bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of quantitative real‐time PCR to determine the local inflammatory response in the intestinal mucosa and muscularis of horses undergoing small intestinal resection
Authors: Lisowski Zofia M. , Lefevre Lucas , Mair Tim S. , Clark Emily L. , Hudson Neil P. H. , Hume David A. , Pirie R. Scott 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies in rodents and humans have demonstrated that intestinal manipulation or surgical trauma initiates an inflammatory response in the intestine which results in leucocyte recruitment to the muscularis externa causing smooth muscle dysfunction.ObjectivesTo examine the intestinal inflammatory response in horses undergoing colic surgery by measuring relative differential gene expression in intestinal tissues harvested from surgical colic cases and control horses.Study designProspective case‐control study.MethodsMucosa and muscularis externa were harvested from healthy margins of resected small intestine from horses undergoing colic surgery (n = 12) and from intestine derived from control horses euthanised for reasons unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract (n = 6). Tissue was analysed for genes encoding proteins involved in the inflammatory response: interleukin (IL) 6 and IL1β, C‐C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), tumour necrosis factor (TNF), prostaglandin‐endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO1). Relative expression of these genes was compared between the two groups. Further analysis was applied to the colic cases to determine whether the magnitude of relative gene expression was associated with the subsequent development of post‐operative reflux (POR).ResultsSamples obtained from colic cases had increased relative expression of IL1β, IL6, CCL2 and TNF in the mucosa and muscularis externa when compared with the control group. There was no difference in relative gene expression between proximal and distal resection margins and no association between duration of colic, age, resection length, short‐term survival and the presence of pre‐operative reflux and the relative expression of the genes of interest. Horses that developed POR had significantly greater relative gene expression of TNF in the mucosa compared with horses that did not develop POR.Main limitationsSmall sample size per group and variation within the colic cases.ConclusionsThese preliminary data support an upregulation of inflammatory genes in the intestine of horses undergoing colic surgery.
Neuropharmacology in traumatic brain injury: from preclinical to clinical neuroprotection?
Authors: Lerouet Dominique , Marchand‐Leroux Catherine , Besson Valérie C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a major health problem worldwide and is a leading cause of death and disability in individuals, contributing to devastating socioeconomic consequences. Despite numerous promising pharmacological strategies reported as neuroprotective in preclinical studies, the translation to clinical trials always failed, albeit the great diversity of therapeutic targets evaluated. In this review, first, we described epidemiologic features, causes, and primary and secondary injuries of TBI. Second, we outlined the current literature on animal models of TBI, and we described their goals, their advantages and disadvantages according to the species used, the type of injury induced, and their clinical relevance. Third, we defined the concept of neuroprotection and discussed its evolution. We also identified the reasons that might explain the failure of clinical translation. Then, we reviewed post‐TBI neuroprotective treatments with a focus on the following pleiotropic drugs, considered “low hanging fruit” with high probability of success: glitazones, glibenclamide, statins, erythropoietin, and progesterone, that were largely tested and demonstrated efficient in preclinical models of TBI. Finally, our review stresses the need to establish a close cooperation between basic researchers and clinicians to ensure the best clinical translation for neuroprotective strategies for TBI.
Builders, tenants, and squatters: the origins of genetic material in modern stromatolites
Authors: Petryshyn Victoria A. , Junkins Emily N. , Stamps Blake W. , Bailey Jake V. , Stevenson Bradley S. , Spear John R. , Corsetti Frank A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMicro‐organisms have long been implicated in the construction of stromatolites. Yet, establishing a microbial role in modern stromatolite growth via molecular analysis is not always straightforward because DNA in stromatolites can have multiple origins. For example, the genomic material could represent the microbes responsible for the construction of the stromatolite (i.e., “builders”), microbes that inhabited the structure after it was built (i.e., “tenants”), or microbes/organic matter that were passively incorporated after construction from the water column or later diagenetic fluids (i.e., “squatters”). Disentangling the role of micro‐organisms in stromatolite construction, already difficult in modern systems, becomes more difficult as organic signatures degrade, and their context is obscured. To evaluate our ability to accurately decipher the role of micro‐organisms in stromatolite formation in geologically recent settings, 16/18S SSU rRNA gene sequences were analyzed from three systems where the context of growth was well understood: (a) an actively growing stromatolite from a silicic hot spring in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, where the construction of the structure is controlled by cyanobacteria; (b) a mixed carbonate and silica precipitate from Little Hot Creek, a hot spring in the Long Valley Caldera of California that has both abiogenic and biogenic components to accretion; and (c) a near‐modern lacustrine carbonate stromatolite from Walker Lake, Nevada that is likely abiogenic. In all cases, the largest percentage of recovered DNA sequences, especially when focused on the deeper portions of the structures, belonged to either the tenant or squatter communities, not the actual builders. Once removed from their environmental context, correct interpretation of biology's role in stromatolite morphogenesis was difficult. Because high‐throughput genomic analysis may easily lead to incorrect assumptions even in these modern and near‐modern structures, caution must be exercised when interpreting micro‐organismal involvement in the construction of accretionary structures throughout the rock record.
