bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gene annotation of nuclear receptor superfamily genes in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus and the effects of 20‐hydroxyecdysone on lipid metabolism
Authors: Nascimento P. V. P. , Almeida‐Oliveira F. , Macedo‐Silva A. , Ausina P. , Motinha C. , Sola‐Penna M. , Majerowicz D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone is fundamental for regulating moulting and metamorphosis in immature insects, and it plays a role in physiological regulation in adult insects. This hormone acts by binding and activating a receptor, the ecdysone receptor, which is part of the nuclear receptor gene superfamily. Here, we analyse the genome of the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus to annotate the nuclear receptor superfamily genes. The R. prolixus genome displays a possible duplication of the HNF4 gene. All the analysed insect organs express most nuclear receptor genes as shown by RT‐PCR. The quantitative PCR analysis showed that the RpEcR and RpUSP genes are highly expressed in the testis, while the RpHNF4‐1 and RpHNF4‐2 genes are more active in the fat body and ovaries and in the anterior midgut, respectively. Feeding does not induce detectable changes in the expression of these genes in the fat body. However, the expression of the RpHNF4‐2 gene is always higher than that of RpHNF4‐1. Treating adult females with 20‐hydroxyecdysone increased the amount of triacylglycerol stored in the fat bodies by increasing their lipogenic capacity. These results indicate that 20‐hydroxyecdysone acts on the lipid metabolism of adult insects, although the underlying mechanism is not clear.
From Independence to dependence: Experiences of Syrian refugees
Authors: Kikulwe Daniel , Massing Christine , Ghadi Needal , Giesbrecht Crystal J. , Halabuza Donalda 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper focuses on the qualitative findings from a mixed‐methods study of the educational and employment experiences of male and female Syrian refugees who settled in Regina, Canada. Canada admitted over 40,000 Syrian refugees who settled in 350 communities across Canada, including many smaller, non‐traditional refugee‐receiving centres. This influx necessitated the expeditious development of additional services as well as a re‐allocation of local resources. Drachman's (Social Work, 37, 68, 1992) three‐phase migration framework was employed to trace the experiences of these Syrian refugees through the pre‐migration, transit and resettlement phases. The findings demonstrated that the participants perceived a shift from independence to dependence on the government as they moved through each of the successive phases of migration. While participants had constructed identities as “hard workers” back home, they found that their experiences and credentials from back home were devalued and learning English was a prerequisite for employment.
Thyrotrophin and thyroxine support immune homeostasis in humans
Authors: Jaeger Martin , Sloot Yvette J.E , Horst Rob Ter , Chu Xiaojing , Koenen Hans J.P.M. , Koeken Valerie A.C.M. , Moorlag Simone J.C.F.M. , de Bree Charlotte J. , Mourits Vera P. , Lemmers Heidi , Dijkstra Helga , Medici Marco , van Herwaarden Antonius E. , Joosten Irma , Joosten Leo A.B. , Li Yang , Smit Johannes W.A. , Netea Mihai G. , Netea‐Maier Romana T. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryThe endocrine and the immune systems interact by sharing receptors for hormones and cytokines, cross‐control and feedback mechanisms. To date, no comprehensive study has assessed the impact of thyroid hormones on immune homeostasis. By studying immune phenotype (cell populations, antibody concentrations, circulating cytokines, adipokines and acute‐phase proteins, monocyte–platelet interactions and cytokine production capacity) in two large independent cohorts of healthy volunteers of Western European descent from the Human Functional Genomics Project (500FG and 300BCG cohorts), we identified a crucial role of the thyroid hormone thyroxin (T4) and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) on the homeostasis of lymphocyte populations. TSH concentrations were strongly associated with multiple populations of both effector and regulatory T cells, whereas B‐cell populations were significantly associated with free T4 (fT4). In contrast, fT4 and TSH had little impact on myeloid cell populations and cytokine production capacity. Mendelian randomization further supported the role of fT4 for lymphocyte homeostasis. Subsequently, using a genomics approach, we identified genetic variants that influence both fT4 and TSH concentrations and immune responses, and gene set enrichment pathway analysis showed enrichment of fT4‐affected gene expression in B‐cell function pathways, including the CD40 pathway, further supporting the importance of fT4 in the regulation of B‐cell function. In conclusion, we show that thyroid function controls the homeostasis of the lymphoid cell compartment. These findings improve our understanding of the immune responses and open the door for exploring and understanding the role of thyroid hormones in the lymphocyte function during disease.
