bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between apical periodontitis and atherosclerosis in rats: lipid profile and histological study
Authors: Conti L. C. , Segura‐Egea J. J. , Cardoso C. B. M. , Benetti F. , Azuma M. M. , Oliveira P. H. C. , Bomfim S. R. M. , Cintra L. T. A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimTo investigate the relationship between apical periodontitis and atherosclerosis in rats by lipid profile and carotid artery intima tunic measurement, and histological and histometric evaluation of periapical lesions.MethodologyForty male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control (C), with apical periodontitis (AP), with atherosclerosis (AT) and with AP and AT (AP + AT). Atherosclerosis was induced using a high‐lipid diet associated with a surgical ligature in the carotid artery and a super dosage of vitamin D3. AP was induced via pulp exposure to the oral environment. At 45 and 75 days, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) were measured. The maxillary and mandibular jaws and carotid artery were collected and processed for histological analysis. The Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney test was performed for nonparametric data, and the Tukey’s or Student’s t‐test was performed for parametric data (P < 0.05).ResultsIn nonatherosclerotic animals, the induction of apical periodontitis increased TG levels significantly, from 63.1 ± 11.4 mg dL−1 in group C to 88.2 ± 7.9 mg dL−1 in the AP group (P < 0.05). The induction of AP was associated with a trend for higher TC and LDL‐C levels in atherosclerotic animals (P > 0.05); however, it only significantly increased TG levels, from 93.2 ± 18.0 mg dL−1 in AT group to 121.9 ± 14.5 mg dL−1 in the AP + AT group (P < 0.05). Animals in the AP + AT group had a 36.5% increase in the thickness of the carotid intima tunic when compared with the AT group (P < 0.05). The intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate was significantly larger in the AP + AT group when compared with AP group (P < 0.05). The AP + AT group exhibited significantly greater alveolar bone loss, with a periapical lesion size of 206.4 ± 56.3 × 104 μm2, compared with 151.4 ± 49.1 × 104 μm2 in the AP group (P < 0.05).ConclusionApical periodontitis influenced triglyceride levels, increasing them even in the absence of atherosclerosis, and influenced the increase in the thickness of the carotid artery intima tunic in the presence of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis intensified the inflammatory reaction and increased bone resorption in periapical lesions.
Improving performance of recently introduced flow cytometry‐based approach of malignant cell screening in serous cavity effusion
Authors: Sun Jingfang , Ding Shuang , Zhu Liqiang , Liu Yun , Jiang Qingqing , Song Shuang , Chen Weimin , Li Shibao , Ma Ping 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionMicroscopy has been recognized as the “gold‐standard” cellular analysis of serous cavity effusion. However, this method is time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and requires accomplished skills. Here, we investigated the efficiency of hematology analyzer in screening malignant cells in serous cavity effusion.MethodsA total of 991 serous cavity effusion samples and 370 validation specimens collected from different departments were sent to the clinical laboratory for routine cell count using the automated hematology body fluid (BF) mode and exfoliative cytology simultaneously. High‐fluorescent cells (HFCs) were measured as the relative count (HF%) and absolute count (HF#) by BF mode. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was combined with scattergram rules to screen malignant cells.ResultsHF# and HF% in malignant samples (subgroup) were significantly higher than those in benign samples, and the HF# and HF% levels were different between ascites and pleural effusion (PE). The area under the curve values were also different between ascites and PE. Positive of malignant cells was very high when the ascites or PE sample touching Rule 1 positive and either Rule 2 negative or positive. The cutoff levels of HF# were 5.5 HFC/μL on the basis of Rules 1 and 2 negative, whereas 83.5 HFC/μL on the basis of Rule 1 negative but Rule 2 positive in ascites. By contrast, the cutoff levels of HF% were 0.55 HFC/100 WBC on the basis of Rules 1 and 2 negative, whereas 4.95 HFC/100 WBC on the basis of Rule 1 negative but Rule 2 positive in PE.ConclusionsSerous cavity effusion will be increasingly analyzed using the automated hematology analyzer BF mode in the future because of its rapidness and convenience. The combined application of HFC with scattergram rules is a feasible and useful approach to screen malignant cells in serous cavity effusion.
