bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate rat diabetic nephropathy by suppressing CD103+ DCs‐mediated CD8+ T cell responses
Authors: Zhang Fuping , Wang Chengshi , Wen Xin , Chen Yang , Mao Ruiwen , Cui Danli , Li Lan , Liu Jingping , Chen Younan , Cheng Jingqiu , Lu Yanrong 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy (DN) as a kind of serious microvascular complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) usually causes the end‐stage of renal disease (ESRD). Studies have demonstrated that CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) exhibited a renal pathogenic effect in murine chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can alleviate DN and suppress the DCs maturation. To explore the role of CD103+ DCs and the potential mechanisms underlying MSCs‐mediated protective effects in DN, we used bone marrow MSCs (BM‐MSCs) to treat DN rats. MSCs transplantation considerably recovered kidney function and diminished renal injury, fibrosis and the population of renal CD103+ DCs in DN rat. The MSCs‐treated DN rats had decreased mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)1β, IL6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1) and reduced CD8 T cell infiltration in the kidney. MSCs significantly down‐regulated the genes expression of transcription factors (Basic leucine zipper transcriptional factor ATF‐like 3, Batf3 and DNA‐binding protein inhibitor ID‐2, Id2) and FMS‐like tyrosine kinase‐3 (Flt3) which are necessary for CD103+ DCs development. The protective effect of MSCs may be partly related to their immunosuppression of CD8+ T cell proliferation and activation mediated by CD103+ DCs in the kidney of DN rats.
Compression‐induced senescence of nucleus pulposus cells by promoting mitophagy activation via the PINK1/PARKIN pathway
Authors: Huang Donghua , Peng Yizhong , Li Zhiliang , Chen Sheng , Deng Xiangyu , Shao Zengwu , Ma Kaige 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe current research aimed to explore the possible relationship between PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy and the compression‐induced senescence of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). Therefore, the stages of senescence in NPCs were measured under compression lasting 0, 24 and 48 hours. The mitophagy‐related markers, autophagosomes and mitochondrial membrane potential were tested to determine the levels of PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy under compression. The PINK1 and PARKIN levels were also measured by immunohistochemistry of human and rat intervertebral disc (IVD) tissues taken at different degenerative stages. A specific mitophagy inhibitor, cyclosporine A (CSA) and a constructed PINK1‐shRNA were used to explore the relationship between mitophagy and senescence by down‐regulating the PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy levels. Our results indicated that compression significantly enhanced the senescence of NPCs in a time‐dependent manner. Also, PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy was found to be activated by the extended duration of compression on NPCs as well as the increased degenerative stages of IVD tissues. After inhibition of PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy by CSA and PINK1‐shRNA, the senescence of NPCs induced by compression was strongly rescued. Hence, the excessive degradation of mitochondria in NPCs by mitophagy under continuous compression may accelerate the senescence of NPCs. Regulating PINK1/PARKIN‐mediated mitophagy might be a potential therapeutic treatment for IVD degeneration.
High serum triglyceride levels in the early first trimester of pregnancy are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , He Dian , Liang Ning , Lai Ailuan , Zeng Jingbo , Yu Huanling 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAims/IntroductionPregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been reported to have higher serum triglyceride (TG) levels during the entire gestational period. However, whether TGs contribute to the incidence of GDM remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate whether higher serum TG level during early first trimester is associated with GDM.Materials and MethodsA prospective single‐center cohort study was carried out among pregnant women (n = 2,949) who received regular antenatal care in Fu Xing Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. GDM was diagnosed between 24 and 28 gestational weeks. Serum TG levels were measured during gestational weeks 6–8 (TG0) and 16–18 (TG1). TG elevation was the difference between TG1 and TG0.ResultsIn total, 581 pregnant women developed GDM. A 13.1, 18.5 and 28.8% incidence of GDM was observed in women with low, referent and high TG0 levels, respectively. Among women with prepregnancy body mass index <24 kg/m2 and prepregnancy body mass index ≥24 kg/m2, those with high TG0 levels had 2.4‐ and 2.3‐fold increased odds of developing GDM, respectively, compared with pregnant women with low TG0 levels. A positive dose–response relationship was observed between continuous TG0 and TG elevation, and the odds of GDM; a positive association was observed between TG elevation and the odds of developing GDM in pregnant women with intermediate to high TG0 levels.ConclusionHigh TG level during the early first trimester, and TG elevation from the first to early second trimester are associated with GDM development, which persists even after adjusting for confounders.
