bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of p300/CBP‐associated factor inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis via suppression of NF‐κB pathway in ischaemia/reperfusion injury rats
Authors: Qiu Liqiang , Liu Xiaoxiong , Li Wenjing , Liu Zhebo , Xu Changwu , Xia Hao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCardiomyocyte apoptosis is the main reason of cardiac injury after myocardial ischaemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury (MIRI), but the role of p300/CBP‐associated factor (PCAF) on myocardial apoptosis in MIRI is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the main mechanism of PCAF modulating cardiomyocyte apoptosis in MIRI. The MIRI model was constructed by ligation of the rat left anterior descending coronary vessel for 30 min and reperfusion for 24 h in vivo. H9c2 cells were harvested after induced by hypoxia for 6 h and then reoxygenation for 24 h (H/R) in vitro. The RNA interference PCAF expression adenovirus was transfected into rat myocardium and H9c2 cells. The area of myocardial infarction, cardiac function, myocardial injury marker levels, apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress were detected respectively. Both I/R and H/R remarkably upregulated the expression of PCAF, and downregulation of PCAF significantly attenuated myocardial apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress caused by I/R and H/R. In addition, downregulation of PCAF inhibited the activation of NF‐κB signalling pathway in cardiomyocytes undergoing H/R. Pretreatment of lipopolysaccharide, a NF‐κB pathway activator, could blunt these protective effects of PCAF downregulation on myocardial apoptosis in MIRI. These results highlight that downregulation of PCAF could reduce cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway, thereby providing protection for MIRI. Therefore, PCAF might be a promising target for protecting against cardiac dysfunction induced by MIRI.
Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)‐based quantitative analysis of the salivary proteome during healthy pregnancy and pregnancy gingivitis
Authors: Balan Preethi , Chong Yap S. , Lin Qingsong , Lim Teck Kwang , Li Huihua , Wong Mun L. , Lopez Violeta , He Hong Gu , Seneviratne Chaminda Jayampath 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimThe present study aimed to investigate the salivary proteome profiles of pregnant women with gingivitis (PG) or without gingivitis (HP) and non‐pregnant healthy controls (HC) by employing iTRAQ‐based proteomics.Materials and methodsSaliva samples were collected from 30 Chinese women comprising 10 subjects in each of the three groups (PG, HP, and HC). The samples were subjected to iTRAQ‐based proteomics analysis, and ELISA was performed to validate the results. The subsequent observations were validated in a cohort of 48 subjects.ResultsPathways associated with neutrophil‐mediated immune response and antioxidant defence mechanism were significantly higher in PG than HC. The abundance of salivary cystatins (S, SA, and SN) and antimicrobials were significantly decreased in PG and HP, while cystatin C and D were additionally decreased in PG. Cystatin C was mapped to all the major catabolic pathways and was the most re‐wired protein in pregnancy gingivitis. Further validation demonstrated cystatin C to be significantly lower in PG than HC.ConclusionsWhile the decrease in levels of salivary cystatins and antimicrobial proteins may predispose healthy pregnant women to pregnancy gingivitis, it may cause persistence of inflammation in pregnant women with gingivitis.
Sleep duration and severe periodontitis in middle‐aged Japanese workers
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Usui Michihiko , Ariyoshi Wataru , Nakashima Keisuke , Nagai‐Yoshioka Yoshie , Inoue Maki , Kobayashi Kaoru , Nishihara Tatsuji 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the association between sleep duration and severe periodontitis in Japanese workers.Materials and methodsThis cross‐sectional study included 1130 workers (mean age 43.0 years) who underwent full‐mouth periodontal examinations and health check‐ups and completed a self‐administered questionnaire that included questions on sleep duration. Logistic regression and a restricted cubic spline model were used to analyse the data.ResultsSevere periodontitis was identified in 6.3% of the study population. Those with <5, 5–5.9, 6–6.9, 7–7.9, and ≥8 hr of sleep were 6.7%, 17.4%, 40.3%, 26.3%, and 8.9%, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, study participants who slept <5 hr were more likely to have severe periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio = 2.64; 95% confidence interval = 1.06–6.60) than those who slept 7–7.9 hr. The spline model, with a reference value of 399 min (the median sleep duration), showed a non‐linear association between sleep duration and severe periodontitis, where an increased prevalence of severe periodontitis was observed only among those with a shorter sleep duration. The prevalence of severe periodontitis did not increase with longer sleep duration.ConclusionsShort sleep duration was associated with severe periodontitis in this cohort of Japanese adults.
