bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies against endogenous retroviruses
Authors: Chisca Mihaela , Larouche Jean‐David , Xing Qi , Kassiotis George 
Published: August 2024

SummaryThe human genome harbors hundreds of thousands of integrations of ancient retroviruses, amassed over millions of years of evolution. To reduce further amplification in the genome, the host prevents transcription of these now endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) through epigenetic repression and, with evolutionary time, ERVs are incapacitated by accumulating mutations and deletions. However, several members of recently endogenized ERV groups still retain the capacity to produce viral RNA, retroviral proteins, and higher order structures, including virions. The retention of viral characteristics, combined with the reversible nature of epigenetic repression, particularly as seen in cancer, allow for immunologically unanticipated ERV expression, perceived by the adaptive immune system as a genuine retroviral infection, to which it has to respond. Accordingly, antibodies reactive with ERV antigens have been detected in diverse disorders and, occasionally, in healthy individuals. Although they are part of self, the retroviral legacy of ERV antigens, and association with and, possibly, causation of disease states may set them apart from typical self‐antigens. Consequently, the pathogenic or, indeed, host‐protective capacity of antibodies targeting ERV antigens is likely to be context‐dependent. Here, we review the immunogenicity of typical ERV proteins, with emphasis on the antibody response and its potential disease implications.
Complexant‐facilitated assembly of NiTiO3 nanoparticles into microbars for high‐performance lithium‐ion battery anode
Authors: Sun Meng , Sheng Xiaoli , Cui Zhipeng , Li Sijie , Zhang Qingye , Xie Fei , Liu Guanting , Hao Shujin , Diao Feiyu , Sun Shiduo , Wang Yiqian 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNickel titanate (NiTiO3) nanostructured materials have gained extensive attention in the field of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, NiTiO3 exhibits low conductivity and significant volume changes during cycling, resulting in capacity decay and poor cycling stability. Herein, we propose a feasible strategy to enhance the cycling performance of NiTiO3 nanostructures by adjusting their morphology. By manipulating the choice of solvent employed in the synthetic process, we obtain NiTiO3 microbars (NTO MBs) through self‐assembly of NiTiO3 nanoparticles (NTO NPs). When utilized as an anode material in LIBs, NTO MBs exhibit a capacity of 410 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g−1, surpassing that of NTO NPs (212 mAh g−1). The improved performance of NTO MBs is attributed to their unique porous bar‐like structure, composed of numerous NPs, which provides a substantial storage space for Li+ ions owing to its larger specific surface area. Additionally, the porous structure accelerates the diffusion of Li+ ions and electron transfer. To gain a profound understanding of the enhanced performance through morphology adjustment, we conduct a comprehensive investigation on the growth mechanism of NTO MBs. This work provides valuable insights into the mechanism governing the morphology control of NTO MBs, facilitating the rational design and synthesis of tailored materials with enhanced performance for LIBs.
The Role of Interleukin‐8 in the Estimation of Responsiveness to Steps 1 and 2 of Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Bumm Caspar Victor , Schwendicke Falk , Heck Katrin , Frasheri Iris , Summer Burkhard , Ern Christina , Heym Richard , Werner Nils , Folwaczny Matthias 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the association between interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and total oral fluid (TOF) and the responsiveness to steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy.Materials and MethodsOne‐hundred and fifty‐nine patients affected by periodontitis received steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. At baseline, TOF and GCF samples were collected and analysed for IL‐8 (Il‐8TOF/IL‐8GCF) using flow cytometry. Therapy outcomes were relative proportions of residual periodontal pockets (PPD%), pocket closure (PC) rates and pocket probing depth (PPD) reductions; these were associated with IL‐8TOF/IL‐8GCF.ResultsHigh IL‐8TOF was significantly associated with higher residual PPD% (p = 0.044) and lower PPD reduction compared to low IL‐8TOF (high 0.79 ± 1.20 mm vs. low 1.20 ± 1.20 mm, p < 0.001) in non‐smokers, while in smokers high IL‐8GCF was related to lower PPD reduction (high 0.62 ± 1.22 mm vs. low 0.84 ± 1.12 mm, p = 0.009). Furthermore, high baseline IL‐8TOF was significantly associated with poorer PC rates compared to medium and low concentrations in both non‐smokers (high 41% vs. medium 55% vs. low 58%, p < 0.001) and smokers (high 34% vs. medium 44% vs. low 46%, p < 0.001).ConclusionHigh IL‐8 concentrations at baseline had a significant impact on residual PPD%, PC rates and PPD reduction. The findings suggest that, especially in non‐smokers, baseline IL‐8 levels collected from the TOF could serve as a component in the estimation of responsiveness to steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy.