Evaluating the existence and benefit of major histocompatibility complex‐based mate choice in an isolated owl population
Authors: Sawada Akira , Ando Haruko , Takagi Masaoki 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHow mate preferences evolve in the first place has been a major conundrum for sexual selection. Some hypotheses explaining this assume fitness benefit derived from subsequent generations. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐based mate choice is a representative example of the mate choice that is associated with such trans‐generational mechanisms. To provide evidences for fitness benefit of MHC‐based mate choice, previous studies assessed the association between own MHC genotype and own fitness components. However, the association between MHC‐based mate choice in the parental generation and fitness components in the resultant offspring generation has only rarely been measured in wild populations. Focusing on the isolated population of the monogamous Ryukyu Scops Owl (Otus elegans interpositus) on Minami‐daito Island, Japan, we found evidence of MHC‐based mate choice. However, we found no evidence of MHC‐based mate choice increasing own reproductive success or offspring survival. This is a rare case study that directly examines the existence of the trans‐generational indirect benefit of MHC‐based mate choice for genetic compatibility from trans‐generational data in a wild bird population. By investigating the fitness benefits of mate choice, this study serves to facilitate our understanding of the evolution of MHC‐based mate choice.
Sexual selection and population divergence III: Interspecific and intraspecific variation in mating signals
Authors: Moran Peter A. , Hunt John , Mitchell Christopher , Ritchie Michael G. , Bailey Nathan W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA major challenge for studying the role of sexual selection in divergence and speciation is understanding the relative influence of different sexually selected signals on those processes in both intra‐ and interspecific contexts. Different signals may be more or less susceptible to co‐option for species identification depending on the balance of sexual and ecological selection acting upon them. To examine this, we tested three predictions to explain geographic variation in long‐ versus short‐range sexual signals across a 3,500 + km transect of two related Australian field cricket species (Teleogryllusspp.): (a) selection for species recognition, (b) environmental adaptation and (c) stochastic divergence. We measured male calling song and male and female cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in offspring derived from wild populations, reared under common garden conditions. Song clearly differentiated the species, and no hybrids were observed suggesting that hybridization is rare or absent. Spatial variation in song was not predicted by geography, genetics or climatic factors in either species. In contrast, CHC divergence was strongly associated with an environmental gradient supporting the idea that the climatic environment selects more directly upon these chemical signals. In light of recently advocated models of diversification via ecological selection on secondary sexual traits, the different environmental associations we found for song and CHCs suggest that the impact of ecological selection on population divergence, and how that influences speciation, might be different for acoustic versus chemical signals.
Subepithelial connective tissue graft conjugated to minimally invasive ceramic laminates—1 year follow‐up
Authors: Costa Lidiane C. M. , Zica Juliana de S. , da Costa Júnior Arlindo R. , Machado Lívia S. , Lacerda Luiz H. C. , Morgan Luís F. dos S. A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveCommonly, esthetic procedures involve ceramic laminates and gingivectomy. However, the clinical demand caused by dental wear and gingival recessions due to parafunctional habits is increasing. Thus, in addition to restoring the anatomical and esthetic dental form, it is also necessary to restore the lost gingival volume.Clinical considerationsThis article presents a case report of the treatment of a patient with marked incisal wear and gingival recessions. Initially, endodontic treatment of the upper lateral incisors was performed, which presented with pulp necrosis due to the marked wear caused by bruxism. Subsequently, the patient was treated with a subepithelial connective graft by a technique proposed by Zucchelli, along with minimally invasive ceramic laminates and finished with a myorelaxant plaque.ConclusionsThis proposed approach aimed for and achieved esthetic excellence, and full recovery of function, which is of extreme clinical relevance. Ultimately, the stability of the surgery and the laminates after 1 year of follow‐up is presented.Clinical SignificancePatients with bruxism in addition to incisal and occlusal wear are more likely to have gingival recessions. The esthetic planning of these patients should contemplate interdisplinarity temporomandibular disorder, periodontics, and dentistry for the recovery of the function and reaching esthetic excellence.
Suggested use? On evidence‐based decision‐making in industrial ecology and beyond
Authors: Zhu Junming 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIndustrial ecology (IE) research has well established expertise in accounting for the material stocks, flows, and associated impacts of industrial and consumer activities in a variety of scales and manifestations. As with many other science and social science fields, however, the pathways from IE research findings to policy and business decision‐making are often unclear and unsatisfactory. This issue creates a challenge for the application of industrial ecology to sustainable development. By reviewing several strands of literature, this article investigates alternative ways to generate and use research findings to support decision‐making and social change. It argues that advances in both the core and the emerging methods in IE complement each other to improve transparency and reliability of research evidence; extension and contextualization of current findings corresponding to different stages in policy‐making and organizational decision processes make research evidence more informative; a learning perspective makes research evidence valuable and used in more flexible ways. To better assist decision‐making for societal change, more dialogues between researchers of different methodological cultures and between researchers and other stakeholders and a paradigm shift in social systems for which industrial ecologists should be conscious and proactive are required.