Design and development of resistance heating apparatus‐cum‐solar drying system for enhancing fish drying rate
Authors: Richa Rishi , Shahi Navin chandra , Lohani Umesh C. , Kothakota Anjineyulu , Pandiselvam Ravi , Sagarika Nukasani , Singh Anupama , Omre Pramod kumar , Kumar Anil 
Published: October 2021

AbstractResistance heating is unique to thermic food manufacturing applications, particularly getting popularity across the food sector. Here, a prototype ohmic heating device over a capability of 6.25 kg/hr has been developed to process fish. The developed device was used combined with PID‐controlled solar dryer, and the parameters have been optimized by using central composite rotatable design and artificial neural network (ANN). During the processing of hybrid drying (ohmic heating with solar drying), the selected input variables were voltage (160–200 V), salt concentration (0–2%), solar drying temperature (40–72°C), and loading density (109–190 g) to improve the drying rate (drying time, overall temperature, and final moisture content). The designed ohmic heater reduced the moisture in fish muscles from 348.5% (db) to 260.91% at the first stage of drying under optimum conditions (180 V ohmic voltage and 1% salt concentration) in the time interval of 165–300 s for all experiments, followed by final moisture content, which was reduced to 12.66% (db), and the overall drying rate was improved to 2.73 g/min at the second stage of solar drying during optimum conditions (72°C temperature and 0.672 cm2 load density). The R2 (determination coefficient 0.96–0.94) values, SSE (sum of square error values 0.15–025) values, and MSE (mean square values 1–8.7) were more significant for RSM than ANN. This developed resistance heating apparatus for enhancing fish drying rate and also reduced post‐harvest losses, and it is considered to be a good technology for drying the fish and making a fish powder that can be further used for value‐added product.Practical ApplicationsThe fish comes readily digestible; on the other hand, extremely spoilable accordingly, and fish cannot be gathered for a longer time below atmosphere circumstance, leading to enormous reap as well as commercial disadvantage. The processing of fish may impede against spoiling before reaching the consumers. Dehydration becomes a more frequent also essential approach to post‐processing conservation. Fish dehydration must be promoted by farmers' stage in addition to micro‐industry scale by way of convenience to frozen food locker. Hybrid or combined drying is an attraction for its nutritive values retention, uniformity of drying, reducing the microbial load, and improving product storage properties. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop an ohmic device accompanied by solar drying for preservation of Rohu fish muscles under ambient condition.
The effect of COVID‐19 on patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria treated with omalizumab and antihistamines: A cross‐sectional, comparative study
Authors: Bostan Ecem , Zaid Fethi , Karaduman Aysen , Dogan Sibel , Gulseren Duygu , Yalici‐Armagan Basak , Akdogan Neslihan , Ersoy‐Evans Sibel , Elcin Gonca 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntroductionChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is defined as recurrent attacks of urticaria present for more than six weeks. The monoclonal anti‐immunoglobulin E antibody, omalizumab, was approved for the treatment of CSU in patients who remain refractory to H1‐antihistamines. Biologic agents are shown not to increase the risk of COVID‐19 infection in different studies.ObjectiveIn the present study, we aimed to determine the prevalance of COVID‐19 infection in relation to the age, gender, presence of other comorbidities, and treatment given for CSU.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study of 233 patients diagnosed with CSU in a tertiary referral hospital. Demographical data, treatment given for CSU, the presence of COVID‐19‐related symptoms, history of close contact to a person with COVID‐19 and COVID‐19 real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) results were determined via a telephone survey and checked from medical data records.ResultsOne hundred sixty patients were female; whereas 73 were male. The mean age was 44.76. Out of 233 patients with chronic urticaria, 125 had symptoms related to COVID‐19 infection. RT‐PCR testing for COVID‐19 was performed in 156 patients. Of 156 patients with COVID‐19 RT‐PCR test, RT‐PCR result was positive in 15 cases.ConclusionsNo statistically significant relationship was found between COVID‐19 RT‐PCR positivity and the type of treatment administered for chronic urticaria when the patients are divided into omalizumab ± oral antihistamines and only oral antihistamines treatment groups (p = 0.150). Omalizumab seems to be safe in the era of COVID‐19.
