bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of remittances on the current account in developing and emerging economies
Authors: Lartey Emmanuel K. K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of the effect of remittances on the current account in developing and emerging economies, incorporating an assessment of the extent to which exchange rate regimes impact the relationship. The main findings suggest that there is a positive effect of remittances on the current account contemporaneously, but that the lagged effect is negative, which could be indicative of the existence of some underlying mechanisms characteristic of the Dutch disease phenomenon. In addition, the results show that a more flexible exchange regime dampens the contemporaneous positive effect that remittances have on the current account. The paper, therefore, asserts that policymakers face trade‐offs pertaining to the use of exchange rate policy in managing the effects of remittances on the current account, which should be given due consideration when such policy choices are made.
Pre‐Frail Multicomponent Training Intervention project for complexity of biological signals, functional capacity and cognition improvement in pre‐frail older adults: A blinded randomized controlled study protocol
Authors: Buto Marcele S S , Fiogbé Elie , Vassimon‐Barroso Verena , Rossi Paulo G , Farche Ana CS , Carnavale Bianca F , Takahashi Anielle CM 
Published: April 2019

AimFrailty syndrome is related to decreased physiological complexity, functional capacity and cognition. Physical exercise has been suggested to slow down and reverse this syndrome. However, evidence of its effectiveness is not as straightforward as conventionally admitted, as there is a lack of trials with rigorous methodology. The purpose of this study was to describe the Pre‐Frail Multicomponent Training Intervention protocol.MethodsCardiovascular, motor control and neuromuscular systems of pre‐frail older adults will be assessed by measuring the complexity of the output of these systems. Functional capacity and cognition will be assessed by specific tools. A 16‐week training protocol will be carried out on three alternate days, with 60‐min sessions, and combining aerobic, muscle strength, flexibility and balance exercises. The objective of this intervention is to improve the cardiovascular, motor control and neuromuscular systems, as well as functional capacity and cognition of pre‐frail older adults. The assessment of these systems will be carried out using gold standard devices.ResultsThe results of the present study might allow clinical and functional support for the evaluation of the variables analyzed.ConclusionThis protocol is easily reproducible and requires low‐cost materials, thus the Pre‐Frail Multicomponent Training Intervention could be a therapeutic strategy for pre‐frail older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 684–689.
Differences in gene expression profiling and biomarkers between histological colorectal carcinoma subsets from the serrated pathway
Authors: García‐Solano José , Turpin‐Sevilla María del Carmen , García‐García Francisco , Carbonell‐Muñoz Rosa , Torres‐Moreno Daniel , Conesa Ana , Conesa‐Zamora Pablo 
Published: April 2019

AimsTo discern the differences in expression profiling of two histological subtypes of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) arising from the serrated route (serrated adenocarcinoma (SAC) and CRC showing histological and molecular features of a high level of microsatellite instability (hmMSI‐H) both sharing common features (female gender, right‐sided location, mucinous histology, and altered CpG methylation), but dramatically differing in terms of prognosis, development of an immune response, and treatment options.Methods and resultsMolecular signatures of SAC and hmMSI‐H were obtained by the use of transcriptomic arrays; quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to validate differentially expressed genes. An over‐representation of innate immunity functions (granulomonocytic recruitment, chemokine production, Toll‐like receptor signalling, and antigen processing and presentation) was obtained from this comparison, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM1) was more highly expressed in hmMSI‐H, whereas two genes [those encoding calcitonin gene‐related peptide‐receptor component protein and C‐X‐C motif chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14)] were more highly expressed in SAC. These array results were subsequently validated by qPCR, and by IHC for CXCL14 and ICAM1. Information retrieved from public databanks confirmed our findings.ConclusionsOur findings highlight specific functions and genes that provide a better understanding of the role of the immune response in the serrated pathological route and may be of help in identifying actionable molecules.