The stressed brain: regional and stress‐related corticosterone and stress‐regulated gene expression in the adult zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: Rensel Michelle A. , Schlinger Barney A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractGlucocorticoids (CORT) are well‐known as important regulators of behaviour and cognition at basal levels and under stress. However, the precise mechanisms governing CORT action and functional outcomes of this action in the brain remain unclear, particularly in model systems other than rodents. In the present study, we investigated the dynamics of CORT regulation in the zebra finch, an important model system for vocal learning, neuroplasticity and cognition. We tested the hypothesis that CORT is locally regulated in the zebra finch brain by quantifying regional and stress‐related variation in total CORT across brain regions. In addition, we used an ex vivo slice culture system to test whether CORT regulates target gene expression uniquely in discrete regions of the brain. We documented a robust increase in brain CORT across regions after 30 minutes of restraint stress but, interestingly, baseline and stress‐induced CORT levels varied between regions. In addition, CORT treatment of brain slice cultures differentially affected expression of three CORT target genes: it up‐regulated expression of FKBP5 in most regions and SGK1 in the hypothalamus only, whereas GILZ was unaffected by CORT treatment across all brain regions investigated. The specific mechanisms producing regional variation in CORT and CORT‐dependent downstream gene expression remain unknown, although these data provide additional support for the hypothesis that the songbird brain employs regulatory mechanisms that result in precise control over the influence of CORT on glucocorticoid‐sensitive neural circuits.
Cryolipolysis for local fat reduction in adults from Brazil: A single‐arm intervention study
Authors: de Gusmão Paula Regazzi , Canella Clarissa , de Gusmão Beatriz Regazzi , Filippo Alexandre de Almeida , Filippo Gustavo Robertson 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundLocalized fat is a matter of great concern among individuals from today's society. Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive technique that have shown great results in reducing localized fat.AimsTo analyze the efficacy of cryoplipolysis on visible local fat reduction in submental region, arms, or male breast (pseudogynecomastia) in Brazilian subjects, and to assess possible factors associated with treatment success.MethodsSingle‐arm, nonrandomized trial, with volunteers from both genders with visible excess fat in the arms or submental region or men presenting pseudogynecomastia. Eligible subjects were submitted to physical, photographic, and ultrasound analysis before and three months after intervention. A single cryolipolysis session was performed using specific methods for each region, followed by a local massage for two minutes. Data were described as measures of central tendency and dispersion and measures of frequency. Reduction in measurements and factors associated with treatment success was analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.ResultsThirty‐six subjects underwent one session of cryolipolysis in each area (22 subjects treated the arms, 20 the submental region and 9 the breast). In general, a mean reduction of 19.1% was observed. Significant differences were observed for almost all body parts analyzed. Body mass index was the only variable showing a significant relationship with intervention results.ConclusionsCryolipolysis is a useful noninvasive tool in reduction of visible localized fat in arms and submental region and of pseudogynecomastia. Obese subjects are not benefited by the treatment.
Characterization of female intimate hygiene practices and vulvar health: A randomized double‐blind controlled trial
Authors: Murina Filippo , Caimi Camilla , Felice Raffaele , Di Francesco Stefania , Cetin Irene 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundInappropriate feminine hygiene practices are related to vulvar unpleasant symptoms (such as skin changes, lesions, burning, pruritus, fissures, and dyspareunia).AimsWe assessed the daily use effects of intimate cleansers on vulvar skin by comparing two specific products for intimate care: Saugella Hydraserum (SIS), based on natural extracts, and a standard product based on lactic acid, such as Lactacyd Feminine Hygiene (LTC). Forty healthy women were enrolled in this double‐blind controlled study.MethodsAfter randomization, the cleansers were used twice daily for 30 days. The hydration level was determined using the Corneometer® CM 825, the pH using the Skin‐pH‐Meter PH 905® and the sebum level using the Sebumeter SM815®. Measurements were performed at baseline and on day 30 on the labia majora and labia minora.ResultsBoth cleansers showed a reduction in the hydration level, but this was much less evident in the SIS group (−6.3% SIS vs −23,7% LTC). The pH values of the SIS group were lower than those of the LTC group, especially on the labia minora (5.27 ± 0.08 and 5.6 ± 0.1, respectively, P = .025). The sebum increased in both groups, but in the LTC group, it was higher on the labia majora (+96.2% vs +46.8%, respectively, P = .003), while on the labia minora, it was higher in the SIS group (+24.7% vs +17.1%, respectively P = NS).ConclusionsBoth cleansers tested showed high performance for safety and tolerability on vulvar skin, but SIS showed better efficacy than LTC on some parameters.
