bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell memory*
Authors: Lau Colleen M. , Wiedemann Gabriela M. , Sun Joseph C. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractImmunological memory is the underlying mechanism by which the immune system remembers previous encounters with pathogens to produce an enhanced secondary response upon re‐encounter. It stands as the hallmark feature of the adaptive immune system and the cornerstone of vaccine development. Classic recall responses are executed by conventional T and B cells, which undergo somatic recombination and modify their receptor repertoire to ensure recognition of a vast number of antigens. However, recent evidence has challenged the dogma that memory responses are restricted to the adaptive immune system, which has prompted a reevaluation of what delineates “immune memory.” Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system have been at the forefront of these pushed boundaries, and have proved to be more “adaptable” than previously thought. Like T cells, we now appreciate that their “natural” abilities actually require a myriad of signals for optimal responses. In this review, we discuss the many signals required for effector and memory NK cell responses and the epigenetic mechanisms that ultimately endow their enhanced features.
Silencing and activating anergic B cells*
Authors: Tanaka Shinya , Ise Wataru , Baba Yoshihiro , Kurosaki Tomohiro 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDespite the existence of central tolerance mechanisms, including clonal deletion and receptor editing to eliminate self‐reactive B cells, moderately self‐reactive cells still survive in the periphery (about 20% of peripheral B cells). These cells normally exist in a functionally silenced state called anergy; thus, anergy has been thought to contribute to tolerance by active‐silencing of potentially dangerous B cells. However, a positive rationale for the existence of these anergic B cells has recently been suggested by discoveries that broadly neutralizing antibodies for HIV and influenza virus possess poly‐ and/or auto‐reactivity. Given the conundrum of generating inherent holes in the immune repertoire, retaining weakly self‐reactive BCRs on anergic B cells could allow these antibodies to serve as an effective defense against pathogens, particularly in the case of pathogens that mimic forbidden self‐epitopes to evade the host immune system. Thus, anergic B cells should be brought into a silenced or activated state, depending on their contexts. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of how the anergic B cell state is controlled in B cell–intrinsic and B cell–extrinsic ways.
Catheter ablation versus medical therapy for atrial fibrillation: Penny‐wise Pound‐foolish
Authors: Kowlgi Gurukripa N. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCatheter ablation for atrial fibrillation has emerged as a mainstay for the management of atrial fibrillation. It has been shown to be clinically effective and cost‐effective in multiple trials.
Characteristics and outcomes of ventricular tachycardia and premature ventricular contractions ablation in patients with prior mitral valve surgery
Authors: Khalil Fouad , Toya Takumi , Madhavan Malini , Badawy Mohamed , Ahmad Ali , Kapa Suraj , Mulpuru Siva K. , Siontis Konstantinos C. , DeSimone Christopher V. , Deshmukh Abhishek J. , Cha Yong‐Mei , Friedman Paul A. , Munger Thomas , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Killu Ammar M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundData regarding ventricular tachycardia (VT) or premature ventricular complex (PVC) ablation following mitral valve surgery (MVS) is limited. Catheter ablation (CA) can be challenging given perivalvular substrate in the setting of mitral annuloplasty or prosthetic valves.ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics, safety, and outcomes of radiofrequency CA in patients with prior MVS and ventricular arrhythmias (VA).MethodsWe identified consecutive patients with prior MVS who underwent CA for VT or PVC between January 2013 and December 2018. We investigated the mechanism of arrhythmia, ablation approach, peri‐operative complications, and outcomes.ResultsIn our cohort, 31 patients (77% men, mean age 62.3 ± 10.8 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 39.2 ± 13.9%) with prior MVS underwent CA (16 VT; 15 PVC). Access to the left ventricle was via transseptal approach in 17 patients, and a retrograde aortic approach was used in 13 patients. A combined transseptal and retrograde aortic approach was used in one patient, and a percutaneous epicardial approach was combined with trans‐septal approach in one patient. Heterogenous scar regions were present in 94% of VT patients and scar‐related reentry was the dominant mechanism of VT. Forty‐seven percent of PVC patients had abnormal substrate at the site targeted for ablation. Clinical VA substrates involved the peri‐mitral area in six patients with VT and five patients with PVC ablation. No procedure‐related complications were reported. The overall recurrence‐free rate at 1‐year was 72.2%; 67% in the VT group and 78% in the PVC group. No arrhythmia‐related death was documented on long‐term follow‐up.ConclusionCA of VAs can be performed safely and effectively in patients with MVS.
