bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk between dental pulp stem cells and endothelial cells augments angiogenic factor expression
Authors: Zaw Su Yee Myo , Kaneko Tomoatsu , Zaw Zar Chi Thein , Sone Phyo Pyai , Murano Hiroki , Gu Bin , Okada Yamato , Han Peifeng , Katsube Ken‐ichi , Okiji Takashi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesWe aimed to investigate whether the mesenchymal stem cell–endothelial cell crosstalk enhances angiogenic factor expression via nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB)‐dependent mechanisms.Materials and MethodsHuman dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) were cocultured for 96 hr, in the presence of NF‐κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) or scramble (control). Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and phospho‐NF‐κB p65 were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Angiogenesis‐related gene expression was analyzed with microarray analysis followed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Tube formation assay was conducted in the presence of NF‐κB decoy.ResultsThe VEGF and phospho‐NF‐κB p65 levels were significantly higher in the coculture with NF‐κB decoy scramble than in single culture and coculture with NF‐κB decoy ODN. Microarray analysis of SHEDs and HDMECs with NF‐κB decoy scramble showed higher expression of proangiogenic genes, Bcl‐2, NF‐κB1, VEGFA, CXCL8, and CXCR1, and lower expression of proapoptotic genes, Bax and Caspase 9, compared to cells with NF‐κB decoy ODN. Real‐time PCR results for Bcl‐2 and CXCL8 showed a similar trend. Tube formation assay showed more tube development in the presence of NF‐κB decoy scramble.ConclusionThe SHED‐HDMEC crosstalk enhanced proangiogenic factor expression via NF‐κB‐dependent pathways.
Opportunistic pathogens are associated with deteriorated clinical parameters in peri‐implant disease
Authors: Ardila Carlos M. , Ramón‐Morales Oscar‐Miguel , Ramón‐Morales Carlos‐Andrés 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the association between Gram‐negative enteric rods and Pseudomonas with the clinical parameters in peri‐implant disease.Materials and MethodsPatients treated with implants and diagnosed with peri‐implant mucositis and/or peri‐implantitis participate in this cross‐sectional research. Unusual microorganisms from the implants were recognized using MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. Linear regression models were applied.ResultsA total of 103 implants were evaluated in thirty‐one participants. Gram‐negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas were observed in 47 implants (46%). Interestingly, there were differences in probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CA), and bleeding on probing (BOP) between the groups, where implants with the presence of Gram‐negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas presented deteriorated clinical parameters (p < .0001). The crude and adjusted linear regression models for PPD in peri‐implant mucositis, PPD in peri‐implantitis, CA in peri‐implantitis, and BOP in peri‐implant disease present significant βs, demonstrating deteriorated parameters (p < .0001) in the presence of Gram‐negative enteric rods/Pseudomonas. Besides, the model for CA in peri‐implantitis showed that cemented restored reconstructions were statistically significant (p = .009). Additionally, the R2 value in most models indicated a high degree of correlation (>85%).ConclusionThe occurrence of Gram‐negative enteric rods and Pseudomonas was associated with deteriorated clinical parameters in patients with peri‐implant disease.
Topical pilocarpine for xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy
Authors: Pereira Raony Môlim de Sousa , Bastos Mônica Danielle Ribeiro , Ferreira Maíra Peres , de Freitas Osvaldo , de Macedo Leandro Dorigan , de Oliveira Harley Francisco , Ricz Hilton Marcos Alvez , Motta Ana Carolina Fragoso , Macedo Ana Paula , Tirapelli Camila , Pedrazzi Vinicius 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate a pilocarpine spray as a treatment for xerostomia in patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC).MethodsThis was a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover clinical trial of patients complaining of dry mouth after RT for HNC. Forty patients were randomly assigned to either placebo or pilocarpine (1.54%) spray and instructed to use three times a day for 3 months. After 1‐month washout period, patients were crossed over to receive placebo or pilocarpine. The assessments were salivary flow (Stimulated Whole Saliva Flow – SWSF), xerostomia (Xerostomia Inventory – XI), and quality of life (QoL/Oral Health Impact Profile – OHIP‐14), assessed at baseline, 1 hr (only SWSF), and at 1, 2, and 3 months of treatment.ResultsPosttreatment SWFS was not statistically different between pilocarpine and placebo regardless of the treatment sequence (paired T test; p > .05), except for the SWFS rates at 2 months after therapy. When comparing pilocarpine with placebo in the time points, there was no significant difference (p > .05) for QoL or XI. Significant differences in improvement in QoL and xerostomia experience appeared along time for pilocarpine group.ConclusionThe topical application of pilocarpine spray tested was similar to placebo on SWSF assessments in patients treated with RT for HNC.
