bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodontitis‐compromised dental pulp stem cells secrete extracellular vesicles carrying miRNA‐378a promote local angiogenesis by targeting Sufu to activate the Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling
Authors: Zhou Huan , Li Xuan , Wu Rui‐Xin , He Xiao‐Tao , An Ying , Xu Xin‐Yue , Sun Hai‐Hua , Wu Li‐An , Chen Fa‐Ming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesPreviously, our investigations demonstrated robust pro‐angiogenic potentials of extracellular vesicles secreted by periodontitis‐compromised dental pulp stem cells (P‐EVs) when compared to those from healthy DPSCs (H‐EVs), but the underlying mechanism remains unknown.Materials and methodsHere, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) specifically found in P‐EVs (compared with H‐EVs) were identified by Agilent miRNA microarray analysis, and the roles of the candidate miRNA in P‐EV‐enhanced cell angiogenesis were confirmed by cell transfection and RNA interference methods. Next, the direct binding affinity between the candidate miRNA and its target gene was evaluated by luciferase reporter assay. CCK‐8, transwell/scratch wound healing and tube formation assays were established to investigate the proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of endothelial cells (ECs). Western blot was employed to measure the protein levels of Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling pathway components and angiogenesis‐related factors.ResultsThe angiogenesis‐related miRNA miR‐378a was found to be enriched in P‐EVs, and its role in P‐EV‐enhanced cell angiogenesis was confirmed, wherein Sufu was identified as a downstream target gene of miR‐378a. Functionally, silencing of Sufu stimulated EC proliferation, migration and tube formation by activating Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling. Further, we found that incubation with P‐EVs enabled the transmission of P‐EV‐contained miR‐378a to ECs. Subsequently, the expressions of Sufu, Gli1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in ECs were significantly influenced by P‐EV‐mediated miR‐378a transmission.ConclusionsThese data suggest that P‐EVs carrying miR‐378a promote EC angiogenesis by downregulating Sufu to activate the Hedgehog/Gli1 signalling pathway. Our findings reveal a crucial role for EV‐derived miR‐378a in cell angiogenesis and hence offer a new target for modifying stem cells and their secreted EVs to enhance vessel regenerative potential.
Concordance between self‐reported and current hepatitis C virus infection status in a sample of people who inject drugs in Sydney and Canberra, Australia
Authors: Gibbs Daisy , Grebely Jason , Sutherland Rachel , Larney Sarah , Butler Kerryn , Dietze Paul M. , Starr Mitchell , Peacock Amy 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionAwareness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) status among people who inject drugs is critical to ensure linkage to care and reduce transmission risk. Testing pathways, confusion about results and possible reinfection raise potential for discordance between perceived and actual HCV status among people who inject drugs. We evaluated self‐reported and serologically confirmed HCV status concordance among a sample of Australian people who inject drugs.MethodsData were collected in May–June 2018 from participants in Canberra and Sydney, Australia, who had injected drugs at least monthly in the past 6 months. Participants completed a structured interview assessing self‐reported HCV status and provided a dried blood spot sample for HCV RNA testing.ResultsOf 103 participants, 95% self‐reported ever receiving antibody testing, 58% of whom reported having received RNA testing. Seventy‐three percent of participants reported never having been told that they had HCV, 18% reported current infection and 9% did not know their current status. According to dried blood spot RNA testing, 20% were currently infected. Over a quarter of the sample (28%, n = 29) did not accurately report their HCV status, half of whom were unaware of a current infection.Discussion and ConclusionsWith over one‐quarter of the sample in our study not accurately reporting their current HCV status, our findings reinforce the importance of regular testing for active infection, and the need for improved health literacy on HCV antibody and RNA test results, HCV status post‐treatment and reinfection risk.
Do tax and expenditure limitations exacerbate rising income inequality?
