bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The etiology of stillbirth over 30 years: A cross‐sectional study in a tertiary referral unit
Authors: O’Leary Bobby D. , Walsh Molly , Mooney Eoghan E. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Knowles Susan J. , Mahony Rhona M. , Downey Paul 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionStillbirth remains an often unpredictable and devastating pregnancy outcome, and despite thorough investigation, the number of stillbirths attributable to unexplained causes remains high. Placental examination has become increasingly important where access to perinatal autopsy is limited. We aimed to examine the causes of stillbirth in normally formed infants over 30 years and whether a declining autopsy rate has affected our ability to determine a cause for stillbirths.Material and methodsAll cases of normally formed singleton infants weighing ≥500 g that died prior to the onset of labor from 1989 to 2018 were examined. Trends for specific causes and uptake of perinatal autopsy were analyzed individually.ResultsIn all, 229 641 infants were delivered, with 840 stillbirths giving a rate of 3.66/1000. The rate of stillbirth declined from 4.84/1000 in 1989 to 2.51 in 2018 (P < .001). There was no difference in the rate of stillbirth between nulliparous and multiparous women (4.25 vs 3.66 per 1000, P = .026). Deaths from placental abruption fell (1.13/1000 in 1989 to 0 in 2018, P < .001) and the relative contribution of placental abruption to the incidence of stillbirth also fell, from 23.3% (7/30) in 1989 to 0.0% (0/19) in 2018 (P < .001). Stillbirth attributed to infection remained static (0.31/1000 in 1989 to 0.13 in 2018, P = .131), while a specific causal organism was found in 79.2% (42/53) of cases. Unexplained stillbirths decreased from 2.58/1000 (16/6200) in 1989 to 0.13 (1/7581) in 2018 (P < .001) despite a fall in the uptake of perinatal autopsy (96.7% [29/30] in 1989 to 36.8% (7/19) in 2018; P < .001). Placental disease emerged as a significant cause of stillbirth from 2004 onwards (89.5% [17/19] in 2018).ConclusionsThe present analysis is one of the largest single‐center studies on stillbirth published to date. Stillbirth rates have fallen across the study period across parity. A decrease in deaths secondary to placental abruption contributed largely to this. Infection‐related deaths are static; however, in one‐fifth of cases a causative organism was not found. Despite a decreasing autopsy rate, the number of unexplained stillbirths continues to fall as the importance of placental pathology is increasingly recognized.
Characterization of tryptophan‐containing dipeptides for anti‐angiogenic effects
Authors: Khedr Sherif , Klotzsche‐von Ameln Anne , Khedr Maha , Elsayed Mohamed H. , Sudha Thangirala , Mousa Shaker A. , Deussen Andreas , Martin Melanie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsIn the pathogenesis of several diseases, neo‐angiogenesis is increased (e.g. tumour growth). The peptide L‐glutamyl‐L‐tryptophan (EW/IM862) has been claimed to exhibit inhibitory effects on tumour growth in vivo. However, the potential role of natural peptides with respect to anti‐angiogenic properties is unsettled. The current study explores anti‐angiogenic effects of the dipeptides WL, EW, IW and WE.Methods and ResultsUsing a bottom‐up strategy, we first evaluated the effects of the peptides on VEGFR‐2 signalling and quantified their effects in different angiogenesis assays. WL consistently had the strongest effects on phosphorylation of VEGFR‐2 and downstream signalling. Therefore, this peptide was chosen in comparison with EW to further assess anti‐angiogenic properties. However, sprout formation in three‐dimensional (3D) fibrin gel bead assay was significantly inhibited by EW only. Furthermore, vessel sprouting in the mouse aortic ring assay was decreased by the presence of WL and EW compared to control. Results from a chorioallantoic membrane assay showed that under vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation WL and EW decreased the number of blood vessels versus control. These results were in line with those obtained in a matrigel plug assay. The VEGF‐induced increase in the haemoglobin content was nearly abolished when treatment was combined with either WL or EW application. In the murine model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy, WL exhibited a small albeit significant anti‐angiogenic effect.ConclusionComprehensive screening of WL suggests an anti‐angiogenic effect, demonstrated in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. Thus, WL is a dipeptide with potential anti‐angiogenic effects and is worthy for further exploration.