Combined analysis of circRNA and mRNA profiles and interactions in patients with Diabetic Foot and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhao Wanni , Liang Jianfeng , Chen Zuoguan , Diao Yongpeng , Miao Gang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn order to elucidate the pathogenesis and explore new biomarkers for diabetes and diabetic foot (DF), an analysis using RNA sequencing affords broader insights into gene expression regulatory networks in DF. To better explore the molecular basis of DF, we carried out an analysis of circular RNA (circRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of serum samples from DF patients and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. The potential roles and interactions of differentially expressed circRNAs and mRNAs were classified by gene ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses. Compared with diabetes patients, 279 mRNAs were upregulated and 353 mRNAs were downregulated in the serum of DF patients, and 33 circRNAs were differently expressed. The differential genes at the nodes of the interaction network were screened, and TLR6 RUNX1 and ST2 were found to be related to the progression of diabetes and DF. The enrichment pathway analysis revealed that the lysosomal pathway played a critical role in the occurrence and development of DF. TLR6, RUNX1, and ST2 mRNA expressions and the lysosomal pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and DF. In addition, methane metabolism and Chagas disease pathways were observed in the occurrence and development of DF, which is a new discovery in this study. This study provides clues on the molecular mechanisms of DF at the circRNA and mRNA levels.
Sufficiency, Priority, and Selecting Refugees
Authors: Gerver Mollie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThere are more refugees than many states have a duty to accept. As a result, many states are permitted to accept only some refugees and not others. This raises the question of how states should select these refugees. I defend the claim that states should resettle the worst‐off refugees, and maximize the number of refugees gaining a sufficiently decent life. When resettling the worst off conflicts with maximising the number gaining a sufficiently decent life, states should select refugees to maximise aggregate benefits, with benefits holding greater weight the further refugees are from a sufficiency threshold. The only exception to this rule is when it entails wrongful discrimination, in which case states should only follow this rule if victims of discrimination benefit and consent to its implementation.
Parenting girls with Rett syndrome: An investigation on self‐perceived levels of stress
Authors: Pari Elisa , Cozzi Francesca , Rodocanachi Roidi Marina Luisa , Grange Francesca , Toshimori Kumiko , Ripamonti Enrico 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough lives of parents of girls with Rett syndrome (RTT) are centred on the process of care, in the current literature their perceived levels of stress have been rarely investigated.MethodsWe analysed levels of stress in a sample of 79 fathers and mothers parenting girls with RTT, who were required to compile the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) questionnaire.ResultsWe found clinical levels of stress in about 39% of fathers, as compared with 44% of the mothers. Severity of RTT, but not other factors such as the genetic domain, presence of epilepsy or scoliosis, predicted Total Stress scores in both fathers’ subsample and mothers’ subsample. A cumulative effect of caring, that is association of higher levels of stress with longer process of care, did also emerge from estimation of smoothing splines.ConclusionsFathers’ resources should be taken more into account, especially in the rehabilitation and socialization process of adults with RTT.
The utility of drug challenge testing in Brugada syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rattanawong Pattara , Kewcharoen Jakrin , Kanitsoraphan Chanavuth , Vutthikraivit Wasawat , Putthapiban Prapaipan , Prasitlumkum Narut , Mekraksakit Poemlarp , Mekritthikrai Raktham , Chung Eugene H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionBrugada syndrome (BrS) is associated with ventricular arrhythmia leading to sudden cardiac death. Risk stratification is challenging, as major arrhythmic events (MAEs) are rare. We assessed the utility of drug challenge testing in BrS by a systematic review and meta‐analysis.Methods and ResultsWe comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to May 2019. Included studies compared the incidence of MAE between spontaneous and drug challenge–induced Type 1. Mixed‐effects Poisson regression was used to calculate the incidence rate ratio (IRR). Eighteen studies from 2006 to 2018 were included (4099 patients, mean follow‐up: 4.5 years). Pooled annual incidences of MAE in spontaneous, drug challenge induced (regardless of symptoms), asymptomatic drug challenge induced, and symptomatic drug challenge–induced Type 1 were 23.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.8–27.8), 6.5 (95% CI: 3.9–9.1), 2.1 (95% CI: −0.3 to 4.4), and 19.6 (95% CI: 9.9–29.3) per 1000 person‐years, respectively. The incidence of MAE between symptomatic drug challenge induced and asymptomatic spontaneous Type 1 was not statistically different (IRR = 1.0; 95% CI: 0.6–1.7).ConclusionsThe incidence of MAE in drug challenge–induced Type 1 in asymptomatic patients is low. The incidence of MAE between symptomatic drug challenge induced and asymptomatic spontaneous Type 1 was similar.
