bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase from Trypanosoma cruzi induces a pro‐inflammatory Th1 immune response in a peroxidatic cysteine‐dependent manner
Authors: López Lucía , Chiribao María Laura , Girard Magalí C. , Gómez Karina A. , Carasi Paula , Fernandez Marisa , Hernandez Yolanda , Robello Carlos , Freire Teresa , Piñeyro María Dolores 
Published: January 2021

SummaryTrypanosoma cruzi cytosolic tryparedoxin peroxidase (c‐TXNPx) is a 2‐Cys peroxiredoxin (Prx) with an important role in detoxifying host cell oxidative molecules during parasite infection. c‐TXNPx is a virulence factor, as its overexpression enhances parasite infectivity and resistance to exogenous oxidation. As Prxs from other organisms possess immunomodulatory properties, we studied the effects of c‐TXNPx in the immune response and analysed whether the presence of the peroxidatic cysteine is necessary to mediate these properties. To this end, we used a recombinant c‐TXNPx and a mutant version (c‐TXNPxC52S) lacking the peroxidatic cysteine. We first analysed the oligomerization profile, oxidation state and peroxidase activity of both proteins by gel filtration, Western blot and enzymatic assay, respectively. To investigate their immunological properties, we analysed the phenotype and functional activity of macrophage and dendritic cells and the T‐cell response by flow cytometry after injection into mice. Our results show that c‐TXNPx, but not c‐TXNPxC52S, induces the recruitment of IL‐12/23p40‐producing innate antigen‐presenting cells and promotes a strong specific Th1 immune response. Finally, we studied the cellular and humoral immune response developed in the context of parasite natural infection and found that only wild‐type c‐TXNPx induces proliferation and high levels of IFN‐γ secretion in PBMC from chronic patients without demonstrable cardiac manifestations. In conclusion, we demonstrate that c‐TXNPx possesses pro‐inflammatory properties that depend on the presence of peroxidatic cysteine that is essential for peroxidase activity and quaternary structure of the protein and could contribute to rational design of immune‐based strategies against Chagas disease.
Plastid introgression and evolution of African miombo woodlands: New insights from the plastome‐based phylogeny of Brachystegia trees
Authors: Boom Arthur F. , Migliore Jérémy , Kaymak Esra , Meerts Pierre , Hardy Olivier J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimMiombo woodlands form a characteristic vegetation type covering 2.7 million km2 in southern and eastern Africa. Despite their wide geographical extent, their origin, floristic and spatial evolution through time remain understudied. To fill this gap, we studied the evolution of Brachystegia trees, one of the most representative genera of these woodlands (20 species), also represented in Guineo‐Congolian rain forests (8 species).LocationTropical Africa, Guineo‐Congolian forests and Zambezian savannas.TaxonBrachystegia genus.MethodsWe used a genome skimming approach to sequence the plastomes of 45 Brachystegia samples, covering 25 of the 29 existing species, and one outgroup (Julbernardia paniculata). The phylogeny of the plastomes was reconstructed and time‐calibrated. We tested if the genetic divergence between lineages reflected taxonomic and/or geographical distances using Mantel tests. Finally, we inferred the evolutionary history of Brachystegia based on the age and spatial distribution of its lineages.ResultsSurprisingly, species represented by multiple specimens appear rarely monophyletic while plastid clades display strong geographical structuring, independently of the species. Two main clades separate woodland and rain forest species, which diverged during the late Miocene–Pliocene (95% HPD = 2.78–8.59 Ma). In miombo woodlands, three subclades occur in parapatry along an East–West axis, ranging from Angola to East Africa. Their divergence started from the Plio‐Pleistocene (95% HPD = 1.17–3.69 Ma). Divergence dates (TMRCA) within miombo subclades decrease from East Africa (1.53 Ma) to Angola (0.76 Ma).Main conclusionsBrachystegia plastomes appear unreliable to identify species, probably due to species introgression leading to recurrent chloroplast captures. However, they prove very informative for tracking the past dynamics of the genus, and suggest a historical westwards expansion of miombo Brachystegia, and possibly of miombo vegetation, during the Plio‐Pleistocene. Further investigations using nuclear DNA are needed to assess the species tree as well as speciation and hybridization events between species.
Up‐regulation of TβRIII facilitates the osteogenesis of supraspinous ligament‐derived fibroblasts from patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Chen Wu‐gui , Yang Si‐zhen , Qiu Hao , Hu Xu , Qiu Yi‐yun , Wen Xuan , Zhou Yue , Chu Tong‐wei 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSpinal supraspinous ligament (SL) osteogenesis is the key risk of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), with an unclear pathogenesis. We previously found that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), bone morphogenetic proteins (eg BMP2) and type III TGF‐β1 receptor (TβRIII) expression were markedly up‐regulated in AS‐SLs. However, the roles of these closely related molecules in AS are unknown. Here, we showed that BMP2, TGF‐β1, TβRIII and S100A4 (a fibroblast marker) were abundant in active osteogenic AS‐SL tissues. In vitro, AS‐SL fibroblasts (AS‐SLFs) showed high BMP2, TGF‐β1 and TβRIII expression and auto‐osteogenic capacity. We further evaluated the role of TβRIII in the osteogenesis of normal SLFs. BMP2 combined with TGF‐β1 induced the osteogenesis of TβRIII‐overexpressing SLFs, but the activity was lost in SLFs upon TβRIII knockdown. Moreover, our data suggested that BMP2 combined with TGF‐β1 significantly activated both TGF‐β1/Smad signalling and BMP2/Smad/RUNX2 signalling to induce osteogenesis of SLFs with TβRIII up‐regulation. Furthermore, our multi‐strategy molecular interaction analysis approach indicated that TGF‐β1 presented BMP2 to TβRIII, sequentially facilitating BMP2 recognition by BMPR1A and promoting the osteogenesis of TβRIII‐overexpressing SLFs. Collectively, our results indicate that TGF‐β1 combined with BMP2 may participate in the osteogenic differentiation of AS‐SLF by acting on up‐regulated TβRIII, resulting in excessive activation of both TGF‐β1/Smad and BMP2/BMPR1A/Smad/RUNX2 signalling.
Quality in orthodontics: The role of customized appliances
Authors: Grauer Dan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOrthodontics as well as dentistry are undergoing a technological revolution with advances in medical imaging, 3D printing and customization of appliances and devices. Digital orthodontics can be defined as the process of manufacturing customized appliances based on a target setup which incorporates tooth positioning in six‐degrees‐of‐freedom. Three‐dimensional medical imaging provides better diagnostic tools and allows for fabrication of orthodontic appliances based on the coordinates system of the occlusal plane within the facial anatomy. This article describes the state‐of‐the‐art in goal‐driven orthodontic treatment, warns against the commercialization of our profession, and highlights the advantages of lingual orthodontics in terms of protection of the enamel.
Physiology, endocrinology and chemical communication in aggressive behaviour of fishes
Authors: da Silva Melina Coelho , Canário Adelino Vicente Mendonça , Hubbard Peter Colin , Gonçalves David Manuel Flores 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFishes show remarkably diverse aggressive behaviour. Aggression is expressed to secure resources; adjusting aggression levels according to context is key to avoid negative consequences for fitness and survival. Nonetheless, despite its importance, the physiological basis of aggression in fishes is still poorly understood. Several reports suggest hormonal modulation of aggression, particularly by androgens, but contradictory studies have been published. Studies exploring the role of chemical communication in aggressive behaviour are also scant, and the pheromones involved remain to be unequivocally characterized. This is surprising as chemical communication is the most ancient form of information exchange and plays a variety of other roles in fishes. Furthermore, the study of chemical communication and aggression is relevant at the evolutionary, ecological and economic levels. A few pioneering studies support the hypothesis that aggressive behaviour, at least in some teleosts, is modulated by “dominance pheromones” that reflect the social status of the sender, but there is little information on the identity of the compounds involved. This review aims to provide a global view of aggressive behaviour in fishes and its underlying physiological mechanisms including the involvement of chemical communication, and discusses the potential use of dominance pheromones to improve fish welfare. Methodological considerations and future research directions are also outlined.
