bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combinations of peptides synergistically activate the regenerative capacity of skin cells in vitro
Authors: Flagler Michael J. , Tamura Makio , Laughlin Tim , Hartman Scott , Ashe Julie , Adams Rachel , Kozak Kim , Cresswell Kellen , Mullins Lisa , Jarrold Bradley B. , Isfort Robert J. , Sherrill Joseph D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo explore synergistic effects related to skin regeneration, peptides with distinct biological mechanisms of action were evaluated in combination with different skin cell lines in the presence or absence of niacinamide (Nam). Furthermore, the synergistic responses of peptide combinations on global gene expression were compared with the changes that occur with fractional laser resurfacing treatment, a gold standard approach for skin rejuvenation, to further define optimal peptide combinations.MethodsMicroarray profiling was used to characterize the biological responses of peptide combinations (+/− Nam) relative to the individual components in epidermal keratinocyte and dermal fibroblast cell lines. Cellular functional assays were utilized to confirm the synergistic effects of peptide combinations. Bioinformatics approaches were used to link the synergistic effects of peptide combinations on gene expression to the transcriptomics of the skin rejuvenation response from fractional laser treatment.ResultsMicroarray analysis of skin cells treated with peptide combinations revealed synergistic changes in gene expression compared with individual peptide controls. Bioinformatic analysis of synergy genes in keratinocytes revealed the activation of NRF2‐mediated oxidative stress responses by a combination of Ac‐PPYL, Pal‐KTTKS and Nam. Additional analysis revealed direct downstream transcriptional targets of NRF2/ARE exhibiting synergistic regulation by this combination of materials, which was corroborated by a cellular reporter assay. NRF2‐mediated oxidative stress response pathways were also found to be activated in the transcriptomics of the early skin rejuvenation response to fractional laser treatment, suggesting the importance of this biology in the early stages of tissue repair. Additionally, the second combination of peptides (pal‐KT and Ac‐PPYL) was found to synergistically restore cellular ATP levels that had been depleted due to the presence of ROS, indicating an additional mechanism, whereby peptide synergies may accelerate skin repair.ConclusionThrough combinatorial synergy studies, we have identified additional in vitro skin repair mechanisms beyond the previously described functions of individual peptides and correlated these to the transcriptomics of the skin rejuvenation response of fractional laser treatment. These findings suggest that specific peptides can act together, via complementary and synergistic mechanisms, to holistically enhance the regenerative capacity of in vitro skin cells.
What's in a message: A systemic functional analysis of cancer prevention messages
Authors: Jerome Collin , Ting Su‐Hie 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article provides some insights on how a particular reading from a theoretical framework can bring out details and problems with health communication posters. Using Michael Halliday's Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) framework, the article examines cancer prevention messages in cancer posters produced by the Ministry of Health Malaysia. The analysis shows that the posters organize and convey their intended messages through the realization of the three strands of meaning or metafunctions—the ideational, the interpersonal, and the textual—by drawing on the grammatical resources of the language used. Such meanings are created and expressed throughout the three main sections of the posters; the heading, the body of the text, and the signature line. Despite its practical limitations in particular linguistic contexts, the article shows that SFL is a useful tool for the analysis of Malaysia's cancer posters and how it can potentially provide a more nuanced understanding of the country's ongoing health risk communication initiatives.
Extraction and characterisation of pectin polysaccharide from soybean dreg and its dispersion stability in acidified milk drink
Authors: Zhang Dai‐Yu , Qi Jun‐Ru , Jiang Wen‐Xin , Liao Jin‐Song , Yang Xiao‐Quan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, pectin polysaccharide (SDPP) was obtained from soybean dreg (26.2% yield), and characteristics of SDPP were compared with those of soybean soluble polysaccharides (SSPS) and citrus pectin (HMP). The galacturonic acid and molecular weight of SSPS, SDPP or HMP were 11.8%, 40.6% or 70.2% and 112, 446, or 440 kDa. SDPP had similar viscosity and protein content to SSPS, and functional groups and linear structure to HMP. SSPS, SDPP or HMP differed in particle size of 260, 467 or 1195 nm and ζ–potential of −5.8, −14.6 or −23.5 mV at pH 4.0. The precipitation of acidified milk drink (AMD) was 6.31% without stabiliser or below 1.75% with 0.4% SDPP at pH 3.6–4.6. These results suggested that SDPP combines the structure and characteristic of HMP and SSPS, and AMD with SDPP had great stabilising behaviour at wider pH range (pH 3.6–4.6).
