bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR5 activation in hepatocytes alleviates the functional suppression of intrahepatic CD8+ T cells
Authors: Yan Hu , Zhong Maohua , Yang Jingyi , Guo Jiabao , Yu Jie , Yang Yi , Ma Zhiyong , Zhao Bali , Zhang Yue , Wang Junzhong , Wu Chunchen , Dittmer Ulf , Yang Dongliang , Lu Mengji , Zhang Ejuan , Yan Huimin 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe liver is an immune‐privileged organ with a tolerogenic environment for maintaining liver homeostasis. This hepatic tolerance limits the intrahepatic CD8+ T‐cell response for eliminating infections. The tolerant microenvironment in the liver is orchestrated by liver‐specific immunoregulatory cells that can be functionally regulated by pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Here, we report that flagellin, a key PAMP of gut bacteria, modulates the intrahepatic CD8+ T‐cell response by activating the TLR5 signalling pathway of hepatocytes. We found that mice treated with Salmonella‐derived recombinant flagellin (SF) by hydrodynamic injection had a significantly elevated IFN‐γ production by the intrahepatic lymphocytes in 7 days after injection. This was correlated with a reduced immune suppressive effect of primary mouse hepatocytes (PMHs) in comparison with that of PMHs from mock‐injected control mice. In vitro co‐culture of SF‐treated PMHs with splenocytes revealed that hepatocyte‐induced immune suppression is alleviated through activation of the TLR5 but not the NLRC4 signalling pathway, leading to improved activation and function of CD8+ T cells during anti‐CD3 stimulation or antigen‐specific activation. In an acute HBV replication mouse model established by co‐administration of SF together with an HBV‐replicating plasmid by hydrodynamic injection, SF significantly enhanced the intrahepatic HBV‐specific CD8+ T‐cell response against HBV surface antigen. Our results clearly showed that flagellin plays a role in modulating the intrahepatic CD8+ T‐cell response by activating the TLR5 pathway in PMHs, which suggests a potential role for gut bacteria in regulating liver immunity.
Cochlear Potentials of the Pigeon Inner Ear Recorded with Microelectrodes
Authors: J⊘rgensen Finn Ove 
Published: August 2020

AbstractJ⊘rgensen, F. O. Cochlear potentials of the pigeon inner ear recorded with microelectrodes. Acta physiol. scand. 1977. 100. 393‐403.The CM‐intensity function (i.e. the relation between the amplitude of the cochlear potential (CM) and the sound pressure level) of the avian ear has previously been shown to deviate from the mammalian ear with respect to the slope of the linear part of the function. The lower slope values found in the perilymphatic space of the avian ear have been interpreted to indicate a damping influence of the tegmentum vasculosum on the mechanical vibration of the basilar membrane. In this study the CM‐intensity function has been examined on either side of the tegmentum vasculosum of the pigeon ear using microelectrode technique. The slope of the linear part of the CM‐intensity function in scala vestibuli was found to be a function of the sound frequency approaching unity at higher frequencies. In ductus cochlearis the slope of the linear part of the CM‐intensity function was close to unity at most frequencies except the best frequency for the electrode position. At this frequency (3‐4 kHz) the slope value was low. These findings from the ductus cochlearis are similar to findings in scala media of the mammalian ear. Thus the influence of tegmentum vasculosum on CM in scala vestibuli may be due to passive electrical properties of the tissue and not to the mechanical vibration of the basilar membrane.
