bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered glucocorticoid metabolism represents a feature of macroph‐aging
Authors: Valbuena Perez Jenny Vanessa , Linnenberger Rebecca , Dembek Anna , Bruscoli Stefano , Riccardi Carlo , Schulz Marcel H. , Meyer Markus R. , Kiemer Alexandra K. , Hoppstädter Jessica 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe aging process is characterized by a chronic, low‐grade inflammatory state, termed “inflammaging.” It has been suggested that macrophage activation plays a key role in the induction and maintenance of this state. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for aging‐associated changes in the myeloid compartment of mice. The aging phenotype, characterized by elevated cytokine production, was associated with a dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and diminished serum corticosteroid levels. In particular, the concentration of corticosterone, the major active glucocorticoid in rodents, was decreased. This could be explained by an impaired expression and activity of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β‐HSD1), an enzyme that determines the extent of cellular glucocorticoid responses by reducing the corticosteroids cortisone/11‐dehydrocorticosterone to their active forms cortisol/corticosterone, in aged macrophages and peripheral leukocytes. These changes were accompanied by a downregulation of the glucocorticoid receptor target gene glucocorticoid‐induced leucine zipper (GILZ) in vitro and in vivo. Since GILZ plays a central role in macrophage activation, we hypothesized that the loss of GILZ contributed to the process of macroph‐aging. The phenotype of macrophages from aged mice was indeed mimicked in young GILZ knockout mice. In summary, the current study provides insight into the role of glucocorticoid metabolism and GILZ regulation during aging.
Immigration does not offset harvest mortality in groups of a cooperatively breeding carnivore
Authors: Bassing S. B. , Ausband D. E. , Mitchell M. S. , Schwartz M. K. , Nowak J. J. , Hale G. C. , Waits L. P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe effects of harvest on cooperatively breeding species are often more complex than simply subtracting the number of animals that died from the group count. Changes in demographic rates, particularly dispersal, could offset some effects of harvest mortality in groups but this is rarely explored with cooperative breeders. We asked whether a cooperatively breeding species known for long‐distance dispersal could compensate for the effect of harvest mortality on density by adopting immigrants into the group. We used genetic samples to estimate the minimum density of gray wolves (Canis lupus) and proportion of immigrants in groups in the northern US Rocky Mountains after an annual harvest regime was initiated and in the Canadian Rocky Mountains where wolves were managed consistently under an annual harvest regime. We tested whether immigration (1) compensated, (2) partially compensated or (3) did not compensate numerically for harvest mortality in groups and hypothesized immigration would increase with increasing harvest intensity. Density of wolves in groups declined after harvest was initiated whereas immigration into groups was consistently low and did not change with harvest in the US study area. Immigration into groups was similarly low and density even lower in the Canadian study area compared to the US study area. Our results indicate immigration did not compensate for harvest mortality in groups in two separate populations of a cooperatively breeding carnivore. We hypothesize the social structure of wolf groups may limit the potentially compensatory response of immigration in some populations.
How should colorectal surgeons practice during the COVID‐19 epidemic? A retrospective single‐centre analysis based on real‐world data from China
Authors: He Changzheng , Li Yuxuan , Huang Xiaohui , Hu Shidong , Yan Yang , Liu Yichen , Zhao Pengyue , Lin Haiguan , Xu Xiaolei , Wang Yufeng , Teng Da , Du Xiaohui 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 is currently of global concern. Cancer patients are advised to stay at home in case of potential infection, which may cause delays of routine diagnosis and necessary treatment. How colorectal surgeons should manage this during the epidemic remains a big challenge. The objective of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of routine colorectal surgery during coronavirus disease 2019 and to offer some Chinese recommendations to colorectal surgeons throughout the world.MethodsA total of 166 patients receiving colorectal surgery from 20 December 2019 to 20 March 2020 at Department of General Surgery in Chinese General Hospital of People's Liberation Army were enrolled, and further divided into two groups based on before or after admission date of 20 January 2020. Clinicopathologic data such as hospital stay and economic data such as total costs were collected and analysed retrospectively.ResultsLonger hospital stay, higher proportion of non‐local patients and more hospitalization cost were found in the post‐20 January group (special‐time group) (P < 0.001; P < 0.05; P < 0.05, respectively). Apart from this, no difference existed with regard to baseline demographical data such as age, sex and height, as well as clinicopathological data such as previous history, surgery time, operation extent and TNM staging.ConclusionsThis real‐world study indicated that performing colorectal surgery during coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic might be safe and feasible based on comprehensive screening and investigation. We have summarized several recommendations here, hoping to help surgeons from related departments across the world.
