bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms coupling sodium and magnesium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney
Authors: Franken Gijs A. C. , Adella Anastasia , Bindels René J. M. , de Baaij Jeroen H. F. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHypomagnesaemia is a common feature of renal Na+ wasting disorders such as Gitelman and EAST/SeSAME syndrome. These genetic defects specifically affect Na+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, where Mg2+ reabsorption is tightly regulated. Apical uptake via TRPM6 Mg2+ channels and basolateral Mg2+ extrusion via a putative Na+‐Mg2+ exchanger determines Mg2+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule. However, the mechanisms that explain the high incidence of hypomagnesaemia in patients with Na+ wasting disorders of the distal convoluted tubule are largely unknown. In this review, we describe three potential mechanisms by which Mg2+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule is linked to Na+ reabsorption. First, decreased activity of the thiazide‐sensitive Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC) results in shortening of the segment, reducing the Mg2+ reabsorption capacity. Second, the activity of TRPM6 and NCC are determined by common regulatory pathways. Secondary effects of NCC dysregulation such as hormonal imbalance, therefore, might disturb TRPM6 expression. Third, the basolateral membrane potential, maintained by the K+ permeability and Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity, provides the driving force for Na+ and Mg2+ extrusion. Depolarisation of the basolateral membrane potential in Na+ wasting disorders of the distal convoluted tubule may therefore lead to reduced activity of the putative Na+‐Mg2+ exchanger SLC41A1. Elucidating the interconnections between Mg2+ and Na+ transport in the distal convoluted tubule is hampered by the currently available models. Our analysis indicates that the coupling of Na+ and Mg2+ reabsorption may be multifactorial and that advanced experimental models are required to study the molecular mechanisms.
Mutations in the Drosophila rough deal gene affecting RZZ kinetochore function
Authors: Menant Alexandra , Karess Roger E. 
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe RZZ complex, composed of the proteins Rough‐Deal (Rod), Zw10 and Zwilch, plays a central role in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), which assures proper sister chromatid segregation during mitosis. RZZ contributes to the regulation of the spindle assembly checkpoint by helping to recruit Mad1–Mad2 and the microtubule motor dynein to unattached kinetochores. It is an important component of the outer kinetochore and specifically the fibrous corona whose expansion is believed to facilitate microtubule capture. How RZZ carries out its diverse activities is only poorly understood. The C‐terminal region of the Rod subunit is relatively well‐conserved across metazoan phylogeny, but no function has been attributed to it.ResultsTo explore the importance of the Rod_C domain in RZZ function in Drosophila, we generated a series of point mutations in a stretch of 200 residues within this domain and we report here their phenotypes. Several of the mutations profoundly disrupt recruitment of RZZ to kinetochores, including one in a temperature‐sensitive manner, while still retaining the capacity to assemble into a complex with Zw10 and Zwilch. Others affect aspects of dynein activity or recruitment at the kinetochore.Conclusions and SignificanceThese results suggest that the Rod_C domain participates in the protein interactions necessary for RZZ recruitment and functionality at kinetochores.
Retracted: Allopregnanolone restores the tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive neurons and motor performance in a 6‐OHDA‐injected mouse model
Authors: Chen Zhi‐Chi , Wang Tong‐Tong , Bian Wei , Ye Xin , Li Meng‐Yi , Du Juan‐Juan , Zhou Peng , Cui Huai‐Rui , Ding Yu‐Qiang , Ren Yan‐hua , Qi Shuang‐Shuang , Yuan Yuan‐Yuan , Liao Min , Sun Chen‐You 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsIt has been reported that allopregnanolone (APα) promotes the neurogenesis of the neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and prevents the decrease of dopaminergic neurons in 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐treated mice by binding to γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAR) and then opening voltage‐gated L‐type Ca2+ channel, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The aim of this study was to explore the possible involvement