bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine‐induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) accelerates vascular remodelling via p53 and JAK2‐STAT3 regulation in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Han Joo‐Hui , Heo Kyung‐Sun , Myung Chang‐Seon 
Published: July 2021

Background and purposeAbnormal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration lead to neointima formation, which eventually results in cardiovascular hyperplastic diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying these cellular processes have not been fully understood. Cytokine‐induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) has been identified as an anti‐apoptotic molecule, but little is known about its target genes and related pathways in VSMC dysfunction or its clinical implication in neointima formation following vascular injury.Experimental approachDetermination, using loss/gain‐of‐function approaches by gene delivery, of whether CIAPIN1 modulates VSMC proliferation, migration and neointima formation and the underlying mechanisms was carried out. Balloon injury or ligation and local delivery of lentivirus were performed on rat or mouse carotid arteries. Rat aortic smooth muscle cells, the primary cell, was used as the model to evaluate the effect of CIAPIN1 on proliferation and migration.Key resultsCIAPIN1 was overexpressed in the neointimal region of rat arteries. CIAPIN1 deficiency markedly inhibited injury‐induced or ligation‐induced intimal hyperplasia and suppressed PDGF‐BB‐induced VSMC proliferation, migration and cell cycle progression, while overexpression promoted proliferation, migration and neointima formation. CIAPIN1 negatively regulated Tp53 transcription, which promoted cell cycle progression and migration via cyclin E1‐CDK2/pRb/PCNA and the MMP2 pathway. CIAPIN1 also increased JAK2 expression, enhancing JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation by vascular injury, which forced phenotypic switching from contractile to synthetic state in injured arteries.Conclusions and implicationsThese findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which CIAPIN1 regulates vascular remodelling and suggest a novel therapeutic target for treating vascular proliferative diseases.
Expanding insect pollinators in the Anthropocene
Authors: Ghisbain Guillaume , Gérard Maxence , Wood Thomas J. , Hines Heather M. , Michez Denis 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTGlobal changes are severely affecting pollinator insect communities worldwide, resulting in repeated patterns of species extirpations and extinctions. Whilst negative population trends within this functional group have understandably received much attention in recent decades, another facet of global changes has been overshadowed: species undergoing expansion. Here, we review the factors and traits that have allowed a fraction of the pollinating entomofauna to take advantage of global environmental change. Sufficient mobility, high resistance to acute heat stress, and inherent adaptation to warmer climates appear to be key traits that allow pollinators to persist and even expand in the face of climate change. An overall flexibility in dietary and nesting requirements is common in expanding species, although niche specialization can also drive expansion under specific contexts. The numerous consequences of wild and domesticated pollinator expansions, including competition for resources, pathogen spread, and hybridization with native wildlife, are also discussed. Overall, we show that the traits and factors involved in the success stories of expanding pollinators are mostly species specific and context dependent, rendering generalizations of ‘winning traits’ complicated. This work illustrates the increasing need to consider expansion and its numerous consequences as significant facets of global changes and encourages efforts to monitor the impacts of expanding insect pollinators, particularly exotic species, on natural ecosystems.
A comprehensive synthesis unveils the mysteries of phosphate‐solubilizing microbes
Authors: Li Jin‐tian , Lu Jing‐li , Wang Hong‐yu , Fang Zhou , Wang Xiao‐juan , Feng Shi‐wei , Wang Zhang , Yuan Ting , Zhang Sheng‐chang , Ou Shu‐ning , Yang Xiao‐dan , Wu Zhuo‐hui , Du Xiang‐deng , Tang Ling‐yun , Liao Bin , Shu Wen‐sheng , Jia Pu , Liang Jie‐Liang 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTPhosphate‐solubilizing microbes (PSMs) drive the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus (P) and hold promise for sustainable agriculture. However, their global distribution, overall diversity and application potential remain unknown. Here, we present the first synthesis of their biogeography, diversity and utility, employing data from 399 papers published between 1981 and 2017, the results of a nationwide field survey in China consisting of 367 soil samples, and a genetic analysis of 12986 genome‐sequenced prokaryotic strains. We show that at continental to global scales, the population density of PSMs in environmental samples is correlated with total P rather than pH. Remarkably, positive relationships exist between the population density of soil PSMs and available P, nitrate‐nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon in soil, reflecting functional couplings between PSMs and microbes driving biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and carbon. More than 2704 strains affiliated with at least nine archaeal, 88 fungal and 336 bacterial species were reported as PSMs. Only 2.59% of these strains have been tested for their efficiencies in improving crop growth or yield under field conditions, providing evidence that PSMs are more likely to exert positive effects on wheat growing in alkaline P‐deficient soils. Our systematic genetic analysis reveals five promising PSM genera deserving much more attention.
