bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex‐specific contribution of DHEA‐cortisol ratio to prefrontal‐hippocampal structural development, cognitive abilities and personality traits
Authors: Farooqi Nasr A. I. , Scotti Martina , Yu Ally , Lew Jimin , Monnier Patricia , Botteron Kelly N. , Campbell Benjamin C. , Booij Linda , Herba Catherine M. , Séguin Jean R. , Castellanos‐Ryan Natalie , McCracken James T , Nguyen Tuong‐Vi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAlthough dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may exert neuroprotective effects in the developing brain, prolonged or excessive elevations in cortisol may exert neurotoxic effects. The ratio between DHEA and cortisol (DC ratio) has been linked to internalising and externalising disorders, as well as cognitive performance, supporting the clinical relevance of this hormonal ratio during development. However, the brain mechanisms by which these effects may be mediated have not yet been identified. Furthermore, although there is evidence that the effects of cortisol in the central nervous system may be sexually dimorphic in humans, the opposite is true for DHEA, with human studies showing no sex‐specific associations in cortical thickness, cortico‐amygdalar or cortico‐hippocampal structural covariance. Therefore, it remains unclear whether sex moderates the developmental associations between DC ratio, brain structure, cognition and behaviour. In the present study, we examined the associations between DC ratio, structural covariance of the hippocampus with whole‐brain cortical thickness, and measures of personality, behaviour and cognition in a longitudinal sample of typically developing children, adolescents and young adults aged 6‐22 years (N = 225 participants [F = 128]; 355 scans [F = 208]), using mixed effects models that accounted for both within‐ and between‐subject variances. We found sex‐specific interactions between DC ratio and anterior cingulate cortex‐hippocampal structural covariance, with higher DC ratios being associated with a more negative covariance between these structures in girls, and a more positive covariance in boys. Furthermore, the negative prefrontal‐hippocampal structural covariance found in girls was associated with higher verbal memory and mathematical ability, whereas the positive covariance found in boys was associated with lower cooperativeness and reward dependence personality traits. These findings support the notion that the ratio between DHEA and cortisol levels may contribute, at least in part, to the development of sex differences in cognitive abilities, as well as risk for internalising/externalising disorders, via an alteration in prefrontal‐hippocampal structure during the transition from childhood to adulthood.
1927‐nm fiber‐optic diode laser: A novel therapeutic option for facial steatocystoma multiplex
Authors: Cheon Dong Uk , Ko Joo Yeon 
Published: December 2018

SummarySteatocystoma multiplex (SM) is a cutaneous disorder that presents with multiple yellowish intradermal cysts originating from the pilosebaceous ducts. Although various treatments have been attempted to improve cosmetic outcomes, no optimal treatment strategy has been established to date. A 41‐year‐old man presented with a 10‐year history of multiple skin‐colored papulonodules over his entire body. He was diagnosed with SM, and we treated his facial SM with a 1927‐nm diode laser. Two treatment sessions at a 5‐week interval led to cosmetically excellent outcomes. There was no recurrence at the 8‐month follow‐up. Herein, we present a case of SM that was successfully treated with a 1927‐nm fiber‐optic diode laser.
Elevated leptin levels in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis promote proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6 expression in synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Xiong Haofei , Li Wei , Li Jiajie , Fang Wei , Ke Jin , Li Bo , Cheng Yong , Wei Lili 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundLeptin, through binding to its special receptor (Ob‐Rb), has potent effects on immunity and inflammation. This study measured the levels of leptin in the synovial fluid of patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ‐OA) and healthy controls, determined the expression of Ob‐Rb and explored the effects and signalling pathways involved in leptin‐induced proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐6 production in TMJ synovial fibroblasts (TMJ‐SFs).MethodsSynovial fluid samples were obtained from 16 patients with TMJ‐OA and seven healthy controls. Leptin levels were measured in synovial fluid using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ob‐Rb expression was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot in cultured TMJ‐SFs. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into the TMJ‐SFs to down‐regulate the expression of Ob‐Rb. qRT‐PCR and ELISA were used to determine the levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL‐6 in leptin‐stimulated TMJ‐SFs. The involved signalling pathways that mediate the leptin‐stimulated production of IL‐6 were investigated using specific signalling inhibitor analyses.ResultsCompared with healthy controls, patients with TMJ‐OA had significantly higher concentrations of leptin in their synovial fluid. The expression levels of Ob‐Rb mRNA and proteins were detected in the TMJ‐SFs. Leptin can stimulate the mRNA and protein expression of IL‐6 in TMJ‐SFs by binding with Ob‐Rb. The leptin‐induced production of IL‐6 by the TMJ‐SFs significantly decreased after exposure to siRNA targeting Ob‐Rb. Inhibiting JAK2/STAT3, p38 MAPK or PI3K/Akt substantially decreased leptin‐induced IL‐6 production.ConclusionLeptin may up‐regulate IL‐6 production in vitro by binding with Ob‐Rb in TMJ‐SFs via the activation of the JAK2/STAT3, p38 MAPK or PI3K/Akt signalling pathways.
Fatty acid synthase and Ki‐67 immunoexpression can be useful for the identification of malignant component in carcinoma ex‐pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Díaz Katya Pulido , Gondak Rogério , Martins Leandro Liporoni , de Almeida Oslei Paes , León Jorge Esquiche , Mariano Fernanda Viviane , Altemani Albina , Vargas Pablo Agustin 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundFatty acid synthase (FASN) is the key molecule for catalyzing fatty acid synthesis and have been associated with several malignant tumors.MethodsWe analyzed the expression of FASN and Ki‐67, by immunohistochemistry on 29 carcinomas ex‐pleomorphic adenoma (CXPAs) and 25 pleomorphic adenomas (PAs).ResultsKi‐67 proliferation index and FASN expression were significantly higher in patients with CXPA than patients with PA (P < 0.001). We found intense immunoreactivity for FASN in the malignant component of CXPAs, and these malignant areas also had intense nuclear immunoreactivity for Ki‐67.ConclusionsThe present results suggest that overexpression of FASN in CXPAs might be associated with malignant transformation of ductal epithelial cells and/or myoepithelial cells from PA. FASN associated with Ki‐67 may be useful diagnostic markers for CXPA.
Melatonin: Another avenue for treating osteoporosis?
Authors: Li Tian , Jiang Shuai , Lu Chenxi , Yang Wenwen , Yang Zhi , Hu Wei , Xin Zhenlong , Yang Yang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMelatonin is a signal molecule that modulates the biological circadian rhythms of vertebrates. Melatonin deficiency is thought to be associated with several disorders, including insomnia, cancer, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Accumulating evidence has also indicated that melatonin may be involved in the homeostasis of bone metabolism. Age‐related reductions in melatonin are considered to be critical factors in bone loss and osteoporosis with aging. Thus, serum melatonin levels might serve as a biomarker for the early detection and prevention of osteoporosis. Compared to conventional antiosteoporosis medicines, which primarily inhibit bone loss, melatonin both suppresses bone loss and promotes new bone formation. Mechanistically, by activating melatonin receptor 2 (MT2), melatonin upregulates the gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), BMP6, osteocalcin, and osteoprotegerin to promote osteogenesis while inhibiting the receptor activator of NF‐kB ligand (RANKL) pathway to suppress osteolysis. In view of the distinct actions of melatonin on bone metabolism, we hypothesize that melatonin may be a novel remedy for the prevention and clinical treatment of osteoporosis.
The effects of dietary tomato powder (Solanum lycopersicum L.) supplementation on the haematological, immunological, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters of growing rabbits
Authors: Elwan Hamada A. M. , Elnesr Shaaban Saad , Mohany Mohamed , Al-Rejaie Salim S. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractUsing nutritional antioxidants in livestock systems is considered the key in improving animal production. The current study assumes that dietary tomato powder (TP) supplementation positively affects haemato‐immunological, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters for New Zealand rabbits. A total of 30 rabbits (45 days old) were assigned to three groups, including a diet with no additives (control), and two dietary treatments with the providing of 1% or 2% TP. Mass spectrometric study for TP methanolic extract showed some phenolic compounds. Consumption of TP supplemented diets significantly (p < 0.001) affected body weight gain and feed efficiency. Red blood cells and white blood cells count exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.001) in both TP groups compared with the control. In addition to, feeding rabbits on TP enhanced cell‐mediated and humoral immune responses through a significant increase in phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and levels of immunoglobulins (TIg, IgG, IgM and IgA). Supplementation of TP significantly (p < 0.01) reduced lipid profile induces except high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol values. A remarkable significant (p < 0.001) effect on serum and hepatic oxidative stress responses were observed with TP addition. Ultimately, TP supplementation could play a potential role as a growth and health enhancer for fattening rabbits.
Upregulation of free fatty acid receptors in periodontal tissues of patients with metabolic syndrome and periodontitis
Authors: Li Guang , Robles Samantha , Lu Zhongyang , Li Yanchun , Krayer Joe W. , Leite Renata S. , Huang Yan 
Published: December 2018

Background and objectiveMetabolic syndrome (MetS) exacerbates periodontitis. Since saturated fatty acid (SFA) is increased in MetS and enhances lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced proinflammatory cytokine expression in macrophages, it has been considered to play a role in MetS‐exacerbated periodontitis. However, it remains unknown how fatty acid receptors, which mediate the interaction of cells with SFA and uptake of SFA, are expressed and regulated in the periodontal tissue. In this study, we tested our hypothesis that the periodontal expression of fatty acid receptors GPR40 and CD36 is increased in patients with both MetS and periodontitis. We also determined the effect of SFA and LPS on GPR40 and CD36 expression in vitro.Material and methodsPeriodontal tissue specimens were collected from 11 participants without MetS and periodontitis, 12 participants with MetS, 11 participants with periodontitis, and 14 participants with both MetS and periodontitis after surgeries. The tissues were processed, and GPR40 and CD36 were detected by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, cultured macrophages and gingival fibroblasts were treated with LPS, palmitate, a major SFA, or LPS plus palmitate and the expression of GPR40 and CD36 was then quantified.ResultsAnalysis of clinical data showed that age, smoker, gender, and race/ethnicity were not significantly different among 4 groups. Immunohistochemistry showed that GPR40 and CD36 were expressed by epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. Quantitative data showed that GPR40 expression is increased in patients with periodontitis, MetS, or both periodontitis and MetS while CD36 expression is increased only in patients with both periodontitis and MetS. The in vitro studies showed that the expression of GPR40 and CD36 in macrophages and fibroblasts was upregulated by the combination of LPS and palmitate.ConclusionPeriodontal expression of GPR40 and CD36 was upregulated in patients with both MetS and periodontitis, and GPR40 and CD36 in macrophages and fibroblasts were upregulated in vitro by the combination of LPS and palmitate, suggesting that GPR40 and CD36 may be involved in MetS‐exacerbated periodontitis.
The immunity‐related GTPase M rs13361189 variant does not increase the risk for prevalent or incident steatosis; results from the Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Simon Tracey G. , Deng Xuan , Liu Ching‐Ti , Chung Raymond T. , Long Michelle T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackground & AimsEmerging data from paediatric populations suggest that variants in the autophagy‐governing immunity‐related GTPase M (IRGM) gene may contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) susceptibility. We examined the relationship between IRGM rs13361189 variants and NAFLD in a community‐based cohort of adults.MethodsWe included all Framingham Heart Study participants with available data on the IRGM rs13361189 variant, undergoing study‐directed computed tomography (CT) scans of the abdomen (2002‐2005). Using multivariable linear and logistic regression modelling, we evaluated cross‐sectional associations between rs13361189 genotype and hepatic steatosis (HS). Among the subset of participants without baseline HS and who underwent follow‐up CT scan between 2008 and 2011, we used multivariable logistic regression modelling to assess the longitudinal relationship between IRGM rs13361189 genotype and risk for incident HS.ResultsAmong 2070 participants (50% women; mean age 51 ± 11 years), 332 (16%) had one copy of the variant rs13361189 variant C allele, while 19 (1%) had the CC genotype. Compared to the TT genotype, there was no increased odds of prevalent HS with the CT or CC genotype (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.93 [95% CI 0.68‐128] and 0.86 [95% CI 0.46‐1.63], respectively). Among individuals without baseline HS (n = 1052), 19.3% developed incident HS over median 6.1 years. Compared to the TT genotype, neither the CT nor the CC genotype were significantly associated with incident HS (all P > 0.05).ConclusionIn our community‐based, longitudinal cohort of Caucasian adults, variants in the autophagy‐governing IRGM gene at the rs13361189 locus were not associated with increased prevalent or incident HS.
Developmental onset of cardiovascular disease—Could the proof be in the placenta?
Authors: D'Errico Jeanine N. , Stapleton Phoebe A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe Barker Hypothesis states change to the maternal environment may have significant impacts on fetal development, setting the stage for adult disease to occur. The development of the maternofetal vasculature during implantation and maintenance during pregnancy is extremely precise, yet dynamic. Delays or dysfunction in the orchestration of anatomical remodeling, maintenance of blood pressure, or responsiveness to metabolic demand may have severe consequences to the developing fetus. While these intermissions may not be fatal to the developing fetus, an interruption, reduction, or an inability to meet fetal demand of blood flow during crucial stages of development may predispose young to disease later in life. Maternal inability to meet fetal demand can be attributed to improper placental development and vascular support through morphological change or physiological function will significantly limit nutrient delivery and waste exchange to the developing fetus. Therefore, we present an overview of the uteroplacental vascular network, maternal cardiovascular adaptations that occur during pregnancy, placental blood flow, and common maternal comorbidities and/or exposures that may perturb maternal homeostasis and affect fetal development. Overall, we examine uterine microvasculature pathophysiology contributing to a hostile gestational environment and fetal predisposition to disease as it relates to the Barker Hypothesis.
Morphological and pharmacological characterization of the porcine popliteal artery: A novel model for study of lower limb arterial disease
Authors: Frederick Norman E. , Mitchell Ray , Hein Travis W. , Bagher Pooneh 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study was undertaken to characterize structural and pharmacological properties of the pig popliteal artery in order to develop a novel system for the examination of lower limb blood flow regulation in a variety of cardiovascular pathologies, such as diabetes‐induced peripheral artery disease.MethodsPopliteal arteries were isolated from streptozocin‐induced diabetic pigs or age‐matched saline‐injected control pigs for morphological study using transmission electron microscopy and for examination of vasoreactivity to pharmacological agents using wire myography.ResultsTransmission electron microscopy of the porcine popliteal artery wall revealed the presence of endothelial cell‐smooth muscle cell interactions (myoendothelial junctions) and smooth muscle cell‐smooth muscle cell interactions, for which we have coined the term “myo‐myo junctions.” These myo‐myo junctions were shown to feature plaques indicative of connexin expression. Further, the pig popliteal artery was highly responsive to a variety of vasoconstrictors including norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and U46619, and vasodilators including acetylcholine, adenosine 5′‐[β‐thio] diphosphate, and bradykinin. Finally, 2 weeks after streptozocin‐induced diabetes, the normalized vasoconstriction of the pig popliteal artery to norepinephrine was unaltered compared to control.ConclusionsThe pig popliteal artery displays structural and pharmacological properties that might prove useful in future studies of diabetes‐associated peripheral artery disease and other lower limb cardiovascular diseases.
Clinical characteristics, rapid identification, molecular epidemiology and antifungal susceptibilities of Talaromyces marneffei infections in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Lau Susanna K. P. , Xing Fanfan , Tsang Chi‐Ching , Tang James Y. M. , Tan Yen‐Pei , Ye Haiyan , Lau Ricky W. T. , Chen Jonathan H. K. , Lo Simon K. F. , Woo Patrick C. Y. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryAlthough case series of talaromycosis have been reported in China, their detailed clinical and microbiological characteristics have never been systematically profiled. In this study, we report the clinical characteristics, molecular epidemiology, rapid identification and antifungal susceptibilities of talaromycosis in The University of Hong Kong‐Shenzhen Hospital in Shenzhen. Seven cases of talaromycosis were observed since commencement of hospital service in 2012. Three patients were local Shenzhen residents, whereas the other four were immigrants from other parts of China. Two patients were HIV‐negative, but with underlying diseases requiring immunosuppressive therapy. Two of the seven patients succumbed. All the seven isolates were successfully identified as T. marneffei by MALDI–TOF MS using Bruker database expanded with in‐house generated T. marneffei mass spectra. MLST showed that the seven strains belonged to six different, novel sequences types. Phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated five‐locus sequence revealed that the seven strains were scattered amongst other T. marneffei strains. The MICs of itraconazole, isavuconazole, posaconazole and voriconazole against the seven clinical isolates were low but MICs of anidulafungin were high. Underlying diseases other than HIV infection are increasingly important risk factors of talaromycosis. MALDI–TOF MS is useful for rapid identification. Highly diverse T. marneffei sequence types were observed.
Reactive oxygen species‐mediatedBIN2 activity revealed by single‐molecule analysis
Authors: Song Song , Wang Haijiao , Sun Mengyuan , Tang Jie , Zheng Binglian , Wang Xuelu , Tan Yan‐Wen 
Published: December 2018

SummaryMuch evidence has shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate several plant hormone signaling cascades, but little is known about the real‐time kinetics and the underlying molecular mechanisms of the target proteins in the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway.In this study, we used single‐molecule techniques to investigate the true signaling timescales of the majorBRsignaling componentsBRI1‐EMS‐SUPPRESSOR1 (BES1) andBRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE2 (BIN2) ofArabidopsis thaliana.The rate constants ofBIN2 associating withATPand phosphorylatingBES1 were determined to be 0.7 ± 0.4 mM−1 s−1and 2.3 ± 1.4 s−1, respectively. Interestingly, we found that the interaction ofBIN2 andBES1 was oxygen‐dependent, and oxygen can directly modifyBIN2. The activity ofBIN2 was switched on via modification of specific cysteine (Cys) residues, including C59, C95, C99 and C162. The mutation of these Cys residues inhibited theBRsignaling outputs.These findings demonstrate the power of using single‐molecule techniques to study the dynamic interactions of signaling components, which is difficult to be discovered by conventional physiological and biochemical methods.
Political and Institutional Determinants of Credit Booms
Authors: Castro Vítor , Martins Rodrigo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe literature that investigates credit booms has essentially focused on their economic determinants. This paper explores the importance of political conditionings and central bank independence and provides some striking findings on this matter. Estimating a fixed effects logit model over a panel of developed and developing countries for the period 1975q1–2016q4, we find that credit booms are less likely when right‐wing parties are in office, especially in developing countries, and when there is political instability. However, they have not proven to depend on the electoral cycle. More independent Central Banks are also found to reduce the probability of credit booms. Moreover, they seem to be more likely to occur and spread within a monetary union.
Dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis in children with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Temel Münevver Tugba , Demiryürek Seniz , Temel Levent , Saracaloglu Ahmet , Eke Necmi , Baysalman Elif , Mammadov Azad , Coskun Mehmet E , Demiryürek Abdullah T 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlteration in thiol level under oxidative stress may contribute to community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). The goal of this study was to determine whether there are changes in thiol/disulfide homeostasis and nitric oxide (NO) in children with CAP.MethodsIn total, 130 participants were involved in the study. Of these, 65 had been diagnosed with CAP on admission, and the remaining 65 were healthy individuals. Serum total thiol and native thiol were measured in each participant using a novel automated spectrophotometric method. The amount of dynamic disulfide bonds and related ratios were calculated from these values. Serum NO was measured on chemiluminescence assay.ResultsAverage native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide in the CAP group were significantly lower than in the healthy individuals (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0126, respectively). In addition, disulfide/native thiol (P = 0.0002), and disulfide/total thiol ratios (P = 0.0004) were significantly higher, whereas the native thiol/total thiol ratio (P = 0.0004) was lower in the CAP group. High serum NO was noted in the CAP group (P = 0.0003), but there was no marked correlation between thiol/disulfide and NO.ConclusionThe changes in endogenous thiol levels under oxidative stress may be associated with the pathogenesis of CAP in pediatric patients.