bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The forearm and hand musculature of semi‐terrestrial rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and arboreal gibbons (fam.Hylobatidae). Part II. Quantitative analysis
Authors: Vanhoof Marie J. M. , van Leeuwen Timo , Galletta Lorenzo , Vereecke Evie E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNonhuman primates have a highly diverse locomotor repertoire defined by an equally diverse hand use. Based on how primates use their hands during locomotion, we can distinguish between terrestrial and arboreal taxa. The ‘arboreal’ hand is likely adapted towards high wrist mobility and grasping, whereas the ‘terrestrial’ hand will show adaptations to loading. While the morphology of the forearm and hand bones have been studied extensively, functional adaptations in the forearm and hand musculature to locomotor behaviour have been documented only scarcely. In this paper, we investigate the forelimb musculature of the highly arboreal gibbons (includingHylobates lar,Hylobates pileatus,Nomascus leucogenys,Nomascus concolor and Symphalangus syndactylus) and compare this with the musculature of the semi‐terrestrial rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Anatomical data from previous dissections on knuckle‐walking bonobos (Pan paniscus) and bipedal humans (Homo sapiens) are also included to further integrate the analyses in the scope of catarrhine hand adaptation. This study indicates that the overall configuration of the arm and hand musculature of these primates is very similar but there are some apparent differences in relative size which can be linked to differences in forelimb function and which might be related to their specific locomotor behaviour. In macaques, there is a large development of wrist deviators, wrist and digital flexors, and m. triceps brachii, as these muscles are important during the different phases of palmi‐ and digitigrade quadrupedal walking to stabilize the wrist and elbow. In addition, their m. flexor carpi ulnaris is the most important contributor to the total force‐generating capacity of the wrist flexors and deviators, and is needed to counteract the adducting torque at the elbow joint during quadrupedal walking. Gibbons show a relatively high force‐generating capacity in their forearm rotators, wrist and digital flexors, which are important muscles in brachiation to actively regulate forward movement of the body. The results also stress the importance of the digital flexors in bonobos, during climbing and clambering, and in humans, which is likely linked to our advanced manipulation skills.
Damage to the human lumbar cartilage endplate and its clinical implications
Authors: Huang Bao , Liu Junhui , Wei Xiaoan , Li Shengwen , Xiang Yufeng , Wu Hao , Chen Jian , Zhao Fengdong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe cartilaginous endplate (CEP) is a thin layer of hyaline cartilage, and plays an important role in the diffusion of nutrients into the intervertebral discs. Its damage may seriously affect the disc degeneration, and result in low back pain (LBP). However, the structural features of damaged CEPs have not been well characterized, and this hinders our understanding of the etiology of disc degeneration and pain. To present the structural features of micro‐damaged CEPs in patients with disc degeneration and LBP that might even be regarded as an initial factor for disc degeneration, we performed a histological study of micro‐damaged CEPs harvested from human lumbar intervertebral discs and analyzed its clinical implications. Human lumbar CEPs were excised from 35 patients (mean age 60.91 years) who had disc degeneration and LBP. Control tissue was obtained from 15 patients (mean age 54.67 years) with lumbar vertebral burst fractures. LBP and disability were assessed clinically, and all patients underwent anterior vertebral body fusion surgery. CEPs together with some adjacent nucleus pulposus (NP) were sectioned at 4 µm, and stained using H&E, Safranin O/Fast Green, and Alcian Blue. Immunostaining and PCR were used to identify various markers of degeneration, innervation, and inflammation. Histology demonstrated physical micro‐damage in 14/35 CEPs from the disc degeneration group. Six major types of damage could be distinguished: fissure, traumatic nodes, vascular mimicry, incorporation of NP tissue within the CEP, incorporation of bone within the CEP, and incorporation of NP and bone within the CEP. Pain and disability scores (ODI: p = 0.0190; JOA: p = 0.0205; JOABPEQ: p = 0.0034) were significantly higher in those with micro‐damaged CEPs (N = 14) than in those with non‐damaged CEPs (N = 21). CEP damage was significantly associated with elevated MMP3 (p = 0.043), MMP13 (p = 0.0191), ADAMTS5 (p = 0.0253), TNF‐α (p = 0.0011), and Substance P (p = 0.0028), and with reduced Sox9 (p = 0.0212), aggrecan (p = 0.0127), and type II collagen (p = 0.0139). In conclusion, we presented a new classification of human lumbar micro‐damaged CEPs. Furthermore, we verify disc degeneration, innervation, and discogenic pain in micro‐damaged CEPs.
