bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and integrated analysis of differentially expressed long non‐coding RNAs associated with periodontitis in humans
Authors: Lin Yifan , Jin Lijian , Tong Wai Man , Leung Yiu Yan , Gu Min , Yang Yanqi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveLong non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to compete for micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) in regulation of downstream genes, various biological functions and diseases. Yet, the expression and regulation of lncRNAs in periodontitis are not fully understood. The objective of the study was to identify potential genes (lncRNA, messenger RNA [mRNA] and miRNA) involved in periodontitis, construct lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA networks, explore gene functions and validate gene expressions.Material and MethodsThe data sets for the lncRNA, mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in gingival samples from periodontally healthy subjects and chronic periodontitis patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified, and ceRNA networks were then constructed. The expression of DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed for exploring the potential functions and biological pathways.ResultsThe GSE80715 and GSE54710 data sets were retrieved. Subsequently, 26 DElncRNAs, 436 DEmRNAs and 12 DEmiRNAs were identified (|fold change| ≥2, adjusted p < 0.05). Further bioinformatics analysis contributed to establishment of the ceRNA networks, which consisted of 10 DElncRNAs, 11 DEmiRNAs and 83 DEmRNAs. Notably, the qPCR results showed a marked decrease in the expression of lncRNA H19 and two mRNAs (NOS1 and MAPT) which further supported the identified ceRNA network. The GO results revealed that the up‐regulated mRNAs were significantly enriched in inflammatory processes, whilst the down‐regulated mRNAs were enriched in cellular potentials.ConclusionNon‐coding RNAs are critically involved in the regulatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Further study is warranted to investigate the specific underlying genetic traits and networks.
Sleep duration is associated with protein biomarkers for cardiometabolic health: A large‐scale population study
Authors: Theorell‐Haglöw Jenny , Hammar Ulf , Lind Lars , Elmståhl Sölve , Lindberg Eva , Fall Tove 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSleep problems and short sleep duration have been linked to adverse health effects, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Finding biomarkers could explain mechanistic pathways and help in understanding relationships between sleep and cardiometabolic health. The aim was to assess if sleep duration and sleep quality affect the cardiometabolic‐related protein profile. In total, 242 proteins related to cardiometabolic health were measured in 2,430 plasma samples (male:female ratio 1:1, aged 45–75 years) from the population‐based EpiHealth cohort, using a proximity extension assay. The association of self‐reported sleep duration and sleep quality with each of the 242 proteins (primary outcome) was assessed with linear regression modelling, adjusting for confounders, and corrected for multiple testing using the false discovery rate (5%). Potential effect modification of age and sex was also tested using an interaction term. We identified U‐shaped associations between sleep duration and the plasma levels of the proteins follistatin (more prominent in younger individuals), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (men only), urokinase receptor, adrenomedullin and kidney injury molecule, all previously known to be related to cardiovascular risk. There was no relationship between sleep quality and any of the proteins, after adjustment for confounders. These results give new leads to investigate the potential mechanistic pathways between sleep and cardiometabolic health.
Characterization of antimicrobial‐resistant Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections in dogs: Passive surveillance in Saskatchewan, Canada 2014 to 2018
Authors: Courtice Rachel , Sniatynski Michelle , Rubin Joseph E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs and can be caused by multidrug‐resistant Escherichia coli (E coli).ObjectiveTo describe the frequency and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among E coli causing UTIs in dogs in Western Canada during a 4‐year surveillance period.AnimalsUrine from 516 dogs.MethodsFrom November 2014 to 2018, 516 nonduplicate E coli isolates from the urine of dogs were collected from a diagnostic laboratory. Susceptibility testing was determined for a panel of 14 antimicrobials belonging to 7 drug classes. Resistant isolates were screened for the presence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC β‐lactamases, and plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Epidemiological relationships were assessed by MLST.Results80.2% (414/516) of isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. There was no significant increase in the proportion of isolates resistant to any of the tested antimicrobials during the study period. Resistance to ampicillin was the most common (14.9%, 77/516). Overall, 12 isolates had blaCMY‐2‐type AmpC β‐lactamases, and 7 produced CTX‐M‐type ESBLs. A single isolate had the aac(6′)‐Ib‐cr PMQR gene. The qnr and qepA determinants were not detected. A single isolate belonging to the pandemic lineage ST131 was identified.ConclusionEscherichia coli isolated from the urine of dogs in our region remain susceptible to first‐line therapies, though resistance, particularly to the aminopenicillins, warrants monitoring. This is the first description of E coli ST131 from a companion animal in Canada.
Validity and responsiveness of pain rating scales in patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases
Authors: Wiriyakijja Paswach , Porter Stephen , Fedele Stefano , Hodgson Tim , McMillan Roddy , Shephard Martina , Riordain Richeal Ni 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo validate the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for measuring pain intensity in chronic oral mucosal diseases.MethodsSecondary analyses of data including the VAS, NRS, demographic, clinical and quality‐of‐life outcomes at baseline and 4‐month follow‐up were retrieved from a clinical study of chronic oral mucosal diseases. Construct and criterion validity and responsiveness of the VAS and NRS were assessed through testing hypotheses based upon strength of Spearman's correlation coefficients.ResultsData of 500 and 290 patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases were used for the assessment of validity and responsiveness, respectively. Moderate‐to‐high correlations between both pain scores and scores of clinical and quality‐of‐life outcomes were observed, supporting construct validity of the VAS and NRS. Their criterion validity was confirmed by significantly strong association between scores of both scales. Responsiveness of both scales was adequate based on moderate association between their change scores and global rating of change scale.ConclusionThe present results provide evidence supporting validity and responsiveness of the VAS and NRS for pain intensity assessment in patients with chronic oral mucosal diseases. Future research examining other pain intensity domains and standardizing composite scores for pain intensity in this population is required.
CO2 fertilization of Sphagnum peat mosses is modulated by water table level and other environmental factors
Authors: Serk Henrik , Nilsson Mats B. , Figueira João , Wieloch Thomas , Schleucher Jürgen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSphagnum mosses account for most accumulated dead organic matter in peatlands. Therefore, understanding their responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 is needed for estimating peatland C balances under climate change. A key process is photorespiration: a major determinant of net photosynthetic C assimilation that depends on the CO2 to O2 ratio. We used climate chambers to investigate photorespiratory responses of Sphagnum fuscum hummocks to recent increases in atmospheric CO2 (from 280 to 400 ppm) under different water table, temperature, and light intensity levels. We tested the photorespiratory variability using a novel method based on deuterium isotopomers (D6S/D6R ratio) of photosynthetic glucose. The effect of elevated CO2 on photorespiration was highly dependent on water table. At low water table (−20 cm), elevated CO2 suppressed photorespiration relative to C assimilation, thus substantially increasing the net primary production potential. In contrast, a high water table (~0 cm) favored photorespiration and abolished this CO2 effect. The response was further tested for Sphagnum majus lawns at typical water table levels (~0 and −7 cm), revealing no effect of CO2 under those conditions. Our results indicate that hummocks, which typically experience low water table levels, benefit from the 20th century's increase in atmospheric CO2.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and pediatric solid organ transplantation: Current knowns and unknowns
Authors: L’Huillier Arnaud G. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara , Chaudhuri Abanti , Green Michael , Michaels Marian G. , M Posfay‐Barbe Klara , van der Linden Dimitri , Verma Anita , McCulloch Mignon , Ardura Monica I. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has proven to be a challenge in regard to the clinical presentation, prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among children who are candidates for and recipients of SOT. By providing scenarios and frequently asked questions encountered in routine clinical practice, this document provides expert opinion and summarizes the available data regarding the prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among pediatric SOT candidates and recipients and highlights ongoing knowledge gaps requiring further study. Currently available data are still lacking in the pediatric SOT population, but data have emerged in both the adult SOT and general pediatric population regarding the approach to COVID‐19. The document provides expert opinion regarding prevention, diagnosis, and management of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among pediatric SOT candidates and recipients.
Occurrence of fatal police violence during pregnancy and hazard of preterm birth in California
Authors: Goin Dana E. , Gomez Anu Manchikanti , Farkas Kriszta , Duarte Catherine , Karasek Deborah , Chambers Brittany D. , Jackson Andrea V. , Ahern Jennifer 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundExposure to fatal police violence may play a role in population‐level inequities in risk for preterm delivery.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether exposure to fatal police violence during pregnancy affects the hazard of preterm delivery and whether associations differ by race/ethnicity and fetal sex.MethodsWe leveraged temporal variation in incidents of fatal police violence within census tracts to assess whether occurrence of fatal police violence in a person's tract during pregnancy was associated with increased hazard of extremely (20‐27 weeks), early (28‐31 weeks), moderate (32‐33 weeks), and late (32‐36 weeks) preterm delivery in California from 2007 to 2015. We used both death records and the Fatal Encounters database to identify incidents of fatal police violence. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) using time‐varying Cox proportional hazard models stratified by census tract, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, health insurance type, parity, and the year and season of conception. We further stratified by race/ethnicity and infant sex to evaluate whether there were differential effects by these characteristics.ResultsExposure to an incident of fatal police violence was associated with a small increase in the hazard of late preterm birth using both the death records (N = 376,029; hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00, 1.10) and the Fatal Encounters data (N = 938,814; HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00, 1.06). We also observed an association for moderate preterm birth in the Fatal Encounters data (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.98, 1.15). We did not observe associations for early or extremely preterm birth in either data source. Larger relative hazards of moderate (HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.93, 1.68) and late preterm delivery (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05, 1.33) were observed among Black birth parents with female births in the Fatal Encounters data.ConclusionsPreventing police use of lethal force may reduce preterm delivery in communities where such violence occurs.