Association of Oral Microbiome Diversity and All‐Cause Mortality in the General US Population and in Individuals With Chronic Diseases: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Zhiwen , He Fengling , Huang Haoxiang , Xu Junyang , Ruan Yifei , Cui Kai , Zhou HuiLei , Chen Yijin , Liu Dan , Xiao Zhiwen , Chen Feng , Liao Yulin , Bin Jianping , Chen Yanmei 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTAimTo investigate whether oral microbiome diversity is associated with all‐cause mortality in the general US population and in individuals with chronic diseases.Materials and MethodsWe included 8224 individuals with oral microbiome diversity data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2009–2012), representing 164,000,205 US adults, using a survey‐weighted analysis method. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify the association between oral microbiome diversity and all‐cause mortality.ResultsDuring a survey‐weighted mean follow‐up period of 8.86 years, 429 all‐cause deaths (survey‐weighted number: 7,124,920) occurred in 8224 participants. Cox regression analysis revealed that higher oral microbiome diversity was significantly associated with a lower all‐cause mortality risk. Significant differences in all‐cause mortality risk were observed among the different clusters based on oral microbiome β‐diversity (log‐rank p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the oral microbiome diversity was independently associated with all‐cause mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. A multivariate logistic regression model showed that current smoking and antibiotic use were significantly associated with lower oral microbiome α diversity.ConclusionsHigher oral microbiome diversity was significantly associated with a lower all‐cause mortality risk in the general US population and in individuals with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Scientific validation of plant extracts used by farmers in the management of bean flower thrips on French beans in Kenya
Authors: Munyoki Nancy Mwende , Muthomi James , Kilalo Dora , Bautze David , Kiboi Milka , Mwangi Edwin , Karanja Edward , Matheri Felix , Adamtey Noah , Akutse Komivi S. , Cheseto Xavier 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBean flower thrips (Megalurothrips usitatus) is a major French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) pest. Small‐scale farmers manage the pest using mixed plant extracts although their efficacy has not been scientifically validated. We evaluated the efficacy of mixed plant extracts comprising; Capsicum frutescens, Allium sativum, Lantana camara, Tagetes minuta and Azadirachta indica, against M. usitatus under laboratory and screenhouse. We identified and quantified the secondary metabolites associated with insecticidal activity using spectrophotometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The plant combinations included PE1 (C. frutescens + A. sativum + L. camara + T. minuta extracts infused for 14 days), PE2 (same as PE1 but infused for 24 h) and PE + N (the five plant extracts infused for 24 h) in distilled water. We used an organic commercial botanical (Pyneem) as a positive control and distilled water as a negative control. Pyneem and PE + N induced the highest mortality at 88% and 77%, respectively, in the laboratory, and 68% and 71%, respectively, in the screenhouse. Phenolics, terpenoids and organosulfur compounds were identified in PE + N and individual plant extracts in varied quantities. These compounds were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in PE + N compared to individual plant extracts. The study showed that PE + N efficiently manages bean flower thrips, and mixing different plant extracts amplifies the secondary metabolites' abundance. The use of mixed plant extracts could be incorporated into integrated pest management strategies for thrips management in legumes. The specific compounds identified in PE + N should be investigated further to understand their modes of action against the pest.