A pregnant woman with congenital hepatic fibrosis delivers a healthy neonate
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Meng Zhanao , Li Zhe , Wang Li , Qiu Suli , Xu Chengfang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground and AimsCongenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a rare disease associated with polycystic kidney gene mutation and is characterized by liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. The pathology of CHF has common characteristics with hepatitis B cirrhosis. Currently, little is known about the clinical course of CHF during pregnancy or its effect on maternal and fetal outcomes.MethodsWhole exome sequencing (WES), and laboratory and histopathological findings of the patient were documented.ResultsWe report the case of a 30‐year‐old Chinese woman who had been diagnosed with hepatitis B cirrhosis 17 years before and whose diagnosis was revised to CHF based on confirmation by liver biopsy and WES. She conceived naturally and delivered a healthy live infant.ConclusionsThe diagnostic methods for CHF are liver biopsy and WES. In pregnant patients with CHF, prenatal monitoring is mainly performed to monitor liver function, platelet and clotting function, portal hypertension and degree of esophageal and gastric varices. Precise guidelines for screening and management of patients with CHF need to be better defined.
Obstacles to HBV functional cure: Late presentation in HIV and its impact on HBV seroconversion in HIV/HBV coinfection
Authors: van Bremen Kathrin , Hoffmann Christian , Mauss Stefan , Lutz Thomas , Ingiliz Patrick , Spinner Christoph D. , Scholten Stefan , Schwarze‐Zander Carolynne , Berger Florian , Breitschwerdt Sven , Schneeweiss Stephan , Busch Fabian , Wasmuth Jan‐Christian , Fätkenheuer Gerd , Lehmann Clara , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Boesecke Christoph 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSeveral cohorts have shown that long‐term tenofovir‐containing combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) leads to higher HBsAg seroclearance rates in HIV/HBV coinfected patients vs HBV‐monoinfected patients under tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)‐based therapy. We have analysed data on determinants of HBsAg loss in a retrospective multicentric cohort of 359 HIV/HBV coinfected patients. Median CD4 T‐cell count at baseline was 359/ul (321‐404), CDC stage was C in 20% (n = 70). Most patients (68%) were ART‐naïve when TDF‐ or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)‐containing cART was initiated (baseline). After a median follow‐up of 11 years HBsAg loss had occurred in 66/359 (18%) patients. However, patients with stage CDC C (P ≤ .001), lower CD4 gain (P = .043) and not receiving TDF/FTC (P = .008) were less likely to lose HBsAg. Long‐term TDF‐containing cART appears to achieve higher rates of HBsAg seroclearance compared to published data for HBV monoinfected subjects. However, late presentation for HIV and poor immune recovery significantly impair HBV seroconversion rates.
Cell‐type‐specific hypertranslocation of effectors by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa type III secretion system
Authors: Armentrout Erin I. , Kundracik Emma C. , Rietsch Arne 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMany Gram‐negative pathogens use a type III secretion system (T3SS) to promote disease by injecting effector proteins into host cells. Common to many T3SSs is that injection of effector proteins is feedback inhibited. The mechanism of feedback inhibition and its role in pathogenesis are unclear. In the case of P. aeruginosa, the effector protein ExoS is central to limiting effector injection. ExoS is bifunctional, with an amino‐terminal RhoGAP and a carboxy‐terminal ADP‐ribosyltransferase domain. We demonstrate that both domains are required to fully feedback inhibit effector injection. The RhoGAP‐, but not the ADP‐ribosyltransferase domain of the related effector protein ExoT also participates. Feedback inhibition does not involve translocator insertion nor pore‐formation. Instead, feedback inhibition is due, in part, to a loss of the activating trigger for effector injection, and likely also decreased translocon stability. Surprisingly, feedback inhibition is abrogated in phagocytic cells. The lack of feedback inhibition in these cells requires phagocytic uptake of the bacteria, but cannot be explained through acidification of the phagosome or calcium limitation. Given that phagocytes are crucial for controlling P. aeruginosa infections, our data suggest that feedback inhibition allows P. aeruginosa to direct its effector arsenal against the cell types most damaging to its survival.