Authors: Deller Steven , Maher Craig , Stallmann Judith 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a growing body of literature on the determinants of income inequality and a developing literature on tax and expenditure limitations (TELs). This study connects the two and asks the question—to what extent have state fiscal policies such as TELs impacted income equality? Using a panel of states from 1992 to 2010, we find consistent evidence that more restrictive tax and expenditure limitations exacerbate rising income inequality. Whether TELs are intentionally or unintentionally designed for such an effect is unclear, but what is clear is that these limitations placed on state governments limit their ability to implement policies that could have the potential to reduce income inequality.
Outbreak of the stick insect, Ramulus mikado (Phasmatodea, Phasmatidae), in the Akashina area of Japan (Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture)
Authors: Yano Koki , Ozaki Takahisa , Suzuki Tomoya , Yamazaki Haruka , Nasuno Masayoshi , Degawa Yosuke , Tojo Koji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn August 2017, an outbreak of the stick insect, Ramulus mikado (Rehn, 1904), was observed in the Akashina area in Central Japan. This stick insect is a wingless, non‐flying species that inhabits East Asia. Although it seems that the occurrence of many individuals emerging together had been observed in the 2 or 3 years prior, the outbreak in 2017 was on a far larger scale, and was therefore not comparable to anything observed previously. Indeed, it was also observed that the stick insects fed on almost all leaves of the large Japanese zelkova trees until the trees were bare. Additionally, mass gatherings of the stick insects on the walls of houses in the area were observed. In Japan, there have been no other reports of outbreaks of R. mikado, thus this represents a unique case. In the Akashina area, the population's sex ratio is heavily biased towards females, as is the case with other populations, indicating that they reproduce parthenogenetically. However, among our observations, one individual of the 724 specimens collected in the present study was in fact a male. As there have only ever been about 10 observed cases of R. mikado males, the male individual collected in our field research constitutes a valuable record.
Latitudinal gradients and scaling regions in trait space: Taylor’s power law in Japanese woody plants
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Kusumoto Buntarou , Shiono Takayuki , Kubota Yasuhiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimTaylor's power law (TPL) is a variation of the variance:mean ratio and is often used to describe over‐ or underdispersed ecological distributions. We hypothesize that TPL is also applicable to the distribution of species traits and that the respective power law parameters might determine ecological functioning. Here, we aim to study this hypothesis in detail.LocationEast Asian islands, including the Japanese and Ryukyu archipelagos.Time period1968–2015.Major taxa studiedGymnosperm and angiosperm woody plant species.MethodsWe used the geographical distribution of 946 Japanese woody plant species at the 10 km × 10 km grid cell level. Based on leaf and wood samples and literature data, we studied 10 important plant traits (maximum plant height, average fruit and seed size, specific leaf area, leaf thickness, wood density, leaf tannin and phenol content, and C/P and C/N ratios) and related trait variability to minimum absolute temperature, land and forest area and to the variability in forest cover and elevation using bi‐ and multivariate and piecewise regression analysis.ResultsThe variability in the trait expression was well described by TPL. Average trait expression and the respective variability changed predictably along the latitudinal gradient, resulting in a general tendency towards trait clustering (TPL slopes > 1.0). Piecewise regression detected significant breakpoints in the TPL pattern for most traits. Minimum ambient temperature and latitude were the most important predictors of the variability in the observed TPL slopes.Main conclusionsTaylor's power law appears to be trait specific and cannot be used as a diagnostic ecological character. We propose a new linear model to quantify ecological variability that includes average variable expressions and ecological covariates. We argue that common measures to quantify ecological variability based on the variance:mean ratio might give false impressions about the true degree of variability because they do not account for the variance–mean allometry.
