bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of CB2 signalling pathway in the development of osteoporosis by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs
Authors: Tian Feng , Yang Hong‐tao , Huang Tao , Chen Feng‐feng , Xiong Fu‐jun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to explore the potential mechanism underlying the involvement of CB2 in osteoporosis. Micro‐CT was utilized to examine femur bone architecture. Also, real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis were utilized to detect the effect of 2‐AG on the expression of CB2 and Notch, or the interaction between CB2 and Notch 2. 2‐AG treatment up‐regulated BMD, Tb.Sp and SMI in OVX mice, whereas proportion of bone volume in total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N) and bone mineral density (BMD) were decreased in 2‐AG‐treated OVX mice. Accordingly, 2‐AG administration up‐regulated Notch 1 expression in OVX mice but had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression. Meanwhile, 2‐AG administration promoted the differentiation of hBMSCs in OVX mice, while exhibiting no effect on the proliferation of hBMSCs. Furthermore, in the cellular models, 2‐AG treatment also up‐regulated Notch 1 expression but had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression, while Notch 1 shRNA had no effect on CB2 and Notch 2 expression. 2‐AG promoted cell proliferation and differentiation, which were inhibited by Notch 1 shRNA. NICD had no effect on CB2 level but increased Notch 1 expression, and CB2 shRNA decreased CB2 and Notch 1 expression. Finally, CB2 shRNA inhibited cell proliferation and differentiation, whereas NICD promoted proliferation and differentiation of hBMSCs. Our results provided further evidence for the association of CB2 gene with BMD and osteoporosis, and identified CB2 as a promising target for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Protein deglycase DJ‐1 deficiency induces phenotypic switching in vascular smooth muscle cells and exacerbates atherosclerotic plaque instability
Authors: Wang Zhao‐yang , Cheng Jie , Liu Bin , Xie Fei , Li Chang‐ling , Qiao Wen , Lu Qing‐hua , Wang Ying , Zhang Ming‐xiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractProtein deglycase DJ‐1 (DJ‐1) is a multifunctional protein involved in various biological processes. However, it is unclear whether DJ‐1 influences atherosclerosis development and plaque stability. Accordingly, we evaluated the influence of DJ‐1 deletion on the progression of atherosclerosis and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We examine the expression of DJ‐1 in atherosclerotic plaques of human and mouse models which showed that DJ‐1 expression was significantly decreased in human plaques compared with that in healthy vessels. Consistent with this, the DJ‐1 levels were persistently reduced in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE−/− mice with the increasing time fed by western diet. Furthermore, exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to oxidized low‐density lipoprotein down‐regulated DJ‐1 in vitro. The canonical markers of plaque stability and VSMC phenotypes were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. DJ‐1 deficiency in Apoe−/− mice promoted the progression of atherosclerosis and exaggerated plaque instability. Moreover, isolated VSMCs from Apoe−/−DJ‐1−/− mice showed lower expression of contractile markers (α‐smooth muscle actin and calponin) and higher expression of synthetic indicators (osteopontin, vimentin and tropoelastin) and Kruppel‐like factor 4 (KLF4) by comparison with Apoe−/−DJ‐1+/+ mice. Furthermore, genetic inhibition of KLF4 counteracted the adverse effects of DJ‐1 deletion. Therefore, our results showed that DJ‐1 deletion caused phenotype switching of VSMCs and exacerbated atherosclerotic plaque instability in a KLF4‐dependent manner.
EU Aid Policy in the Middle East and North Africa: Politicization and its Limits
Authors: Youngs Richard , Zihnioğlu Özge 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSome elements of EU assistance to the countries of MENA have become more politicized in recent years. This is largely because sharper differences of opinion have emerged over EU funds being used to limit migration and for security aims. Contestation has intensified horizontally between different EU institutions and European governments. However, this politicization varies across different policy areas and different parts of the MENA region, and in some instances remains relatively muted. After outlining the general increase in salience and wider institutional engagement; we then contrast this with the more measured increase in the third dimension of politicization, namely polarization over the EU's MENA aid policies. We offer three examples of the way that internal policy‐making dynamics have softened polarization and discuss implications for the broader analysis of EU foreign and security policy. We conclude that different kinds of dynamics both drive and limit politicization within the EU's external policies.
