bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring compounds to be used as cosmetic agents that activate peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha
Authors: Tachibana Keisuke , Fukuda Syohei , Fukushima Jun , Ishimoto Kenji , Sakata Masahiro , Nishimori Yasutomo , Doi Takefumi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe human epidermis is formed by the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes adjacent to the basement membrane. The outermost layer, the stratum corneum, is equipped with a barrier function that prevents water evaporation, and intercellular lipids play an important role in this barrier function. When the barrier is functioning normally, evaporation is prevented; however, when barrier function is impaired, moisture evaporates, resulting in dry and rough skin. Therefore, maintenance of normal barrier function is critical for maintaining normal skin function. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) is mainly not only involved in lipid metabolism in the liver but is also expressed in the epidermis and is involved in inducing keratinocyte differentiation, promoting lipid production, maintaining barrier function and suppressing skin inflammation. Hence, compounds that activate PPARα are expected to control skin function. Therefore, we identified PPARα activators from among extracts of natural resources that have been approved for use in humans and analysed the effects of these extracts on skin function.MethodsFirst, extracts of 474 natural resources were screened using a PPARα activator screening cell line independently constructed in our laboratory. Next, reporter assays were performed using the Gal4‐chimera system to evaluate whether these extracts act as ligands for PPARα. We then analysed their effect on primary normal human epidermal keratinocyte cells by using real‐time RT‐PCR. Finally, we evaluated PPARα activation effect by the combination of these extracts.ResultsWe identified 36 extracts having the effect of activating PPARα. In particular, #419, a Typha angustifolia spike extract, showed concentration‐dependent transcriptional activation through PPARα‐LBD and was considered to be likely to contain a compound that is a ligand of PPARα. #419 increased the expression of PPARα target genes and genes related to skin function in primary cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. Finally, the use of #419 in combination with nine extracts increased PPAR activity more than twice as much as #419 alone treatment.ConclusionsThese results showed that the reporter cell line could be useful for discovering extracts of natural resources and that the identified Typha angustifolia spike extract could be used in cosmetics that activate PPARα, which expected to improve skin function.
External cervical resorption – Treatment outcomes and determinants: A retrospective cohort study with up to 10 years of follow‐up
Authors: Irinakis Eleni , Haapasalo Markus , Shen Ya , Aleksejuniene Jolanta 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimTo assess long‐term external cervical resorption (ECR) treatment outcomes in relation to both local and treatment‐related determinants.MethodologyInformation was available for 76 patients (98 teeth) who were diagnosed with ECR during the period from 2008 to 2018 at the University of British Columbia graduate endodontics clinic. The ECR patients were followed up, and a clinical and radiographic examination was conducted. Chi‐square test compared failure rates amongst different subgroups. The survival analysis was used to evaluate the overall ECR survival/failure rates in relation to several local and treatment‐related determinants.ResultsOverall, 67 patients (89 teeth) were followed up. The mean follow‐up time was 3.9 years, and the minimum was 1 year. Twenty‐four teeth failed (19 extracted, 5 not functional), and the overall probability of failure was 50.0% 8 years after the diagnosis. Significant (p < .05) local ECR determinants were tooth location and the Heithersay classification, and treatment‐related determinants were root canal treatment (RCT) and the ECR repair combined with RCT. Treatment outcomes for Heithersay class 1 and 2 cases were better than for class 3 and 4 cases.ConclusionsHigher failure rates were associated with posterior tooth location and higher Heithersay class, whilst RCT and ECR repair combined with RCT were associated with lower failure rates.