Gender and COVID‐19: Workers in global value chains
Authors: TEJANI Sheba , FUKUDA‐PARR Sakiko 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article presents a framework to analyse the gendered impact of COVID‐19 on workers in global value chains (GVCs) in the business process outsourcing, garment and electronics industries. Distinguishing between the health and lockdown effects of the pandemic, and between its supply‐ and demand‐related impacts, the authors' gendered analysis focuses on multidimensional aspects of well‐being, understands the economy as encompassing production and social reproduction spheres, and examines the social norms and structures of power that produce gender inequalities. Their findings suggest that the pandemic exposes and amplifies the existing vulnerabilities of women workers in GVCs.
Macrophages of different tissue origin exhibit distinct inflammatory responses to mycobacterial infection
Authors: Stevens Maxwell T , Nagaria Beatrice D , Britton Warwick J , Saunders Bernadette M 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMacrophages display marked plasticity with functions in both inflammation and tissue repair. Evidence demonstrates that this spectrum of macrophage phenotypes is influenced by their local microenvironment and tissue origin. However, in vitro macrophage experiments often do not or cannot readily use macrophages from the most relevant tissue of origin. This study investigated if the origin of two C57BL/6 mouse macrophage cell lines of alveolar (AMJ2‐C11) and peritoneal (IC‐21) origin may influence their response to mycobacterial infection. Both cell lines equally controlled the growth of Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, although the expression of all proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines measured (TNF, IL‐6, MCP‐1, MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, and RANTES) was significantly higher in AMJ2‐C11 cells than in IC‐21 cells. During M. tuberculosis infection, IL‐6, MCP‐1, and RANTES expression increased 5‐fold, and MIP‐1β expression increased 30‐fold. Additionally, AMJ2‐C11 cells exhibited significantly higher inducible nitric oxide synthase activity than IC‐21 cells, indicative of a more polarized M1 response. The expression of multiple surface markers was also assessed by flow cytometry. CD80 and CD86 were significantly upregulated in AMJ2‐C11 cells and downregulated in IC‐21 cells during M. tuberculosis infection. The results support the notion that the origin of tissue‐resident macrophages influences their phenotype and antimicrobial response and demonstrate hereto unrecognized potential for these cell lines in in vitro studies.
Contesting issues between Ethiopia and Sudan over the Gwynn Line: Authorisation and irregularities in the demarcation of the boundary
Authors: Engida Alemayehu Erkihun 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAs two old countries in Africa sharing a long stretch of boundary, Ethiopia and Sudan have been acting as strategic partners in maintaining a neighbourhood and regional security complex. Irrespective, the boundary problem has continued for more than a century and is still point of cooperation and dispute between the two countries. This paper examines the roots of the boundary tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan, divergent views between them over the demarcation made by Gwynn in 1903 and 1909, issues of authorisation, and limitations of the boundary line especially from the River Setit in the North to Mount Daglish, Quara. On the Ethiopian side, divergent views emanated from the territories left to the Sudanese side by Gwynn deflecting the line from the east to the west, disregarding terms signed between Menelik II and Harrington in May 1902. Successive regimes in Ethiopia have declined to recognise Gwenn's demarcation, arguing that the demarcation was unilaterally carried out by one side leaving resource‐rich areas to the Sudanese side. On contrary, the Sudanese have contradicting positions and argue for validation of the Gwynn line. Evidence for this study was collected from different state offices; in addition, elders who have been cultivating in the frontier territories for many years were exhaustively interviewed.