Implications of comparative ventral body wall histology on selection of abdominal surgical approach and closure in 12 species of fish
Authors: Mones Alissa B. , Harms Craig A. , Stoskopf Michael K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA ventral midline surgical approach for fish celiotomy is commonly performed in veterinary clinical medicine and research, although the relevant ventral body wall anatomy of many fish species is not well documented. Histological evaluation of tissue samples from the ventral body wall of 12 fish species was performed to provide a reference for surgical approach and closure decisions. The width between muscle bundles running parallel to the long axis and total thickness of tissue layers varied among species. An appreciable space between longitudinal muscles of the ventral body wall and a lack of muscle, vessels and nerves on midline in all species examined supports recommendations of ventral midline incisions to spare important structures. Dense connective tissue consistent with an aponeurosis between musculature along the ventral body wall was not observed in any species evaluated. Connective tissue was concentrated within the dermis of all species evaluated, with an additional layer of collagen along the coelomic membrane in Russian sturgeonAcipenser gueldenstaedtii, koiCyprinus carpio, goldfishCarassius auratus, black drumPogonias cromis, black seabassCentropristis striata, tomtateHaemulon aurolineatumand scupStenotomus caprinus. A sufficiently wide space on ventral midline for practical targeting during the surgical approach is present inA. gueldenstaedtii,C. carpio, striped bassMorone saxatilis,H. aurolineatum,P. cromis, rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykissand brown troutSalmo trutta. Sand perchDiplectrum formosum,C. auratus,S. caprinus, grey triggerfishBalistes capriscusand black sea bassCentropristis striatahave a negligible space between longitudinal muscles on midline. The variation in ventral body wall structure observed in this study helps inform surgical decision making for celiotomy incision and closure in these species.
How long do people wait before seeking couples therapy? A research note
Authors: Doherty William J. , Harris Steven M. , Hall Eugene L. , Hubbard Aimee K. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA widely cited but poorly supported idea in the couples therapy field is that the average couple waits six years before starting therapy for serious relationship problems. This figure is often accompanied by the notion that many couples come “too late” and have poor prospects for recovery. This is the first large‐sample study on the delay between the onset of serious marital problems and entry into couples therapy (N = 270) and individual therapy (N = 101) for relationship problems. We found an average interval of 2.68 years from onset of problems and entering couples therapy, with the great majority of couples entering therapy within two years. Findings were similar for seeking individual therapy for relationship problems. The main clinical implication is that therapists have little reason to be pessimistic about the majority of couples waiting so long before starting therapy that their problems are not resolvable.
Clinical characteristics and management of patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis
Authors: Yi Shuijing , Jiang Jianfa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimTo analyze the clinical characteristics and management of patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 17 patients with complete septate uterus, double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis admitted to the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between June 2007 and December 2019.ResultsThe median age at surgery was 23 years. The most common presenting complaint was infertility. Seven (41.2%) patients were misdiagnosed previously. The obstruction was complete in five patients. All 17 patients underwent vaginoplasty, in which seven adolescent girls underwent vaginoscopic vaginal septum resections. Eight patients underwent hysteroscopic resections of the uterine septum for infertility or spontaneous miscarriage. Laparoscopy was performed in seven patients for specific indications, and only one patient was found to have pelvic endometriosis during the laparoscopy. During the follow‐up, seven patients wished to conceive, and there were five living infants (four cesarean deliveries at term and one preterm vaginal delivery).ConclusionComplete septate uterus with double cervix, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis is an variant of obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis syndrome. Consequently, healthcare providers should be aware of this potential variant.