Effectiveness and safety of electrical stimulation for treating pressure ulcers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Lian , Ruan Yue , Ma Yuxia , Ge Long , Han Lin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimThis study aims to synthesize qualitative evidence on the effectiveness and safety of electrical stimulation for treating pressure ulcers.BackgroundElectrical stimulation is often used clinically to treat pressure ulcers, but its effectiveness and safety and some potential problems are not clear.DesignThis is a qualitative systematic review.Data SourcesThe data sources are four English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and four Chinese databases (CNKI, SinoMed, VIP and WANFANG).MethodsTwo reviewers independently examined the records according to the eligibility criteria and extracted the data of each included study. We used the Review Manager 5.3 software to perform data analysis.ResultsSeventeen randomized controlled trials including 740 patients were included in this study. Meta‐analysis of eight randomized controlled trials demonstrated that electrical stimulation significantly reduced the ulcer surface in contrast with standard wound care alone or pulsed sham electrical stimulation. Nine studies showed that electrical stimulation increased the risk of pressure ulcers being completely healed than the controlled group. Three studies reported that adverse reactions were rare.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that electrical stimulation was a relatively effective and safe adjunctive therapy for pressure ulcers treatment.
Predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population
Authors: Savci Cemile , Cil Akinci Ayse 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimThis research aimed to determine predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours in a sample of the Turkish population.MethodsThe study was conducted with 575 individuals. COVID‐19 preventive behaviours were evaluated with a 19‐item scale scored from 19 to 95. Knowledge on COVID‐19 was evaluated with a 22‐item scale scored from 0 to 22. General health literacy was evaluated with the Turkey Health Literacy Scale (THLS), which was scored from 0 to 50.ResultsThe average COVID‐19 preventive behaviours score was moderately high in this sample of the Turkish population. Being female, having a higher level of education, better economic status, being a non‐smoker, having a higher level of COVID‐19 knowledge and better general health literacy score were significant predictors of COVID‐19 preventive behaviours (P < 0.05).ConclusionSociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID‐19 and general health literacy are crucial in preventing COVID‐19 infections in a sample of the Turkish population.
How does informalisation encourage or inhibit collective action by migrant workers? A comparative analysis of logistics warehouses in Italy and hand car washes in Britain
Authors: Cioce Gabriella , Clark Ian , Hunter James 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCross‐national research is key to understanding the global presence of informal and non‐compliant workplaces. This article comparatively examines how informalisation encourages or inhibits collective action led by migrant workers employed in Italian logistics warehouses (LWs) and the British hand car washes (HCWs). The term collective action derives from mobilisation theory and refers to joint resistance initiatives developed by workers and labour organisations to improve work conditions. The article argues that migrant labour does not necessarily lead to informal practices and claims that labour market regulatory agencies and trade unions play an important but dialectical role in responding to labour market non‐compliance and informality. Finally, it notes that sector‐based specificities contribute to and potentially inhibit the emergence of collective dynamics in such workplaces.
Novel fabrication of bi‐metal oxide hybrid nanocomposites for synergetic enhancement of in vivo healing and wound care after caesarean section surgery
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Xiaorui , Zhang Yongai , Li Jing , Zhang Haimiao , Li Jinlian 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn the current study, bi‐metal oxide hybrid nanocomposites prepared by cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles are included into chitosan‐ZnO composites for developing the potential materials of dressing the wound. The wound healing effect of prepared hybrid nanocomposites was evaluated regarding the surface morphology, functional groups, thermal degradation and composite size. The antimicrobial activity of chitosan‐ZnO/CeO2 hybrid nano composites was tested against the pathogens of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The hybrid nanocomposites containing CeO2‐based chitosan and ZnO nanoparticles were taken for optimum dressing included in the vivo studies on the excisional wounds in wistar rats. After 2 weeks, it is seen that the wound treated with CS‐ZnO/CeO2 hybrid nano composites consists of the significant dressing of nearly 100% compared with control which showed nearly 65% of wound closure. Finally, our reported results gave the proof in supporting the availability of CS‐ZnO/CeO2 hybrid nanocomposites contains the dressing of the wounds for the treatment.
Bacillus altitudinis HNH7 and Bacillus velezensis HNH9 promote plant growth through upregulation of growth-promoting genes in upland cotton
Authors: Hasan Nadeem , Khan Irfan Ullah , Farzand Ayaz , Heng Zhou , Moosa Anam , Saleem Muhammad , Canming Tang 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Aims
The potential of endophytic Bacillus strains to improve plant growth and yield was evaluated.

