bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Claudins of sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) – organ‐specific expression and transcriptional responses to water of varying ion content
Authors: Kolosov Dennis , Bui Phuong , Wilkie Mike P. , Kelly Scott P. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe role of lamprey epithelium tight junctions (TJs) in the regulation of salt and water balance is poorly understood. This study reported on claudin (Cldn) TJ protein transcripts of pre‐metamorphic larval and post‐metamorphic juvenile sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) and the transcriptional response of genes encoding Cldns to changed environmental ion levels. Transcripts encoding Cldn‐3b, ‐4, ‐5, ‐10, ‐14, ‐18 and ‐19 were identified, and mRNA expression profiles revealed the organ‐specific presence of cldn‐5 and ‐14, broad expression of cldn‐3b,
‐4, ‐10, ‐18 and ‐19 and spatial differences in the mRNA abundance of cldn‐4, ‐3b and ‐14 along the ammocoete intestine. Expression profiles were qualitatively similar in ammocoetes and juvenile fishes. Transcript abundance of genes encoding Cldns in osmoregulatory organs (gill, kidney, intestine and skin) was subsequently investigated after exposure of ammocoetes to ion‐poor water (IPW) and juveniles to hyperosmotic conditions [60% sea water (SW)]. IPW‐acclimated ammocoetes increased mRNA abundance of nearly all cldns in the gill. Simultaneously, cldn‐10 abundance increased in the skin, whereas cldn‐4, ‐14 and ‐18 decreased in the kidney. Ammocoete cldn mRNA abundance in the intestine was altered in a region‐specific manner. In contrast, cldn transcript abundance was mostly downregulated in osmoregulatory organs of juvenile fish acclimated to SW – cldn‐3b, ‐10 and ‐19 in the gill; cldn‐3b, ‐4, ‐10 and ‐19 in the skin; cldn‐3b in the kidney; and cldn‐3b and ‐14 in the intestine. Data support the idea that Cldn TJ proteins play an important role in the osmoregulatory physiology of pre‐ and post‐metamorphic sea lamprey and that Cldn participation can occur across organs, in an organ‐specific manner, as well as differ spatially within organs, which contributes to the regulation of salt and water balance in these fishes.
A review of methods for characterizing the environmental consequences of actions in life cycle assessment
Authors: Palazzo Joseph , Geyer Roland , Suh Sangwon 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the environmental consequences of actions is becoming increasingly important in the field of industrial ecology in general, and in life cycle assessment (LCA) more specifically. However, a consensus on how to operationalize this idea has not been reached. A variety of methods have been proposed and applied to case studies that cover various aspects of consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA). Previous reviews of the topic have focused on the broad agenda of CLCA and how different modeling frameworks fit into its goals. However, explicit examination of the spectrum of methods and their application to the different facets of CLCA are lacking. Here, we provide a detailed review of methods that have been used to construct models of the environmental consequences of actions in CLCA. First, we cover the following structural modeling approaches: (a) economic equilibrium models, (b) system dynamics models, (c) technology choice models, and (d) agent‐based models. We provide a detailed review of particular applications of each model in the CLCA domain. The advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed, and their relationships with CLCA are clarified. From this, we are able to map these models onto the established aspects of CLCA. We learn that structural models alone are not sufficient to quantify the uncertainty distributions of underlying parameters in CLCA, which are essential components of a robust analysis of consequences. To address this, we provide a brief introduction to a counterfactual‐based causal inference approach to parameter identification and uncertainty analysis that is emerging in the CLCA literature. We recommend that one potential research path forward is the establishment of feedback loops between empirical estimates and structural models.
