bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐124 regulates lens epithelial cell apoptosis by affecting Fas alternative splicing by targeting polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein in age‐related cataract
Authors: Zhang Kaiyun , Yin Yue , Pei Cheng , Wu Changrui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAge‐related cataract (ARC) is a primary cause of visual blindness worldwide. Lens epithelial cell (LEC) apoptosis, in which Fas plays an essential role, is a vital cytological basis for cataractogenesis. However, the regulatory mechanism of Fas‐dependent LEC apoptosis is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate whether MicroRNA (miRNA)‐124 can regulate LEC apoptosis by targeting polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein (PTB) and thereby affecting Fas alternative splicing in ARC.MethodsLens capsule samples from patients with ARC and cornea donors with a transparent lens were collected. HLE‐B3 cells were cultured and treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to establish an apoptosis model in LECs. The expression of miRNA‐124, PTB, Fas, and Fas isoforms in tissues and cell lines was assessed by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), western blotting, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and flow cytometry. The miRNA‐124 mimic and inhibitor were transfected into HLE‐B3 cells, and the effects of the miRNA‐124/PTB/Fas pathway in LECs were assessed by analysis of their related targets.ResultsHigh expression of miRNA‐124 and membrane Fas (mFas) mRNA and decreased PTB expression were observed in the lens capsule samples. In cells undergoing H2O2‐induced apoptosis, mFas expression was increased, accompanied by decreased PTB and increased miRNA‐124 expression. Subsequently, miRNA‐124 upregulation suppressed PTB expression, elevated the mFas level without affecting total Fas expression and promoted apoptosis; miRNA‐124 downregulation exerted the opposite effects.ConclusionThis study revealed that miRNA‐124 promotes LEC apoptosis in ARC by upregulating mFas through targeted inhibition of PTB. Moreover, the identification of the miRNA‐124/PTB/Fas pathway provides novel insight into Fas‐dependent LEC apoptosis.
Making political connections work better: Information asymmetry and the development of private firms in China
Authors: Liu Guanchun , Xin Ge , Li Jing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResearch question/issuePrevious studies have documented the benefits for firms of building political connections, yet there is a gap in the literature on the information transmission effect of political connections. Our study examines the effect of political connections in a highly asymmetric information environment—private firms in China.Research findings/insightsUsing quarterly data on listed private firms in China from 2004 to 2017, we find that political connections ensure such firms have access to reliable political information, which mitigates the risks of policy uncertainty. Further, firms connected to the government are better able to mitigate the negative effects of policy uncertainty than those connected to the legislature, while firms tied to high‐level authorities are better able to do so than those tied to lower‐level ones. Specifically, political connections are more effective in lower‐marketized and peripheral regions, where information asymmetry is higher.Theoretical/academic implicationsOur study highlights the importance of political connections in mitigating the negative relationship between policy uncertainty and corporate investment via the information transmission channel. Specifically, officials can more efficiently mitigate policy uncertainty than delegates, and high‐level authorities are more effective than lower‐level officials.Practitioner/policy implicationsWe argue that building political connections helps private firms offset the negative effects of policy uncertainty. Our findings provide useful insights for understanding the impacts of Regulation No. 18 of October 2013, which limits the employment of current and retired officials in private firms.