A combined CaMKII inhibition and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism via eplerenone inhibits functional deterioration in chronic pressure overloaded mice
Authors: Driessen Helen E. , Fontes Magda S. , van Stuijvenberg Leonie , Brans Maike A. , Goumans Marie‐Jose , Vos Marc A. , van Veen Toon A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the diseased and remodelled heart, increased activity and expression of Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), an excess of fibrosis, and a decreased electrical coupling and cellular excitability leads to disturbed calcium homeostasis and tissue integrity. This subsequently leads to increased arrhythmia vulnerability and contractile dysfunction. Here, we investigated the combination of CaMKII inhibition (using genetically modified mice expressing the autocamtide‐3‐related‐peptide (AC3I)) together with eplerenone treatment (AC3I‐Epler) to prevent electrophysiological remodelling, fibrosis and subsequent functional deterioration in a mouse model of chronic pressure overload. We compared AC3I‐Epler mice with mice only subjected to mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonism (WT‐Epler) and mice with only CaMKII inhibition (AC3I‐No). Our data show that a combined CaMKII inhibition together with MR antagonism mitigates contractile deterioration as was manifested by a preservation of ejection fraction, fractional shortening, global longitudinal strain, peak strain and contractile synchronicity. Furthermore, patchy fibrosis formation was reduced, potentially via inhibition of pro‐fibrotic TGF‐β/SMAD3 signalling, which related to a better global contractile performance and a slightly depressed incidence of arrhythmias. Furthermore, the level of patchy fibrosis appeared significantly correlated to eplerenone dose. The addition of eplerenone to CaMKII inhibition potentiates the effects of CaMKII inhibition on pro‐fibrotic pathways. As a result of the applied strategy, limiting patchy fibrosis adheres to a higher synchronicity of contraction and an overall better contractile performance which fits with a tempered arrhythmogenesis.
Reproductive senescence and parental effects in an indeterminate grower
Authors: Depeux Charlotte , Lemaître Jean‐François , Moreau Jérôme , Dechaume‐Moncharmont François‐Xavier , Laverre Tiffany , Pauhlac Hélène , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Beltran‐Bech Sophie 
Published: June 2020

AbstractReproductive senescence is the decrease of reproductive performance with increasing age and can potentially include trans‐generational effects as the offspring produced by old parents might have a lower fitness than those produced by young parents. This negative effect may be caused either by the age of the father, mother or the interaction between the ages of both parents. Using the common woodlouse Armadillidium vulgare, an indeterminate grower, as a biological model, we tested for the existence of a deleterious effect of parental age on fitness components. Contrary to previous findings reported from vertebrate studies, old parents produced both a higher number and larger offspring than young parents. However, their offspring had lower fitness components (by surviving less, producing a smaller number of clutches or not reproducing at all) than offspring born to young parents. Our findings strongly support the existence of trans‐generational senescence in woodlice and contradict the belief that old individuals in indeterminate growers contribute the most to recruitment and correspond thereby to the key life stage for population dynamics. Our work also provides rare evidence that the trans‐generational effect of senescence can be stronger than direct reproductive senescence in indeterminate growers.
