bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, acalabrutinib, suppresses osteoclast differentiation and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐induced alveolar bone resorption
Authors: Pokhrel Nitin Kumar , Kim Yong‐Gun , Kim Hyo Jeong , Kim Hyung Joon , Lee Ji Hye , Choi So‐Young , Kwon Tae‐Geon , Lee Heon‐Jin , Kim Jae‐Young , Lee Youngkyun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontitis is not only one of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases among adults, but also commonly linked to numerous systemic conditions including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Although osteoclasts are responsible for the alveolar bone resorption during periodontitis pathogenesis, the development of pharmacologic strategies targeting these cells has not been vastly fruitful.MethodsBone marrow macrophages were cultured in the presence of macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (M‐CSF) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) to examine the direct effect of acalabrutinib on osteoclastogenesis. Ca2+ oscillation and nuclear localization of NFATc1 in osteoclast precursors were examined to determine the precise molecular mechanism. LPS‐induced alveolar bone loss model was employed for studying effect in in vivo bone resorption.ResultsAcalabrutinib directly inhibited RANKL and LPS‐induced in vitro osteoclast differentiation. In addition, acalabrutinib inhibited RANKL‐induced phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases and reduced the expression of NF‐κB. The inhibitory mechanism involved suppression of Ca2+ oscillation in osteoclast precursors resulting in the decreased NFATc1 expression and nuclear localization, which is a crucial prerequisite for osteoclastogenesis. The administration of acalabrutinib significantly reduced P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐induced alveolar bone erosion in mice.ConclusionThese data indicate that acalabrutinib is an effective inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, with a potential for a novel strategy against bone destruction by periodontitis.
Low‐temperature plasma on peri‐implant–related biofilm and gingival tissue
Authors: Carreiro Adriana F.P. , Delben Juliana A. , Guedes Sarah , Silveira Ericka J.D. , Janal Malvin N. , Vergani Carlos Eduardo , Pushalkar Smruti , Duarte Simone 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundEvaluate the effect of low‐temperature plasma (LTP) on an anaerobic biofilm and on the biological response of an in vitro reconstituted gingival epithelium tissue.MethodsPorphyromonas gingivalis W83 biofilm was cultured on titanium discs and reconstituted gingival tissues were submitted to similar treatment conditions. Treatments: LTP1—plasma treatment for 1 minute, LTP3—plasma treatment for 3 minute, CHX—0.2% chlorhexidine for 1 minute, GAS—gas only (no plasma) for 3 minute, and NEGATIVE—no treatment. TRITON group was included as a positive control for tissue analysis. Counting of viable colony forming units (CFU/mL) and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed to evaluate LTP's antimicrobial effect. EpiGingival tissue was evaluated through cytotoxocity, viability, histology, and imunnohistochemistry (Ki67, vascular endothelial growth factor‐A vascular endothelial growth factor A [VEGF‐A], and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling [TUNEL] expression).ResultsLTP1 and LTP3 presented significantly different reduced CFU/mL reduction in comparison to the negative control (Ρ < 0.001), but it was not as effective as the positive control (CHX). Low cytotoxicity and high viability were observed in gingival epithelium of NEGATIVE, GAS, CHX, and both LTP groups. The morphologic analysis of gingival epithelium revealed minor cell damage in the plasma groups (score 1). LTP1, LTP3, GAS, and NEGATIVE groups exhibited less than 5% of basal layer positive cells. LTP1, LTP3, GAS, and CHX groups were not positive for TUNEL assay. LTP1 and LTP3 showed the most positivity for VEGF.ConclusionsLTP treatment can be considered as an effective method for reducing P. gingivalis biofilm on implant surfaces, while being safe for the gingival epithelium. Furthermore, plasma treatment may be associated with cell repair.
A Highly Stretchable Tough Polymer Actuator Driven by Acetone Vapors
Authors: Yuan Yihui , Yuan Jun , Tan Huiyan , Song Xiaodong , Tu Yaqing , Zhang Ting , Han Huijing , Huang Wei , Huang Xinhua , Zhang Lidong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractStimuli‐responsive polymer materials having high stretchability and robust toughness are more promising for applications in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and sensors. Herein, a micropatterned single‐layered polymer soft actuator is reported that can be stretched to 600% of its original length with the strength reaching 40 MPa. The prominent mechanical stretchability comes from the modification of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) by using 3‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MS), followed by the treatment with mechanical uniaxial stretching. The uniaxial stretching induces microscopic patterning of the PVDF/MS composite actuator, making it capable of kinematics‐controllable movements in response to acetone vapors. The mechanically strong single‐layered vaporesponsive PVDF/MS actuator overcomes many drawbacks of polymer bilayer actuators that might undergo interfacial failure and inactivation caused by less‐than‐perfect mechanical properties. Driven by acetone vapors, the PVDF/MS actuator demonstrates highly efficient energy conversion and sensing abilities with simulating artificial muscles for inducing the movements of various paper dolls.
Deciphering the effect of reproductive tract microbiota on human reproduction
Authors: Moreno Inmaculada , Simon Carlos 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe female reproductive tract contains an active microbiome comprising mainly bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, which is associated with a healthy microbiome state. However, spatio‐temporal fluctuations of this microbiome that occur in response to internal and external factors may impact the physiology of the reproductive tract organs and even lead to pathological states.MethodsCurrent literature covering the reproductive tract microbiome is summarized and contextualized in this review.Main findingsThis review presents the current knowledge about the bacterial composition of the lower and upper reproductive tract as well as the impact of the microbiota on women's health and reproduction. We place special focus on the impact of the endometrial microbiome in infertility and assisted reproductive technologies.ConclusionThe assessment of the reproductive tract microbiome adds a new microbiological perspective to human reproduction, pregnancy, and onset of new life, highlighting the importance of considering the evaluation of microbial communities to improve personalized care in reproductive medicine and women's health.
Endogenous progesterone levels could predict reproductive outcome in frozen embryo replacement cycles supplemented with synthetic progestogens: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kawachiya Satoshi , Bodri Daniel , Hirosawa Toshikazu , Yao Serna Jazmina , Kuwahara Akira , Irahara Minoru 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeA retrospective, cohort study was conducted between 2009 and 2017 in a private infertility center to determine the predictive value of endogenous estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels in hormone‐replacement frozen embryo replacement (FER) treatment cycles.MethodsA total of 120 consecutive, infertile patients who became pregnant after FER cycles were analyzed (age: 37.4 ± 4.4 years). Electively vitrified blastocysts were created during natural cycle IVF or mild ovarian stimulation treatments and subsequently transferred through delayed vitrified‐thawed blastocyst transfer cycles supplemented with estrogens and a combination of synthetic progestogens. Serum E2 and progesterone P4 levels were intensively monitored every five days (from the day after embryo transfer until 9w1d of pregnancy) and compared among patients with a subsequent live birth (n = 76) or first‐trimester pregnancy loss (n = 44).ResultsEndogenous placental activity started as early as 5‐6th pregnancy week differing significantly according to pregnancy outcome. For P4, the exponential rise from 6w2d onwards allowed distinguishing between failing and successful conceptions. For P4, lower quartiles of the live birth group did not intersect with upper quartiles of the miscarriage group.ConclusionsInnovative FER protocols incorporating synthetic progestogens allow the correct measurement of endogenous placental activity and could help to monitor early first‐trimester ART pregnancies.
In this issue of Weather
Authors: Galvin Jim 
Published: November 2018