6‐Hydroxydopamine lesion and levodopa treatment modify the effect of buspirone in the substantia nigra pars reticulata
Authors: Vegas‐Suárez Sergio , Pisanò Clarissa Anna , Requejo Catalina , Bengoetxea Harkaitz , Lafuente Jose Vicente , Morari Michele , Miguelez Cristina , Ugedo Luisa 
Published: May 2020

Background and Purposel‐DOPA‐induced dyskinesia (LID) is considered a major complication in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Buspirone (5‐HT1A partial agonist) have shown promising results in the treatment of PD and LID, however no 5‐HT‐based treatment has been approved in PD. The present study was aimed to investigate how the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is affected by buspirone and whether it is a good target to study 5‐HT antidyskinetic treatments.Experimental ApproachBuspirone was studied using in vivo single‐unit, electrocorticogram, local field potential recordings along with microdialysis and immunohistochemistry in naïve/sham, 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐lesioned or 6‐OHDA‐lesioned and l‐DOPA‐treated (6‐OHDA/l‐DOPA) rats.Key ResultsLocal buspirone inhibited SNr neuron activity in all groups. However, systemic buspirone reduced burst activity in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats (with or without l‐DOPA treatment), whereas 8‐OH‐DPAT, a full 5‐HT1A agonist induced larger inhibitory effects in sham animals. Neither buspirone nor 8‐OH‐DPAT markedly modified the low‐frequency oscillatory activity in the SNr or synchronization within the SNr with the cortex. In addition, local perfusion of buspirone increased GABA and glutamate release in the SNr of naïve and 6‐OHDA‐lesioned rats but no effect in 6‐OHDA/l‐DOPA rats. In the 6‐OHDA/l‐DOPA group, increased 5‐HT transporter and decreased 5‐HT1A receptor expression was found.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe effects of buspirone in SNr are influenced by dopamine loss and l‐DOPA treatment. The present results suggest that the regulation of burst activity of the SNr induced by DA loss may be a good target to test new drugs for the treatment of PD and LID.
Targeting of cancer stem cells by differentiation therapy
Authors: Arima Yoshimi , Nobusue Hiroyuki , Saya Hideyuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChemoresistance is a hallmark of cancer stem cells (CSCs). To develop novel therapeutic strategies that target CSCs, we established osteosarcoma‐initiating (OSi) cells by introducing the c‐Myc gene into bone marrow stromal cells derived from Ink4a/Arf KO mice. These OSi cells include bipotent committed cells (similar to osteochondral progenitor cells) with a high tumorigenic activity as well as tripotent cells (similar to mesenchymal stem cells) of low tumorigenicity. We recently showed that the tripotent OSi cells are highly resistant to chemotherapeutic agents, and that depolymerization of the actin cytoskeleton in these cells induces their terminal adipocyte differentiation and suppresses their tumorigenicity. We here provide an overview of modulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics associated with terminal adipocyte differentiation in osteosarcoma as well as discuss the prospects for new therapeutic strategies that target chemoresistant CSCs by inducing their differentiation.
The effect of multiple simulation parameters on MM/PBSA performance for binding affinity prediction of CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists
Authors: Loo Jason S. E. , Yong Amelia Y. Y. , Yong Yen Nee 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBoth the inactive‐ and active‐state CB1 receptor crystal structures have now been solved, allowing their application in various structure‐based drug design methods. One potential method utilizing these crystal structures is the Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) method of predicting relative binding free
Delayed coloanal anastomosis: an alternative option for restorative rectal cancer surgery after high‐dose pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: François M.‐O. , Buscail E. , Vendrely V. , Célérier B. , Assénat V. , Moreau J.‐B. , Rullier E. , Denost Q. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimRestorative total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer after high‐dose pelvic radiotherapy for prostate cancer has been reported to provide an unacceptable rate of pelvic sepsis. In a previous publication we proposed that delayed coloanal anastomosis (DCAA) should be performed in this situation. The present study aimed to assess the feasibility and outcomes of this strategy.MethodBetween 2000 and 2018, 1094 men were operated on for rectal cancer in our institution. All men with T2/T3 mid and low rectal cancer with preoperative radiotherapy and restorative TME were considered for this study (n = 416). Patients with external‐beam high‐dose radiotherapy (EBHRT) for prostate cancer (70–78 Gy) were identified and compared with patients with conventional long‐course chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by TME. We compared our already published historical cohort (2000–2012), including arm A (CRT + TME; n = 236) and arm B (EBHRT + TME; n = 12), with our early cohort (2013–2018), including arm C (CRT + TME; n = 158) and arm D (EBHRT + TME‐DCAA; n = 10). The end‐points were morbidity, pelvic sepsis, reoperation rate and quality of the specimen.ResultsOverall morbidity was not significantly different between groups. Pelvic sepsis decreased from 50% (arm B) to 10% (arm D) with the use of DCAA (P = 0.074), and was similar between arms A, C and D. Quality of the specimen was not significantly different between the four groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that TME with DCAA in patients with previous EBHRT is feasible, with the same postoperative pelvic sepsis rate as conventional CRT.