Potential role of TP63 in apical periodontitis development
Authors: Souza L. C. , Crozeta B. M. , Guajardo L. , Brasil da Costa F. H. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. , Letra A. , Silva R. M. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the expression of TP63 in apical periodontitis (AP) tissues and the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TP63 gene with AP using a case‐control dataset.MethodologyExpression of TP63 in human AP lesions (apical abscess, radicular cyst, periapical granuloma) was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. A case‐control association study was performed to assess the association of TP63 polymorphisms in individuals having AP with or without associated pain. Cases were defined as subjects with deep caries and AP (n = 151) and subjects with symptomatic apical periodontitis or acute apical abscess (n = 124). Subjects without AP (n = 169) and asymptomatic (n = 196) were used as controls, respectively. Saliva samples were collected as source of genomic DNA. Twelve SNPs in the TP63 gene were selected for genotyping using Taqman chemistry in real‐time PCR. Data analysis was performed using PLINK software. The Bonferroni method was applied to correct for multiple testing; α ≤ 0.004 indicates significant differences between groups.ResultsTP63 expression was evident in apical abscesses and radicular cysts, while weaker expression was observed in periapical granulomas. Positive expression was observed in mononuclear cells in the granulation tissues of all AP lesions. Regarding the presence of AP, a trend for allelic association was observed for rs16864812 and rs9810322 (P = 0.04) and rs9810322 genotypes were also nominally associated with AP under a dominant model (P = 0.04). When considering the presence of periapical pain, a trend for allelic and genotypic association was observed for rs10155037 (P = 0.03). Haplotypes were also associated with AP and periapical pain (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsApical periodontitis is a complex multifactorial condition and it is likely that multiple genes and environmental effects may influence its susceptibility, progression or both. TP63 variants may play a role in AP pathogenesis and susceptibility, individually or interactively with other genes. Additional studies in other populations and functional studies are needed to improve understanding of the role of TP63 in AP.
Impact of apical extent of root canal filling on vertical root fracture: a case–control study
Authors: PradeepKumar A. R. , Shemesh H. , van Loveren C. , JothiLatha S. , Shireen F. , VijayaBharathi R. , Kishen A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the impact of apical extent of root filling on vertical root fracture (VRF) in a case–control study.MethodologyEighty‐six patients (119 roots) diagnosed withVRFin crowned root filled anterior and posterior teeth were selected. The cases were matched individually with control teeth in a ratio of 1:1 for age (±5 years), gender, tooth type, canal instrumentation method, master apical file (MAF) size and taper, technique of canal filling and time period after root filling. All root canals had been prepared using nickel–titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments and filled using the lateral compaction technique. The apical extent of root filling (overfilled to or beyond the radiographic apex or not overfilled and short of the radiographic apex) was recorded as the dependent variable by two individual examiners. Inter‐examiner agreement was obtained using Kappa statistics. Recorded numbers of overfilled and not overfilled canals in cases and controls were analysed using chi‐square tests and conditional logistic regression, and odds ratio was calculated. In addition, the frequency distribution of vertical and cross‐sectional extensions and the course ofVRFswere evaluated.ResultsThe mean age of patients withVRFswas 50 ± 10 years with 27 (31%) males and 59 (69%) females. The Kappa score for inter‐observer agreement was 0.832 (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between cases and controls with respect to apical extent of root filling (P < 0.0001). When compared to roots not overfilled, overfilled roots had 11.5 times higher odds for occurrence ofVRF(OR = 11.5;CI: 4.99 – 26.48). MostVRFs had a complete corono‐apical longitudinal extension and were present bucco‐lingually/palatally.ConclusionAfter matching for age, gender, tooth type,MAFsize and taper, canal filling technique and time period after root filling, root canals filled to or beyond the radiographic apex following lateral compaction had a greater association withVRFthan canals filled short of the radiographic apex.
Pricing decisions with reference price effect and risk preference customers
Authors: Zhao Nenggui , Wang Qiang , Cao Ping , Wu Jie 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe consider a seller selling a single product in a short period and taking reference price effect into account in the presence of risk preference customers. Customers' demand for the product is closely related to their purchase probability, which is determined by their purchase utility that is contingent on the reference price, selling price, and risk coefficients, through a multinomial logit model. Customers in the market are categorized as three types according to their asymmetry perceptions anchoring on the difference between the reference price and selling price: loss‐averse, gain‐seeking, and loss‐neutral. We first theoretically explore the influences of the reference price, risk coefficients, as well as the numbers of three types of customers on the seller's pricing decisions and profits. Then, we introduce model misspecification and use a computational study to further illustrate the significance of the seller's correct cognition on the customers' risk preference behaviors. We find that customers with higher reference price or lower risk coefficients would urge the seller to increase the optimal price. When there are more loss‐averse customers in the market, markdown is optimal for the seller; whereas markup is optimal for the seller when there are more gain‐seeking customers in the market. In addition, we find that customers' risk preference behaviors are nonnegligible for the seller in making pricing decisions, especially when gain‐seeking customers' risk coefficient is small enough or loss‐averse customers' risk coefficient is large enough.
EPC‐derived exosomes promote osteoclastogenesis through LncRNA‐MALAT1
Authors: Cui Yigong , Fu Shenglong , Sun Dong , Xing Junchao , Hou Tianyong , Wu Xuehui 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBone repair involves bone resorption through osteoclastogenesis and the stimulation of neovascularization and osteogenesis by endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). However, the role of EPCs in osteoclastogenesis is unclear. In this study, we assess the effects of EPC‐derived exosomes on the migration and osteoclastic differentiation of primary mouse bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMMs) in vitro using immunofluorescence, western blotting, RT‐PCR and Transwell assays. We also evaluated the effects of EPC‐derived exosomes on the homing and osteoclastic differentiation of transplanted BMMs in a mouse bone fracture model in vivo. We found that EPCs cultured with BMMs secreted exosomes into the medium and, compared with EPCs, exosomes had a higher expression level of LncRNA‐MALAT1. We confirmed that LncRNA‐MALAT1 directly binds to miR‐124 to negatively control miR‐124 activity. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐124 could reverse the migration and osteoclastic differentiation of BMMs induced by EPC‐derived exosomes. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay indicated that the integrin ITGB1 is the target of miR‐124. Mice treated with EPC‐derived exosome‐BMM co‐transplantations exhibited increased neovascularization at the fracture site and enhanced fracture healing compared with those treated with BMMs alone. Overall, our results suggest that EPC‐derived exosomes can promote bone repair by enhancing recruitment and differentiation of osteoclast precursors through LncRNA‐MALAT1.
Periodontal status correlates with anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies in first‐degree relatives of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Loutan Lucie , Alpizar‐Rodriguez Deshire , Courvoisier Delphine S. , Finckh Axel , Mombelli Andrea , Giannopoulou Catherine 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo evaluate periodontal status in first‐degree relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (FDR‐RA) and detect correlation with the presence of anti‐citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs).Materials and MethodsRheumatologic status and periodontal status were evaluated in a nested case–control study of FDR‐RA with no diagnosis of RA at enrolment. The following parameters were assessed in 34 ACPA‐positive (ACPA+) and 65 ACPA‐negative (ACPA−) subjects: gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL). We compared the two groups using conditional logistic regression.ResultsIn ACPA+ individuals, the mean, PD, BOP, CAL and number of sites per person with PD > 4 mm and BOP were significantly higher compared to the ACPA‐ group. All ACPA+ subjects had periodontitis: 44.1% presenting moderate and 47.1% severe periodontitis. ACPA‐ subjects had mainly mild (30.8%) and moderate (27%) periodontitis, differences being significantly different for both moderate periodontitis (p = 0.001) and severe periodontitis (p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, ACPA status (p = 0.04) and age (p = 0.002) were significantly and independently associated with periodontal conditions.ConclusionHigh prevalence and severity of periodontitis in FDR‐RA was associated with seropositivity to ACPAs. This further strengthens the hypothesis that periodontitis may be a risk factor in the development of RA.
Predictors for tooth loss in periodontitis patients: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Helal Omar , Göstemeyer Gerd , Krois Joachim , Fawzy El Sayed Karim , Graetz Christian , Schwendicke Falk 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimA range of predictors for tooth loss in periodontitis patients have been reported. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the consistency and magnitude of any association between a total of 12 predictors and tooth loss.Materials and MethodsMedline/Embase/Central were searched for longitudinal studies investigating the association between predictors and tooth loss in periodontitis patients. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed, and study quality assessed.ResultsTwenty studies (15,422 patients, mean follow‐up: 12 years) were included. The mean annual tooth loss/patient was 0.12 (min./max: 0.01/0.36). Older patients (n = 8 studies; OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03–1.08/year), non‐compliant ones (n = 11; 1.51, 1.06–2.16), diabetics (n = 7; 1.80, 1.26–2.57), those with IL‐1‐polymorphism (n = 3; 1.80; 1.29–2.52) and smokers (n = 15; 1.98, 1.58–2.48) had a significantly higher risk of tooth loss. Teeth with bone loss (n = 3; 1.04, 1.03–1.05/%), high probing pocket depth (n = 6; 3.19, 1.70–5.98), mobility (n = 4; 3.71, 1.65–8.38) and molars (n = 4; 4.22, 2.12–8.39), especially with furcation involvement (n = 5; 2.68, 1.75–4.08) also showed higher risks. Gender (n = 16; 0.95, 0.86–1.05) and endodontic affection (n = 3; 3.62, 0.99–13.2) were not significantly associated with tooth loss.ConclusionsOlder, non‐compliant, smoking or diabetic patients, and teeth with bone loss, high probing pocket depth, mobility, or molars, especially with furcation involvement showed higher risks of tooth loss.
