bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The inflammatory speech of fibroblasts
Authors: Schuster Ronen , Rockel Jason S. , Kapoor Mohit , Hinz Boris 
Published: May 2021

AbstractActivation of fibroblasts is a key event during normal tissue repair after injury and the dysregulated repair processes that result in organ fibrosis. To most researchers, fibroblasts are rather unremarkable spindle‐shaped cells embedded in the fibrous collagen matrix of connective tissues and/or deemed useful to perform mechanistic studies with adherent cells in culture. For more than a century, fibroblasts escaped thorough classification due to the lack of specific markers and were treated as the leftovers after all other cells have been identified from a tissue sample. With novel cell lineage tracing and single cell transcriptomics tools, bona fide fibroblasts emerge as only one heterogeneous sub‐population of a much larger group of partly overlapping cell types, including mesenchymal stromal cells, fibro‐adipogenic progenitor cells, pericytes, and/or perivascular cells. All these cells are activated to contribute to tissue repair after injury and/or chronic inflammation. “Activation” can entail various functions, such as enhanced proliferation, migration, instruction of inflammatory cells, secretion of extracellular matrix proteins and organizing enzymes, and acquisition of a contractile myofibroblast phenotype. We provide our view on the fibroblastic cell types and activation states playing a role during physiological and pathological repair and their crosstalk with inflammatory macrophages. Inflammation and fibrosis of the articular synovium during rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are used as specific examples to discuss inflammatory fibroblast phenotypes. Ultimately, delineating the precursors and functional roles of activated fibroblastic cells will contribute to better and more specific intervention strategies to treat fibroproliferative and fibrocontractive disorders.
Exploring latent states of problem‐solving competence using hidden Markov model on process data
Authors: Xiao Yue , He Qiwei , Veldkamp Bernard , Liu Hongyun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe response process of problem‐solving items contains rich information about respondents' behaviours and cognitive process in the digital tasks, while the information extraction is a big challenge. The aim of the study is to use a data‐driven approach to explore the latent states and state transitions underlying problem‐solving process to reflect test‐takers' behavioural patterns, and to investigate how these states and state transitions could be associated with test‐takers' performance. We employed the Hidden Markov Modelling approach to identify test takers' hidden states during the problem‐solving process and compared the frequency of states and/or state transitions between different performance groups. We conducted comparable studies in two problem‐solving items with a focus on the US sample that was collected in PIAAC 2012, and examined the correlation between those frequencies from two items. Latent states and transitions between them underlying the problem‐solving process were identified and found significantly different by performance groups. The groups with correct responses in both items were found more engaged in tasks and more often to use efficient tools to solve problems, while the group with incorrect responses was found more likely to use shorter action sequences and exhibit hesitative behaviours. Consistent behavioural patterns were identified across items. This study demonstrates the value of data‐driven based HMM approach to better understand respondents' behavioural patterns and cognitive transmissions underneath the observable action sequences in complex problem‐solving tasks.