Immunosuppressive activity is attenuated by Astragalus polysaccharides through remodeling the gut microenvironment in melanoma mice
Authors: Ding Guiqing , Gong Qianyi , Ma Jinyun , Liu Xiaojun , Wang Yuanhua , Cheng Xiaodong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAstragalus polysaccharides (APS), the main effective component of Astragalus membranaceus, can inhibit tumor growth, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Previous studies have suggested that APS can regulate the gut microenvironment, including the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. In this work, our results showed that APS could control tumor growth in melanoma‐bearing mice. It could reduce the number of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC), as well as the expression of MDSC‐related molecule Arg‐1 and cytokines IL‐10 and TGF‐β, so that CD8+ T cells could kill tumor cells more effectively. However, while APS were administered with an antibiotic cocktail (ABX), MDSC could not be reduced, and the growth rate of tumors was accelerated. Consistent with the changes in MDSC, the serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐1β were lowest in the APS group. Meanwhile, we found that fecal suspension from mice in the APS group could also reduce the number of MDSC in tumor tissues. These results revealed that APS regulated the immune function in tumor‐bearing mice through remodeling the gut microbiota. Next, we focused on the results of 16S rRNA, which showed that APS significantly regulated most microorganisms, such as Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus. According to the Spearman analysis, the changes in abundance of these microorganisms were related to the increase of metabolites like glutamate and creatine, which could control tumor growth. The present study demonstrates that APS attenuate the immunosuppressive activity of MDSC in melanoma‐bearing mice by remodeling the gut microbiota and fecal metabolites. Our findings reveal the therapeutic potential of APS to control tumor growth.
Socioeconomic‐related inequality in dental care utilization among preschool children in China
Authors: Chang Qing , Gao Xiaoli , Xu Mengru , Zhang Chunzi , Du Shuo , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Xu Tao , Si Yan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate socioeconomic‐related inequality in dental care service utilization in the past 12 months among Chinese preschool children and to explore the contribution of various factors to this inequality.MethodA total of 40 305 children aged 3‐5 years from 372 kindergartens who participated in the Fourth National Oral Health Survey in China were included in the final analysis. The method of data weighting in complex sampling was adopted to make the samples more representative. Erreygers‐corrected concentration index (EI) was used to measure socioeconomic‐related inequality in dental care service utilization. The horizontal inequality index (HI) was employed to analyse horizontal inequality. Decomposition analyses were conducted to explore the contributions of income level, need variables (dmft, caregiver‐evaluated oral health status and toothache experience) and nonneed variables (caregiver education level, residential location, age, and sex) to the inequality of health service utilization.ResultThe utilization of oral health services within the past 12 months among the high‐, middle‐ and low‐income groups was 17.4% (95% CI: 15.6‐19.3), 13.6% (95% CI: 12.2‐15.1) and 9.4% (95% CI: 8.1‐11.0) respectively. The concentration curve was below the line of equality, and the EI and HI were 0.072 and 0.078, respectively, indicating that dental care utilization in children aged 3‐5 years was concentrated in those who were better off. The contribution of the need variables to socioeconomic‐related inequality in dental services was minimal, and most dental care utilization inequality could be explained by household income, caregiver education attainment and urban‐rural disparities, accounting for 32.0%, 49.4% and 20.4% respectively.ConclusionThis study reveals the existence of pro‐rich inequality in dental care utilization among preschool children in China. The decomposition analysis suggests that income, caregiver education background and urban‐rural disparities are the main factors contributing to this outcome. Equity‐oriented policies and programmes are needed to achieve equitable dental care utilization.