The evolution of healthy skin to acne lesions: a longitudinal, in vivo evaluation with reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography
Authors: Manfredini M. , Bettoli V. , Sacripanti G. , Farnetani F. , Bigi L. , Puviani M. , Corazza M. , Pellacani G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundComedogenesis is defined as the process of the development of a new comedo, which is of great importance for the understanding of acne.ObjectiveTo evaluate the formation and evolution of acne lesions from clinically unaffected skin of patients with mild–moderate acne to characterize the morphological changes and natural resolution by means of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and dynamic optical coherence tomography (D‐OCT).MethodsTen patients with mild–moderate acne, not assuming any topical or systemic therapy, comprised between 12 and 30 years of age, were recruited. A target area of 4 × 4 mm of the face, without acne lesions at baseline, was selected. A set of standardized clinical pictures, RCM and D‐OCT images were acquired weekly for 6 weeks and evaluated.ResultsSeventy full sets of clinical, RCM and D‐OCT images were analysed. The appearance of acne lesion is preceded by an increase of large bright follicles in the area corresponding to infundibular keratinization, followed by increment of inflammation parameter, such as increased of small bright cells upon RCM and vascular network upon D‐OCT, which return to normal after the resolution of acute inflammation.ConclusionAcne skin dynamics is complex and seems characterized by the early increase in the number of dysmorphic pilosebaceous units and the hyperkeratinization of the acroinfundibulum of the pilosebaceous duct prior to the occurrence of inflammatory events around the follicle. The processes of hyperkeratinization and inflammatory phenomena may generate a pathologic vicious cycle, which characterizes acne through progressive worsening and a self‐sustainment mechanism.
Associations between electroencephalography power and Alzheimer's disease in persons with Down syndrome
Authors: Musaeus C. S. , Salem L. C. , Sabers A. , Kjaer T. W. , Waldemar G. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt is complicated to diagnose dementia in persons with Down syndrome (DS). Older studies have, however, demonstrated low‐frequency activity in electroencephalography (EEG) in persons with concurrent DS and Alzheimer's disease (DS‐AD). The aim of this study was to examine whether it was possible to identify AD‐associated changes (increased high‐frequency power and decreased low‐frequency power) in persons with DS‐AD compared with DS.MethodsWe included 21 persons with DS‐AD and 16 with DS without cognitive deterioration assessed by the informant‐based Dementia Screening Questionnaire in Intellectual Disability. EEG was recorded for all participants. Absolute power for each electrode and global power were calculated for all frequency bands for both eyes open and eyes closed.ResultsFor global power in the eyes closed condition, we found an increased global slow‐frequency activity and a decreased global high‐frequency activity in DS‐AD compared with DS. In addition, we found a significant difference in the global alpha/delta ratio with the largest difference found for global alpha power in DS‐AD compared with DS.ConclusionsIn the current study, we found that changes known to be associated with AD could also be identified when comparing DS‐AD with DS using quantitative EEG. In general, these findings suggest that EEG might be a useful tool in diagnosing AD in persons with DS, but larger studies are needed.
Simultaneous recovery of both bright and dim structures from noisy fluorescence microscopy images using a modified TV constraint
Authors: XIAO C. , SMITH Z.J. , CHU K. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThe quality and information content of biological images can be significantly enhanced by postacquisition processing using deconvolution and denoising. However, when imaging complex biological samples, such as neurons, stained with fluorescence labels, the signal level of different structures can differ by several orders of magnitude. This poses a challenge as current image reconstruction algorithms are focused on recovering low signals and generally have sample‐dependent performance, requiring tedious manual tuning. This is one of the main hurdles for their wide adoption by nonspecialists. In this work, we modify the general constrained reconstruction method (in our case utilizing a total variation constraint) so that both bright and dim structures can drive the deconvolution with equal force. In this way, we can simultaneously obtain high‐quality reconstruction across a wide range of signals within a single image or image sequence. The algorithm is tested on both simulated and experimental data. When compared with current state‐of‐art algorithms, our algorithm outperforms others in terms of maintaining the resolution in the high‐signal areas and reducing artefacts in the low‐signal areas. The algorithm was also tested on image sequences where one set of parameters are used to reconstruct all images, with blind evaluation by a group of biologists demonstrating a marked preference for the images produced by our method. This means that our method is suitable for batch processing of image sequences obtained from either spatial or temporal scanning.Lay DescriptionFluorescence microscopy images of complex biological samples contain a wide range of signal levels. This signal variation leads current reconstruction algorithms, which aim to enhance the quality of the raw images, to have sample‐dependent performance. In this work, we design a new optimization that allows the reconstruction to “pay equal eqattention to” both bright and dim structures. In this way, we can simultaneously recover both bright and dim structures within a single image or image sequence, as validated when the algorithm was quantitatively tested on both simulated and experimental data. When our method was evaluated alongside current state of art algorithms by a group of biologists, our algorithm was considered qualitatively superior.