Methods and results
Endophytic Bacillus altitudinis HNH7 and Bacillus velezensis HNH9 were evaluated for their growth-promoting traits. In an in vitro plate assay, HNH7 and HNH9 exhibited proteolytic, amylolytic, lipolytic and cellulolytic activity. HNH7 and HNH9 were able to solubilize iron by producing siderophores but were unable to solubilize insoluble phosphate. PCR confirmed the presence of four growth-promoting genes viz. pvd, budA, asbA and satA in the genome of HNH7, while HNH9 also possessed the same genes except for budA. In a greenhouse experiment, HNH7 and HNH9 promoted the growth of upland cotton plants by upregulating the expression of growth-linked genes, EXP6, ARF1, ARF18, IAA9, CKX6 and GID1b. However, the expression of genes involved in ethylene biosynthesis, that is ERF and ERF17 was downregulated after treating the plants with HNH7 and HNH9 compared to the control. Furthermore, cotton plants treated with HNH7 and HNH9 exhibited a significantly higher rate of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance.

Conclusion
HNH7 and HNH9 showed a promising potential to promote the growth of cotton plants.

Significance and impact of study
Research on plant growth-promoting Bacillus strains can lead to the formation of biofertilizers.
Pseudocongruent phylogeography reflects unique responses to environmental perturbations in a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Busschau Theo , Jordaan Adriaan , Conradie Werner , Daniels Savel R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimComparative phylogeographic studies provide important insights into the biogeographic processes shaping regional patterns of diversity. Yet, comparative studies are lacking for southern African herpetofauna, despite their high diversity. We statistically compare phylogeographic structure and divergence‐time estimates among five co‐distributed forest‐living herpetofaunal taxa to assess rivers, climatic refugia and climatic gradients as congruent drivers of phylogeographic diversity.LocationMaputoland‐Pondoland‐Albany biodiversity hotspot, Southern Africa.Taxonherpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians).MethodsPhylogeographic structure and divergence‐times within species were estimated from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data. Phylogeographic concordance factors were used to estimate the degree of phylogeographic congruence among sympatric localities. Full‐likelihood Bayesian comparisons were used to estimate synchronous divergence between phylogeographic regions and across a putative river barrier. Palaeoclimatic niche models were compared among taxa to identify congruent climatic refugia. Nonparametric statistics were used to identify climatic differences between regions and among populations within each species. Finally, redundancy analyses were used to assess geographic distance, climate and the putative river barrier as explanatory variables to genetic diversity.ResultsThere is comprehensive phylogeographic structuring within each species, comprising distinct northerly and southerly clades. Phylogeographic concordance factors generally support co‐diversification in a north/south axis. Yet, analyses of the divergence‐time estimates through the Mio/Plio/Pleistocene indicate asynchronous phylogeographic histories. Climatic niche models identified idiosyncratic responses to palaeoclimatic change. Climatic variables are significantly different among populations in all species and correlated with latitude. A combined model of distance, climate and rivers explained the greatest proportion of genetical diversity in most taxa, of which climate explained the highest variance.Main ConclusionsAncient and recent species‐specific responses to climatic and geological processes resulted in pseudo congruent phylogeographic histories among the five co‐distributed species. The presence of a congruent north/south pattern in multiple taxonomic groups occupying different forested microhabitats, from fossorial to arboreal, supports latitudinal gradients as global drivers of phylogeographic diversity along the east coast of South Africa.