Can motivational interviewing for dental settings be taught online? Results of an uncontrolled interventional trial
Authors: Fuhrmann Sascha , Kitzmann Julia , Isailov‐Schöchlin Milena , Vach Kirstin , Fabry Götz , Schulz Cornelia , Jähne Andreas , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Woelber Johan Peter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMotivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence‐based method of promoting oral healthcare behaviour. Conventional training of MI is a time‐consuming and costly aspect in the dental curriculum. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptance of a MI‐blended learning programme for dental students.Materials and MethodsDental students had to perform an interdisciplinary created "ecourse Motivational Interviewing in medical settings" (eMI‐med). After completion, patient‐student interviews were recorded and evaluated using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity Code (MITI‐d). Furthermore, the students’ self‐efficacy regarding smoking cessation and oral hygiene motivation was examined and the acceptance of the tool was enquired.ResultsForty interviews with 25 different students were analysed with the MITI‐d. Students showed high levels of MI‐adherent behaviour (15.45 ± 6.98), open‐ended questions (9.95 ± 6.90) and reflections (10.43 ± 8.85), which were comparable to previous classroom trainings. In addition, 90% of the students preferred e‐learning over classroom teaching. Furthermore, the students’ therapeutical self‐efficacies were significantly increased by the programme.ConclusionWithin the limitations of this study, the created e‐learning programme was able to equip dental students with basic knowledge and MI skills. Furthermore, learning MI through e‐learning may heighten the self‐efficacy of dental students regarding smoking cessation and oral hygiene promotion. Students showed a high acceptance of e‐learning, preferring it over traditional learning.
Effect of zirconia surface modification using dopamine polymerisation on the shear bond strength of resin cement
Authors: Yu Yi , Cui Maiyin , Lin Tingting , Liu Chuantong , Jin Xiaoting , Chen Huanhuan , Zheng Ruibin , Huang Shengbin , Ma Jianfeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study evaluated the influence of polydopamine treatment on the surface properties and bond strength of yttria‐stabilised tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y‐TZP). Sixty‐three zirconia blocks (10 × 10 × 2 mm) were randomly divided into three groups defined by surface treatment: (i) control group (C), (ii) grit‐blasted with 110 μm alumina particles (GB), and (iii) polydopamine (PDA) coating. The surfaces of specimens subjected to different treatments were investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle measurements. After the surface treatments, the specimens were cemented to resin composite cylinders. After bonding, the shear bond strength of the ceramic to the resin was measured, and the failure mode of each specimen was analysed using a stereomicroscope. The results indicated that the shear bond strength is highest for the GB treatment and lowest for the controls. However, the difference between groups GB and PDA was not statistically significant. In the control group, adhesive failure was predominant, whereas in the treatment groups, mixed mode failure was predominant. The pre‐treatment of Y‐TZP ceramic with the polydopamine coating might improve the bond strength of the resin cement to the zirconia ceramic.
Non‐surgical manual reduction of indirect inguinal hernias in 89 adult stallions
Authors: Baranková K. , de Bont M. P. , Simon O. , Meulyzer M. , Boussauw B. , Vandenberghe F. , Wilderjans H. 
Published: May 2021

SummaryBackgroundIndirect inguinal hernia (IIH) is the most commonly reported acquired hernia in adult horses. Outcomes following surgical intervention comprising of immediate ventral midline laparotomy (IVML) and simultaneous castration are well known. The outcome following reduction of IIH utilising a noninvasive manual reduction (MR) technique in a large number of horses has not been previously reported.ObjectivesTo describe a nonsurgical MR technique developed by the authors and to report our long‐term experiences and clinical outcome.Study designRetrospective study.MethodsMedical records of 89 stallions presenting with IIH and treated with MR were reviewed. Extensive patient data was collected, with cases grouped based on outcome of the MR procedure and whether or not laparotomy was performed. Data on short‐ and long‐term outcome was obtained.ResultsManual reduction was successful in 80 of 89 (90%) horses. Fifty of 89 (56%) horses were treated with MR only and without exploratory laparotomy. In total 29 of 89 (33%) horses underwent IVML and 10 of 89 (11%) delayed ventral midline laparotomy (DVML). Resections were performed in 6 of 89 (8%) horses. Concurrent small intestinal volvulus was diagnosed in 8 of 89 (9%) horses. Horses undergoing DVML following a successful MR had the highest mortality rates during hospitalisation (4/10, 40%). Short‐term survival was 92% (82/89). Ipsilateral reoccurrence of IIH post‐hospital discharge was recorded in 7 of 47 (15%) horses. Overall long‐term survival with a median of 12 years was 72% (34/47).Main limitationsThese include the retrospective nature of data collection, lack of standardised pre‐ and post‐MR clinical assessments and a biased Warmblood population.ConclusionsManual reduction appears to be a feasible nonsurgical technique to reduce IIH in adult Warmblood horses, with favourable survival rates. Individual case assessment is crucial, as delayed laparotomy may increase mortality rates. Suspicion of concurrent small intestinal volvulus or devitalised small intestine always warrants immediate laparotomy following MR.