New therapeutic approaches for the fertility‐sparing treatment of endometrial cancer
Authors: Mitsuhashi Akira , Shozu Makio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis review seeks to describe new fertility‐sparing endometrial cancer (EC) treatment strategies that take into consideration the medical and general health background of patients. We particularly focus on the application of metformin, which is a biguanide widely prescribed for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fertility‐sparing treatment using progestin is considered a standard treatment option for patients with atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH) and EC who desire to conceive. A previous meta‐analysis of fertility‐sparing treatments revealed a high remission rate; however, high rates of relapse persisted. Most young patients with AEH and EC who are subjected to fertility‐sparing treatment have a background of obesity, insulin resistance and abnormal glucose tolerance complicated with polycystic ovary syndrome. Recently, metformin has been attracting more attention in the field of cancer research. Several in vitro and in vivo reports regarding the efficacy of metformin in EC management have accumulated. Thus far, the efficacy of combining metformin with progestin has been revealed in a single phase II study of medroxyprogesterone acetate in combination with metformin as a fertility‐sparing treatment for patients with AEH or EC. In addition to improving the metabolic profile of patients with EC having metabolic disorders, metformin supplementation may improve the long‐term oncological outcome of these patients. To date, many clinical trials employing progestin and metformin as a fertility‐sparing treatment of AEH and EC are ongoing. In the near future, it is expected that the clinical advantage of metformin progestin combination therapy will be clarified.
Diclofenac Mouthwash as a potential therapy for reducing pain and discomfort in chemo‐radiotherapy–induced oral mucositis
Authors: Brennan Peter A. , Lewthwaite Rowena , Sakthithasan Poornima , McGuigan Sharon , Donnelly Oliver , Alam Peyman , Gomez Ricardo S. , Fedele Stefano 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAimsOral and/or oropharyngeal acute mucositis during and after chemo‐radiotherapy (chemo‐RT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can be extremely painful, sometimes requiring nasogastric feeding to enable adequate nutrition. The MASCC/ISOO evidence‐based guidelines recommend benzydamine mouthwash for mucositis prevention in RT (recently updated to include chemo‐RT), and a Cochrane systematic review found other agents to be effective in prophylaxis. Diclofenac mouthwash is licensed for painful oral mucosal inflammatory conditions but to our knowledge has not been assessed in chemo‐RT–associated oral mucositis.MethodA clinical observation and service evaluation study in 10 patients undergoing chemo‐RT for HNSCC to assess the potential value of diclofenac mouthwash (0.74 mg/mL) in reducing symptoms. Patients used 20ml of mouthwash up to 4 times a day starting in week 3 (of a 6‐week course of treatment), recording pain and discomfort scores using a visual analogue scale on days 0, 1,7 and 14 (until the end of week 4). As per our current clinical practice, oral mucositis was not clinically scored as an outcome. Statistical analysis was performed using a one‐way ANOVA.ResultsUsing diclofenac mouthwash, 9/10 patients experienced pain score reduction from day 0 (mean score 6.75 ± SD 1.83) to day 2 (5.05 ± SD 1.62) and day 14 (4.09 ± SD 1.96).ConclusionsDiclofenac mouthwash may be beneficial for managing chemo‐RT–induced oral mucositis. While a prospective randomised clinical trial is needed, it can be prescribed for this condition within its current licence.
Medicaid and long‐term care: The effects of penalizing strategic asset transfers
Authors: Liu Junhao , Mukherjee Anita 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMedicaid provides a critical source of insurance for long‐term care, and individuals may strategically offload assets (typically to children) to meet the means‐tested eligibility requirement. In this article, we quantify the extent of such behavior using variation in the penalty for improper parent‐to‐child transfers induced by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. We estimate difference‐in‐differences models based on the hypothesis that only individuals with high levels of nursing home risk (high risk) will alter transfers because of the Act. We find that over a 2‐year horizon, high‐risk individuals reduced transfers to children on the extensive margin by 11 percent and that the average total amount of transfers decreased by $4,860. The results hold only for coupled respondents. We also conduct a triple‐differences analysis to examine heterogeneity with financial literacy and find that even those with a low level of financial literacy responded to the penalty.
