bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Humanized NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull mice exhibit functionally augmented human regulatory T cells associated with enzymatic up-regulation of H3K27me3 in comparison with humans
Authors: Takahashi H , Tsuboi H , Abe S , Honda F , Kondo Y , Matsumoto I , Sumida T 
Published: February 2021

Summary
Humanized non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency/interleukin-2 receptor-γ-null (NOD/SCID/IL2rγnull) [humanized (huNSG)] mice engrafted with human hematopoietic cells have been used for investigations of the human immune system. However, the epigenetic features of the human regulatory T (Treg) cells of huNSG mice have not been studied. The objective of this study was to clarify the characteristics of human Treg cells in huNSG mice, especially in terms of the epigenetic aspects. We compared the populations, inhibitory molecule expression and suppressive capacity of human Treg cells in spleens harvested from the huNSG mice 120 days after the engraftment of human umbilical cord blood CD34+ cells with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Histone modifications and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (Ezh2), an H3K27 methyltransferase, of human Treg cells were quantified in huNSG mice and human PBMCs. The effect of Ezh2 inhibitor on human Treg cells exposed to interleukin (IL)-6 was also compared between them. Human Treg cells in the spleens of huNSG mice showed an increased proportion among CD4+ T cells, higher expressions of forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor-related protein (GITR), a higher production of IL-10 and enhanced suppressive capacity when compared with those in human PBMCs. H3K27me3 and Ezh2 were specifically up-regulated in human Treg cells of huNSG mice in comparison with those of human PBMCs. The decrease in Treg cells induced by IL-6 exposure was attenuated in huNSG mice when compared with human PBMCs, while the difference between them was cancelled by addition of Ezh2 inhibitor. In conclusion, huNSG mice exhibit functionally augmented human Treg cells owing to enzymatic up-regulation of H3K27me3.
Acute illness in children with secondary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Rushworth Rosemary Louise , Gouvoussis Nikki , Goubar Thomas , Maguire Ann , Munns Craig F. , Neville Kristen A. , Torpy David J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjective and backgroundSecondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) is a rare condition in childhood which can be associated with high levels of morbidity in some patients. The causes of increased levels of illness are not well defined and warrant further investigation.MethodsA retrospective cohort of patients with SAI was constructed by examining records of all attendances for acute illness by SAI patients at the emergency department of the two specialist paediatric hospitals in Sydney, Australia between 2004 and 2016. Demographic, clinical, and physiological characteristics together with pre‐hospital illness management strategies were assessed.ResultsThere were 168 presentations for an acute illness by 47 children with SAI. Comorbid diabetes insipidus (DI) was present in 46.8% (n = 22), 77.3% (n = 17) of whom were male (P < .05). Patients with comorbid DI were more likely to be admitted (86.7%, n = 65 vs 60.2%, n = 56 for non‐DI, P < .01); had a longer hospital stay (6.5 (8.7) vs 2.5 (2.6) days, P < .001); and higher rates of IV HC administration (56.0%, n = 42 vs 35.5%, n = 33), P < .01). The medically‐diagnosed adrenal crisis (AC) rate was 3.68 ACs/100PY. Stress dose use was reported by fewer DI patients (58.7%, n = 44) than non‐DI patients (78.5%, n = 73, P < .01). Previous attendance at hospital was positively associated with stress dose use (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.00, 1.16).ConclusionSecondary adrenal insufficiency can cause significant morbidity in children. Comorbid DI is associated with higher levels of hospitalisation, longer hospital stays and lower levels of pre‐emergent stress dose use. Educational interventions in this subgroup of SAI patients may reduce the burden of morbidity.
General health status of Dutch elderly receiving implant‐retained overdentures: A 9‐year big data cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bakker Mieke H. , Vissink Arjan , Raghoebar Gerry M. , Visser Anita 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundVery little information is available on the general health of elderly who are provided with an implant‐retained overdenture (IOD).PurposeThe general health status of three groups of elderly (≥75 years) were compared: those with a natural dentition (ND), those treated with an implant‐retained overdenture (IOD), and those wearing a conventional denture (CD).Materials and methodsData on healthcare costs were obtained from records of Dutch health insurers that are collected by Vektis. Data on general health (chronic diseases, medication use, and polypharmacy) were acquired for elderly patients with a ND, an IOD, and a CD in 2009 and 2017. Data on the general health of elderly who received an IOD were also acquired from 2010 through 2016.ResultsOn average, the general health of elderly who received an IOD was comparable to general health of elderly with a ND and was better than the general health of elderly with a CD (lower prevalence of diabetes, cardiac disease, and hypertension). The general health profile of elderly receiving an IOD was consistent during all years.ConclusionsThe general health of elderly with a ND or IODs is better than those with CDs.
Electrogustometry: Normative data for stimulus duration, tongue site and age decline
Authors: Pavlidis Pavlos , Schittek Gregor Alexander , Saratziotis Athanasios , Ferfeli Maria , Kekes Georgios , Gouveris Haralampos 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesOur primary goal was to evaluate the effect of stimulus duration on electrogustometry (EGM) thresholds. Additionally, we sought to evaluate any sex‐related influences and compare the above results to those of taste strips.DesignElectrogustometry thresholds of various stimulus durations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 seconds) were measured in 212 non‐smokers (age range: 10‐80 years, divided into eight age‐groups) without self‐reported gustatory impairment. Furthermore, taste strips chemogustometry measurements in 132 participants were performed.SettingTertiary referral medical centre.Participants212 non‐smokers, divided into eight age‐groups participated in the study.Main outcome measuresElectrogustometry thresholds and taste strips, duration of EGM stimuli.ResultsElectrogustometry thresholds increased progressively with age and with stimulus duration from 0.5 to 2 seconds. This pattern was consistent in all six anatomic areas, irrespective of sex. In contrast, when using chemogustometry, no age‐ or sex‐related differences were observed.ConclusionsElectrogustometry‐threshold values increase progressively with age and with stimulus duration. Therefore, we recommend documenting stimulus duration in the future EGM recordings as it may significantly affect EGM amplitude threshold values.
Substance use, mental health and weight‐related behaviours during the COVID‐19 pandemic in people with obesity
Authors: Almandoz Jaime P. , Xie Luyu , Schellinger Jeffrey N. , Mathew M. Sunil , Bismar Nora , Ofori Ashley , Kukreja Sachin , Schneider Benjamin , Vidot Denise , Messiah Sarah E. 
Published: February 2021