Current understanding of epigenetics in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Schmidt Alina D. , de Guzman Strong Cristina 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting up to 20% of the paediatric population worldwide. AD patients commonly exhibit dry skin and pruritus and are at a higher risk for developing asthma as well as allergic rhinitis. Filaggrin loss‐of‐function variants are the most widely replicated genetic risk factor among >40 genes associated with AD susceptibility. The prevalence of AD has tripled in the past 30 years in industrial countries around the world. This urgent public health issue has prompted the field to more thoroughly investigate the mechanisms that underlie AD pathogenesis amidst environmental exposures. Epigenetics is the study of heritable, yet reversible, modifications to the genome that affect gene expression. The past decade has seen an emergence of exciting studies identifying a role for epigenetic regulation associated with AD and at the interface of environmental factors. Such epigenetic studies have been empowered by sequencing technologies and human genome variation and epigenome maps. miRNAs that post‐transcriptionally modify gene expression and circRNAs have also been discovered to be associated with AD. Here, we review our current understanding of epigenetics associated with atopic dermatitis. We discuss studies identifying distinct DNA methylation changes in keratinocytes and T cells, eQTLs as DNA methylation switches that impact gene expression, and histone modification changes associated with AD‐related microbial dysbiosis. We further highlight the need for integrative and collaborative analyses to elucidate the impact of these epigenetic findings as potential drivers for AD pathogenesis and the translation of this new knowledge to develop newer targeted treatments.
Cutibacteriumacnes: Much ado about maybe nothing much
Authors: van Steensel Maurice A. M. , Goh Boon Chong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCutibacterium acnes (also known as Propionibacterium acnes) has long been implicated in the pathogenesis of acne, inspiring both therapeutic and personal care approaches aiming to control the disease by controlling the bacterium. The purported association has made people with acne feel dirty and led to the—at times excessive—use of cleansers, antiseptics and antibiotics for the condition. However, recent evidence seems to weaken the case for C. acnes’ involvement. New genetics and molecular biology findings strongly suggest that abnormal differentiation of sebaceous progenitor cells causes comedones, the primary lesions in acne. Comodegenesis is initiated by androgens and is unlikely to be triggered by C. acnes, which probably doesn't affect sebaceous differentiation. Is there still a place for it in this understanding of acne? It is necessary to critically address this question because it has consequences for treatment. Antibiotic use for acne noticeably contributes to microbial drug resistance, which we can ill afford. In this Viewpoint, we explore if and how C. acnes (still) fits into the developing view on acne. We also briefly discuss the implications for therapy in the light of antibiotic resistance and the need for more targeted therapies.
Wound healing applications of creams and “smart” hydrogels
Authors: Stan Diana , Tanase Cristiana , Avram Marioara , Apetrei Roxana , Mincu Nicolae‐Bogdan , Mateescu Andreea Lorena , Stan Dana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough superficial wounds are often easy to treat for healthy individuals, there are some more severe types of wounds (burns, ulcers, diabetic wounds, etc.) that are a challenge for clinicians. A good therapeutic result is based on the delivery of a treatment at the right time, for the right patient. Our goal was to sum up useful knowledge regarding wound healing and wound treatments, based on creams and hydrogels with various active ingredients. We concluded that both preparations have application in preventing infections and promoting healing, but their efficacy is clearly conditioned by the type, depth, severity of the wound and patient profile. However, due to their superior versatility and capability of maintaining the integrity and functionality of the active ingredient, as well as it is controlled release at site, hydrogels are more suited for incorporating different active ingredients. New wound healing devices can combine smart hydrogel dressings with physical therapies to deliver a more efficient treatment to patients if the indications are appropriate.