Drivers of growth in strong year classes of the deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) population from the Gulf of St. Lawrence derived from otolith increment‐based growth chronologies
Authors: Coussau Lola , Morissette Olivier , Robert Dominique , Sirois Pascal 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe case of the deepwater redfish (Sebastes mentella) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL) is a compelling example of drastic fluctuations in annual recruitment strength, characteristic of spasmodic stocks. After three decades of low abundance, the emergence of three consecutive strong year classes in 2011–2013 resulted in an unprecedented increase in biomass. In spasmodic stocks such as GSL redfish, strong year classes sustain both the biomass and catch for decades. Therefore, understanding the growth dynamics of these cohorts is essential. In the present study, we reconstructed the annual growth rates of redfish using otolith increment‐based annual chronology and investigated the drivers of growth variation in redfish strong year classes of the early 2010s and early 1980s. Stock biomass was identified as the main extrinsic driver of redfish growth, suggesting intense competition for food at high conspecific density. Warming of deep waters in the GSL, where adult redfish settle, positively correlated with individual growth. However, recent warming of the cold intermediate layer showed a negative correlation with redfish growth, likely related to the shrinking of the habitat this water mass provides for various redfish cold‐water prey rather than to a direct effect of temperature. Reconstruction of redfish annual growth trajectories from birth to capture emphasized the importance of carryover effects in the growth potential of strong year classes. This work provided an important first outlook of the factors driving growth variation in GSL redfish spasmodic stock and explored midterm consequences of density‐dependent pressures on biological parameters of the population.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for lesions developing in the irradiated area of head and neck cancer
Authors: Tani Yasuhiro , Kanesaka Takashi , Urabe Kosuke , Korematsu Mizuki , Kitamura Koji , Miyabe Junji , Otozai Shinji , Yoshii Tadashi , Kato Minoru , Yoshii Shunsuke , Michida Tomoki , Ishihara Ryu , Konishi Koji , Honma Keiichiro , Fujii Takashi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and AimEffective treatment of lesions that develop in the irradiated area of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a major concern. This study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection for such lesions.MethodsAmong consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic resection for histologically proven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma between January 2014 and December 2021, those who received definitive radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy before endoscopic resection were included in this single‐center, retrospective study. Short‐ and long‐term outcomes were evaluated.ResultsAmong 422 patients who underwent endoscopic resection for 615 lesions, 43 patients with 57 lesions were eligible. All 57 lesions were treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection and en bloc resection was achieved in all lesions. Grade 3 of Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 occurred in eight (19%) patients (dysphagia, seven; stricture, three; aspiration pneumonia, two; and pharyngeal necrosis, one [some cases overlapped]), but no grade ≥ 4 events occurred. Enteral nutrition by gastrostomy was temporarily required in two patients owing to dysphagia and laryngeal necrosis. During the median follow‐up of 40 (interquartile range, 29.5–61) months after endoscopic submucosal dissection for the lesions developed in the irradiated area, local recurrence and metachronous lesions developed in two (5%) and nine (21%) patients, respectively. However, total laryngectomies and tracheostomies were avoided in all patients. The 3‐year overall and disease‐specific survivals were 81% (95% confidence interval, 64%–91%) and 94% (95% confidence interval, 79%–99%), respectively.ConclusionsFavorable local control and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection were demonstrated.
Quantitation of the physicochemical properties of myelin using Nile Red fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Teo W. , Morgan M. L. , Stys P. K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMyelin is a vital structure that is key to rapid saltatory conduction in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Much work has been done over the decades examining the biochemical composition and morphology of myelin at the light and electron microscopic levels. Here we report a method to study myelin based on the fluorescent probe Nile Red. This lipophilic dye readily partitions into live and chemicallyfixed myelin producing bright, well‐resolved images of the sheath. Using spectral confocal microscopy, a complete emission spectrum of Nile Red fluorescence can be acquired for each pixel in an image. The solvatochromic properties of Nile Red cause its emission spectrum to change depending on the polarity of its local environment. Therefore, measuring spectral shifts can report subtle changes in the physicochemical properties of myelin. We show differences in myelin polarity in central versus peripheral nervous system and in different regions of central nervous system white matter of the mouse brain, together with developmental and sex variations. This technique is also well suited for measuring subtle changes in myelin properties in live ex vivo white matter specimens. We also demonstrate how light deprivation induces a myelin polarity change in adult mouse optic nerve underscoring a continuing myelin plasticity in response to axonal activity well into adulthood. The Nile Red spectroscopic method allows measurement of subtle physicochemical changes in myelin that can importantly influence its electrical properties and by extension, conduction velocities in axons.