Efficacy and safety of topical isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol (Thiamidol) vs. 4% hydroquinone cream for facial melasma: an evaluator‐blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lima P.B. , Dias J.A.F. , Cassiano D.P. , Esposito A.C.C. , Miot L.D.B. , Bagatin E. , Miot H.A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundMelasma can be refractory to treatment, and relapses are frequent. Thiamidol is a new potent tyrosinase inhibitor that has been found effective as a cosmeceutical for the depigmenting of melasma.ObjectiveThis study compared the efficacy and tolerability of topical 0.2% Thiamidol vs. 4% hydroquinone for facial melasma.MethodsFifty women with facial melasma participated in a randomized, evaluator‐blinded, controlled study from September through November 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to apply a double layer of 0.2% Thiamidol twice a day or 4% hydroquinone cream at bedtime, for 90 days. Both groups received tinted sunscreen (sun protection factor 60, PPD 20). The primary outcome was the change from the baseline Modified Melasma Area Seve:rity Index (mMASI) score. Secondary outcomes were improvements in the patients’ quality of life [Melasma Quality of Life Index (MELASQoL)], colourimetry, and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) evaluation.ResultsOne participant, from the hydroquinone group, did not complete the study (unrelated to adverse effects). The mean (SD) age of the participants was 43 (6) years, and 86% were phototypes III–IV. Both groups exhibited a reduction in mMASI, MELASQoL, and colour contrast scores (P < 0.01). The mean [95% confidence interval (CI 95%)] reductions of the mMASI scores were 43% (35–50%) for Thiamidol and 33% (23–42%) for hydroquinone. There was no difference between the groups in the reductions in mMASI, MELASQoL, colourimetric contrast and GAIS scores (P ≥ 0.09). The GAIS analysis resulted in an improvement of 84% (CI: 95% 67–97%) for participants in the Thiamidol group and 74% (CI: 95% 61–93%) for those in the hydroquinone group. There were only mild adverse effects in the Thiamidol group, but allergic contact dermatitis was evidenced in two (8%) participants.ConclusionThe melasma improvement achieved using 0.2% Thiamidol did not differ from that of 4% hydroquinone cream. Thiamidol can be considered a suitable option for melasma patients with poor tolerability or treatment failure with hydroquinone.
Development of multi‐component non‐sex pheromone blends to monitor both sexes of Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Preti Michele , Knight Alan Lee , Mujica María Valentina , Basoalto Esteban , Larsson Herrera Sebastian , Tasin Marco , Angeli Sergio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNineteen host plant volatiles (HPVs) were screened for attractivity to adult codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) as a fourth component of core blends (3K) including (E,Z)‐2,4‐ethyl decadienoate, (E)‐4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene and acetic acid. Each new quaternary combination was compared with a previously reported attractive bisexual lure (4K), consisting of the 3K blend plus 6‐ethenyl‐2,2,6‐trimethyloxan‐3‐ol (pyranoid linalool oxide, pyrLOX). All lure evaluations were conducted in apple, Malus domestica (Borkhausen). Several compounds were found to significantly lower total and/or female catches when added to the 3K blend, including (Z)‐3‐hexenol, (E)‐2‐hexanal and hexyl butanoate (female and total moths), and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate and linalool (female moths). Other compounds when added to the 3K blend did not increase or decrease moth catches, including methyl salicylate, (E)‐β‐ocimene, limonene, β‐caryophyllene, butyl hexanoate, farnesol, terpineol, terpinen‐4‐ol and α‐pinene. A few added compounds significantly increased moth catches compared with the 3K blend, including β‐pinene (male moths), (Z)‐jasmone (male and total moths), (E)‐β‐farnesene and β‐myrcene (female and total moths), and (E,E)‐α‐farnesene (male, female, and total moths). In addition, each of these five compounds when added to the 3K core blend performed similarly to the 4K lure (male, females, and total moths). Further studies should expand these results through tests of these and other new blends with a range of component ratios and total loading amounts. Field trials should also be replicated within all host crops of codling moth and across major geographical production regions.
The increasing importance of Vermamoebavermiformis
Authors: Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Makhlouf Zinb , Khan Naveed Ahmed 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVermamoeba vermiformis are one of the most prevalent free‐living amoebae. These amoebae are ubiquitous and also thermotolerant. Of concern, V. vermiformis have been found in hospital water networks. Furthermore, associations between V. vermiformis and pathogenic bacteria have been reported, such as Legionella pneumophila. Moreover, V. vermiformis are well known to host viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms and cases of keratitis due to V. vermiformis in conjunction with other amoebae have been reported. Despite the preceding, the medical importance of V. vermiformis is still an ongoing discussion and its genome has been only recently sequenced. Herein, we present a review of the current understanding of the biology and pathogenesis pertaining to V. vermiformis, as well as its’ role as an etiological agent and trojan horse. An approach known as theranostics which combines both diagnosis and therapy could be utilized to eradicate and diagnose keratitis cases caused by such amoebae. Given the rise in global warming, it is imperative to investigate these rarely studied amoebae and to understand their importance in human health.