Developing an impact library for forecasting surface water flood risk
Authors: Aldridge Timothy , Gunawan Oliver , Moore Robert J. , Cole Steven J. , Boyce Graeme , Cowling Rob 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDuring surface water flooding events, emergency responders require detailed information on the risks posed in order to provide an appropriate and effective response. Few early warning systems quantitatively estimate the risk and impacts of surface water flooding. Improvements in computational processing capability, availability of new datasets and developments in forecasting models means that the forecasting information currently being supplied by the Flood Forecasting Centre can be improved upon through the application of a timely, impact‐based model. This article presents a novel approach to collating receptor datasets into a pre‐calculated Impact Library for use in a Hazard Impact Model (HIM) that will operate using real‐time probabilistic rainfall and surface runoff forecasts for England and Wales. The HIM provides an approach suitable for modelling flood impacts. Initial results are presented for a case study covering the 2012 floods in the North East of England. Information generated by the HIM provides additional benefits beyond current methods. Features include operator access to 1 km 15 min spatial–temporal data, analysis of individual impact criteria and modular refinement of the Impact Library to suit different situations. The HIM has been developed in partnership via the Natural Hazards Partnership.
Global epidemiology of lean non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Feng‐Bin , Zheng Kenneth I , Rios Rafael S , Targher Giovanni , Byrne Christopher D , Zheng Ming‐Hua 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimLean non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a potentially metabolically unhealthy state that refers to NAFLD occurring in non‐overweight/nonobese subjects. Yet its global epidemiology and metabolic characteristics are not extensively elucidated.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for eligible studies until January 2020. Random‐effects/fixed‐effects models were used to estimate the global prevalence of lean NAFLD and to compare clinical characteristics among lean non‐NAFLD, lean NAFLD, and overweight/obese NAFLD subjects. “Lean” NAFLD was defined by ethnic‐specific body mass index measurements in the normal range. Meta‐regression and subgroup analyses were performed to determine potential sources of heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 33 observational studies were included with 205 307 individuals from 14 countries. The global prevalence of lean NAFLD was 4.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.4–4.8%). In lean subjects, the prevalence of NAFLD was 9.7% (95% CI: 7.7–11.8%). The prevalence of lean NAFLD with diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, or central obesity was 0.6% (95% CI: 0.4–0.9%), 1.8% (95% CI: 1.2–2.5%), 1.4% (95% CI: 1.0–1.9%), 2.8% (95% CI: 1.9–3.7%), and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.6–2.4%), respectively. The prevalence of lean NAFLD showed an upward trend between 1988 and 2017. Asian individuals had the highest prevalence of lean NAFLD (4.8%, 95% CI: 4.0–5.6%). Middle‐aged people (45–59 years old) had the highest prevalence of lean NAFLD (4.4%, 95% CI: 3.2–5.5%). The prevalence of metabolic complications in lean non‐NAFLD, lean NAFLD, and overweight/obese NAFLD groups increased sequentially.ConclusionsLean NAFLD occurs with metabolic complications and is not an uncommon condition. The highest prevalence of lean NAFLD occurs in middle‐aged individuals of Asian countries.
Comparative anatomy of the mammalian neuromuscular junction
Authors: Boehm Ines , Alhindi Abrar , Leite Ana S. , Logie Chandra , Gibbs Alyssa , Murray Olivia , Farrukh Rizwan , Pirie Robert , Proudfoot Christopher , Clutton Richard , Wishart Thomas M. , Jones Ross A. , Gillingwater Thomas H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe neuromuscular junction (NMJ)—a synapse formed between lower motor neuron and skeletal muscle fibre—represents a major focus of both basic neuroscience research and clinical neuroscience research. Although the NMJ is known to play an important role in many neurodegenerative conditions affecting humans, the vast majority of anatomical and physiological data concerning the NMJ come from lower mammalian (e.g. rodent) animal models. However, recent findings have demonstrated major differences between the cellular anatomy and molecular anatomy of human and rodent NMJs. Therefore, we undertook a comparative morphometric analysis of the NMJ across several larger mammalian species in order to generate baseline inter‐species anatomical reference data for the NMJ and to identify animal models that better represent the morphology of the human NMJ in vivo. Using a standardized morphometric platform (‘NMJ‐morph’), we analysed 5,385 individual NMJs from lower/pelvic limb muscles (EDL, soleus and peronei) of 6 mammalian species (mouse, cat, dog, sheep, pig and human). There was marked heterogeneity of NMJ morphology both within and between species, with no overall relationship found between NMJ morphology and muscle fibre diameter or body size. Mice had the largest NMJs on the smallest muscle fibres; cats had the smallest NMJs on the largest muscle fibres. Of all the species examined, the sheep NMJ had the most closely matched morphology to that found in humans. Taken together, we present a series of comprehensive baseline morphometric data for the mammalian NMJ and suggest that ovine models are likely to best represent the human NMJ in health and disease.
