bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical stretch upregulates connexin43 in human trabecular meshwork cells
Authors: Tellios Nikoleta , Feng Mary , Chen Nancy , Liu Hong , Tellios Vasiliki , Wang Mary , Li Xiangji , Chang Caitlin A. , Hutnik Cindy 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundPrimary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients have hallmark increases in intraocular pressure (IOP) and noted dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork (TM). Connexin43 (Cx43) is a gap junction widely expressed on the TM that is important for intercellular communication. The human gene is known as gap junction alpha‐1 (GJA1). Since the role of Cx43 in the TM is not fully understood, we set out to determine the effect of excess mechanical stretch on cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (hTMCs) and to specifically investigate the effect of stretch on Cx43 expression and function.MethodsPrimary hTMCs were cultured and subjected to 48 hours of 15% cyclic mechanical stretch at a frequency of 1 Hz. Levels of apoptosis and necrosis secondary to stretch were investigated using colorimetric assays. The effect of stretch on gap junction Cx43 and GJA1 was investigated by RT‐PCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. The migration of Lucifer Yellow dye was used to assess intercellular communication.ResultsStretch significantly increased the rates of apoptosis and necrosis in hTMCs. The increased rate of injury in stretched hTMCs was further associated with significant upregulation of GJA1 mRNA and Cx43 protein. Upregulation of Cx43 protein was concomitant to increased intercellular communication.ConclusionsWe have shown stretch to increase GJA1 gene and Cx43 protein expression, as well as intercellular communication. We have further shown stretch to be injurious to hTMCs. Upregulation of Cx43 in the hTM subsequent to stretch is a novel finding, which may be useful in elucidating the mechanism of TM injury in POAG patients.
TGF‐β activity in acid bone lysate adsorbs to titanium surface
Authors: Strauss Franz Josef , Di Summa Francesca , Stähli Alexandra , Matos Luiza , Vaca Fabiola , Schuldt Guenther , Gruber Reinhard 
Published: February 2019

AbstractObjectivesOsteoblasts lay down new bone on implant surfaces. The underlying cellular mechanism and the spatio‐temporal mode of action, however, remain unclear. It can be proposed that growth factors released upon acidification by osteoclasts adsorb to the implant surface and control the early stages of osseointegration.MethodsTo simulate bone lysis by osteoclasts, titanium discs were exposed to acid bone lysate (ABL) followed by vigorous washing and seeding of oral fibroblasts. The expression of TGF‐β target genes interleukin 11 (IL11) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) was evaluated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and IL11 ELISA. TGF‐β signaling activation was assessed via Smad2/3 immunofluorescence. The impact of ABL on osteogenic differentiation was determined with murine ST2 mesenchymal stromal cells.ResultsWe report here that ABL‐conditioned titanium discs, independent of turned or rough surface, increased the expression of IL11 and NOX4. This increase was blocked by the TGF‐β receptor 1 antagonist SB431542. Further support for the TGF‐β signaling activation came from the translocation of Smad2/3 into the nucleus of oral fibroblasts. Moreover, titanium discs exposed to ABL decreased alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin in ST2 cells.ConclusionsThese in vitro findings suggest that titanium can adsorb TGF‐β from ABLs. The data provide a strong impetus for studies on the protein adsorption on implant surfaces in vitro and in vivo, specifically for growth factors including bone‐derived TGF‐β during successful and failed osseointegration.