Influence of rotational speed on torque/force generation and shaping ability during root canal instrumentation of extracted teeth with continuous rotation and optimum torque reverse motion
Authors: Kyaw M. S. , Ebihara A. , Kasuga Y. , Maki K. , Kimura S. , Htun P. H. , Nakatsukasa T. , Okiji T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate how different rotational speeds affect the torque/force generation and shaping ability of rotary root canal instrumentation using JIZAI (MANI, Utsunomiya, Japan) nickel‐titanium instruments in continuous rotation and optimum torque reverse (OTR) motion.MethodologyMesial root canals of extracted mandibular molars were instrumented up to size 25, 0.04 taper using JIZAI instruments, and anatomically matched canals were selected based on geometric features of the canal [canal volume (mm3), surface area (mm2), length, 15°–20° curvature and radius of curvature (4–8 mm)] after micro‐computed tomographic scanning. An automated root canal instrumentation and torque/force analysing device was programmed to permit a simulated pecking motion (2 s downward and 1 s upward at 50 mm min−1). The selected canals were prepared with size 25, 0.06 taper JIZAI instruments using continuous rotation or OTR motion and further subdivided according to the rotational speed (300 or 500 rpm, n = 10 each). Real‐time clockwise/counterclockwise torque and downward/upward force were recorded using a custom‐made torque/force analysing device. Then, the registered pre‐ and post‐operative micro‐computed tomographic datasets were examined to evaluate the canal volume changes and centring ratios at 1, 3, 5 and 7 mm from the apical foramen. Data were analysed using two‐way analysis of variance or the Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction (α = 5%).ResultsMaximum upward force and clockwise torque were significantly smaller in 500 rpm groups than in 300 rpm groups (P < .05); however, no significant difference was found between continuous rotation and OTR motion (P > .05). OTR motion developed higher maximum counterclockwise torque than continuous rotation (P < .05). Maximum downward force, canal volume changes and centring ratios were not significantly different among all groups (P > .05). There was no file fracture in any of the groups.ConclusionsUnder laboratory conditions using JIZAI instruments, a rotational speed of 500 rpm generated significantly lower maximum screw‐in forces and torque values than rotational speed of 300 rpm. Continuous rotation and OTR motion performed similarly in shaping the canals.
Brand authenticity: 25 Years of research
Authors: Södergren Jonatan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTwenty‐five productive years have passed since the late Barbara Stern called for marketing scholars to take the topic of brand authenticity into consideration. Brand authenticity is now believed to be a core asset in mainstream marketing, yet confusion surrounds the nature and usage of the term. Using the Antecedents, Decisions and Outcomes format initially developed by Justin Paul and Gabriel Benito as an organizing framework, this article seeks to consolidate an area of thought characterized by multiplicity and excess of disparate meanings. Based on the extensive coverage of studies published over a period of 25 years between 1994 and 2019, extant literature on brand authenticity is reviewed. Three primary streams of research are identified: (1) characteristics that distinguish the ‘real thing’ from the fake, (2) the legitimizing function of authenticity and (3) emotional and moral aspects of authentication. Despite substantive contributions over the last 25 years, many areas of brand authenticity remain underexplored. By synthesizing extant literature, the aim of this study is to identify gaps in knowledge about brand authenticity and to prepare for a future research agenda guided by intersectionality.
Bcl‐3 suppresses differentiation of RORγt+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Tang Wanhu , Saret Sun , Tian Ruxiao , Wang Hongshan , Claudio Estefania , Murphy Philip M , Siebenlist Ulrich 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRegulatory T cells (Tregs) exert inhibitory function under various physiological conditions and adopt diverse characteristics following environmental cues. Multiple subsets of Tregs expressing master transcription factors of helper T cells such as RORγt, T‐bet, Gata3 and PPARγ have been characterized, but the molecular mechanism governing the differentiation of these subsets remains largely unknown. Here we report that the atypical IκB protein family member Bcl‐3 suppresses RORγt+ Treg accumulation. The suppressive effect of Bcl‐3 was particularly evident in the mouse immune tolerance model of anti‐CD3 therapy. Using conditional knockout mice, we illustrate that loss of Bcl‐3 specifically in Tregs was sufficient to boost RORγt+ Treg formation and resistance of mice to dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis. We further demonstrate the suppressive effect of Bcl‐3 on RORγt+ Treg differentiation in vitro. Our results reveal a novel role of nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathways in Treg subset differentiation that may have clinical implications in immunotherapy.