Patient‐reported Outcomes (PROs) in clinical trials in paediatric dentistry
Authors: Gilchrist Fiona , Marshman Zoe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPatient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are reports directly from patients without interpretation by clinicians or others and captured using validated patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). These measures are increasingly employed in clinical practice and can be incorporated into clinical trials. Benefits of using PROs include reducing observer bias; eliciting unique views on aspects important to patients and increasing public accountability. Despite inclusion in clinical trials PRO data is often under‐reported and the results may not be adopted into clinical practice due to concerns about the data generated. This review discusses what PROs are and how to measure them; the benefits of using PROs; how to choose an appropriate PROM to answer the research question; considerations for using PROs in paediatric dentistry and reporting guidelines. Finally, some examples of how PROs have been included in paediatric dentistry trials are given along with discussion of the development of core outcome sets and how these may improve reporting of PROs in the future.
Optimization of red blood cell inventory: a blood‐type compatibility‐preference and emergency model
Authors: Dalalah Doraid , Alkhaledi Khaled A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTransfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) is essential for different medical conditions such as surgery, anemia, and cancer. Blood is a precious living composition consisting of eight types of RBCs that can be transfused by either exact or compatible substitutes. As stored blood gets older, it begins to deteriorate; therefore, excessive blood supply at hospitals results in spoilage, while limited supply results in shortage. This research aims at finding the optimal order‐up‐to‐level quantities of blood, which minimize its shortage and outdated units. Stochastic demand, blood aging, emergency orders, and compatibility preference are considered in this study. A customized simulated annealing algorithm is built for optimization. Several simulation experiments are conducted to test the merits of the model in a selected hospital. Not only does the model demonstrate improved results in the mean inventory/age, shortage/spoilage, and substitution percentage but it also serves as a test bed for better understanding of RBC inventory behavior under different compatibility policies.
Single‐pill combination of cilnidipine, an l‐/n‐type calcium channel blocker, and valsartan reduces the day‐by‐day variability of morning home systolic blood pressure in patients with treated hypertension: A sub‐analysis of the HOPE‐combi survey
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Matsuda Saori , Nagahama Shinobu , Kurose Yoshiki , Sugii Hitoshi , Teshima Tsukasa , Suzuki Noriyuki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe examined the effects of a fixed‐dose single‐pill combination of cilnidipine (10 mg), an L‐/N‐type calcium channel blocker, and valsartan (80 mg) (SPC of Cil/Val) on the day‐by‐day variability of morning home systolic blood pressure (MHSBP) in 616 patients with treated hypertension for 12 months as a sub‐analysis of the HOPE‐Combi survey, multicentral, post‐marketing, and prospective observational survey. The SPC of Cil/Val was administrated once a day in the morning. The SPC of Cil/Val decreased the standard deviation (SD, from 6.3 ± 4.8 to 5.1 ± 3.8 mmHg, p < .01), coefficient of variation (from 4.3 ± 3.2 to 3.8 ± 2.9%, p < .05), average real variability (ARV, from 7.9 ± 6.6 to 6.3 ± 5.1 mmHg, p < .01), and the difference between maximum and minimum (MMD, from 11.9 ± 9.2 to 9.7 ± 7.2 mmHg, p < .01) of MHSBP. The variability of MHSBP increased with age; however, this was not increased in patients ≥70 years at the baseline. In elderly patients (≥70 years, N = 283), the SPC of Cil/Val decreased the SD (from 6.9 ± 5.6 to 5.6 ± 4.4 mmHg, p < .01), ARV (from 8.6 ± 7.7 to 6.9 ± 5.7 mmHg, p < .05), and MMD (from 13.2 ± 10.7 to 10.7 ± 8.3 mmHg, p < .01) of MHSBP at 12 months; the reduction in these MHSBP variability parameters was comparable to that in adults <70 years. These results suggest that the SPC of Cil/Val is effective in reducing day‐by‐day variability of MHSBP in elderly patients.