Insemination of recipient sows improves the survival to term of vitrified and warmed porcine expanded blastocysts transferred non‐surgically
Authors: Tajima Shigeyuki , Uchikura Kenzo , Kurita Takayuki , Kikuchi Kazuhiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis study was performed to evaluate reproductive performance after non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of 10–15 porcine expanded blastocysts (ExBs) that had been vitrified and warmed (V/W) using the micro volume air cooling (MVAC) method. The effect of asynchrony between the donor and recipient estrous cycle was investigated. Ns‐ET was conducted in recipients whose estrous cycle was asynchronous to that of donors by a delay of 2, 1, or 0 days. In the 2‐day and 1‐day groups, the similar farrowing rates (27.3% and 25.0%) and survival rates to term (13.9% and 15.7%) were obtained after Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs. None of the recipients in 0‐day group farrowed. Artificial insemination (AI) prior to Ns‐ET was then evaluated. Ten–15 V/W ExBs were transferred non‐surgically to 12 recipients whose estrous cycles were asynchronous to that of donors by a 2‐day delay. All of the recipients produced piglets, and all (100.0%) delivered piglets were derived from the transferred V/W ExBs. The survival rate of V/W ExBs to term was 25.2%. These results demonstrate that Ns‐ET of V/W ExBs using MVAC can facilitate piglet production, even if 10–15 embryos are transferred. Moreover, piglets were obtained stably when AI was performed prior to Ns‐ET.
Anti‐Müllerian hormone is expressed and secreted by bovine oviductal and endometrial epithelial cells
Authors: Nasrin Ferdousy Raihana , Kereilwe Onalenna , Kadokawa Hiroya 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, we investigated whether bovine oviducts and endometria produce anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) (for paracrine and autocrine signaling). Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and western blotting detected AMH expression in oviductal and endometrial specimens. Immunohistochemistry revealed robust AMH expression in the ampulla and isthmus epithelia, and the glandular and luminal endometrial epithelia (caruncular endometria). AMH mRNA (measured by real‐time PCR) and protein expression in these layers did not significantly differ among estrous phases in adult Japanese Black (JB) heifers (p > .1). Furthermore, the expression in these layers also did not differ among Holstein cows (93.8 ± 5.8 months old), JB heifers (25.5 ± 0.4 months old), and JB cows (97.9 ± 7.9 months old). We also compared AMH concentrations in the oviduct and uterine horn fluids among the three groups (measured by immunoassays). Interestingly, the AMH concentration in the oviduct fluid, but not in the uterine horn fluid, of Holstein cows was lower than those in JB heifers and cows (p < .05). Therefore, bovine oviducts and endometria express AMH and likely secrete it into the oviduct and uterine fluids.
A pharmacological framework for integrating treating the host, drug repurposing and the damage response framework in COVID‐19
Authors: Martin Jennifer H. , Head Richard 
Published: September 2020

With any new disease a framework for the development of preventative or treatment therapeutics is key; the absence of such in COVID‐19 has enabled ineffective and potentially unsafe treatments to be taken up by governments and clinicians desperate to have options for patients. As we still have few therapies and nil vaccines yet available, the void of a clear framework for research and practice is increasingly clear. We describe a framework that has been used to prioritise therapeutic research in previous pandemics which could be used to progress clinical pharmacology and therapeutics research in COVID‐19.This is particularly relevant as discussion has already moved on from antiviral therapeutics to delineating the treatment of the host from treatment and elimination of the infective agent. Focussing on the host brings together three concepts: host treatment, the damage response framework and therapeutic repurposing. The integration of these three areas plays to the traditional strength of pharmaceuticals in providing a period of stabilization to permit time for the development of novel antiviral drugs and vaccines. In integrating approaches to repurposing, host treatment and damage response we identified three key properties that a potentially effective repurposed drug must possess by way of a framework. There must be homology, i.e., the same or similar relation with the pathogenesis of the disease, ideally targeted to the conserved pathophysiological outcomes of the viral attack; there must be a defined locus within the spectrum to prevention to severe disease and the framework must draw upon the historical dose and safety experience of the repurposed drug. To illustrate, we have mapped therapeutics that impact upon a key dysregulated pathway in COVID‐19 – the renin angiotensin system – using this approach. Collectively this type of analysis reveals the importance of existing data (repurposed information and administrative observational data) and the importance of the details of the known pathophysiological response to viruses in approaches to treating the host.
The application of positive parenting interventions to academic school readiness: A scoping review
Authors: Prime Heather , Andrews Krysta , McTavish Jill , Harris Madeleine , Janus Magdalena , Bennett Teresa , Gonzalez Andrea 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundPositive parenting interventions were traditionally developed for use in infant and preschool mental health. However, there is increasing application to a broader range of developmental outcomes. A scoping review was conducted to map the landscape of the diverse applications of positive parenting interventions to academic school readiness.MethodsPositive parenting interventions that took place in the early childhood period (prenatal to 6 years) and included an assessment of academic readiness were eligible (i.e., problem‐solving/reasoning, language, executive functions and preacademics). The search strategy included four electronic databases from inception to July 2020 and backward/forward searching of the majority of eligible studies. Data charting was completed by double, independent reviewers and included theoretical frameworks, academic readiness outcomes, parenting behaviour targets, populations serviced and methodological approaches used. The synthesis included quantitative descriptives and tabular/visual representations.ResultsNinety‐nine studies met eligibility criteria. There has been a steady increase in published studies since 2005, with each academic readiness skill represented in varying proportions. Attachment theory was the most commonly referenced framework for applying interventions to academic readiness, with a more recent shift towards biobehavioural frameworks. The majority of studies included parental responsiveness as a parent behaviour target, whereas behavioural management was more commonly used with older children and/or those with social–emotional/behavioural difficulties. Most studies used a selective prevention approach, with low socioeconomic families being the most frequently studied group. Research gaps were identified in the measurement of follow‐up and parenting behaviour.ConclusionWe discuss changing conceptualizations of academic readiness, applications to public health and practice, and future directions in research.
Top 100 most‐cited papers in core dental public health journals: bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mattos Flávio de Freitas , Perazzo Matheus França , Vargas‐Ferreira Fabiana , Martins‐Júnior Paulo Antônio , Paiva Saul Martins 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis quali‐quantitative study analysed the 100 most‐cited papers in core dental public health (DPH) journals focusing on understanding international knowledge production.MethodsThe DPH journals were selected from titles and scopes at Web of Science Core Collection database up to March 2020. Further comparisons were performed at Scopus and Google Scholar databases. Some bibliometric parameters were extracted as follows: title, number of citations, citation density (number of citations per year), first author's country, year of publication, study design and subject. VOSviewer software was used to create graphical bibliometric maps.ResultsPapers were ranked by the total number of citations, which ranged from 104 to 1,019, and six papers were cited more than 400 times. Papers were published from 1974 to 2013, mainly in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. Most frequent study designs were cross‐sectional (30%) and nonsystematic review (25%). Most papers were from Europe (54%) and North America (31%). First authors were predominantly from the United Kingdom (17%), United States of America (17%) and Canada (14%). VOSviewer map of co‐authorship demonstrated the existence of clusters in the research collaboration. Although epidemiology was the most frequent subject (84%), health services research presented eight times higher citation density.ConclusionsTop 100 most‐cited papers in core DPH journals were predominantly observational studies from Anglo‐Saxon countries. Top 100 most‐cited papers in core DPH journals tend to be cross‐sectional studies carried out in the United States with highest citation in health services research. Locker D, Petersen PE and Sheiham A are a landmark for DPH field.