of GABAAR and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II delta 3 (CaMKIIδ3) in this process.Methods6‐OHDA‐treated mice and primary cultured midbrain cells were administrated with APα and GABAAR antagonist bicuculline (Bic), and the proliferation and differentiation of NPCs, the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐positive neurons and their fibers, the expression levels of CaMKIIδ3 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and motor functions were measured using ELISA, immunohistochemical staining, real‐time RT‐PCR, Western blot, and behavioral test.ResultsAllopregnanolone significantly promoted the phosphorylation of cytoplasmic CaMKIIδ3 and its nuclear translocation by binding to GABAAR, which, in turn, increased the expression levels of BDNF. This may account for the findings that the exogenous APα enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of NPCs, and ameliorated the nigrostriatal system and behavioral performance in 6‐OHDA‐treated mice.ConclusionsAllopregnanolone may directly activate GABAAR, which, in turn, enhance the proliferation and differentiation of NPCs via upregulating the expression levels of CaMKIIδ3, and finally contribute to the restoration of dopaminergic neurons in 6‐OHDA‐treated mice.
Rubber Dam Isolation Survey (RDIS) for adhesive restorative treatments
Authors: Abreu‐Placeres Ninoska , Yunes Fragoso Paula , Cruz Aponte Paola , Garrido Luis Eduardo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionRubber dam isolation is considered as an essential component of modern adhesive dentistry. However, dental students do not always use it due to several barriers they face on their clinical practice. The aim of this study was to design and validate a questionnaire based on the COM‐B model to measure students' implementation of rubber dam isolation in restorative treatments with adhesive materials.Materials and methodsA 7‐item questionnaire was developed based on the COM‐B model, with questions measuring the Capability, Opportunity (Relevance and Resources), and Motivation to perform rubber dam isolation (Behaviour). Content validation of the questionnaire was conducted by experts in aesthetic/restorative dentistry that assessed the clarity, coherence and relevance of the questions. The final survey was administered to a dental student population from three large private universities in the Dominican Republic. Descriptive analysis, t tests, polychoric correlations and a path analysis were carried out to establish the validity of the instrument.ResultsA total of 382 students from three universities completed the questionnaire. According to the COM‐B path model, the significant predictors of the implementation of rubber dam isolation were Capability and Motivation for University A, Motivation and Opportunity‐Resources for University B, and Opportunity‐Relevance and Capability for University C.ConclusionsThe RDIS is a very short, easy to administer and valid questionnaire that can be applied by the universities to determine where they need to focus their interventions to achieve better rubber dam isolation implementation by their students.
How to improve reliability of cut‐off scores in dental competency exam: A comparison of rating methods in standard setting
Authors: Kim Jooah , Yang Ji Seung 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to find ways to improve reliability of cut‐off scores that are typically used to make high‐stake decisions in dental education by empirically comparing two different rating methods, Yes/No and Percentage methods.Material and MethodsThe two rating methods are commonly used when the Angoff's method is applied to determine a cut‐off score that divides the examinees into minimally competent group (pass) and incompetent group (fail). The expert panel data were collected using both methods from 11 to 13 panel members in two consecutive years, respectively; The data were analysed within the generalisability theory framework to quantify relative influences of each factor (eg panel, item, rating rounds) on the variability of cut‐off scores, standard error of measurement and panel agreement.ResultsThe results suggest that (a) the two methods can make a substantial difference in overall success rates for college senior students, (b) item‐related variance components are generally large and whilst rater‐related variance components are small, (c) standard errors of measurement for the cut‐off scores decreased from Cohort 1 to Cohort 2 as the number of items are increased and as the expert panel members are more trained and (d) the Percentage method yielded higher agreement amongst the panel in both years. The results provide practical guidelines for dental educators who make efforts to control the quality of final competency exams and cut‐off scores with respect to standard setting practices and panel data analysis.ConclusionIt can be concluded that evaluations with Percentage method results in more reliable outcomes compared to those with Yes/No method when criterion‐referenced assessment is applied to determine the cut‐off scores of competency tests at schools.