Cash to accruals accounting in British central government: A journey through time
Authors: Edwards John Richard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDepartmental and central government accountability to the UK Parliament was based principally on cash transactions for a period of over 300 years commencing with the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Beginning in the second decade of the 19th century, recurrent proposals for the replacement of cash accounting by accruals accounting were founded on the conviction that ‘commercial’ accounting practices provided a more effective basis for performance measurement, financial control and public accountability. This paper studies the progress of these initiatives through time, with Treasury resistance to the adoption of private sector‐type accounting practices by administrative departments recognised as a persistent and effective barrier to innovation up until the 1980s.
Achieving sustainable and climate‐resilient fisheries requires marine ecosystem forecasts to include fish condition
Authors: Bolin Jessica A. , Schoeman David S. , Evans Karen J. , Cummins Scott F. , Scales Kylie L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMarine ecosystem forecasting is an important innovation in fisheries science with considerable value for industry and management, providing new data‐driven means of predicting the distribution and availability of commercially exploited fish stocks over a range of timescales, including near‐real‐time and seasonal. Marine ecosystem forecasting is rapidly advancing as a field, yet tools produced for fisheries to date focus primarily on predicting species distributions. The next generation of marine ecosystem forecasting products could be enhanced by also incorporating predictions of biological characteristics of fish caught, such as body condition and epidemiological status, thereby expanding the utility of these methods beyond predicting distribution alone. Improving the biological dimensions of marine ecosystem forecasting could allow for optimization of efficiencies in wild‐capture fisheries by minimizing discarding and waste and maximizing the value of landed fish. These advancements are of direct benefit to industry and management, address several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals pertaining to fisheries sustainability and have the potential to support the maintenance of global food and micronutrient security under rapidly changing environmental conditions. Here, we describe the current state of the art in marine ecosystem forecasting; review the physical‐biological linkages that underlie variability in the body condition of commercially valuable fish and shellfish with particular reference to marine climate change; and outline key considerations for the next generation of marine ecosystem forecasting tools for wild‐capture fisheries.
Movements of common bream Abramis brama in a highly connected, lowland wetland reveal sub‐populations with diverse migration strategies
Authors: Winter Emily R. , Hindes Andrew M. , Lane Steve , Britton J. Robert 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Studies suggest the migratory behaviours of potamodromous fishes can be highly variable in barrier‐free systems, where differing movement types enable populations to exploit a wide range of food and space resources. This intra‐population diversity in spatial and temporal resource use is important to our ecological understanding of fish distribution patterns and population structure. Despite this, freshwater ecosystems are increasingly characterised by high levels of fragmentation and degradation that restrict mobile fauna, and limit opportunities to study natural, unconstrained movement behaviour.

Common bream Abramis brama (bream) is a potentially strong model species for testing the importance of diverse migration patterns in lowland rivers, but existing studies have been largely restricted to spatially confined and/or anthropogenically modified systems. This study's principal focus was to examine the diversity of bream movement behaviour in a highly connected, lowland system using passive acoustic telemetry, which provided continuous, multi‐year data on the movements of 181 bream across a tidally influenced, lowland wetland in eastern England (c. 60 km of continuous river length plus numerous interconnected shallow lakes and dykes). Tracked bream were grouped according to their initial location and timing of tagging.

Bream migratory behaviours varied considerably between tagging groups, but with greater consistency within groups. There was little mixing of groups outside of spawning periods, with season and tidal phase being significant predictors of movement. Rates of movement and swimming speeds were highest in spring, with movements also generally occurring in the direction of tidal flows.

For fish sampled just prior to spawning, there was considerable diversity in their post‐spawning behaviour, with some remaining in the immediate vicinity of the sampling location and others that moved to areas c. 25 km away. These spatially discrete patterns remained until the following spawning period.