The edge out punch: An advancement that reduces transections in follicular unit excision hair transplantation
Authors: Trivellini Roberto , Gupta Aditya K. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe follicular unit excision (FUE) technique has become the preferred method for hair transplants over the traditional strip harvest technique due to low scar visibility and shorter recovery time for the patient. However, a limitation of the FUE technique is the potential for graft trauma due to the small diameter, sharp punches used to harvest individual follicular units.AimsHere, we introduce the novel edge out FUE punch that is designed with a thicker wall and has an internal bevel. We describe how the dynamics of this punch reduces the risk of follicle transection.MethodsA review of the available literature and information on the edge out punch in comparison with other punch shapes, as well as the authors' experience in this area, is provided.ResultsThe edge out punch is designed with thick walls and an internal bevel, placing the sharp cutting edge on the outer diameter. The dynamics of this punch aid in directing the graft into the center of the punch lumen and keeps the sharp cutting edge away from the hair follicles deeper in the dermis, reducing the risk of follicle transection.ConclusionThe dynamics of the forces generated by the edge out punch aid in minimizing follicular transections during graft harvesting. By understanding the dynamics behind this novel punch, hair restoration surgeons (HRSs) can optimize their surgical technique to obtain consistently high‐quality grafts during FUE.
Public perception of generic medicines in Malta
Authors: Sammut Bartolo Nicolette , Ignas Louella , Wirth Francesca , Attard Pizzuto Maresca , Vella Szijj Janis , Camilleri Liberato , Serracino-Inglott Anthony , Azzopardi Lilian M 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the perception of generic medicines among the general public in Malta.MethodsA self-administered questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge, attitudes and use of generic medicines. The questionnaire was disseminated to a sample of the public recruited by convenience sampling in five localities in Malta. Descriptive statistics were undertaken.Key findingsA total of 228 participants completed the questionnaire; 54% were female, 42% were ≥60 years old, and 37% had up to secondary education level. Sixty-one per cent of the participants were aware of the correct definition of a generic medicine, and 55% stated that they had previously used generic medicines. Twenty per cent of the participants had never used generic medicines since they perceived them to be inferior in quality or less effective compared to their originator counterparts. Fifty-four per cent of the participants would switch to a generic medicine if the originator product was out-of-stock and 38% would pay between 1% and 20% less for a generic medicine compared to the originator product.ConclusionsParticipants in this study exhibited a positive overall perception regarding generic medicines, demonstrating improvement in perception from a previous local study. The majority of participants were knowledgeable about generic medicines, had previously used generic medicines and would switch to a generic medicine if the originator product was not in stock.
Erich Przywara’s Late Reception of Luther
Authors: Morton Adam T. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractErich Przywara’s late career writings have to this point received little attention in English. While Przywara’s earlier writings include both significant dialogue with Protestant theologians (most prominently Karl Barth) and occasional references to Martin Luther, Luther takes on a new prominence in his work after the Second World War. This article seeks to describe Przywara’s late reception of Luther, including its historical circumstances and Przywara’s engagement with Luther scholarship, and to assess Przywara’s use and sharp criticism of Luther in his theology of exchange. Since exchange is positioned as the material theological center of the analogy of being, Przywara has drawn important concepts from Luther into the heart of his own theology. This article further argues that at a key point Przywara’s criticism of Luther fails, leaving his relation to Luther ambiguous. A concluding attempt is made to show both the overlooked ecumenical potential of Przywara’s engagement with Luther, and to illuminate the fundamental fissure that still separates their theologies.