Elongation factor P is required for EIIGlc translation in Corynebacterium glutamicum due to an essential polyproline motif
Authors: Pinheiro Bruno , Petrov Dimitar Plamenov , Guo Lingyun , Martins Gustavo Benevides , Bramkamp Marc , Jung Kirsten 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTranslating ribosomes require elongation factor P (EF‐P) to incorporate consecutive prolines (XPPX) into nascent peptide chains. The proteome of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 contains a total of 1,468 XPPX motifs, many of which are found in proteins involved in primary and secondary metabolism. We show here that synthesis of EIIGlc, the glucose‐specific permease of the phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP): sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) encoded by ptsG, is strongly dependent on EF‐P, as an efp deletion mutant grows poorly on glucose as sole carbon source. The amount of EIIGlc is strongly reduced in this mutant, which consequently results in a lower rate of glucose uptake. Strikingly, the XPPX motif is essential for the activity of EIIGlc, and substitution of the prolines leads to inactivation of the protein. Finally, translation of GntR2, a transcriptional activator of ptsG, is also dependent on EF‐P. However, its reduced amount in the efp mutant can be compensated for by other regulators. These results reveal for the first time a translational bottleneck involving production of the major glucose transporter EIIGlc, which has implications for future strain engineering strategies.
L‐Aspartate as a high‐quality nitrogen source in Escherichia coli: Regulation of L‐aspartase by the nitrogen regulatory system and interaction of L‐aspartase with GlnB
Authors: Schubert Christopher , Zedler Sandra , Strecker Alexander , Unden Gottfried 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEscherichia coli uses the C4‐dicarboxylate transporter DcuA for L‐aspartate/fumarate antiport, which results in the exploitation of L‐aspartate for fumarate respiration under anaerobic conditions and for nitrogen assimilation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. L‐Aspartate represents a high‐quality nitrogen source for assimilation. Nitrogen assimilation from L‐aspartate required DcuA, and aspartase AspA to release ammonia. Ammonia is able to provide by established pathways the complete set of intracellular precursors (ammonia, L‐aspartate, L‐glutamate, and L‐glutamine) for synthesizing amino acids, nucleotides, and amino sugars. AspA was regulated by a central regulator of nitrogen metabolism, GlnB. GlnB interacted with AspA and stimulated its L‐aspartate deaminase activity (NH3‐forming), but not the reverse amination reaction. GlnB stimulation required 2‐oxoglutarate and ATP, or uridylylated GlnB‐UMP, consistent with the activation of nitrogen assimilation under nitrogen limitation. Binding to AspA was lost in the GlnB(Y51F) mutant of the uridylylation site. AspA, therefore, represents a new type of GlnB target that binds GlnB (with ATP and 2‐oxoglutarate), or GlnB‐UMP (with or without effectors), and both situations stimulate AspA deamination activity. Thus, AspA represents the central enzyme for nitrogen assimilation from L‐aspartate, and AspA is integrated into the nitrogen assimilation network by the regulator GlnB.
Risk of autoimmune diseases in recurrent aphthous ulcer patients: A nationwide population study
Authors: Lee Young Chan , Jeong Su Jin , Eun Young‐Gyu , Song Ran , Oh In‐Hwan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the risk of developing autoimmune disease in patients diagnosed having recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) through a nationwide population‐based cohort study.MethodsThis study included two group of patients who had three or more episodes with aphthae diagnosed from their physician (RAS group) and a similar matched group of patients without aphthae (control group). Both groups were collected within the period of 2005–2007 from the Korean National Health Insurances claims database. Non‐RAS cohort was matched after frequency matching. The final enrolled subjects were observed during a follow‐up period from 2008 to 2015 and those who received autoimmune diseases diagnoses during follow‐up were identified. The hazard ratio (HR) for developing autoimmune diseases was estimated.ResultsA total of 4,637 patients with RAS and 4,637 controls were included. The risk of overall autoimmune diseases was significantly increased in the RAS group (adjusted HR [aHR)], 1.19). With regard to each disease entity, patients with RAS showed an increased risk of Behcet's disease (31.16), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) (1.74), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (1.47), gout (1.47), Hashimoto thyroiditis (1.42), Graves' disease (1.37), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1.19).ConclusionRAS‐like lesion may be an early sign of systemic autoimmune disease, as it was associated with an increased risk of Graves' disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, SLE, AS, gout, RA, and Behcet's disease from real‐world data.