Analysis of genes encoding for proteolytic enzymes and cytotoxic proteins as virulence factors of Piscirickettsia salmonis in SHK‐1 cells
Authors: Figueroa Jaime , Villagrán Daniela , Cartes Carlos , Solis Camila , Nourdin‐Galindo Guillermo , Haussmann Denise 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPiscirickettsia salmonis is the causative agent of Piscirickettsiosis, a systemic disease generating high mortality rates in farmed salmon cultures of southern Chile. Proteolytic enzymes are important virulence factors since they play a key role in bacterial invasion and proliferation within the host. Bacteria growing in muscle tissues are known to secrete proteases, but no proteolytic enzymes have been described in P. salmonis to date. A battery of putative protease genes was found in the genomes and available strains of P. salmonis by bioinformatics analyses, and their identity was established through comparison with protease genes in databases. The transcript levels of five candidate genes were analysed by in vitro infection and qPCR. All strains were found to generate protease activity to varying degrees, and this was significantly increased when bacteria infected a salmon cell line. Gene expression of several types of proteases was also evidenced, with the highest levels corresponding to the type 1 secretion system (T1SS), which is also involved in the transport of haemolysin A, although transcripts with significant levels of peptidase M4 (thermolysin) and CLP protease were also found.
Glucocorticoids attenuate interleukin‐6‐induced c‐Fos and Egr1 expression and impair neuritogenesis in PC12 cells
Authors: Bongartz Hannes , Seiß Elena Anne , Bock Jörg , Schaper Fred 
Published: January 2021

AbstractInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a cytokine primarily known for immune regulation. There is also growing evidence that IL‐6 triggers neurogenesis and impacts neural development, both life‐long occurring processes that can be impaired by early‐life and adult stress. Stress induces the release of glucocorticoids by activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. On the cellular level, glucocorticoids act via the ubiquitously expressed glucocorticoid receptor. Thus, we aimed to elucidate whether glucocorticoids affect IL‐6‐induced neural development. Here, we show that IL‐6 signalling induces neurite outgrowth in adrenal pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway‐dependent manner, since neurite outgrowth was diminished upon Mek‐inhibitor treatment. Using quantitative biochemical approaches, such as qRT‐PCR analysis of Hyper‐IL‐6 treated PC12 cells, we show that neurite outgrowth induced by IL‐6 signalling is accompanied by early and transient MAPK‐dependent mRNA expression of immediate early genes coding for proteins such as early growth response protein 1 (Egr1) and c‐Fos. This correlates with reduced proliferation and prolonged G0/G1 cell cycle arrest as determined by monitoring the cellular DNA content using flow cytometry. These results indicate for IL‐6 signalling‐induced neural differentiation. Interestingly, the glucocorticoid Dexamethasone impairs early IL‐6 signalling‐induced mRNA expression of c‐Fos and Egr1 and restrains neurite outgrowth. Impaired Egr1 and c‐Fos expression in neural development is implicated in the aetiology of neuropathologies. Thus, it appears likely that stress‐induced release of glucocorticoids, as well as therapeutically administered glucocorticoids, contribute to the development of neuropathologies by reducing the expression of Egr1 and c‐Fos, and by restraining IL‐6‐dependent neural differentiation.