Evolution of reproductive traits in the mahagony family (Meliaceae)
Authors: Laino Gama Rebeca , Muellner‐Riehl Alexandra Nora , Demarco Diego , Pirani José Rubens 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMeliaceae are a mostly pantropical family in the Sapindales, bearing flowers typically provided with a staminal tube, formed by filaments that are fused partially or totally. Nevertheless, several genera of subfamily Cedreloideae have free stamens, which may be adnate to an androgynophore in some taxa. The fact that the family exhibits a wide diversity of floral and fruit features, as well as of sexual systems and pollination syndromes, presents interesting questions on the evolutionary processes that might have taken place during its history. In this study, we analyzed the distribution of 20 reproductive morphological traits of Meliaceae, upon an available molecular phylogenetic framework, using 31 terminals from the family's two main clades (Cedreloideae and Melioideae), plus six Simaroubaceae taxa as outgroup. We aimed to identify and/or confirm synapomorphies for clades within the family and to develop hypotheses on floral evolution and sexual systems in the group. Our reconstruction suggests that the ancestor of Meliaceae was possibly provided with united stamens and unisexual flowers in dioecious individuals, with a subsequent change to free stamens and monoecy in the ancestor of Cedreloideae. Most characters studied show some degree of homoplasy, but some are unique synapomorphies of clades, such as the haplostemonous androecium. An androgynophore defines the Cedrela‐Toona clade. The comparative approach of our study and the evolutionary hypotheses generated herein reveal several aspects demanding further structural investigation, and possible evolutionary pathways of the reproductive structures along with the lineages' diversification, mostly related to the specialization of sexual systems, floral biology, and dispersal strategies.
Therapeutic effects of Choreito, a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, on detrusor overactivity induced by acetic acid in rats
Authors: Ueno Manabu , Minagawa Tomonori , Saito Tetsuichi , Imamura Tetsuya , Nagai Takashi , Ogawa Teruyuki , Ishizuka Osamu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractChoreito (CRT), a traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine, is widely used for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) and other lower urinary tract symptoms in Japan. This study aimed to identify the effects and therapeutic mechanism of CRT on the improvement of detrusor overactivity (DO) using an experimental rat model. Forty‐five female Sprague‐Dawley rats were equally divided into three groups: intravesical saline instillation with normal food (normal group), intravesical acetic acid (AA) instillation with normal food (AA group), and intravesical AA instillation with CRT (AA with CRT group). To induce a decrease in bladder capacity, instillation of 0.2% AA was used based on prior studies. Cystometric investigation was employed to clarify the effects of AA and CRT. Microcirculation was performed using a laser blood flowmeter, and the localization of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The bladder capacities of the normal, AA, and AA with CRT groups were 1.2 ± 0.3 mL, 0.4 ± 0.1 mL, and 0.8 ± 0.1 mL, respectively. CRT significantly attenuated AA irritation of the urinary bladder and exerted protective effects on basal pressure, micturition pressure, micturition interval, and micturition volume. Furthermore, CRT could prevent the excess blood flow and edematous change under the urothelium induced by intravesical AA instillation. No obvious changes in immunohistochemical HIF1α staining were observed among the groups. CRT attenuated DO induced by intravesical AA instillation in a rat experimental model. CRT might impart therapeutic effects on OAB via the mitigation of urothelial damage and regulation of excess blood flow.
Electrogastrographic and autonomic nervous system responses to solid and liquid meals in youth with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Vargas‐Luna Francisco Miguel , Huerta‐Franco María Raquel , Schurman Jennifer V. , Deacy Amanda D. , Bagherian Amber , Harvey Lisa , Friesen Craig A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBackgroundMeal‐related symptoms are common in paediatric functional dyspepsia (FD). There are only a small number of paediatric studies assessing mechanisms for meal‐related symptoms, and these have not utilized Rome IV criteria. The aim of the current study was to assess gastric myoelectric and autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to both liquid and solid meals in youth with Rome IV‐defined FD.MethodsIn healthy controls (N = 14) and youth with FD (N = 12), we recorded electrocardiograph (to assess heart rate variability; HRV) and electrogastrograph (EGG) signals before and after two test meals, one liquid and one solid. EGG parameters and HRV were assessed for the entire pre‐ and postprandial periods and in short time intervals. Additionally, liquid gastric emptying was assessed utilizing a 13C‐acetate breath test.Key ResultsDuring the EGG, the dominant power increased with both meals in controls but not patients with FD. During HRV assessment, the low frequency to high frequency ratio was higher after the liquid meal in controls, despite being similar preprandial, as compared to patients with FD. In controls, both standard deviation of normal to normal waves (SDNN) and root mean square of successive ECG R peaks (R‐R interval) differences (rMSSD) increased after the liquid meal (but not after the solid meal) in controls but not patients with FD.Conclusions and InferencesYouth with Rome IV‐defined FD lacks the normal postprandial EGG dominant power response or autonomic nervous system response following a liquid meal. The latter appears to indicate a lack of ANS flexibility.