Molecular mechanisms of forgetting
Authors: Moreno Andrea 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe field of learning and memory has largely focused their efforts on memory formation, deeming the act of forgetting as a necessary and unavoidable error of the brain's storage system. However, recent studies show that forgetting might be a purposeful mechanism with dedicated molecular pathways. This has opened new avenues for the study of memory processes and their manipulation. This review article focuses on the proposed molecular pathways that could underlie forgetting (postsynaptic glutamate receptors and their subunit composition, structural proteins, kinases, phosphatases, and neuromodulators), and reviews the latest contributions to this topic. The discussed molecular pathways are then related to synaptic depotentiation, which is a proposed mechanism underlying forgetting.
Variability of oceanographic and meteorological conditions in the northern Alboran Sea at seasonal, inter‐annual and long‐term time scales and their influence on sardine (Sardina pilchardus Walbaum 1792) landings
Authors: Vargas‐Yáñez Manuel , Giráldez Ana , Torres Pedro , González María , García‐Martínez Maria del Carmen , Moya Francina 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTime series of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) landings from 1962 and environmental variables from 1978 in the northern Alboran Sea are analysed. European sardine spawns in the northern Alboran Sea from mid‐autumn to late winter at a temperature range slightly higher than the one observed in the nearby Eastern North Atlantic and the North Western Mediterranean. Individuals hatched during autumn and winter are incorporated to the fishery during the following summer and autumn producing the maximum annual landings. These landings show both a decreasing long‐term trend and a strong inter‐annual variability. Although further research is needed, the warming trend of sea surface temperature and the decrease in upwelling intensity inferred from empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analyses could have some influence on the negative trends of sardine landings. The inter‐annual variability of sardine abundance seems to be related to the wind intensity at a local scale, the second principal component of the chlorophyll concentration and the sardine abundance during the preceding year. If the inter‐annual variability is considered, a linear model including these three variables with a one‐year time lag allows to explain 79% of the sardine landings variance. If the negative linear trend is also considered, the model explains 86% of the variance. These results indicate that the body condition of spawners, linked to the food availability during the preceding year, is the main factor controlling the recruitment success. The possibility of predicting sardine landings 1 year in advance could have important implications for fishery management.
MicroRNA‐708 modulates Hepatic Stellate Cells activation and enhances extracellular matrix accumulation via direct targeting TMEM88
Authors: Xu Tao , Pan Linxin , Li Liangyun , Hu Shuang , Zhou Hong , Yang Chenchen , Yang Junfa , Li Haodong , Liu Yuming , Meng Xiaoming , Li Jun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTransmembrane protein 88 (TMEM88) is a potential 2‐transmembrane‐type protein that interacts with the PDZ domain of Dishevelled‐1 (DVL‐1), a crucial component of Wnt signalling pathway through its C‐terminal Val‐Trp‐Val (VWV) motif in Xenopus embryo cells. Since the significant function of β‐catenin in liver fibrosis, it is urgent to study the TMEM88 mechanism in liver fibrosis. The current research was for evaluating the function of TMEM88 in the process of the liver fibrosis and clarifying the inherent mechanism. The study found that TMEM88 is decreased in human fibrotic liver tissues. Functionally, TMEM88 significantly reduced the expression levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen type I (Col.I) and repressed extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by restoring the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and TIMPs (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases). TMEM88 inhibited HSCs proliferation and evaluated the apoptosis of activated LX‐2 cells by regulating Wnt3a, Wnt2b and β‐catenin of Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated that miR‐708 particularly targeted TMEM88 3′‐UTR regions and down‐regulated the expression level of TMEM88 in TGF‐β1‐stimulated LX‐2 cells. MiR‐708 promoted the generation of ECM and cell activation in activated LX‐2 cells. These results determined that miR‐708 could promote HSCs activation and enhance ECM accumulation via direct targeting TMEM88 by Wnt/β‐catenin signalling pathway. This will provide a potential target for future research in the process of liver fibrosis.
Influence of facial index, facial profile, lip size, and angulations of teeth on gingival characteristics of anterior teeth: A gender‐based evaluation
Authors: Kolte Rajashri A. , Kolte Abhay P. , Kharkar Vishakha V. , Bawankar Pranjali 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveA prime component in an esthetic and pleasing appearance of face is the proportionate presence of different compositions of the face. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between facial index, facial form, lip size, and angulation of anterior teeth with periodontal phenotype in males and females.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 100 consecutive periodontally healthy orthodontic patients equally divided based on gender in two groups. The facial parameters including the Facial index (FI), lip size, and Gingival thickness (GT) for maxillary and mandibular incisors were measured using a digital vernier calliper. Maxillary and mandibular incisors inclination was measured using cephalometric analysis.ResultsSignificant differences were observed among both the genders in terms of FI and facial forms, upper lip size, and angulations of mandibular anterior teeth and the periodontal phenotype. The GT was found to be strongly associated with the FI and mandibular anterior teeth angulation.ConclusionThe FI, and teeth inclinations are associated with the GT and shows sexual dimorphism. The evaluation of the periodontal phenotype and anthropometric parameters is essential during diagnosis and treatment planning for potential orthodontic patients and prediction of its influence on the periodontal tissues.Clinical SignificanceThe gingival thickness varies with the facial index, facial form, teeth inclination, and lip size and thereby can be used to predict the pros and cons of orthodontic treatment and the need for prior periodontal therapy.
MOBILE MONEY, FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND DEVELOPMENT: A REVIEW WITH REFERENCE TO AFRICAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ahmad Ahmad Hassan , Green Christopher , Jiang Fei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSurvey literature on mobile money and its contribution in promoting financial inclusion and development, with a focus on sub‐Saharan Africa. We use taxonomic, descriptive and analytical methods to evaluate the state of knowledge in the area. We analyse how mobile technology in general may contribute to economic development and financial inclusion in theory and practise. We explain the mechanics of mobile money using Kenya's M‐Pesa as a canonical example; and consider whether the literature has fully established the potential economic impact of mobile money especially its contribution to financial inclusion. We also consider market structure, pricing and regulatory implications of mobile money. We conclude by highlighting issues that require further investigation: the take‐up of mobile money; mobile money and financial inclusion; substitutability between mobile money and conventional finance; and regulatory structures for institutions providing mobile money services.
Mitochondrial diseases in adults
Authors: La Morgia C. , Maresca A. , Caporali L. , Valentino M. L. , Carelli V. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMitochondrial medicine is a field that expanded exponentially in the last 30 years. Individually rare, mitochondrial diseases as a whole are probably the most frequent genetic disorder in adults. The complexity of their genotype–phenotype correlation, in terms of penetrance and clinical expressivity, natural history and diagnostic algorithm derives from the dual genetic determination. In fact, in addition to the about 1.500 genes encoding mitochondrial proteins that reside in the nuclear genome (nDNA), we have the 13 proteins encoded by the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA), for which 22 specific tRNAs and 2 rRNAs are also needed. Thus, besides Mendelian genetics, we need to consider all peculiarities of how mtDNA is inherited, maintained and expressed to fully understand the pathogenic mechanisms of these disorders. Yet, from the initial restriction to the narrow field of oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction, the landscape of mitochondrial functions impinging on cellular homeostasis, driving life and death, is impressively enlarged. Finally, from the clinical standpoint, starting from the neuromuscular field, where brain and skeletal muscle were the primary targets of mitochondrial dysfunction as energy‐dependent tissues, after three decades virtually any subspecialty of medicine is now involved. We will summarize the key clinical pictures and pathogenic mechanisms of mitochondrial diseases in adults.
What is alexithymia? Using factor analysis to establish its latent structure and relationship with fantasizing and emotional reactivity
Authors: Preece David A. , Becerra Rodrigo , Robinson Ken , Allan Alfred , Boyes Mark , Chen Wai , Hasking Penelope , Gross James J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveThere is ongoing uncertainty about the structure and definition of alexithymia. Conceptually, alexithymia has traditionally been defined as a multidimensional trait with four components: difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, externally orientated thinking, and difficulty fantasizing. However, some authors suggest that difficulty fantasizing might not be a component, and others suggest low emotional reactivity is a fifth component. In this study, we sought to clarify this issue using factor analysis.MethodIn a sample of adults (N = 508), we administered a comprehensive battery of psychometric measures and analyzed their latent structure using exploratory factor analysis.ResultsSubscales assessing difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally orientated thinking all loaded well together on the alexithymia factor. However, none of the subscales assessing aspects of difficulty fantasizing (i.e., daydreaming frequency, vividness, content, or use of daydreams to regulate emotions) loaded on the alexithymia factor. Similarly, no emotional reactivity subscales loaded on the alexithymia factor, and alexithymia was associated with higher (not lower) levels of emotional reactivity for negative emotions.ConclusionsDifficulty fantasizing and low emotional reactivity are not components of the latent alexithymia construct. The traditional four‐component definition of alexithymia likely warrants refinement to a more parsimonious three‐component solution.