Focused radiofrequency and ultrasound for face and neck rejuvenation: A retrospective evaluation of 158 patients
Authors: Hugul Huray , Oba Muazzez Cigdem , Kirisci Murat , Kutlubay Zekayi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency is a commonly used method to non‐invasively tighten the skin that can be safely applied to any skin type.AimsThe aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the focused radiofrequency and ultrasound hybrid device for face and neck rejuvenation, in terms of improvement of facial wrinkles and jaw sagging.MethodsA total of 158 patients had undergone four weekly sessions of focused radiofrequency and ultrasound to face and neck area. Photodocumentation was obtained before first visit and two weeks after last visit. An independent, blinded dermatologist evaluated the severity of wrinkles and sagging of seven different anatomical regions on a validated scale of 0–4 (0: no lines/sagging, 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe, 4: very severe) before and after the procedure. Patients rated their satisfaction with the result of the treatment on a scale of 1–5 (1: dissatisfied, 2: poorly satisfied 3: satisfied, 4: very satisfied, 5: perfectly satisfied).ResultsFor seven anatomical regions, statistically significant reduction was observed in mean wrinkle/sagging scores (p = < 0.001). Patients were satisfied with the effects of the procedure, with a mean satisfaction score of 4.61 ± 0.55.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that combined focused radiofrequency and ultrasound is an effective and safe method for the rejuvenation of different sub‐areas of the face and neck with high patient satisfaction scores.
Serum and tissue levels of coenzyme Q10 in pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Abdelkader Heba Ahmed , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Assaad Eman , Saleh Marwah Adly 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundPemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a debilitating autoimmune blistering disease of the skin and mucous membranes. It occurs due to the action of autoantibodies against various keratinocyte self‐antigens. Anti‐mitochondrial autoantibodies are detected in patients with PV. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a member of the mitochondrial respiratory chain involved in cellular metabolism, including apoptosis. This study aimed to assess the serum and tissue levels of CoQ10 of patients with PV and healthy controls to determine its relevance to the disease pathogenesis.MethodsIn this case‐control study, 20 patients with PV and 20 healthy controls were included. Blood and skin samples were collected for the measurement of CoQ10 levels using ELISA.ResultsCoQ10 was significantly lower in both serum and tissue of patients with PV compared with controls (p = 0.001). Similar results were found when gender subgroups were separately compared. A significant positive correlation was found between serum and tissue CoQ10 levels in controls (p = 0.019, r = 0.521), but not in patients with PV.ConclusionCoQ10 appears to be one of the parameters affected by the autoimmune response in PV, which may contribute to the tissue damage caused by autoantibodies. The absence of a significant correlation between CoQ10 level and disease severity or duration may be caused by the complex pathophysiological process in PV with multiple autoantibodies against different keratinocyte antigens.
Role of thigh circumference in predicting the fetal weight: Comparison with other ultrasound methods—A prospective observational study
Authors: Mohamed Menna‐Allah , Ali Ali El‐Shabrawi , Mohamed Mohamed Sabry , Abd El‐Rahman Mohamed Mahmoud 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimWe aimed to evaluate the addition of fetal thigh circumference (TC) to other ultrasound parameters to predict fetal weight compared to two standard formulae (Hadlock's and Vintzileos methods).MethodsWe conducted this prospective study on pregnant women between November 2018 and September 2019. The actual fetal weight was estimated within 48 h of delivery; then, it was compared to the estimated fetal weight by ultrasound. We used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0 to perform the statistical analysis.ResultsA total of 123 pregnant women, with a mean age of 26.68 (5.24) years and a mean gestational age of 38.78 (0.85) weeks, were included in our study. We detected a significant positive correlation between different ultrasound parameters and actual weight (all p ≤ 0.001). The highest correlation was observed between TC and actual fetal weight (r = 0.685). Regarding both formulae, the correlation coefficient was higher in the Vintzileos formula than the Handlock formula (0.976 vs. 0.823). Our linear regression analysis showed that fetal TC could be an indicator for estimating fetal weight (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the actual weight and the weight estimated by the Hadlock formula (p < 0.001). We detected no statistically significant difference between the estimated TC by ultrasound and the actual TC (p = 0.0602).ConclusionFetal TC can help accurately measure fetal birth weight when incorporated with other fetal parameters. The inclusion of fetal TC assessment in routine ultrasound examination is suggested to improve the birth estimates.