Association of body mass index with risk of prediabetes in Chinese adults: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Chai Yuliang , Liu Yuanqing , Yang Ruijuan , Kuang Maobin , Qiu Jiajun , Zou Yang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAims/IntroductionOverweight and obesity in adults are strongly associated with an increased risk of prediabetes, and this study set out to gain a better understanding of the optimal body mass index (BMI) range for assessing the risk of prediabetes in the Chinese population.Materials and MethodsThe cohort study included 100,309 Chinese adults who underwent health screening. Participants were divided into six groups based on the cut‐off point for BMI recommended by the World Health Organization (underweight: <18.5 kg/m2, normal‐weight: 18.5–24.9 kg/m2, pre‐obese: 25.0–29.9 kg/m2, obese class I: 30.0–34.9 kg/m2, obese class II: 35.0–39.9 kg/m2, and obese class III ≥40 kg/m2). The association of BMI with prediabetes and the shape of the correlation were modeled using multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline regression, respectively.ResultsIn the multivariate Cox regression model, with normal weight as the control group, underweight people had a lower risk of developing prediabetes, whereas obese and pre‐obese people had a higher risk of prediabetes. Additionally, in the restricted cubic spline model, we found that the association of BMI with prediabetes follows a positive dose–response relationship, but does not conform to the pattern of obesity paradox. Among the general population in China, a BMI of 23.03 kg/m2 might be a potential intervention threshold for prediabetes.ConclusionsThe national cohort study found that the association of BMI with prediabetes follows a positive dose–response relationship, rather than a pattern of obesity paradox. For Chinese people with normal weight, more attention should be paid to glucose metabolism when BMI exceeds 23.03 kg/m2.
Development and application of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for orbifloxacin in crucian carp (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Yang Fang , Liu Dan , Yang Chao , Song Zhe‐Wen , Shao Hao‐Tian , Zhang Mei , Zhang Chao‐Shuo , Zhang Zhen‐Dong , Yang Fan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA flow‐limited physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model consisting of seven compartments was established for orbifloxacin in crucian carp to predict drug concentrations after intravenous or intramuscular injections. Physiological and anatomical parameters, including tissue weights and blood flow through different tissues, were obtained from previous literature. The tissue/plasma partition coefficients for orbifloxacin were calculated using the area method or parameter optimization. In addition, their values were 0.9326, 1.1204, 1.1644, 1.3514, and 2.0057 in the liver, skin, muscle, kidney, and the rest of the body compartment, respectively. Based on the current PBPK model, orbifloxacin concentrations were predicted and compared with those previously reported for further validation. In addition, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values were also calculated, with values ranging from 10.21% in plasma to 42.37% in kidneys, indicating acceptable predictions for all tissues and plasma. A local sensitivity analysis was performed, which showed that the parameters related to elimination and distribution were most influential on orbifloxacin concentrations in muscle. This model was finally used to predict plasma and tissue concentrations after multiple intramuscular dosing. The current PBPK model provided a valuable tool for predicting the tissue residues of orbifloxacin in crucian carp following intramuscular injection.
Long non‐coding RNA H19 as a biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Rojas Ángela , Gil‐Gómez Antonio , de la Cruz‐Ojeda Patricia , Muñoz‐Hernández Rocío , Sánchez‐Torrijos Yolanda , Gallego‐Durán Rocío , Millán Raquel , Rico María Carmen , Montero‐Vallejo Rocío , Gato‐Zambrano Sheila , Maya‐Miles Douglas , Ferrer M. Teresa , Muntané Jordi , Robles‐Frías María José , Ampuero Javier , Padillo Francisco J. , Romero‐Gómez Manuel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsLiver cancer stem cells (CSCs) could be involved in the carcinogenesis, recurrence, metastasis and chemoresistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to explore the role of lncRNA‐H19 as a biomarker for liver cancer.MethodsLncRNA‐H19 expression levels and the functional assays were conducted in EpCAM+CD133+ CSCs and C57BL/6J mice fed with a high‐fat high‐cholesterol carbohydrate (HFHCC) or standard diet for 52 weeks. Liver tissue and plasma samples from patients with cirrhosis, with or without HCC, were used for the analyses of gene expression and circulating lncRNA‐H19 levels in an estimation and validation cohort.ResultsEpCAM+CD133+ cells showed a stem cell‐like phenotype, self‐renewal capacity, upregulation of pluripotent gene expression and overexpressed lncRNA‐H19 (p < .001). Suppression of lncRNA‐H19 by antisense oligonucleotide treatment significantly reduced the self‐renewal capacity (p < .001). EpCAM, CD133 and lncRNA‐h19 expression increased accordingly with disease progression in HFHCC‐fed mice (p < .05) and also in liver tissue from HCC patients (p = .0082). Circulating lncRNA‐H19 levels were significantly increased in HCC patients in both cohorts (p = .013; p < .0001). In addition, lncRNA‐H19 levels increased accordingly with BCLC staging (p < .0001) and decreased after a partial and complete therapeutic response (p < .05). In addition, patients with cirrhosis who developed HCC during follow‐up showed higher lncRNA‐H19 levels (p = .0025).ConclusionLncRNA‐H19 expression was increased in CSCs, in liver tissue and plasma of patients with HCC and decreased after partial/complete therapeutic response. Those patients who developed HCC during the follow‐up showed higher levels of lncRNA‐H19. LncRNA‐H19 could constitute a new biomarker of HCC.
Predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: A dual‐institution study on gadoxetate disodium‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Jiang Hanyu , Wei Jingwei , Fu Fangfang , Wei Hong , Qin Yun , Duan Ting , Chen Weixia , Xie Kunlin , Lee Jeong Min , Bashir Mustafa R. , Wang Meiyun , Song Bin , Tian Jie 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground & AimsMicrovascular invasion (MVI) is an important risk factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its diagnosis mandates postoperative histopathologic analysis. We aimed to develop and externally validate a predictive scoring system for MVI.MethodsFrom July 2015 to November 2020, consecutive patients underwent surgery for HCC with preoperative gadoxetate disodium (EOB)‐enhanced MRI was retrospectively enrolled. All MR images were reviewed independently by two radiologists who were blinded to the outcomes. In the training centre, a radio‐clinical MVI score was developed via logistic regression analysis against pathology. In the testing centre, areas under the receiver operating curve (AUCs) of the MVI score and other previous MVI schemes were compared. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were analysed by the Kaplan–Meier method with the log‐rank test.ResultsA total of 417 patients were included, 195 (47%) with pathologically‐confirmed MVI. The MVI score included: non‐smooth tumour margin (odds ratio [OR] = 4.4), marked diffusion restriction (OR = 3.0), internal artery (OR = 3.0), hepatobiliary phase peritumoral hypointensity (OR = 2.5), tumour multifocality (OR = 1.6), and serum alpha‐fetoprotein >400 ng/mL (OR = 2.5). AUCs for the MVI score were 0.879 (training) and 0.800 (testing), significantly higher than those for other MVI schemes (testing AUCs: 0.648–0.684). Patients with model‐predicted MVI had significantly shorter OS (median 61.0 months vs not reached, P < .001) and RFS (median 13.0 months vs. 42.0 months, P < .001) than those without.ConclusionsA preoperative MVI score integrating five EOB‐MRI features and serum alpha‐fetoprotein level could accurately predict MVI and postoperative survival in HCC. Therefore, this score may aid in individualized treatment decision making.
Microbial Kin: Relations of Environment and Time
Authors: Benezra Amber 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMicrobiome science considers human beings supraorganisms: single ecological units made up of symbiotic assemblages of human cells and microorganisms. Microbes co‐evolve with humans, and microbial populations in human bodies are determined by environments/exposures including family, food and place, health care, race and gender inequities, and toxic pollution. Microbiomes are transgenerational links, disarrangements between different bodies and the outside world. This article asserts that microbes are kin—kin that are made of and making environments, across generations. Post/nonhuman theories have debated the agency, sociality, and ontologies of microbes and things like microbes, all the while appropriating and eliding Indigenous scholarship that directly address the nonhuman world. Microbial kin evokes Indigenous formulations that necessitate reciprocal, ethical accountability to more‐than‐human relations. This article uses fieldwork in a transnational microbiome malnutrition project in Bangladesh to explore what develops for both the biological and social sciences if we call human–microbe relations kinships, and call microbes our kin.