SummaryStudies have shown the negative impact of COVID‐19 lockdown orders on mental health and substance use in the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic onsubstance use, mental health and weight‐related behaviors in a sample of adults with obesity after lockdown orders were lifted (June‐September 2020). A retrospective medical chart review identified patients with obesity from one university‐based obesity medicine clinic, and two metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) practices. Patients who completed an online survey from June 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 were included. The primary outcome measure was substance use (various drugs, alcohol, tobacco). Substance use and mental health survey questions were based on standardized, validated instruments. A total of 589 patients (83.3% female, mean age 53.6 years [SD 12.8], mean BMI 35.4 [SD 9.1], 54.5% Non‐Hispanic white, 22.3% post‐MBS) were included. Seventeen patients (2.9%) tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 and 13.5% reported symptoms. Nearly half (48.4%) of the sample reported recreational substance use and 9.8% reported increased use since the start of the pandemic. There was substantial drug use reported (24.3% opioids, 9.5% sedative/tranquilizers, 3.6% marijuana, and 1% stimulants). Patients who reported stockpiling food more (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 1.50, 95% CI 1.03‐2.18), healthy eating more challenging (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01‐2.16), difficulty falling asleep (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.14‐2.34), and anxiety (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01‐2.14) were more likely to report substance use versus non‐users. Results here show that the COVID‐19 pandemic is having a deleterious impact on substance use, mental health and weight‐related health behaviors in people with obesity regardless of infection status.
Content and value of rehabilitation in dermatology
Authors: Voigt Tilmann Peter , Bause Leonie , Tsianakas Athanasios 
Published: February 2021