Between a rock and a hard place: adaptive sensing and site‐specific dispersal
Authors: Nichols Bethany S. , Leubner‐Metzger Gerhard , Jansen Vincent A. A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEnvironmental variability can lead to dispersal: why stay put if it is better elsewhere? Without clues about local conditions, the optimal strategy is often to disperse a set fraction of offspring. Many habitats contain environmentally differing sub‐habitats. Is it adaptive for individuals to sense in which sub‐habitat they find themselves, using environmental clues, and respond plastically by altering the dispersal rates? This appears to be done by some plants which produce dimorphic seeds with differential dispersal properties in response to ambient temperature. Here we develop a mathematical model to show, that in highly variable environments, not only does sensing promote plasticity of dispersal morph ratio, individuals who can sense their sub‐habitat and respond in this way have an adaptive advantage over those who cannot. With a rise in environmental variability due to climate change, our understanding of how natural populations persist and respond to changes has become crucially important.
Evaluation of the neuroprotective effect of donepezil in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Gomaa Adel A. , Makboul Rania M. , El‐Mokhtar Mohamed A. , Abdel‐Rahman Engy A. , Ahmed Esraa A. , Nicola Mariam A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractRecent studies raise the possibility that donepezil can delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This research evaluated the efficacy of donepezil in an animal model with brain insulin resistance and AD‐like alterations. Rats were fed with high‐fat/high‐fructose (HF/Hfr) diet during the study period (17 weeks) and received one injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (25 mg/kg) after 8 weeks of starting the study. Diabetic (T2D) rats were treated with donepezil (4 mg/kg; p.o.) or vehicle for 8 weeks after STZ injection. The influence of donepezil on AD‐related behavioral, biochemical, and neuropathological changes was investigated in T2D rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with donepezil led to a significant decrease in both amyloid‐β deposition and the raised hippocampal activity of cholinesterase (ChE). It significantly increased the suppressed glutamate receptor expression (AMPA GluR1 subunit and NMDA receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, NR2B). It also improved cognitive dysfunction in the passive avoidance and the Morris water maze tests. However, donepezil treatment did not significantly decrease the elevated levels of P‐tau, caspase‐3, GSK‐3β, MDA, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β in the hippocampus of diabetic rats. Also, it did not restore the suppressed levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the brain of these rats. Moreover, donepezil did not alter the elevated serum level of glucose, insulin, and total cholesterol. These findings suggest that donepezil treatment could ameliorate learning and memory impairment in T2D rats through reversal of some of the AD‐related alterations, including reduction of amyloid‐β burden and ChE activity as well as restoration of glutamate receptor expression. However, lack of any significant effect on P‐tau load, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and insulin resistance raises the question about the ability of donepezil to delay the development or arrest the progression of T2D‐induced AD and it is still a matter of debate that requires further studies.
Impacts of co‐occurring environmental changes on Alaskan stream fishes
Authors: Murdoch Alyssa , Mantyka‐Pringle Chrystal , Sharma Sapna 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Freshwater fishes are now facing unprecedented environmental changes across their northern ranges, especially due to rapid warming occurring at higher latitudes. However, empirical research that examines co‐occurring environmental effects on northern fish communities remains limited.