In infants with sufficient vitamin D status at birth, vitamin D supplementation does not impact immune development
Authors: Leffler Jonatan , Gamez Cristina , Jones Anderson P. , Rueter Kristina , Read James F. , Siafarikas Aris , Lim Ee‐Mun , Noakes Paul S. , Prescott Susan L. , Stumbles Philip A. , Palmer Debra J. , Strickland Deborah H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundLow vitamin D levels have been associated with allergic diseases. Vitamin D has potent immunomodulatory properties, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We have investigated the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation on circulating immune cell phenotypes in infants.MethodA double‐blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted to investigate the effect of oral vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/d) on eczema and immune development. A subset of 78 infants was included in this analysis. Phenotypic analysis of immune cell subsets was performed using flow cytometry.ResultsVitamin D supplementation resulted in median 25(OH)D levels of 80.5 vs 59.5 nmol/L in the placebo group at 3 months of age (P = .002) and 87.5 vs 77 nmol/L at 6 months of age (P = .08). We observed significant changes in immune cell composition from birth (cord blood) to 6 months of age. Vitamin D supplementation did not impact these changes, nor did immune cell composition correlate with plasma 25(OH)D levels. Through exploratory analysis, we identified possible associations with eczema development and increased abundance of naïve CD4‐ T cells at birth, as well as associations with basophils, iNKT and central memory CD4+ T cells, and altered expression patterns of IgE receptor (FcεR1) on monocytes and dendritic cells with eczema at 6 months.ConclusionsVitamin D supplementation in infants who were vitamin D sufficient at birth did not affect developmental changes in immune cells during the first 6 months of life. However, immune cell profiles at birth and at 6 months of age were associated with early life eczema.
Chlorogenic acid acts upon Leishmania donovani arresting cell cycle and modulating cytokines and nitric oxide in vitro
Authors: Majumder Nilanjana , Ganguly Subhrajit , Ghosh Arijit Kumar , Kundu Shreetoma , Banerjee Antara , Saha Samiran 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimsVisceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by Leishmania donovani in India, is fatal if untreated, having serious concern of limited chemotherapeutic options. In this study, we evaluated antileishmanial efficacy of purified chlorogenic acid (CGA) against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes infected into RAW264.7 macrophages.Methods and ResultsChlorogenic acid was effective both on promastigotes (IC50 = 78.394 µmol/L, i.e. 27.75 µg/mL) and intracellular amastigotes (ED50 = 26.752 µmol/L, i.e. 9.47 µg/mL). In promastigotes, significant retardation in mitotic growth was caused both by cell‐death and reduction of metabolic activity, evidenced by propidium‐iodide uptake and MTT assay, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that retardation of mitotic growth was due to cell‐cycle arrest at G1/S checkpoint. Complete clearance of amastigotes from infected RAW264.7 cells, assessed by microscopic counting, was achieved with 60 µmol/L (21.24 µg/mL) CGA for 24 hours, with negligible toxicity to host macrophages. This parasite clearing efficacy was comparable to 1.0 µg/mL (1.082 µmol/L) Amphotericin B, and 20 µmol/L Miltefosine, two standard antileishmanial drugs. Cytokine‐ELISA revealed that elevated IL‐10 production by infected macrophages was reduced after parasite clearance. Consequently, IL‐12, TNF and NO (assayed by Griess test) production by macrophages were significantly increased after successful resolution of infection.ConclusionChlorogenic acid might emerge as a potential antileishmanial drug.
The effects of microcystin‐LR in Oryza sativa root cells: F‐actin as a new target of cyanobacterial toxicity
Authors: Pappas D. , Gkelis S. , Panteris E. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Microcystins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria, notorious for negatively affecting a wide range of living organisms, among which several plant species. Although microtubules are a well‐established target of microcystin toxicity, its effect on filamentous actin (F‐actin) in plant cells has not yet been studied.

Τhe effects of microcystin‐LR (MC‐LR) and an extract of a microcystin‐producing freshwater cyanobacterial strain (Microcystis flos‐aquae TAU‐MAC 1510) on the cytoskeleton (F‐actin and microtubules) of Oryza sativa (rice) root cells were studied with light, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy. Considering the role of F‐actin in endomembrane system distribution, the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus in extract‐treated cells were also examined.

F‐actin in both MC‐LR- and extract‐treated meristematic and differentiating root cells exhibited time‐dependent alterations, ranging from disorientation and bundling to the formation of ring‐like structures, eventually resulting in a collapse of the F‐actin network after longer treatments. Disorganization and eventual depolymerization of microtubules, as well as abnormal chromatin condensation were observed following treatment with the extract, effects which could be attributed to microcystins and other bioactive compounds. Moreover, cell cycle progression was inhibited in extract‐treated roots, specifically affecting the mitotic events. As a consequence of F‐actin network disorganization, endoplasmic reticulum elements appeared stacked and diminished, while Golgi dictyosomes appeared aggregated.

These results support that F‐actin is a prominent target of MC‐LR, both in pure form and as an extract ingredient. Endomembrane system alterations can also be attributed to the effects of cyanobacterial bioactive compounds (including microcystins) on the F‐actin cytoskeleton.
Silent Partners: How Politicians' Facebook Communication with Constituents is Mediated
Authors: Sabag Ben‐Porat Chen , Lev‐On Azi , Lehman‐Wilzig Sam 
Published: April 2020

Theoretical research on political communication between Members of Parliament (MPs) and the public has focused on the role, activities, and perceptions of the MPs themselves without noting the existence of an intermediate layer: Parliamentary Assistants (PAs). This study examines the presence of PAs in the process of MPs' interactions with the public, and their PA's role in this process. The study investigates the perception that social media involves direct contact between the public and parliamentarians, raising questions regarding how communication is conducted between these two actors in political representation. The study found that PAs' social media skills and knowledge are hardly considered in the hiring process, although they play a central role in the MPs' social media connection with the public. Subjective variables generate differences in PA level of involvement operating MP social media channels. Based on these findings, a typology of PA involvement in MP social media operation is offered.Related ArticlesCortés, Juvenal J. 2019. “Process, Theory, and Practice in Direct Democracy: Avenues for New Research.” Politics & Policy 47 (4): 673‐698. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12317Stephan, Mark. 2004. “Citizens as Representatives: Bridging the Democratic Theory Divides.” Politics & Policy 32 (1): 118‐135. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2004.tb00178.xWaheduzzaman, Wahed, and Sharif As‐Saber. 2015. “Politics and Policy in Achieving Participatory Governance in a Developing Country Context.” Politics & Policy 43 (4): 474‐501. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12121Related MediaIsraeli Knesset website. https://main.knesset.gov.il/EN/Pages/default.aspxKnesset Research and Information Center. https://main.knesset.gov.il/EN/activity/Pages/MMMAbout.aspx
Evaluation of the wild Actinidia germplasm for resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae
Authors: Wang Fa‐Ming , Mo Quan‐Hui , Ye Kai‐Yu , Gong Hong‐Juan , Qi Bei‐Bei , Liu Ping‐Ping , Jiang Qiao‐Sheng , Li Jie‐Wei 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBacterial canker of kiwifruit caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is a catastrophic disease that threatens the global kiwifruit industry. As yet, no cure has been developed. Planting resistant cultivars is considered as one of the most effective ways to control Psa. However, most existing cultivars lack Psa‐resistance genes. Wild Actinidia resources contain rich genetic diversity and may have powerful disease‐resistance genes under long‐term natural selection, but lack of knowledge about the resistance to Psa for most Actinidia species results in some excellent wild resistant genotypes being underutilized. In this study, the response to Psa of 104 wild genotypes of 30 Actinidia species (including 37 taxa) was tested with an in vitro bioassay, and a considerable number of individuals from different species with tolerance or high resistance to Psa were identified. The results showed high consistency between years. This is the first large‐scale evaluation of diverse Actinidia species with resistance to Psa through an in vitro bioassay. The resistant genotypes of A. chinensis identified could be used in future kiwifruit improvement programmes. The findings should help provide an understanding of the resistance to Psa.
Autosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome from a single centre in Chongqing, China (2009‐2018)
Authors: Xiang Qingqing , Zhang Luying , Liu Xia , Wang Shiyu , Wang Tao , Xiao Min , Zhao Xiaodong , Jiang Liping 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAutosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome (AD‐HIES) caused by STAT3 gene mutation is a rare primary immunodeficiency disease. To better understand the disease, we described the clinical characteristics of 20 AD‐HIES patients in Chongqing, China and explored the effect of mutations in different domains of STAT3 gene on the function of STAT3 protein by Western blot and confocal microscopy. The mean age at onset was 0.12 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.31 years. The most common presentation was eczema, pneumonia, skin abscesses and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis. Seven patients suffered from BCG complications. R382W/Q were identified in 12 patients, V637M mutation in three patients. Three patients have died. The phosphorylated STAT3 was expressed more in wild‐type(WT) and R382W mutant STAT3 in the cytoplasm of COS7 cells with epidermal growth factor(EGF) stimulation, less in the V637M mutation and T620S mutation. Dynamic observation showed that STAT3 cytoplasmic accumulation and nuclear translocation occurred rapidly after EGF stimulation in WT‐STAT3‐GFP, the time of accumulation and nuclear translocation was later and the expression was less in R382W‐STAT3‐GFP compared with WT‐STAT3‐GFP, followed by V637M and T620S mutation. These results suggested that our patients had earlier onset, diagnostic age and higher rate of BCG complications. However, our patients had higher incidence of mortality though the earlier diagnostic age. We did not find a significant genotype/phenotype correlation, but Src homology 2 domain mutations (V637M and T620S) had a greater effect on STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation than DNA‐binding domain mutation (R382W) in vitro.
Variable screening for survival data in the presence of heterogeneous censoring
Authors: Xu Jinfeng , Li Wai Keung , Ying Zhiliang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractVariable screening for censored survival data is most challenging when both survival and censoring times are correlated with an ultrahigh‐dimensional vector of covariates. Existing approaches to handling censoring often make use of inverse probability weighting by assuming independent censoring with both survival time and covariates. This is a convenient but rather restrictive assumption which may be unmet in real applications, especially when the censoring mechanism is complex and the number of covariates is large. To accommodate heterogeneous (covariate‐dependent) censoring that is often present in high‐dimensional survival data, we propose a Gehan‐type rank screening method to select features that are relevant to the survival time. The method is invariant to monotone transformations of the response and of the predictors, and works robustly for a general class of survival models. We establish the sure screening property of the proposed methodology. Simulation studies and a lymphoma data analysis demonstrate its favorable performance and practical utility.
The 9+ screening test score does not predict injuries in elite floorball players
Authors: Tervo Taru , Ermling Jenny , Nordström Anna , Toss Fredrik 
Published: April 2020

We aimed to examine whether the 9+ screening test score could predict injuries in elite floorball players. Eighty‐four elite floorball players participated in the study. At baseline, two physiotherapists assessed the participants using the 9+ screening test. The test score reflects strength, stability, mobility, and functional movement pattern with an emphasis on the lower body and core. Injuries that occurred the following season (2013/2014) were recorded by medical staff, coaches, and/or self‐reported by the players. Overall, there was no relationship between the 9+ screening test score and injury risk (OR = 0.96 per SD lower test score, P = .84). We, therefore, conclude that the 9+ screening test is not suited for overall injury risk prediction in elite floorball players. Whether the test may be used to predict risk of certain injury types more strongly related to inadequate mobility and strength (eg, muscle ruptures or strains) warrants further investigation.