Clinical factors influencing implant positioning by guided surgery using a nonmetal sleeve template in the partially edentulous ridge: Multiple regression analysis of a prospective cohort
Authors: Park Jin‐Young , Song Young Woo , Park Seung‐Hyun , Kim Jang‐Hyun , Park Ji‐Man , Lee Jung‐Seok 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the positional accuracy of implants placed with a three‐dimensionally printed template having nonmetal sleeves and to determine the contributing factors to observed deviations.Materials and MethodsOne hundred and eighty‐seven implants placed in 72 patients were analyzed. Presurgical intraoral scans and cone‐beam computed tomography images obtained before and after surgery were superimposed, and vertical, angular, platform, and apex deviations were measured between the virtually planned and actually placed positions. A multiple linear regression model was designed for identifying the contributing factors. Statistical significance was set at p < .05, with Bonferroni correction if necessary (p < .0167).ResultsA total of 187 implants demonstrated deviations of 0.65 [0.56, 0.75] mm (mean [95% confidence interval]) vertically, 3.59° [3.30°, 3.89°] angularly, 1.16 [1.04, 1.28] mm at platform, and 1.50 [1.36, 1.65] mm at apex. Implants placed in the mandible showed larger angular, platform, and apex deviations compared with those in the maxilla (p = .049, p = .014 and p = .003, respectively). Implants placed at the third or fourth nearest sites from the most‐distal tooth had larger deviations than those placed at the first or second nearest sites, in vertical, platform, and apical aspects (p = .015, p = .011 andp = .018, respectively). This was only applicable to free‐ending‐supported templates (p < .0167), and anchor pin‐supported free‐ending templates (p < .0167).ConclusionUsing a three‐dimensionally printed surgical template with a nonmetal sleeve in the partial edentulous ridge resulted in larger deviations in implants placed in the mandible or distal free‐end third or fourth nearest site.
Spindle cell melanoma coexisting with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma: a rare collision tumor in multiple sites
Authors: Dirilenoglu Fikret , Yukselen Ozen Ozden , Mocan Gamze 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA strong association has been reported between chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL) and malignant melanoma (MM). In rare cases of MM, lymphoid malignancies may be detected incidentally during sentinel lymph node biopsies. In this case, we found a unique collision of MM and CLL infiltration in the skin. An 88‐year‐old male patient presented with a mass on the nasal root. Histopathological examination of the skin biopsy specimen revealed a deeply infiltrative, atypical spindle cell proliferation in the background of a collagenous stroma. Accompanying this lesion, there were foci of monotonous lymphoid cell populations involving skin appendages. In the immunohistochemical studies, the spindle cells were diffusely positive for S100, and focally positive for Melan‐A and HMB45; the lymphoid cells were positive for CD20, CD5, and Bcl‐2 and negative for CD3, Bcl‐6, CD10, and Cyclin D1. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings were consistent with diagnoses of spindle cell melanoma and CLL. Interestingly, these two tumors together in their same morphological appearance were confirmed in a subsequent liver biopsy. Active skin surveillance of patients with CLL may be important to detect MM at an early stage that correlates with a better prognosis.
Cocaine self‐administration abolishes endocannabinoid‐mediated long‐term depression of glutamatergic synapses in the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Wang Ruixiang , Hausknecht Kathryn A. , Gancarz‐Kausch Amy M. , Oubraim Saida , Shen Roh‐Yu , Haj‐Dahmane Samir 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDrugs of abuse, including cocaine, alter the mechanisms underpinning synaptic plasticity, including long‐term potentiation of glutamatergic synapses in the mesolimbic system. These effects are thought to underlie addictive behaviors. In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), glutamatergic synapses also exhibit long‐term depression (LTD), a type of plasticity that weakens synaptic strength. This form of synaptic plasticity is induced by low‐frequency stimulation and mediated by endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, which also modulates addictive behaviors. However, it remains unknown whether eCB‐LTD in the VTA could be altered by cocaine use. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to examine the impact of cocaine self‐administration on eCB‐LTD of glutamatergic synapses onto VTA dopaminergic (DA) neurons. To that end, male rats underwent cocaine (0.75 mg/kg/infusion) or saline self‐administration under the fixed ratio 1 schedule for 6–9 days. One day after the last self‐administration session, the magnitude of eCB‐LTD was examined using ex vivo whole‐cell recordings of putative VTA DA neurons from naïve rats and rats with saline or cocaine self‐administration. The results revealed that cocaine self‐administration abolished eCB‐LTD. The cocaine‐induced blockade of eCB‐LTD in the VTA was mediated by an impaired function of presynaptic CB1 receptors. Collectively, these findings indicate that cocaine exposure blunts eCB‐mediated synaptic plasticity in midbrain DA neurons. This effect could be one of the cellular mechanisms that mediate, at least in part, addictive behaviors.