image
Long‐term and low‐dose rituximab treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
Authors: Zheng Yongsheng , Sun Chong , Zhao Yanyin , Meng Quanhua , Hu Jianian , Qiao Kai , Sun Jian , Xi Jianying , Luo Sushan , Lu Jiahong , Zhao Chongbo , Lin Jie 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low‐dose, long‐term rituximab regimen in the treatment of idiopathic CIDP.MethodsThis study included 15 CIDP patients treated with rituximab. Patients were administered 600 mg of rituximab intravenously every 6 months. Baseline evaluation was conducted before the initiation of rituximab treatment and subsequent evaluations were conducted 6 months after each rituximab infusion at on‐site visits. Clinical improvement was objectively determined by improvement of scale score at least decrease ≥1 INCAT or mRS or increase ≥4 MRC or ≥8 cI‐RODS after each infusion compared to baseline evaluation.ResultsFifteen CIDP patients were included and 10 of them were typical CIDP and five were distal CIDP. Nine in 15 (60%) patients after first infusion and three in six (50%) patients after second infusion exhibited significant clinical improvement compared to baseline evaluation. Additionally, rituximab facilitated a reduction or cessation of other medications in 73% of patients at last visit. The safety profile was favorable, with no reported adverse events.ConclusionRituximab presents a promising therapeutic option for idiopathic CIDP, offering both efficacy and safety with a low‐dose, long‐term regimen.
Anatomical description of neornithine stomach with implications on neornithine stomach morphology
Authors: Takasaki Ryuji , Kobayashi Yoshitsugu 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNeornithines, the most diversified extant tetrapods, have been a classic example for understanding form–function relationships, particularly in the context of the interaction between dietary ecology and neornithine phenotypic evolution. While the previous studies have primarily focused on beak morphology, the significance of the neornithine stomach, which serves as a functional analog of mammalian dentition, is expected to play an important role as well. However, current knowledge on neornithine stomachs is predominantly biased toward poultry and birds of prey, leading to a significant underappreciation of its impact on macroevolution. Here, we provide detailed descriptions of neornithine stomachs represented by 115 species of major orders and test if and how neornithine stomachs are related to their dietary ecology. We identified four morphotypes among neornithine stomachs, which are strongly constrained phylogenetically. While the neornithine diet demonstrates strong associations with stomach morphotypes, the associations are small or absent when accounting for the phylogeny in statistical evaluations. Similarly, the neornithine diet has negligible effects on their ventriculus mass under the analyses with phylogenetic correction. The results resemble a recent finding that a neornithine diet has no effect on intestine length when accounting for phylogeny, but rather flight performance does. Thus, the present study further supports the previous findings that dietary specialization in neornithine birds closely follows phylogeny, making functional convergence across taxa difficult to detect.
Persisting gaps in dementia carer wellbeing and education: A qualitative exploration of dementia carer experiences
Authors: White Jennifer , Falcioni Dane , Barker Roslyn , Bajic‐Smith Julie , Krishnan Chitra , Mansfield Elise , Hullick Carolyn 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimsTo explore the emotional wellbeing of dementia carers in the lead up to and during transition of a person living with dementia to a residential aged care facility.DesignAn interpretative qualitative study.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with informal carers of person living with dementia between February and June 2023. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach and resulted in three themes.ResultsThe majority of carers were adult children (n = 19) and six were wives. Carers lived across metropolitan (n = 20) and regional settings (n = 5) in the most populous state of Australia. Three themes were identified which were attributed to different aspects of the carer role: (1) Carer emotional journey as dementia progresses – impacted by knowledge and lack of support; (2) Questioning decision making–underpinned by knowledge and confidence; and (3) Challenges in re‐establishing identity – impacted by ongoing concerns.ConclusionAs dementia progresses carers of person living with dementia consistently reported gaps in knowledge including how to access support. Specifically, this study identified the need for more to be done to help carers to develop the skills needed for their role, including participation in care planning and identifying care preferences for the future. Nurses can play a key role in promoting referral to services that support carers. Findings offer practical solutions to ameliorate carer stress and promote shared decision making.Reporting MethodThis research was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.
