuanced effects of a death prime on heart performance
Authors: Mlynski Christopher , Reza Ariel , Whitted Melissa , Wright Rex A. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe presented participants with a bar‐pressing challenge relevant to their identity after having exposed them to a prime that made their mortality more or less salient. For some participants, difficulty was low; for others, it was high; for the rest, it was unfixed. As expected, heart pre‐ejection period responses—reflecting heart contraction force—were (a) stronger under high‐salience conditions when difficulty was high and unfixed, but (b) low regardless of salience when difficulty was low. Findings bear out conceptually and extend results from a previous experiment. In doing so, they add substantively to a new line of support for terror management theory and document the predictive utility of a proposed blended analysis of associated effort processes. The blended analysis speaks to the way in which motives to manage existential terror should convert into active goal striving and to the impact that existential threat might have on aspects of autonomic arousal.
To Sample or Not to Sample? An Analysis of the Need for Salmonella Sampling of Smaller Poultry Processors
Authors: Hill Andrew , Muñoz Violeta , Downes Jane , Schuppers Manon , Buncic Sava , O'Brien Sarah , Stärk Katharina D. C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWithin the European Union (EU), microbiological criteria (MC) sampling for Salmonella in poultry was introduced in 2005. In particular, processors had to meet a target of fewer than seven positive samples out of 50. However, processors producing small amounts of poultry meat did not have to sample if national authorities determined this was an acceptable risk. The U.K. Food Standards Agency (FSA) thus has a sampling regime based on throughput that allows smaller processors not to sample. In 2011, the limit of 7/50 was reduced to 5/50. Given the current uncertainty regarding U.K. trade relations with the EU, the U.K. FSA decided to conduct a new risk assessment of the risks of Salmonella produced by smaller processors, to determine whether sampling was now necessary. Current evidence suggests that an MC sampling regime in smaller slaughterhouses is not warranted from a national public health perspective. Because of the insensitivities of the MC sampling scheme, the introduction of MC sampling into smaller slaughterhouses would only be necessary if the suspected carcass prevalence was 15% or more. While our analysis is prone to uncertainty, we estimated that the carcass prevalence in smaller processors is below this. Thus, we recommended that the current sampling framework, allowing smaller processors not to sample, was still applicable.
A Precautionary Assessment of Systemic Projections and Promises From Sunlight Reflection and Carbon Removal Modeling
Authors: Low Sean , Honegger Matthias 
Published: July 2020

AbstractClimate change is a paradigmatic example of systemic risk. Recently, proposals for large‐scale interventions—carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation management (SRM)—have started to redefine climate governance strategies. We describe how evolving modeling practices are trending toward optimized and “best‐case” projections—portraying deployment schemes that create both technically slanted and politically sanitized profiles of risk, as well as ideal objectives for CDR and SRM as mitigation‐enhancing, time‐buying mechanisms for carbon transitions or vulnerable populations. As promises, stylized and hopeful projections may selectively reinforce industry and political activities built around the inertia of the carbon economy. Some evidence suggests this is the emerging case for certain kinds of CDR, where the prospect of future carbon capture substitutes for present mitigation. Either of these implications are systemic: explorations of climatic futures may entrench certain carbon infrastructures. We point out efforts and recommendations to forestall this trend in the implementation of the Paris Agreement, by creating more stakeholder input and strengthening political realism in modeling and other assessments, as well as through policy guardrails.
Scleral defect repair using decellularized porcine sclera in a rabbit model
Authors: Wang Fuyan , Zhao Long , Li Hua , Li Dongfang , Zhou Mingming , Zhou Qingjun , Xie Lixin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe sclera is one of the most commonly used repair materials in ophthalmic plastic surgery and is often used for supporting, wrapping, filling, and pressing during surgery. Although the sclera plays an irreplaceable role in ophthalmology applications, there are many restrictive factors, such as high costs and limited sources. Here, we report the use of a decellularized porcine sclera (DPS) for scleral reconstruction in rabbit models.MethodsThe DPS generated by a hybrid decellularization protocol was characterized in respect of histological observation, DNA, α‐gal, GAG, and collagen content. The mechanical properties were evaluated by uniaxial tensile testing. LIVE/DEAD and Cell Counting Kit (CCK)‐8 assays were performed to assess its in vitro cytocompatibility and cytotoxicity. In vivo biocompatibility and biointegration of the DPS for repairing scleral defect in rabbit were measured by slit‐lamp and histological analyses. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to detect the expression of CD4, CD8, CD45, CD68, and vimentin.ResultsThrough decellularization, the major xenoantigen DNA and α‐gal are efficiently removed while abundant matrix components and mechanical properties are well preserved in the DPS. Extracts of the DPS and DPS samples had no inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HFSFs. Moreover, there was no sign that an immune reaction occurred in or around the transplanted DPS grafts within 28 days of animal implantation.ConclusionThe decellularization strategy we developed is feasible and effective. The prepared DPS holds great potential for the repair of scleral injury.