We used fish community data from 1587 Alaskan stream sites to examine the potential combined and interacting effects of climate change, current weather, habitat, land use, and fire on two community‐level metrics (species richness, relative abundance), and on the distributions of three Alaskan fish species.

Our models were 71–76% accurate in predicting the distribution of Alaskan stream fishes using a combination of climate and habitat variables. In contrast to other freshwater ecosystems that are most threatened by land use pressures, we did not detect any evidence for the potential stress of anthropogenic land use or fire on stream fishes.

Warming temperatures increased overall community richness and abundance but produced differing responses at the species level. Juvenile salmon presence was positively associated with several climate variables including warmer spring and autumn temperatures and wetter summers. In comparison, warmer seasonal temperatures contributed to declines for northern‐adapted species such as Arctic grayling and Dolly Varden.

This study highlights the overarching role of current and changing climate in regulating northern stream fish biodiversity. Although many fish species may benefit from climate change across their northern ranges, localised declines are likely to occur and may prove detrimental for communities with limited fishing portfolios. Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies customised for rapidly changing northern ecosystems will play an essential role in preserving ecologically unique northern species.
Estimation of vital population rates to assess the relative health of mussel assemblages in the Upper Mississippi River
Authors: Newton Teresa J. , Zigler Steve J. , Schrank Patricia R. , Davis Mike , Smith David R. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Native freshwater mussels are a guild of benthic, filter feeding invertebrates that perform important ecological functions in rivers. Because of their long lifespans (30–50 years or longer), mussels are slow to respond to human‐induced alterations. Thus, development of sensitive indicators of mussel population responses to river conditions and management would be beneficial. Compared to marine species, estimation of vital rates (e.g. survival, growth) in freshwater mussels has received little attention.

We placed passively integrated transponder tags on 578 mussels of four species (Amblema plicata, Cyclonaias pustulosa, Obliquaria reflexa, and Pleurobema sintoxia) in a well‐studied mussel assemblage in a side channel of the upper Mississippi River. Growth and survival of tagged mussels were assessed annually for 4 years across core (high density) and peripheral (low density) areas of the assemblage.

Overall survival was highly variable, ranging from c. 15 to 90%, and was related to life history, habitat quality, and hydrologic events. Survival, which varied significantly among species and over time, was consistently higher in the dense and species‐rich core of the mussel assemblage, relative to the periphery because substrates were consistently more stable in the core of the mussel bed relative to the periphery. Substrate movement during low flows was an order of magnitude lower in the core relative to the periphery, and survival was inversely related to stability of river substrates. Patterns in habitat‐specific survival indicate source–sink population dynamics such that mussels in the core habitat provide recruitment to the periphery, but mussels in the periphery are subject to unsustainably low survival; additional studies to track the source of recruitment in the periphery are needed to test this hypothesis.

Growth rate did not vary significantly between core and peripheral areas but did vary by species. Growth rate (proportional change per year) declined with age, and was similar at mean age for A. plicata (0.016 per year), P. sintoxia (0.015 per year), and C. pustulosa (0.013 per year), but much lower for O. reflexa (0.008 per year).