From an Ordoliberal idea to a Social‐Democratic ideal? The European Parliament and the institutionalization of ‘social market economy’ in the European Union (1957‐2007)
Authors: Canihac Hugo , Laruffa Francesco 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper explores how ‘social market economy’ became a quasi‐constitutional principle of the EU, highlighting the crucial role played in this process by the European Parliament. Based on multiple archival sources, we show that social market economy came to function as a limited repertoire: While it was advocated for various reasons by different actors, increasingly including social‐democrats, it nevertheless also solidified certain ways of conceiving the EU and its economic model. So doing, this article not only illuminates the role of the EP in the definition of a constitutionalized economic model for the EU; it also challenges the view of Europeanization as the progressive convergence around national preexisting models. Finally, two paradoxes emerge from the analysis: while supporters of the discourse of social market economy aimed at promoting the European social dimension and at addressing the EU democratic deficit, the adoption of this principle may have actually contributed to the subordination of both the ‘social’ and the ‘political’ to the ‘economic’.
Platform price parity clauses and market segmentation
Authors: Calzada Joan , Manna Ester , Mantovani Andrea 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPrice parity clauses (PPCs) are widely adopted by online platforms to force client sellers not to lower their prices elsewhere. We investigate under what conditions online travel agencies (OTAs) decide to apply PPCs, and how this affects hotels' listing decisions on OTAs. We find OTAs adopt PPCs when there is a sufficiently large competitive pressure in the market, either between OTAs, or between hotels (or both). PPCs allow OTAs to charge higher commission fees to hotels, which can respond by delisting from certain OTAs, thereby segmenting the market. We also find that consumers and hotels generally lose out with PPCs.
Adherence to colonoscopy in cascade screening of colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Weimiao , Huang Junjie , Yang Yihui , Gu Kai , Luu Hung N , Tan Songsong , Yang Chen , Fu Jiongxing , Bao Pingping , Ying Tao , Withers Mellissa , Mao Dandan , Chen Sikun , Gong Yangming , Wong Martin C S , Xu Wanghong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aims to systematically evaluate adherence to colonoscopy and related factors in cascade screening of colorectal cancer (CRC) among average‐risk populations, which is crucial to achieve the effectiveness of CRC screening.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for studies published in English up to October 16, 2020, and reporting the adherence to colonoscopy following positive results of initial screening tests. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was applied to estimate pooled adherence and 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis and mixed‐effects meta‐regression analysis were performed to evaluate heterogeneous factors for adherence level.ResultsA total of 245 observational and 97 experimental studies were included and generated a pooled adherence to colonoscopy of 76.6% (95% confidence interval: 74.1–78.9) and 80.4% (95% confidence interval: 77.2–83.1), respectively. The adherence varied substantially by calendar year of screening, continents, CRC incidence, socioeconomic status, recruitment methods, and type of initial screening tests, with the initial tests as the most modifiable heterogeneous factor for adherence across both observational (Q = 162.6, P < 0.001) and experimental studies (Q = 23.2, P < 0.001). The adherence to colonoscopy was at the highest level when using flexible sigmoidoscopy as an initial test, followed by using guaiac fecal occult blood test, quantitative or qualitative fecal immunochemical test, and risk assessment. The pooled estimate of adherence was positively associated with specificity and positive predictive value of initial screening tests, but negatively with sensitivity and positivity rate.ConclusionsColonoscopy adherence is at a low level and differs by study‐level characteristics of programs and populations. Initial screening tests with high specificity or positive predictive value may be followed by a high adherence to colonoscopy.