Self‐defining memories—Narrative features in relation to adaptive and maladaptive personality traits (replication and extension of Blagov & Singer, 2004)
Authors: Blagov Pavel S. , Singer Jefferson A. , Oost Kathryn M. , Goodman Joshua A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveSelf‐defining memories (SDMs) are units of life‐story analysis, whose features resemble elements from narrative identity’s factorial structure. To bridge narrative‐identity and personality‐trait domains, we conducted a replication and extension of prior research.MethodWe linked four SDM features – affect, specificity, meaning making, and content – to the Big Three trait domains of personality and psychopathology in a small sample that was well‐powered for multilevel modeling (133 participants, 1330 SDMs).ResultsAffectSDM affect correlated with indices of Positive Emotionality and Negative Emotionality, and narrative themes of contamination were associated with Negative Emotionality.SpecificitySDM specificity vs. overgenerality related to Constraint and Negative Emotionality indices, lending support to the executive dysfunction and emotional disorder theories of overgeneral autobiographical memory. (Tests of the avoidance thesis of overgeneral memory were inconclusive.)Meaning makingExplicit meaning making in SDMs reflected adaptive personality. It moderated (or buffered) the link between SDMs’ affect and chronic emotional distress.ContentThe links between SDM content and traits suggest that SDMs reflect personal goals, whose fulfillment or frustration relate to psychological health.ConclusionsThis research serves replication purposes as well as the purpose of connecting two major domains of personality: narrative identity and adaptive and maladaptive traits.
Effects of an intergenerational program on adolescent self‐concept clarity: A pilot study
Authors: Thomas Nicole Maria , Hofer Jan , Kranz Dirk 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis pilot study examined the effects of a newly developed intergenerational program on self‐concept clarity (SCC) of adolescent participants.MethodIn 12 encounter groups, 58 secondary school students and 50 nursing home residents shared their life stories and discussed existential questions about life (e.g., important values in life, how to deal with failure and regret). The life story encounter program (LSEP) is based on the dyadic Life Story Interview and was expanded into a group format consisting of ten 90‐min sessions. SCC was measured with the SCC Scale before, shortly after, and three months after the end of the LSEP.ResultsAnalyses suggest that adolescent LSEP participants' SCC improved compared to a control group (no LSEP participation). Findings also indicate that increases in SCC were associated with LSEP participants' extraversion and agreeableness.ConclusionsThe LSEP is a promising program for fostering SCC in adolescence. Implications for the application of the LSEP are discussed.