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Comparing development and regeneration in the submandibular gland highlights distinct mechanisms
Authors: Chatzeli Lemonia , Teshima Tathyane H. N. , Hajihosseini Mohammad K. , Gaete Marcia , Proctor Gordon B. , Tucker Abigail S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA common question in organ regeneration is the extent to which regeneration recapitulates embryonic development. To investigate this concept, we compared the expression of two highly interlinked and essential genes for salivary gland development, Sox9 and Fgf10, during submandibular gland development, homeostasis and regeneration. Salivary gland duct ligation/deligation model was used as a regenerative model. Fgf10 and Sox9 expression changed during regeneration compared to homeostasis, suggesting that these key developmental genes play important roles during regeneration, however, significantly both displayed different patterns of expression in the regenerating gland compared to the developing gland. Regenerating glands, which during homeostasis had very few weakly expressing Sox9‐positive cells in the striated/granular ducts, displayed elevated expression of Sox9 within these ducts. This pattern is in contrast to embryonic development, where Sox9 expression was absent in the proximally developing ducts. However, similar to the elevated expression at the distal tip of the epithelium in developing salivary glands, regenerating glands displayed elevated expression in a subpopulation of acinar cells, which during homeostasis expressed Sox9 at lower levels. A shift in expression of Fgf10 was observed from a widespread mesenchymal pattern during organogenesis to a more limited and predominantly epithelial pattern during homeostasis in the adult. This restricted expression in epithelial cells was maintained during regeneration, with no clear upregulation in the surrounding mesenchyme, as might be expected if regeneration recapitulated development. As both Fgf10 and Sox9 were upregulated in proximal ducts during regeneration, this suggests that the positive regulation of Sox9 by Fgf10, essential during development, is partially reawakened during regeneration using this model. Together these data suggest that developmentally important genes play a key role in salivary gland regeneration but do not precisely mimic the roles observed during development.
Clinicopathological analysis of oral and maxillofacial acinic cell carcinoma: A systematic review
Authors: Kirschnick Laura Borges , Silveira Felipe Martins , Schuch Lauren Frenzel , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Martins Marco Antonio Trevizani , Lopes Márcio Ajudarte , Santos‐Silva Alan Roger , Carrard Vinicius Coelho , dos Santos Jean Nunes , Vargas Pablo Agustin , Wagner Vivian Petersen , Martins Manoela Domingues 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present systematic review was to analyze the available data regarding acinic cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region.MethodsA search strategy was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases.ResultsAvailable data revealed a slight female preference (54.73%) and a mean age at diagnosis of 47.51 ± 19.85 years. The parotid glands (67.72%) were most frequently affected, and most cases were asymptomatic (69.54%). A microcystic histopathological pattern was reported in 21.56% of the cases, and the Periodic acid‐Schiff was the staining method most frequently used, after the hematoxylin and eosin staining, in the tumors analyzed. The lesions were mainly treated by surgical removal (72.32%). Recurrence was reported in 81 cases (27.83%) and metastasis in 100 (42.91%). Statistical data analysis revealed that tumors located in major salivary glands and exhibiting high‐grade histology were associated with local recurrence (P = .01). In addition, the patients older than 57 years, lesions with bone involvement, the high‐grade tumors and the cases with a history of recurrence and metastasis were associated with a lower overall survival (P < .05).ConclusionBy assembling all eligible cases in the literature, the present systematic review determined the most common clinicopathological profile of acinic cell carcinoma and the most relevant prognostic factors in a distinctly representative sample. The survey demonstrated the importance of considering the histopathological grading in order to better define the treatment for each case.
Prey type constrains growth and photosynthetic capacity of the kleptoplastidic ciliate Mesodinium chamaeleon (Ciliophora)
Authors: Moeller Holly V. , Hsu Veronica , Lepori‐Bui Michelle , Mesrop Lisa Y. , Chinn Cara , Johnson Matthew D. 