Bacterial lysate add‐on therapy to reduce exacerbations in severe asthma: A double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: de Boer Geertje M. , Braunstahl Gert‐Jan , van der Ploeg Esmee K. , van Zelst Cathelijne M. , van Bruggen Alie , Epping Guido , van Nimwegen Menno , Verhoeven Gert , Birnie Erwin , Boxma‐de Klerk Bianca M. , de Bruijn Marjolein J. W. , Stadhouders Ralph , Hendriks Rudi W. , Tramper‐Stranders Gerdien A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundAsthma exacerbations are frequently induced by respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Bacterial lysates have been described to possess immune‐modulatory effects and reduce RTIs as well as asthma symptoms in children. However, whether bacterial lysates have similar effects in adult asthma patients is unknown.AimsTo reduce asthma exacerbations by add‐on bacterial lysate therapy in adults with severe asthma and to characterize the clinical and immune‐modulatory effects of this treatment.MethodsAsthma patients (GINA 4) with ≥2 annual exacerbations in the previous year were included. The intervention regimen consisted of OM‐85/placebo for 10 consecutive days per month for 6 months during two winter seasons. Primary end‐point was the number of severe asthma exacerbations within 18 months. The study was approved by the national and local ethical review board and registered in the Dutch Trial Registry (NL5752). All participants provided written informed consent.ResultsSeventy‐five participants were included (38 OM‐85; 37 placebo). Exacerbation frequencies were not different between the groups after 18 months (incidence rate ratio 1.07, 95%CI [0.68–1.69], p = 0.77). With the use of OM‐85, FEV1% increased by 3.81% (p = 0.04) compared with placebo. Nasopharyngeal swabs taken during RTIs detected a virus less frequently in patients using OM‐85 compared to placebo (30.5% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.02).In subjects with type 2 inflammation adherent to the protocol (22 OM‐85; 20 placebo), a non‐statistically significant decrease in exacerbations in the OM‐85 group was observed (IRR = 0.71, 95%CI [0.39–1.26], p = 0.25). Immune‐modulatory effects included an increase in several plasma cytokines in the OM‐85 group, especially IL‐10 and interferons. Peripheral blood T‐ and B cell subtyping, including regulatory T cells, did not show differences between the groups.ConclusionAlthough OM‐85 may have immune‐modulatory effects, it did not reduce asthma exacerbations in this heterogeneous severe adult asthma group. Post hoc analysis showed a potential clinical benefit in patients with type 2 inflammation.
Differences in cytokine and chemokine profiles in cerebrospinal fluid caused by the etiology of cryptococcal meningitis and tuberculous meningitis in HIV patients
Authors: Xu Lijun , Xu Yufan , Zheng Yanghao , Peng Xiuming , Yang Zongxing , Cao Qing , Xiang Dairong , Zhao Handan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The roles of cytokines and chemokines in HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HCM) and HIV-associated tuberculous meningitis (HTBM) are debatable. In sum, 34 HIV-infected patients without meningitis, 44 HCM patients and 27 HTBM patients were enrolled for study. The concentrations of 22 cytokines/chemokines in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were assayed at admission. Principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson's and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the role of cytokines/chemokines in HCM and HTBM. We found the levels of T helper (Th)17, Th1 [interleukin (IL)-12p40, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TNF-β and Th2 (IL-2/4/5/6/10)] cytokines were elevated in patients with meningitis compared with those in HIV-infected patients without central nervous system (CNS) infection. Furthermore, the IL-1Ra, IL-12p40, IL-17α and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels were higher in HCM patients, while the IFN-γ, regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) and interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP)-10 levels were higher in HTBM patients. Elevated CSF concentrations of IL-17a, TNF-β, IL-5, IL-12p40 and IL-1Rα were closely related to meningitis, but elevated IP-10, MCP-1, RANTES and IFN-γ levels and CSF white blood cells (WBCs) were protective factors against HCM. Our study suggested that HIV-infected patients with low CSF WBCs have a high risk of HCM. Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines/chemokines mediate differences in the pathogenesis of HCM and TBM. Overexpressed proinflammatory MCP-1, RANTES, IFN-γ and IP-10 in CSF are protective factors against HCM but not HTBM.