SummaryThe therapy of chronic skin diseases is challenging for both the dermatologist and the patient. Current standards of therapy and individual circumstances of the patient have to be considered. Furthermore, chronic skin diseases are often associated with comorbidities that require treatment adapted to the individual. Therefore, optimal education of the patient and a holistic concept of therapy are needed, in many cases in collaboration with various medical disciplines. In this case, rehabilitation provides an opportunity to address important aspects such as comorbidities, psychosocial burden and limitations at work, in addition to treating the underlying disease.This article describes the differences between acute and rehabilitation health care in dermatology, and illustrates the importance of rehabilitation in dermatology, based on examples of chronic inflammatory skin diseases, chronic pruritus and dermato‐oncological diseases.
Can habitat suitability estimated from MaxEnt predict colonizations and extinctions?
Authors: Venne Simon , Currie David J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAimMaxEnt has been widely used to model species’ geographic distributions as functions of environmental variables and to predict changes in distributions in response to environmental change. Here, we test the predictive ability of MaxEnt models through time by modelling colonizations and extinctions.LocationNorth America.MethodsUsing data for 21 species from the North American Breeding Bird Survey, we first related avian species’ geographic distributions to the spatial variation in environmental conditions. Then, we modelled site‐specific colonizations and extinctions between 1979 and 2009 as functions of MaxEnt‐estimated habitat suitability and neighbourhood occupancy.ResultsWe found that colonization and extinction probabilities were related to spatial variation in habitat suitability, and to neighbourhood occupancy, in the expected directions. However, change in habitat suitability (which is much smaller through time than through space) is a weak predictor of extinction and worse for colonization. This is because a) for most species and most sites, climatic suitability did not change dramatically between 1979 and 2009, and b) the relationship between colonization or extinction probability and change in climatic variables is very weak (r2 = 0.02). Most colonizations and extinctions are apparently unrelated to climate change.Main conclusionsMaxEnt models apparently capture a real effect of habitat suitability on North American bird species’ distributions, but over short and medium time scales, occupancy of neighbouring sites by conspecifics predicts changes in occupancy as well as, or better than changes in climatic habitat suitability, as characterized by MaxEnt. One would not expect species’ distributions to track climate change closely. Prediction of species’ responses to climate change should 1) recognize that the process of colonization and extinction are not equally well predicted by species distribution models and 2) account for the spatial structure of species’ distributions.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 prevalence in saliva and gastric and intestinal fluid in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy in coronavirus disease 2019 endemic areas: Prospective cross‐sectional study in Japan
Authors: Miyake Shigeta , Ashikari Keiichi , Kato Shingo , Takatsu Tomohiro , Kuwashima Hirofumi , Kaneko Hiroaki , Nagai Koki , Watari Ikue , Sato Takamitsu , Yamaoka Yutaro , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Ryo Akihide , Maeda Shin , Nakajima Atsushi , Higurashi Takuma 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesGastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) is useful for the early detection and treatment of many diseases; however, GIE is considered a high‐risk procedure in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic era. This study aimed to explore the rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) positivity in saliva and gastrointestinal fluids to which endoscopy medical staff are exposed.MethodsThe study was a single‐center cross‐sectional study. From June 1 to July 31, 2020, all patients who underwent GIE at Yokohama City University Hospital were registered. All patients provided 3 mL of saliva. For upper GIE, 10 mL of gastric fluid was collected through the endoscope. For lower GIE, 10 mL of intestinal fluid was collected through the endoscope. The primary outcome was the positive rate of SARS‐CoV‐2 in saliva and gastrointestinal fluids. We also analyzed serum‐specific antibodies for SARS‐CoV‐2 and patients’ background information.ResultsA total of 783 samples (560 upper GIE and 223 lower GIE samples) were analyzed. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on saliva samples did not show any positive results in either upper or lower GIE samples. However, 2.0% (16/783) of gastrointestinal fluid samples tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. No significant differences in age, sex, purpose of endoscopy, medication, or rate of antibody test positivity were found between PCR positive and PCR negative cases.ConclusionsAsymptomatic patients, even those with no detectable virus in their saliva, had SARS‐CoV‐2 in their gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy medical staff should be aware of infection when performing procedures. The study was registered as UMIN000040587.
Parents’ perspectives on nusinersen treatment for children with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: van Kruijsbergen Mette , Schröder Carin D , Ketelaar Marjolijn , van der Pol W Ludo , Cuppen Inge , van der Geest Annette , Asselman Fay‐Lynn , Fischer Maarten J , Visser‐Meily Johanna M A , Kars Marijke C 
Published: February 2021