Published: January 2021

Kleptoplastidic, or chloroplast‐stealing, lineages offer insight into the process of acquiring photosynthesis. By quantifying the ability of these organisms to retain and use photosynthetic machinery from their prey, we can understand how intermediaries on the endosymbiosis pathway might have evolved regulatory and maintenance mechanisms. Here, we focus on a mixotrophic kleptoplastidic ciliate, Mesodinium chamaeleon, noteworthy for its ability to retain functional chloroplasts from at least half a dozen cryptophyte algal genera. We contrasted the performance of kleptoplastids from blue‐green and red cryptophyte prey as a function of light level and feeding history. Our experiments showed that starved M. chamaeleon cells are able to maintain photosynthetic function for at least 2 weeks and that M. chamaeleon containing red plastids lost chlorophyll and electron transport capacity faster than those containing blue‐green plastids. However, likely due to increased pigment content and photosynthetic rates in red plastids, M. chamaeleon had higher growth rates and more prolonged growth when feeding on red cryptophytes. For example, M. chamaeleon grew rapidly and extensively when fed the blue‐green cryptophyte Chroomonas mesostigmatica, but this growth appeared to hinge on high levels of feeding supporting photosynthetic activity. In contrast, even starved M. chamaeleon containing red plastids from Rhodomonas salina could achieve high photosynthetic rates and extensive growth. Our findings show that plastid origin impacts the maintenance and magnitude of photosynthetic activity, though whether this is due to variation in ciliate control or gradual loss of plastid function in ingested prey cells remains unknown.
Durability of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance and subsequent risk for hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Aixin , Wang Xiaoxiao , Lu Junfeng , Jin Yi , Ma Lina , Hu Zhongjie , Zheng Yanhong , Shen Chengli , Chen Xinyue 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is regarded as the ideal endpoint for antiviral treatment. However, reports on the durability of and outcomes after HBsAg seroclearance are few, which has become a focus in clinical practice. This meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the durability and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence after HBsAg seroclearance after treatment cessation. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline and Web of Science for studies that reported the durability and HCC incidence after HBsAg seroclearance published between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2020. Data were analysed by a random‐effects model. Thirty‐eight studies and 43,924 patients were finally included. The results showed that HBsAg seroclearance was durable, with a pooled recurrence rate of 6.19% (95% CI: 4.10%–8.68%). There was no significant difference in recurrence rates after different seroclearance methods or among recurrence types and different regions. Anti‐HBs seroconversion resulted in a significantly reduced recurrence rate (RR = 0.25, p < .001). Patients who experienced HBsAg seroclearance had significantly lower HCC incidence than HBsAg‐positive (RR = 0.41, p < .001). The pooled HCC incidence after HBsAg seroclearance was 1.88%; this rate was reduced to 0.76% among patients without baseline cirrhosis. In conclusion, the analysis during an average follow‐up of 4.74 years suggested that in patients who experienced sustained HBsAg seroclearance and anti‐HBs seroconversion, this was associated with low HCC incidence. Patients without baseline cirrhosis benefited even more. We emphasize the importance of gaining HBsAg seroclearance while highlighting the benefits of achieving this as early as possible.
Comparison of epiphyte algal assemblages on the leaves of marine seagrasses Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile, Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Asch, and the lessepsian Halophila stipulacea (Forssk.) Asch in Chebba (East of Tunisia)
Authors: Mabrouk Lotfi , Ben Brahim Mounir , Jebara Amel , Jribi Imed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aims to investigate biometric parameters and epiphytic algae on the leaves of three seagrass species Posidonia oceanica, Cymodocea nodosa, and Halophila stipulacea, which co‐occur in Eastern coast of Tunisia (islet of Kaboudia, Chebba). Sampling was conducted at six stations (5 m depth) during March 2017. Biometrical measurements showed that shoot density and leaf surface area of P. oceanica and the C. nodosa were higher than those of H. stipulacea. Epiphyte covers were correlated with biometric parameters of the three host plants. Epiphyte algal assemblages were more abundant and more diversified on the leaves of P. oceanica and C. nodosa than those on the leaves of H. stipulacea. Significant differences were found for all epiphytic algae groups among the three seagrass species. Seagrass species characteristics (meadow type, shape forms of leaves, life span, and growth rate) seem to be responsible of these dissimilarities in epiphytic algae communities. No apparent negative interactions of H. stipulacea with P. oceanica and C. nodosa have been observed. No invasive epiphytic algae species were found on the leaves of H. stipulacea. It seems that it is a recent installation of H. stipulacea in this area since its density (average 416.23 shoot m−2) was relatively low.