Migration flows by educational attainment: Disentangling the heterogeneous role of push and pull factors
Authors: Piras Romano 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper analyzes the determining factors of South to Center‐North migration flows in Italy for five different educational groups. We find strong support for the paramount role of total and education‐specific migration networks. Furthermore, we unveil an inverse relationship between the magnitude of the response of migration flows by educational level and the regional endowment of human capital. More generally, it emerges that once migrants educational attainment is explicitly considered, the reaction of migration flows is highly heterogeneous with respect to the push and pull factors that usually determine them. In the economics of migration literature, these results have not yet been documented.
Response of meat chickens to different sources of arginine in low‐protein diets
Authors: Dao Hiep T. , Sharma Nishchal K. , Bradbury Emma J. , Swick Robert A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractArginine activity in broiler diets can be supplied by L‐arginine (Arg), guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and L‐citrulline (Cit), all of which are commercially available. This study was conducted to assess the effects of Arg source and level on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass parameters. Day‐old Ross 308 cockerels (n = 768) were assigned to one of eight dietary treatments using a completely randomized design: normal protein (NP), low protein deficient in Arg (LP) and LP with two levels of either Arg (0.238% and 0.476%), GAA (0.309% and 0.618%) or Cit (0.238 and 0.476%). The LP was 5 percentage points lower in protein level than the NP. Wheat, sorghum, soya bean meal, canola meal, and meat and bone meal‐based diets were fed over three feeding phases to 6 replicate floor pens with 16 birds each. Compared to NP, birds fed LP had reduced feed intake (FI, p < 0.001), reduced body weight gain (BWG, p < 0.001) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.001) from day 0 to day 35. Additions of Arg or Cit to the LP at both levels resulted in increased BWG and reduced FCR (p < 0.05). Birds fed LP with GAA added had lower FCR (p < 0.05) but not higher BWG (p > 0.05) compared with the LP observed from day 0 to day 35. Supplementation of Arg, Cit and the low level of GAA to LP resulted in increased carcass yield, bone length, diameter and ash (p < 0.05) but did not increase ileal energy or nitrogen digestibility (p > 0.05). The findings indicate that Cit is an efficacious source of Arg activity in Arg‐deficient diets.
Effect of soybean oil content on textural, rheological, and microstructural properties of WBAXs‐SPI emulsion‐filled gels
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yin Lijun , Chen Fusheng , Zhang Penglong , Lv Dingyang , Zhu Tingwei , Duan Xiaojie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to prepare wheat bran arabinoxylans‐soy protein isolate (WBAXs‐SPI) emulsion‐filled gels with different oil contents and investigate their rheological, textural, water‐holding capacity (WHC), and microstructural properties. The rheological analysis results showed that the maximum correlation interaction occurs when the soybean oil concentration was 10%, and the elastic modulus (G′) reaches the highest value of 13,562 Pa. Interestingly, the WHC and texture change trend of WBAXs‐SPI emulsion‐filled gel were consistent with rheology. Meanwhile, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation indicated that the emulsion‐filled gels formed an interpenetrating polysaccharide‐protein complex network system. Therefore, the filling emulsion performance could be adjusted by changing the concentration of oil droplets as the active filler. This provides the possibility of developing new food materials encapsulating fat‐soluble substances with a low oil rate and more stable structure.
Arts‐based responses to teaching poetry: a literature review of dance and visual arts in poetry education
Authors: Jusslin Sofia , Höglund Heidi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study investigates the use of dance and visual arts in poetry education by systematically reviewing peer‐reviewed articles published on the topic from 2000 to 2019. The review focuses on empirical results in studies concerned with using dance and visual arts in poetry education and implications for poetry pedagogy in research and practice. The review encompasses 21 articles that were analysed thematically. The thematic analysis yielded seven themes: expand and deepen understandings of poetry; break curricular boundaries; interaction and collaboration; personal knowledge, reflection and experience; increase interest, motivation and confidence; challenges, limitations and constraints; and disciplinary knowledge. With research on this topic having increased in the 2010s, the findings show the potentials and challenges of using dance and visual arts in different ways in poetry education. Still, the research field is understudied, and many questions remain unanswered. Consequently, this study concludes with suggestions for future research on arts‐based responses in poetry education. The study adds to the dialogue on poetry education and contributes to raising awareness of the possibilities and challenges of using dance and visual arts in the poetry classroom.