Practice‐based research in dentistry: Exploring methodologies, benefits, and challenges
Authors: Mungia Rahma , Funkhouser Ellen , Lobbezoo Frank , Verhoeff Merel Charlotte , Gilbert Gregg H. ,   National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundPractice‐Based Research Network (PBRN) studies typically assess the effectiveness of clinical interventions in settings that match real‐world conditions. Dental PBRNs have the capacity to amass, identify, and analyze vast amounts of data from patient populations that include diverse racial, ethnic, socio‐economic, and geographic backgrounds. These dental studies encompass a broad spectrum of healthcare aspects, including prevention, diagnosis, symptom and disease treatment, quality enhancement, and care coordination.MethodsAn extensive range of research methodologies can be employed within dental PBRNs to investigate these topics, including randomized controlled trials. Dental PBRNs have evolved from primarily focusing on case observations to leveraging advanced network infrastructure and collaborating across multiple regional and national sites. In addition to producing numerous high‐impact peer‐reviewed publications, study results have led to improved clinical care. However, PBRNs encounter challenges, such as the sustainability of research capacity (relying heavily on ongoing support from funding agencies), diverse research cultures, and an imperative to design studies that are both feasible and relevant to everyday clinical practice. Recognizing the pivotal role of real‐world evidence, it is important to have sustained investment in dental PBRN infrastructure and feasible opportunities for practitioners to participate in network activities nationwide.ConclusionPractice‐Based Research Network studies capitalize on an important research context within which to investigate a range of clinical topics that can employ multiple research methodologies. However, sustaining productive networks requires strategic effort, ongoing financial support, and customized organizational skills.
Intramuscular condition of swallowing‐related muscles using shear‐wave elastography: A preliminary study in healthy adults
Authors: Ichikawa Yoko , Kikutani Takeshi , Sumi Misa , Iwata Hiroshi , Takahashi Noriaki , Tohara Takashi , Ozeki Maiko , Tamura Fumiyo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundAssessing the internal condition of swallowing‐related muscles and muscle strength and size is important because their deterioration may lead to dysphagia. However, there are few reports on stiffness of swallowing‐related muscles measured using shear‐wave elastography (SWE) and their qualitative characteristics.ObjectivesWe measured stiffness of swallowing‐related muscles using SWE to investigate the relationship between muscle stiffness and body composition as well as other relevant variables in healthy adults.MethodsThirty healthy adults were included in this cross‐sectional study. We evaluated stiffness of the genioglossus muscle (GGM) and geniohyoid muscle (GHM) using SWE. Skeletal muscle mass index, body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength, tongue pressure, and cross‐sectional areas of the muscles were measured, and we determined their relationship with muscle stiffness.ResultsFor muscle stiffness, the mean value for the middle GGM was 7.08 ± 1.92 kPa, that for the posterior GGM was 9.31 ± 2.68 kPa, and that for the GHM was 8.84 ± 2.15 kPa. In multiple regression analysis, with stiffness of the posterior GGM as the dependent variable, BMI (β = −.473, p = .039) was a significant negative explanatory variable. However, with the GHM stiffness as the dependent variable, BMI (β = .419, p = .033) was a significant positive explanatory variable.ConclusionStiffness of the posterior GGM was positively correlated with BMI and that of the GHM was negatively correlated with BMI. Stiffness, as measured using SWE, has the potential to capture the intramuscular characteristics of swallowing‐related muscles, particularly the posterior GGM.