The effect of religiosity on customer's response to service failure: Belief‐in‐fate, forgiveness, and emotional wellbeing
Authors: Sarofim Samer , Tolba Ahmed , Kalliny Morris 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis research investigates the effect of religiosity on customers' response to service failure. In three studies, the authors provided evidence to the mediating role of belief‐in‐fate in explaining the effects of religiosity on customers' responses after service failure. The overall model religiosity → belief‐in‐fate → forgiveness → emotional well‐being is investigated in non‐social (study 1) and social (study 2) contexts of service failure. Religiosity corresponded with higher levels of belief‐in‐fate, leading to lower levels of customers' dissatisfaction (study 1) and higher levels of customer's forgiveness (study 2), both leading to a positive significant effect on consumers' emotional well‐being. To test the robustness of the model, religiosity was both measured (studies 1 and 2) and manipulated (study 3). Additionally, the moderating effect of interpersonal justice was ruled out (study 3). The effect of religiosity on belief‐in‐fate and forgiveness was not moderated by interpersonal justice. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
MRI and MR angiography evaluation of pulsatile tinnitus: A focused, physiology‐based protocol
Authors: Cummins Daniel D. , Caton Michael T. , Shah Vinil , Meisel Karl , Glastonbury Christine , Amans Matthew R. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposePulsatile tinnitus (PT) is the subjective sensation of a pulse‐synchronous sound, most often due to a cerebrovascular etiology. PT can severely impact quality of life and may indicate a life‐threatening process, yet a timely and accurate diagnosis can often lead to effective treatment. Clinical assessment with a history and physical examination can often suggest a diagnosis for PT, but is rarely definitive. Therefore, PT should be evaluated with a comprehensive and targeted radiographic imaging protocol. MR imaging provides a safe and effective means to evaluate PT. Specific MR sequences may be used to highlight different elements of cerebrovascular anatomy and physiology. However, routine MR evaluation of PT must comply with economic and practical constraints, while effectively capturing both common and rarer, life‐threatening etiologies of PT.MethodsIn this state‐of‐the‐art review, we describe our institutional MR protocol for evaluating PT.ResultsThis protocol includes the following dedicated sequences: time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography; arterial spin labeling; spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state; time‐resolved imaging of contrast kinetics; diffusion weighted imaging, and 3‐dimensional fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery.ConclusionsWe describe the physiologic and clinical rationale for including each MR sequence in a comprehensive PT imaging protocol, and detail the role of MR within the broader evaluation of PT, from clinical presentation to treatment.
Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of rice false smut pathogen in North India using molecular markers
Authors: Masurkar Prahlad , Bag Manas Kumar , Ray Anuprita , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Baite Mathew S. , Rath Prakash Chandra 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFalse smut, caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, is one of the emerging diseases of rice in the world. The fungi show a high degree of morphological and cultural variability and produce diverse symptoms. India is a vast country with 44‐million‐ha rice production area and has only one report on genetic diversity and population analysis of U. virens from the eastern and north‐eastern region. Ten polymorphic RAPD and 21 SSR markers were used to analyse the genetic diversity and population structure of 81 isolates of U. virens from northern India, the second largest rice‐growing region. In this study, higher Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) and Quality Nature of Data (QND) data in simple‐sequence repeats (SSR) markers over random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) revealed its higher efficacy; thus, SSR markers are highly informative and can help to dissect the genetic structures of U. virens. All markers yielded a total of 180 alleles with 1.0 effective alleles per loci. Genetic diversity ranged from 0.1 to 0.39. The principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and structure analysis identified two genetic clusters of U. virens isolates with some degree of distinctness according to locations. But clusters, PCoA and structure analysis did not group the isolates according to their geographical origin and this may be due to high gene flow (Nm = 1.14).