Subgingival endotoxin and lipoteichoic acid modulate cytokine production in diabetic subjects: A Case–control Study
Authors: Rangel Thiago P. , Reis Aurelio A. , Caponi Lara , Pena Larissa C. S. , Ruiz Karina G. S. , Santamaria Mauro P. , Mathias‐Santamaria Ingrid F. , Casati Marcio Z. , Casarin Renato C. V. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontal disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) are highly prevalent and interrelated diseases, resulting in altered host response microbiota. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of DM on local levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and their relationship with cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases’ (MMPs) profile.MethodsThis case–control study included diabetic (n = 15) and non‐diabetic (n = 15) subjects presenting Stage 3‐4, Grade C, Periodontitis. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected, and LPS and LTA levels were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐17, IL‐1β, IL‐4, MMP‐2, and MMP‐9 were measured by LUMINEX/MAGpix. Mann–Whitney and Spearman’s correlation tests were used to compared and to correlate variables (p < 0.05).ResultsHigher levels of LTA, LPS, IL‐10, IL‐1β, and MMP‐2 (p < 0.05) and lower levels of IL‐17 were found in the DM group (p < 0.05). Non‐diabetic subjects presented higher LPS, IFN‐γ, IL‐17, and MMP‐2 levels and lower IL‐10 concentration (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was seen between LPS and cytokine profile in non‐diabetic. Local levels of LTA were positively correlated with IL‐17 and MMP‐2 and negatively with IL‐10.ConclusionLTA and LPS drove the inflammatory profile through the modulation of cytokines and MMPs in a different manner in DM and non‐diabetic subjects.
Photobiomodulation is effective in oral lichen planus: A randomized, controlled, double‐blind study
Authors: Ferri Elza P. , Cunha Karen R. L. , Abboud Clery S. , de Barros Gallo Camila , de Sousa Sobral Sérgio , de Fatima Teixeira da Silva Daniela , Horliana Anna Carolina R. T. , Franco Adriana L.‐d.‐S. , Rodrigues Maria Fernanda Setúbal D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of photobiomodulation to that of topical clobetasol 0.05% in patients with symptomatic oral lichen planus (OLP).SubjectsThirty‐four patients with symptomatic OLP were randomly allocated into two groups: (a) the Control group (n = 17), application of topical clobetasol propionate 0.05% three times a day for 30 consecutive days with laser placebo applied twice a week to mask the treatment, and (b) the photobiomodulation group (n = 17), laser application twice a week, totalling 8 sessions, and gel placebo for 30 consecutive days to mask the treatment. Evaluations were performed once a week during treatment and 30, 60 and 90 days after treatment. The following parameters were evaluated: pain, clinical scores, clinical resolution and recurrence rate.ResultsPhotobiomodulation and propionate clobetasol 0.05% were able to significantly decrease pain in oral lichen planus patients and improve clinical scores during treatment and follow‐up. Both the Control and photobiomodulation groups presented similar clinical resolution and recurrence rates. Most importantly, no difference was observed between treatments during treatment and follow‐up.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that photobiomodulation twice a week is as effective as corticoid therapy in treating oral lichen planus. Moreover, photobiomodulation is a safe and non‐invasive therapy with the remarkable advantage of no adverse effects.