Effective management decisions for mussels requires a better understanding of how vital rates govern populations and how they vary across a suite of physical and biological factors. Information on how population vital rates vary among species and over time gives managers another tool to understand how mussels may respond to management actions such as habitat restoration projects. Given the importance of substrate stability inferred from this study, management actions that maintain or increase substrate stability are likely to result in high quality mussel assemblages and may restore a valuable component of ecosystem function in this region.
Efficacy and safety of a new rifabutin‐based triple therapy with vonoprazan for refractoryHelicobacter pyloriinfection: A prospective single‐arm study
Authors: Hirata Yoshihiro , Yamada Atsuo , Niikura Ryota , Shichijo Satoki , Hayakawa Yoku , Koike Kazuhiko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundA small proportion ofHelicobacter pylori‐infected individuals in Japan suffer failure of eradication therapy with third‐line regimens containing the potent acid suppressor, vonoprazan, and a quinolone.ObjectivesThis prospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of rifabutin‐based triple therapy with vonoprazan for refractoryH pyloriinfection.MethodsPatients who failedH pylorieradication by clarithromycin‐based first‐line, metronidazole‐based second‐line, and sitafloxacin‐based third‐line therapies were recruited. After obtaining informed consent, patients received eradication therapy with vonoprazan (20 mg), amoxicillin (750 mg), and rifabutin (150 mg) twice daily for 10 days. Eradication was confirmed by a negativeH pyloristool antigen or urea breath test at least 8 weeks after the end of therapy.ResultsNineteen patients were included in the study. All of the patients completed the course of medication. Eradication ofH pyloriwas confirmed in all of the patients (19/19; 100%, 95% confidence interval; 83‐100%). The most common adverse event was soft stool/diarrhea (4/19, 21%). No severe adverse event was observed.ConclusionsTen‐day rifabutin with amoxicillin and vonoprazan triple therapy appears to be effective and safe for refractoryH pyloriinfections. However, considering the recent publications showing high eradication rates with vonoprazan amoxicillin dual therapy, confirmation will require future studies comparing our new therapy with vonoprazan‐amoxicillin dual with similar doses and duration and with vonoprazan‐rifabutin dual therapy.
Patient enablement after a consultation with a general practitioner—Explaining variation between countries, practices and patients
Authors: Tolvanen Elina , Groenewegen Peter P. , Koskela Tuomas H. , Bjerve Eide Torunn , Cohidon Christine , Kosunen Elise 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPatient enablement is a concept developed to measure quality in primary health care. The comparative analysis of patient enablement in an international context is lacking.ObjectiveTo explain variation in patient enablement between patients, general practitioners (GPs) and countries. To find independent variables associated with enablement.DesignWe constructed multi‐level logistic regression models encompassing variables from patient, GP and country levels. The proportions of explained variances at each level and odds ratios for independent variables were calculated.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 7210 GPs and 58 930 patients in 31 countries were recruited through the Quality and Costs of Primary Care in Europe (QUALICOPC) study framework. In addition, data from the Primary Health Care Activity Monitor for Europe (PHAMEU) study and Hofstede's national cultural dimensions were combined with QUALICOPC data.ResultsIn the final model, 50.6% of the country variance and 18.4% of the practice variance could be explained. Cultural dimensions explained a major part of the variation between countries. Several patient‐level and only a few practice‐level variables showed statistically significant associations with patient enablement. Structural elements of the relevant health‐care system showed no associations. From the 20 study hypotheses, eight were supported and four were partly supported.Discussion and ConclusionsThere are large differences in patient enablement between GPs and countries. Patient characteristics and patients’ perceptions of consultation seem to have the strongest associations with patient enablement. When comparing patient‐reported measures as an indicator of health‐care system performance, researchers should be aware of the influence of cultural elements.
Instantanés de la situation des jeunes générations sur le marché du travail aux Pays‐Bas
Authors: BEKKER Sonja , POP Ioana 
Published: June 2020

RésuméLa relation de travail Ṣtypiqueṣ perd du terrain aujourd'hui. Les jeunes sont particulièrement touchés par cette évolution. Dans ce contexte, les auteures examinent dans le détail le parcours d'insertion des générations arrivées sur le marché du travail des Pays‐Bas entre 1985 et 2014, en procédant sur le modèle de l'analyse séquentielle des parcours de vie. Avec deux indicateurs spécifiques (niveau d'entropie et de turbulence), elles montrent que la trajectoire des cohortes qui s'insèrent après 2000, notamment en 2008, est effectivement plus accidentée, et ce malgré la politique de flexisécurité à l'honneur dans le pays. Les transitions vers l'emploi stable sont l'exception plutôt que la règle.
Defect chemistry of A site nonstoichiometry and the resulting dielectric behaviors in SrxTi0.985(Nb2/3Zn1/3)0.015O3 ceramics
Authors: Pan Wengao , Cao Minghe , Hao Hua , Yao Zhonghua , Yu Zhiyong , Liu Hanxing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDefect chemistry of Sr site nonstoichiometry in SrxTi0.985(Nb2/3Zn1/3)0.015O3 ceramics and the resulting effects on the structure and dielectric behavior are systematically investigated by experiment and density functional theory (DFT) methods. The results indicate that, appropriate Sr deficiency benefits the dielectric properties and grain growth due to the creation of Sr vacancy. While Sr excess deteriorates the dielectric properties and inhibits the grain growth by forming a Ruddlesden‐Popper structure. In Sr‐deficient sample, more point defects arise and aggregate into defect clusters, resulting in great changes in local structures and the enhancement of dielectric properties. The Sr vacancy benefits the generation of oxygen vacancy, thus facilitating the localization of electrons and the decrease in dielectric loss. Besides, the electronic polarization and structural polarization are also improved by Sr vacancy and the resultant oxygen vacancy, leading to the further enhanced dielectric properties. These findings may facilitate the development of defect engineering towards novel multifunctional electronic materials.