These results suggest that this lowland fish population is comprised of several distinct, semi‐independent subpopulations that only share space resources in their spawning period. This indicates the importance of connectivity in lowland freshwater systems for enabling and maintaining high phenotypic diversity in the movement behaviours of potamodromous fishes.
Oral health‐related quality of life is associated with the prevalence and development of depressive symptoms in older Japanese individuals: The Ohasama Study
Authors: Ohi Takashi , Murakami Takahisa , Komiyama Takamasa , Miyoshi Yoshitada , Endo Kosei , Hiratsuka Takako , Satoh Michihiro , Asayama Kei , Inoue Ryusuke , Kikuya Masahiro , Metoki Hirohito , Hozawa Atsushi , Imai Yutaka , Watanabe Makoto , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Hattori Yoshinori 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis prospective study investigated the cross‐sectional association between impaired oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) and the prevalence of depressive symptoms, and the longitudinal association between impaired OHRQoL and development of depressive symptoms among older adults.BackgroundPrevious studies have shown a relationship between poor oral health and depression among older adults; however, findings are inconsistent.Materials and MethodsParticipants were 669 community‐dwelling older Japanese individuals aged≥55 years (mean: 67.8 ± 7.2 years). Data of 296 participants were used for longitudinal analyses. OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Impacts on Daily Performances scale. Impaired OHRQoL was defined as the presence of at least one impact on the scale. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Japanese version of the Zung self‐rating depression scale with a cut‐off score of 40.ResultsThe cross‐sectional logistic regression model demonstrated that impaired OHRQoL was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 5.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.99‐8.95) independent of age, sex, body mass index, hypertension, cerebrovascular/cardiovascular disease, smoking, drinking alcohol, education, cognitive function, objective oral health (dentition status) and oral health behaviour (dental visit within 1 year). Similarly, impaired OHRQoL predicted the development of depressive symptoms within 4 years in a fully adjusted longitudinal model (OR, 6.00; 95% CI, 1.38‐26.09).ConclusionImpaired OHRQoL was identified as a potential comorbidity of depressive symptoms and a predictor for depressive disorder later in life. OHRQoL may be a useful clinical outcome for elder patients with regard to their mental and oral health.
Palisadegrass pastures with or without nitrogen or mixed with forage peanut grazed to a similar target canopy height. 2. Effects on animal performance, forage intake and digestion, and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Homem Bruno G. C. , de Lima Italo Braz G. , Spasiani Paola P. , Borges Lucas P. C. , Boddey Robert M. , Dubeux José C. B. , Bernardes Thiago F. , Casagrande Daniel R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe lack of nitrogen (N) input on pastures is the main limiting factor to increase animal performance in tropical regions. This 2.5‐year study assessed animal performance, forage intake and digestion, and N metabolism responses of three pasture treatments: (1) mixed Marandu palisadegrass—Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster (syn. Urochloa brizantha Stapf cv. Marandu)—and forage peanut (Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Greg. cv. BRS Mandobi) pastures (GRASS + LEGUME), (2) monoculture Marandu palisadegrass pastures with 150 kg of N/ha (GRASS + N), and (3) monoculture Marandu palisadegrass without N fertilizer (GRASS). Continuous stocking with variable stocking rate was used with a target canopy height of 20 to 25 cm. The average daily gain was greatest at GRASS + N and GRASS + LEGUME (p = .081). GRASS + N pasture had greatest stocking rate and liveweight gain per area (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively), followed by GRASS + LEGUME pasture. No differences between treatments were found for the dry matter forage intake (p = .729); however, GRASS + N and GRASS + LEGUME pastures had greater crude protein and digestible organic matter intakes than GRASS pasture (p = .007 and p = .083, respectively). Greatest microbial protein synthesis and efficiency of microbial synthesis were found for GRASS + N and GRASS + LEGUME pastures (p = .016 and p = .067, respectively). Apparent efficiency of N utilization and microbial protein/CP intake ratio was greatest at GRASS + LEGUME pastures (p = .009 and p = .042, respectively). Nitrogen application or the integration of forage peanut in grass pasture increases animal performance, forage digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis.