bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐33 induces production of autoantibody against autologous respiratory epithelial cells: a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: Li Qin , Hu Yue , Chen Yan , Lv Zhe , Wang Jingjing , An Gao , Du Xiaonan , Wang Huating , Corrigan Chris J. , Wang Wei , Ying Sun 
Published: February 2019

SummaryThe mechanisms underlying the chronic, progressive airways inflammation, remodelling and alveolar structural damage characteristic of human chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remain unclear. In the present study, we address the hypothesis that these changes are at least in part mediated by respiratory epithelial alarmin (IL‐33)‐induced production of autoantibodies against airways epithelial cells. Mice immunized with homologous, syngeneic lung tissue lysate along with IL‐33 administered directly to the respiratory tract or systemically produced IgG autoantibodies binding predominantly to their own alveolar type II epithelial cells, along with increased percentages of Tfh cells and B2 B‐cells in their local, mediastinal lymph nodes. Consistent with its specificity for respiratory epithelial cells, this autoimmune inflammation was confined principally to the lung and not other organs such as the liver and kidney. Furthermore, the serum autoantibodies produced by the mice bound not only to murine, but also to human alveolar type II epithelial cells, suggesting specificity for common, cross‐species determinants. Finally, concentrations of antibodies against both human and murine alveolar epithelial cells were significantly elevated in the serum of patients with COPD compared with those of control subjects. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that IL‐33 contributes to the chronic, progressive airways obstruction, inflammation and alveolar destruction characteristic of phenotypes of COPD/emphysema through induction of autoantibodies against lung tissue, and particularly alveolar type II epithelial cells.
Asthma and oral changes in children: Associated factors in a community of southern Brazil
Authors: Rezende Gabriela , dos Santos Nathália Maria Lopes , Stein Caroline , Hilgert Juliana Balbinot , Faustino‐Silva Daniel Demétrio 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic disease that involves several healthcare services that need attention in relation to its treatment and prevention.AimThe objective of this study was to evaluate caries, erosion, and enamel defects in children with and without asthma.DesignCross‐sectional study, with a sample of 228 children ages 6‐12 years, stratified as asthmatic (n = 112) and non‐asthmatic (n = 116), at two Primary Health Units of the Community Health Service, Brazil. The evaluation consisted of an oral examination and a structured interview with parents/guardians, in addition to data from medical records. Data were analysed by Poisson regression with a robust error variance, all of them at a level of significance of P < 0.05.ResultsOf 112 asthmatic children, 63 (51.2%) had dental caries and 25 (53.2%) enamel defects. In the adjusted analysis, dental caries and use of salbutamol were associated (PR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.01‐1.72). In addition, children who performed oral hygiene more than three times a day showed a greater prevalence (PR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.02‐4.85) of dental erosion compared with children who performed it only once a day.ConclusionsThere is no evidence for an association between asthma, caries, erosion, and enamel defect in children aged from 6 to 12 years. There was, however, an association between dental caries and use of salbutamol.
Molecular dynamics investigation of the fracture mechanism of a glass‐ceramic containing cleavable crystals
Authors: Urata Shingo , Takato Yoichi , Maeda Kei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn this study on a novel glass‐ceramic containing hexagonal CaAl2Si2O8 crystals embedded in a SiO2–Al2O3–CaO glass, we used molecular dynamics simulations to unravel the toughening mechanism of the partially crystallized composite material. The crystalline phase is composed of alternate layers of SiO4/AlO4 tetrahedra and calcium ions. After careful modeling of crystals embedded in the glass matrix, we conducted crack propagation simulations using single‐notched models. We found that: (a) when a crack propagates parallel to the cleavable calcium layer, the glass‐ceramic breaks in a brittle way since the crack passes through the fragile interlayer promptly, (b) the stiffer SiO4/AlO4 oxide layer can inhibit crack propagation, and the crack is thus deflected to the interface between the crystal and the glass matrix; and (c) a calcium layer present between the glass matrix and the edge of the CaAl2Si2O8 crystal is more fragile than those inside the crystal, indicating that cracks prefer to travel along the glass‐crystal interface. These theoretical simulations successfully demonstrated that the anisotropy and the fragile feature of the crystals lead to microcrack toughening of the glass‐ceramic. In addition, we discuss deformation anisotropy in the microscale by constructing a larger model that includes randomly orientated multiple CaAl2Si2O8 crystals.
The effect of Fe‐acceptor doping on the electrical properties of Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 and 0.94 (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3–0.06 BaTiO3
Authors: Steiner Sebastian , Seo In‐Tae , Ren Pengrong , Li Ming , Keeble David J. , Frömling Till 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNa1/2Bi1/2TiO3 (NBT) based ceramics are amongst the most promising lead‐free ferroelectric materials. It was expected that the defect chemistry and the effect of doping of NBT would be similar to that observed for lead based materials, however, acceptor doping does not lead to ferroelectric hardening. Instead, high oxygen ionic conductivity is induced. Nevertheless, for solid solutions with BaTiO3 (BT), which are more relevant with respect to ferroelectric applications, such a drastic change of electrical properties has not been observed so far. To rationalize the difference in defect chemistry between NBT and its solid solution 94(Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3)–0.06 BaTiO3 (NBT–6BT) compositions with different concentrations of Fe‐dopant were investigated. The study illustrates that the materials exhibit very similar behavior to NBT, and extraordinarily high oxygen ionic conductivity could also be induced in NBT–6BT. The key difference between NBT–6BT and NBT is the range of the dependence of ionic conductivity with dopant concentration. Previous studies of NBT–6BT have not reached sufficiently high dopant concentrations to observe high conductivity. In consequence, the same defect chemical model can be applied to both NBT and its solid solutions. This will help to rationalize the effect of doping on ferroelectric properties of NBT‐ceramics and defect chemistry related degradation and fatigue.
Dental anxiety, oral health‐related quality of life, and general well‐being: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Halvari Anne Elisabeth Münster , Halvari Hallgeir , Deci Edward L. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to test a structural equation model (SEM) with the following hypotheses: (1) patients’ perceptions of oral health care professionals’ (i.e., dentists and dental hygienists) controlling interpersonal styles would positively predict patients’ dental anxiety through their basic psychological need frustration in treatment; (2) in turn, high dental anxiety would positively predict dysregulation of dental anxiety, which through a feedback loop contributes to perception of oral health care professionals’ controlling styles; and, (3) in addition, both dental anxiety and dysregulation of dental anxiety would predict poor Oral Health‐Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) and subsequently poor general well‐being. A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 322 students at the University of Oslo. Participants responded to a survey with validated questionnaires. All variables in the model tested were acceptably normally distributed. The SEM did fit the data well and all hypotheses were supported. A bootstrapping procedure indicated that all indirect links in the model were supported. Analysis indicated that common method variance (CMV) did not seriously distort the results in this setting. Although the majority of oral health care professionals are perceived as being noncontrolling by their patients (51%), the proportion perceived as moderately (38%) or highly (11%) controlling represent a challenge for oral health care education and practice. It would be useful for oral health care professionals to be trained in avoiding a controlling treatment style.
Diatom β‐diversity in streams increases with spatial scale and decreases with nutrient enrichment across regional to sub‐continental scales
Authors: Leboucher Thibault , Budnick William R. , Passy Sophia I. , Boutry Sébastien , Jamoneau Aurélien , Soininen Janne , Vyverman Wim , Tison‐Rosebery Juliette 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAimTo quantify the relative contributions of local community assembly processes versus γ‐diversity to β‐diversity, and to assess how spatial scale and anthropogenic disturbance (i.e. nutrient enrichment) interact to dictate which driver dominates.LocationFrance and the United States.Time period1993–2011.Major taxa studiedFreshwater stream diatoms.Methodsβ‐diversity along a nutrient enrichment gradient was examined across multiple spatial scales. β‐diversity was estimated using multi‐site Sørensen dissimilarity. We assessed the relative importance of specialists versus generalists using Friedley coefficient, and the contribution of local community assembly versus γ‐diversity to β‐diversity across spatial scales, with a null model. Finally, we estimated the response of β‐diversity to environmental and spatial factors by testing the correlations between community, environmental and geographical distance matrices with partial Mantel tests.Resultsβ‐diversity generally increased with spatial scale but the rate of increase depended on nutrient enrichment level. β‐diversity decreased significantly with increasing nutrient enrichment level due to the loss of specialist species. Local assembly was an important driver of β‐diversity especially under low nutrient enrichment. Significant partial Mantel correlations were observed between diatom β‐diversity and pure environmental distances under these conditions, highlighting the role of species sorting in local assembly processes. Conversely, in heavily enriched sites, only spatial distances were significantly correlated with β‐diversity, which indicated a substantial role of dispersal processes.Main conclusionsNutrient concentration mediated the expected increase in β‐diversity with spatial scales. Across spatial scales, β‐diversity was more influenced by local assembly processes rather than by γ‐diversity. Nutrient enrichment was associated with an overall decline in diatom β‐diversity and a shift in assembly processes from species sorting to dispersal, notably due to the elimination of some specialists and their subsequent replacement by generalists.
Small non‐coding RNA and colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Hui , Xu Zhiying , Liu Deliang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignance. Although great efforts have been made to understand the pathogenesis of CRC, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. It is now clear that more than 90% of the total genome is actively transcribed, but lack of protein‐coding potential. The massive amount of RNA can be classified as housekeeping RNAs (such as ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs) and regulatory RNAs (such as microRNAs [miRNAs], PIWI‐interacting RNA [piRNAs], tRNA‐derived stress‐induced RNA, tRNA‐derived small RNA [tRFs] and long non‐coding RNAs [lncRNAs]). Small non‐coding RNAs are a group of ncRNAs with the length no more than 200 nt and they have been found to exert important regulatory functions under many pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize the biogenesis and functions of regulatory sncRNAs, such as miRNAs, piRNA and tRFs, and highlight their involvements in cancers, particularly in CRC.
The role of LINC00094/miR‐224‐5p (miR‐497‐5p)/Endophilin‐1 axis in Memantine mediated protective effects on blood‐brain barrier in AD microenvironment
Authors: Zhu Lu , Lin Meiqing , Ma Jun , Liu Wenjing , Gao Lili , Wei Shanshan , Xue Yixue , Shang Xiuli 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe dysfunction of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is one of the main pathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Memantine (MEM), an N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been reported that been used widely for AD therapy. This study was performed to demonstrate the role of the MEM in regulating BBB permeability in AD microenvironment as well as its possible mechanisms. The present study showed that LINC00094 was dramatically increased in Abeta1‐42‐incubated microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) of BBB model in vitro. Besides, it was decreased in MEM‐incubated ECs. Silencing LINC00094 significantly decreased BBB permeability, meanwhile up‐regulating the expression of ZO‐1, occludin and claudin‐5. Furthermore, silencing LINC00094 enhance the effect of MEM on decreasing BBB permeability in AD microenvironment. The analysis of the mechanism demonstrated that reduction of LINC00094 inhibited Endophilin‐1 expression by up‐regulating miR‐224‐4p/miR‐497‐5p, promoted the expression of ZO‐1, occludin and claudin‐5, and ultimately alleviated BBB permeability in AD microenvironment. Taken together, the present study suggests that the MEM/LINC00094/miR‐224‐5p (miR‐497‐5p)/Endophilin‐1 axis plays a crucial role in the regulation of BBB permeability in AD microenvironment. Silencing LINC00094 combined with MEM provides a novel target for the therapy of AD.
Atypical resting state neuromagnetic connectivity and spectral power in very preterm children
Authors: Kozhemiako Nataliia , Nunes Adonay , Vakorin Vasily A. , Chau Cecil M. Y. , Moiseev Alexander , Ribary Urs , Grunau Ruth E. , Doesburg Sam M. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundChildren born very preterm often display selective cognitive difficulties at school age even in the absence of major brain injury. Alterations in neurophysiological activity underpinning such difficulties, as well as their relation to specific aspects of adverse neonatal experience, remain poorly understood. In the present study, we examined interregional connectivity and spectral power in very preterm children at school age, and their relationship with clinical neonatal variables and long‐term outcomes (IQ, executive functions, externalizing/internalizing behavior, visual‐motor integration).MethodsWe collected resting state magnetoencephalographic (MEG) and psychometric data from a cohort at the age of 8 years followed prospectively since birth, which included three groups: Extremely Low Gestational Age (ELGA, 24–28 weeks GA n = 24, age 7.7 ± 0.38, 10 girls), Very Low Gestational Age (VLGA, 29–32 weeks GA n = 37, age 7.7 ± 0.39, 24 girls), and full‐term children (38–41 weeks GA n = 39, age 7.9 ± 1.02, 24 girls). Interregional phase synchrony and spectral power were tested for group differences, and associations with neonatal and outcome variables were examined using mean‐centered and behavioral Partial Least Squares (PLS) analyses, respectively.ResultsWe found greater connectivity in the theta band in the ELGA group compared to VLGA and full‐term groups, primarily involving frontal connections. Spectral power analysis demonstrated overall lower power in the ELGA and VLGA compared to full‐term group. PLS indicated strong associations between neurophysiological connectivity at school age, adverse neonatal experience and cognitive performance, and behavior. Resting spectral power was associated only with behavioral scores.ConclusionsOur findings indicate significant atypicalities of neuromagnetic brain activity and connectivity in very preterm children at school age, with alterations in connectivity mainly observed only in the ELGA group. We demonstrate a significant relationship between connectivity, adverse neonatal experience, and long‐term outcome, indicating that the disruption of developing neurophysiological networks may mediate relationships between neonatal events and cognitive and behavioral difficulties at school age.
Reliability assessment and validation of the dermal pigmentation area and severity index: a new scoring method for acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation
Authors: Kumaran M.S. , Dabas G. , Vinay K. , Parsad D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundDermal pigmentation area and severity score (DPASI) is a recently proposed scoring system for acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation (ADMH).ObjectiveTo determine the reliability and validity of DPASI.MethodsAfter standardized training, three researchers independently rated 55 patients with ADMH on two consecutive days within 1 week, to determine intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability. Validation was performed by comparing DPASI with the physician global assessment score.ResultsTest–retest reliability of individual raters tested by Pearson's r showed good correlation for all three raters (r = 0.984, P < 0.0001; r = 0.983, P < 0.000 and r = 0.970, P < 0.0001). Inter‐rater agreement computed by intra‐class correlation coefficient also showed good correlation (ICC = 0.997, P < 0.0001). Internal consistency as measured by Cronbach's alpha was 0.997. The score faired well in face and content validity (I‐CVI of 0.87). On usability assessment, the scale had a median score of 4 on a scale from 1 to 5. The meantime taken to score the patients were 307.2 ± 83, 308.9 ± 84.4, 350.15 ± 91.8 s by three observers, respectively.ConclusionThe DPASI is a reliable measure of ADMH severity. The use of dermoscopy decreases inter and intra‐observer variation resulting in a more objective score.
Analysis of serum metabolite profiles in syphilis patients by untargeted metabolomics
Authors: Liu L.‐L. , Lin Y. , Zhuang J.‐C. , Ren J. , Jiang X.‐Y. , Chen M.‐H. , Chen W. , Luo X. , Yan J.‐H. , Niu J.‐J. , Yang T.‐C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundGlobal metabolomics analysis can provide substantial information on energy metabolism, physiology, possible diagnostic biomarkers and intervention strategies for pathogens.ObjectiveTo gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of syphilis and analysis of serum metabolite profiles in syphilis patients.MethodsWe conducted an untargeted metabolomics analysis of serum from 20 syphilis patients and 20 healthy controls.ResultsA total of 2890 molecular features were extracted from each sample, and the peak intensity of each feature was obtained. Distinct differential metabolites were identified by principal component analysis, partial least squares‐discriminant analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis. Furthermore, five metabolites were identified as significantly different by Student's t‐test, including trimethylamine N‐oxide, l‐arginine, lysoPC(18:0), betaine and acetylcarnitine. KEGG analysis showed that these differential metabolites were in various pathways, including Chagas disease, fatty acid biosynthesis, primary bile acid biosynthesis, Salmonella infection, ABC transporters, glycerophospholipid metabolism and choline metabolism. Among them, trimethylamine N‐oxide was 3.922 times in patients with syphilis than healthy controls.ConclusionTrimethylamine N‐oxide may be used as an indicator to distinguish between syphilis patients and healthy controls. The changes in these metabolites suggest that Treponema pallidum affects the normal metabolic activity of host cells, providing some clues for elucidating the pathogenesis of T. pallidum.
Monitoring infection with Piscine myocarditis virus and development of cardiomyopathy syndrome in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Norway
Authors: Svendsen Julie Christine , Nylund Stian , Kristoffersen Anja B. , Takle Harald , Fossberg Buhaug Julia , Jensen Britt Bang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn epidemiological study was carried out in Norway in 2015–2018, investigating the development of infection with Piscine myocarditis virus (PMCV) and development of cardiomyopathy syndrome (CMS) in farmed Atlantic salmon. Cohorts from 12 sites were followed and sampled every month or every other month from sea transfer to slaughter. PMCV was detected at all sites and in all sampled cages, and fish in six sites developed clinical CMS. The initial infection happened between 1 and 7 months post‐sea transfer, and the median time from infection with PMCV until outbreak of CMS was 6.5 months. Generally, fish from sites with CMS had higher viral titre and a higher prevalence of PMCV, compared to sites that did not develop clinical CMS. The virus persisted until the point of slaughter at most (11 out of 12) of the sites. The detection of PMCV in all sites suggests that PMCV is more widespread than previously known. Screening for PMCV as a tool to monitor impending outbreaks of CMS must be supported by observations of the health status of the fish and risk factors for development of disease.
Quality of Life with Late‐Stage Dementia: Exploring Opportunities to Intervene
Authors: Ernecoff Natalie C. , Lin Feng‐Chang , Wessell Kathryn L. , Hanson Laura C. 
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESIn late‐stage dementia, families often prioritize quality of life (QoL) and comfort, yet little research examines factors impacting QoL. We sought to (1) describe temporal trends in QoL in late‐stage dementia, and (2) explore associations between patient characteristics, care interventions, and QoL.DESIGNSecondary analysis of data from the Goals of Care clinical trial.SETTINGTwenty‐two nursing homes (NHs) in North Carolina.PARTICIPANTSFamily decision makers for residents with late‐stage dementia.MEASUREMENTSFamily‐reported QoL at baseline and at 9 months using the Alzheimer's Disease‐Related Quality of Life Instrument (ADRQL) with five subscales scored 0 to 100 (higher scores indicate better quality). Families reported demographics, primary goal of care, and described their perceptions of residents’ QoL. Chart reviews provided data on hospital transfers, treatment plans, and hospice enrollment. We ran mixed effects models of hypothesized variables and change in ADRQL over time.RESULTSThe study sample was 241 dyads of residents with late‐stage dementia and family decision makers. Family‐reported ADRQL scores reflected moderately good QoL at baseline and at 9 months (69.1 vs 66.9; p = .106). Subscales for Awareness of Self (62.8; Global Deterioration Scale [GDS] = 5; 30.5; GDS = 7; p > .01) and Enjoyment of Activities (53.4; GDS = 5; 39.4; GDS = 7; p > .01) were lower in later stage disease. Qualitatively, family members associated better QoL for dementia with (1) activities, (2) opportunities to leave NH, (3) NH‐structured activities, (4) attentiveness in NH, and (5) passive interaction. ADRQL at 9 months was associated with later dementia stage and referral to hospice (p < .01). Age (p = .004) and hospice enrollment were significantly associated with a larger decrease in ADRQL over 9 months (p = .019). A primary goal of comfort was associated with a larger increase in ADRQL (p = .022).CONCLUSIONFamilies judge QoL to be moderately good in late‐stage dementia. They perceive activities, opportunities to leave the NH, and quality of interpersonal care as ways to improve dementia‐specific QoL.