Guest Editorial: Time to reflect on new evidence about periodontal regenerative surgery of intrabony defects
Authors: Nibali Luigi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis editorial provides a summary of new evidence derived from four recent systematic reviews on regenerative/reconstructive periodontal surgery recently published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. We hereby discuss how the results of these papers combined can be useful for the clinical periodontist, in the light of the recent European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) guidelines, and for researcher involved in this field of investigation.
Social and demographic characteristics of frequent or high‐charge emergency department users: A quantile regression application
Authors: Mayfield Carlene A. , Geraci Marco , Dulin Michael , Eberth Jan M. , Merchant Anwar T. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveHeavy users of the emergency department (ED) are a heterogeneous population. Few studies have captured the social and demographic complexity of patients with the largest burden of ED use. Our objective was to model associations between social and demographic patient characteristics and quantiles of the distributions of ED use, defined as frequent and high‐charge.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of electronic health and billing records of 99 637 adults residing in an urban North Carolina county who visited an ED within Atrium Health, a large integrated health care system, in 2017. Mid‐quantile and standard quantile regression models were used for count and continuous responses, respectively. Frequent and high‐charge use outcomes were defined as the median (0.50) and upper quantiles (0.75, 0.95, 0.99) of the outcome distributions for total billed ED visits and associated charges during the study period. Patient characteristic predictors were: insurance coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, private, uninsured), total visits to ambulatory care during the study period (0, 1, >1), and patient demographics: age, gender, race, ethnicity, and living in an underprivileged community called a public health priority area (PHPA).ResultsResults showed heterogeneous relationships that were stronger at higher quantiles. Having Medicaid or Medicare insurance was positively associated with ED visits and ED charges at most quantiles. Racial and geographic disparities were observed. Black patients had more ED visits and lower ED charges than their White counterparts at most quantiles of the outcome distributions. Patients living in PHPAs, had lower charges than their counterparts at the median but higher charges at the 0.95 and 0.99 quantiles.ConclusionsThe relationships between patient characteristics and frequent and high‐charge use of the ED vary based on the level of use. These findings can be used to inform targeted interventions, tailored policy, and population health management initiatives.
Enhanced surface water flood forecasts: User‐led development and testing
Authors: Birch Cathryn E. , Rabb Benjamin L. , Böing Steven J. , Shelton Kay L. , Lamb Rob , Hunter Neil , Trigg Mark A. , Hines Adrian , Taylor Andrea L. , Pilling Charlie , Dale Murray 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe risk of surface water flooding (SWF) in England is already high and its frequency and severity is projected to increase in the future. SWF generally occurs due to intense, highly localised rainfall, which is challenging to forecast with sufficient accuracy to take proactive action ahead of flood events. Being able to manage the risk effectively lies in improved rainfall and flood forecast products, better communication of uncertainty and building the capacity of local responders. This study utilises state‐of‐the‐art high‐resolution ensemble rainfall forecasts and hydraulic modelling tools alongside a novel post‐processing method to develop and trial new SWF forecast products within an incident workshop attended by forecast producers and regional forecast users. Twenty‐two of 24 workshop participants reported that the new information would be useful to their organisation but more product development and training in its interpretation is required. Specific recommendations to improve SWF forecast provision include increased support for local government through a single government organisation responsible for SWF, making more use of existing static SWF mapping in a real‐time context and employing the process of user‐based consultation, as outlined in this study, to guide the future development of future SWF forecast information and processes.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging of uterine adenomyosis: Correlation with clinical backgrounds and comparison with malignant uterine tumors