Redox imbalance impedes photosynthetic activity in rice by disrupting cellular membrane integrity and induces programmed cell death under submergence
Authors: Basu Sahana , Kumari Surbhi , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Gautam , Rajwanshi Ravi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClimate change negatively impacts the global hydrological resources leading to detrimental flood events. Submergence impedes the cellular membrane integrity, consequently affecting the membrane fluidity. Different abiotic stresses influence membrane lipid composition. Therefore, the remodeling of membrane lipids plays a major role in stress adaptation. Submergence‐induced membrane lipid peroxidation is well established in plants. However, dynamic changes in lipid composition for regulating submergence tolerance in rice remain so far unexplored. The present study explored the effect of submergence on the lipidomic profile of the Sub1 near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of rice, viz. Swarna, and Swarna Sub1 with contrasting submergence tolerance. The study also examined the association of lipidomic alteration with the membrane integrity and submergence tolerance. Submergence caused increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was significantly higher in Swarna than Swarna Sub1. The lipid profile was also considerably altered under submergence. Following submergence, Swarna exhibited a significant decrease in phospholipid content accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Furthermore, the disintegration of the thylakoid membrane resulted in a significant decrease in the chlorophyll content and photosynthesis rate under submergence. Submergence‐induced hypoxic condition also promoted starch depletion to fulfill the energy requirement. In contrast, submergence acclimation in Swarna Sub1 was associated with the shift to anaerobic respiration mediated by increased alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity. Effective ROS detoxification in Swarna Sub1 facilitated by increased antioxidant enzyme activities contributed to the submergence tolerance by maintaining membrane integrity and photosynthetic activity. The present study established the direct association of lipid remodeling with membrane integrity, cell viability, and photosynthesis and also devised a crop model to reveal the molecular background of submergence tolerance in plants.
The dental plaque biofilm matrix
Authors: Jakubovics Nicholas S. , Goodman Steven D. , Mashburn‐Warren Lauren , Stafford Graham P. , Cieplik Fabian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe extracellular matrix is a critical component of microbial biofilms, such as dental plaque, maintaining the spatial arrangement of cells and coordinating cellular functions throughout the structure. The extracellular polymeric substances that comprise the matrix include carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which are frequently organized into macromolecular complexes and/or are associated with the surfaces of microbial cells within the biofilm. Cariogenic dental plaque is rich in glucan and fructan polysaccharides derived from extracellular microbial metabolism of dietary sucrose. By contrast, the matrix of subgingival dental plaque is a complex mixture of macromolecules that is still not well understood. Components of the matrix escape from microbial cells during lysis by active secretion or through the shedding of vesicles and serve to anchor microbial cells to the tooth surface. By maintaining the biofilm in close association with host tissues, the matrix facilitates interactions between microorganisms and the host. The outcome of these interactions may be the maintenance of health or the development of dental disease, such as caries or periodontitis. The matrix affords microbial cells protection against chemical and physical insults and hinders the eradication of pathogenic dental plaque. Therefore, strategies to control the matrix are critical to maintain oral health. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the composition, origins, and function of the dental plaque matrix, with a focus on subgingival dental plaque. New strategies to control subgingival dental plaque based on targeting the biofilm matrix are also considered.
Maintaining homeostatic control of periodontal epithelial tissue
Authors: Chang Ana M. , Kantrong Nutthapong , Darveau Richard P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractYears of coevolution with resident microbes has made them an essential component of health. Yet, little is known about oral commensal bacteria’s contribution to and role in the maintenance of oral health and homeostasis. Commensal bacteria are speculated to play a host protective role in the maintenance of health. In this review, we describe and provide examples of the coordinate regulation that occurs between oral commensal bacteria and the host innate immune response to modulate and maintain oral homeostasis.
