bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ndufa7 plays a critical role in cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Shi Xingjuan , Zhang Yu , Chen Ru , Gong Yijie , Zhang Mingming , Guan Rui , Rotstein Ori D. , Liu Xiangdong , Wen Xiao‐Yan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCardiac hypertrophy is a common pathological change in patients with progressive cardiac function failure, which can be caused by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or arterial hypertension. Despite years of study, there is still limited knowledge about the underlying molecular mechanisms for cardiac hypertrophy. NDUFA7, a subunit of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I), has been reported to be a novel HCM associated gene. However, the biological role of NDUFA7 in heart remains unknown. In this study, we found that NDUFA7 exhibited high expression in the heart, and its level was significantly decreased in mice model of cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, we demonstrated that ndufa7 knockdown in developing zebrafish embryos resulted in cardiac development and functional defects, associated with increased expression of pathological hypertrophy biomarkers nppa (ANP) and nppb (BNP). Mechanistic study demonstrated that ndufa7 depletion promoted ROS production and calcineurin signalling activation. Moreover, NDUFA7 depletion contributed to cardiac cell hypertrophy. Together, these results report for the first time that ndufa7 is implicated in pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Formation and regeneration of a Wnt‐responsive junctional epithelium
Authors: Yuan Xue , Chen Jinlong , Van Brunt Lauren A. , Grauer Joseph , Xu Quanchen , Pei Xibo , Wang Liao , Zhao Yuan , Helms Jill A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo identify the molecular mechanisms mediating the persistent defensive functions of the self‐renewing junctional epithelium (JE).Materials and methodsTwo strains of Wnt reporter mice, Axin2CreErt2/+;R26RmTmG/+ and Axin2LacZ/+, were employed, along with three clinically relevant experimental scenarios where the function of the JE is disrupted: after tooth extraction, after a partial gingivectomy, and after a complete circumferential gingivectomy.ResultsUsing transgenic Wnt reporter strains of mice, we established the JE is a Wnt‐responsive epithelium beginning at the time of its formation and that it maintains this status into adulthood. After tooth extraction, progeny of the initial Wnt‐responsive JE population directly contributed to healing and ultimately adopted an oral epithelium (OE) phenotype. In the traditional partial gingivectomy model, the JE completely regenerated and did so via progeny of the original Wnt‐responsive population. However, following circumferential gingivectomy, the OE was incapable of re‐establishing a functional JE.ConclusionsA Wnt‐responsive niche at the interface between tooth and oral epithelia is required for a functional JE.
Comparison of non‐contrast‐enhanced dental magnetic resonance imaging and cone‐beam computed tomography in assessing the horizontal and vertical components of furcation defects in maxillary molars: An in vivo feasibility study
Authors: Juerchott Alexander , Sohani Meysam , Schwindling Franz Sebastian , Jende Johann M. E. , Kurz Felix T. , Rammelsberg Peter , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Hilgenfeld Tim 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo compare non‐contrast‐enhanced dental magnetic resonance imaging (NCE‐dMRI) and cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in assessing horizontal and vertical furcation defects in maxillary molars in vivo.Materials and methods(NCE‐dMRI) and CBCT were performed in 23 patients with severe periodontitis. Sixty‐five first/second maxillary molars (195 furcation entrances) were analysed by two independent observers on both modalities to assess the horizontal and vertical components of furcation defects. Reliability of defect classification was evaluated using weighted kappa (κ) statistics. Agreement between NCE‐dMRI and CBCT was determined by the Bland–Altman analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of NCE‐dMRI were calculated using CBCT as the reference.ResultsInter‐radicular bone loss was observed in 94 furcation entrances. Intra‐ and inter‐rater κ‐values were ≥0.9 for both NCE‐dMRI and CBCT. The Bland–Altman analysis showed mean differences (95% limits of agreement) of 0.12 mm (−0.67 to 0.90) for horizontal and 0.12 mm (−1.27 to 1.50) for vertical measurements. For the detection of furcation defects, sensitivity/specificity of NCE‐dMRI was 98%/100% for horizontal and 99%/99% for vertical components. For defect classification, sensitivity values of NCE‐dMRI were 88%/89%/100% (horizontal degree I/II/III) and 95%/91%/80% (vertical subclass A/B/C), respectively.ConclusionsNon‐contrast‐enhanced dental magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated high reliability and high agreement with CBCT for the assessment of furcation defects in maxillary molars.
The impact of periodontitis exposure misclassification bias from partial‐mouth measurements on association with diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Alshihayb Talal S. , Kaye Elizabeth A. , Zhao Yihong , Leone Cataldo W. , Heaton Brenda 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimTo quantify exposure misclassification bias arising from use of partial‐mouth protocols in studies of periodontitis–systemic disease associations.Materials and MethodsUsing data from 10,134 adults participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we classified periodontal status based on full‐mouth clinical examinations and three commonly used partial‐mouth protocols. Associations between periodontitis and self‐reported diabetes and cardiovascular disease were evaluated under each protocol using adjusted logistic regression. Percent relative bias was calculated to evaluate magnitude and direction of bias.ResultsMisclassification primarily resulted in underestimation of associations, the extent of which depended on both the outcome under study and exposure severity. Bias due to misclassification of severe periodontitis was negligible for cardiovascular disease (0%–4.1%) compared to diabetes (177.7%–234.1%). In contrast, bias in moderate periodontitis associations was comparable across each outcome—diabetes (28.4%–39.5%) and cardiovascular disease (8.9%–46.7%). Results did not meaningfully change based on the partial‐mouth protocol implemented. Stratified analyses showed increased bias among those with ≤15 teeth. Use of mean attachment loss as a continuous exposure resulted in minimal‐to‐no bias.ConclusionsExposure misclassification bias due to use of partial‐mouth protocols can yield inaccurate conclusions about periodontitis–systemic disease associations, the extent of which may depend on periodontitis classification and the association under study.
The developmental origins of genetic factors influencing language and literacy: Associations with early‐childhood vocabulary