Effects of hemodialysis access surveillance on reducing risk of hemodialysis access thrombosis: A meta‐analysis of randomized studies
Authors: Ali Hatem , Mohamed Mahmoud M. , Baharani Jyoti 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionVascular access thrombosis remains the Achilles Heel for many a hemodialysis patient. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the impact of monitoring vascular access blood flow on prediction and prevention of vascular access thrombosis. We hypothesized that monitoring vascular access blood flow has a pivotal role in lowering the risk of thrombosis and subsequent access failure.MethodologyWe conducted a systematic review in PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify randomized studies that have assessed the effect of hemodialysis access surveillance on the risk of thrombosis. A random‐effects model was used for the meta‐analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed among patients with arterio‐venous fistula (AV‐fistulas) and those with arterio‐venous graft (AV‐grafts).ResultsTen randomized studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The total number of patients included in the analysis was 1430. On performing the random‐effects model among the included studies, hemodialysis access surveillance was associated with better outcomes (risk ratio = 0.73, 95% confidence interval ranges from 0.55 to 0.98). The analysis of the AV‐fistula group showed an estimated overall risk ratio of 0.55 (95% confidence interval ranges from 0.33 to 0.89) favoring access surveillance. However, in the AV‐grafts group, the estimated overall risk ratio was 0.92 (95% confidence interval ranges from 0.65 to 1.29) showing no additional benefit for access surveillance.ConclusionHemodialysis access surveillance using access blood flow monitoring can reduce the risk of access thrombosis for patients with AV‐fistulas, but this is not the case with AV‐grafts.
Impact of whey protein addition on wheat bread fermented with a spontaneous sourdough
Authors: Ferreyra Laura S. , Verdini Roxana A. , Soazo Marina , Piccirilli Gisela N. 
Published: March 2021

SummaryWheat bread is consumed in large quantities throughout the world. However, it contains an inadequate amount of proteins. This fact can be improved by adding whey protein concentrate (WPC). Sourdough (S) fermentation generally improves some characteristics and the digestibility of bread. The aim of this paper was to determinate the physicochemical properties and in vitro protein digestibility of bread with 20% of WPC leavened with spontaneous S (WPC 20‐S). To complete the experimental design, bread with S without WPC (WPC 0‐S) and bread with yeast (Y) without and with WPC 20% (WPC 0‐Y and WPC 20‐Y, respectively) were produced. WPC 20‐S bread had higher pH, lower moisture and higher hardness and chewiness, compared with WPC 0‐S. Interestingly, WPC had a negative effect only on the specific volume of bread fermented with Y but not when S was used. For all formulations, WPC improved the protein content and in vitro protein digestibility.
Association of FOXP3 gene polymorphisms with chronic immune thrombocytopenia in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhang Donglei , Zhang Xian , Li Huiyuan , Xue Feng , Zhang Lei , Yang Renchi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionForkhead box P3 (Foxp3) is encoded by the human FOXP3, an X‐chromosome gene, and is a transcription factor that regulates regulatory T‐cell (Treg) development and function. FOXP3 gene polymorphisms have recently been investigated as candidate risk factors in various autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to investigate the possible influence of FOXP3 gene polymorphisms on genetic predisposition to chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).MethodsThe study cohort comprised 329 chronic ITP patients and 279 healthy controls, who were genotyped for three polymorphisms in the promoter region of FOXP3 gene, −6054 del/ATT, −3279 A/C, and −924 A/G.ResultsOf the three polymorphisms identified, the −3279 AA genotype was more frequent in female patients with chronic ITP than in female controls (P = .035, OR 0.434, 95% CI 0.223‐0.846), and the −3279 A carrier was shown to be associated with the risk of chronic ITP in female cohort (P = .003, OR 0.610, 95% CI 0.437‐0.851). Furthermore, the female patients with chronic ITP had remarkably more frequent haplotype −6054 del/−3279 A/−924 A (P = .027, OR 3.584, 95% CI 1.148‐11.186) and less haplotype −6054 del/−3279 C/−924 G (P = .039, OR 0.445, 95% CI 0.204‐0.973) in comparison with female healthy controls. Although there were no significant differences in the male cohort, when the combined alleles and haplotypes of the two genders were analyzed, the results obtained were similar to those of females.ConclusionAccording to our data, the −3279 A/C polymorphism of FOXP3 gene may be associated with the susceptibility to chronic ITP in Chinese Han population.