Long‐term outcomes of open versus closed rectal defect after transanal endoscopic microscopic surgery
Authors: Altaf Kiran , Slawik Simone , Sochorova Dana , Gahunia Sukhpreet , Andrews Timothy , Kehoe Ashley , Ahmed Shakil ,   the Merseyside Early Rectal Cancer Network
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimManagement of the rectal defect after transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a matter of debate. Data are lacking on long term outcomes and continence of patients with open or closed rectal defect. We sought to analyse these in a retrospective cohort study.MethodsPatients undergoing TEM via the Specialist Early Rectal Cancer (SERC) MDT between 2012 and 2019 were included from a prospectively maintained database. These were divided into two groups – open and closed, based on management of rectal defect. Patient demographics and outcomes, including pre‐ and postoperative oncological staging, morbidity, mortality, length of stay and faecal incontinence severity score (FISI) scores were assessed.ResultsA total of 170 matched patients were included (70‐open, 100‐closed rectal defects). Short‐term complications (bleeding, infection, urinary retention and infection, length of stay and pain) were 18.8% with no significant difference between the two groups (22% vs. 16%). Most of the defects were well healed upon endoscopic follow‐up; more unhealed/sinus formation was noticed in the open group (p = 0.01); more strictures were encountered in the closed group (p = 0.04). Comparing the open and closed defect groups, there was no difference in the functional outcome of patients in those who developed sinus (p = 0.87) or stricture (p = 0.79) but a significant difference in post‐TEMS FISI scores in those with healed scar, with those in closed rectal defect group with worsening function (p = 0.02).ConclusionThere are pros and cons associated with both rectal defect management approaches. Long‐term complications should be expected and actively followed up. Patients should be thoroughly counselled about these and possible deterioration in continence post‐TEM.
Flexible longitudinal and transversal displacement sensors based on a composite of CI Disperse Orange 25 and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ullah Irfan , Karimov Khasan Sanginovich , Ibrahim Mohd. Adib , Fatima Noshin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the proposal and characterisation of a flexible, shockproof, vibration‐free, longitudinal and transversal compressive displacement sensor based on a composite of CI Disperse Orange 25 and carbon nanotubes created with an energy‐free, drop‐casting technique. The structural morphology of each layer is studied briefly through X‐ray diffraction. Electric investigations of the sensors in the form of impedance were performed as a function of longitudinal and transversal compressive displacement at three different frequencies. The compressive displacements were measured from 0 to 250 µm at three fixed frequencies (ie, 1, 10 and 200 kHz). The impedance has an inverse relationship with longitudinal compressive displacement but a direct relationship with transversal compressive displacement. The frequency to impedance relationship is inverse with the sensitivity of the impedance as a function of longitudinal displacement. Because of their small size, light weight and simple fabrication technique and design, as well as their low cost and maintenance, these types of devices can be utilised across a wide range of medical applications, such as in rehabilitation centres, for machine status assessment during physiotherapy, and in robotic body parts, as well as for educational purposes in universities.