After a brief examination of the changes in the meteorological services brought about by the First World War, which ended 100 years ago this month, we complete John Zillman's look back at the heyday of the World Meteorological Organizaton in ‘International cooperation in meteorology, part 2: the golden years and their legacy’ on p. 341. This paper clearly demonstrates the value of international links across the world at their best.On p. 348, we look into the increasing problem of pollution within tropical cities, focussing on an event of last winter in India. In ‘The Delhi ‘gas chamber’: smog, air pollution and the health emergency of November 2017’ John Terry and his co‐authors look at the effects of this highly significant event and the responses to it.On p. 356, we move into Europe, with a look at flooding associated with a feature that many meteorologists will recognise: the Genoa Low. In ‘Rainfall intensity in the Genoa Metropolitan Area: secular variations and consequences’, Fiorella Acquaotta and her co‐authors review the particular circumstances that lead not only to the generation of this low‐pressure area and associated precipitation, but the effects of the rainfall in this important port city.Space weather is one of the most recent developments in the work of the weather forecaster. On p. 362, ‘Skills for forecasting space weather’ by H J Austin and N P Savani describes the processes and systems used by forecasters to predict the possible effects of the sun on the electronics of our modern world.Finally in this issue, Sejabaledi Rankoana looks at human responses to climate change in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Evidently, the response can be complex or confused, although there is a clear signal that the world's changing climate is important to people, as shown in ‘Human perception of climate change’ on p. 367.
Alzheimer's disease: 3‐Dimensional MRI texture for prediction of conversion from mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Luk Collin C. , Ishaque Abdullah , Khan Muhammad , Ta Daniel , Chenji Sneha , Yang Yee‐Hong , Eurich Dean , Kalra Sanjay ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionCurrently, there are no tools that can accurately predict which patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Texture analysis uses image processing and statistical methods to identify patterns in voxel intensities that cannot be appreciated by visual inspection. Our main objective was to determine whether MRI texture could be used to predict conversion of MCI to AD.MethodsA method of 3‐dimensional, whole‐brain texture analysis was used to compute texture features from T1‐weighted MR images. To assess predictive value, texture changes were compared between MCI converters and nonconverters over a 3‐year observation period. A predictive model using texture and clinical factors was used to predict conversion of patients with MCI to AD. This model was then tested on ten randomly selected test groups from the data set.ResultsTexture features were found to be significantly different between normal controls (n = 225), patients with MCI (n = 382), and patients with AD (n = 183). A subset of the patients with MCI were used to compare between MCI converters (n = 98) and nonconverters (n = 106). A composite model including texture features, APOE‐ε4 genotype, Mini‐Mental Status Examination score, sex, and hippocampal occupancy resulted in an area under curve of 0.905. Application of the composite model to ten randomly selected test groups (nonconverters = 26, converters = 24) predicted MCI conversion with a mean accuracy of 76.2%.DiscussionEarly texture changes are detected in patients with MCI who eventually progress to AD dementia. Therefore, whole‐brain 3D texture analysis has the potential to predict progression of patients with MCI to AD.
Association Between Multiple Sclerosis and Risk of Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhao Shankun , Wang Jiamin , Liu Yangzhou , Luo Lianmin , Zhu Zhiguo , Li Ermao , Zhao Zhigang 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Introduction
It has been reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) would increase the susceptibility to female sexual dysfunction (FSD).

Aim
To assess whether MS was a risk factor for FSD through a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis.

Methods
MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsychINFO databases were systematically searched for all studies reporting sexual function in women with MS. The protocol for this meta-analysis is available from PROSPERO (CRD42018094392).

Main Outcome Measures
The association between MS and risk of FSD was summarized using relative risk or standard mean differences with 95% CI. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to detect potential bias.

Results
Overall, 1,485 women participants (the mean age ranged from 29.15 to 45.89 years) were included from 9 studies (4 cross-sectional and 5 case-control studies); 826 of them were patients with MS, with a mean disease duration from 2.7 to 16.51 years. Synthesis of results revealed that MS was significantly associated with an increased risk of FSD (relative risk 1.87, 95% CI 1.25–2.78, P = .002; heterogeneity: I 2 = 89.0%, P &lt; .001). Women with MS had significantly lower values in total Female Sexual Function Index scores as compared with healthy controls (standard mean differences –2.41,95% CI −3.87 to −0.96, P = .017; heterogeneity: I 2 = 97.2%, P = .001). The grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation–relevant outcomes revealed that the absolute effect of MS on FSD was 434 more per 1000 (from 125 more to 888 more); and the overall quality of the evidence was judged as low.

Clinical Implications
The present meta-analysis indicates that women patients with MS have a significant elevated risk of sexual dysfunction, which should raise awareness of the potential association between MS and FSD by both neurologists and urologists.

Strengths & Limitations
This the first study to summarize all available evidence for combining the odds on the association between MS and the risk of developing FSD. However, all the included studies were observational design, which may downgrade this evidence.

Conclusion
Results of this meta-analysis revealed a potential hazardous effect of MS for developing FSD. High-quality stringently controlled studies with large sample size are still warranted to validate this relationship.
Summative Usability Evaluation of the SCTE-AI Device: A Novel Prefilled Autoinjector for Subcutaneous Testosterone Administration
Authors: Arora Samir , Moclair Betsy , Murphy Kyle , Jaffe Jonathan S. , Kaminetsky Jed C. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
The subcutaneous testosterone enanthate (TE) autoinjector (SCTE-AI) is a single-use, pre-filled, disposable autoinjector intended for testosterone (T) self-administration in adult males with T deficiency.

Aim
To evaluate the usability of the market configuration of the SCTE-AI, including packaging and instructions for use (IFU), in order to identify and mitigate any preventable patterns of use errors that could result in harm.

Methods
4 groups of participants (injection-naïve or injection-experienced patients or caregivers) were randomized to 1 of 3 doses (50, 75, and 100 mg) of TE and either trained (ie, reviewed the IFU and shown how to properly inject) or not trained (only given the IFU). After simulated at-home use, participants were asked questions regarding the comprehensibility of the IFU and the intuitiveness/usability of the device. All tasks were measured as success, use error, or close call (participant initiated an error but recovered in time).

Main Outcome Measure
Usability (success rates, errors, and close calls) of the drug/device combination by adult males with T deficiency or their caregivers.