Nurses as new heroes of modern times
Authors: Różyk‐Myrta A. , Brodziak A. , Kołat E. 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDifficult times of epidemics, wars and an ageing population have made humanity aware of the important role to be played by those who, at the risk of their own health and lives, help and care for others, are the new superheroes of modern reality. Nurses are the foundation of any healthcare system. Today, many of them are on the front line in the fight against COVID‐19. Without nurses and other health professionals, the world will not win the fight against epidemics or pandemics or achieve the health potential of populations.AimThe main purpose of this article is to draw attention to the heroic work of nurses and the role they have to fulfil in society. Their daily work, hardship and courage can be called heroism, especially when in times of epidemics or pandemics they risk their own lives to care for and support those most in need.ConclusionThe greatest heroes of today are health professionals, among whom nurses play a key role. The new superheroes can be a symbol of hope, tenacity, courage and persistence of humanity, no matter how difficult a challenge fate presents. Implications for nursing, and Social Policy.
Limited duration of antiarrhythmic drug use for newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation in a nationwide population under age 65
Authors: D'Angelo Robert N. , Rahman Motiur , Khanna Rahul , Yeh Robert W. , Goldstein Laura , Yadalam Sashi , Kalsekar Iftekhar , Tung Patricia , Zimetbaum Peter J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionAntiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are commonly used for the treatment of newly diagnosed symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), however initial AAD choice, duration of therapy, rates of discontinuation, and factors associated with a durable response to therapy are poorly understood. This study assesses the initial choice and duration of antiarrhythmic drug therapy in the first 2 years after diagnosis of AF in a younger, commercially insured population.MethodsA large nationally representative sample of patients age 20–64 was studied using the IBM MarketScan Database. Patients who started an AAD within 90 days of AF diagnosis with continuous enrollment for 1‐year pre‐index diagnosis and 2 years post‐index were included. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors associated with AAD discontinuation.ResultsFlecainide was used most frequently (26.8%), followed by amiodarone (22.5%), dronedarone (18.3%), sotalol (15.8%), and propafenone (14.0%), with other AADs used less frequently. Twenty‐two percent of patients who started on an AAD underwent ablation within 2 years, with 79% discontinuing the AAD after ablation. Ablation was the strongest predictor of AAD discontinuation (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61–1.80), followed by the male gender (HR, 1.10; CI: 1.02–1.19). Older patients (HR, 0.76; CI: 0.72–0.80; reference age 18–49) and those with comorbidities, including cardiomyopathy (HR, 075; CI: 0.61–0.91), diabetes (HR, 0.83; CI: 0.75–0.91), and hypertension (HR, 0.87; CI: 0.81–0.94) were less likely to discontinue AADs.ConclusionOnly 31% of patients remained on the initial AAD at 2 years, with a mean duration of initial therapy 7.6 months before discontinuation.
Detecting melamine‐adulterated raw milk by using near‐infrared transmission spectroscopy
Authors: Liang Wenting , Zhu Zhuozhuo , Yang Biao , Zhu Xinhua , Guo Wenchuan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractChinese national standards regulate that the melamine in infant food should not exceed 1 mg/kg. To quickly and accurately identify whether the melamine in raw milk exceeds the limit, near‐infrared transmission (NIRT) spectra of 220 raw milk samples and 380 melamine‐adulterated raw milk samples were collected over the spectral range of 900–1,700 nm. Different spectral preprocessing and dimension reduction methods were used to preprocess the data of full spectra with 425 wavelengths. The qualitative prediction models of partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS‐DA) and support vector machine (SVM) were built based on full spectra and reduced data. The results showed that the SVM was better than PLS‐DA in identifying the melamine‐adulterated raw milk whose melamine contents exceeded the limit of 1 mg/kg. The established SVM model using full spectra had the optimal prediction performance with the accuracy rate of 92.67%, sensitivity of 89.09%, and specificity of 94.74%. The study indicates that the raw milk whose melamine contents exceed the limit of 1 mg/kg could be identified by using NIRT spectroscopy.Practical ApplicationsThis study demonstrated that the raw milk whose melamine contents exceed the limit of 1 mg/kg could be identified by using near‐infrared transmission spectroscopy. The results provide technical support and effective information for developing portable instrument to detect melamine‐adulterated raw milk in situ or in field.