Born to revive: molecular and physiological mechanisms of double tolerance in a paleotropical and resurrection plant
Authors: Fernández‐Marín Beatriz , Nadal Miquel , Gago Jorge , Fernie Alisdair R. , López‐Pozo Marina , Artetxe Unai , García‐Plazaola José Ignacio , Verhoeven Amy 
Published: February 2020

Summary

Resurrection plants recover physiological functions after complete desiccation. Almost all of them are native to tropical warm environments. However, the Gesneriaceae include four genera, remnant of the past palaeotropical flora, which inhabit temperate mountains. One of these species is additionally freezing‐tolerant: Ramonda myconi. We hypothesise that this species has been able to persist in a colder climate thanks to some resurrection‐linked traits.

To disentangle the physiological mechanisms underpinning multistress tolerance to desiccation and freezing, we conducted an exhaustive seasonal assessment of photosynthesis (gas exchange, limitations to partitioning, photochemistry and galactolipids) and primary metabolism (through metabolomics) in two natural populations at different elevations.

R. myconi displayed low rates of photosynthesis, largely due to mesophyll limitation. However, plants were photosynthetically active throughout the year, excluding a reversible desiccation period. Common responses to desiccation and low temperature involved chloroplast protection: enhanced thermal energy dissipation, higher carotenoid to Chl ratio and de‐epoxidation of the xanthophyll cycle. As specific responses, antioxidants and secondary metabolic routes rose upon desiccation, while putrescine, proline and a variety of sugars rose in winter.

The data suggest conserved mechanisms to cope with photo‐oxidation during desiccation and cold events, while additional metabolic mechanisms may have evolved as specific adaptations to cold during recent glaciations.
Establishment and evolution of heterochromatin
Authors: Liu Jing , Ali Mujahid , Zhou Qi 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe eukaryotic genome is packaged into transcriptionally active euchromatin and silent heterochromatin, with most studies focused on the former encompassing the majority of protein‐coding genes. The recent development of various sequencing techniques has refined this classic dichromatic partition and has better illuminated the composition, establishment, and evolution of this genomic and epigenomic “dark matter” in the context of topologically associated domains and phase‐separated droplets. Heterochromatin includes genomic regions that can be densely stained by chemical dyes, which have been shown to be enriched for repetitive elements and epigenetic marks, including H3K9me2/3 and H3K27me3. Heterochromatin is usually replicated late, concentrated at the nuclear periphery or around nucleoli, and usually lacks highly expressed genes; and now it is considered to be as neither genetically inert nor developmentally static. Heterochromatin guards genome integrity against transposon activities and exerts important regulatory functions by targeting beyond its contained genes. Both its nucleotide sequences and regulatory proteins exhibit rapid coevolution between species. In addition, there are dynamic transitions between euchromatin and heterochromatin during developmental and evolutionary processes. We summarize here the ever‐changing characteristics of heterochromatin and propose models and principles for the evolutionary transitions of heterochromatin that have been mainly learned from studies of Drosophila and yeast. Finally, we highlight the role of sex chromosomes in studying heterochromatin evolution.