Peri‐implantitis is not periodontitis: Scientific discoveries shed light on microbiome‐biomaterial interactions that may determine disease phenotype
Authors: Kotsakis Georgios A. , Olmedo Daniel G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPeri‐implantitis is an immune‐mediated biological complication that is attributed to bacterial biofilms on the implant surface. As both periodontitis and peri‐implantitis have similar inflammatory phenotypes when assessed cross‐sectionally, treatment protocols for peri‐implantitis were modeled according to those used for periodontitis. However, lack of efficacy of antimicrobial treatments targeting periodontal pathogens coupled with recent discoveries from open‐ended microbial investigation studies create a heightened need to revisit the pathogenesis of peri‐implantitis compared with that of periodontitis. The tale of biofilm formation on intraoral solid surfaces begins with pellicle formation, which supports initial bacterial adhesion. The differences between implant‐ and tooth‐bound biofilms appear as early as bacterial adhesion commences. The electrostatic forces and ionic bonding that drive initial bacterial adhesion are fundamentally different in the presence of titanium dioxide or other implant alloys vs mineralized organic hydroxyapatite, respectively. Moreover, the interaction between metal surfaces and the oral environment leads to the release of implant degradation products into the peri‐implant sulcus, which exposes the microbiota to increased environmental stress and may alter immune responses to bacteria. Clinically, biofilms found in peri‐implantitis are resistant to beta‐lactam antibiotics, which are effective against periodontal communities even as monotherapies and demonstrate a composition different from that of biofilms found in periodontitis; these facts strongly suggest that a new model of peri‐implant infection is required.
Does value‐added tax reform boost firms’ domestic value added in exports? Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Songbo , Lu Yue , Lv Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe explore the effect of value‐added tax (VAT) on domestic value added in exports where VAT is incorporated into a theoretical model to analyze its distortion on intra‐firm resource allocation. The VAT pilot reform in the three northeast provinces of China in 2004 provided a natural experiment which generated significant effective VAT rate differences due to deduction policies. We utilize the reform as an exogenous shock to identify its effect on the domestic value added ratio (DVAR) in exports at the firm level. Empirical results show that the reform has significantly increased the firms' DVAR by allowing more deduction of fixed asset purchases that lowers the effective VAT rates of the affected firms, which confirm the findings of our conceptual framework. This effect is greater for large and medium‐sized firms than for small and microscale firms. The VAT reform in 2004 has significant effect on the DVAR of state‐owned enterprises and domestic private firms, but not for foreign invested firms. The reform also has higher effect for firms from higher market concentration sectors.
CMV infection, valganciclovir exposure, and the risk of BK viremia and associated nephropathy after kidney transplantation: Is there a link?
Authors: Rodríguez‐Goncer Isabel , Ruiz‐Ruigómez María , López‐Medrano Francisco , Corbella Laura , Polanco Natalia , González Monte Esther , San Juan Rafael , Ruiz‐Merlo Tamara , Parra Patricia , Folgueira Lola , Andrés Amado , Aguado José María , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundImmunomodulatory effects attributable to cytomegalovirus (CMV) would predispose to BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection after kidney transplantation (KT), although available evidence is conflicting. It has been suggested that (val)ganciclovir therapy may increase the risk of BKPyV viremia and BKPyV‐associated nephropathy (BKPyVAN) as a result of drug‐induced T‐cell impairment.MethodsWe investigated whether CMV replication and/or (val)ganciclovir exposure (either as prophylaxis or treatment) were associated with the development of BKPyV viremia or BKPyVAN in a prospective cohort of 399 KT recipients. CMV infection (any level or high‐level viremia and area under the curve of DNAemia) and (val)ganciclovir exposure (any duration of therapy and cumulative days of treatment) during the first post‐transplant year were explored through separate landmark survival analyses.ResultsCumulative incidence of BKPyV viremia and BKPyVAN after a median follow‐up of 551 days was 23.1% and 2.5%, respectively. One‐year rates of CMV infection and (val)ganciclovir therapy were 47.4% and 54.1%, respectively. No differences were observed in BKPyV viremia‐ or BKPyVAN‐free survival according to previous CMV infection or (val)ganciclovir exposure in any of the landmark analyses. Adjusted Cox models confirmed this lack of association.ConclusionOur findings do not confirm the existence of a relevant impact of CMV infection or (val)ganciclovir therapy on the risk of post‐transplant BKPyV events.