Female cancer survivors are more likely to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical importance for a number of quality of life subscales
Authors: Keaver Laura , O’Callaghan Niamh , O’Sullivan Aoibheann , Quinn Laoise , Loftus Amy , McHugh Catherine M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe present study aimed to explore malnutrition risk, handgrip strength and quality of life (QOL) in cancer survivors.MethodsIn total, 232 individuals completed a demographic questionnaire, Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ‐C30). Handgrip strength was determined using a spring‐loaded handgrip dynamometer and anthropometric measurements were taken by an oncology nurse. Frequencies and distribution data, analysis of variance and chi‐squared tests were then conducted.ResultsThe majority of the cohort were female (n = 141; 60.8%) had breast cancer (n = 62; 26.7%) and the mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 6.2 kg m–2. Less than a one‐third reported seeing a dietitian (n = 68; 29.3%). Over one‐third reported recent weight loss (n = 88; 37.3%). Some 40.9% (n = 95) were at moderate to high risk of malnutrition, with women more likely than men to be classified as high risk (p < 0.05). Mean ± SD handgrip strength was 25 ± 15 kg and this differed significantly by gender (p = 0.00), cancer type (p = 0.01) and BMI classification (p = 0.01). One‐fifth of individuals were classified as having dynapenia (n = 48; 21.1%). Median (interquartile range) QOL score was 66.7 (33.3). The proportion of individuals meeting the threshold for clinical importance for QOL subscales ranged from 12.5% (constipation) to 42.7% (physical functioning). Females were more likely than males to meet the threshold for physical functioning (p = 0.00), fatigue (p = 0.02) and pain (p = 0.01).ConclusionsFemales are more likely than males to be at high risk of malnutrition and meet the threshold for clinical significance for several QOL subscales.
The accuracy of portion size estimation using food images and textual descriptions of portion sizes: an evaluation study
Authors: Lucassen Desiree A. , Willemsen Romy F. , Geelen Anouk , Brouwer‐Brolsma Elske M. , Feskens Edith J.M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundInaccurate self‐report of portion sizes is a major cause of measurement error in dietary assessment. To reduce this error, different portion size estimation aids (PSEAs) have been developed, including food images (image based, IB‐PSE) and textual descriptions of portion sizes (text‐based, TB‐PSE). We assessed the accuracy of portion size estimation by IB‐PSE and TB‐PSE.MethodsTrue intake of one lunch was ascertained in forty participants. Self‐reported portion sizes were assessed after 2 and 24 hours by means of TB‐PSE and IB‐PSE, in random order. Wilcoxon's tests were used to compare mean true intakes to reported intakes. Moreover, proportions of reported portion sizes within 10% and 25% of true intake were assessed. An adapted Bland‐Altman approach was used to assess agreement between true and reported portion sizes. Analyses were conducted for all foods and drinks combined and for predetermined food types.ResultsNo significant differences were observed between reported portion sizes at 2 and 24 hours after lunch. Combining median relative errors of all foods items resulted in an overall 0% error rate for TB‐PSE and 6% error rate for IB‐PSE. Comparing reported portion sizes within 10% (31% vs. 13%) and 25% (50% vs. 35%) of the true intake showed a better performance for TB‐PSE compared to IP‐PSE, respectively. Bland‐Altman plots indicated a higher agreement between reported and true intake for TB‐PSE compared to IB‐PSE.ConclusionsAlthough the use of TB‐PSE still results in measurement error, our results suggest a more accurate dietary intake assessment with TB‐PSE than IB‐PSE.