SHORTER INTERVAL BETWEEN CYCLES OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, DOXORUBICIN, CISPLATIN USING RECOMBINANT HUMAN GRANULOCYTE COLONY‐STIMULATING FACTOR FOR UROTHELIAL CANCER — PHASE I/II STUDY
Authors: Yoshida Osamu , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Arai Yoichi , Tomoyoshi Tadao , Okada Yusaku , Matsuda Tadashi , Mikami Osamu , Fukuyama Takuo , Hida Shuichi , Okabe Tatsushiro 
Published: August 2020

BackgroundDespite improvement in the response rate and protraction of the progression‐free period of urothelial cancer produced by chemotherapy, severe bone marrow suppression often results in delays in the initiation of treatment cycles and/or decreases in drug dosages. Reduction of leukopenia during chemotherapy has been demonstrated by the combined administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) in various malignancies.MethodsA phase I/II study was conducted to assess whether the interval between cycles of CISCA (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, cisplatin) chemotherapy could be shortened under support of recombinant human granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (rhG‐CSF) for urothelial cancer. Three or more patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract were allocated to each of four different treatment intervals (step 1: 28 days, step 2: 21 days, step 3: 17 days, and step 4: 14 days) by reducing the interval in a step‐wise manner. Two mg/kg/day of a rhG‐CSF, lenograstim, was injected subcutaneously on days 3 to 16 (until day 14 for the 14‐day interval group).ResultsSixteen patients were enrolled, four patients were treated with the step 1 protocol, five with step 2, four with step 3, and three with step 4. Leukopenia/neutropenia was the most severe toxic reaction, but none of the patients at any step manifested neutropenia of WHO grade 4 for more than four days. There were no significant differences in the hematological and nonhematological toxicities among the 4 steps. Seven of eight patients with measurable diseases were treated with CISCA on shortened schedules (steps 2–4), and one complete remission (CR) and four partial responses (PR) were demonstrated.ConclusionsCISCA chemotherapy supported by rhG‐CSF was safely shortened to a 14‐day interval in the pilot study. The potential role of rhG‐CSF in shortening the interval of CISCA, as well as the benefit of the intensified schedule, remains to be clarified.
Is preoperative fasting necessary?
Authors: Popilskis Sulli , Danilo Peter , Acosta Harry , Kohn Dennis 
Published: August 2020

The effects of fasting and of histamine (H2) antagonists on gastric volume and acidity were studied in 56 baboons undergoing various surgical procedures under general anesthesia and randomly allocated into 4 groups; group A—fasted for 14 hours; group B—given 100‐120 ml of water 3 hours before surgery; groups C and D—also given 100‐120 ml of water 3 hours before surgery; in addition, the former received cimetidine 10 mg/kg IM and the latter ranitidine 1.5 mg/kg IM 30‐40 minutes before anesthesia. There were no significant differences between groups A and B with respect to the gastric volume and pH. Both ranitidine and cimetidine significantly (P < 0.02) reduced gastric volume and increased gastric pH. Thus, prolonged withholding of oral fluids does not reduce the gastric volume or increase gastric pH. H2‐antagonists are effective in reducing both gastric residual volume and pH.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma in capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella). Report of two cases
Authors: Grana Daniel , Mareso Eduardo , Gomez Elena 
Published: August 2020

Two neoplasms were observed in two feral male Cebus apella monkeys of approximately 12 and 14 years of age. Histologically, the tumors were well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, one affecting the soft and hard palates reaching the nasal cavity and the other involving the oral cavity floor and the inferior maxillar.
Interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Puertas Lorena , Márquez‐Hernández Verónica V. , Gutiérrez‐Puertas Vanesa , Granados‐Gámez Genoveva , Aguilera‐Manrique Gabriel 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimThe objective of this study was to explore interpersonal communication, empathy, and stress perceived by nursing students who use social networks.DesignA cross‐sectional study was performed.MethodsA convenience sample of 135 nursing students. For data collection, the following instruments were used: The WhatsApp Negative Impact Scale, The Perceived Stress Scale, The Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory, and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Data collection took place in February 2020.ResultsA negative correlation was found between the WhatsApp Negative Impact and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = −0.204; p = .019). Conversely, a positive correlation was also observed between the Interpersonal Communication Competence Inventory and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (rs = 0.212; p = .014).ConclusionNursing students’ use of new technology could be problematic and interfere with their therapeutic communication skills.ImpactThis study addresses the problem of social network use in the clinical setting and how this can influence nursing students’ therapeutic communication skills with patients. The results of this study have showed that, among nursing students, social network use has a negative impact, showing decreased empathy. Likewise, students who show a greater level of empathy have better interpersonal communication skills. However, significant results were not found between psychological distress and problematic social network use. Therefore, it is necessary to perform additional studies that would further explore this aspect. This study allows us to explore the negative impact of social networks on therapeutic communication, with the aim of developing prevention strategies at university institutions.
