bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of aging on the biological and immunological characteristics of periodontal ligament stem cells
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Zhang Bowen , Wang Hong , Zhao Xiaolu , Zhang Zijie , Ding Gang , Wei Fulan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have many applications in the field of cytotherapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. However, the effect of age on the biological characteristics and immunoregulation of PDLSCs remains unclear.Methods: In this study, we compared PDLSCs isolated from young and elderly individuals. PDLSCs proliferation was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and apoptosis level was detected by Annexin V-PE/7-ADD staining. PDLSCs osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation potentials were assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red, Oil Red O staining and related quantitative analysis. PDLSCs immunoregulatory capacity was determined by EdU and Annexin V-PE/7-ADD staining. To explore its underlying mechanism, microarray, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and western blot analyses were performed to detect differentially expressed genes and proteins in PDLSCs. Results: Our results demonstrated that with aging, the proliferation and osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation potential of PDLSCs decreased, whereas apoptosis of PDLSCs increased. Moreover, the immunosuppressive ability of PDLSCs decreased with aging. Compared with PDLSCs from young subjects, analysis of mRNA expression revealed an upregulation of CCND3 and RC3H2 , and a downregulation of Runx2, ALP, COL1A1, PPARγ2, CXCL12, FKBP1A, FKBP1B, NCSTN, P2RX7, PPP3CB, RIPK2, SLC11A1, and TP53 in those from elderly individuals. Furthermore, protein expression levels of Runx2, ALP, COL1A1, and PPARγ2 in the elderly group was decreased, whereas that of CCND3 increased. Conclusions: Taken together, aging influences biological and immunological characteristics of PDLSCs, and thus it is more appropriate to utilized PDLSCs from young individuals for tissue regeneration, post-aging treatment, and allotransplantation.
Impact of long-term industrial contamination on the bacterial communities in urban river sediments
Authors: zhang lei , Tu Demei , Li Xingchen , Lu Wenxuan , Li Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The contamination of the aquatic environment of urban rivers with industrial wastewater has affected the abiotic conditions and biological activities of the trophic levels of the ecosystem, particularly sediments. However, most current research about microorganism in urban aquatic environments has focused on indicator bacteria related to feces and organic pollution. Meanwhile, they ignored the interactions among microorganisms. To deeply understand the impact of industrial contamination on microbial community, we study the bacterial community structure and diversity in river sediments under the influence of different types of industrial pollution by Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology and conduct a more detailed analysis of microbial community structure through co-occurrence networks.Results: Although the composition of dominant bacterial phyla in different sediment samples was similar, their relative abundance was different. These dominant bacterial phyla showed significant differences in different types of industrial contaminated sediment. In addition, redundancy analysis indicated that the structure of the bacterial community in river sediments was influenced by a variety of environmental factors. TN, TP, TOC and metals (Cu, Zn and Cd) were the most important driving factors that determined the bacterial community in urban river sediments (P <0.01). According to PICRUSt analysis, the bacterial communities in different locations had similar overall functional profiles. It is worth noting that the 15 functional genes related to xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism were the most abundant in the same location. The non-random assembly patterns of bacterial composition in different types of industrially polluted sediments were determined by a co-occurrence network. Environmental conditions resulting from different industrial pollutants may play an important role in determining their co-occurrence patterns of these bacterial taxa. Among them, the bacterial taxa involved in carbon and nitrogen cycles in module I were relatively abundant, and the bacterial taxa in module II were involved in the repair of metal pollution.Conclusions: Our data indicate that long-term potential interactions between different types of industrial pollution and taxa collectively affect the structure of the bacterial community in urban river sediments.
Corneal biomechanical properties in myopic eyes evaluated via Scheimpflug imaging
Authors: Yu A-Yong , Shao Hui , Pan Anpeng , Wang Qinmei , Huang Zixu , Song Benhao , McAlinden Colm , Huang Jinhai , Chen Sisi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: To investigate the biomechanical properties of the cornea in myopic eyes using corneal visualization scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST). The relationships between the biomechanical properties of the cornea and the degree of myopia were also investigated.Methods: 265 eyes of 265 subjects were included. Based on spherical equivalent (SE) in diopters (D), participants were divided into four groups: low myopia/control (SE: -0.50 to -3.00D), moderate myopia (SE: -3.00 to -6.00D), high myopia (SE: -6.00 to -10.00D) and severe myopia (SE greater than -10.00D). Axial length (AL), anterior segment parameters, and corneal biomechanical properties were obtained with the Lenstar LS900, Pentacam HR and Corvis ST, respectively.Results: Mean (±SD) SE was -7.29±4.31D (range: -0.63 to -25.75D). Mean AL was 26.31±1.82mm (range: 21.87 to 31.94mm). Significant differences were detected within the four groups in terms of six corneal biomechanical parameters: deformation amplitude (DA), time from start until second applanation (A2-time), length of flattened cornea at the second applanation (A2-length), corneal velocity during the first and second applanation (A2-velocity), time from start to highest concavity (HC-time), and central curvature at highest concavity (HC radius). AL was positively associated with DA whereas negatively associated with A1-velocity and A2-length. SE was positively associated with A2-time, HC-time and A2-velocity, whereas negatively associated with DA. IOP was positively associated with four corneal biomechanical parameters and negatively associated with three parameters.Conclusions: Eyes with severe myopia showed greater DA, lesser A2 time, HC time, and faster A2-velocity compared to low to high myopia. This suggests the cornea becomes weaker and more deformable with elongation of axial length with corresponding increases in myopia. DA, A2-time and A2-velocity could be useful corneal biomechanical indicators in patients with myopia.
Learning curve of digital intraoral scanning – an in vivo study
Authors: Róth Ivett , Czigola Alexandra , Joós-Kovács Gellért Levente , Dalos Magdolna , Hermann Péter , Borbély Judit 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: The spread of digital technology in dentistry poses new challenges and goals for dentists. The aim of the present in vivo study was to determine the learning curve of intraoral scanning described by (1) scanning time and (2) image number (count of images made by intraoral scanner during scanning process). Methods: Ten dental students of Semmelweis University, took part in the study. Dental students took digital study impressions using 3Shape Trios 3® (3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark) intraoral scanning device. Each student took 10 digital impressions on volunteers (for standardization the first and the last volunteers was the same for each student). The inclusion criteria of volunteers were full dentition (except missing third molar) and no prosthetic- restorative treatment. Digital impression taking was preceded by a lecture consisting of two parts: theoretical education and practical training. Digital impressions were taken of the upper and lower arches, and the bite was recorded according to the manufacturer's instructions. Total scanning time and image number of intraoral scanning were recorded. Results: The difference of scanning time between the first and the tenth digital impressions was significant (p=0.007). The average scanning time of first impressions was 23 min 9 sec, for tenth impressions it was 15 min 28 sec. The difference between scanning time of the first and the tenth impressions was 7 min 41 sec. The average image number of the first impressions was 1964.5, for the tenth impressions it was 1468.6. The difference between number of images of the first and the tenth impressions was 495,9. The curve of image number show decreasing tendency first, then has a trough around the sixth measurement, and rises. Conclusion: Based on our results there was association between the sequential number of measurements and the outcome variables. The scanning time decreased because of the repetitive use of intraoral scanner. The image number first showed decreasing tendency and after sixth measurement it increased, there is no consistent decline in mean scanning picture. Scanning time decreased because the students move the scanning tip faster as result of practice. Shorter scanning times are accompanied by poorer coverage quality, the operator has to correct by adding extra images represented by the curve of image numbers which turning into increasing tendency after the sixth measurement. Trial registration: The permission for this study was given by the University Ethics Committee of Semmelweis University (SE TUKEB number: 61/2016).
Proposal for a new therapeutic high dosage of Pidotimod in children with Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome: an interventional study.
Authors: Manti Sara , Filosco Federica , Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Finocchiaro Giuseppe Germano , Papale Maria , Giugno Andrea , Barone Patrizia , Leonardi Salvatore 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background. Despite to PFAPA syndrome is considered a benign and self-limited condition in childhood its impact on patients and families can be remarkable in many cases. Currently, the therapeutic options for managing are non-specific and no consensus exists about the best treatment to use. Pidotimod has been suggested as a new potential treatment in PFAPA syndrome for its immunodulatory effects. We conducted a preliminary, prospective, controlled, open, cross-over trial to assess the efficacy and the safety of Pidotimod in the treatment of children with PFAPA syndrome. Methods. 22 children with PFAPA syndrome were randomly allocated to treatment with pidotimod (with 2 vials of 400mg daily) in combination with betamethasone 0.5-1 mg on need, based on parents/caregivers' decision (group A) or betamethasone 0.5-1mg on need, based on parents/caregivers' decision (group B). Each treatment period was for 3 months (Phase 1), after that patients were switched to the other arm for other 3 months (Phase 2). Efficacy was expressed in terms of number of episodes of fever, pharyngitis, or aphthous stomatitis, as well as the additional use of betamethasone on need. Safety and tolerability of the Pidotimod were evaluated on the basis of the number and type of adverse events (AEs) recorded during the treatment.Results. Patients receiving Pidotimod and use betametasone showed a significant decrease in frequency of fevers (p=0.002); number of episodes of pharyngitis (p=0.049); aphthous stomatitis (p=0.036) as well as the betamethasone use on need (p=0.007). Overall, 19/22 (86.4%) showed benefits from Pidotimod administration. The safety profile of Pidotimod was excellent as no serious adverse events have been reported in the treated groups.Conclusions. We firstly showed that high dosage of Pidotimod could be an effective and safe to reduce the PFAPA attacks in children.
Development and Feasibility of A Tailored Habit-based Dietary Intervention Coupled With Natural Tooth Replacement On The Nutritional Status Of Older Patients
Authors: McCrum Leigh-Ann , Watson Sinead , McGowan Laura , Mcguinness Bernadette , Cardwell Chris , Clarke Mike , Woodside Jayne V , McKenna Gerry 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Older adults suffering partial tooth loss may need additional intervention strategies other than natural tooth replacement alone to improve their nutritional status. This study aimed to design and develop a habit-based tailored dietary intervention and to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, in conjunction with natural tooth replacement, amongst partially dentate older adults. Methods: The design and development of the dietary intervention (Phase 1) consisted of analysis of the target population’s dietary intake and qualitative research through focus groups with community-dwelling older adults (aged 65 years and over). The dietary intervention consisted of forming three healthy dietary habits around fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and healthy proteins. Feasibility of the intervention was then tested among older adults receiving natural tooth replacement in a small non-randomised single arm study (Phase 2). The principal feasibility outcome was the usability and acceptability of the intervention which was measured using evaluation questionnaires and by conducting post-intervention semi-structured interviews. Supporting outcomes consisted of feasibility of screening procedures; recruitment strategies; and retention/ attrition rates as well as the participant’s compliance to the intervention assessed through self-monitoring tracking sheets. Results: Twenty-one older adults (mean [SD] age 72.1 [10.4].) took part in one of four focus group discussions (Phase 1). Twelve themes related to barriers (e.g oral health, appetite) and facilitators (e.g nutritional knowledge, retirement) of healthy eating guided intervention development, as did a further five themes when asked for direct intervention feedback. Nine older adult participants (mean [SD] age 72.5[9.7]) were recruited into the feasibility study (Phase 2) where eight themes were identified from feedback interview discussions. The principal outcome measures identified intervention feasibility as participants considered the intervention acceptable and useable as both the evaluation questionnaire and qualitative interview results were overwhelmingly positive. As a supporting outcome measure, strong intervention compliance was also achieved. Screening procedures were accepted but additional recruitment strategies (e.g incorporation of home study visits or recruitment via posters advertisement) may benefit future study enrolment and retention. Conclusion: Phase 1 and Phase 2 findings have allowed for an iterative, user-driven intervention to be developed and refined for a randomised control study to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness. Trial registration: ISRCTN66118345
The Association between Allostatic Load and Mortality among Chinese Older Adults: The Chinese Longitudinal Health and Longevity Study
Authors: Zhang Tianhang , Yan Lijing , Chen Huashuai , Jin Haiyu , Wu Chenkai 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Allostatic load, as multiple biomarker measures of ‘wear and tear’ on physiological systems, has shown some promise that high burden of AL is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes, but little attention has been paid to China with largest aging population in the world. This study is to examine the association between allostatic load (AL) and all-cause mortality among Chinese adults aged at least 60 years.
Methods

Data were from 2,439 participants in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The final analytic sample consisted of 1,519 participants. Cox models were used to examine the association between AL and mortality among men and women, separately. Analysis were also adjusted for potential confounders including age, ethnicity, education, and marital status, smoking and exercise.
Results

In the fully adjusted model, males with a medium AL burden (score: 2–4) and high AL burden (score: 5–9) had a 34% and 128% higher hazard of death, respectively, than those with a low AL burden (score: 0–1). We did not find significant difference between females with different levels of AL burden.
Discussion

Higher AL burden was associated with increased all-cause mortality among Chinese men aged at least 60 years. However, we did not find strong evidence about Allostatic load was associated with specific causes of death over the same follow-up period among women. In conclusion Intervention programs targeting modifiable components of the AL burden may help prolong lifespan for older adults, especially men, in China.
Platelet-rich Plasma Enhanced MSCs Repair for Glycerin-induced Acute Kidney Injury via AKT/Rab27 Paracrine Pathway
Authors: Ji Cheng , Zhang Jiahui , Shi Hui , Liu wanzhu , Sun Fengtian , Zhang Chenxiao , Zhang Leilei , Sun Zixun , Qian Hui 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined by rapid deterioration of renal function, as a common complication in hospitalized patients. Among the recent therapeutic options, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were considered a promising strategy for damaged tissues repair. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) regulates stromal cells to repair tissue damage through the release of growth factors. Here we proposed a possible therapeutic use of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells stimulated by platelet-rich plasma (PRP-MSCs) in a murine model of acute renal injury generated by glycerin injection.Methods: In vivo, we constructed cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury rat models. On day 1 post injury, rat received a tail vein injection of 1×106 MSCs and 1×106 PRP-MSCs. All animals were sacrificed at Day 3 after glycerin injection. Renal function (serum BUN, Creatinine), histopathological structure changes and tubular cells apoptosis were evaluated. In vitro experiment, 50 μmol/L of glycerin treated NRK-52E for 12h were incubated with MSC or PRP-MSC for 24h in transwell co-culture system. Cells were harvested for apoptosis assay, immunofluorescence assay, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).Results: In vivo and vitro studies confirmed that the PRP induced YAP nucleus expression to promoting the proliferation and reinforces the stemness of MSCs, and stimulated the paracrine exosomes of MSCs by activating AKT/Rab27 signaling pathway to inhibiting the apoptosis of renal tubular cells. Conclusions: Our results revealed a novel potential use of PRP-MSCs as therapeutic strategy for acute kidney injury, highlighting the presence and role of the reno-protective factor PRP-MSCs.
Association of the Anatomical Sacral Slope With Lumbar Lordosis and Pelvic Incidence in Female Patients With Developmental Hip Dysplasia: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Imai Norio , Suzuki Hayato , Sakagami Atsushi , Hirano Yuki , Endo Naoto 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background:The anatomical sacral slope, considered an anatomical pelvic parameter independent of femoral head centers for measurement, was previously described to strongly correlate withpelvic incidenceon two-dimensional examination of normal healthy subjects. However, the associationbetween anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence was unclear in patients withdevelopmental dysplasia of the hip. Thecurrent study aimed to examine the association between anatomical sacral slope and other spinopelvic parameters on plain radiographs in female patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Methods:Eighty-four women with developmental dysplasia of the hip were examined. Lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic incidence, sacral slope, and anatomical sacral slope, which was deemedthe angle formed by the straight line of the S1 superior endplate and a line at a right angle to the anterior pelvic plane, were determined by plain radiographs. The correlations were examined by Pearson correlation coefficients, and intra- and interrater intraclass correlation coefficients were evaluated forreliability.Results:A strong association was observed between pelvic incidence and anatomical sacral slope (r=0.725, p<0.001). In addition, the association between anatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis wassimilar to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis (r=0.661, p<0.001 and r=0.554, p<0.001, respectively). The intraraterintraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.869 for anatomical sacral slope and 0.824 for pelvic incidence. Furthermore, the interraterintraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.83 for anatomical sacral slope and 0.685 for pelvic incidence. Conclusions:We found that the strong association between anatomical sacral slope and pelvic incidence wasequal to that in normal,healthy subjects. The associationbetweenanatomical sacral slope and lumbar lordosis was equal to that between pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis. Additionally, the intraclass correlation coefficient value foranatomical sacral slope was slightlyhigher than that forpelvic incidence. We thusconclude that anatomical sacral slope can be considered a helpful anatomical pelvic parameter that isasubstitute for pelvic incidence not only in normal subjectsbut also in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip.
Interference of interleukin-1β mediated by lentivirus promotes functional recovery of spinal cord contusion injury in rats via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Yi-li , Hu Xi , Li Qin-xuan , Zhang Li-xin , Xia Qing-jie , Liang Nan , Liu Wei-hua , Zhang Xiao 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Spinal cord contusion (SCC) results in a series of pathophysiologic consequences such as edema, apoptosis, and inflammation. However, inflammation may also be beneficial for the recovery of motor function after SCC, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a pro-inflammatory factor that has synergistic effects with other inflammatory factors to aggravate spinal cord injury. Inflammatory factors have been found to activate the serine/threonine-specific protein kinase, protein kinase B (AKT) and to inhibit cell survival, but it is not clear whether inflammation upregulates the expression of IL-1β in the rat model of SCC and subsequently interferes in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, this study explored whether IL-1β affects the recovery of motor function in spinal cord injury by interfering with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Method: SCC rats were established by the Allen method. The Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scoring was used to assess motor function in the spinal cord of injured rats. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to determine the expression of genes and proteins of IL-1β, PI3K, and AKT1. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to locate and detect IL-1β and AKT1 proteins in spinal cord tissue. To further explore the underlying mechanism of IL-1β, lentivirus was constructed by RNA interfering (RNAi) technique to inhibit the expression of IL-1β, and bioinformatics was applied to show the relationship between IL-1β and AKT1. Results: BBB scores decreased after SCC, and IL-1β and AKT1 was located in the cytoplasm of spinal cord anterior horn neurons. In the early stage of SCC, the expression level of IL-1β gene and protein in the experimental group was higher than that in the sham operated group. At the same time, expression of the AKT1 gene decreased. After expression of IL-1β mediated by lentivirus was inhibited, BBB scores increased significantly, and spinal cord motor function improved. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a relationship between IL-1β and AKT1. In addition, AKT1 gene expression was upregulated and PI3K expression was unchanged in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Conclusion IL-1β not only exacerbates the inflammatory response after SCC, but also interferes with motor function. Inhibition of IL-1β may promote recovery of spinal cord injury by upregulating AKT1 in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which provides a new perspective for future clinical practice in treating spinal cord injury