Authors: Verhoef Ellen , Shapland Chin Yang , Fisher Simon E. , Dale Philip S. , St Pourcain Beate 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThe heritability of language and literacy skills increases from early‐childhood to adolescence. The underlying mechanisms are little understood and may involve (a) the amplification of genetic influences contributing to early language abilities, and/or (b) the emergence of novel genetic factors (innovation). Here, we investigate the developmental origins of genetic factors influencing mid‐childhood/early‐adolescent language and literacy. We evaluate evidence for the amplification of early‐childhood genetic factors for vocabulary, in addition to genetic innovation processes.MethodsExpressive and receptive vocabulary scores at 38 months, thirteen language‐ and literacy‐related abilities and nonverbal cognition (7–13 years) were assessed in unrelated children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, Nindividuals ≤ 6,092). We investigated the multivariate genetic architecture underlying early‐childhood expressive and receptive vocabulary, and each of 14 mid‐childhood/early‐adolescent language, literacy or cognitive skills with trivariate structural equation (Cholesky) models as captured by genome‐wide genetic relationship matrices. The individual path coefficients of the resulting structural models were finally meta‐analysed to evaluate evidence for overarching patterns.ResultsWe observed little support for the emergence of novel genetic sources for language, literacy or cognitive abilities during mid‐childhood or early adolescence. Instead, genetic factors of early‐childhood vocabulary, especially those unique to receptive skills, were amplified and represented the majority of genetic variance underlying many of these later complex skills (≤99%). The most predictive early genetic factor accounted for 29.4%(SE = 12.9%) to 45.1%(SE = 7.6%) of the phenotypic variation in verbal intelligence and literacy skills, but also for 25.7%(SE = 6.4%) in performance intelligence, while explaining only a fraction of the phenotypic variation in receptive vocabulary (3.9%(SE = 1.8%)).ConclusionsGenetic factors contributing to many complex skills during mid‐childhood and early adolescence, including literacy, verbal cognition and nonverbal cognition, originate developmentally in early‐childhood and are captured by receptive vocabulary. This suggests developmental genetic stability and overarching aetiological mechanisms.
Factors affecting the recovery of hepatic reserve after sustained virologic response by direct‐acting antiviral agents in chronic hepatitis C virus‐infected patients
Authors: Nakajima Tomoaki , Karino Yoshiyasu , Hige Shuhei , Suii Hirokazu , Tatsumi Ryoji , Yamaguchi Masakatsu , Arakawa Tomohiro , Kuwata Ysuaki , Hasegawa Takashi , Toyota Joji 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and AimSince the advent of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, the total eradication of hepatitis C virus has been achievable with the recovery of hepatic reserve after achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR). Hence, here, we examined the factors affecting the recovery of hepatic reserve.MethodsWe followed up 403 patients (male: 164, female: 239; genotype 1: 299, genotype 2: 104; median age: 69 years) for at least 3 years after they achieved SVR to DAA therapy. Of these patients, 75 (18.6%) had a history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Biochemical tests were periodically performed, and the hepatic reserve was evaluated based on the albumin–bilirubin grade. We examined background factors such as age, biochemical test results, HCC occurrence and portosystemic shunt by computed tomography.ResultsAt the start of treatment, the albumin–bilirubin grades were grades 1, 2, and 3 in 241, 157, and 5 patients, respectively, and 3 years later, 117 of 162 (72%) patients with grade 2 or 3 improved to grade 1. Multivariate analysis identified the HCC occurrence after achievement of SVR (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.08, P < 0.0138), male sex (HR: 3.45, P = 0.0143), hemoglobin level of <11.5 g/dL (HR: 4.19, P = 0.0157), the presence of a portosystemic shunt (HR: 3.07, P = 0.0349), and alanine aminotransferase levels <45 U/L (HR: 2.67, P = 0.0425) as factors inhibiting improvement to grade 1. However, old age was not an inhibitory factor.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that hepatic reserve could be improved even in elderly patients over a long course of time.
Geriatric Syndromes and Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence and Association with Anticoagulant Use in a National Cohort of Older Americans
Authors: Shah Sachin J. , Fang Margaret C. , Jeon Sun Y. , Gregorich Steven E. , Covinsky Kenneth E. 
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUNDAlthough guidelines recommend focusing primarily on stroke risk to recommend anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation (AF), physicians report that geriatric syndromes (e.g., falls and disability) are important when considering anticoagulants. Little is known about the prevalence of geriatric syndromes in older adults with AF or the association with anticoagulant use.METHODSWe performed a cross‐sectional analysis of the 2014 Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study of older Americans. Participants were asked questions to assess domains of aging, including function, cognition, and medical conditions. We included participants 65 years and older with 2 years of continuous Medicare enrollment who met AF diagnosis criteria by claims codes. We examined five geriatric syndromes: one or more falls within the last 2 years, receiving help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental ADLs (IADL), experienced incontinence, and cognitive impairment. We determined the prevalence of geriatric syndromes and their association with anticoagulant use, adjusting for ischemic stroke risk (i.e., CHA2DS2‐VASc score [congestive heart failure, hypertension, age, diabetes mellitus, stroke, vascular disease, and sex]).RESULTSIn this study of 779 participants with AF (median age = 80 years; median CHA2DS2‐VASc score = 4), 82% had one or more geriatric syndromes. Geriatric syndromes were common: 49% reported falls, 38% had ADL impairments, 42% had IADL impairments, 37% had cognitive impairments, and 43% reported incontinence. Overall, 65% reported anticoagulant use; guidelines recommend anticoagulant use for 97% of participants. Anticoagulant use rate decreased for each additional geriatric syndrome (average marginal effect = −3.7%; 95% confidence interval = −1.4% to −5.9%). Lower rates of anticoagulant use were reported in participants with ADL dependency, IADL dependency, and dementia.CONCLUSIONMost older adults with AF had at least one geriatric syndrome, and geriatric syndromes were associated with reduced anticoagulant use. The high prevalence of geriatric syndromes may explain the lower than expected anticoagulant use in older adults.
Manganese sulfide nanospheres as mycocidal material and priming agent for fungi‐infested rice seeds
Authors: Ahuja Radha , Sidhu Anjali , Bala Anju 
Published: September 2020

AbstractManganese sulfide nanospheres (MnS‐NSs) prepared in situ via sonochemical process were characterized to investigate the effect of nanoscale MnS on antifungal potential against mycopathogens of rice viz. Fusarium verticillioides, Drechslera oryzae and Curvularia lunata. MnS‐NSs dispersed in aqueous medium resulted in significant inhibition of growth of all the test fungi (ED50 ≤ 18 μg/ml) at concentration much lower than standard commercial fungicides (captan and carbendazim with ED50 ≥ 230 μg/ml) against respective fungi. The maximum per cent inhibition (98 ± 1.4) was recorded against C. lunata with a minimum ED50 value of 14 μg/ml, followed by D. oryzae and F. verticillioides with ED50 values of 17 and 18 μg/ml, respectively. Nanopriming of rice seeds with MnS‐NSs at 35 μg/ml for 8 hr resulted in significant reduction in seed rot (76%) and seedling blight (89.13%) along with enhancement in percent germination, root length, shoot length, dry weight and vigour index of seedlings by 33.7%, 55%, 66.3%, 85.3% and 89.3%, respectively, compared with control. Hydropriming of seeds was found to control the seed health parameters less effectively than nanopriming.
Evaluation of signal detection algorithms within the Elanco Animal Health Pharmacovigilance database
Authors: Novotny Mark J. , Rhodes Austin , Shields Jacob , Wilson Andrea , Giraldo Camilo , O’Gorman Michael , Real Theresa , Sarsadskikh Alexandra , Wiseman Scott 
Published: September 2020

AbstractStatistical algorithms for detecting safety signals are beginning to be applied to Animal Health Pharmacovigilance (PV) databases. How these signal detection algorithms (SDAs) perform in an animal health PV database is the subject of this report. Statistical methods and SDAs were assessed against a set of known signals in order to identify which SDAs were most appropriate for signal detection using the Elanco Animal Health PV database. A reference set of adverse events that should signal was created for 31 products across four species. Nine SDAs based on five disproportionality statistical methods were evaluated against the reference set. The performance metrics were sensitivity, precision, specificity, accuracy, and F score. For bovine and porcine products, the Observed‐to‐Expected (O/E) SDA was the closest in terms of geometric distance to 100% sensitivity and 100% precision. For canine and feline products, the Information Component (IC) SDA was geometrically closest to 100% sensitivity and 100% precision. Principal Component Analysis confirmed that the O/E and IC SDAs were unique performers with respect to one another and other SDAs. The performance of the SDAs was dependent on the choice of the statistical method with differences seen between animal species.
An evaluation of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction intervention for critical care nursing staff: A quality improvement project
Authors: Anderson Neil 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundCritical care is a stressful workplace for nursing staff. Mindfulness‐based stress reduction programmes are an emerging concept to manage stress in nursing, but little is known about the impact of such interventions, especially in critical care settings.Aims and objectivesA quality improvement initiative was introduced to explore the effects of a mindfulness‐based stress reduction intervention on a cohort of critical care nurses in terms of quality of life, perceived stress, mindfulness awareness, and sickness and absence rates.MethodsA pre‐/post‐interventional design recruited nurses (n = 25) working within a critical care unit to undertake the intervention. Participants were asked to complete psychometric questionnaires at three time points, pre‐course (0 months), immediately post‐course (8 weeks), and at a follow‐up point at month 4. Sickness and absence rates were analysed to detect differences pre‐ and post‐course. Retention rates were ascertained by numbers of participants completing the psychometric tests.FindingsOverall, positive correlations were found when comparing pre‐course vs 8‐week mean scores of satisfaction with life (P < .001), reduced perceived stress (P < .001), and mindfulness awareness (P = .002). Bootstrap analysis of the data confirmed that positive outcome measures were more significant at the 4‐month mark in reduced perceived stress and mindfulness awareness (P < .001) compared with the satisfaction with life scale (P = .41). There was no significant change in sickness rates pre‐ and post‐intervention (P = .69). The retention rate was 70% at month 4.Conclusions and recommendationsMindfulness training is a feasible and accepted intervention that critical care nurses may benefit from in terms of quality of life, perceived stress, and mindfulness awareness. This has positive outcomes for staff and patients.
Seated anorectal manometry during simulated evacuation: A physiologic exercise or a new clinically useful diagnostic test?
Authors: Basilisco Guido , Corsetti Maura 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSymptoms such as a feeling of incomplete evacuation, straining, absence of the call to stool, anal blockage, or digitation suggest the presence a functional defecation disorder. As symptoms do not distinguish between patients with and without functional defecation disorder, Rome IV criteria recommend that this disorder is diagnosed when two of three tests are positive: balloon expulsion test (BET), anorectal manometry (ARM), and defecography. However, previous studies have demonstrated that the agreement among these tests is limited. In this issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Sharma et al tested the hypothesis that conducting the ARM in a seated position would increase the diagnostic accuracy of the test in discriminating between patients with normal and prolonged BET. This minireview discusses the current knowledge on the role of the techniques to diagnose defecation disorder and the potential role of the ARM in a seated position.
The triangular space of abiotic stress tolerance in woody species: a unified trade‐off model
Authors: Puglielli Giacomo , Hutchings Michael J. , Laanisto Lauri 
Published: September 2020