Clinical, neuropsychological and neurophysiological indices and predictors of hepatic encephalopathy (HE)
Authors: Formentin Chiara , Zarantonello Lisa , Mangini Chiara , Frigo Anna C. , Montagnese Sara , Merkel Carlo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsThe occurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) marks a significant progression in the natural history of liver disease. The aims of the present study were to: 1) describe a large cohort of patients with cirrhosis in terms of neuropsychological or neurophysiological HE indices, and 2) test if the severity of liver disease and/or any such indices [Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES), Scan test, electroencephalography (EEG)] predicted mortality/HE risk in a subgroup of such cohort.MethodFour hundred and sixty‐one patients with cirrhosis (59 ± 10 years; 345 males) were included; information on previous overt HE episodes was available in 407. Follow‐up information on mortality/HE‐related hospitalization in 134/127 respectively. Information on previous overt HE episodes and both mortality and HE‐related hospitalization over the follow‐up in 124.ResultsPatients with a history of overt HE (60%) had poorer liver function, worse neuropsychiatric indices, higher ammonia levels and higher prevalence of portal‐systemic shunt. The risk of HE‐related hospitalization over the follow‐up was higher in patients with higher MELD score and worse Scan performance. Mortality was higher in those with higher MELD. Among patients without a history of overt HE, those with worse PHES had higher HE risk. Among patients with a history, those with higher MELD, better PHES and worse Scan performance had higher HE risk.ConclusionsIn patients without previous overt HE episodes, neuropsychological and neurophysiological tests predict HE, while in those with previous overt HE episodes, HE development largely depends on the severity of liver dysfunction.
Life course learning experiences and infant feeding practices in rural Rwanda
Authors: Ahishakiye Jeanine , Vaandrager Lenneke , Brouwer Inge D. , Koelen Maria 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMost studies about infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are often perceived as an individual choice depending on mothers' or caregivers' knowledge or attitudes and are focused on mothers' failure rather than successes in adequately feeding their children. However, the role of life course experiences in IYCF is less investigated. Applying a Salutogenic Model of Health, this study on 14 mothers looks at women's life course learning experiences shaping appropriate IYCF practices during the first year of child's life in a rural district of Rwanda. Transcripts from in‐depth interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that positive social interaction with parents or grandmothers during childhood such as sharing meals, parental role models for dietary choices and cooking skills gained by participating in household food preparation played a role in shaping appropriate IYCF practices. Negative experiences during childhood also had a positive influence on IYCF practices for some participants by converting life course constraints into learning opportunities. Motherhood increased mothers' sense of responsibility over their children's health and nutrition. Moreover, mothers' participation in community cooking classes and role modelling approach were strong avenues that enabled their learning through positive interactions and encouragement. Nutrition promotion interventions should consider tailoring nutrition advice to the complexity of mothers' life course experiences by creating opportunities for positive learning experiences of appropriate IYCF practices.
Bacterial type VII secretion: An important player in host‐microbe and microbe‐microbe interactions
Authors: Tran Hiu‐Ki R. , Grebenc Dirk W. , Klein Timothy A. , Whitney John C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractType VII secretion systems (T7SSs) are poorly understood protein export apparatuses found in mycobacteria and many species of Gram‐positive bacteria. To date, this pathway has predominantly been studied in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, where it has been shown to play an essential role in virulence; however, much less studied is an evolutionarily divergent subfamily of T7SSs referred to as the T7SSb. The T7SSb is found in the major Gram‐positive phylum Firmicutes where it was recently shown to target both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, suggesting a dual role for this pathway in host‐microbe and microbe‐microbe interactions. In this review, we compare the current understanding of the molecular architectures and substrate repertoires of the well‐studied mycobacterial T7SSa systems to that of recently characterized T7SSb pathways and highlight how these differences may explain the observed biological functions of this understudied protein export machine.