The food safety knowledge of street food vendors and the sanitary compliance of their vending facilities, Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Oladipo‐Adekeye Oluwakemi Taiwo , Tabit Frederick Tawi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe inadequate food safety knowledge of street food vendors has proved to be an obstacle in ensuring the safety of street food. The aim of this study was to assess the food safety knowledge of street food vendors in Johannesburg, South Africa, and to evaluate both the compliance of their street food vending facilities with food safety regulations and the monitoring of these facilities. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in which data was collected from 315 street food vendors and 155 street food vending facilities. The majority (61.3%) of the street food vendors were female, and most (64.1%) had not attended a food safety training course. Only a few (12.1%) of the vendors knew the correct minimum internal cooking temperature for stuffed chicken, while 40% knew the correct temperature for cold storage and 39% the correct temperature for hot storage of ready‐to‐eat foods. Most (52%) of the street food vendors had moderate food safety knowledge, while most of the street food vending facilities (68.3%) had been inspected by health inspectors. The overall food safety knowledge of street food vendors in the Johannesburg metropole was moderate and both the level of compliance with food safety regulations and monitoring by authorities were satisfactory. However, street food vendors possessed inadequate knowledge concerning internal cooking temperatures as well as the appropriate hot and cold storage temperature for ready‐to‐eat foods. More training is required to ensure that street food vendors improve their food safety knowledge.
Associations between diet quality scores and central obesity among adults in Puerto Rico
Authors: Riseberg Emily , Tamez Martha , Tucker Katherine L. , Rodriguez Orengo José F. , Mattei Josiemer 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdults in Puerto Rico experience an excessive burden of central obesity. It remains unknown which dietary components are more strongly associated with central obesity in this high‐risk group. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of the Mediterranean diet (MeDS) and Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI) with central obesity in the Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle and Diseases (PRADLAD) cross‐sectional study.MethodsData from PRADLAD participants (ages 30‐75 years) were used (n = 166). Dietary intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. The MeDS [nine components; range: 0 (lowest) to 9 (highest observance of a Mediterranean‐like diet)] and AHEI [11 components; range: 0 (lowest) to 110 (highest diet quality)] were defined. Daily intake of foods and beverages within each MeDS component was ranked by contribution to total energy intake. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between MeDS and AHEI with central obesity (waist circumference > 102 cm males, > 88 cm females).ResultsMean ± SD MeDS was 4.46 ± 1.77 and AHEI was 60.2 ± 11.1. Traditional foods representative of the MeDS included potatoes, root vegetables, fruit juice, avocados, bread, oatmeal, beans, chicken, seafood, low‐fat milk, cheese, eggs and beer. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of central obesity were 0.78 (0.63–0.97) per unit increment of MeDS and 0.61 (0.42–0.90) per 10‐unit increment of AHEI.ConclusionsHigher adherence to MeDS or AHEI was associated with lower central obesity in adults in Puerto Rico. Consuming traditional foods reflecting these dietary patterns (i.e., Mediterranean‐like) may reduce central obesity in high‐risk populations.
A multi‐criteria decision‐making approach for assembling optimal powertrain technology portfolios in low GHG emission environments
Authors: Kellner Florian , Lienland Bernhard , Utz Sebastian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEnvironmental regulations force car manufacturers to renew the powertrain technology portfolio offered to the customer to comply with greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets. In turn, automotive companies face the task of identifying the “right” powertrain technology portfolio consisting of, for example, internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, because the selection of a particular powertrain technology portfolio affects different company targets simultaneously. What makes this decision even more challenging is that future market shares of the different technologies are uncertain. Our research presents a new decision‐support approach for assembling optimal powertrain technology portfolios while making decision‐makers aware of the trade‐offs between the achievable profit, the achievable market share, the market share risk, and the GHG emissions generated by the selected vehicle fleet. The proposed approach combines “a posteriori” decision‐making with multi‐objective optimization. In an application case, we feed the outlooks of selected market studies into the proposed decision‐support system. The result is a visualization and analysis of the current real‐world decision‐making problem faced by many automotive companies. Our findings indicate that for the proposed GHG restriction at work in 2030 in the European Union, no optimal powertrain technology portfolio with less than 35% of vehicles equipped with an electric motor exists.