Long non‐coding RNA colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed correlates negatively with miR‐33a and miR‐495 and positively with inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic children
Authors: Li Weina , Wang Xiaoxue , Sun Shixin , An Hong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesIt is reported that long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) targets microRNA (miR)‐33a, miR‐181a and miR‐495 to regulate inflammation process, while few studies report their clinical application for paediatric asthma management. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interaction of lncRNA CRNDE with miR‐33a, miR‐181a and miR‐495, as well as their correlation with inflammation, exacerbation risk and severity in paediatric patients with asthma.MethodsAsthmatic exacerbation children (N = 65), asthmatic controlled children (N = 65) and controls (N = 65) were recruited. LncRNA CRNDE, miR‐33a, miR‐181a and miR‐495 expressions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were detected by RT‐qPCR. Besides, serum inflammatory cytokines (including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐17) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsLncRNA CRNDE, miR‐33a and miR‐495 expressions were different, while miR‐181a expression was similar among asthmatic exacerbation children, asthmatic controlled children and controls. Moreover, lncRNA CRNDE negatively correlated with miR‐33a and miR‐495 in asthmatic exacerbation children and asthmatic controlled children, but not in controls. Further analyses showed that lncRNA CRNDE positively correlated with TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐17 and exacerbation severity, while it negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC in asthmatic exacerbation children. Meanwhile, miR‐33a, miR‐181a and miR‐495 all negatively correlated with some individual inflammatory cytokines, while only miR‐33a negatively correlated with exacerbation severity in asthmatic exacerbation children.ConclusionLncRNA CRNDE correlates negatively with miR‐33a and miR‐495 and positively with inflammatory cytokines in asthmatic children.
Urban Systems: Understanding and Predicting the Spatial Distribution of China's Population
Authors: Li Pengfei , Lu Ming 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWith urbanization and population migration, some Chinese cities fall into decline whereas others prosper. Using nighttime light data, we redefine the city based on economic function and evaluate the city size distribution in representative countries. The results provide evidence not only for Zipf's law, but also for a distortion in China's current city size distribution. This study proposes a feasible method to predict urban population distribution based on the role of geographical factors in regional development, following the idea of spatial equilibrium. This prediction suggests that the divergence of city size in China tends to be pronounced, with inter‐regional income disparity being narrowed and the city size distribution following Zipf's law. The Chinese government should further relax restrictions on population inflow into large cities and prepare for more migration in the future.
Consumption and Income Poverty in Rural China: 1995–2018
Authors: Chen Yanfeng , Xia Qingjie , Wang Xiaolin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis paper studies consumption and income poverty in rural China during the period from 1995 to 2018 using Chinese Household Income Project (CHIP) data. It finds that the wellbeing of Chinese rural residents has improved significantly during this period as part of China's rapid industrialization and economic growth. The incidence of poverty has fallen substantially, either measured in terms of income or consumption. However, consumption poverty is not consistent with income poverty. It was the substantial growth of consumption or income that brought about the sharp fall in poverty, whereas the redistribution of consumption or income in particular during the period from 2002 to 2018 was unfavorable for poverty reduction. A large number of rural household workers moved away from household farming to participate in local or urban non‐farming activities, resulting in a fall in poverty in the households that engaged purely in farming, and economic growth led to a sharp fall in poverty within different rural household groups.
Epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica prätibialis – Klinischer Schnappschuss und Management einer seltenen Erkrankung
Authors: Will Lisa Marlen , Reichrath Jörg , Vogt Thomas 
Published: July 2021

ZusammenfassungBei Patienten im Kindesalter sollte bei auftretender Blasenbildung auch bei geringer Symptomatik an die Möglichkeit einer hereditären Epidermolysis bullosa gedacht werden. Diagnostisch wegweisend ist neben Klinik und Histologie die molekulargenetische Untersuchung. Therapeutisch stehen aktuell bei lokalisierten Formen symptomatische topische Therapieoptionen weiterhin im Vordergrund. Besonders interessant ist hier die neue Möglichkeit einer topischen Therapie mit Diacerein 1 % Creme. Bei einem ausgeprägten klinischen Bild mit extrakutaner Organbeteiligung ist ein multidisziplinäres Management erforderlich. Zukünftig könnten neue Therapieformen wie die autologe epidermale Stammzelltransplantation und gentherapeutische Verfahren zum Einsatz kommen. Eine humangenetische Beratung ist unerlässlich.