Contribution of microglia and monocytes to the development and progression of age related macular degeneration
Authors: Fletcher Erica L 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPurposeAge related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in industrialised nations. Based on genetics, as well as proteome analysis of drusen, the role the innate immune system in the development and/or progression of the disease is well established. Mononuclear phagocytes, such as microglia and monocytes, play critical roles in innate immunity. Here, the role of retinal microglia in mediating normal retinal function, and how these cells change with age is discussed, so as to understand their role in the development and progression of AMD.Recent findingsIt is now known that microglia dynamically survey the neural environment, responding rapidly to even the most subtle neural injury. The dynamic and phagocytic roles of microglia can change with age contributing to alteration in the response of these cells to damage with age. Accumulation of innate immune cells in the subretinal space is a hallmark feature of the development of AMD, reflecting either an increase in migration of monocytes into the retina, or a failure of immune cell elimination from the retina. Furthermore, changes in phagocytic ability of immune cells could contribute to the accumulation of drusen deposits in the posterior eye.SummaryAn overview of how retinal microglia maintain retinal homeostasis under normal conditions is provided, and then how they contribute to each stage of AMD. In addition, circulating monocytes are altered in those with AMD, contributing to the overall inflammatory state. Understanding the role of cells of the innate immune system in AMD may uncover novel therapeutic targets with which to reduce either the development or progression of disease.
Oral corticosteroids and asthma in children: Practical considerations
Authors: De Filippo Maria , Clark Evangéline , Fillard Anouchka , Diaferio Lucia , Caimmi Davide 
Published: February 2020

AbstractCorticosteroids (CS) are among the most prescribed drugs in pediatrics. In allergy, CS are prescribed for several different conditions. If CS show clear benefits when adequately prescribed, CS are also associated with several side effects, well known by pediatricians. As for asthma exacerbations, the oral route is always the preferred one in pediatrics. Several authors debated if the use of a single dose of dexamethasone is better in terms of efficacy, compared with a 3‐ to 5‐day course of prednisone or prednisolone. Another interesting issue that has not been fully clarified concerns whether oral corticosteroids should be prescribed in preschoolers presenting with acute wheezing. The present review aims to review the most recent publications on this topic and to try to clarify which may be the best option in children suffering from asthma exacerbations.
What the paediatrician needs to know about HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Parigi Sara , Licari Amelia , Marseglia Gian Luigi , Galli Luisa , Chiappini Elena 
Published: February 2020

AbstractNowadays, it is spreading the false perception that pediatric HIV infection has been almost completely disappeared in Italy, as well as in other Western countries, and it does not deserve the attention of the primary care pediatrician anymore. Hereby, we report the important role still played by the primary care pediatrician in management and prevention of pediatric HIV infection in Western countries.
Allergen immunotherapy and asthma
Authors: Tosca Maria Angela , Olcese Roberta , Licari Amelia , Ciprandi Giorgio 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAllergen immunotherapy (AIT) represents at present the unique disease‐modifying treatment strategy for IgE‐mediated allergic diseases. AIT can induce clinical improvement of allergic asthma, including reduced symptoms, medication use, and improvement of quality of life, with a long‐lasting effect after cessation of treatment. Notably, the current asthma guidelines are now recommending sublingual immunotherapy as an add‐on therapy for asthma in adults and adolescents with house dust mite allergy. Clinical indications of AIT, with particular reference to pediatric asthma, mechanisms of clinical and immunological tolerance to allergens, and the potential biomarkers predicting clinical response are discussed.
Digital allergology: Towards a clinical decision support system for allergen immunotherapy
Authors: Matricardi Paolo Maria , Potapova Ekaterina , Forchert Leandra , Dramburg Stephanie , Tripodi Salvatore 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMobile health is the “medical and public health practice supported by mobile devices, such as mobile phones, patient monitoring devices, personal digital assistants, and other wireless devices.” For example, mobile apps (such as MASK‐Air, Allergy.Monitor, Pollen, and others) have proven useful in the management of patients with allergic rhinitis. These apps can be used in the context of broader clinical decision support systems (CDSS) for enhancing allergy‐related decisions and actions with pertinent, organized clinical knowledge and patient information to improve allergy care. A CDSS targeted to control rhinitis with drugs and other interventions guiding the patient in his/her self‐ and doctor‐driven management is currently being produced and investigated by the MACVIA network. Another one, called @IT‐2020, is targeted to support etiologic diagnostics and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) prescriptions for patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Intensive investigation is necessary to better define the advantages and limitations of mobile‐health technology in allergology and establish guidelines for their proper use in daily practice in the context of a rapidly evolving European regulatory environment.