Authors: Yajima Ryo , Kido Aki , Kurata Yasuhisa , Fujimoto Koji , Nakao Kyoko Kameyama , Kuwahara Ryo , Nishio Naoko , Minamiguchi Sachiko , Mandai Masaki , Togashi Kaori 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo elucidate correlation between signal intensity on diffusion‐weighted images (SI‐DWI) and clinical backgrounds for uterine adenomyosis and to compare SI‐DWI of adenomyosis and malignant uterine tumors.MethodsThis study examined 46 adenomyosis patients diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and 25 patients with surgically confirmed malignant uterine myometrial tumor. First, adenomyosis cases were classified visually into high‐intensity and low‐intensity groups based on the SI‐DWI compared with that of normal uterine myometrium. Secondly, correlation was assessed between SI‐DWI of adenomyosis and patient clinical background information such as age, menopausal status, menstrual cycle and dysmenorrhea severity. Third, quantitative comparison was made of low‐intensity adenomyosis (LIA), high‐intensity adenomyosis (HIA) and malignant tumor groups for the signal intensity ratio (SIR) on DWI and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Their diagnostic performance was evaluated using logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.ResultsThe 46 adenomyosis cases were classified as 26 low‐intensity and 20 high‐intensity cases. Significant correlation was found only for menstrual cycle phases. HIA had significantly lower SIR and higher ADC than malignant tumor. The ADC of HIA was significantly higher than that of LIA. The combination of SIR and ADC showed excellent diagnostic performance (area under ROC curve, 0.99).ConclusionThere is a variation in signal intensity on DWI of uterine adenomyosis and it is associated with menstrual cycle phase. Adenomyosis with high signal intensity on DWI can be differentiated from malignant lesions by its lower signal intensity on DWI and higher ADC than that found for malignant uterine tumors, however overlaps exist.
Tocilizumab in COVID‐19 interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Pomponio G. , Ferrarini A. , Bonifazi M. , Moretti M. , Salvi A. , Giacometti A. , Tavio M. , Titolo G. , Morbidoni L. , Frausini G. , Onesta M. , Amico D. , Rocchi M. L. B. , Menzo S. , Zuccatosta L. , Mei F. , Menditto V. , Svegliati S. , Donati A. , D'Errico M. M. , Pavani M. , Gabrielli A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPublished reports on tocilizumab in COVID‐19 pneumonitis show conflicting results due to weak designs or heterogeneity in critical methodological issues.MethodsThis open‐label trial, structured according to Simon's optimal design, aims to identify factors predicting which patients could benefit from anti‐IL6 strategies and to enhance the design of unequivocal and reliable future randomized trials. A total of 46 patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia needing of oxygen therapy to maintain SO2 > 93% and with recent worsening of lung function received a single infusion of tocilizumab. Clinical and biological markers were measured to test their predictive values. Primary end point was early and sustained clinical response.ResultsTwenty‐one patients fulfilled pre‐defined response criteria. Lower levels of IL‐6 at 24 h after tocilizumab infusion (P = 0.049) and higher baseline values of PaO2/FiO2 (P = 0.008) predicted a favourable response.ConclusionsObjective clinical response rate overcame the pre‐defined threshold of 30%. Efficacy of tocilizumab to improve respiratory function in patients selected according to our inclusion criteria warrants investigations in randomized trials.