Results
65 patients received 1 dose of TE, and 59 patients received 2 doses. Overall, 99 of 123 (80.5%) attempted injections resulted in administration of 1 full dose. Injection success rates were high and comparable among the various user groups. The most common use error (21 of 24) was due to not holding the autoinjector on the abdomen long enough (at least 8 seconds). Few critical drug delivery and safety errors or close calls were observed. No unmitigated use errors by patients or caregivers were apparent that could result in harm or have a negative impact on treatment. SCTE-AI was well tolerated.

Clinical Implications
The SCTE-AI development process resulted in a subcutaneous, TE autoinjection device that is intuitive to use, with clear labeling and packaging and an easy-to-understand IFU, providing an option for T-deficient adult males to self-inject subcutaneously at home.

Strength & Limitations
The strengths of the study include use of a patient-ready drug/device combination for self-administration and inclusion of both injection-naïve and injection-experienced patients and caregivers. The main limitation of the study is the presence of observers/cameras that may have distracted or created performance anxiety, potentially contributing to errors.

Conclusion
Results of this usability validation study indicate that the SCTE-AI device is safe and intuitive to use, with a low potential for harm and is associated with a high rate of injection success, regardless of prior training or experience.
Between perception and reality: the economy and trust in Latin American political institutions
Authors: Memoli Vincenzo , Di Pastena Maria Pina 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhat is the effect of the economy on political trust among Latin American countries? The few studies that have examined the causal link between the economy and trust in institutions have observed the phenomenon in a synchronic way, adopting information collected at the individual or at the aggregate level. The results shown by these works reveal a citizenry that is dissatisfied, less tolerant towards the political class, and oriented to de-legitimize the political system. In this work, which analyses the political attitudes of citizens in 18 Latin American countries from a longitudinal perspective (1996–2013), the conjoint effect that economic perceptions and the real economy have on political trust is estimated. In particular, by using data from the Latinobarómetro, we show that in contexts where the political regime continues to alternate between democracy and authoritarianism, citizens’ sociotropic understanding of the economy contributes to strengthening the relationship between citizens and political institutions.
The anatomy of large-scale motion in atmospheric boundary layers
Authors: Katul G. G. 
Published: November 2018

The atmospheric boundary layer is the level of the atmosphere where all human activities occur. It is a layer characterized by its turbulent flow state, meaning that the velocity, temperature and scalar concentrations fluctuate over scales that range from less than a millimetre to several kilometres. It is those fluctuations that make dispersion of pollutants and transport of heat, momentum as well as scalars such as carbon dioxide or cloud-condensation nuclei efficient. It is also the layer where a ‘hand-shake’ occurs between activities on the land surface and the climate system, primarily due to the action of large energetic swirling motions or eddies. The atmospheric boundary layer experiences dramatic transitions depending on whether the underlying surface is being heated or cooled. The existing paradigm describing the size and energetics of large-scale and very large-scale eddies in turbulent flows has been shaped by decades of experiments and simulations on smooth pipes and channels with no surface heating or cooling. The emerging picture, initiated by A. A. Townsend in 1951, is that large- and very large-scale motions appear to be approximated by a collection of hairpin-shaped vortices whose population density scales inversely with distance from the boundary. How does surface heating, quintessential to the atmospheric boundary layer, alter this canonical picture? What are the implications of such a buoyancy force on the geometry and energy distribution across velocity components in those large eddies? How do these large eddies modulate small eddies near the ground? Answering these questions and tracking their consequences to existing theories used today to describe the flow statistics in the atmospheric boundary layer are addressed in the work of Salesky & Anderson (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 856, 2018, pp. 135–168). The findings are both provocative and surprisingly simple.
Comparison of the application of artificial ossicles and autologous ossicles in the reconstruction of a damaged ossicular chain
Authors: Zhao L , Li J , Gong S 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the therapeutic effect that the titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis and autologous ossicles have on hearing loss after reconstruction of a damaged ossicular chain.MethodsForty-two medical records of treatments carried out from 2013 to 2015 for ossicular chain damage with facial nerve paralysis due to temporal bone fractures were reviewed. The study assessed: causes of damage, pre-operative pure tone audiometry findings, types of intra-operative ossicular chain damage, intra-operative ossicular chain repair methods (titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis or autologous ossicles) and post-operative pure tone audiometry results.ResultsThe titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis was used in 26 cases; the average air–bone gap was 32.3 ± 5.3 dB pre-operatively and 12.8 ± 5.3 dB post-operatively. Autologous ossicles were used in 16 cases; the average air–bone gap was 33.4 ± 4.5 dB pre-operatively and 17.8 ± 7.8 dB post-operatively.ConclusionOssicular chain reconstruction is an effective way of improving hearing in patients with ossicular chain damage. The results suggest that repair with either the titanium partial ossicular reconstruction prosthesis or autologous ossicles can improve hearing following ossicular chain injury with facial nerve paralysis caused by a temporal bone fracture.