Defect engineering for reduced large AC signal dielectric loss of PZT‐based hard piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Wang Wugang , Liang Ruihong , Zhou Zhiyong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Dong Xianlin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA low dielectric loss value under large AC electric fields is highly desired for piezoelectric ceramics in high‐power applications. However, only a few reports have focused on studying or revealing the dielectric loss behavior and mechanism of piezoelectric ceramics under an AC electric field. In this work, x (Ca, Fe) co‐doped Pb0.96Sr0.04Zr0.53Ti0.47O3 (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 mol.%) hard piezoelectric ceramics (PSZT‐xCF) were selected for investigation. The lowest dielectric loss (@ E = 500 V mm−1) was 0.8% at x = 1.5 mol.% after aging for 30 days, which was a decrease by an order of magnitude compared with the counterpart pure PSZT. The origin of ultra‐low dielectric loss was thoroughly analyzed. Combined with Rayleigh's law, we investigated the reason behind the changes in dielectric permittivity under AC electric fields with aging time. The significant reduction in the contribution of extrinsic effect of domain wall motion dominated the reduction in dielectric loss because of the introduction of defect dipoles. This work provides a fundamental understanding of low dielectric loss piezoelectric ceramics under AC electric fields for high‐power applications.
Applications of analytical electron microscopy to guide the design of boron carbide
Authors: Marvel Christopher J. , Yang Qirong , Walck Scott D. , Xie Kelvin Y. , Behler Kristopher D. , LaSalvia Jerry C. , Watanabe Masashi , Haber Richard A. , Harmer Martin P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCompositional analysis of boron carbide on nanometer length scales to examine or interpret atomic mechanisms, for example, solid‐state amorphization or grain‐boundary segregation, is challenging. This work reviews advancements in high‐resolution microanalysis to characterize multiple generations of boron carbide. First, ζ‐factor microanalysis will be introduced as a powerful (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) analytical framework to accurately characterize boron carbide. Three case studies involving the application of ζ‐factor microanalysis will then be presented: (1) accurate stoichiometry determination of B‐doped boron carbide using ζ‐factor microanalysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy, (2) normalized quantification of silicon grain‐boundary segregation in Si‐doped boron carbide, and (3) calibration of a scanning electron microscope X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) system to measure compositional homogeneity differences of B/Si‐doped arc‐melted boron carbides in the as‐melted and annealed conditions. Overall, the improvement and application of advanced analytical tools have helped better understand processing–microstructure–property relationships and successfully manufacture high‐performance ceramics.
Multifunctional performance of Ti2AlC MAX phase/2D braided alumina fiber laminates
Authors: Gonzalez‐Julian Jesus , Kraleva Irina , Belmonte Manuel , Jung Fabian , Gries Thomas , Bermejo Raul 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe processing and characterization of laminates based on Ti2AlC MAX phase, as matrix, and triaxial alumina braids, as reinforcing phase, are presented. Ti2AlC powders with a mean particle size below 1 µm are synthesized, while commercial 3M Nextel 610 alumina fibers are braided in a three‐stage process consisting of spooling, braiding with an angle of 0° and ±60° and the separation to single‐layer fabric. The laminates are processed by layer‐by‐layer stacking, where 3 two‐dimensional alumina braids are interleaved between Ti2AlC layers, followed by full densification using a Field‐Assisted Sintering Technology/Spark Plasma Sintering. The multifunctional response of the laminates, as well as for the monolithic Ti2AlC, is evaluated, in particular, the thermal and electrical conductivity, the oxidation resistance, and the mechanical response. The laminates exhibit an anisotropic thermal and electrical behavior, and an excellent oxidation resistance at 1200℃ in air for a week. A relatively lower characteristic biaxial strength and Weibull modulus (i.e., σ0 = 590 MPa and m = 9) for the laminate compared to the high values measured in the monolithic Ti2AlC (i.e., σ0 = 790 MPa and m = 29) indicates the need but also the potential of optimizing MAX‐phase layered structures for multifunctional performance.