AimTo gain insight into parents’ perspectives about their decision‐making process concerning nusinersen treatment for their child, including perceived needs and concerns, and to explore factors that influence this process.MethodThis was an exploratory qualitative interview study among parents of children with spinal muscular atrophy types 1 to 3. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsNineteen parents of 16 children representing 13 families participated. A wide variety of perspectives was reported ranging from a biomedical approach, which focused on battling the disease, to a holistic approach, which aimed for a good quality of life for their child. The most important factors that helped parents to decide were honest and neutral communication with their physician and access to available information.InterpretationIt is important physicians understand that there are different perspectives influencing the decision‐making process. Physicians should create an environment that allows parents to accept or reject treatment by communicating honestly and openly with them and by discussing both options extensively. Clear information about pros and cons, recent developments in research, and the experiences of other parents should be made available to enable parents to make an informed decision.
What this paper adds

Parents perceived different needs and concerns about nusinersen treatment, which emphasized individual differences.

Parents’ perspectives varied from battling the disease to preserving quality of life.

Life expectancy, stopping deterioration, and improving quality of life were the perceived benefits of nusinersen treatment.

Open communication about the pros and cons of treatment with clinicians facilitated decision‐making.

Clear and honest information facilitated the alignment of values and goals.
Absent pulmonary valve syndrome with tetralogy of fallot and patent ductus arteriosus at 14 weeks of gestation and follow‐up 2 weeks later: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Song Yan , Zou Yu‐fen , Ru Yan‐hui , Qiu Jing , Yin Hong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractClassical absent pulmonary valve syndrome (APVS) with tetralogy of fallot (TOF) is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly commonly associated with the absence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which is mostly diagnosed after 20 weeks of gestation by fetal echocardiography. This case of APVS with TOF was suspected at 13 weeks of gestation and diagnosed at 14 weeks of gestation with an obvious PDA. The pulmonary arterial trunk and the branches did not dilate obviously. Fifteen days later, the PDA narrowed down with the discovery of pulmonary artery ectasia at the same time. This progress indicated that the absence of PDA is not necessary for the survival of APVS with TOF in utero, in contrast, the absence or restriction of PDA may be nothing less than adaptation to the disease. Fetal autopsy confirmed the accuracy of fetal echocardiography. Chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) showed 20p12 deletion in this fetus, which is rare among TOF cases.
Persistent increases of PKMζ in memory‐activated neurons trace LTP maintenance during spatial long‐term memory storage
Authors: Hsieh Changchi , Tsokas Panayiotis , Grau‐Perales Alejandro , Lesburguères Edith , Bukai Joseph , Khanna Kunal , Chorny Joelle , Chung Ain , Jou Claudia , Burghardt Nesha S. , Denny Christine A. , Flores‐Obando Rafael E. , Hartley Benjamin Rush , Rodríguez Valencia Laura Melissa , Hernández A. Iván , Bergold Peter J. , Cottrell James E. , Alarcon Juan Marcos , Fenton André Antonio , Sacktor Todd Charlton 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPKMζ is an autonomously active PKC isoform crucial for the maintenance of synaptic long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term memory. Unlike other kinases that are transiently stimulated by second messengers, PKMζ is persistently activated through sustained increases in protein expression of the kinase. Therefore, visualizing increases in PKMζ expression during long‐term memory storage might reveal the sites of its persistent action and thus the location of memory‐associated LTP maintenance in the brain. Using quantitative immunohistochemistry validated by