Smoothing method to directly denoise terahertz signals in rare‐earth orthoferrite antiferromagnets
Authors: Zeng Xinxi , Liang Yuhe , Zhang Han , Xi Xiaoqing , Cao Jianguo , Li Bo , Zhou Ji 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRare‐earth orthoferrites with weak ferromagnetism have become one of the most fascinating topics in antiferromagnet research because of their potential application in future information technologies. However, an appropriate and direct way to reduce the noise in the intrinsic but weak resonances of rare‐earth orthoferrites is currently lacking, creating difficulties in analysis. Here, we report a numerical smoothing method to directly denoise the detected terahertz (THz) responses of orthoferrites using a B‐spline algorithm. For comparison, the Savitzky–Golay smoothing method, which is a typical and widely used numerical smoothing method, was also used to process the data. The thickness‐dependent signals of DyFeO3 were processed by the above methods. LaFeO3, HoFeO3, and DyFeO3 were chosen and prepared, and their thermally tunable signals were processed. The B‐spline signal smoothing algorithm was shown to have stability and robustness to noise and was more effective than the Savitzky–Golay smoothing method at reducing noise. This work on smoothing thickness‐ and temperature‐dependent THz signals may help provide a promising approach to reduce noise in the intrinsic but weak resonances of rare‐earth orthoferrites.
Healthcare providers’ role in providing sexual and reproductive health information to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A qualitative study
Authors: Schmidt Elizabeth K. , Beining April , Hand Brittany N. , Havercamp Susan , Darragh Amy 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities demonstrate disparities in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) compared to individuals without disabilities (e.g., lack of sexual education and knowledge, increased rates of abuse, unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify topics healthcare providers address and perceived barriers and supports to SRH education.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews with healthcare providers (N = 12).ResultsProviders address relationships, safety, protection and appropriate sexual behaviours with clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Parent education and client‐centred care were identified as supports, while the patient's level of understanding, the provider's lack of knowledge or access to resources and to appropriate referrals were identified as barriers to SRH education.ConclusionFuture studies are needed to link providers to resources they can use to provide comprehensive, accessible SRH education for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Association between periodontitis and severity of COVID‐19 infection: A case–control study
Authors: Marouf Nadya , Cai Wenji , Said Khalid N. , Daas Hanin , Diab Hanan , Chinta Venkateswara Rao , Hssain Ali Ait , Nicolau Belinda , Sanz Mariano , Tamimi Faleh 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimCOVID‐19 is associated with an exacerbated inflammatory response that can result in fatal outcomes. Systemic inflammation is also a main characteristic of periodontitis. Therefore, we investigated the association of periodontitis with COVID‐19 complications.Materials and MethodsA case–control study was performed using the national electronic health records of the State of Qatar between February and July 2020. Cases were defined as patients who suffered COVID‐19 complications (death, ICU admissions or assisted ventilation), and controls were COVID‐19 patients discharged without major complications. Periodontal conditions were assessed using dental radiographs from the same database. Associations between periodontitis and COVID 19 complications were analysed using logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, medical and behaviour factors.ResultsIn total, 568 patients were included. After adjusting for potential confounders, periodontitis was associated with COVID‐19 complication including death (OR = 8.81, 95% CI 1.00–77.7), ICU admission (OR = 3.54, 95% CI 1.39–9.05) and need for assisted ventilation (OR = 4.57, 95% CI 1.19–17.4). Similarly, blood levels of white blood cells, D‐dimer and C Reactive Protein were significantly higher in COVID‐19 patients with periodontitis.ConclusionPeriodontitis was associated with higher risk of ICU admission, need for assisted ventilation and death of COVID‐19 patients, and with increased blood levels of biomarkers linked to worse disease outcomes.
Corporate governance, life cycle, and payout precommitment: An emerging market study
Authors: Flavin Thomas , Goyal Abhinav , O'Connor Thomas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe analyze the role of firm‐level corporate governance in determining the precommitment payout policy of emerging market firms and investigate whether there is a precommitment life‐cycle effect. Unlike previous studies of U.S. firms, we find evidence of precommitment only among relatively well‐governed firms, which combine good governance with large dividend payouts to shareholders and large debt‐related repayments to creditors. We also document a strong precommitment life‐cycle effect. Firms in the growth and mature stages of their life cycle tend to use both debt and dividends to precommit to investors, with an increasing proportion of dividends in total payout measures. Our results are robust to an array of control variables, alternate payout proxies, market setting, and firm‐level corporate governance, and it addresses potential endogeneity concerns in the sample.