T‐cell responses and therapies against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Toor Salman M. , Saleh Reem , Sasidharan Nair Varun , Taha Rowaida Z. , Elkord Eyad 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, a novel coronavirus strain. Some studies suggest that COVID‐19 could be an immune‐related disease, and failure of effective immune responses in initial stages of viral infection could contribute to systemic inflammation and tissue damage, leading to worse disease outcomes. T cells can act as a double‐edge sword with both pro‐ and anti‐roles in the progression of COVID‐19. Thus, better understanding of their roles in immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is crucial. T cells primarily react to the spike protein on the coronavirus to initiate antiviral immunity; however, T‐cell responses can be suboptimal, impaired or excessive in severe COVID‐19 patients. This review focuses on the multifaceted roles of T cells in COVID‐19 pathogenesis and rationalizes their significance in eliciting appropriate antiviral immune responses in COVID‐19 patients and unexposed individuals. In addition, we summarize the potential therapeutic approaches related to T cells to treat COVID‐19 patients. These include adoptive T‐cell therapies, vaccines activating T‐cell responses, recombinant cytokines, Th1 activators and Th17 blockers, and potential utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with anti‐inflammatory drugs to improve antiviral T‐cell responses against SARS‐CoV‐2.
On the nonlinear temperature dependence of residual stresses in solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Lara‐Curzio Edgar , Cakmak Ercan , Lin Lianshan , Marquez‐Rossy Andres E. , Armstrong Beth , Flores‐Betancourt Alexis , Macias Antonio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe residual stresses in a dense yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) layer bonded to a porous NiO‐YSZ substrate were measured by X‐ray diffraction in air between 25°C and 900°C. It was found that the residual stresses on the outer surface of the YSZ layer were compressive, that their magnitude increased with decreasing temperature, and that the temperature dependence was nonlinear particularly at temperatures below 600°C. An elastic model that incorporates micromechanics and laminate theory was formulated to successfully predicts the nonlinearity of the temperature dependence of the residual stresses by accounting for the effect of the order‐disorder transition experienced by YSZ around 600°C and the magnetic transition of NiO at the Néel temperature around 265°C, on the properties of these materials. The implications of the results for the reliability of solid oxide fuel cells are discussed.
Circ_0007331 knock‐down suppresses the progression of endometriosis via miR‐200c‐3p/HiF‐1α axis
Authors: Dong Lan , Zhang Lu , Liu Hua , Xie Meiting , Gao Jing , Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhao Qinghong , Zhang Silin , Yang Jing 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEndometriosis is considered a benign gynaecological disease with cancer‐like characterizations, which has a high incidence among women of reproductive age. However, this disease has so far lacked timely diagnosis and effective treatment owing to its unclear aetiology. In this study, we identified aberrant high expression of circ_0007331 in ectopic endometrial cells by comparing the endometrial samples from patients with and without endometriosis. Further functional experiments revealed that circ_0007331 knock‐down effectively suppressed the viability, proliferation and invasive capacity of ectopic endometrial cells. Additionally, we attempted to define the molecular mechanism of circ_0007331 in the initiation and progression of endometriosis. Circ_0007331 acted as a miRNA sponge for miR‐200c‐3p to indirectly regulate the function of HIF‐1α, which plays a key role in the local angiogenesis and hypoxic mechanisms of ectopic endometrium. A final in vivo experiment confirmed that circ_0007331 knock‐down could suppress the development of endometriosis through down‐regulating the expression of HIF‐1α. Collectively, we preliminarily characterized the role and possible insights of circ_0007331/miR‐200c‐3p/HIF‐1α axis in the proliferation and invasion of ectopic endometrial cells. We hope that by exploring the potential function and molecular mechanism of circ_0007331, we can increase our biological insight into the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which will bring the new ways for the diagnosis and therapy of this disease.