Indispensable role of the oxytocin receptor for allogrooming toward socially distressed cage mates in female mice
Authors: Matsumoto Makiya , Yoshida Masahide , Jayathilake Buddhini Wimarsha , Inutsuka Ayumu , Nishimori Katsuhiko , Takayanagi Yuki , Onaka Tatsushi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSocial contact reduces stress responses in social animals. Mice have been shown to show allogrooming behaviour toward distressed conspecifics. However, the precise neuronal mechanisms underlying allogrooming behaviour remain unclear. In the present study, we examined whether mice show allogrooming behaviour towards distressed conspecifics in a social defeat model and we also determined whether oxytocin receptor‐expressing neurons were activated during allogrooming by examining the expression of c‐Fos protein, a marker of neurone activation. Mice showed allogrooming behaviour toward socially defeated conspecifics. After allogrooming behaviour, the percentages of oxytocin receptor‐expressing neurones expressing c‐Fos protein were significantly increased in the anterior olfactory nucleus, cingulate cortex, insular cortex, lateral septum and medial amygdala of female mice, suggesting that oxytocin receptor‐expressing neurones in these areas were activated during allogrooming behaviour toward distressed conspecifics. The duration of allogrooming was correlated with the percentages of oxytocin receptor‐expressing neurones expressing c‐Fos protein in the anterior olfactory nucleus, insular cortex, lateral septum and medial amygdala. In oxytocin receptor‐deficient mice, allogrooming behaviour toward socially defeated cage mates was markedly reduced in female mice but not in male mice, indicating the importance of the oxytocin receptor for allogrooming behaviour in female mice toward distressed conspecifics. The results suggest that the oxytocin receptor, possibly in the anterior olfactory nucleus, insular cortex, lateral septum and/or medial amygdala, facilitates allogrooming behaviour toward socially distressed familiar conspecifics in female mice.
68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/MRI and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET/MRI are superior to 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/CT for neuroendocrine tumour imaging
Authors: Jawlakh Hiba , Velikyan Irina , Welin Staffan , Sundin Anders 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe present study aimed to assess gadoxetate disodium contrast‐enhanced (CE) positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 68Ga‐DOTATOC and 11C‐5‐Hydroxy‐tryptophan (11C‐5‐HTP) in comparison with iodine CE 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/computed tomography (CT) for neuroendocrine tumour imaging. Detection rate and reader's confidence were evaluated for each separate image volume: CE‐CT, CE‐MRI including diffusion‐weighted imaging, 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET performed at PET/CT, 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET performed at PET/MRI and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET, and for the three combined hybrid examinations 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/MRI, 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET/MRI and 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/CT. In 11 patients, 255 lesions were depicted. 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET performed at PET/MRI depicted 72.5%, 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET performed at PET/CT depicted 62.7%, 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET depicted 68.2% and CE‐CT depicted 53% of lesions. 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET performed at PET/MRI (P < 0.001) and PET/CT (P = 0.02), 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET (P < 0.001) and MRI (P < 0.001) were superior to CT. 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/MRI and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET/MRI detected 92.5% and 92% of lesions, respectively, and both outperformed 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/CT (65%) (P < 0.001). For liver metastasis imaging, MRI alone was unsurpassed (P < 0.01) and 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/MRI and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET/MRI outperformed 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/CT (P < 0.001). For lymph node metastasis diagnosis, 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET performed at PET/MRI and PET/CT and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET detected 94%, 94% and 94% of lesions, respectively, and outperformed MRI and CE‐CT alone (P < 0.001). For bone metastasis imaging, 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET performed at PET/MRI and PET/CT and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET performed equally well (P = 0.05) and better than MRI. Reader's confidence was better for 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/MRI and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET/MRI than for 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/CT. The tumour maximum standardised uptake value and tumour‐to‐liver ratio were both approximately twice as high as for 68Ga‐DOTATOC than for 11C‐5‐HTP. 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/MRI and 11C‐5‐HTP‐PET/MRI provided the highest detection rates and reader's confidence and were both superior to 68Ga‐DOTATOC‐PET/CT, mainly because of the MRI component. The imaging contrast with 68Ga‐DOTATOC was superior to that of 11C‐5‐HTP.