Quantitative in vitro comparison of the thrombogenicity of commercial dental implants
Authors: Milleret Vincent , Lienemann Philipp S. , Bauer Sebastian , Ehrbar Martin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundDental implants often have surface modifications that alter surface topography and chemistry to improve osseointegration and thereby increase treatment predictability. Surface contact‐induced blood coagulation is associated with the onset of osseointegration.PurposeTo quantitatively evaluate the thrombogenicity of two commercially available dental implants that have similar surface roughness but different surface chemistry.Material and MethodsTwo commercially available dental implants with anodized or sandblasted acid‐etched surfaces were evaluated for thrombogenic properties. Thrombogenicity was assessed by incubating implants for 1 hour in fresh, partially heparinized blood followed by hemocyte quantification, microscopic evaluation, and quantification of thrombogenic biomarkers.ResultsFibrin coverage was significantly higher on the anodized surface compared with the sandblasted acid‐etched surface (P < 0.0001). Platelet and white blood cell attachment followed a similar pattern. The increased thrombogenicity was confirmed based on a significant increase in the levels of the coagulation cascade biomarkers, thrombin antithrombin complex, and β‐thromboglobulin (all P < 0.05).ConclusionDental implants with comparable roughness but differing surface chemistry had differing extents of blood contact activation. These data suggest that surface chemistry from anodization augments implant thrombogenicity compared with that from sandblasting and acid‐etching, which could have implications for osseointegration.
Cytomegalovirus in solid organ transplant recipients—Guidelines of the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Razonable Raymund R. , Humar Atul 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common opportunistic infections that affect the outcome of solid organ transplantation. This updated guideline from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice provides evidence‐based and expert recommendations for screening, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of CMV in solid organ transplant recipients. CMV serology to detect immunoglobulin G remains as the standard method for pretransplant screening of donors and transplant candidates. Antiviral prophylaxis and preemptive therapy are the mainstays of CMV prevention. The lack of a widely applicable viral load threshold for diagnosis and preemptive therapy is highlighted, as a result of variability of CMV nucleic acid testing, even in the contemporary era when calibrators are standardized. Valganciclovir and intravenous ganciclovir remain as drugs of choice for CMV management. Strategies for managing drug‐resistant CMV infection are presented. There is an increasing use of CMV‐specific cell‐mediated immune assays to stratify the risk of CMV infection after solid organ transplantation, but their role in optimizing CMV prevention and treatment efforts has yet to be demonstrated. Specific issues related to pediatric transplant recipients are discussed.
The microbiome of pest insects: it is not just bacteria
Authors: Gurung Kiran , Wertheim Bregje , Falcao Salles Joana 
Published: February 2019

AbstractInsects are associated with multiple microbes that have been reported to influence various aspects of their biology. Most studies in insects, including pest species, focus on the bacterial communities of the microbiome even though the microbiome consists of members of many more kingdoms, which can also have large influence on the life history of insects. In this review, we present some key examples of how the different members of the microbiome, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, and protozoa, affect the fitness and behavior of pest insects. Moreover, we argue that interactions within and among microbial groups are abundant and of great importance, necessitating the use of a community approach to study microbial–host interactions. We propose that the restricted focus on bacteria very likely hampers our understanding of the functioning and impact of the microbiome on the biology of pest insects. We close our review by highlighting a few open questions that can provide an in‐depth understanding of how other components of the microbiome, in addition to bacteria, might influence host performance, thus contributing to pest insect ecology.
Impacts of thermal mismatches on chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis prevalence are moderated by life stage, body size, elevation and latitude
Authors: Cohen Jeremy M. , McMahon Taegan A. , Ramsay Chloe , Roznik Elizabeth A. , Sauer Erin L. , Bessler Scott , Civitello David J. , Delius Bryan K. , Halstead Neal , Knutie Sarah A. , Nguyen Karena H. , Ortega Nicole , Sears Brittany , Venesky Matthew D. , Young Suzanne , Rohr Jason R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGlobal climate change is increasing the frequency of unpredictable weather conditions; however, it remains unclear how species‐level and geographic factors, including body size and latitude, moderate impacts of unusually warm or cool temperatures on disease. Because larger and lower‐latitude hosts generally have slower acclimation times than smaller and higher‐latitude hosts, we hypothesised that their disease susceptibility increases under ‘thermal mismatches’ or differences between baseline climate and the temperature during surveying for disease. Here, we examined how thermal mismatches interact with body size, life stage, habitat, latitude, elevation, phylogeny and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status to predict infection prevalence of the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) in a global analysis of 32 291 amphibian hosts. As hypothesised, we found that the susceptibility of larger hosts and hosts from lower latitudes to Bd was influenced by thermal mismatches. Furthermore, hosts of conservation concern were more susceptible than others following thermal mismatches, suggesting that thermal mismatches might have contributed to recent amphibian declines.
Alcohol use and periodontal pocket development: findings from a 4‐yr longitudinal study
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Rajeswari , Saxlin Tuomas , Ylöstalo Pekka , Khan Sohaib , Knuuttila Matti , Suominen Anna L. 
Published: February 2019

This study investigated whether alcohol use influences periodontal pocket development during a 4‐yr follow‐up period. The study included those participants who took part in both the Health 2000 Survey and the Follow‐up Study on Finnish Adults’ Oral Health. The participants at baseline were aged ≥30 yr, periodontally healthy, and did not have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. The development of periodontal pockets at follow‐up was measured as the number of teeth with periodontal pockets and the presence of periodontal pockets. Alcohol use at baseline was measured as g/wk, frequency, and use over the risk limit. Incidence rate ratios with 95% CI were estimated using negative binomial regression models and Poisson regression models with a robust variance estimator. No consistent association was found between any of the alcohol variables and periodontal pocket development in the total population or among non‐smokers. Among smokers, a positive association was found with the frequency of alcohol use. In general, risk estimates were slightly higher for women than for men. In summary, light‐to‐moderate alcohol use appears not to be consistently associated with the development of periodontal pockets. The adverse effects on the periodontium seem, to some extent, to be dependent on gender and smoking.
The use of equine chondrogenic‐induced mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for osteoarthritis: A randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Broeckx S. Y. , Martens A. M. , Bertone A. L. , Van Brantegem L. , Duchateau L. , Van Hecke L. , Dumoulin M. , Oosterlinck M. , Chiers K. , Hussein H. , Pille F. , Spaas J. H. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBackgroundThere is a need to improve therapies for osteoarthritis in horses.ObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of equine allogeneic chondrogenic‐induced mesenchymal stem cells combined with equine allogeneic plasma as a novel therapy for osteoarthritis in horses.Study designRandomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled experiment.MethodsIn 12 healthy horses, osteoarthritis was induced in the metacarpophalangeal joint using an osteochondral fragment‐groove model. Five weeks after surgery, horses were randomly assigned to either an intra‐articular injection with chondrogenic‐induced mesenchymal stem cells + equine allogeneic plasma (= intervention) or with 0.9% saline solution (= control). From surgery until the study end, horses underwent a weekly joint and lameness assessment. Synovial fluid was collected for cytology and biomarker analysis before surgery and at Weeks 5, 5 + 1d, 7, 9 and 11. At Week 11, horses were subjected to euthanasia, and the metacarpophalangeal joints were evaluated macroscopically and histologically.ResultsNo serious adverse events or suspected adverse drug reactions occurred during the study. A significant improvement in visual and objective lameness was seen with the intervention compared with the control. Synovial fluid displayed a significantly higher viscosity and a significantly lower glycosaminoglycan concentration in the intervention group. Other biomarkers or cytology parameters were not significantly different between the treatment groups. Significantly less wear lines and synovial hyperaemia were present in the intervention group. The amount of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, collagen type II and glycosaminoglycans were significantly higher in the articular cartilage of the intervention group.Main limitationsThis study assessed the short‐term effect of the intervention on a limited number of horses, using an osteoarthritis model. This study also included multiple statistical tests, increasing the risk of type 1 error.ConclusionsEquine allogeneic chondrogenic‐induced mesenchymal stem cells combined with equine allogeneic plasma may be a promising treatment for osteoarthritis in horses.
The Summary is available in Spanish – see Supporting Information
Metal binding to the dynamic cytoplasmic domain of the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) protein MamM induces a ‘locked‐in’ configuration
Authors: Barber‐Zucker Shiran , Hall Jenny , Mangapuram Sivasubramanyan Venkata , Kass Itamar , Kolusheva Sofiya , MacMillan Fraser , Zarivach Raz , Henn Arnon 
Published: February 2019

Cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) proteins are a conserved family of transmembrane transporters that ensure cellular homeostasis of divalent transition metal cations. Metal cations bind to CDF protein's cytoplasmic C‐terminal domain (CTD), leading to closure from its apo open V‐shaped dimer to a tighter packed structure, followed by a conformational change of the transmembrane domain, thus enabling transport of the metal cation. By implementing a comprehensive range of biochemical and biophysical methods, we studied the molecular mechanism of metal binding to the magnetotactic bacterial CDF protein MamM CTD. Our results reveal that the CTD is rather dynamic in its apo form, and that two dependent metal‐binding sites, a single central binding site and two symmetrical, peripheral sites, are available for metal binding. However, only cation binding to the peripheral sites leads to conformational changes that lock the protein in a compact state. Thus, this work reveals how metal binding is regulating the sequential uptakes of metal cations by MamM, and extends our understanding of the complex regulation mechanism of CDF proteins.DatabaseStructural data are available in RCSB Protein Data Bank under the accession numbers: 6G64, 6G55, 6G5E and 6G6I (for CS, C267S, CS‐C267S and W247A, respectively).
Fatigue life prediction for butt‐welded joints considering weld‐induced residual stresses and initial damage, relaxation of residual stress, and elasto‐plastic fatigue damage
Authors: Wang Xiaojia , Meng Qingchun , Hu Weiping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFatigue damage of butt‐welded joints is investigated by a damage mechanics method. First, the weld‐induced residual stresses are determined by using a sequentially coupled thermo‐mechanical finite element analysis. The plastic damage of material is then calculated with the use of Lemaitre's plastic damage model. Second, during the subsequent fatigue damage analysis, the residual stresses are superimposed on the fatigue loading, and the weld‐induced plastic damage is considered as the initial damage via an elasto‐plastic fatigue damage model. Finally, the fatigue damage evolution, the relaxation of residual stress, and the fatigue lives of the joints are evaluated using a numerical implementation. The predicted results agree well with the experimental data.
Design guidelines for load introduction points at the boundaries of sandwich panels
Authors: Richert Philip , Dafnis Athanasios , Schröder Kai‐Uwe 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn order to use sandwich structures effectively, load introduction points are required. Standardized inserts have been developed for this purpose and investigated in many scientific studies. However, these inserts are unsuitable for use directly at the sandwich edge. The aim of this paper is to develop design guidelines for the construction process of special inserts for load introduction at the sandwich edge. These are based on the theoretical failure modes of standardized inserts. The paper also describes the design and manufacture of a boundary insert on the basis of these considerations. It is demonstrated experimentally that these inserts can withstand higher loads compared with the standardized inserts that are placed directly at the edge of sandwich panels.
The income elasticity of mortgage loan demand
Authors: Delis Manthos D. , Hasan Iftekhar , Tsoumas Chris 
Published: February 2019

AbstractOne explanation for the emergence of the housing market bubble and the subprime crisis is that increases in individuals’ income led to higher increases in the amount of mortgage loans demanded, especially for the middle class. This hypothesis translates to an increase in the income elasticity of mortgage loan demand before 2007. Using applicant‐level data, we test this hypothesis and find that the income elasticity of mortgage loan demand in fact declines in the years before 2007, especially for the mid‐ and lower‐middle income groups. Our finding implies that increases in house prices were not matched by increases in loan applicants’ income.