Oral mucositis after tacrolimus/sirolimus or cyclosporine/methotrexate as graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis
Authors: Garming Legert Karin , Ringdén Olle , Remberger Mats , Törlén Johan , Mattsson Jonas , Dahllöf Göran 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo determine whether treatment with tacrolimus plus sirolimus (Tac/Sir) as a prophylaxis for graft‐versus‐host disease worsens severe oral mucositis and delays healing compared to cyclosporine plus methotrexate (CsA/Mtx) following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Subjects and MethodsThe study comprised 141 patients: 73 randomized to receive Tac/Sir and 68 to receive CsA/Mtx. The oral mucositis assessment scale and toxicity grading according to WHO were used to assess the severity, peak and duration of oral mucositis from the day −3 to day 24 post‐transplant.ResultsEighty‐seven patients developed oral mucositis in the first 24 days post‐transplant. No significant difference in oral mucositis severity between the Tac/Sir and CsA/Mtx groups was observed. The peak oral mucositis score occurred on day 10 in both groups. Although oral mucositis scores had returned to baseline in the CsA/Mtx group on day 24 post‐transplant, no significant difference compared with the Tac/Sir group was found.ConclusionsThe introduction of tacrolimus/sirolimus as a graft‐versus‐host disease prophylaxis in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation increased neither the incidence nor severity of oral mucositis compared with cyclosporine/methotrexate. Furthermore, oral mucositis healing was not prolonged and followed the same time pattern as cyclosporine/methotrexate.
The effect of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid periostin levels in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis
Authors: Arslan Rana , Karsiyaka Hendek Meltem , Kisa Ucler , Olgun Ebru 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of non‐surgical periodontal treatment on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) periostin levels in patients with gingivitis (G) and periodontitis (P).Subjects and methodsA total of 90 subjects, 30 patients with P, 30 with G, and 30 periodontally healthy (H) subjects were included. Patients with periodontal disease received non‐surgical periodontal treatment. GCF periostin levels were assessed at baseline, at the 6th week, and the 3rd month after treatment.ResultsIt was found that GCF periostin level was the lowest in the H group (89.31[47.12] pg/30 sec), followed by the G group (132.82[145.14] pg/30 sec), and the highest in the P group (207.75[189.45] pg/30 sec). These differences were statistically significant between H and the other groups (p < .001). After treatment, GCF periostin levels significantly decreased at the 6th week and the 3rd month in the G group, at the 3rd month in the P group compared to baseline values (p < .05).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that GCF periostin plays a role as a reliable biological marker in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and non‐surgical periodontal treatment is effective in decreasing GCF periostin levels.
Parents of ataxia‐telangiectasia patients display a distinct cellular immune phenotype mimicking ATM‐mutated patients
Authors: Ogulur Ismail , Ertuzun Tugce , Kocamis Burcu , Kendir Demirkol Yasemin , Uyar Emel , Kiykim Ayca , Baser Dilek , Yesil Gozde , Akturk Hacer , Somer Ayper , Ozen Ahmet , Karakoc‐Aydiner Elif , Muftuoglu Meltem , Baris Safa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundHeterozygous relatives of ataxia‐telangiectasia (AT) patients are at an increased risk for certain AT‐related manifestations. We also show that there is an increase of infection frequency in parents of AT patients. Thus, we hypothesized that the parents might exhibit immune alterations similar to their affected children.MethodsLymphocyte phenotyping to enumerate T‐ and B‐cell subsets was performed. Functional analyses included in vitro quantified γ‐H2AX, poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) and caspase‐9 proteins. Chromosomal instability was determined by comet assay.ResultsWe analyzed 20 AT patients (14F/6M), 31 parents (16F/15M), and 35 age‐matched healthy controls. The AT patients’ parents exhibited low frequency of naive CD4+ T‐ (n = 14, 45%) and recent thymic emigrants (n = 11, 35%) in comparison with the age‐matched healthy donors. Interestingly, parents with low naive T cells also demonstrated high rate of recurrent infections (9/14, 64%). In comparison with age‐matched controls, parents who had recurrent infections and low naive T cells showed significantly higher baseline γ‐H2AX levels and H2O2‐induced DNA damage as well as increased cleaved caspase‐9 and PARP proteins.ConclusionParents of AT patients could present with recurrent infections and display cellular defects that mimic AT patients. The observed immunological changes could be associated with increased DNA double‐strand breaks.