Projected climatic changes lead to biome changes in areas of previously constant biome
Authors: Huntley Brian , Allen Judy R. M. , Forrest Matthew , Hickler Thomas , Ohlemüller Ralf , Singarayer Joy S. , Valdes Paul J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimRecent studies in southern Africa identified past biome stability as an important predictor of biodiversity. We aimed to assess the extent to which past biome stability predicts present global biodiversity patterns, and the extent to which projected climatic changes may lead to eventual biome changes in areas with constant past biome.LocationGlobal.TaxonSpermatophyta; terrestrial vertebrates.MethodsBiome constancy was assessed and mapped using results from 89 dynamic global vegetation model simulations, driven by outputs of palaeoclimate experiments spanning the past 140 ka. We tested the hypothesis that terrestrial vertebrate diversity is predicted by biome constancy. We also simulated potential future vegetation, and hence potential future biome patterns, and quantified and mapped the extent of projected eventual future biome change in areas of past constant biome.ResultsApproximately 11% of global ice‐free land had a constant biome since 140 ka. Apart from areas of constant Desert, many areas with constant biome support high species diversity. All terrestrial vertebrate groups show a strong positive relationship between biome constancy and vertebrate diversity in areas of greater diversity, but no relationship in less diverse areas. Climatic change projected by 2100 commits 46%–66% of global ice‐free land, and 34%–52% of areas of past constant biome (excluding areas of constant Desert) to eventual biome change.Main conclusionsPast biome stability strongly predicts vertebrate diversity in areas of higher diversity. Future climatic changes will lead to biome changes in many areas of past constant biome, with profound implications for biodiversity conservation. Some projected biome changes will result in substantial reductions in biospheric carbon sequestration and other ecosystem services.
The circulatory small non‐coding RNA landscape in community‐acquired pneumonia on intensive care unit admission
Authors: Khan Hina N. , Jongejan Aldo , van Vught Lonneke A. , Horn Janneke , Schultz Marcus J. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Cremer Olaf L. , Bonten Marc J. , van der Poll Tom , Scicluna Brendon P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCommunity‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of sepsis. Despite several clinical trials targeting components of the inflammatory response, no specific treatment other than antimicrobial therapy has been approved. This argued for a deeper understanding of sepsis immunopathology, in particular factors that can modulate the host response. Small non‐coding RNA, for example, micro (mi)RNA, have been established as important modifiers of cellular phenotypes. Notably, miRNAs are not exclusive to the intracellular milieu but have also been detected extracellular in the circulation with functional consequences. Here, we sought to determine shifts in circulatory small RNA levels of critically ill patients with CAP‐associated sepsis and to determine the influence of clinical severity and causal pathogens on small RNA levels. Blood plasma was collected from 13 critically ill patients with sepsis caused by CAP on intensive care unit admission and from 5 non‐infectious control participants. Plasma small RNA‐sequencing identified significantly altered levels of primarily mature miRNAs in CAP relative to controls. Pathways analysis of high or low abundance miRNA identified various over‐represented cellular biological pathways. Analysis of small RNA levels against common clinical severity and inflammatory parameters indices showed direct and indirect correlations. Additionally, variance of plasma small RNA levels in CAP patients may be explained, at least in part, by differences in causal pathogens. Small nuclear RNA levels were specifically altered in CAP due to Influenza infection in contrast to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Pathway analysis of plasma miRNA signatures unique to Influenza or Streptococcus pneumoniae infections showed enrichment for specific proteoglycan, cell cycle, and immunometabolic pathways.
miRNA‐130b‐5p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and the development of liver fibrosis by suppressing SIRT4 expression
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Zeng , Wang Yirui , Li Xiangcheng , Yang Wenjie , Wei Song , Shi Chengyu , Qiu Jiannan , Ni Ming , Rao Jianhua , Cheng Feng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a progressive disease accompanied by the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Numerous reports have demonstrated that alterations in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) are related to liver disease. However, the effect of individual miRNAs on liver fibrosis has not been studied. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), being responsible for producing ECM, exert an important influence on liver fibrosis. Then, microarray analysis of non‐activated and activated HSCs induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) showed that miR‐130b‐5p expression was strongly up‐regulated during HSC activation. Moreover, the progression of liver fibrosis had a close connection with the expression of miR‐130b‐5p in different liver fibrosis mouse models. Then, we identified that there were specific binding sites between miR‐130b‐5p and the 3′ UTR of Sirtuin 4 (SIRT4) via a luciferase reporter assay. Knockdown of miR‐130b‐5p increased SIRT4 expression and ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice transfected with antagomiR‐130b‐5p oligos. In general, our results suggested that miR‐130b‐5p promoted HSC activation by targeting SIRT4, which participates in the AMPK/TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. Hence, regulating miR‐130b‐5p maybe serve as a crucial therapeutic treatment for hepatic fibrosis.