Prevalence of incontinence among cognitively impaired older residents in long‐term care facilities in East Asia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Higami Yoko , Yamakawa Miyae , Kang Younhee , Kobayashi Sayuri , Liao Xiao‐Yan , Sung Huei‐Chuan , Suzuki Mizue , Makimoto Kiyoko 
Published: February 2019

AimThe current study was an international cross‐sectional study comparing the prevalence of incontinence among cognitively impaired older residents in long‐term care facilities in East Asia, including Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Thailand between 2015 and 2016.MethodsParticipants were cognitively impaired older residents in long‐term care facilities. Demographic data were collected. The Clinical Dementia Rating scale was used to assess dementia severity, and the Barthel Index was used as a surrogate measure of incontinence and toilet use dependence. The prevalence of urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence were examined. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to predict incontinence and toilet use dependence.ResultsWe analyzed data from 662 participants (age 82.6 ± 9.9 years, 57.6% women). The prevalence of urinary incontinence ranged from 10.1% in Taiwan to 71.0% in Korea. The prevalence of fecal incontinence varied from 4.0% in Taiwan to 57.0% in Korea. A higher Clinical Dementia Rating score was a significant predictor of urinary and fecal incontinence and toilet use dependence (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe current survey showed a high prevalence of incontinence in long‐term care residents in East Asia, and identified challenges for future studies. Development of clinical guidelines for incontinence care in cognitively impaired older persons is urgently required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 444–450.
Meat protein based bioactive peptides and their potential functional activity: a review
Authors: Xing Lujuan , Liu Rui , Cao Songmin , Zhang Wangang , Guanghong Zhou 
Published: February 2019

SummaryBioactive peptides are the general name for the short amino acid sequences, which could be generated from the hydrolysis of parent proteins including beef, pork, mutton, chicken, duck and various species of marine organisms. Drying, curing, ripening and fermentation are particular procedures for meat flavour and also important for the releasing of bioactive peptides from parent proteins. Once being released, the peptides would play bioactive roles beyond their nutritional values. The physiological activities of meat‐derived peptides have been demonstrated to have antioxidative, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, opioid, antithrombotic and other bioactive effects. The regulation on immunological, gastrointestinal and neurological responses of those bioactive peptides supplies a vital base for the prevention of hypertension, obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarised the current studies on meat derived bioactive peptides along with their physiological functions to supply the overall understanding of the health benefit of bioactive peptides.
Stress and burden faced by family caregivers of people with schizophrenia and early psychosis in Hong Kong
Authors: Wan Kwok‐Fai , Wong Michael M.C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground/AimFamilies, especially in Chinese society, play a crucial role in care provision for relatives with schizophrenia, but the burden of caregiving has shown to cause significant distress among caregivers. The aim of the study is to assess the degree of stress and burden among caregivers of relatives with schizophrenia and early psychosis in Hong Kong.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 454 caregivers recruited from two mental health non‐governmental organisations and the outpatient clinic of a psychiatric hospital. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered via face‐to‐face or telephone interview.ResultsCaregivers attributed most of their conflicts with the ill relative or other family members to their own lack of knowledge of patient symptoms (56.4%), other family members’ lack of knowledge of patient symptoms (46.9%) or the ill relative's refusal to take medications (43.0%). Most of the caregivers had corresponding stress scores of 5 (scale: 1–5; mean = 3.88, 3.85 and 4.19, respectively). Nearly, a third (30.2%) of the caregivers surveyed reported an overall stress score of 5 (mean = 3.56). Regarding psychosocial problems, 78.0%, 49.8% and 45.8% of caregivers experienced anxiety, reduced socialising and insomnia, respectively.ConclusionsCaregivers of relatives with schizophrenia and early psychosis experience significant stress and psychosocial burden. To help them cope with distress, community support services should be strengthened. Moreover, long‐acting injectable antipsychotics are worth considering to alleviate caregiver burden due to ill relatives’ medication compliance issues.