Prevalence of HPV in patients affected by oral Lichen planus: A prospective study using two different chair‐side sampling methods
Authors: della Vella Fedora , Lauritano Dorina , Pannone Giuseppe , Del Prete Raffaele , Di Stasio Dario , Contaldo Maria , Petruzzi Massimo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) role in oral potentially malignant lesions remains unclear. Aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of HPV infection in a cohort of patients affected by oral lichen planus, to analyze the genotypes involved, and to compare the performance of two specimen collection methods: brushing and biopsy.MethodsConsecutive patients with oral lichen planus were enrolled. Each patient's clinical and anamnestic data were recorded before he/she underwent brushing and biopsy procedures. The collected samples were analyzed using RT‐PCR. Prevalence of HPV infection was evaluated considering cytobrush and biopsy outcomes alone and combined. Correlation between HPV presence and sex, age, smoke, alcohol, kind of lichen planus, Hepatitis C virus, and involved mucosae was analyzed using chi‐square test (significance at P < .05). Cohen's k coefficient was employed to compare brushing and biopsy.ResultsFifty‐two patients affected by oral lichen planus were enrolled. Total HPV prevalence was 17%, when considering only the biopsy and the cytobrush the prevalence was 15% and 6%, respectively. None of the considered variables showed significant correlation with HPV (P > .05). The concordance between the two methods was “fair” (k = .305).ConclusionsThe biopsy appears more reliable than cytobrush to detect HPV in course of oral lichen planus. No statistical correlation emerged with the analyzed variables. The most frequently detected genotypes were HPV 6 and 11, while only two cases presented with HPV 16 and 53, known as human oncogenic.
Effect of Emotion Regulation on Mental Health of Couples in Long‐Term Marriages: One‐Year Follow‐up Study
Authors: Masumoto Kouhei , Harada Kazuhiro , Shiozaki Mariko 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study investigated: (a) the effect of emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) on psychological distress and well‐being of couples in long‐term marriages, using longitudinal data; and (b) the influence of spouses' emotion regulation on psychological outcomes in the actor–partner interdependence model. In this longitudinal study, we conducted a baseline survey and a 1‐year follow‐up to analyze data of 66 couples (N = 132; duration of marriage, M = 36.82 years, SD = 6.83 years; husband's age, M = 64.50 years, SD = 4.05 years; and wife's age, M = 61.39 years, SD = 4.82 years) living in Japan. Emotion regulation, psychological well‐being, psychological distress, and various control variables (age, education level, duration of the marriage, and household income) were assessed. Hierarchical linear modeling with distinguishable dyads was used to determine actor–partner interdependence in the effect of emotion regulation on mental health. The actor effect was observed in both husbands and wives when baseline cognitive reappraisal was predicted to positively influence psychological well‐being in the follow‐up. However, this effect was not observed for expression suppression. Additionally, regarding psychological distress, there were no actor or partner effects in either reappraisal or suppression. Possible reasons for these findings, including cultural differences, are discussed in this study.
Ingestion of Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates colitis via intestinal epithelial barrier disruption in mice
Authors: Tsuzuno Takahiro , Takahashi Naoki , Yamada‐Hara Miki , Yokoji‐Takeuchi Mai , Sulijaya Benso , Aoki‐Nonaka Yukari , Matsugishi Aoi , Katakura Kyoko , Tabeta Koichi , Yamazaki Kazuhisa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of ingested periodontal pathogens on experimental colitis in mice and to elucidate its underlying mechanisms.BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is defined as a chronic intestinal inflammation that results in damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Epidemiological studies have shown an association between IBD and periodontitis. Although a large number of ingested oral bacteria reach gastrointestinal tract constantly, the effect of ingested periodontal pathogens on intestinal inflammation is still unknown.MethodsExperimental colitis was induced by inclusion of dextran sodium sulfate solution in drinking water of the mice. Major periodontal pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum) were administered orally every day during the experiment. The severity of colitis between the groups was compared. In vitro studies of the intestinal epithelial cell line were conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms by which periodontal pathogens affect the development of colitis.ResultsThe oral administration of P. gingivalis significantly increased the severity of colitis when compared to other pathogens in the DSS‐induced colitis model. The ingested P. gingivalis disrupted the colonic epithelial barrier by decreasing the expression of tight junction proteins in vivo. In vitro permeability assays using the intestinal epithelial cell line suggested the P. gingivalis‐specific epithelial barrier disruption. The possible involvement of gingipains in the exacerbation of colitis was implied by using P. gingivalis lacking gingipains.ConclusionPorphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates gastrointestinal inflammation by directly interacting with the intestinal epithelial barrier in a susceptible host.