Biochemistry, Doppler echocardiography, and electrocardiography evaluation in captive owl monkeys (Aotus sp)
Authors: Teixeira André Luis de Souza , da Silva Wellington Bandeira , Oliveira Karol Guimarães , Correa Isabel Coelho , Gonzaga Camila Nunes , Almosny Nádia Regina Pereira 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe cardiovascular system of owl monkeys has been studied due to frequent postmortem findings of heart disease in asymptomatic animals. The silent aspect and the difficulty of early diagnosis intensify the importance of studying the cardiovascular system in this species.MethodsEchocardiogram evaluation was carried out on 60 animals, grouped into suspect or non‐suspect of having heart diseases, and evaluated through electrocardiogram, hematology, and biochemical tests.ResultsDoppler echocardiography indicated two animals with suspicion of left ventricular hypertrophy and eight with dilated cardiomyopathy. Suspect animals had higher cardiac measurements and reduced shortening fraction. Troponin I was detectable in two animals (0.128 ng/mL and 0.584 ng/mL), and serum albumin concentration was significantly higher in non‐suspect animals (P < .05).ConclusionsThe importance of echocardiographic measurements of IVSd, IVSs, LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs, LA, EF, and FS in the cardiac evaluation of captive owl monkeys was evidenced.
Relationship between lamellar sensory corpuscles distributed along the upper arm’s deep arteries and pulsating sensation of blood vessels
Authors: Onishi Yoshiyuki , Hisato Haruka , Maeda Seishi , Minato Yusuke , Kuwahara‐Otani Sachi , Yagi Hideshi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVibration is detected by mechanoreceptors, including Pacinian corpuscles (PCs), which are widely distributed in the human body including the adventitia of large blood vessels. Although the distribution of PCs around large limb vessels has been previously reported, there remains no consensus on their distribution in the adventitia of the human deep blood vessels in the upper arm. In addition, the physiological functions of PCs located around the deep limb blood vessels remain largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate detailed anatomical features and physiological function of lamellar sensory corpuscles structurally identified as PCs using the immunohistochemical methods around the deep vessels in the upper arm. We identified PCs in the connective tissue adjacent to the deep vessels in the upper arm using histological analysis and confirmed that PCs are located in the vascular sheath of the artery and its accompanying vein as well as in the connective tissue surrounding the vascular sheath and nerves. PCs were densely distributed on the distal side of deep vessels near the elbow. We also examined the relationship between vascular sound and pulsating sensation to evaluate the PCs functions around deep arteries and veins and found that the vascular sound made by pressing the brachial arteries in the upper arm was associated with the pulsating sensation of the examinee. Our results suggest that PCs, around deep vessels, function as bathyesthesia sensors by detecting vibration from blood vessels.
Social service provider's perceptions of financial education for adults with mental illness and/or cognitive impairments
Authors: Janney Carol A. , Tobe Erica , Matteson Scott , Long Brenda 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study assessed the needs of social service providers (n = 187) who completed a Train the Trainer session on financial literacy and evaluated their perceptions of the appropriateness of a financial toolkit for adults with mental illness and/or cognitive impairment. Using the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection's Your Money, Your Goals (a financial empowerment resource for adults), the following key needs were identified: financial assistance, job training, and medical services. Transportation and access to financial services were barriers identified by providers. Eighty percent of providers would recommend the training to other social service providers. Recommended adaptations included providing shorter, hands on approach multi‐sessions, and infusing real life examples. Differences in needs, barriers, or adaptations were not observed for rural versus urban areas. In conclusion, the financial empowerment toolkit, with minimal modifications, may be a viable resource for providers to use with adults who have mental health/cognitive impairments.
Does a trade‐off between growth plasticity and resource conservatism mediate post‐fire shrubland responses to rainfall seasonality?
Authors: van Blerk Justin J. , West Adam G. , Altwegg Res , Hoffman M. Timm 
Published: February 2021

Summary

Growth plasticity may allow fire‐prone species to maximize their recovery rates during temporary, sporadic periods of rainfall availability in the post‐fire environment. However, moisture‐driven growth plasticity could be maladaptive in nutrient‐limited environments that require tighter control of growth and resource use. We investigated whether a trade‐off between plasticity and conservatism mediates growth responses to altered rainfall seasonality in neighbouring shrubland communities that occupy different soils.

We monitored post‐fire vegetation regrowth in two structurally similar, Mediterranean‐type shrublands for 3 years. We investigated the effects of experimentally altered rainfall seasonality on post‐fire species’ growth rates.

We found that moisture‐driven growth plasticity was higher among species occupying the fertile soils of the renosterveld site relative to those occupying the nutrient‐poor soils of the fynbos site. This resulted in higher overall responsiveness of post‐fire recovery patterns in renosterveld to experimental shifts in rainfall seasonality.

In post‐fire shrubland communities, the trade‐off between moisture‐dependent growth plasticity and resource conservatism could be mediated by soil nutrient availability. Therefore, edaphic differences between structurally similar shrublands could lead to differences in their sensitivity to post‐fire rainfall seasonality.