Summary

Tolerance of abiotic stress in woody plants is known to be constrained by biological trade‐offs between different forms of stress, especially shade and drought. However, there is still considerable uncertainty on the relationship between tolerances and the limits on tolerance combinations.

Using the most extensive database available on shade, drought, waterlogging and cold tolerance for 799 northern hemisphere woody species, we determined the number of dimensions needed to summarise their tolerance combinations, and the best trade‐off model among those currently available, for description of the interdependence between tolerances.

Two principal component analysis (PCA) dimensions summarised stress tolerance combinations. They defined a triangular stress tolerance space (STS). The first STS dimension reflected segregation between drought‐tolerant and waterlogging‐tolerant species. The second reflected shade tolerance, which is independent of the other tolerances. Cold tolerance scaled weakly with both dimensions. Tolerance combinations across the species in the database were limited by boundary‐line trade‐offs.

The STS reconciles all major theories about trade‐offs between abiotic stress tolerances, providing a unified trade‐off model and a set of coordinates that can be used to examine how other aspects of plant biology, such as plant functional traits, change within the limits of abiotic stress tolerance.
Mapping sites of gibberellin biosynthesis in the Arabidopsis root tip
Authors: Barker Richard , Fernandez Garcia Maria Nieves , Powers Stephen J. , Vaughan Simon , Bennett Malcolm J. , Phillips Andrew L. , Thomas Stephen G. , Hedden Peter 
Published: September 2020

Summary

Root elongation depends on the action of the gibberellin (GA) growth hormones, which promote cell production in the root meristem and cell expansion in the elongation zone. Sites of GA biosynthesis in the roots of 7‐d‐old Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings were investigated using tissue‐specific GA inactivation in wild‐type (Col‐0) or rescue of GA‐deficient dwarf mutants.

Tissue‐specific GA depletion was achieved by ectopic expression of the GA‐inactivating enzyme AtGA2ox2, which is specific for C19‐GAs, and AtGA2ox7, which acts on C20‐GA precursors. In addition, tissue‐specific rescue of ga20ox triple and ga3ox double mutants was shown. Furthermore, GUS reporter lines for major GA20ox, GA3ox and GA2ox genes were used to observe their expression domains in the root.

The effects of expressing these constructs on the lengths of the root apical meristem and cortical cells in the elongation zone confirmed that roots are autonomous for GA biosynthesis, which occurs in multiple tissues, with the endodermis a major site of synthesis.

The results are consistent with the early stages of GA biosynthesis within the root occurring in the meristematic region and indicate that the penultimate step of GA biosynthesis, GA 20‐oxidation, is required in both the meristem and elongation zone.