Duration Dependence and Labor Market Experience
Authors: Lyshol Arne F. , Nenov Plamen T. , Wevelstad Thea 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe study whether unemployment duration dependence—the negative effect of a current unemployment spell on an individual's employment probability—varies with labor market experience. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth and the Current Population Survey, we show that although there is negative duration dependence for experienced workers, it is mostly absent for new entrants to the labor force. This difference suggests that structural forces in addition to ex ante heterogeneity in job‐finding probabilities and dynamic selection may drive unemployment duration dependence. Our findings are robust to the econometric model used and to a number of demographic controls and time trends, as well as individual fixed effects. We also discuss whether a number of theories of duration dependence can explain our empirical findings.
Job Creators or Job Killers? Heterogeneous Effects of Industrial Robots on UK Employment
Authors: Kariel Joel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThere is concern about robots taking our jobs. This analysis looks at the impact of industrial robot adoption in the UK. Using a novel instrument to deal with endogeneity of robot adoption, estimates suggest that higher robot use is associated with increased employment and some evidence of a positive effect on part‐time pay, contrary to evidence from other countries. However, there is a large amount of heterogeneity across industries. The results show that industrial robots have directly replaced workers in automobile manufacturing. On the other hand, they have had positive effects on other areas of the labour market such as services.
Belatedness in the 18th century and what to do about it
Authors: Richards Cynthia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIf 18th‐century literary criticism embraces trauma theory, it will do so belatedly. In 2020, trauma theory has become so much a part of the literary landscape that it is hard to imagine literary studies without it. Not only have modern and contemporary literary critics explored its tenets, but also scholars in Romanticism, 19th‐century American literature, and in the last 10 years or so, in Renaissance and early modern studies, although the number of these treatments remain few. By contrast, 18th‐century studies' wholehearted embrace of new historicism has put it on a different trajectory from trauma studies, and only in recent years has it begun to reset its course and make space for trauma theory, among other less unilaterally historicist approaches. Yet if meaning is necessarily and perennially belated—as trauma theorists espouse—then saying that 18th‐century studies will embrace trauma theory belatedly can mean that we may only now understand its significance to our field. It certainly does not mean that it is too late to learn from its lessons or alter what we do in the classroom. In fact, the events of 2020 point to the urgency of more directly serving as historical witnesses to the trauma of the 18th century, and the need to do so with the scholarly rigor and nuance that has so long distinguished our field.
Pharmacological inhibition of CDK7 by THZ1 impairs tumor growth in p53‐mutated HNSCC
Authors: Ge Han , Yao Yuan , Jiang Yue , Wu Xiang , Wang Yanling 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCyclin‐dependent kinase 7 (CDK7) has been critically linked to human cancer. However, the roles of CDK7 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain incompletely known. Here, we sought to dissect the functions of CDK7 underlying HNSCC tumorigenesis and explore whether pharmacological inhibition of CDK7 could induce anti‐cancer effects.MethodsCDK7 expression was measured in a panel of HNSCC cell lines with p53 mutation and 20 pairs of HNSCC samples and adjacent non‐tumor tissues. Genetic targeting and pharmacological inhibition of CDK7 were conducted to dissect the biological roles of CDK7 in p53‐mutated HNSCC cells. An HNSCC xenograft model was developed to determine the therapeutic effects of THZ1 in vivo. Potential genes and pathways responsible for therapeutic effects of THZ1 were identified by genome‐wide RNA‐sequencing and bioinformatics interrogations.ResultsCDK7 expression was significantly elevated in cancerous cells and samples as compared with their adjacent non‐tumor counterparts. Impaired cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well increased apoptosis were observed in cells upon CDK7 knockdown or THZ1 exposure. THZ1 administration potently inhibited tumor overgrowth in vivo. Mechanistically, hundreds of genes enriched in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer‐related categories were identified to be potentially mediated the therapeutic effects of THZ1 in HNSCC.ConclusionOur findings reveal that CDK7 might serve as a novel putative pro‐oncogenic gene underlying HNSCC tumorigenesis and therapeutic targeting of CDK7 might be a promising strategy for p53‐mutated HNSCC.