Secukinumab effects on disease burden, patient needs and benefits, and treatment satisfaction in patients with plaque psoriasis across European regions: patient perspective data from the PROSE study
Authors: da Silva N. , Sommer R. , Ortmann C.‐E. , Jagiello P. , Bachhuber T. , Augustin M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundCross‐cultural differences in healthcare policies and patient–physician communication may influence the quality of care and patients' perceived benefits and satisfaction with psoriasis treatment.ObjectivesTo compare the disease burden and patient needs at baseline, and patient benefits and satisfaction with secukinumab treatment across Europe.MethodsPROSE was an open‐label, prospective, non‐randomized, stratified multicentre study of 52 weeks of secukinumab treatment, in 16 European countries. Secondary analysis of the PROSE study data by European regions was performed to identify cross‐cultural differences in disease burden and patient needs at baseline, and in clinical improvement, patient‐reported treatment benefits and satisfaction at 52 weeks post‐treatment.ResultsAt baseline, Dermatology Life Quality Index impairment was reported to be greater in patients from Eastern Europe (EE: 15.4 ± 7.1) vs. Northern Europe (NE: 13.3 ± 6.7) and Western Europe (WE: 13.6 ± 6.9), but while differences were statistically significant (F‐test = 5.5,P < 0.001), their clinical significance is uncertain. There were no significant differences between regions in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index at baseline (F‐test = 1.6). There were considerable differences in patients' needs (Patient Need Questionnaire) between geographical regions, with WE focused more on reducing physical impairment [vs. Southern Europe (SE)/EE], EE on reducing social impairment (vs. NE/WE) and SE on reducing impairment due to therapy (vs. NE/WE). At Week 52, patients from EE reported more benefits (Patient Benefit Index) with secukinumab treatment (vs. WE/SE), while patients from NE reported higher global treatment satisfaction (vs. SE).ConclusionsDifferences in patients' needs and treatment satisfaction across Europe are likely a result of diverse medical systems, socio‐economic status and infrastructural access. A patient‐centred approach to treating psoriasis may fulfil patient needs and maximize treatment satisfaction. (NCT02752776).
Characteristics of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis who attended therapeutic patient education
Authors: Barbarot S. , Boralevi F. , Shourick J. , Sampogna F. , Mahé E. , Merhand S. , Bursztejn A.‐C. , Mallet S. , Ezzedine K. , Abasq C. , Taïeb C. , Lasek A. , Bodemer C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) has been demonstrated to be effective in AD in reducing disease severity and improving coping and quality of life.ObjectivesTo describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of children and adolescents with AD who had attended TPE sessions, as well as the characteristics of their parents, and compare them with those who did not attend TPE.MethodsParents of children with AD aged 6–17 years old were recruited from a representative sample of the French population contacted by e‐mail. Sociodemographic data and clinical information were collected in patients and parents. Clinical severity was assessed by parents using a proxy version of the Patient‐Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). Attendance to TPE sessions was assessed by the following question ‘did your child or one or both parents attended TPE for AD?’. Also, the number of sessions was recorded. Determinants of TPE attendance were evaluated by univariable and multivariable analyses.ResultsData were collected on 1063 parents and children with AD. A total of 131 (12.3%) children and/or parents attended TPE sessions. Most of them attended 2–5 TPE sessions. In that group, there were 85 boys (64.9%), and severity evaluated by POEM was mild in 29.8%, moderate in 52.7% and severe in 17.6% of patients. In the multivariable model, attending TPE sessions was significantly associated with sex of the child (boy vs. girl), consultation with a dermatologist or a paediatrician, high clinical severity and presence of AD in parents.ConclusionsDespite recommendations, the use of TPE in children with AD is still low in France. There is a need for implementing such programmes in the management of the disease, in particular when the disease is severe.