Utilizing high‐fidelity simulation to improve newly licensed pediatric intensive care unit nurses' experiences with end‐of‐life care
Authors: Hillier Maureen M. , DeGrazia Michele , Mott Sandra , Taylor Matthew , Manning Mary J. , O'Brien Mary , Schenkel Sara R. , Cole Alexandra , Hickey Patricia A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeNew pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) nurses face distinct challenges in transitioning from the protected world of academia to postlicensure clinical practice; one of their greatest challenges is how to support children and their caregivers at the end‐of‐life (EOL). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to create, implement, and assess the efficacy of a high‐fidelity EOL simulation, utilizing the “Debriefing with Good Judgment” debriefing model.Design and methodsParticipants were nurses with 4 years or less of PICU experience from a 404‐bed quaternary care, free‐standing children's hospital in the northeastern United States. Data were collected with the Simulation Effectiveness Tool‐Modified (SET‐M) and the PICU EOL Simulation Evaluation Survey.ResultsTwenty‐four nurses participated; the majority (54%) were 25–29 years of age. The SET‐M results indicate that the EOL simulation was beneficial to their learning and increased nurse confidence in delivering EOL care. Responding to the EOL Simulation Survey, participants rated high levels of confidence with tasks such as utilizing unit and hospital‐based supports, self‐care, ability to listen and support families, and medicating their patients at the EOL.Practice implicationsThis high‐fidelity EOL simulation is a robust teaching tool that serves to support the unmet needs of the PICU nurses who care for dying children. Nurse participants had a unique opportunity to practice procedural and communication skills without risk for patient or family harm. Findings from this project can serve to guide curriculum changes at the undergraduate level as well as provide direction for new nurse orientation classes.
Polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene and circulating concentrations of neurotransmitters in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Reimann Maria J. , Fredholm Merete , Cremer Signe E. , Christiansen Liselotte B. , Meurs Kathryn M. , Møller Jacob E. , Häggström Jens , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Olsen Lisbeth H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe neurotransmitter serotonin (5‐HT) affects valvular degeneration and dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) exhibit alterations in 5‐HT signaling. In Maltese dogs, 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5‐HT transporter (SERT) gene are suggested to associate with MMVD.Hypothesis/ObjectivesDetermine the association of SERT polymorphisms on MMVD severity and serum 5‐HT concentration in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS). Additionally, investigate the association between selected clinical and hematologic variables and serum 5‐HT and assess the correlation between HPLC and ELISA measurements of serum 5‐HT.AnimalsSeventy‐one CKCS (42 females and 29 males; 7.8 [4.7;9.9] years (median [Q1;Q3])) in different MMVD stages.MethodsThis prospective study used TaqMan genotyping assays to assess SERT gene polymorphisms. Neurotransmitter concentrations were assessed by HPLC and ELISA.ResultsTaqMan analyses identified none of the selected SERT polymorphisms in any of the CKCS examined. Serum 5‐HT was associated with platelet count (P < .001) but not MMVD severity, age or medical therapy and did not correlate with serum concentration of the 5‐HT metabolite, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid. The ELISA serum 5‐HT correlated with HPLC measurements (ρ = .87;P < .0001) but was lower (mean difference = −22 ng/mL;P = .02) independent of serum 5‐HT concentration (P = .2).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSelected SERT SNPs associated with MMVD in Maltese dogs were not found in CKCS and only platelet count influenced serum 5‐HT concentration. These SNPs are unlikely to be associated with MMVD pathophysiology or serum 5‐HT concentration in CKCS. HPLC and ELISA serum 5‐HT demonstrated good correlation but ELISA systematically underestimated 5‐HT.
Mesophyll conductance exerts a significant limitation on photosynthesis during light induction
Authors: Liu Tao , Barbour Margaret M. , Yu Dashi , Rao Sen , Song Xin 
Published: October 2021

Summary

Past studies have established mesophyll diffusion conductance to CO2 (gm) as a variable and significant limitation to plant photosynthesis under steady‐state conditions. However, the role of gm in influencing photosynthesis (A) during the transient period of light induction is largely unknown.

We combined gas exchange measurements with laser‐enabled carbon isotope discrimination measurements to assess gm during photosynthetic induction, using Arabidopsis as the measurement species.

Our measurements revealed three key findings: (1) we found that the rate at which gm approached steady state during induction was not necessarily faster than the induction rate of the carboxylation process, contradictory to what has been suggested in previous studies; (2) gm displayed a strong and consistent coordination with A under both induction and steady‐state settings, hinting that the mechanism driving gm–A coupling does not require physiological stability as a prerequisite; and (3) photosynthetic limitation analysis of our data revealed that when integrated over the entire induction period, the relative limitation of A imposed by gm can be as high as > 35%.

The present study provides the first demonstration of the important role of gm in limiting CO2 assimilation during photosynthetic induction, thereby pointing to a need for more research attention to be devoted to gm in future induction studies.