the lack of staining in PKMζ‐null mice, we examined the amount and distribution of PKMζ in subregions of the hippocampal formation of wild‐type mice during LTP maintenance and spatial long‐term memory storage. During LTP maintenance in hippocampal slices, PKMζ increases in the pyramidal cell body and stimulated dendritic layers of CA1 for at least 2 hr. During spatial memory storage, PKMζ increases in CA1 pyramidal cells for at least 1 month, paralleling the persistence of the memory. During the initial expression of the memory, we tagged principal cells with immediate‐early gene Arc promoter‐driven transcription of fluorescent proteins. The subset of memory‐tagged CA1 cells selectively increases expression of PKMζ during memory storage, and the increase persists in dendritic compartments within stratum radiatum for 1 month, indicating long‐term storage of information in the CA3‐to‐CA1 pathway. We conclude that persistent increases in PKMζ trace the molecular mechanism of LTP maintenance and thus the sites of information storage within brain circuitry during long‐term memory.
Short‐termism, shareholder payouts and investment in the EU
Authors: Fried Jesse M. , Wang Charles C. Y. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInvestor‐driven 'short‐termism' is said to harm EU public firms' ability to invest for the long term, prompting calls for the EU to better insulate managers from shareholder pressure. But the evidence offered—rising levels of repurchases and dividends—is incomplete and misleading: it ignores large offsetting equity issuances that move capital from investors to EU firms. We show that, over the last 30 years and the last decade, net shareholder payouts have been moderate and investment and cash balances have increased. In sum, the data provide little basis for the view that short‐termism in the EU warrants corporate governance reforms.
Growth in surrounding consumer amenities: The economic externality of urban parks
Authors: Long Fenjie , Shi Lang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMany cities in China have issued various policies aimed at strengthening the investment and construction of urban parks to promote ecological development. An urban park is often considered by scholars and policy makers only in terms of its ecological and social values. However, its economic externalities have not been studied fully. This paper adopts Points of Interest data to identify and measure the impact of urban park opening on surrounding consumer amenities, based on a difference‐in‐differences model. The empirical results show that the newly built parks in Guiyang, also known as the “Thousand‐park City,” promote the surrounding consumer amenities, especially dining and daily‐life services. Besides, parks in different locations and with different characteristics show heterogeneity in this spill‐over effect. This study enriches the understanding of the economic roles of urban parks, provides references for the planning of urban green space, and supports the urban synchronous economic and ecological development mode to some extent.
Drosophila telomere capping protein HOAP interacts with DSB sensor proteins Mre11 and Nbs
Authors: On Kinyo , Crevel Gilles , Cotterill Sue , Itoh Masanobu , Kato Yasuko 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn eukaryotes, specific DNA‐protein structures called telomeres exist at linear chromosome ends. Telomere stability is maintained by a specific capping protein complex. This capping complex is essential for the inhibition of the DNA damage response (DDR) at telomeres and contributes to genome integrity. In Drosophila, the central factors of telomere capping complex are HOAP and HipHop. Furthermore, a DDR protein complex Mre11‐Rad50‐Nbs (MRN) is known to be important for the telomere association of HOAP and HipHop. However, whether MRN interacts with HOAP and HipHop, and the telomere recognition mechanisms of HOAP and HipHop are poorly understood. Here, we show that Nbs interacts with Mre11 and transports the Mre11‐Rad50 complex from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, we report that HOAP interacts with both Mre11 and Nbs. The N‐terminal region of HOAP is essential for its co‐localization with HipHop. Finally, we reveal that Nbs interacts with the N‐terminal region of HOAP.