LncRNA LOXL1‐AS1 inhibits proliferation of PDLSCs and downregulates IL‐1β in periodontitis patients
Authors: Ruan Danping , Wu Chunyun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe carcinogenic role of lncRNA LOXL1‐AS1 in thoracic aortic aneurysm has been confirmed, but its role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis remains unclear. Our preliminary deep sequencing data revealed LOXL1‐AS1 downregulation in periodontitis and its inverse correlation with IL‐1β, a critical inflammatory mediator in periodontitis. This study was therefore performed to investigate the potential interaction between LOXL1‐AS1 and IL‐1β in periodontitis.MethodsThe study included 30 periodontitis patients (18 males and 12 females at the age of 34 to 44 years, with a mean of 39.3 ± 2.1 years) and 30 healthy controls (18 males and 12 females at the age of 33 to 44 years with a mean of 39.2 ± 2.0 years). The effects of LOXL1‐AS1 overexpression on IL‐1β were evaluated by RT‐qPCR and Western blot. CCK‐8 assay was used to analyze cell proliferation.ResultsLOXL1‐AS1 was downregulated in periodontitis‐affected periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) compared with healthy PDLSCs, while IL‐1β was upregulated in periodontitis‐affected PDLSCs and was inversely correlated with LOXL1‐AS1. LOXL1‐AS1 overexpression mediated IL‐1β downregulation in PDLSCs. IL‐1β treatment did not affect LOXL1‐AS1 expression. Moreover, LOXL1‐AS1 overexpression inhibited the proliferation of periodontitis‐affected PDLSCs. LOXL1‐AS1 overexpression and IL‐1β knockdown increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and caspase‐3 level.ConclusionThis study is the first to report LOXL1‐AS1 downregulation in periodontitis. Moreover, LOXL1‐AS1 might inhibit the proliferation of periodontitis‐affected PDLSCs and downregulate IL‐1β to improve periodontitis.
Rice stripe virus activates the bZIP17/28 branch of the unfolded protein response signalling pathway to promote viral infection
Authors: Li Chenyang , Zhang Tianze , Liu Yu , Li Zongdi , Wang Yaqin , Fu Shuai , Xu Yi , Zhou Tong , Wu Jianxiang , Zhou Xueping 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe unfolded protein response (UPR) plays important roles in plant virus infection. Our previous study has proved that rice stripe virus (RSV) infection elicits host UPR. However, the mechanism on how the UPR is triggered upon RSV infection remains obscure. Here, we show that the bZIP17/28 branch of the UPR signalling pathway is activated upon RSV infection in Nicotiana benthamiana. We found that membrane‐associated proteins NSvc2 and NSvc4 encoded by RSV are responsible for the activation of the bZIP17/28 branch. Ectopic expression of NSvc2 or NSvc4 in plant leaves induced the proteolytic processing of NbbZIP17/28 and up‐regulated the expression of UPR‐related genes. Silencing NbbZIP17/28 significantly inhibited RSV infection. We show that RSV can specifically elicit the UPR through the bZIP17/28 branch, thus promoting virus infection of N. benthamiana plants.
The end of the dialectical symbiosis of national and tribal identities in Syria
Authors: Dukhan Haian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSince the 1970s, the Syrian regime has been attempting to build a ‘Syrian national identity’ to promote identification with the Syrian state (al hawiyya al‐wataniyya) while concurrently following policies of survival and legitimisation, to preclude suppressing tribal identity (al hawiyya al‐asha'rya). The regime instead fostered tribal identity and relied on it when confronting internal and external challenges. The Syrian regime's policies aimed to empower tribal identity, while seeking to manipulate this perception for its own ends. As a result, tribal and national identities have been integrated in a relatively harmonious way for three decades. The economic liberalisation project that Bashar al‐Assad pursued, however, disturbed the delicate balance that Hafez al‐Assad had constructed between the national and tribal identities. In the wake of the Syrian uprising, it has become clear that tribal identity was a significant element in the conflict that engulfed the country, shaping local politics and influencing social dynamics in north eastern Syria and parts of the south. Over the past few years, tribal identity has become a powerful form of expression in Syria, which is increasingly evolving to replace its national counterpart. This paper will use a constructivist approach, which argues that tribal identity has its roots in the origins of the tribes but has been subject to external manipulation by political actors in their struggles for power. In Syria, as in other states, such actions carry the risk of civil war, precipitating degrees of state failure (Hashemi, 2015) in which the tribal and national identities clash.
Adverse Tissue Reactions and Metal Ion Behavior After Small‐Head Metasul Hip Arthroplasty: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Ishida Tsunehito , Tateiwa Toshiyuki , Takahashi Yasuhito , Nishikawa Yohei , Shishido Takaaki , Masaoka Toshinori , Yamamoto Kengo 
Published: December 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the long‐term survivorship, incidence of adverse reactions to metal debris (ARMD), and metal ion behavior in patients who underwent small‐head Metasul metal‐on‐metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA).MethodsBetween February 1998 and September 2003, a retrospective study was performed on 43 consecutive patients (43 hips) who underwent unilateral cementless Metasul MoM THAs at our institution. Of them, 35 patients (nine males and 26 females) who were available for follow‐up more than 15 years after THA were enrolled in this study and underwent metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging (MARS‐MRI) to identify ARMD. The mean age at surgery of the patients was 59.7 years old (range, 31–83). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical examinations were conducted using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Serum cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) ion levels and Co/Cr ratio were assessed at different postoperative periods of <5, 5–10, 11–14, and ≥15 years.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period for the 35 patients included was 18.1 years (range, 15–22). The mean HHS significantly improved from 44.6 ± 11.3 points preoperatively to 89.4 ± 7.9 points at the final follow‐up (P < 0.0001). ARMD was found in 20% of the patients using MARS‐MRI. No signs of stem loosening were found clinically or radiographically, whereas cup loosening and ARMD were observed in three patients (9%), for whom revision THAs were performed. The Kaplan–Meier survival rates with revision for any reason as the endpoint were 90.9% at 5 years, 84.8% at 10 years, 84.8% at 15 years (95% CI, 67.1–93.6), and 70.3% at 20 years (95% CI, 43.6–87.0). The survival rates with revision for ARMD as the endpoint were 100% at 5 years, 96.6% at 10 years, 96.6% at 15 years (95% CI, 77.2–99.7), and 80.1% at 20 years (95% CI, 45.3–95.2). Serum Co ion level peaked at 5–10 years after THA, which was significantly higher than that <5 years; however, it decreased to the initial level after 15 years. In contrast, serum Cr ion level significantly increased at 5–10 years and then remained almost constant. Significant differences in Cr ion levels (1.0 vs 2.0 μg/L, P = 0.024) and Co/Cr ratio (1.3 vs 0.9, P = 0.037) were found between non‐ARMD and ARMD patients at >11 years postoperatively.ConclusionOur results suggest that increased Cr ion levels and decreased Co/Cr ratio may be signs of ARMD in patients who underwent small‐head Metasul MoM THA.
Runners with mid‐portion Achilles tendinopathy have greater triceps surae intracortical inhibition than healthy controls
Authors: Fernandes Gabriel L. , Orssatto Lucas B. R. , Shield Anthony J. , Trajano Gabriel S. 
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and muscle function in the triceps surae of runners with mid‐portion Achilles tendinopathy (AT).MethodsRunners with (n = 11) and without (n = 13) AT were recruited. Plantar flexor isometric peak torque and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. Triceps surae endurance was measured as single‐leg heel raise (SLHR) to failure test. SICI was assessed using paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation during a sustained contraction at 10% of plantar flexor isometric peak torque.ResultsTriceps surae SICI was 14.3% (95% CI: −2.1 to 26.4) higher in AT than in the control group (57.9%, 95% CI: 36.2 to 79.6; and 43.6% 95% CI: 16.2 to 71.1, p = 0.032) irrespective of the tested muscle. AT performed 16 (95% CI: 7.9 to 23.3, p < 0.001) fewer SLHR repetitions on the symptomatic side compared with controls, and 14 (95% CI: 5.8 to 22.0, p = 0.004), fewer SLHR repetitions on the non‐symptomatic compared with controls. We found no between‐groups differences in isometric peak torque (p = 0.971) or RTD (p = 0.815).PerspectiveOur data suggest greater intracortical inhibition for the triceps surae muscles for the AT group accompanied by reduced SLHR endurance, without deficits in isometric peak torque or RTD. The increased SICI observed in the AT group could be negatively influencing triceps surae endurance; thus, rehabilitation aiming to reduce intracortical inhibition should be considered to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, SLHR is a useful clinical tool to assess plantar flexor function in AT patients.