Ambulatory blood pressure phenotypes and isolated elevation of office central or brachial blood pressure
Authors: Feitosa Audes D. M. , Paiva Annelise M. G. , Mota‐Gomes Marco A. , Brandão Andréa A. , Sposito Andrei C. , Nadruz Wilson 
Published: August 2020

AbstractDisagreements in office brachial and central blood pressure (BP) have resulted in the identification of novel hypertension phenotypes, namely isolated central hypertension (ICH) and isolated brachial hypertension (IBH). This study investigated the relationship of ICH and IBH with ambulatory BP phenotypes among 753 individuals (mean age = 47.6 ± 15.2 years, 48% males) who underwent office and 24‐hours brachial and central BP measures using a Mobil‐O‐Graph PWA monitor. Thresholds for elevated office central and brachial BP were 130/90 and 140/90 mm Hg. Results of multivariable analysis adjusted for potential confounders showed that ICH (n = 25) had 3.71‐fold (95% CI 1.48‐9.32; P = .005) greater risk of masked hypertension than normal brachial/central BP (n = 362), while IBH (n = 20) had 4.65‐fold (95% CI 1.76‐12.25; P = .002) greater risk of white coat hypertension compared with combined brachial/central hypertension (n = 346). These findings suggest that the diagnosis of ICH and IBH might be useful in identifying individuals at higher risk of presenting discordant office and ambulatory BP phenotypes.
Toll‐like receptor involvement in adolescent scoliotic facet joint degeneration
Authors: Bisson Daniel G. , Sheng Kai , Kocabas Semsi , Krock Emerson , Teles Alisson , Saran Neil , Ouellet Jean A. , Haglund Lisbet 
Published: August 2020

AbstractFacet joint osteoarthritis is prevalent in young patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and might contribute to back pain. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) have been linked to cartilaginous tissue degeneration but their involvement in facet joint osteoarthritis in AIS patients is still unknown. We compared baseline gene expression levels of TLRs ‐1, ‐2, ‐4, and ‐6 in scoliotic and non‐scoliotic chondrocytes and found higher expression levels in scoliotic chondrocytes with significantly higher TLR2 levels. Furthermore, TLR expression correlated strongly and significantly with inflammatory and catabolic markers in scoliotic but not in non‐scoliotic chondrocytes. TLR activation with a synthetic TLR2/6 agonist resulted in a robust induction and release of pro‐inflammatory and catabolic factors which exacerbated proteoglycan loss in scoliotic but not in non‐scoliotic cartilage. We also detected a higher abundance of alarmins including S100A8/9 and biglycan in scoliotic cartilage. Finally, the small‐molecule antagonists Sparstolonin B and o‐Vanillin reduced catabolism following induction with naturally occurring alarmins and the synthetic TLR2/6 agonist. The high baseline expression, robust responsiveness and strong and significant correlation with proteases and pro‐inflammatory cytokines suggest that TLRs are key regulators of facet joint degeneration in AIS. Blocking their activity could therefore potentially modify disease progression.
Mechanism of traumatic heterotopic ossification: In search of injury‐induced osteogenic factors
Authors: Li La , Tuan Rocky S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractHeterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological condition of abnormal bone formation in soft tissue. Three factors have been proposed as required to induce HO: (a) osteogenic precursor cells, (b) osteoinductive agents and (c) an osteoconductive environment. Since Urist's landmark discovery of bone induction in skeletal muscle tissue by demineralized bone matrix, it is generally believed that skeletal muscle itself is a conductive environment for osteogenesis and that resident progenitor cells in skeletal muscle are capable of differentiating into osteoblast to form bone. However, little is known about the naturally occurring osteoinductive agents that triggered this osteogenic response in the first place. This article provides a review of the emerging findings regarding distinct types of HO to summarize the current understanding of HO mechanisms, with special attention to the osteogenic factors that are induced following injury. Specifically, we hypothesize that muscle injury‐induced up‐regulation of local bone morphogenetic protein‐7 (BMP‐7) level, combined with glucocorticoid excess‐induced down‐regulation of circulating transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) level, could be an important causative mechanism of traumatic HO formation.
WISP1 alleviates lipid deposition in macrophages via the PPARγ/CD36 pathway in the plaque formation of atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Dian , Wang Xuyang , Zhang Mingjun , Tian Jingjing , Liu Ming , Jin Tao , Pan Jinyu , Gao Mingxiao , An Fengshuang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLipid deposition in macrophages plays an important role in atherosclerosis. The WNT1‐inducible signalling pathway protein 1(WISP1) can promote proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells. Its expression is up‐regulated in obesity, which is associated with atherosclerosis, but the effect of WISP1 on atherosclerosis remains unclear. Thus, the objective of our study was to elucidate the role of WISP and its mechanism of action in atherosclerosis via in vivo and in vitro experiments. In our experiment, ApoE‐/‐ mice were divided into 5 groups: control, high‐fat diet (HFD), null lentivirus (HFD + NC), lentivirus WISP1 (HFD + IvWISP1) and WISP1‐shRNA (HFD + shWISP1). Oil Red O staining, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry of the aortic sinuses were conducted. Macrophages (RAW264.7 cell lines and peritoneal macrophages) were stimulated with 50 μg/mL oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL); then, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured. Oil Red O staining and Dil‐ox‐LDL (ox‐LDL with Dil dye) uptake measurements were used to test lipid deposition of peritoneal macrophages. WISP1, CD36, SR‐A and PPARγ expression levels were measured via Western blotting and ELISA. The results showed that HFD mice had increased WISP1, CD36 and SR‐A levels. The plaque lesion area increased when WISP1 was down‐regulated, and lipid uptake and foam cell formation were inhibited when WISP1 was up‐regulated. Treatment of RAW264.7 cell lines with ox‐LDL increased WISP1 expression via activation of the Wnt5a/β‐catenin pathway, whereas ROS inhibition reduced WISP1 expression. Moreover, WISP1 down‐regulated CD36 and SR‐A expression, and Oil Red O staining and Dil‐ox‐LDL uptake measurement showed that WISP1 down‐regulated lipid deposition in macrophages. These results clearly demonstrate that WISP1 is activated by ox‐LDL at high ROS levels and can alleviate lipid deposition in atherosclerosis through the PPARγ/CD36 pathway.
Atopic dermatitis and bone health: a systematic review
Authors: Mukovozov I.M. , Morra D.E. , Giustini D. , Tadrous M. , Cheung A.M. , Drucker A.M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with systemic inflammation and systemic corticosteroid use which can lead to poor bone health. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the relationship between AD and bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis and fractures. We searched Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE and Embase. Title, abstract and full‐text screening, and data extraction were done in duplicate. Quality appraisal was performed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Methodology Checklist (cross‐sectional studies) and Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (cohort studies). We screened 3800 abstracts and included fifteen studies (twelve cross‐sectional, three cohort). In cross‐sectional studies, AD was associated with decreased BMD and increased fractures. In cross‐sectional studies and a cohort study, AD was associated with a higher prevalence of osteoporosis compared to controls. There was inconsistency across studies, with some finding no association. In a large cohort study, AD was associated with increased risk of fractures of the hip (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.11), spine (HR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.23) and wrist (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.10), with further increased risk with more severe AD. Differences between studies precluded quantitative synthesis. There is some evidence supporting an association between AD and poor bone health. Research is needed to clarify this association, underlying mechanisms and develop strategies to improve bone health of individuals with AD.
The impact of COVID‐19 on small business owners: Evidence from the first three months after widespread social‐distancing restrictions
Authors: Fairlie Robert 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSocial‐distancing restrictions and health‐ and economic‐driven demand shifts from COVID‐19 are expected to shutter many small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, but there is very little early evidence on impacts. This paper provides the first analysis of impacts of the pandemic on the number of active small businesses in the United States using nationally representative data from the April 2020 Current Population Survey—the first month fully capturing early effects. The number of active business owners in the United States plummeted by 3.3 million or 22% over the crucial 2‐month window from February to April 2020. The drop in active business owners was the largest on record, and losses to business activity were felt across nearly all industries. African‐American businesses were hit especially hard experiencing a 41% drop in business activity. Latinx business owner activity fell by 32%, and Asian business owner activity dropped by 26%. Simulations indicate that industry compositions partly placed these groups at a higher risk of business activity losses. Immigrant business owners experienced substantial losses in business activity of 36%. Female business owners were also disproportionately affected (25% drop in business activity). Continuing the analysis in May and June, the number of active business owners remained low—down by 15% and 8%, respectively. The continued losses in May and June, and partial rebounds from April were felt across all demographic groups and most industries. These findings of early‐stage losses to small business activity have important implications for policy, income losses, and future economic inequality.
Optimization of decontamination conditions for Aspergillus flavus inoculated to military rations snack and physicochemical properties with atmospheric cold plasma
Authors: Bagheri Hadi , Abbaszadeh Sepideh , Salari Amir 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this study, the effectiveness of ACP in inactivating Aspergillus flavus inoculated to military rations snack using response surface methodology (RSM) was investigated. Additionally, the effect of this treatment on the total count and yeast–mold count, as well as some quality properties of military rations snack, was examined. RSM was applied to study the voltage effects (5–15 kV), the distance between ACP emitter and sample (3–7 cm), and different treatment time (2–10 min) on the physicochemical properties of the military rations snack. Increasing voltage and time, together with reducing distance, caused a decrease in A. flavus, total count, yeast and mold count, total aflatoxin, as well as color difference. The peroxide value also increased with increasing voltage levels. The optimum conditions for treated military rations snack by ACP are as follows: a system voltage of 9 kV, a distance of 3 cm between the sample and the emitter, and a time of 6 min. Under these conditions, the responses, including the utmost reduction of 4.31 log CFU/g for the total count, 4.64 log CFU/g for yeast–mold count, and 2.98 log CFU/g for A. flavus were found from starting level of 5.2, 2, and 3.1 log CFU/g, respectively. It was found that snack samples had a 3.66% decrease in moisture content, 76.13% decrease in total aflatoxin, 3.01% increase in color difference, and 0.22 meq O2.kg/oil increase in peroxide value as a result of ACP application. ACP has the potential to increase microbiological safety by maintaining desirable quality properties in military rations snack.
Association of Billed Advance Care Planning with End‐of‐Life Care Intensity for 2017 Medicare Decedents
Authors: Gupta Avni , Jin Ginger , Reich Amanda , Prigerson Holly G. , Ladin Keren , Kim Dae , Ashana Deepshikha Charan , Cooper Zara , Halpern Scott D. , Weissman Joel S. 
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVEThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reimburses clinicians for advance care planning (ACP) discussions with Medicare patients. The objective of the study was to examine the association of CMS‐billed ACP visits with end‐of‐life (EOL) healthcare utilization.DESIGNPatient‐level analyses of claims for the random 20% Medicare fee‐for‐service (FFS) sample of decedents in 2017. To account for multiple comparisons, Bonferroni adjusted P value <.008 was considered statistically significant.SETTINGNationally representative sample of Medicare FFS beneficiaries.PARTICIPANTSA total of 237,989 Medicare FFS beneficiaries who died in 2017 and included those with and without a billed ACP visit during 2016–17.INTERVENTIONThe key exposure variable was receipt of first billed ACP (none, >1 month before death).MEASUREMENTSSix measures of EOL healthcare utilization or intensity (inpatient admission, emergency department [ED] visit, intensive care unit [ICU] stay, and expenditures within 30 days of death, in‐hospital death, and first hospice within 3 days of death). Analyses was adjusted for age, race, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, expenditure by Dartmouth hospital referral region (high, medium, or low), and dual eligibility.RESULTSOverall, 6.3% (14,986) of the sample had at least one billed ACP visit. After multivariable adjustment, patients with an ACP visit experienced significantly less intensive EOL care on four of six measures: hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = .77; 95% confidence interval [CI] = .74–.79), ED visit (OR = .77; 95% CI = .75–.80), or ICU stay (OR = .78; 95% CI = .74–.81) within a month of death; and they were less likely to die in the hospital (OR = .79; 95% CI = .76–.82). There were no differences in the rate of late hospice enrollment (OR = .97; 95% CI = .92–1.01; P = .119) or mean expenditures ($242.50; 95% CI = −$103.63 to $588.61; P = .169).CONCLUSIONBilled ACP visits were relatively uncommon among Medicare FFS decedents, but their occurrence was associated with less intensive EOL utilization. Further research on the variables affecting hospice use and expenditures in the EOL period is recommended to understand the relative role of ACP.