Changes in physical activity and sedentary time during adolescence: Gender differences during weekdays and weekend days
Authors: Kallio Jouni , Hakonen Harto , Syväoja Heidi , Kulmala Janne , Kankaanpää Anna , Ekelund Ulf , Tammelin Tuija 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the gender‐specific and time‐segmented changes in accelerometer measured physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) during adolescence.MethodsThe study population (N = 970) consisted of children from nine schools throughout Finland. At the baseline, the children were in grades 4‐7 (ages 10‐13). Five times during the two‐year follow‐up period, hip‐worn accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X+) were deployed for seven consecutive days in order to monitor the pupils’ PA. The daily time spent in vigorous (VPA), moderate to vigorous (MVPA), and light physical activity(LPA), as well as sedentary time(ST), were assessed.ResultsSignificant gender differences were observed in terms of the changes in MVPA and ST during the follow‐up period. The total MVPA declined significantly in boys (by 2.2min/day/year from 60 min/d at baseline) but not in girls (49 min/d at baseline). The total ST increased both in boys (by 20.7%‐points/y) and in girls (by 16.1%‐points/y, P < .001). However, when we compared the results during the weekdays and weekend days separately, we observed that the declines in MVPA and increases in ST were greater in boys than in girls during the weekend days.ConclusionA greater decrease in PA and a greater increase in ST during adolescence were observed among boys than among girls, especially during weekend days. In order to diminish these unfavorable behavioral changes during adolescence, we encourage the separate tailoring of interventions for boys and girls and for weekdays and weekends.
Racial/ethnic segregation and health disparities: Future directions and opportunities
Authors: Yang Tse‐Chuan , Park Kiwoong , Matthews Stephen A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHealth researchers have investigated the association between racial segregation and racial health disparities with multilevel approaches. This study systematically reviews these multilevel studies and identifies broad trends and potential directions for future research on racial segregation and health disparities in the US. After searching databases including CINAHL and MEDLINE, we systematically reviewed 66 articles published between 2003 and 2019 and found four major gaps in racial/ethnic segregation and health disparities: (a) the concept of segregation was rarely operationalized at the neighborhood level, (b) except for the evenness and exposure dimension, other dimensions of segregation are overlooked, (c) little attention was paid to the segregation between whites and non‐black minorities, particularly Hispanics and Asians, and (d) mental health outcomes were largely absent. Future directions and opportunities include: First, other segregation dimensions should be explored. Second, the spatial scales for segregation measures should be clarified. Third, the theoretical frameworks for black and non‐black minorities should be tested. Fourth, mental health, substance use, and the use of mental health care should be examined. Fifth, the long‐term health effect of segregation has to be investigated, and finally, other competing explanations for why segregation matters at the neighborhood level should be answered.
Editors’ Review and Introduction: The Cultural Evolution of Cognition
Authors: Beller Sieghard , Bender Andrea , Jordan Fiona 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis topic addresses a question of key interest to cognitive science, namely which factors may have triggered, constrained, or shaped the course of cognitive evolution. It highlights the relevance of culture as a driving force in this process, with a special focus on social learning and language, conceptual tools, and material culture. In so doing, the topic combines two goals: to provide an overview of current empirical and theoretical work leading this field, tailored for a wider cognitive science audience, and to investigate the potential for integrating multiple perspectives across several timescales and levels of analysis, from the microlevel of individual behavior to the macrolevel of cultural change and language diversification. One key purpose is to assess the extent to which the different research approaches can cross‐fertilize each other, thereby also contributing to the advancement of cognitive science more broadly.