Korean red ginseng induces extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways inMCF‐7 breast cancer cells andMCF‐10Anon‐malignant breast cells
Authors: Kim Hye In , Lee Inha , Jung Yeon Soo , Chon Seung Joo , Yun Bo Hyon , Seo Seok Kyo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAmong non‐hormonal treatments, herbal products are frequently used by women. Korean red ginseng (KRG) is one of the popular herbal medicines. KRG could be one option for relieving menopausal symptoms. However, there are still concerns about the safety for long‐term use. In order to be used for alleviating menopausal symptoms, the safety of KRG on breast must be ensured. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of KRG on breast cells.MethodsMCF‐7 and MCF‐10A cells were treated with different concentrations of KRG extracts for 48 h. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay, and apoptosis by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis‐related proteins was determined by western blot analysis and estrogen receptor (ER) affinity by ER binding assay.ResultsKRG extract inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of both MCF‐7 and MCF‐10A cells in dose‐dependent manner. KRG extract increased the expression of pro‐apoptotic proteins BAX, BAK, and BAD and decreased the expression of anti‐apoptotic proteins Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL in both cells. The expressions of Fas and FasL were increased in lower doses, but decreased in higher doses in both cells. Activities of caspase‐3, ‐8 and ‐9 increased in MCF‐10A, while caspase‐8 and ‐9 showed increase in MCF‐7. Competition of KRG to E2was significant in MCF‐7 as KRG dose increased, whereas ER binding was hardly shown in MCF‐10.ConclusionKRG induced apoptosis via extrinsic and intrinsic pathway in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells and MCF‐10A non‐malignant cells. KRG may be safely used with regard to breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women to reduce the vasomotor symptoms.
Toxigenic Microcystis aeruginosa (Cyanobacteria) affects the population growth of two common green microalgae: Evidence of other allelopathic metabolites different to cyanotoxins
Authors: Hernández‐Zamora Miriam , Santiago‐Martínez Elisa , Martínez‐Jerónimo Fernando 
Published: May 2021

Agriculture runoffs and discharge of wastewaters are the major causes of eutrophication. Although eutrophication could promote the thriving of any phytoplankter, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are dominated frequently by cyanobacteria. Currently, HABs dominated by the toxigenic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa in lakes and reservoirs are the main environmental concerns worldwide. This study aimed to determine how M. aeruginosa (Ma) modifies the population growth of Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (Ps) and Ankistrodesmus falcatus (Af). Growth kinetics were determined for each species and in the combinations: Ps–Ma, Af–Ma, Af–Ps, and Ps–Af–Ma. At the end of experiments, photosynthetic pigments, phycobiliproteins, and microcystins were quantified. A logistic equation significantly described the growth trend for all of the tested species, enabling the identification of negative effects on early stages in the population growth of co‐cultures with the cyanobacterium; in addition, the interaction effects on the growth rate and in the maximum attainable population density were determined. The biomasses of A. falcatus and P. subcapitata were significantly higher when cultured individually than in all of the combinations with the cyanobacterium. The concentrations of chlorophyll a and b, as well as carotenoids, were lower in combined cultures, but phycobiliprotein content in the cultures with M. aeruginosa was not significantly affected. Microcystis aeruginosa negatively affected the growth of the microalgae, but A. falcatus was significantly more inhibited than P. subcapitata; however, microcystin concentrations were significantly reduced in the co‐cultures with microalgae. These results could help to explain the displacements of microalgae when cyanobacteria are present, giving rise to cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic freshwaters.