Effect of the aging process on columella‐labial, naso‐mental and facial angles and how to apply it in clinical practice
Authors: Bravo Bruna Souza Felix , Carvalho Raquel de Melo , Iggnacio Carolina Araujo , Bianco Stephanie , Bravo Leonardo Gonçalves 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroudAging is the result of the interplay of changes occurring in the facial skeleton, ligaments, muscles, adipose tissue, and skin (1), and these changes befall each mentioned structure at a different pace, start in each individual at a different age, and differ between ethnic background. (4) It changes directly the measurements of the face angles, making the face more concave and flattened aspect, while the young face presents a more convex and rounded aspect. Female skulls had an increase in all transverse facial widths and depth of the middle face with increasing age. Therefore, aging is consequence of progressive changes through intrinsic and extrinsic factors (5) and different methods can be used to assess and diagnose these changes.AimsThe aim of the study is to evaluate facial angles and their aging changes.MethodsA retrospective study was performed with a total of 1213 Caucasian female patients in the author's private clinic. The angles evaluate age‐related changes were analyzed: facial, naso‐mental, and columella‐labial angle. Photograph analysis program Vectra 3D (Canfield) was used to perform the anthropometric assessment of the angles, and after data collection, the analysis was performed statistics.Results and ConclusionWe could conclude angles analyzed change with age, while two angles increase (naso‐mental and facial angle), the other decreases (columella‐labial angle).The study reinforces the principle of an objective clinical anthropometric assessment of facial angles as a relevant guide for a more appropriate treatment plan for the doctor to perform aesthetic procedures in order to restore a youthful face.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 gene polymorphism in alopecia areata: Does it have an association with disease severity?
Authors: Shehata Wafaa Ahmed , Maraee Alaa , Kamal Heba , Tayel Nermin , Azmy Rania 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia areata is a condition involving hair loss from certain or all areas of the body. It has been considered as an immune‐mediated disease, characterized by the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the hair follicles.Aim of the studyThe study aimed to assess whether protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 gene single nucleotide polymorphism 1858C/T has any relationship with alopecia areata in Egyptian patients and whether it is associated with disease severity or not.Subjects and methodsProtein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22) C1858T gene polymorphism was identified using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis technique in 60 patients suffering from alopecia areata and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Disease severity was assessed using SALT score.ResultsCT and TT genotypes were significantly higher in the patients’ group (P = .005), OR = 4.38 95% CI [1.48‐12.96], with significant statistical predominance of T allele in patients, P = .003, OR = 3.86, 95% CI [1.52‐9.77]. There was also a positive significant relationship between protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 genotype CT and SALT score.ConclusionPTPN22 1858T allele is associated with the development and severity of alopecia areata in Egyptians.
FAMILY FIRM PERFORMANCE OVER THE BUSINESS CYCLE: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Hansen Christopher , Block Joern , Neuenkirch Matthias 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe financial performance of family firms has been widely studied in the literature. Combining the results of 155 primary studies from 35 countries with data about business cycles, we investigate how family firm performance changes over the business cycle. Using meta‐analytic estimation methods, we find that family firms outperform nonfamily firms in developed markets, irrespective of economic circumstances. This outperformance, although statistically significant, is very small and practically negligible. With regard to the business cycle, we find evidence for a procyclical effect in which the relative performance of family firms is lower in economically difficult times. Our study extends the literature on how family firm performance depends on macroeconomic factors.
Uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at mid‐term gestation as a potential predictive factor for the resolution of placenta previa at the end of third trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Lu Yu , Wu Yilun , Yang Lijuan , Huang Fan , Ren Min 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimThe incidence of placenta previa before the third trimester is high. But many cases resolve as pregnancy progresses. Our study was to evaluate the efficacy of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry at mid‐term gestation for predicting placenta previa resolution in third trimester.MethodsA single‐center retrospective study was done. A study cohort of 504 subjects with placenta‐cervix os distance measured both at 22–24 weeks and after 36 weeks of gestation and uterine artery Doppler velocimetry measured at 22–24 weeks of gestation were selected. The subjects were assigned to control group (n = 351), resolving group (n = 89) and placenta previa group (n = 64) according to their diagnosis of placenta previa at mid‐term and the end of the third trimester. The averages of the bilateral ratio of uterine artery systolic to end‐diastolic maximum blood flow velocity (S/D ratio), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) were used for analysis.ResultsThe means of S/D ratio, PI and RI of uterine arteries in the placenta previa group were significantly lower than that in either control group or resolving group. No differences were observed between control group and resolving group. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.7632, 0.7579 and 0.7644 for the means of S/D ratio, PI and RI, respectively (P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe means of S/D ratio, PI and RI of the uterine arteries at mid‐term gestation are reduced in patients with persistent placenta previa, indicating unique pathogenic changes at mid‐term gestation, and have the potential to be a predictive factor on placenta previa resolution.